Nɪ-Kɪ Oɴᴇsʜᴏᴛs

-50-Hᴇᴇᴋɪ(💗)

The basement smelled of mildew and dampness, the air thick with a lingering tension. Ni-ki's heart pounded like a drum in his chest. He squinted against the dim light, trying to focus on the figure before him. Heeseung stood there, a shadow among shadows, his posture relaxed yet predatory.
“Nice place you got here,” Ni-ki quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Heeseung’s lips curled into a smirk. “I thought you’d appreciate the ambiance.”
Niki rolled his eyes. “Right, because nothing screams ‘welcome’ like a damp basement. What do you want from me?”
“Simple,” Heeseung replied, his tone cool, unfazed. “I need you to hack into a rival syndicate’s system. You can do that, can’t you?”
“Why should I? You kidnapped me!” Ni-ki shot back, crossing his arms defiantly.
“Consider it an opportunity,” Heeseung offered, stepping closer, his intense gaze locking onto Ni-ki's. “You help me, I let you walk away.”
“Walk away?” Ni-ki scoffed. “You think I can just stroll out of here after what I’ve seen? You’re delusional.”
“Or you’re just not thinking clearly.” Heeseung leaned against the wall, his expression unreadable. “You witnessed something you shouldn’t have. That makes you a liability.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not exactly thrilled to be your pawn,” Ni-ki snapped, trying to ignore the flutter in his stomach at Heeseung’s proximity.
“Then you’ll die,” Heeseung said, his voice low and matter-of-fact. “You won’t be the first, and you won’t be the last.”
“Charming,” Ni-ki muttered. “What’s next? You going to give me a motivational speech about loyalty and family?”
“I don’t need to motivate you, Ni-ki. I just need you to understand the stakes.” Heeseung straightened, his demeanor shifting subtly. “You’re in this now. There’s no going back.”
“Great. Just what I wanted,” Ni-ki replied, sarcasm lacing his words. “A front-row seat to my own death.”
“In that case, you’d better start learning how to survive.” Heeseung turned, pacing away, the shadows swallowing him momentarily. “You’ll need to be useful.”
“Useful? You mean like a tech wizard?” Ni-ki’s voice dripped with skepticism. “What makes you think I won’t just run?”
“Because you won’t get far,” Heeseung said, his back still turned. “I have people watching you. Always.”
“Wow, what a comforting thought,” Ni-ki shot back, feeling the weight of desperation creeping in. “You really know how to make someone feel safe.”
“Safety isn’t a luxury you’ll find with me,” Heeseung replied, finally facing Ni-ki, the flickering light casting sharp angles on his face. “But I can promise you this: I’ll protect you as long as you’re valuable.”
“Protect me? Or keep me as a pet?” Ni-ki challenged, arching an eyebrow.
“Call it what you want,” Heeseung said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’m giving you a choice. You can use your skills to help me, or I can end this right now.”
“Wow, what a fantastic choice,” Ni-ki shot back, his heart racing. “Help the mob or die. Real ethical dilemma.”
“Isn’t that the reality of life?” Heeseung’s gaze turned sharp, piercing through Ni-ki’s bravado. “You either adapt or you perish.”
“Fine. I’ll help,” Ni-ki relented, frustration evident in his voice. “But I’m not doing this for you.”
“Understood,” Heeseung replied, his lips curving into a satisfied smile. “You’ll start tonight.”
As the hours dragged on, Ni-ki found himself seated in front of a computer in Heeseung’s luxurious mansion, the stark contrast from the basement unsettling him. The sound of the keys clacking filled the silence, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
“Impressive setup,” he muttered, glancing around. “You really went all out on the ‘kidnap the tech genius’ plan.”
“Focus,” Heeseung said, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his expression serious. “I need access to their mainframe. You know what to do.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m on it,” Ni-ki replied, his fingers flying over the keyboard. “But you do realize this is illegal, right? Like, really illegal.”
“Nothing in this world is legal, Ni-ki,” Heeseung said, his voice steady. “You’ll learn that quickly.”
“Great. I’m in a crime thriller.” Ni-ki sighed, his eyes narrowing as he worked through the firewalls. “I should’ve stayed in college.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” Heeseung remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone. “You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
“Only because I’m about to commit digital homicide,” Ni-ki shot back. “Just so we’re clear, I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this to save my own skin.”
“Motivation is motivation,” Heeseung replied, his gaze unwavering. “As long as you get the job done.”
“Yeah, well, don’t get too attached. I’m not sticking around,” Ni-ki said, trying to ignore a strange flutter of anticipation in his chest.
“Plans change,” Heeseung said, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. “And you might find you’re more suited for this life than you think.”
“Now that’s a terrifying thought,” Ni-ki muttered, pushing through another layer of security. “What’s next? You want to recruit me for your crew?”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Heeseung replied, his voice smooth. “You’re not ready for that yet.”
Niki paused, glancing at Heeseung. “You really think I’d want to be part of this?”
“People often find themselves in unexpected places,” Heeseung said, his tone serious. “What’s stopping you?”
“Uh, I don’t know, maybe my desire to live a normal life?” Ni-ki shot back, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I didn’t sign up for this drama.”
“Normal is overrated,” Heeseung said, his eyes glimmering with something deeper. “You’ll see.”
“Or I’ll run screaming in the other direction,” Ni-ki countered, determination burning in his chest. “This isn’t me. I don’t belong here.”
“Belonging is a choice,” Heeseung replied, his voice low, almost intimate. “And you’re starting to make yours.”
“Please, spare me the philosophical musings,” Ni-ki said, trying to keep his focus on the screen. “I just need to finish this and get out.”
“Just remember,” Heeseung said, stepping closer, the tension between them palpable. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”
“Yeah, well, I like living on the edge,” Ni-ki said, a flicker of defiance in his voice. “But I’d prefer to do it without getting killed.”
“Just keep your wits about you.” Heeseung’s gaze softened for a moment, revealing a glimpse of the man beneath the ruthless exterior. “I’ll protect you.”
“Protect me? Like a guard dog?” Ni-ki teased, but the weight of Heeseung’s words lingered in the air.
“More like a partner,” Heeseung replied, his tone unexpectedly sincere. “If you let me, I’ll show you how to navigate this world.”
“Partner, huh?” Ni-ki’s heart raced, a mix of excitement and dread flooding him. “You really know how to make someone feel special.”
“It’s not meant to be special,” Heeseung said, his eyes unwavering. “It’s survival.”
Niki shook his head, forcing himself to focus. “Survival, right. Let’s just get this over with.”
As Niki worked, the rhythm of the keyboard became a lifeline, a distraction from the storm brewing between them. He sensed Heeseung’s presence, an almost magnetic pull that made it hard to ignore.
“You’re almost there,” Heeseung said, his voice steady, encouraging. “Just a little more.”
“Thanks for the pep talk, coach,” Ni-ki replied, sarcasm masking his nerves. “I’m sure I’d make a great mobster someday.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Heeseung said, leaning closer, his breath brushing against Ni-ki’s ear. “You have potential.”
“Potential for what? Crime?” Ni-ki shot back, feeling a shiver run down his spine at the proximity.
“Crime pays well,” Heeseung replied, amusement dancing in his voice. “More than your college tuition.”
Niki chuckled, shaking his head. “So that’s your pitch? Join the mafia, get rich, and throw away my morals?”
“Morals can be flexible,” Heeseung said, his tone serious. “You’ll learn that soon enough.”
“Great. Moral flexibility as a life skill,” Ni-ki replied, his fingers still moving across the keyboard. “Just what I wanted.”
“Keep going,” Heeseung urged, leaning even closer, their shoulders brushing together. “You’re almost in.”
“Just a few more seconds,” Ni-ki said, breath hitching as he felt the weight of Heeseung’s gaze.
With one final keystroke, the screen flashed green.
“Got it!” Ni-ki exclaimed, exhilaration coursing through him. “I’m in!”
“Good work,” Heeseung said, his voice low, and suddenly, the air felt electric. “Now, let’s see what our rivals are hiding.”
Niki turned to face Heeseung, their eyes locking. “You really think this is worth it?”
“Every second,” Heeseung replied, his intensity almost overwhelming. “And so will you.”
“Not if I get caught,” Ni-ki said, his heart racing. “I’m not ready for this.”
“Then don’t get caught,” Heeseung said, a hint of a challenge in his tone. “You’re smarter than that.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not invincible,” Ni-ki snapped, frustration bubbling up again. “I can’t just waltz into this world and expect everything to be fine.”
“Then we’ll make it fine,” Heeseung said, his voice softening. “You’re not alone in this.”
“Thanks for the dramatic flair,” Ni-ki replied, rolling his eyes, but the sincerity in Heeseung’s tone struck a chord.
“Just remember,” Heeseung said, his gaze steady. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“I appreciate it,” Ni-ki said, surprised at the warmth blooming in his chest. “But I’m still not staying.”
“Plans can change,” Heeseung repeated, a knowing glint in his eyes.
“Here we go again,” Ni-ki murmured, shaking his head, but he could feel the pull, the tension thickening between them.
As they sifted through the data, the atmosphere shifted, an unspoken understanding forming in the air. Ni-ki glanced at Heeseung, the man’s cool demeanor contrasting sharply with the storm of emotions swirling inside him.
“Are you always this intense?” Ni-ki asked, breaking the silence, trying to lighten the mood.
“Only when it matters,” Heeseung replied, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Right, because nothing says ‘intensity’ like breaking into a rival syndicate’s system,” Ni-ki quipped, shaking his head.
“Exactly. You’re starting to catch on,” Heeseung said, his eyes glinting with approval.
“Don’t get used to it,” Ni-ki shot back, unable to hide the smirk creeping onto his face.
As they continued their work, the connection between them deepened. Ni-ki found himself drawn to Heeseung’s calm confidence, his sharp intellect, but the danger that surrounded them loomed heavy.
“Why do you do this?” Ni-ki asked suddenly, curiosity bubbling to the surface. “Why the mafia?”
“Because it’s all I know,” Heeseung replied, his expression shifting to something more contemplative. “It’s about power, control. Survival.”
“Power?” Ni-ki echoed, feeling a strange mix of admiration and fear. “Is that all it is?”
“It’s a means to an end,” Heeseung said, his voice steady. “And it keeps those I care about safe.”
“Safe?” Ni-ki asked, his brow furrowing. “At what cost?”
“Everything,” Heeseung replied, a flicker of pain crossing his features before he masked it with his usual stoicism. “But some things are worth the sacrifice.”
“Like me?” Ni-ki challenged, a hint of defiance in his voice.
“Like you,” Heeseung confirmed, his gaze unwavering. “You have potential, Ni-ki. Don’t underestimate that.”
“Stop saying that,” Ni-ki shot back, his heart racing. “I’m not some diamond in the rough, I’m just a kid trying to get by.”
“Then prove me wrong,” Heeseung said, a challenge in his tone, and the tension crackled in the air.
“Fine,” Ni-ki replied, determination flooding him. “But I won’t be your puppet.”
“Then don’t be,” Heeseung said, his eyes piercing. “Be your own person. Just remember, this world is unforgiving.”
“I can handle it,” Ni-ki said, his voice steady. “I’ve dealt with my fair share of problems.”
“Then let’s see what you’re made of,” Heeseung replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
As they continued to work, Ni-ki felt the weight of Heeseung’s gaze on him, a mixture of challenge and support. It was a strange feeling, but it fueled his determination to prove himself.
“Almost done,” Ni-ki murmured, fingers dancing over the keyboard. “Just a few more files to sift through.”
“Good,” Heeseung replied, his tone steady but the tension in the air palpable. “You’re doing well.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Ni-ki shot back, a smile creeping onto his face despite the situation.
“Just stating the facts,” Heeseung said, his expression softening. “You’ve got skills.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not like I’m doing this for fun,” Ni-ki replied, trying to keep the mood light.
“Nothing in this world is fun,” Heeseung said, his voice low, the weight of truth behind his words. “But it can be rewarding.”
“Rewarding? Like what? A bulletproof vest?” Ni-ki quipped, shaking his head.
“More like respect,” Heeseung replied, his gaze steady. “And loyalty.”
“Loyalty? To whom?” Ni-ki challenged, curiosity getting the better of him.
“To those who earn it,” Heeseung said, his voice unwavering. “It’s a rare commodity in this world.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not exactly looking for a loyalty contract,” Ni-ki shot back, determination burning in his chest. “I just want to get out.”
“Then finish this,” Heeseung urged, stepping closer. “And we’ll figure out the rest.”
“Right,” Ni-ki said, feeling the intensity between them rise. “No pressure or anything.”
“Just do what you do best,” Heeseung replied, his gaze unwavering.
With one final keystroke, the screen flashed another green light. Ni-ki leaned back, a rush of adrenaline coursing through him.
“Done,” he exclaimed, breathless with excitement. “I’m in.”
“Good work,” Heeseung said, genuine admiration shining in his eyes. “Now let’s gather what we need.”
As they sifted through the data, Ni-ki couldn’t shake the feeling of Heeseung’s presence, a protective force that both comforted and unnerved him.
“You’re not like the others,” Ni-ki said suddenly, glancing at Heeseung. “You care about your crew.”
“Of course I do,” Heeseung replied, his tone serious. “They’re my family.”
“Family?” Ni-ki echoed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Is that what this is?”
“Yes,” Heeseung said, his gaze unwavering. “Family is everything in this world.”
“And what about me?” Ni-ki asked, his heart racing. “What do I mean to you?”
“You’re becoming part of the equation,” Heeseung replied, his voice steady, but there was something deeper beneath the surface.
“Part of the equation?” Ni-ki repeated, a mix of curiosity and unease washing over him. “I’m just a kid you dragged into your mess.”
“Not just a kid,” Heeseung said, stepping closer, their eyes locking. “You’re someone I’m willing to protect.”
“Protect? Why?” Ni-ki challenged, confusion swirling in his mind.
“Because I see potential in you,” Heeseung replied, his tone softening. “And I don’t let go of people who matter.”
“Matters? You barely know me,” Ni-ki said, his heart racing at the intensity of Heeseung’s gaze.
“Yet here you are,” Heeseung said, his voice low, almost intimate. “In this world, you’re already more than you think.”
“More than a pawn?” Ni-ki shot back, disbelief lacing his words.
“More than you know,” Heeseung replied, a hint of warmth in his tone, and suddenly, the air felt electric between them.
“What if I don’t want to be part of your world?” Ni-ki asked, feeling vulnerable under Heeseung’s gaze.
“Then you’ll have to make a choice,” Heeseung said, his voice steady, the weight of their reality hanging heavy in the air.
“Great, another choice,” Ni-ki replied, sarcasm masking the uncertainty crawling up his spine. “Just what I wanted.”
“Just remember, Ni-ki,” Heeseung said, stepping closer, the tension crackling between them. “You’re not alone in this.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not exactly looking for a partner,” Ni-ki shot back, but the words felt hollow.
“Maybe you should,” Heeseung replied, his expression earnest, and in that moment, the walls they built around themselves began to crumble.
“Look, I’m just trying to figure this out,” Ni-ki said, his voice quieter now, uncertainty creeping in. “I didn’t ask for any of this.”
“Neither did I,” Heeseung said, his tone gentle but firm. “But we’re in this together now.”
“Together?” Ni-ki echoed, his heart pounding in his chest. “What does that even mean?”
“It means I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” Heeseung replied, his gaze unwavering, the sincerity in his voice cutting through the tension.
“Safe? In your world?” Ni-ki challenged, skepticism lacing his tone. “That’s a tall order.”
“Nothing worth having comes easy,” Heeseung said, stepping even closer, their breaths mingling in the air. “But I’m willing to fight for it.”
“Fight for what?” Ni-ki asked, his heart racing with confusion and longing.
“For you,” Heeseung replied, his voice low, the weight of his words settling in the space between them.
Niki’s breath hitched, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through him. “But I’m not part of your world.”
“Yet,” Heeseung said, his gaze intense, and in that moment, Ni-ki felt the pull, the connection that defied logic.
“Why do you care?” Ni-ki asked, vulnerability creeping into his voice. “I’m just a kid.”
“You’re more than that,” Heeseung replied, his voice softening. “And I won’t let you walk away without a fight.”
“I’m not sure I want to be part of this fight,” Ni-ki said, his heart racing, a mix of fear and curiosity swirling inside him.
“Then let me show you,” Heeseung urged, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. “You might surprise yourself.”
“Surprise myself?” Ni-ki echoed, feeling the weight of Heeseung’s words. “What do you mean?”
“You have strength you haven’t tapped into yet,” Heeseung said, his voice steady. “And I’m here to help you find it.”
“Help me?” Ni-ki challenged, uncertainty filling his voice. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I believe in you,” Heeseung replied, the sincerity in his tone cutting through the confusion. “And I won’t give up.”
“Even if I want to run?” Ni-ki asked, vulnerability creeping in.
“Especially then,” Heeseung said, stepping even closer, the air thick with unspoken possibilities.
Niki’s heart raced, a mix of fear and exhilaration flooding through him. “You’re insane.”
“Maybe,” Heeseung replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. “But I’m not letting go.”
“Great. Just what I needed,” Ni-ki muttered, feeling the pull between them grow stronger.
As they stood there, the weight of their choices hung heavy in the air, the world outside forgotten. The stakes were high, but somewhere in the chaos, Ni-ki found a strange sense of belonging, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
“Let’s finish this,” Ni-ki said finally, determination flooding through him.
“Together,” Heeseung replied, a promise lingering in the air as they turned back to the screen, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
In that moment, Ni-ki realized something profound: the world they were stepping into was dangerous, but perhaps, just perhaps, they could carve out a place for themselves together.