Is this chapter hella long, and hella turbulent because I couldn't stop writing? Yes. Yes that's exactly what this is.
Have fun~

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"Hah, of course you'd live in one of these," Jaemin scoffed as Jeno led him towards possibly one of the nicest apartment complexes in the city. They had left behind the dangerous parts of Seoul where gangs resided and crimes lingered, stepping into an almost idealistic alternate universe.

"What? This?"

"Duh. Give me your secrets. How to I get rich without lifting a finger?"

The ravenette chuckled at the notion, it being completely impossible without initial work. "You could always stay with me."

"And be your little house pet? I'd be locked up, Jen, and you know I'm not like that," Jaemin muttered gently.

"Maybe having a leash would do you an ounce of good," the older stated in a matter-of-fact tone as they entered the building and headed straight for the lift. "You're too wild."

"And proudly so."

The small space was empty and mostly quiet had the mechanics in the machine not clicked here and there with every passing floor. Jaemin's eyes remained glued to the increasing numbers above their heads, tapping his fingers off his thighs rhythmically as a sign of discomfort. He hated small spaces, and he was alone with someone who could overpower him in a heartbeat.

Why did I agree to this? I'm such a fucking sucker!

"You're tense," Jeno shifted his hand out to hold the younger's shoulder. It made him flinch, his heart rapidly thumping against his ribcage as he faced the older and sported a weak smile.

"A bit claustrophobic. It's okay."

Jeno didn't seem too convinced, which was typical of an ever-cautious male holding the world on his shoulders. His eyes swept over the blonde carefully before deciding to leave his excuse in the air and take it. The bell chimed when the lift stopped, the two doors sliding open with a clatter and exposing a small hallway with four doors. They were generously spaced, most likely because each apartment was worth more than Jaemin's life and took up more space than a crane.

"I'm number 1006," Jeno hummed, guiding the boy towards the said door and using a keycard to let them in.

Stop considering a life like this. He's overprotective and dominant, and you'll wither away in here for eternity. Don't think about it, Jaemin was still trying to convince himself that this reasonable offer was a terrible idea. Jeno's love was stronger than his could ever be, and a life of pleasing wasn't for him.

Someone like Donghyuck knew boundaries, knew space, and respected his equals. He respected Jaemin.

"Want a drink?" The older enquired as he pulled his coat off and threw it to the back of the largest of his three long couches, each almost connecting to round into a semi-circle around the most beautiful flat-screen television upon the wall, and each scarlet red. The whole living area was unnecessarily massive, the tiles of the floor a clean white, the floor-to-ceiling windows over on the far side overlooking the city and it's ethereal lights, and the smaller but equally enviable open-plan kitchen to the side offering a lot.

Jaemin tiredly slumped down onto the middle couch, grimacing at the glass coffee table in front of him that looked extremely fragile. "Yes please. Nothing alcoholic."

"You're no fun."

"I'm just clever, Idiot. The countless occasions I got drunk with you ended in absolute hell. So something soft, please."

Jeno eyed his form from the kitchen, respecting his wishes and pouring him a cola and himself a gin and tonic. The apartment was warm, almost lulling in a way.

He wandered over and handed him the full glass, smiling when the other clinked them together before taking a generous sip. He was tired, and Jeno could see that.

"Who was that guy back at the club?" The older decided to quiz.

"Hm? Oh," Jaemin's eyes widened once he found himself in a corner, "No one important."

"Don't give me that. I could tell he meant something. Be honest with me."

If I'm honest with you, he'll be dead by morning. "Well....you know, everyone has needs, don't they? He's as you suspected. A time-killer."

Jeno narrowed his eyes skeptically before taking a drink and placing the glass onto the clear table. "I see. So you've switched roles."

"What do you mean?"

"He's a bottom, isn't he? He had the air of..." he looked up to think and put on a dangerous smile, "A whiny, clingy submissive. He likes you."

"God, don't play that game with me, Jeno. He's not at all what you've deduced, and yes, he's more submissive than me. Boohoo."

The dark-haired male sighed irritatedly before sitting back and cutting to the conversation he wanted to have. "Listen, Jaem. I didn't come out here to find you, obviously, but somehow I have, and I think it speaks to me as a bit of a warning."

"Oh? What kind of warning?" Jaemin knew damn well where this was going, and it wasn't in his favour.

"That I shouldn't have let you go the first time. C'mon, Jaem. Look at you. You're better than this, yet you're degrading yourself and your life for what? Freedom? Is it even worth it?"

"Ugh, of course it's worth it! My whole life has been nothing but one disappointing outcome after another, starting with the fact that nobody wanted me in the first place! I'm doing what I want for me. Anyone else's opinions are just second thought considerations."

"And where has that gotten you?" Jeno hummed in a low, threatening tone that basically shrugged off the veil of deceit he wore and brought out the wolf Jaemin knew him to be. "Stay."

"No."

"God, I'd almost forgotten how difficult you could be."

"Jen, you know I appreciate everything you've ever done for me, and I've never been able to repay you for it nor will I ever be able to....but I would do anything to make it up to you. I just can't love you."

"Why?!"

"Because I can't..." The younger then stood to give himself a little more confidence to argue. Nobody, not even Huang Renjun, made Jaemin feel as ordinary and pointless as this man did. It terrified him and excited him...but he couldn't play anymore.

He couldn't stop thinking of the little leader he was leaving behind while doing so.

"I'm gonna' go..."

"Jaemin-"

"I know what you want from me, Jeno. And I'm so sorry, but it's impossible to oblige." He turned to start walking away, moving towards the door at a faster-than-average walking pace and almost reaching it when the next thing said caught him off guard.

"Consequences."

The blonde halted right by the door. "What-" he went to turn around, though froze when a loud 'snap' rang through the apartment, followed by this strange, warm feeling in his side. It was sore.....really sore.

"Consequences. Either you agree for me, Baby, or you bleed out. That looks pretty bad," Jeno commented while motioning towards the growing blood patch seeping further and further along Jaemin's white, graphic t-shirt.

He shot me? The younger's eyes were so wide as he looked down to where his hands were pressing his wound. It wasn't a life threatening area, but it was definitely a threat to his life if he left it for much longer. ".....Jeno..."

"Hospital? You know what to do."

"God," Jaemin dropped to his knees as he compensated for the searing pain by doubling over. "Cheap move!"

"Maybe, but in my line of work, any tactic is a good tactic." He stood up as well and wandered over to crouch in front of him and force his chin up with his fingers. "You know I'll look after you. Staying out on the streets the way you do is just plain stupid."

"I.....refuse...."

"You're being silly-"

"Maybe I am. But I have one fucking good reason why I can't stay with you," he breathed out a laborious sigh before continuing, glancing at the weapon Jeno had left on the table and feeling irritated that he hadn't expected this, "If I'm going to die tonight, then I might as well tell someone."

"And what's that, Love?" The ravenette scowled, pushing him down to the ground to sit over his waist. "Something stupid, no doubt."

"Yeah, it is pretty stupid," Jaemin huffed as his hands were pulled away from the bullet wound and pinned above his head, the blood starting to seep out towards the floor, "I'm in love."

Jeno's eyes widened exponentially at the very mention of such a concept. His grip tightened on the other's limbs as a rage started to slowly boil. "You're...what?"

"I'm in love with the cutest mafia leader in the world, and I know he wants to kill me, he just doesn't know it yet."

He's losing his fucking mind. "Is the blood loss causing hallucinations?"

"I wish. I haven't been bleeding for the past two or three months though, have I?"

The older was so damn frustrated as he listened to him go on. He knew a part of Jaemin was trying to rebel for the last time, a silly tease to piss him off. But something like this wasn't a joke either.

Whoever this leader was had beaten him at a game he was sure he'd win.

"Who the fuck?!" He hissed, taking a fistful of Jaemin's hair and pulling his face closer painfully. "Who is it? That little kid from earlier?!"

"Se...secret," the younger coughed, cringing as black dots started sprinkling over his vision. "You'll never find him. He's....he's tougher than you'd think."

"Fucking try me, Na. I have it in my right mind to just take you to a hospital and lock you up for real when you're better!"

Jaemin subtly drew his hands behind his back and squeezed the latch on his bracelet, sending out the distress signal to the only boy he knew would come for him. Even after what he said back at the club. "I'd make life hard for you, wouldn't I? I'd be more like a hissy cat than a dog."

Jeno let him go, breathing too heavily to be natural as he stood and looked down at him. "You're awfully calm for someone who's about to die. It's infuriating, really. I love getting reactions from you since they're so rare."

"And I loved how you managed to do it," Jaemin winked sarcastically, "It made feel so disgustingly human."

•

•

•

"Don't follow me!" Donghyuck ordered Jungwoo and Chenle who were finishing up with the bodies and the questioning in the basement of the club. "Get back to the base as fast as you can."

"What? Where in the damn hell are you going?!" Jungwoo groaned. "You're always doing this!"

It's for that boy from earlier, isn't it? Chenle simply thought to himself as he sliced his claw across his victim's cheek, listening to his scream. He must be the 'Jaemin' person that Jisung spoke of, and who Taeil paled over.

"Just...don't follow," Hyuck muttered darkly before sprinting out and uncovering the bracelet he had hidden beneath his sleeve. He'd felt it start to vibrate in there, and now it was his chance to pull Jaemin up off the ground.

Idiot. Who would willingly follow a dickhead like that? He questioned to himself as he followed the beeping noises and the direction they guided him in. Every wrong turn he made, they'd stop, and he'd redirect himself until they popped up again. Come on, come on, come on!

He almost didn't believe his eyes when he arrived at a lavish complex made of white stone on one side, and completely glass on the other. Various lights were on, signifying some residents were home.

Jaemin was up there.

Donghyuck proceeded to run towards the automatic doors, disregarding the lazy receptionist he passed and heading straight towards the lift. It ascended as soon as he slammed his finger down on the top floor's button, assuming that the beeping would get more rapid once he made it to the correct floor, therefore locating his destination.

As expected, the little noise got faster and faster, dying off as he passed it. Floor thirty five. Gotcha.

Once the elevator elicited a 'ding', the doors slid open, letting a pair of ladies on dressed beautifully and with stunning makeup. They were Donghyuck's age no doubt, and smiled politely as they boarded.

"Are you on this floor, Mister?" One of them enquired, being proven wrong when the young adult hit the thirty fifth floor's button to descend.

"Nope. Which floor are you heading to?"

"The ground."

"Kay." He then tapped the 'G' sign a little more delicately and waited patiently for the contraption to take them downwards.

"You're...." one of them tried to speak, "You're not from around here, are you?"

Her friend, or girlfriend as it seemed by the way the other linked their arms, tapped her shoulder. "Shh, don't say it like that. He's a visitor, no doubt."

Donghyuck massaged his temples, turning to them and shaking his head. "I'm here to pick up my friend. He's an idiot and doesn't belong here either."

"Oh," the taller of the girls chuckled, patting his shoulder. "You're a good friend."

"Hopefully I'll get a date out of this," he winked cheekily, the doors flying open upon their arrival to the thirty fifth floor. "Enjoy yours, girls."

They blushed and cooed at his adorable nature. "Bye bye. I hope he appreciates your efforts."

The metal barriers hissed closed as the male gave them a wave, smiling faintly at their happiness. Damn, if tonight went as well as he hoped it would, Jaemin did owe him a bloody night out.

The hallway was quiet as he wandered down it, listening as the speeding beeps increased and increased the closer he got to door 1006. It suddenly cut off as soon as he stepped in front of it, obviously having made it to the right place.

He pressed his ear to the door carefully, hearing muffled whines from within and recognising that voice from anywhere.

He knocked politely, hoping he wouldn't have to kick the damn frame in and be charged with the damages. There was no response, so he tried the fancy doorbell that had a glowing ring around the button to let the guest know someone was occupying the place.

"Ow!" Jaemin shrieked, and that word alone was all it took for Donghyuck to think; fuck it, this asshole can live with a broken door!

His strong leg was aided by a heavy boot when he lifted it and applied a roundhouse kick, the whole white, wooden structure concaving in and crashing down to the side.

There, a little ways away from the entrance, was a lot of blood surrounding a male that was crawling for his life towards him. Over to the far end of the space was that same jerk from before, sitting with a drink in hand and a snide smile on the couch.

"Jaemin!" The brunette cried out, running in and dropping to his knees to pull the boy he'd come to love up into his arms. The blood was everywhere, creating a carpet of crimson red across the white tiles.

"You actually came," the blonde tried to chuckle, but couldn't even manage that as his deadweight body leaned against him. "Took you long enough."

"I'm terribly sorry that the bracelet doesn't have google maps, and that I was running around the streets of Seoul blindly, looking for you."

Jeno, clapped slowly and loudly from his comfortable seat on the sofa. "So that's what you were hanging on for, Jaem. You're Donghyuck, I presume?"

The younger picked the taller up into his arms and shifted him into a more comfortable position while fresh blood warmed his hands. "Actually, I'm Haechan, Fucker. And if you even consider, even dream of coming near Jaemin again, I won't hesitate to slit your throat after a long, long session with Jungwoo and his nail clippers."

Jeno picked up the gun off the table and held it up to face the barrel at the young mafia leader. "And what would you do if you were dead, hm? I'm very good at cleaning up nasty messes, and hiding their existence. You could both be nameless ghosts by sunrise if I pull this trigger."

Jaemin weakly leaned up to whisper against the older's ear, "How good is your aim?"

"Well," he whispered back almost inaudibly, "With you in my arms and that gun in the way..." he smiled condescendingly, "I'd say he's as good as dead."

Jeno moved forward with deadly eyes and a firm hold of the weapon in front of him. "Speak up, coward. Choose your last words wisely."

"Actually Jen," Jaemin spoke a bit louder, "I'd be careful what you say."

Donghyuck speedily changed the blonde's position to latch around his body like a young child, taking out his favourite knife and flicking his wrist in an instant, watching as the blade skimmed right down the barrel and towards the opponent's fingers.

Then, forcing him to drop his gun with a growl and embedding itself in his palm, Hyuck grinned victoriously. "I won't kill you, Asshole. It'd be too kind. I hope you think of Jaemin for the rest of your fucking life and remember that you can't have him."

Jeno pulled the knife straight out of his hand, scarlet liquid spewing from the injury, and threw it as hard as he could in their general direction, though the leader expected he'd do as much and dodged it, pulling it from the wall it had damaged.

"Nice aim. But no reward. I'll see you in hell," Haechan hummed and turned around to walk back out of the door.

"Hey! What makes you think I'll give up?!" He could hear as they continued down the hall.

"I have many talented friends that love a good body to abuse. You have a nice face," he glanced over his shoulder as he waited for the elevator to arrive. "How unfortunate for you."

Jaemin, at this point, was unconscious as he could finally let go in the safety of Donghyuck's arms. Jeno relented with his health, safety and life in mind. The doorway was also a solid piece of evidence that this 'kid' was capable of more than his physique would suggest.

That was a win in my books, the brunette thought victoriously before entering the small space of the lift.

•

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•

"It's definitely that traitor! Fuck!" Taeil tugged at his hair as Chenle leaned back against his table of tools back in the base's armoury. "Damn it, Lucas was right."

"Lucas was?"

"He said Jaemin was back, but I didn't believe him. I just...." The older's mind flitted back to when he and the tanned male took that picture of Mark, Renjun and Jaemin together. Stop. Snap out of it. "We need him dead. He's definitely aiming for our leader's head, and we can't let that happen."

"Taeil!" Chenle straightened up to grab and shake his shoulders. "Who the fuck is Jaemin?!"

"Nana, for fuck's sake! He's Nana!"

The ginger froze, backing away slowly to comprehend with what this meant. That was bad.

That was really bad.

"Tae.....you don't understand."

"What don't I understand? I know everything about this group-"

"They're in love. I've been watching them, remember? And back there, with Jeno.....they love each other. What do we tell Donghyuck? This is the same as Mark and Renjun back then, isn't it?"

"You," he motioned towards the younger, "Are doing nothing about this. I am going to figure out the cleanest way to get rid of Nana before more stupid problems arise. Don't breathe a word."

"I won't."

"Good...." Taeil rubbed his face tiredly. "That kid shouldn't have come back. I can't believe this."

"What about Renjun..."

Suddenly, that realisation hit both boys a lot harder than they needed. The broken Chinese adult hidden in these protective walls would surely shatter if he knew.

"Don't tell a soul. If you do, you know where the information might end up. Let me handle this."

"....Understood."

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Hope you enjoyed this, Lovelies. We've reached the climax of the book, so it's all downhill from here ;)