The Man in the Alley ⇉ Mark Lee

⇉ Chapter 6

   I sit on the edge of the bed with my hands in my lap, fidgeting with my fingers. I glance up at the door, glaring at the white wood.

   The one chance I had to leave this place was torn away from me by that goddamn black-haired man. Why does he always have to be around me? First, it was him knocking me out, and second was him catching me red handed. Why can't he just leave me alone?!

   But then again, it was me who cause those two things to happen, so I shouldn't pin the blame onto somebody else. I sigh aggressively, swiping a few loose strands of hair out of my face. The night before plays out in my mind like a movie, and I smirk. I was indecisive last night, but today I know my plan.

   I choose both.

   I couldn't decide whether I should stay or leave, so I went with both options. But I have some tricks up my sleeve. The main reason they can't free me is that I know too many of their secrets. Secrets that only members of the gang are allowed to know. So Taeyong recruited me as a member of Neo City, which ultimately means I have to stay. Or does it?

   I've lived in downtown Kingston for half my life, so I know my fair share of gang activity and knowledge. I learned that certain members in these gangs get assigned jobs that require you to leave the base, just like what I saw Mark and the others doing during our first encounter. These jobs can range anywhere from a simple hit-and-run mission to a several month under cover investigation. And seeing as another escape attempt can result in my death, I've hatched another plan.

   I'll stay with Neo City. I'll follow their rules and become a gang member. Not a single person trusts me in this house, but with time, I plan on gaining the gang's trust. Having the gang's trust is a huge advantage; it'll increase my chances to be selected for a mission outside the confining  walls of this mansion. Once I get chosen for a mission, it's smooth sailing from there.

    I get chosen for a mission and I'll head out, the gang thinking I'm off to complete the task at hand. Once I'm clear and off the grounds of the mansion, that's when I'll make my escape. I run as far away from this house as I can. I'll be out in the jungle that is Kingston; they won't be able to find me with how densely populated the city is, and besides, I'll be long gone by then. At that point, I will have finally escaped the jaws of Neo City. 

   But this plan won't take a few weeks to execute. It'll take several months, even up to a year for the other members to trust me, let alone send me on a mission. And I've accepted that fact. 

   The main pillar holding this plan up is me. I have to stay focused on my plan. No distractions can interfere; of course, I can bond with some of the other members, but I have to stay concentrated on what I want.

   And I want to get the hell out of this place.

   A faint knock echos off the door. I snap out of my thoughts to see the door swinging open, revealing a polished and sleek Taeyong. He tugs at his suit jacket before sliding on hand into his pocket, the other resting limply on the door handle. 

   " I see you've found the change of clothes," He nods his head and me, " And they look as though they fit, so I'm glad. He grins.

   I glance down and pick at the clothes I'm wearing; the shirt was way too baggy, the pants fell down to my heels, and the sandals swallowed my feet. I frown, but since this house only has men within its walls, this was the best they could do. 

   "More or less," I chuckle, attempting to initiate my plan. He exhales, the grin on his face widening slightly. It worked, and I smile to myself.

   "Well, let's get moving," He jabs his head towards the empty hallway, " Since you're now an official member of Neo City, it's fitting to know everyone you'll be working alongside, " Taeyong turns, walking slowly down the hall.