Winter has just begun and yet it was already freezing. The combination of frost and wind made the biting cold unbearable. Taemin regretted not wearing a thicker sweater this morning. Yet, how could he know he would be kidnapped in the same evening.

"Why are you doing this?" Taemin's question was followed by a growl of pain as Woobin handcuffed him to the heater. The younger has noticed they were in an abandoned tower which probably was supposed to become an office building. The electricity worked, but no heater was on. Inside the building it was as cold as outside. Oh, how Taemin wished the heater to be on.

"Don't take it personal, Kibum. It's not about you. You just got bad luck to get involved with Choi Minho." Woobin answered.

"What do you want from me?" Taemin asked.

"Nothing. But I need Minho to do something for me and as you have noticed, we don't have the best relationship."

"And asking nicely is not an option?" Taemin knew this was a stupid question. Yet, it was a good one to make the other man continue speaking.

"You aren't that naïve, are you? You don't ask Choi Minho to do something for you. You blackmail him. That's the only way to get what you want. Although I understand you know him differently. He would do anything for you, wouldn't he? And that's why you're here."

"Fuck," Taemin murmured as he understood the situation. Now he get why Woobin was so motivated to help Minho and him develop their relationship. Taemin bit on his lower lips. How could he not realize it sooner? Every time Woobin had appeared, something happened between Minho and him. And every time, they got closer to each other. Taemin couldn't believe he was so dumb. So careless. He had left his guard down. He fucked up.

"It was quite a handful making him fall for you, still I thought it would take the Choi Minho longer to be in love with someone else than his own self. I don't know how you did it, but you helped me a lot. You're quite somebody, Kim Kibum." Woobin explained.

"What do you want from Minho?"

"Spoiler alert. You'll know it soon enough," said Woobin as he put the tape on Taemin's mouth despite the younger's protest. With his clogged nose Taemin was having a hard to breath, still all he worried about was Minho. The ruthless gang leader wouldn't fall into this obvious trap, right? And for the first time, he wished Minho didn't care about him. For the first time he wished Minho didn't love him.

Why couldn't he stay away from trouble? For his own sake. And for Minho's sake.

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All it took for Minho to got to the said address was 25 minutes and yet it felt like hours. He arrived at an office complex which was abounded half-built. It wasn't located outside of the city, and still there was barely anything around. The next building was in sight and yet it would take a while to reach it. The building itself had about 30 levels, 2 entrances and 4 emergency exits. Its electric worked. So did its security system what was unusual for an abounded place.

Entering the building and on his way to the meeting point Minho noticed Woobin's men, counting them. "It won't be easy to get through them all," he thought. Yet that was a challenge he was ready to accept. On the 4th floor he finally found Taemin. The sight of the younger boiled Minho's blood. Taemin was handcuffed to a heater next to the glassless window, giving him no other option than siting on the dirty cemented ground. His right hand looked broken as for it turned blue. His lips were ripped and bleed? Effort wasn't required to notice the younger's fear. Minho's body moved on his own as he rushed to Taemin. Yet, he barely came two steps closer as Woobin stopped him, standing between the two.

"Hello brother," the older mocked, "you're as fast as ever. Worried much?"

"Son of a bitch," Minho 'greeted', "What game are you playing?"

"Hand over your weapons and I'll tell you," Woobin stated.

Minho didn't bother to discuss for he had expected that to come. Grabbing for the Glock 19 behind his back, Minho laid the gun on the floor. However, his half-brother knew him better. Without a word Woobin pointed at Minho's right ankle. Sighed the younger pull out his boot knife and threw it on the floor as well.

"Satisfied, you piece of shit?" He shouted.

"Well, it's a good start. Now, let's get started." Woobin said, kicking Minho's Glock 19 aside. Next, he pulled out his own revolver, giving it to Minho after picking up Minho's knife and pressed it against Taemin's neck.

"One of you is gonna die today. Your choice, brother," Woobin explained. "Either you blow your brain out or I'll kill him."

"What made you think I wouldn't shoot you instead?" Minho asked through clenched teeth.

"There is exact one bullet inside. You can kill me or yourself," Woobin pointed at the man on his left, "how long do you need to run to us? Three seconds? You're fast, let's make it two. But I only need one to cut his throat."

"Cunt," Minho yelled.

"So are you."

Taemin tried his best to figure out Woobin's intention. It didn't make sense at all, if all Woobin wanted was to kill Minho, what was this whole theater for.

Minho picked up the revolver while his eyes were fixed on Taemin. Though his eyes were filled with tears, Taemin believed he saw Minho's lips formed the words "I love you" before the older man pointed the weapon at his own head. Taemin knew Minho was saying something to his brother but he couldn't understand a word. Something... some noises were so loud he couldn't hear others. He didn't notice it was his own crying and screaming which were held back by the tape. As Minho pull the trigger, all he could do was shut his eyes. Maybe... just maybe if he saw nothing and heard nothing, this moment wouldn't be real. He wouldn't be the cause of Minho's death.

"Did you see that?... What a shame, you closed your eyes," Woobin's voice challenged Taemin's effort not to throw up.

"Kibum," called a voice, the only voice that could convince Taemin to open his eyes at this moment. Minho's.

"Did you notice it?" Woobin asked again. "He didn't even hesitate. Just to save you. What a good husband he is, isn't he?"

"What kind of sick game are you playing?" Hearing Minho's voice once again made it clear to Taemin that the older man wasn't dead.

"Oh relax, brother. The gun wasn't loaded. I just wanted to see whether you would die for Kibum or not. You could have made it more dramatic instead of just accept it. Where was the big farewell? The tears and shit."

"Is that what you want? Tears and crying and a show?" Minho asked. He needed this to end. He couldn't bear the sight of Taemin crying and being hurt any longer.

"Hell no, that was just the foreplay. What I want is you to sign this," answered Woobin while one of his man handed Minho a stack of paper and a pen. Minho only read the first page and he knew what his brother wanted.

"Is that it? Is that what you want? The company? Is this all about money?" Minho asked despite knowing the answer.

"Isn't it always about money?" Woobin replied.

"Father can take back the company whenever he wants. This won't change anything."

"Do you really think the old man would give the company back in someone's hands, who was stupid enough to get blackmailed? Stupid enough to hand over his legacy?"

"You and I, we aren't his only sons."

"No, but until Yoogeun is old enough, I'd have proven myself. Sign it, Minho, and everything will be over."

Minho took the pen but stopped immediately. "You didn't forget it, right? We will not get Yoogeun involved in our war." Minho reminded his half-brother of the only promise they ever made to each other years ago.

Woobin took a deep breath before answering.

"If I'd have forgotten it, don't you think our little brother would be here today? Instead of Kibum? After all, a child is easier to control."

Nooded, Minho took a moment that ended as he signed the contract. As hard as it was for him to pull the trigger, somehow signing this was harder. Yet, he kept his poker face.

"Satisfied? Now free him," Minho demanded.

"You really disappointed me, you know that?" Woobin sighed. "You were willing to die and now you give up the company so easily. For what? Love? That sickens me. I was hoping you would be weakened but this? You've become so pathetic."

"You're such a shame for our family." Woobin added before pulling out his phone, dialing a number. Next thing Minho knew was his brother leaving the place with a bang... literally. Minho heard the explosion and for the first time this night his hands trembled. He needed to get Taemin out of this building. He needed to do it now.

______________________

30 minutes earlier

Key sipped on his coffee, not noticing he had put salt instead of sugar in it. His mind was absent. For the hundred times he checked his smart watch, trying not to make it obvious. Thank God for the technical progress. It would have looked way too suspicious checking his phone every five minutes. To his relief, the call he waited for felt centuries finally came.

"I'm done. Come back," Lay simply announced and that was all Key needed. He knew the other suspected something odd. Surely, they weren't amateurs. Especially when Key suddenly insisted on getting a coffee together and just as sudden, he wanted to get back. Still, he expected Onew to be much angrier as they got back. However, Onew seemed to know what was about to happened as he left the base with Key and Jonghyun. Maybe Key imagined it or maybe Onew accepted their method due to the circumstances. Key might never find out. Anyway, there wasn't any time for discussion nor for a big outburst, since the only thing to do at that moment was to head to the address Lay got. May the information be reliable or not. Yet, what else did they have to lose?

The whole team followed D.O to his car which was parked outside of the campus. They found themselves in a dark and empty alley. The sound of the night rain was all to hear. The second D.O opened his trunk, Key understood why the man parked at a god-knows-where place. The trunk was full of weapons: knives, handguns, machine guns, silencers, even grenades.

"You should leave your duty weapon here. Here, take this," D.O told the detective.

While the others were busy arming themselves, Jonghyun took advantage of the moment.

"Taemin, let's stay here. We'll just be in their way." Jonghyun suggested, pulling on Key's arm.

"Wait, what? I want to help." Key explained, yet Jonghyun didn't even blink.

"I can help," Key argued. He wasn't aware of the reasons for his own resistance. Surely, he wanted to help. But maybe, without knowing it, he wanted Jonghyun to see who he was. He wanted the man he married to accept who he was. And maybe... with a bunch of luck, Jonghyun would still love him for who he really was.

"Look, it's getting too dangerous for you." Jonghyun said.

"You can't be serious. I know how to deal with weapons." Key insisted.

"Of course, you do. I didn't forget," Jonghyun replied, thinking of what just happened barely one hour ago, "But those men won't be amateurs as the other two."

By that Key grabbed a handgun and a silencer. Like a flash he loaded and aimed it at the last lantern on the road. Jonghyun didn't hear the gun but the broken bulb as its light went off.

"Is that good enough for you?" He asked while the others were still shocked by the sudden and yet impressive action.

"I like him," D.O said, causing the other to drop their jaws. That was the first time D.O spoke since they have met. To be honest, Key had thought D.O was mute. Of course, he didn't ask, not wanting to be rude. With D.O's indirect approval, neither Jonghyun nor the others could doubt Key's ability. Thus, Key accompanied the team, causing Jonghyun to have no choice but tagging along for he couldn't imagine himself being safe and sound while his team were out to save an innocent soul.

------------------------------------------

On their way, Lay called, telling them Minho had gotten a mysterious call that made the gangster boss left on his own, not taking his guards with him. Lay had followed Minho to an abandoned building. The address Lay gave the Team confirmed their information. That was exactly where they were heading to. And for the first time that night, Onew felt a small string of hope. As soon as they arrived and finally reunited with Lay, Xiumin didn't take long to hack the security cameras, allowing the team to have an overview about the whole situation. Right away Onew recognized Woobin and the detective understood the circumstances. This was an issue of the Choi's family and Taemin was unlucky enough to be dragged in.

"We've gotten a problem," Kris tapped on Onew shoulder, pointing at the monitors. Immediately Xiumin zoomed in, revealing what concerned Kris.

"Are those ...?" Onew asked and Kris nodded before the older could finished his question.

"Looks like C4 to me and see the phone? That's pretty much the fuse." Kris explained. Onew's hand ran through his hairs. The older sighed.

"How long do you need to defuse it?"

"I need to take a closer look, but I don't think it would take long. The problem is there is at least six of them," Kris counted with his fingers moving over the display, showing the leader where the bombs were placed.

"Ok, defuse the bombs and join us when you're done. Xiumin and Jonghyun, you both stay here and keep an eye on the guards and cams for us. Lay, Key and I will go to Kibum. Let's bring him home." And with that everyone shouted a clear and loud "Yes" before splitting up again.

Taking advantage of the only minute left before things got serious, Jonghyun grabbed Kibum's hands, leading him to a dark corner, the only place for a bit privacy during the whole scene. And before Key knew it, Jonghyun pulled him in, locking their lips. As a reflect, Key returned the kiss while his lips formed a smile.

"Promise me, you'll be careful," Jonghyun pleaded.

"I promise," replied Key, still not wanting to let go of Jonghyun's hands.

"And you promise me not to go in there. Stay safe." Key said.

"I can't promise that while you're in there and that all because of me," replied Jonghyun.

"What did I do to deserve you?" Key said under his breath. "Still, promise me you'll take care too."

"As you wish," said Jonghyun, pulling Key into a tight hug. Oh, what would he do to stop the time?

Hi guys, I can't believe I have made you wait for so long again. Seems like fate doesn't want me to finish this story ever. Still, I hope you like this chapter. Please leave a comment. Are you guys still there? Doing well? I hope so.

And thank you for all the get well wishes. I have recovered and I am doing well. (Sending you guys hugs and kisses.) AND Merry Xmas