POISONED YOUTH: TWISTED

CHAPTER 57

The mansion had never felt this quiet.

For the first time in days, no one was shouting across the halls, arguing over weapons, teasing one another, or complaining about training. Every room seemed to hold its breath, as if the entire house already knew what was about to happen.

Tonight, they were no longer preparing for another raid.

This was the final one.

Haechan stood in the middle of the room, dressed entirely in black, checking each weapon one last time before sliding the final gun into its holster. His movements were calm and practiced, but the girl standing in front of him could see the tension hidden beneath that calmness.

Yeoreum had been watching him for the past several minutes without saying much. She knew there was nothing she could say to stop him. She knew this was something he had to do.

But knowing that didn't make it any easier.

"All set," Haechan finally said, turning toward her.

"Must you really do this?"

The question came out quieter than she intended.

Haechan looked at her for a moment before his expression softened. He stepped closer, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face before placing a long, loving kiss against her forehead.

"I'll come back," he promised.

Yeoreum held onto the sleeve of his jacket.

"Alive, Donghyuck," she added, her voice trembling slightly. "Come back alive."

His eyes softened even more. "I will."

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Haechan simply looked at her, memorizing the warmth in her eyes, the way her fingers held onto him, and the small smile she was trying to give him despite how scared she was. He had walked into countless fights before without caring whether he returned, but this time was different.

There was someone waiting for him. Someone he had promised to come back to. He intended to keep that promise.

"NCT, all set?" Taeyong's voice broke the quiet.

Everyone gathered around him, their expressions immediately becoming serious as the final plan was laid out.

"Jeno will stay here as planned, and of course, Renjun, we need you on the line," Taeyong began, pointing toward each member as he explained their positions. "The sniper duo will take the neighboring building. Snipe as many as you can and cover every possible route. Encircle Jaemin if necessary. He's still their sole target."

Yeoreum's expression changed immediately. "Can't he stay here too?"

Everyone turned toward her.

She looked at Jaemin, then back at Taeyong. "He's the target."

Jaemin gave her a reassuring smile, trying to make the situation sound far less dangerous than it was.

"I'll be fine, Reum. I have the best fighters with me."

"But—"

"We'll ensure his safety," Haechan cut in. His eyes met Yeoreum's. "I will."