The Hidden Card || NCT MAFIA

Chapter twenty-seven: Put your cards on the table

As usual, Taeyong's face showed no expression at all as his eyes followed the words written in red ink on the paper. Not once did he move, or even blinked. It was like his face was made of stone, unphased. Like a rock that would not move when the violent waves came crashing on its solid surface. He was so still that the four members in front of him began to worry.

They had expected him to yell, to tear the letter to pieces or even to burn it, but nothing happened.

"Um, hyung?" Yangyang cleared his throat, trying to get his leader's attention.

Jungwoo put a hand on his arm to warn him. Yangyang, just like the rest of WayV, was new and didn't know Taeyong as well as the others yet. They knew better than to interrupt Taeyong's thoughts.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Taeyong moved. He raised his head, looking straight ahead and slowly got up.

"Good job," he spoke, his voice as emotionless as his face, "you may leave."

Yangyang tried to open his mouth again, but before any complain could come out of it, Lucas and Xiaojun grabbed his arms to drag him out.

"One last thing."

The four turned around.

"Not a word to anyone. Is that clear?"

Taeyong didn't have to raise his voice to make his point. His tone was menacing enough, and they all nodded before leaving his office.

"I really don't get him..." Yangyang whispered once they were out. The poor boy was sure his nights would be haunted by Taeyong's scary eyes.

"Trust me," Jungwoo spoke, "none of us do."

"Is he always like this? Creepy and rude, I mean."

Jungwoo chuckled dryly, "When he's in a good mood, yes."

Yangyang felt shivers down his back and he grimaced, "Nice... You know what? I used to be jealous of you guys for going on missions and take action and stuff... but that made me realize that I actually love being behind my computer screen and do my thing."

Lucas laughed and gently smacked the youngest's back.

"Yeah, and we're glad you are. Without you and Taeil-hyung, we wouldn't be doing much. You guys are as important as we are."

Yangyang felt a weight being lifted off his shoulders. He hadn't realized that he needed to hear that he was useful.

"Besides," he added as they were reaching the common area, "I'd rather be under Taeil-hyung's supervision rather than Taeyong's."

Xiaojun smiled. He was glad Yangyang was comfortable in their new environment. Life hadn't been easy for him. At least now they were surrounded with people like him.

"Hey guys, how did it go with Taeyong?" Iseul appeared out of nowhere right in front of them. Her hair was still wet from her shower, and the strong yet delicate smell of lilac invaded the corridor.

Jungwoo didn't say a word, not even sparing a glance at the girl as he left. Understanding no one would reply, Xiaojun faked a smile, "It went well."

Iseul's face fell instantly at his words. Lie.

Jeno had told her that Xiaojun was a double spy and therefore great at lying, but she knew he wasn't telling the truth. Not that he wasn't good at his job, in fact, he was great, nothing on his face indicated that he was lying, but Iseul knew better.

She knew that Taeyong's meetings never went 'well'. She had asked in hope they would tell her what it was about but clearly, that was out of the table. Probably because of Taeyong's orders.