Kim Taehyung

****

A few weeks had passed since I had let my guard down, and that moment of weakness was a festering wound in my mind. Anger coursed through me like a poison, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was slipping. The Busan territory was finally mine, and I had power in my hands, but it was never enough. I needed to remind everyone, especially myself, who the fuck I was.

As I stalked through the dimly lit halls of my Daegu territory, I could feel my temper boiling, simmering just beneath the surface. I didn't want to show any softness; it was a disease, and I wasn't about to let it infect me. I was a king, and kings didn't show mercy.

I pushed open the door to the torture chamber, a place where betrayal met punishment. My enemies lay bound and broken, their fear palpable in the air. It was time to unleash the storm that raged inside me.

I spotted one of the idiots responsible for trying to overstep his bounds in my territory, a weakling who thought he could challenge my authority. He was tied to a chair, trembling as he realized his fate. "You thought you could cross me, you pathetic piece of shit?" I growled, stepping closer.

"Please, Taehyung! I didn't mean it!" he begged, his voice shaking. "I was just-"

"Just what?" I interrupted, my patience thinning. "Just trying to fuck with me? You think I'd let that slide? You're nothing but a fly buzzing in my ear, and I'm about to squash you."

With a vicious snarl, I grabbed a metal pipe from the table beside me and swung it with all my might, connecting it with his ribs. The sickening crack echoed in the chamber, and his scream sent a jolt of satisfaction through me. "How does it feel to know you're about to die a worthless death?" I taunted, swinging the pipe again, each blow echoing with retribution.

I turned my gaze toward the other men in the room, my loyal soldiers, who stood frozen in shock. They had seen me angry before, but this? This was different. I was a raging beast, a whirlwind of violence. "You see this?" I roared, gesturing to the bloodied mess before me. "This is what happens when you fucking cross me! You think I'm playing games? I'll bury you all if you think you can challenge my rule!"

One of my men hesitantly stepped forward, trying to reason with me. "Boss, maybe you should-"

"Shut the fuck up!" I bellowed, cutting him off. "You want to join him? You think I'll go easy on you just because we've fought together? No one gets mercy in my kingdom!" I turned my focus back to the man in the chair, who was gasping for breath, his face pale and drenched in sweat.

"Please, Taehyung... I'll do anything. Just stop!" he whimpered, trying to squirm away. But I was done listening to pleas.

"Anything? How about this: you can start by telling me who put you up to this," I growled, raising the pipe high above my head.

"I swear, I didn't-"

"Liar!" I swung down again, the pipe cracking against his skull this time. Blood splattered across the floor, and his eyes rolled back in fear. "I want names! Or I'll beat every ounce of life out of you until you give me something worth my time."

He choked on his own blood, gasping for air, and I could see the fear eating away at him. "It was Jin! Jin was behind it! I swear!" he cried, desperation evident in his voice.

"Good boy," I sneered, taking a step back to admire my handiwork. His face was a mess of blood and bruises, and I felt a rush of satisfaction at his broken state. "But I think you need a reminder of who you're dealing with."

With a final, brutal blow, I smashed the pipe against his ribs, enjoying the sickening crunch as I broke bone. He howled in agony, and I reveled in the sound. "Remember this pain the next time you think about crossing me, you worthless worm."

As I stepped back, my men exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and fear. They had witnessed the wrath of their leader, and I could feel their apprehension. "If anyone else in this room thinks they can betray me," I warned, my voice low and dangerous, "you'll end up like him. I'll make sure you wish you had never been born. You are mine to command, and you better remember that."

I turned to leave, the rush of power still coursing through my veins. "Get rid of this trash," I ordered, my voice icy. "I don't want to see his face again."

As I stepped out into the corridor, the cool air hit my face, a stark contrast to the heat of my fury. I knew I had to maintain control, but the thrill of violence lingered in the back of my mind. I wouldn't let anything weaken me again. I was Taehyung, the mafia king, and I would crush anyone who dared to challenge my rule.

That weakness? It was gone. In its place was a cold, unyielding resolve. And I was just getting started.

_______________________________________

The sleek black SUV glided through the bustling streets of Seoul, the neon lights reflecting off its polished surface. I sat in the back, flanked by Yin and Yang, my loyal enforcers. The weight of recent victories hung heavy on my shoulders, but today was about consolidating power, forging alliances that would solidify my position as the king of this city. The thought of it sent a shiver of satisfaction down my spine.

As we arrived at the high-rise building where the meeting was set to take place, I could see the nervous energy buzzing among the gathered associates. They were like moths drawn to the flame of my new power, and I intended to let them know exactly who was in control.

We stepped into the grand conference room, the long table polished to perfection and surrounded by suits and ties that reeked of desperation and ambition. As I took my seat at the head of the table, I could feel the eyes of the room on me, assessing, calculating.

"Gentlemen," I began, my voice low and laced with authority. "I trust you understand the significance of this meeting." I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as I surveyed their faces. The tension in the room was palpable, and it was music to my ears.

Yin leaned closer, his cold voice cutting through the air. "They're anxious, boss. They can smell the power shift."

"Let them feel it," I replied, a smirk creeping onto my lips. "They need to know what happens when they align with a king rather than a pawn."

Yang, with his steely demeanor, added, "Your power is like a loaded gun, boss. They'd be wise to tread carefully."

I straightened up, casting my gaze over the assembled men. "I've taken the Busan territory, which means I'm not just another player in this game-I'm the one holding the cards. Those who want to work with me will find that I reward loyalty generously. But those who dare to cross me? They'll wish they never thought of it."

A murmur of unease rippled through the room, and I savored it. I could see the way they fidgeted, some glancing nervously at each other, as if wondering who among them might have the audacity to challenge me.

A man in a crisp navy suit leaned forward, trying to mask his fear with bravado. "And what guarantees can you provide us, Taehyung? We've heard rumors, but we need to know what you can offer in return for our allegiance."

I met his gaze with an icy stare, my smile vanishing. "Guarantees? What I can offer is protection. My enemies become your enemies. Your rivals will think twice when they know they're up against me." I paused, letting my words sink in, then added, "You align with me, and you align with power. But cross me, and you'll find yourself wishing you had stayed in the shadows."

Yang's voice turned cold as ice. "You know what happens when someone crosses the boss, don't you?"

Yin nodded, his expression serious. "The last guy who tried? Let's just say he won't be causing any more trouble."

A collective shudder passed through the room at the mention of the last traitor-a grim reminder of what awaited anyone foolish enough to challenge my authority.

The man in the navy suit swallowed hard, his bravado quickly evaporating. "We understand, Taehyung. We want to work with you. We're ready to move forward."

"Good," I replied, my smirk returning as I felt the tension begin to shift in my favor. "But let me make one thing clear: I don't need your alliances to grow stronger. I can conquer each of you without breaking a sweat. I'm offering you a chance-a chance to be on the winning side when this game inevitably turns."

The room fell silent, the implications of my words hanging heavily in the air. I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You think I'm here to beg for your support? I'm giving you an opportunity to survive. Make no mistake; this is your last warning. Choose wisely."

As the discussions unfolded, I kept my demeanor cold and calculated, every word dripping with authority. I laid out the terms of our alliance with precision, ensuring they knew the price of their allegiance. The fear in their eyes morphed into a grudging respect, and I relished the shift.

"Remember," I said, leaning forward, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "In my world, loyalty is rewarded, but betrayal is met with an unforgiving hand. You don't want to find out what happens if you step out of line."

As the meeting continued, I could see Yin and Yang keeping a watchful eye on the room. They were my guard dogs, ready to protect me from any sign of disloyalty.

Once the terms were settled, I leaned back in my chair, satisfied. "Now, let's finalize these deals. I expect each of you to uphold your end of the bargain, or I'll personally ensure you regret it."

As the meeting concluded, I watched the men shuffle out of the room, eager to get started on our new alliance. They were beginning to understand that I wasn't just a powerful player in this game-I was the king, and this was my court.

Once the last of them left, I turned to Yin and Yang, who had been silent but vigilant throughout the meeting.

"Not bad for a day's work, huh?" I remarked, smirking at them.

Yin's lips curled into a slight smirk, his eyes glinting with approval. "You've got them right where you want them, boss. They'll think twice before stepping out of line."

Yang's tone was cold but respectful. "They'll remember your words. You've made sure of that."

"Trust me," I said, my voice low and dangerous, "they will."

With that, we exited the conference room, the weight of my newfound power settling over me like a cloak. The kingdom of Seoul was expanding, and I intended to make sure everyone knew that I was the one in charge.

_______________________________________

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime as I stepped into my penthouse, the weight of everything heavier than usual. It had been over a month since my so-called marriage to Miso, and in that time, the world around me had shifted. The territories I sought were mine now-Busan, Daegu, and beyond. Every piece of land added more power to my empire, each victory reinforcing my hold over the mafia world.

I poured myself a glass of whiskey, watching the amber liquid swirl in the glass. My father must have thought he was smart, pulling strings behind the scenes, pushing me into that marriage to secure territory. Maybe at one point, it seemed like he held the cards, but now, I was the one holding the entire deck. With every step, every strategic move, I had outgrown his influence. It had been his idea to marry Miso, thinking that he could still manipulate me into his vision of control. But what he didn't realize was that I had surpassed him in every way. I didn't need him anymore.

I lifted the glass to my lips, the burn of the whiskey a small distraction from the real problem gnawing at my mind. Miso.

That woman had a talent for getting under my skin, and she didn't even need to try.

Some days, it was the simple things. Her incessant whining to go shopping, dragging yin and yang into hours of indecision over which overpriced bag to buy, or throwing a fit when I made her come to business events she had no interest in. The way she fussed, the way she squirmed-any other woman would have broken by now under the pressure I placed on her. But not her.

I let out a slow breath, the frustration building. What bothered me most was that every time I thought I had her figured out, she'd surprise me. She didn't snap. She didn't break. I would drag her to those parties, forcing her to stand by my side even though I knew she hated every second of it. I could see it in her eyes-the annoyance, the disdain-but she still held her ground. She didn't embarrass me. She played her part, flashing those fake smiles to my associates, never giving them any reason to question her.

But once we were home, the storm would hit.

One day, she was fiery and sassy, throwing back every insult I hurled at her like a damn warrior in the ring. She had that boldness, that fire in her eyes, and it drove me insane. The next day, she'd lock herself away, distant and quiet, and it felt like I was dealing with an entirely different person. Some nights, she'd strut around in those sexy outfits that made every man in the room turn their head, taunting me with her presence. And then, just when I thought I had her pegged as a seductress, she'd appear in something soft and cute, like she was trying to play innocent.

The way she moved between these extremes... it was as if she knew exactly how to fuck with my mind.

I hated it.

I hated that I noticed her. I hated that she could get under my skin without even saying a word. Her mere presence was enough to annoy me, to distract me, and I despised that more than anything else. I didn't want to have feelings for her-I didn't have feelings for her-but that didn't change the fact that she was attractive. Even a blind man couldn't ignore how stunning she was. Her beauty wasn't the problem; it was the fact that she had a way of turning everything on its head without even trying.

The whiskey in my glass was almost gone by the time my thoughts returned to Yin and Yang. At first, I hadn't cared when they started spending more time around Miso. They were my men, my shadows, the two people I trusted to handle anything. But lately, they'd grown close to her, especially Yang. I wasn't blind-I saw everything. I saw the way they looked out for her, the way their gazes softened around her.

It had started subtly. A lingering glance here, a small gesture there. But then there was the day I was home, sitting in the living room, when Miso, being the reckless idiot she was, decided to climb up onto the kitchen counter for some reason I couldn't fathom. I watched as she nearly slipped, and Yin, usually stoic and reserved, actually looked worried.

"Boss, should I go to her?" he had asked, his voice quiet but laced with concern.

I had gritted my teeth, more irritated by the fact that he felt the need to ask for permission. "Do whatever the hell you want. Just don't coddle her."

And then he had gone to her, his cold demeanor cracking just slightly as he scolded her for being careless. And what did she do? She fired right back, her usual sassy remarks earning a small smirk from him. That moment was when I realized that the dynamics had shifted. Yin and Yang weren't just my shadows anymore-they had become her protectors too.

Not that it bothered me much. As long as they didn't cross the line, I could tolerate their friendship. But I was keeping a close eye on them. Because the moment they stepped out of line, I wouldn't hesitate to remind them where their loyalty truly lay.

Setting the empty glass down with a sharp clink, I ran a hand through my hair, irritation boiling beneath the surface. Miso was supposed to be my wife in name only, a tool in this game for power. But she was proving to be far more than that.

And I hated it.

I strode toward the balcony, the cool night air hitting my face as I stepped outside. The lights of Seoul spread out beneath me, a reminder of the empire I was building. My father couldn't touch me now, not with the territories I'd acquired, not with the power I held. I was untouchable.

But Miso... she was a different kind of enemy. One I couldn't defeat with intimidation or violence. And that made her dangerous in ways I hadn't expected.

I clenched the balcony railing, the metal cold beneath my fingers. She was nothing but an inconvenience, a stepping stone on my path to ultimate control. And yet, she was somehow more than that. I hated that she made me feel... off balance. I hated that I couldn't control her as easily as everything else in my life.

The sliding door behind me opened, and I turned to see Yin and Yang standing there, their faces as unreadable as always.

"Boss," Yang said, his voice low and respectful. "Everything's set for tomorrow. The deal's secure."

Yin gave a small nod, his eyes flickering to me before he spoke. "And about Miso? Should we-"

I cut him off with a glare. "Don't worry about her. She's my problem."

Yang's lips twitched into a small, knowing smile, though he quickly wiped it away. "Understood, boss. We'll stay in our lane."

They knew better than to push the subject. Miso was mine to handle, and no one else. Even if she was becoming more of a complication than I had anticipated, I would deal with her in my own way. She might have been a wild card, but she was still just a piece in the larger game.

Turning back to the city, I let out a slow breath, trying to push her from my mind. I had more important things to focus on-deals, power plays, securing my position as the most dangerous man in South Korea. Miso would be dealt with when the time came. For now, I had to keep my eyes on the prize.

But deep down, I knew she wasn't going anywhere. And that only made me want to break her even more.

As I turned away from the balcony and headed back inside, the weight of the empire I was building settled back on my shoulders. The world was mine for the taking, and no one-not my father, not my enemies, not even Miso-was going to stand in my way.

I was the king. And in this game, there could only be one ruler.

Miso would learn that soon enough.

★★★★★★★

Author's Note:

Things are heating up between Taehyung and Miso! 😏 Taehyung's grip on his empire is tightening, but will Miso continue to challenge him? Keep reading to find out!