Markian
I wait inside of my car, hidden away from view, in the shadow, protected by the night cover. Mr. Lee was right about Detective Tong being corrupted by that Minji girl. I’ve heard about her – the DA’s daughter – some girl whose got both brains and brawls. She’s the same one who stopped Scoprion from killing his target and then tricked him into luring the cops to where he was. I would have never imagined that it would be a young girl like Minji that would lead Lee to his downfall. A woman like that is pretty dangerous and Lee knows that.
Lee knows that he had underestimated her in the past. He never would have guessed that she would turn Mr. Oh against him. Then again, nobody would have guessed it knowing that those two were thick as thieves. I wonder what Minji had that made Oh turn. For Lee, it has gotten personal now. It’s not just about trying to avoid prison. He wants to hurt her.
The front door opens and I sit up. I grab my binoculars and look on. I watch as Minji leaves with her father and the cousin – who did he say it was? Her mother’s cousin who’s a cop? They meet up with some other cops and get into an SUV and drive away quickly. I take out my phone and text Lee.
Markian: You were right – it is a trap. The DA and some other cops are coming. Minji is with them. What do you want me to do?
I keep looking, waiting for Lee’s orders. I’ve been with Lee since I was fifteen. My father owed him money – money which he could not pay off. My father got the beating of a life time but then Lee found out about me. He offered my father a deal – my services instead of the money and my father accepted. Lee is not the forgiving type. It wasn’t a compromise. It was a business transaction. He does everything with a purpose in mind.
Lee: Minji is with them. That’s good. It’s time to raise some hell. For now just keep observing Markian.
I nod to myself as I settle back into the seat. I let out a huge yawn as I reach for the photo of me and my sister. It’s an old photo of me and her at the playground. ‘I miss you noona.’ I murmur. Images flash before my eyes as I recall how someone had murdered her. Mr. Lee had given me the opportunity to get revenge and for that I promised him my loyalty for the rest of my days. I sigh once more when movement catches my eyes. I grab my binoculars and look again.
This time I see three males, all wearing black walking out towards a car. They stop and turn around as four others reach them as well. They point to the balcony where there is a single woman there, watching them intently. The males then spread into two cars and drive off.
Markian: All seven of the boys are following. I don’t think the cops know about them.
Lee: Good. What about the best friend? Yun?
Markian: She’s still here.
Lee: Excellent. Minji thinks she can use Detective Tong to trick me. I’ll show her what it means to use bait. Grab Yun and bring her to me and let the games begin.
Markian: Will do.
I sigh, wondering if Lee has lost all his marbles but I send the final message and get out of my car anyways. I go to the trunk and pop it open. I grab the bag which is there and open it up. I put on the leather gloves, the mask, cap and sunglasses. I grab the smaller bag which has the chloroform in it and a piece of cloth.
I open up the bottle and pour some on the cloth which I put in my pocket. I grab the alarm disarmer and the knife which I put in my pocket. I grab the duct tape and put it in my other pocket before I slam the trunk closed and start walking towards the house.
I use the alarm disarmer as I attach it to the alarm. It takes a few seconds before the lights change from red to green. I open the door carefully, trying not to make a sound as I walk inside. I can hear her moving about. I close my eyes and take a deep breath as I get the cloth ready.
I let her walk past me before I jump out from behind her. I quickly wrap my arm around her neck and she screams. ‘Ahhh!!’ Her scream is loud and shrill and I know she is terrified as she tries to struggle against my grip.
I go to put the cloth against her mouth and she bites hard at my hand. I let her go on instinct and she tries to run away, up the stairs. ‘You *.’ I complain as I pull her back from the hair, causing her to fall the last two stairs. She cries out in pain, her hand going to her head as I pull her up from the hair. I slap her, using the back of my hand for further impact. It connects to her cheek as she falls to the ground. She lets out a whimper and I roll my eyes. ‘Weak.’ I mutter under my breath.
I pull her back up as I put the cloth against her mouth again. She tries to struggle but she grows weaker with each passing second. ‘Sleep tight princess.’ I say as she goes completely numb in my arms. I place her on the sofa as I grab the duct tape from my pocket. I tie her hands together and then use the knife to secure it. I tie her feet together as well and I place a piece on her mouth. I put the knife and duct tape back in my pocket.
I pick her up with a grunt and place her on top of my shoulder as I leave the house. I hurry towards the car before anyone can see me. I open the backdoor and put her in there. I get inside the car and grab my phone.
Markian: I have her. I’m on my way to you now.
Lee: Good job.
Minji
We’ve been here for an hour and I look at my watch. ‘It’s almost midnight.’ I say, turning to Appa. He looks at his wrist watch and nods.
‘Remember what we told you Minji. No unnecessary risks. Let us handle him.’ Appa says in a stern voice which shows me he is not joking around.
‘Appa stop worrying. I’m going to be fine.’ I say, even if I have a terrible feeling in my stomach.
I know Appa and Adam both feel it too. Something doesn’t feel quite right. It’s too easy and we know that Lee is not stupid. Things have been going too well without a hitch which makes me nervous but we all know that this might be our only chance. We can’t risk losing him or I’ll be living the rest of my life with the fear of him coming after someone else I care about.
‘Don’t get too confident Minji. We all know Lee. He may be crazy but crazy doesn’t mean stupid.’ Adam reminds me.
‘I know. He’s always been one step ahead of us.’ I say and Appa nods. ‘I never understood why people could be so evil.’ I blurt out. Appa turns to look at me and gives me a small smile.
‘I’ve seen my fair share of evil but I don’t have an answer for you sweetie.’ Appa replies and I sigh. ‘Some people enjoy hurting others. They are willing to do anything if it means that they get what they want.’ He says.
‘I know Appa. Sometimes it scares me how much I hate him. I hate him for hurting Yoona and Hoseok, for trying to hurt Jimin, for what he did to Oh and Rei. Everything for him was just a game and it makes me so furious.’ I say, my hands shaking with anger.
‘I know sweetie. It’s normal to feel angry.’ He says. We hear a car approaching and we both sit still. The car’s headlights is enough to light up the dark area. We watch as Lee and Chi-Won walk inside.
‘Well here goes nothing.’ I say as I get out of the car. I look at Appa once more who nods at me. I give him a slight nod as well. Will this be the last time I see him – no, Minji stop it. Stop thinking like that. You’re going to be fine. Everyone is going to be fine. I mentally scold myself.
I look over at the distance where I know that there are a couple of more cops there. I start walking when I hear a small noise which makes me stop. It almost sounds like movement or shuffling causing me to look around but I don’t see anything since it’s so dark. I close my eyes and let out a deep breath. ‘It’s nothing Minji. You’re just getting paranoid.’ I whisper to myself as I walk towards the warehouse.
I enter the dark space which is cold, quiet and almost eerie. I take out my phone and turn on my flashlight as I take a couple of more steps when suddenly, the lights all turn at once, momentarily blinding me. I can’t help but raise my arm and shield my eyes for a moment before I hear the door slamming shut and the lock being shut.
I turn around and see Chi-Won at the door with a smirk on his face. It’s not like I wasn’t expecting to see him. I hear more footsteps on the metal railing which is right above me. I look up and see Lee there. I instantly feel a wave of hatred and anger surging through my whole body.
‘Ah Kyung Minji. We finally meet.’ He says with a smirk as he leans forward, his hands across his chest.
‘Yes, we do Mr. Lee. I can’t say it’s a pleasure.’ I reply, also crossing my arms. I really wish I could control my anger but I know he can tell which probably gives him satisfaction.
‘You have cost me so much trouble Minji… much more than you are worth.’ He says, hissing out his words. I try to look confident.
‘I’m not the one who tried to take advantage of other people to play some twisted game.’ I say and he scoffs.
‘Is that so? Aren’t you the one who convinced Oh to turn against me by using the murder of his wife to soften him up?’ He asks.
I gulp, knowing that there is an element of truth. I had used that tactic to convince him to do what felt like the right thing … but right thing for who? I was so determined to get evidence against Lee that I put Oh at risk, regardless of the consequences.
‘You know I know he’s not dead but his biggest punishment is not dying.’ He says, his voice cold and calculating. I look at him, slightly confused. ‘It’s knowing that I am the one who sent those men to kill his wife.’ He says. I look at him with my mouth wide open.
‘How could you do that? He was your best friend.’ I say but he chuckles and shakes his head. ‘Of course. What the hell do you know about loyalty anyways?’ I ask and he scoffs.
‘You’re the one who is going to lecture me about loyalty? You? The person who turned their back on Rei when all poor Rei tried to do was save her brother and keep you safe.’ He says, snickering. I feel my fist begin to shake.
‘You dare mention Rei!’ I scream as I take a step forward. ‘You’re the one who took advantage of her innocence. She was naïve and you used that. You manipulated her you * and then you gave the order to have her killed.’ I scream.
‘That’s true but I know, you know and now the world knows I am a monster but when will you admit that you are one too?’ He asks. My throat runs dry as his words hit me hard.
‘I’m… I’m not a monster.’ I say, my voice quivering, having lost most of my confidence. My mind is swirling and my heart is racing against my chest.
‘People get hurt or die when they are around you… just like they will today.’ He says when suddenly, I start hearing gunshots from outside.
I turn around, my eyes going wide once more. I approach the door but Chi Won is there. ‘What did you do? What’s going on out there?’ I ask, my voice cracking. Appa and Adam are out there! Did I lead them into an ambush? I turn back around to Lee as I take out my gun and aim at him. ‘Stop this or I’ll swear to God, I’ll shoot you down.’ I say but he just chuckles.
‘You won’t because I have a surprise for you.’ He says with a snicker. I raise my eyebrow as I freeze, the bad feeling in my gut continuing to increase. He nods at someone who walks out of the shadows pushing someone in front of him. I gasp, already knowing who it is, even with her head covered.
‘Yun.’ I mutter under my breath. The person holding her removes her hood and she whimpers slightly until her eyes fall on me. I can see she is terrified right now. I feel my chest tighten at the sight of her – she has dried blood on her right side of her face, her cheeks are stained with tears and her hair is all messed up.
He was right. People around me are always getting hurt – Minho – Yoona – Hoseok – Jimin – Jungkook – Oh – Rei and now Yun. Maybe I am a monster…
How did she even end up here? She was at home with the boys… unless, the boys left… unless the boys followed us here…
Yun’s eyes keep looking at me before she tries to give me a small smile but I can see she is in pain. I look back at Lee, trying to focus on saving Yun. ‘Lee let her go. This is between me and you. She doesn’t have anything to do with this, she never harmed you in any way. She’s innocent.’ I say.
‘Nobody is innocent Minji. Nobody.’ Lee says. ‘Markian how about we show her what could happen if she doesn’t comply.’ Lee suggests. The guy holding Yun who is apparently called Markian smiles and pulls out his gun and aims it at her head. I gulp as I shake my head.
‘What do you want from me? I’ll do anything. Just don’t hurt her.’ I say. I see Yun going to shake her head but Markian’s grip on her grows tighter.
‘First off, I want you to throw away your gun.’ Lee says. I nod as I lower the gun down to the floor and kick it away. Lee starts to come down the metal stairs while I stay there. Chi Won stays by the door and outside I can still hear the gun fight going on.
Lee approaches me and I see him putting on the metal rings on his fingers and I gulp knowing I’m going to receive the beating of a life time. ‘Secondly, I’m going to beat you so bad you won’t see another sunrise and you’re not going to fight back. If you do, she dies.’ He says with a smirk.
‘NOOO!!’ Yun screams as she tries to struggle against Markian’s grip on her. I look at her and I see her eyes wide with horror. She shakes her head vigorously and I try to give her a small smile.
‘Take off your hoodie and your vest.’ Lee orders. I gulp, knowing that any protective gear I have will be gone. I take off my jacket and then take off my vest as I throw them to the ground. I hear Yun cry and I look up at her.
‘It’s going to be okay Yun.’ I say. She shakes her head one more time as I look at Lee before I feel his first punch connect to my face. It sends me staggering backwards.
‘NO! MINJI!’ I hear Yun scream. I try to not look at her as I try to focus on blocking the pain. I look up at Lee and try not to show him how scared I actually am. His fist connect to my face one more time, sending me crouching on one knee.
I feel the rings cut through my skin on my cheek while I feel my cheek throbbing. My skin stings from the cut and my jaw hurts from the metal connecting to my bones. He hits me one more time, sending me crashing on the floor. I feel my lip busting open as blood pools in my mouth. ‘I’ve got to say Minji. You’re stronger than I imagined. I thought you’d already be begging me stop.’ He says. I spit out the blood and try to get up on my knees when I suddenly feel his foot against my ribs.
‘Ahh.’ I cry out, unable to stop myself. His foot hits against my ribs once more sending me face first to the floor. My hand goes to my ribs as I try to economize my breathing. If I try to take deep breaths, it will hurt more.
‘STOP IT!!! PLEASE!!’ I hear Yun screaming but she sounds so far away. He moves away slightly and I look up at Yun. She is looking at me with wide eyes as she shakes her head. The look on her face is begging me to do something but I can’t.
‘Let’s see how well you handle this.’ He says. I feel someone pulling me up, probably Chi-Won. Lee comes in front of me with a bat in his hand. He swings it forcefully as it crashes against my ribs. I cry out as I feel myself losing strength and my ability to breath. My body lurches forward but Chi-Won holds me tightly as Lee hits me again while I fall to my knees once more.
‘MINJI FIGHT BACK!! DAMN YOU FIGHT BACK!!’ I hear Yun scream at the top of my lungs. I look up and shake my head slightly. I can’t… I won’t be the reason you die as well.
Yoongi
We were observing everything, even Minji walking towards the warehouse. Hoseok had moved, forcing her to stop as she looks around. ‘It’s nothing Minji. You’re just getting paranoid.’ I hear her saying to herself, making me smile while Jungkook shoots Hoseok an annoyed glance. Minji walks away and Jungkook hits Hoseok on his arm.
‘Hyung you almost got us caught.’ Jungkook reprimands. Hoseok gives him an apologetic look and Jungkook sighs. ‘We have to be careful. If she discovers we’re here without telling her, she’ll have our heads.’ He complains.
‘Well it’s better that all of us are here than just you two.’ Jin says as he looks at Jungkook and Jimin.
‘Can we focus on her please. We can bicker when she’s safe and sound.’ Jimin says. Jin sighs and nods while Jungkook frowns. I turn my head and watch her walk inside.
‘I can’t be the only one with a very bad feeling, right?’ I ask, or rather whisper to Namjoon who is beside me. He has a worried look on his face as well.
‘No, you’re not hyung but she is walking into the lion’s den, quite literally so of course we’re all going to be worried and anxious.’ Namjoon replies.
‘Mr. Kyung and the others seem to be ready to move.’ Taehyung observes as he points at them. Suddenly, we hear running footsteps and guns start going off.
‘Get down.’ Namjoon orders as he pushes Taehyung down. I push Jimin down while Jin and Hoseok push Jungkook down.
‘We have to help them. They’re outnumbered!’ Jungkook exclaims. It’s almost another reminder that him and Minji are twins because that is exactly something that Minji would say and try to do.
‘Kook they’re cops, they have protective vests and they have guns. They can protect themselves. We can’t.’ Jin says. Jungkook looks at him and at the cops who have taken cover and are exchanging fire.
‘We know you want to help. We all do Kook but we need to focus on keeping Minji safe right now.’ Namjoon says, placing a hand on his shoulder. Jungkook looks at the cops once more and then nods.
‘We need to hurry. This whole thing was an orchestrated trap from the beginning.’ Jimin says, clearly worried.
‘Don’t rush in. Let’s go through the backdoor.’ I say and they nod. I say a silent prayer as we make our way to the backdoor, careful to avoid the gunfire which is being exchanged.
If anyone would have told me that I would end up in the middle of a shootout between a gang and a group of cops, I would have laughed in his or her face. Everything feels so surreal as we make our way to the door.
‘It’s locked. Now what do we do?’ Hoseok asks. Jimin clears his throat as he pulls out a bobby pin from his pocket and begins to pick at the locket.
‘Do we want to know why you have a bobby pin in your pocket Jimin?’ Namjoon asks. Jimin looks at him and chews on his bottom lip.
‘Or more appropriately, since when can you pick locks?’ I ask. He lets out a small chuckle.
‘Since I started dating Minji. She thought me a couple of trade tricks.’ Jimin replies. I sigh as I run my hand through my hair as finally it clicks and the door opens.
‘Don’t make a noise now or…’ Taehyung begins when suddenly I hear a voice screaming.
‘MINJI FIGHT BACK!! DAMN YOU FIGHT BACK!!’ I hear a familiar voice saying. I freeze as I recognize her voice.
‘That’s… that’s Yun.’ I stutter out. The boys all look at me before I start running, not caring about making any noises. Jungkook and Jimin are both at my side as we all run.
‘STOP IT!! PLEASE YOU’RE GOING TO KILL HE!!’ Yun screams again. I freeze as I come up behind a guy who is holding Yun at gunpoint. I stop thinking as I rush in.
‘YUN!!’ I yell, causing all the attention to come on me. The guys turns as he drops Yun while he goes to aim the gun at me but I have the element of surprise and speed as I rush into him. I spear him into the ground and he drops the gun while I pin him down. I punch him across the face, oblivious to the commotion I just caused.
Jin pulls me away while I still struggle against his grip. ‘YOONGI!!’ Jin scolds just as Namjoon pins the guy down. I look over at Jin fuming. ‘Yun needs you more right now.’ He says. My mind instantly goes to Yun as I turn around and see her sobbing on the ground.
‘Yun!’ I call out as Jin lets me go. I rush next to her as she sobs while she turns to look at me.
‘Yo—Yoongi.’ She stutters as I quickly embrace her. I cup her face in my hands as I look her over.
‘Are you okay? Are you hurt?’ I ask as I look on. I frown as I see the dried blood on her face and I try to identify where it came from. My finger runs above her cut on her forehead. ‘Yun baby talk to me. Are you in pain?’ I ask her. She looks at me, shaking all over.
‘Minji… Minji’s hurt.’ She says. My mind seems to register what she is saying as I follow her gaze through the railing. Oh God!
