A/N: The backstory involves kidnapping theme.
RING.
The timer sounded, indicating the end of my circuit training.
"Boss." Seungkwan handed me a towel. I dried myself and relaxed on the bench.
"I still have time, right?"
"Yes. Meeting with the Quartz' rep is at 5 pm. You're free after that."
"I thought I'm gonna survey the new lab?"
"Leave it to us."
"I want to go."
"It's in Chinatown. Hunters and cops hang around there. Worse, there are informants who could be working for Nico."
"I said I want to go there."
"Boss."
"Seungkwan, what time?"
"..."
I glared at him and he gave in eventually.
"9 pm."
"I'll get ready."
"Also, boss Woozi told me to thank you for your plan in collaboration with their department."
"My pleasure. Did he say anything else?"
"That's it."
"Nothing about the vote?"
"He said.. His vote still goes to boss Gyu.."
I walked away and started grooming myself. While on the bath, Seungkwan is talking to me through the door.
"Boss Hansol, many associates think you're the best fit for the next leader. I am also talking it out to the retired bosses. I showed them your great contribution to the sales, plus your future programs for-"
"It's okay, Seungkwan."
"Vernon. My vote is for you, I believe in you."
"Thanks."
I am very grateful for Seungkwan. He's the only person here that sees me more than my race. He believes that I can really lead this org.
While the others are scared of me, because I'm American.
I am not quitting though. I will do anything to be on top. Anything.
Seungkwan and I attended the meeting with Quartz. I know that the new lab is only a few blocks away from here so, I plan on sneaking and go there alone.
I want to do the lab survey alone. Not that I don't want to be with Seungkwan, but I have to prove that I myself is a leader worthy. That I can accomplish things done alone. That I need no guidance because I can handle everything and anything.
"That's it for today." I wrapped up the meeting. Everyone stood up except for me.
"Seungkwan." I called.
"Boss."
"Can I leave these documents to you?" I handed him a binder. "You do the rounds tonight."
"Of course." He took it.
"So, I'll be waiting for you in the car."
"Yeah yeah."
I went out the building immediately, leaving everything to Seungkwan. I saw our car parked near the entrance so I almost crawled through the ground just so the driver can't see me.
After a few blocks, I finally saw the place. It's a decent bakeshop in the Chinatown entrance. Good to see many customers even at this hour.
"Boss." The old man who owns the bakeshop greeted me when I arrived. "You're alone?"
"Yes. Can you guide me to the lab?"
"Of course. This way."
We passed the counter and went through another door that opens to a chemical laboratory. I checked the equipment and asked important details and settled any disputes.
"All in all, this is a clean laboratory. More likely because this is a new one." I said.
"Thank you for the compliment."
We talked a little to somehow past the time, and he later on guided me out of the lab. The smell of bread and pastries overwhelmed my senses.
