A Marriage of Power

Part 18

Yujin's POV

The evening air was cool as we stepped out of the office. The streets of Gangnam bustled with the usual nighttime crowd, a stark contrast to the intensity of the meeting we had just left. I glanced at Ryujin, Minji, and Haerin, who were walking beside me. There was a lingering tension between us—unspoken, but heavy after the conversation about my security and the threats that hung over An Corp.

"Where are we heading for dinner?" Haerin asked, trying to ease the mood.

Ryujin checked her phone, her smile softening the serious atmosphere. "I booked us a table at our usual spot—Seogang Grill. Let's get something good to eat. We all need it."

I nodded, grateful for the brief respite from work. "Sounds good. I could use a glass of wine, too."

Minji chuckled lightly. "After today? Make that a bottle."

The four of us started walking down the street, the sounds of the city humming around us. I tried to shake off the thoughts of the attack, but the nagging sense of danger refused to leave. We crossed the street, heading toward the restaurant. The evening felt almost peaceful—almost.

Then, it happened.

A loud crack split the air. My body reacted instinctively, a cold surge of adrenaline rushing through me as I shoved Haerin to the side, pulling her behind the nearest parked car. The world around us seemed to slow down. Another bang rang out, followed by the sound of glass shattering as people around us screamed.

"Down! Everyone down!" Minji yelled, her voice sharp as she grabbed Ryujin and ducked behind the wall of a nearby café.

I hit the ground, the sharp pain in my right arm making me hiss in discomfort. Haerin was next to me, her eyes wide with shock. "Unnie!" she gasped, her voice trembling as she reached for me.

"I'm fine," I ground out, though the burning sensation in my arm told a different story.

More gunshots echoed through the street, but I could tell the shooter wasn't aiming for the crowd. They were aiming for me. Every instinct told me to stay down, but I couldn't help but glance up. From behind the car, I saw them—two figures dressed in black, moving swiftly toward us. Their faces were obscured, but I recognized the way they moved—professionals.

"Yujin, stay down!" Ryujin yelled from her position, peeking over the wall. She had already pulled out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen to call for help.

But I couldn't just wait. I pulled Haerin closer to me, my mind racing as I scanned the surroundings for an escape route. The shooters were closing in, their footsteps heavy against the pavement. We had seconds before they were on us.

"They're coming," I whispered to Haerin, who was pale but focused. "We need to move—now."

Minji was already one step ahead. She darted from her cover, rushing toward us. "Stay low!" she barked, grabbing my good arm and helping me to my feet.

The three of us moved quickly, ducking into an alley just as another shot rang out, the bullet pinging off the metal of the car we'd just been hiding behind. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. We couldn't afford panic.

Once we were out of the direct line of fire, I glanced back. Ryujin had managed to get closer to us, her eyes sharp as she scanned the street. "I've called security. They'll be here in two minutes," she said, her voice tense but controlled.

Two minutes felt like an eternity.

The footsteps grew louder, and I knew the shooters were closing in on us. My mind raced. There had to be a way out—a door, a back exit, something. I wasn't about to let these bastards corner me like a trapped animal.