The next few days go by in a haze. My routine feels robotic: cleaning, cooking, nodding along to conversations while my mind drifts to darker places. I've done my best to keep a smile on my face, act normal, but every second that passes pulls me closer to the night I've been dreading. The night I hand over the money to the loan sharks.
Tonight.
The tension wraps itself around me like a noose, tighter with every minute as the evening drags on. The guys seem to sense something is off, though they're too polite–or perhaps too busy–to press. I've caught Seonghwa glancing at me more than once, worry etched into his brow. He hasn't asked any questions, but I know he's wondering what I'm hiding.
After dinner, I clear the dishes in silence, my mind racing with how I'm going to sneak out without arousing suspicion. As I rinse the last plate, Jongho leans against the kitchen counter, eyeing me curiously.
"You good?" he asks, his tone light but with that undercurrent of Jongho seriousness.
"Yeah," I say, keeping my voice steady. "I just... need some air. Thought I'd go grab some ice cream from the mart."
He raises an eyebrow. "Want me to come with?"
Panic flares, and I shake my head quickly, perhaps too quickly. "No, it's fine. I won't be long."
He frowns slightly but doesn't push. "Alright. Be safe. Call us if something happens."
I nod, feeling their eyes on my back as I grab my jacket and head out the door. My steps are quick, purposeful, though my heart races with a mix of anxiety and dread. I can only imagine what they're thinking right now-probably confused, maybe suspicious. But there's no turning back.
The streets are dimly lit, the neon glow of convenience store signs casting eerie shadows along the road as I walk further into the night. My hands tighten around the envelope of cash, the weight of Seonghwa's kindness burning a hole in my conscience. I don't deserve this help. Not after everything.
By the time I reach the alley, the air feels thick, like it's suffocating me. The buildings loom high on either side, their dark, crumbling facades casting long shadows that swallow the narrow passage. My stomach churns as I see the familiar black car parked at the end of the alley, two men standing beside it, their figures menacing in the dim light.
I hesitate for a split second, my instincts screaming at me to turn around, to run, but I force myself to keep moving. I can't afford to back out now. I walk toward them, my footsteps echoing against the cracked pavement, and hand over the envelope without a word.
One of the men–a tall, muscular guy with a scar running down his jaw–counts the money with a flick of his wrist. "You're five minutes late," he says, his voice low and cold.
I open my mouth to apologize, but before I can speak, his fist connects with my face. The force of the blow makes me stumble, my hands landing on the wall before I get my footing. Pain radiates through my face and neck, sharp and unforgiving.
"I-I'm sorry," I manage to choke out, my voice trembling as I place a careful hand on my face, wincing at the smallest pressure.
The man snorts, shoving the envelope into his coat pocket. "You better be." He steps closer, towering over me, and for a moment, I fear he's going to hit me again. But then he turns, motioning for his partner to follow him.
"Next payment is due soon," he says over his shoulder, his voice echoing down the alley. "Don't be late again."
I stand there for a moment, watching as they disappear into the night, my body still trembling from the pain. My breath comes in shallow gasps as I lean against the cold brick wall, the reality of my situation sinking in deeper than ever before.
YOU ARE READING
Their Maid // Ateez ff
Fanfiction"Always a pleasure doing business with you, ma'am," he says, his tone laced with smug satisfaction, that same cold, calculating smile stretching across his face. He knows I'm running out of options, and it shows in the way his eyes flicker over me...
