𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍 |니키˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚

2.7🦢

As Jiyoung entered her apartment, the familiar silence enveloped her like a comforting blanket, contrasting sharply with the chaotic atmosphere of the Asakura meeting. She locked the door and leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart. The evening's events played back in her mind, each detail sharper than the last. She couldn't afford to forget a single nuance.

With a flick of her wrist, she switched on her phone, opening the secure messaging app she used with Minho and Sunghoon. Her fingers danced over the screen as she typed a detailed summary of the meeting, careful to omit any personal feelings that might betray her connection to Riki. The urgency in her message intensified with each passing second. The longer she waited, the more exposed she felt.

"Meeting recap: Jo is consolidating power against Riki. Plans to spread dissent. Yuto wants to ally. Need to strategize. Let's meet tomorrow."

After sending the message, she turned her attention to her home office, where the walls were adorned with her meticulously organized notes and research on both the Asakura clan and the Nishimuras. She had built a network of information that spanned far beyond what she could report. Pulling up her chair, she opened her laptop and began to compile her findings, piecing together a clearer picture of the inter-clan rivalries.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. It was Minho.

"We need to meet. 10 AM at the café. Make sure you're not followed."

Jiyoung's stomach tightened at the reminder of the risk involved. Every meeting carried the potential for exposure, and if Jo ever found out about her communication with them, it could be disastrous. She quickly replied, "Understood. I'll be there."

After setting her phone aside, she poured herself a glass of water and took a moment to breathe. She needed to think strategically. If she was going to navigate the treacherous waters of the Asakura clan while protecting her own, she had to stay one step ahead.

Just as she was about to dive back into her notes, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a call from Sunghoon. She hesitated, glancing at the screen. Talking over the phone would be riskier than texting, but she couldn't ignore him. She answered, her voice low. "Sunghoon."

"Jiyoung, what did you find out?" His voice was laced with urgency.

"Jo is planning something big against Riki. He wants to create divisions within the Nishimura clan. They're underestimating him, and I think they might be making a mistake," she replied, her mind racing to keep the details organized.

"Have you heard anything about Riki's movements? Any potential allies he might be recruiting?" Sunghoon pressed.

"Only whispers. Yuto mentioned Riki is trying to forge new alliances, but he didn't go into detail. I think we need to find out who he's speaking with. If we can get ahead of his plans, we might be able to counteract Jo's moves." Jiyoung leaned forward, the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"Good thinking. Meet us tomorrow, and we can strategize further. Stay safe, Jiyoung. This is getting dangerous," he cautioned.

"I will. I promise." She hung up, feeling a mix of exhilaration and dread. The pieces were starting to align, but danger loomed at every corner.

As the night wore on, Jiyoung found it hard to relax. She flipped through her notes, her mind swirling with possibilities. She knew that tomorrow's meeting could change everything, and she had to be prepared. Thoughts of Riki crept in again—his charm, his determination, and the surprising depth she had glimpsed behind his confident facade.

Could she trust him? Should she try to reach out to him and warn him about Jo's plans? The idea sent a thrill of fear through her. She couldn't afford to let her emotions cloud her judgment. The stakes were too high, and the risk of exposure too great.