𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 |니키˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚

2.1🦢

Japan; Okayama; Nishimura Manor; 24-8-2026

Jiyoung stared at the laptop screen, the room suddenly feeling colder than before. Her mind raced as she tried to process the enormity of what she had just discovered. Minho—her brother, her blood—was tied to Riki in ways she never imagined. The weight of this realization pressed heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

For a long moment, she sat frozen, her hand gripping the pendant she always carried. It had belonged to Yongbok, a reminder of her brother's sacrifice. Now, looking at Minho's name in connection to Riki's criminal network, everything felt like it was unraveling.

She had to confront him. But how? And more importantly, why? Why would Minho be involved with Riki, the man responsible for their family's downfall?

Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. A message from Minho.

"Where are you? We need to talk."

Jiyoung's heart pounded as she read the words. Had Minho somehow found out she was onto him? Or was this another coincidence, just as her suspicions began to form?

With trembling fingers, she typed back a response: "Meet me at Prix D'Or restaurant in thirty minutes."

She couldn't let him know that she had discovered his connection to Riki—not yet. She needed more information, needed to hear his side of the story before deciding how to act. But deep down, a part of her was already preparing for the worst.

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Japan; Okayama; Prix D'Or Restaurant; 24-8-2026

Jiyoung sat in a booth at the back of the nearly deserted diner. The dim light flickered above her as she stared at the door, waiting for Minho to arrive. The sound of the bell ringing as he stepped inside made her heart jump.

He looked the same as always—calm, composed, his face betraying no emotion. But now, Jiyoung saw him differently. Every movement, every glance felt calculated, like she was seeing him through Riki's lens. Was this really the brother she had trusted all her life?

Minho slid into the booth across from her, his expression unreadable. "You've been avoiding me," he said, his voice low but not accusatory.

Jiyoung forced a smile. "Things have been... complicated."

Minho's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he sensed there was more to her words. "I heard about Yongbok. I know you're hurting, but you can't push everyone away, Jiyoung. We're still family."

Family. The word felt like a knife in her chest now. She fought to keep her voice steady as she responded, "I know. That's why I wanted to meet. We need to talk about something."

Minho leaned back, crossing his arms, his gaze steady. "What's going on?"

Jiyoung hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "I've been looking into Riki. Gathering evidence to take him down. But... I found something I wasn't expecting."

Minho's expression didn't change, but Jiyoung could see a flicker of tension in his eyes. "What did you find?"

Her hands clenched into fists under the table. "Your name, Minho. On a financial record connected to Riki's dealings. Why?"

Silence hung between them like a thick fog. Minho didn't speak immediately, and Jiyoung's pulse quickened with every passing second. She couldn't read him. Was he shocked, angry, or... guilty?

Finally, Minho exhaled slowly. "Jiyoung, it's not what you think."

"Then tell me what it is," she demanded, her voice sharp, barely hiding her hurt. "Because right now, it looks like you've been working with the man who killed our brother."