Chapter 19
Cherry
We reached the underground location where we knew Sergei would be. The fighting ring was in a highly secured location, belonging to Sergei. It was away from public eyes but accessible to those who wanted to make use of it.
This place saw all type of * happening – illegal fights, betting, whoring in the backrooms and the occasional fight that got out of control and led to murder. This type of place was like the type you would find in movies. It was a large place where any sort of crime was committed. Then again, movies and art often imitate real life.
Real life is a mix of the beautiful and the ugly, the calming and the scary, the good and the horrible. There were people who were genuinely good and others who were completely evil. How many gangs are there in the world? How many assassins are there? Nobody seemed to really know because it was all in the shadows.
This place – it was huge. It was not surprising, I knew Sergei ran a huge operation and he made thousands of won every day from this place. We continued to walk until we reached the entranced where there were two armed guards by the door who stopped us.
‘Name?’ one of them asked gruffly. Taehyung took a step forward as he removed his mask. I saw him smile mischievously while the guard seemed to gulp, instantly recognizing the face of the young mafia lord. ‘I apologize Mr. Kim Taehyung. I did not recognize you at first,’ he said quickly.
‘No need to apologize. I know you were doing your job. We’re here to have a chat with Sergei,’ Taehyung replied. The other guard nodded as he turned to us.
‘You’ll find him in the balcony,’ the other guard responded as he opened the door for us. Taehyung gave a slight bow of the head as our group moved together.
Inside, the crowds were loud and thunderous. There was a strong smell of alcohol and cigarettes as well as blood and sweat. Everyone seemed to be lost in the current fight that was going on. There seemed to be a certain exhilaration. It was as if people got high on this very atmosphere.
‘Cherry, stay next to me,’ Taehyung reminded me. I just nodded as I kept walking next to him while Hoseok came next to me. The two of them were wearing fancy suits and I had to admit they both looked rather handsome. Taehyung had a certain look to him that made him so incredibly handsome, but Hoseok had something mysterious about him – something alluring.
His face was often hard and set, his jaw and cheekbones sharp. His eyes were always so expressive, especially when he was angry or worried. I had seen him laugh and smile, but it never felt genuine – whole. It always felt – hollow – familiar.
I swallowed my own saliva as I tried to focus. I could not afford to not to. ‘Cherry,’ Hoseok began as I turned to look slightly at him. ‘Try to keep your face hidden, for now. The less people know about you, the better,’ Hoseok commented.
‘And why is that Mr. Jung?’ I asked, teasing him. He rolled his eyes but smiled a little, even though he seemed annoyed. ‘Is it because I am a nasty, cold-blooded killer who attracts trouble?’ I asked.
He winced at my words and I internally cursed myself. I knew that he had never really forgiven himself for what happened last time.
‘No, you know I don’t think that anymore Cherry,’ he said, sounding genuinely hurt by my comment.
‘Lighten up. I was joking with you. So come on, tell me,’ I said.
‘Because, although you’re a Bangtan member, you’re also a Scarlet and that tends to attract attention,’ he said.
‘Oh I thought it was because you didn’t want to see me hurt. I’m offended,’ I replied as I feigned hurt and offense.
‘I do care Cherry,’ Hoseok said without hesitation but he refused to look at me. Instead, he held his head high and continued to look ahead.
‘What?’ I asked as I stopped as I stared at him and he seemed to notice as he stopped as well.
‘Look I’m not going to sob and weep if you die but I’d rather if you don’t. I actually like your company when you’re not being an ass,’ he said.
‘HA!’ I scoffed a little loudly. ‘You’re one to talk. You can be a real jackass too sometimes,’ I said as we continued walking. I looked over at Taehyung who was actually smiling.
‘Can you two focus?’ Jin reprimanded from behind us. ‘You can tease or * or do whatever you want when we’re done from here,’ he complained to which I rolled my eyes.
‘Me and her? Are you drunk hyung?’ Hoseok commented quickly, causing me to laugh as Jin frowned and moved ahead so he was next to Taehyung. We reached the balcony and Jin opened the door but let Taehyung walk in first.
The two guards there instantly turn around, hand at the ready to get their guns but Sergei stood up, laughing and smiling, easing the tension.
‘Ahh what an honour to be visited by the Kim brothers, but I see you’re missing your leader,’ he said as he tilted his head and motioned for the guards to put their guns down. They instantly obeyed as they straightened their position and stood by the door.
‘I am sure you know of Namjoon’s preoccupation right now,’ Taehyung commented as the two men shook hands.
‘Of course. One should always prioritize family. Please, sit,’ Sergei commented as he motioned for the sofa. The others sat while I remained standing, wanting to be at the ready. Sergei looked at me as he smiled. ‘I do not believe we have been introduced,’ he commented, curiosity all over his face as he eyed me up and down.
I looked at Taehyung who nodded at me. ‘Sergei, meet Cherry. She’s a new but well trusted member of Bangtan,’ he said with a proud smile as he smiled at me.
‘Pleasure to meet you Sergei,’ I said as I gave a little bow. Sergei’s smile continued to increase as he seemed to take me in.
‘You’re the rumoured Scarlet who joined Bangtan,’ he commented and I gave a single nod. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you Domina Umbra,’ he said.
‘Likewise Sergei,’ I responded. He laughed and nodded as he turned back to Taehyung and Jin.
‘So, what brings you here? Is Bangtan trying to cut a deal?’ he asked and Jin shook his head.
‘Not exactly. We came to negotiate something – money for information,’ Jin said.
‘We know you always have information about everyone on this side of town. You knew about Umbra, I’m sure you know a lot about Domina Rosa,’ Taehyung said in a calm voice.
‘I do,’ Sergei said before he leaned forward. ‘But that information comes at a very high price,’ Sergei replied.
‘We know and we are prepared to pay you well. How much do you want?’ Taehyung asked. Sergei smirked as he looked at me.
‘I don’t think you understand the nature of the price I am asking for,’ he said as he licked his lips while still looking at me.
‘You’re not going to *ing sleep with her for information,’ Hoseok said quickly, getting tense but I knew that’s not what Sergei wanted. I looked at Hoseok who looked *ed off to say the least.
‘Sergei, we can pay you handsomely for the information but I won’t have my member sleep with you,’ Taehyung said, backing Hoseok up.
‘Oh boys, you’ve got it all wrong,’ he said. ‘I run a fighting ring and she’s a Scarlet. Do you have an idea how much money I can get off of her if she fights in my ring?’ he asked.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me. She’s a human being, not some sort of property,’ Yoongi said peeved.
‘That’s the price I am asking for. One fight and I’ll give you the information you need. Take it or leave it,’ Sergei said.
‘No,’ Taehyung said but I took a step forward.
‘I’ll do it,’ I said. I saw the others turning their eyes at me as Jungkook shook his head.
‘Cherry, we’ll find another way,’ Jimin said but I shook my head.
‘We can’t waste time and Sergei is right. I do generate a lot of money in a place like this,’ I said with a shrug. It did not bother me at all that I had to fight. God knows how many fights I got into in my life.
‘Are you *ing stupid?’ Hoseok asked, seemingly getting angry as he stood up. ‘I won’t let you do this,’ he said as I rolled my eyes and stood up as well.
‘I can make my own decisions Hoseok and I’ve made mine,’ I said as I turned to look at Sergei. ‘I fight and you spill everything you know. Do I have your word?’ I asked and he nodded.
‘Of course. Alexei can lead you to the ring. I have the perfect opponent for you,’ he said.
‘You better keep your word Sergei. I’m a Scarlet, so you know exactly what I am capable of doing to people who cross me,’ I said and he nodded.
He placed his hand on his chest and smiled. ‘I cross my heart and hope to die little Umbra. Alexei, take her to the ring and have her fight Wild Cat,’ he said.
I turned around, ready to walk when Taehyung grabbed my arm, forcing me to turn around. ‘Are you sure about this? You don’t have to do it,’ Taehyung said.
‘I know but I can doo it. I’ve fought in places like this before. I’ll be fine,’ I said as I smiled at him. I followed Alexei as we hurried through the crowd before we reached backstage.
‘Wait here,’ Alexei said and I nodded. Suddenly, I felt strong arms turning me around and my eyes landed on a furious Hoseok.
‘Are you insane? You’re injured which makes it easier for you to get killed’ he said but I smiled.
‘I can handle myself,’ I said. ‘Can I ask for a favour though?’ I asked. He scoffed and let go of me and looked away but I knew he was listening. I removed my sword and he turned his head slightly.
‘What are you doing?’ he asked as he eyes me worriedly.
‘Take care of this for me,’ I said. He sighed before he nodded and took the sword from me. He still looked *ed but also worried. ‘Thanks Hoseok,’ I said before he nodded while still frowning.
‘Just be careful,’ Hoseok said. I smiled and nodded as Alexei came back and motioned for me to follow him.
A bit short but I wanted to give you something before I go to sleep. It's been too long! We see things not going exactly to plan but Cherry is more than willing to do her so called part. Hoseok does seem worried although he does express it rather aggressively. We see him care for her even if they do tease each other a lot. We see Taehyung as second in command but still respecting Cherry enough not to have her fight if it was his choice. Sergei is a business man and knows how to make a deal it seems. I look forward to your thoughts.
On another note, today I got my final visit of the year. My one year of probation is almost over and that means one more year until I get a permanent teaching warrant!! - Tae's Misfit
"I never thought love was worth fighting for but then I looked into your eyes and I was ready for war."
