The streets of Rome were alive with the hum of evening traffic, the lights casting long shadows that danced across ancient stone and faded alleyways. Among the throngs of locals and tourists, a man slipped through unnoticed, his steps unhurried but purposeful. His face was partially obscured by the shadow of his worn leather jacket, but his eyes held a sharp gleam, calculating and intense.

He wasn’t wealthy by any means. The leather on his jacket was cracked, the seams frayed from years of use. His jeans bore evidence of countless miles traveled on foot, each rip and tear a testament to a life lived on the edges, scraping by in the underbelly of whichever city he happened to find himself in. This man had no empire, no family name worth a legacy. But he didn’t need them. His own ruthlessness, his hunger for control—these were his currency, his weapons.

He stopped, leaning against the rough, cold stone of an old wall, and lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply. As he exhaled, a slow, twisted smile crept onto his face as memories took hold. In his mind’s eye, she was there again: his little jewel, Miso. Even after seven years, the image of her was as vivid as ever, untouched by time or distance. He could still see her eyes—those wide, innocent eyes filled with fear and confusion, looking up at him with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability that had driven him wild.

Miso. Fragile, delicate Miso. She had been so young, so impressionable, a little bird trapped in his grasp. Vulnerable, yet fierce in a way that only made him want to break her more. Her innocence had been a rare, precious thing, one he had taken delight in shattering. And the way she had trembled, the way she had looked at him, a mixture of disbelief and fear—it had all been intoxicating. To him, she had been like a fragile flame, flickering and delicate, one he could snuff out with a mere touch.

He could still remember the way her small frame had fit into his arms, the way her breath would hitch, her body tense under his touch. She’d been so innocent, so unguarded. The mere brush of his fingers across her skin had been enough to make her recoil, her eyes widening with a terror she couldn’t hide. That fear had thrilled him, a potent drug he’d savored every moment of. She was a girl who had known nothing of darkness until he had come into her life, and he had taken full advantage of that.

But now, after all these years, he wondered how much of that innocence still remained. What had become of her since he left? Had she managed to rebuild herself, to piece together the fragments he’d left behind? Or had his absence shattered her even further, leaving her vulnerable and lost? His smile widened. Whatever the case, he would find her again. And when he did, he would take her apart once more, piece by piece, until there was nothing left but the Miso he remembered—his little jewel, terrified and powerless.

Flicking the cigarette to the ground, he crushed it under his boot and pushed off from the wall, moving through the alley toward his car. It was an old, battered thing, the paint chipped and faded, but it had served him well. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he gripped the wheel, feeling the rough leather under his fingers. He had saved every spare euro, scraped together whatever he could to fund his return to Seoul. This wasn’t just a visit; it was a return to unfinished business.

As he drove through the streets, heading toward the airport, his mind wandered, filling with dark anticipation. He wondered where she was now, what she looked like, what kind of life she had built for herself in his absence. Maybe she had found some semblance of peace, maybe even happiness. But that didn’t matter. Whatever comfort she had found, he would strip it away. He would bring her back to that place of fear and helplessness, remind her of who she truly was—his to break, his to control.

“Seven years…” he murmured to himself, a sinister glint in his eyes as he navigated the winding streets. “It’s been too long, my little jewel. Far too long.”

By the time he arrived at the airport, the night was fully settled, cloaking the city in shadows. He parked the car, its engine coughing to a halt, and headed into the terminal. He passed through the crowds with a kind of singular focus, ignoring the families and couples bustling around him, their laughter and chatter fading into a distant hum. All of them had lives, futures filled with hope and light. But his future? It lay somewhere in the dark alleys of Seoul, hidden within the shadows where he’d left her.

He stopped at the ticket counter, his voice low and curt as he requested a one-way ticket to Seoul. The attendant gave him a polite smile, unaware of the darkness simmering beneath his calm exterior.

As he boarded the plane, he sank into his seat, his eyes drifting shut, but his mind still racing. Thoughts of her—her scent, her touch, the way her voice had trembled when she’d spoken his name—all of it rushed back with a force he hadn’t expected. She was his obsession, his unfinished masterpiece, and this time, he wouldn’t leave until he had taken everything from her.

With a final, twisted smile, he whispered to himself, “I’ll find you, Miso. And when I do…” His fingers clenched, the leather of the seat creaking beneath his grip. “We’ll pick up right where we left off.”

------★------★-------★--------★--------★-------

The late afternoon sun poured through the tall windows of Taehyung’s office, casting warm golden rays across the sleek, modern furnishings. As he tapped away at his laptop, the steady rhythm of the keyboard punctuated the otherwise quiet atmosphere. He was deep into reviewing contracts and financial reports when his phone buzzed, a sharp reminder of the outside world.

Glancing down, he saw Yang’s name flashing on the screen. Taehyung answered immediately, his expression shifting to one of focused curiosity. “What’s going on?”

“Boss,” Yang’s voice came through, steady but laced with an undertone of concern. “We have a situation regarding your father.”

Taehyung straightened in his chair, suddenly alert. “What do you mean? What happened?”

There was a pause on the other end, and Taehyung could hear the faint sound of papers rustling. “He left for Italy last week, but he didn’t inform anyone—no plans, no itinerary. It was as if he just vanished.”

“Vanished?” Taehyung echoed, his heart pounding in his chest. “What do you mean by vanished? How do you know he’s in Italy?”

“Multiple sources have reported seeing him at a private airport in Seoul before his departure,” Yang explained. “But after that, there’s been no communication. No phone calls, no updates. It’s as if he’s gone off the grid.”

Taehyung’s brow furrowed, unease settling in his stomach. His father had always been meticulous about his movements, always keeping a tight grip on his affairs. This sudden disappearance was highly uncharacteristic and deeply troubling. “Have you checked with our contacts in Italy? Someone must know where he is or what he’s doing.”

“Already on it, Boss,” Yang replied. “I’ve reached out to our people there. But as of now, it seems like no one has seen him since his arrival.”

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair, the weight of his father’s absence pressing heavily on his mind. “This isn’t like him, Yang. Something is off. I need you to dig deeper. I want every possible lead on his whereabouts.”

“Of course,” Yang said. “I’ll keep you updated.”

After hanging up, Taehyung sat in silence, his mind racing. His father’s recent behavior had become increasingly erratic, and this trip felt more like a departure than a business venture. Taehyung’s instincts told him this was about more than just business; it was personal. The undercurrents of tension between him and his father had been building for years, and now it felt like a storm was brewing.

He leaned forward, rifling through the papers on his desk, searching for any hints his father might have left behind. There was a faint, nagging worry gnawing at him. His father had spent his life navigating the dangerous waters of the underworld, and he had made many enemies along the way.

As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow across the skyline, Taehyung decided he could no longer sit idly. He grabbed his jacket and headed out of the office, determination etched on his face. The unsettling feeling in his gut urged him to take action.

---

The drive through Seoul was a blur of lights and sounds, but Taehyung’s thoughts remained focused. He needed answers, and he needed them fast. His mind wandered back to the last time he had seen his father—a heated argument that had escalated beyond words. Taehyung had been adamant about running the family business his way, and his father had not taken kindly to that sentiment. Their relationship had been strained, punctuated by unspoken resentment and expectations.

Arriving at the headquarters of the family business, Taehyung was met with the familiar hustle and bustle of his men. They knew him well—his presence commanded respect. But tonight, he needed more than respect; he needed information.

“Gather everyone in the conference room,” he ordered to his trusted men including Yon and Yang, his tone brooking no argument. “We need to discuss about some important business ”

The men nodded, their expressions serious as they filed into the room. Taehyung stood at the head of the table, his mind racing as he prepared to share what little he knew. He glanced around, catching sight of Yang who had just entered, his face tight with concern.

As the men settled, Taehyung cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “I just received news that my father  left for Italy without informing anyone, and there’s been no word since. I want all of you to keep your ears open and gather any intel you can find.”

Murmurs rippled through the room, a mix of disbelief and concern. “Do we have any idea why he left?” one of the men asked.

“No, but we need to find out. He could bring danger, or worse.” Taehyung’s gaze hardened, determination igniting within him. “My father had caused many problems over the years. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but we cannot afford to be caught off guard.”

Yang interjected, “I’ve already reached out to our contacts in Italy. We’ll need to be ready for anything.”

“Let’s set up a surveillance operation,” Taehyung commanded. “If he’s made any moves that put us at risk, we’ll find out what’s going on. I want updates every hour.”

The men nodded, the atmosphere charged with urgency. They respected Taehyung and understood the gravity of the situation. As they dispersed to execute their tasks, Taehyung remained at the table, the weight of impending decisions pressing down on him.

He knew the stakes were high, and while he often thrived in chaos, this felt different. There was something more sinister lurking behind his father’s disappearance, and he wouldn’t rest until he uncovered the truth.

Taking a deep breath, Taehyung resolved to navigate this storm with the same resolve that had carried him through countless battles in the past. The only thing he could do was forge ahead, protecting the family and everything they had built. He had to know why his father went there, no matter the cost.

------★--------★-------★--------★--------★------

Taehyung walked into the dimly lit bar, the familiar scent of aged wood and spilled drinks wrapping around him like a cozy blanket. The chatter of patrons and the clinking of glasses created a warm ambiance, but it did little to ease the tension he carried from the news of his father’s unexpected disappearance. As he scanned the room, his gaze landed on his friends gathered around a corner table, laughter erupting from them like bubbles in a shaken soda.

Jimin was the first to spot him, waving him over with a bright grin. “There he is! Thought you might’ve gotten lost on the way here, Taehyung.”

“But we are glad you finally decided to join us!” Hoseok called out, his smile wide and inviting, waving Taehyung over with enthusiasm.

“Sorry, I got held up,” Taehyung replied, forcing a smile as he joined them, sliding into a seat next to Jungkook, who was already nursing a beer.

“More like brooding in your office again,” Seokjin chimed in, his voice teasing yet tinged with concern. “You know, you can’t solve every problem with scowling and paperwork.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smirk. “What, you think I enjoy staring at the same documents for hours? The world of crime doesn’t stop just because I want to take a break.”

“Right,” Jimin said, his tone playful as he nudged Taehyung’s shoulder. “But it doesn’t help that you have a permanent frown on your face, man. It’s like you’re trying to scare off customers.”

“Better scare them away than get them mixed up in my mess,” Taehyung replied, his voice lightening as he waved down a waiter for a drink.

“So, what’s really bothering you?” Jungkook asked, his expression serious as he leaned in closer. “You’ve been off lately. It’s not just about the paperwork, is it?”

“Just business,” Taehyung replied curtly, though he knew it wouldn’t end the questioning.

Namjoon, his older brother, sat to Jungkook’s left. Though Namjoon kept his distance from the mafia world, he always had a sense for when something was off. He raised an eyebrow, looking directly at Taehyung. “Something serious? Or just the usual?”

Taehyung considered his words, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. He rarely opened up about his family matters, but these were the few men he could trust implicitly. Finally, he let out a slow breath. “ Father… recently went to Italy. Without a word. No explanation, no destination , he just… disappeared. He went to Italy for some ‘business,’ but it feels off. He didn’t tell anyone, not even his bodyguard know about him. I just have this gut feeling something isn’t right.”

“What do you mean, disappeared?” Hoseok pressed, concern evident in his voice. “Like, he’s just gone?”

“Yeah,” Taehyung said, his voice low. “Nobody knows why he went or what he’s doing there. It’s like he vanished into thin air.”

“Sounds like he’s living the high life without you,” Jungkook joked, trying to lighten the mood. “I mean, who wouldn’t want a break from all this?”

Taehyung shot him a look. “This isn’t funny, Jungkook. My Father used to run the family business. If he’s not here—”

Then Namjoon said with his usual calm and calculative voice “ I also have doubt about him, he's been behaving strange lately. He wouldn’t risk moving like that without a good reason. And if he causes any trouble—

“Then it’s Taehyung job to make sure everything stays under control,” Seokjin interrupted gently. “And he's doing a damn good job of it. But Taehyung you need to talk to us about this. We’re your friends, remember?”

“I appreciate it, but you guys have enough to worry about,” Taehyung said, his tone softening. “ If my father is up to something dangerous… I’ll intervene before he has the chance to disrupt everything, but I don’t want to drag you all into my mess.”

“Too late for that,” Jungkook countered, crossing his arms with a smirk. “We’ve been dragged in since the day we met you. So spill it. What’s the plan?”

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. “I need to find out what’s going on with  Father. I can’t just sit here and wait for him to come back. If he is trying to bring trouble, I have to figure it out.”

“Let us help you,” Jungkook said, his voice earnest. “We’re in this together, right?  We’ll find out what he’s up to. You’re not alone in this, Taehyung. We’re all here, whether it’s business, family, or anything in between. Brothers till the end?”

“Right,” Taehyung agreed, feeling the weight of his friends’ support. “But we have to do it carefully. I can’t let anyone know I’m looking into it. The last thing I need is to attract unwanted attention.”

“Leave that to us,” Hoseok grinned. “We’re masters of blending in. Plus, I’ve been wanting to test out my new ‘stealth’ moves.” He flexed his arms, pretending to sneak away.

Jimin chuckled, feeling a little lighter. “You mean your ‘clumsy bear’ moves?”

“Hey!” Hoseok protested, pretending to be offended. “I’ll have you know I’m a graceful bear.”

“More like a bear that just woke up from hibernation,” Jungkook quipped, and they all erupted into laughter.

As they settled back into their playful banter, Taehyung felt a surge of gratitude. This was his family, his chosen brothers. No matter how heavy the world felt, these moments of camaraderie kept him grounded.

“Seriously though,” Seokjin said, sobering slightly, “we know how much you’ve sacrificed to keep the family business afloat. You handle a lot of pressure, Taehyung. The logistics of the mafia world, the countless deals, and managing people who could turn on you in a second—it’s a lot.”

Taehyung nodded, remembering the countless nights spent poring over documents and dealing with shady characters. “Yeah, but it’s what I signed up for. You all know what I have to do to protect our family and the business. I don’t like the idea of him going behind everyone’s back. It feels… deliberate. I need to find out what’s really happening.”

Jimin leaned in closer, his eyes serious. “And you’ve got us, man. Hoseok is the king of socializing; he can dig up information from anywhere. Seokjin and Namjoon knows how to work the connections with the other families , Jungkook and me will keep record of unusual activities around us and your men can handle the fieldwork. We’re your eyes and ears, whatever it takes.”

“Exactly,” Hoseok added, a grin breaking through his serious façade. “And if we have to throw a wild party to get intel, you know I’m game.”

Taehyung slightly smiled , shaking his head at Hoseok’s antics. “You’re always looking for an excuse to party.”

“Life is too short for anything else!” Hoseok exclaimed, throwing his arms wide.

“Yeah, but sometimes it feels like we’re running in circles. We need real answers, not just gossip,” Namjoon remarked, his brow furrowed in thought. “Let’s start piecing together where our Father was last seen, who he was meeting, and see if we can figure out if anyone’s been in contact with him since he left.”

“Right,” Taehyung agreed, feeling the determination build in the room. “And whatever happens, I’ll handle it. I can’t let anything jeopardize Family safety either.”

“Speaking of which,” Jimin interjected, a smirk on his face, “you’ve been spending a lot of time with Miso, huh? Careful, or we might have to get you a sappy love song to go with that mood of yours.”

“Shut up,” Taehyung said, though he couldn’t hide his smile. “ You all know how much she means to me . How  important  she is to me you all know. But she's still family member so her safety is also in question.”

“I’m just saying,” Jimin said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “She’s not just a pretty face. She’s tough and smart. You’re lucky to have her.”

“And you’re lucky to have us,” Seokjin reminded him. “No matter what happens next, we’re in this together. If your father's trouble comes knocking at your door, we’ll stand beside you, just like we always have.”

“Let’s just hope we can keep it all under wraps,” Taehyung said, feeling a mix of gratitude and weight on his shoulders. “This Business and throne means everything to me, and so does you all . I’ll protect all of this  at all costs.”

These men had seen him through his most vulnerable moments. They knew the weight he carried and had never once faltered in their loyalty. He relaxed slightly, allowing himself to feel the rare comfort of their camaraderie.

Jimin clapped a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, his grin returning. “But enough of this heavy talk. You came here to relax, didn’t you? Let’s toast to whatever trouble lies ahead.”

Laughter echoed around the table, breaking the tension as they raised their glasses. Taehyung clinked his glass with each of them, a faint smirk on his lips. “To us, then. The ones who’ll always have each other’s backs.”

Hoseok, in his typical dry humor, added, “And to keeping you out of jail… again.”

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. “Just don’t let me end up on the front page of tomorrow’s news. I’d hate to give my enemies any satisfaction.”

The mood around the table grew lighter as the night wore on. Jimin filled the air with tales of his recent business ventures, painting his successes with his usual mix of charm and swagger. Jungkook chimed in with his own observations, lacing his words with a quiet wit that had everyone chuckling. Namjoon kept the conversation grounded, his presence a steady anchor amid the boisterous exchanges.

With a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie, they raised their glasses again, a united front ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. The bond they shared was stronger than any threat that lurked in the shadows, and together, they were determined to uncover the truth behind the growing uncertainty of their lives.

************************************

Author's Note:

Hey, lovely readers! 🌟

I hope you enjoyed this chapter filled with suspense and intrigue! Taehyung is diving deeper into the chaos of his family dynamics, and I can’t wait to see how he handles the unexpected disappearance of his father. Seriously, what’s up with that guy? One minute he’s the rude, power hungry ,control freak father, and the next, he’s off gallivanting in Italy like he’s on a European vacation instead of running a taking care of his family! I’m just waiting for Taehyung to burst through the door and be like, “Father, you can’t just leave for Italy without telling anyone! Who’s running things while you’re off sipping espresso and eating gelato?”

And let’s not forget our mysterious unknown person lurking in the shadows! I mean, who is this guy, and why is he so obsessed with our sweet little Miso? It’s like he’s been waiting in the wings, plotting and scheming, but come on, buddy! Did you think you could just waltz back into Seoul after seven years and everything would be fine? Spoiler alert: it’s not going to be that easy! 😏

As we explore the layers of Taehyung’s character, I want you all to feel the weight of his responsibility and the bonds that tie him to his past. His determination to uncover the truth about his father's sudden trip to Italy is just the beginning. How do you think this will affect his relationship with Miso and the others? And what kind of shenanigans do you think this unknown person has up his sleeve?

Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Your feedback means the world to me, and I love hearing your theories and reactions. Stay tuned for the next chapter as we unravel more secrets and delve into the emotional turmoil that awaits our characters, along with a healthy dose of humor because, let’s face it, we need some laughs in this dramatic chaos!

Thanks for reading, and as always, happy reading! 💖

With love,
StarlitWings