"I can't understand why he'd give Taehyung back to Dori. I mean for Christ's sake, he tried to kill me and he acts as if just another day has gone by without a hitch. And I don't believe Dori's bullshit either. I mean, Taehyung? Stealing from him? It sounded like a lie just to get him back."

Currently, Jungkook, Runa, and Cookie sat on the couch across from Dong-Wook. After the events of last night, he called them over to his place so they could talk privately away from prying eyes and ears, meaning Min-Su.

This morning when she woke up, she was a little too disappointed that Jungkook had already left to get ready for the day, and when she got the call and they drove into the city to meet with the underboss, neither of them mentioned the fact that they slept so close to each other.

Just thinking about it made her feel giddy, remembering how close they were and how nice the view of his back was. But right now she was too heated to think about it.

She couldn't wrap her head around why Taehyung tried to kill her. Maybe he was sick of being in the friend zone and had a psychotic breakdown. That theory would be plausible in his case, considering how mentally unstable he was anyway.

Dong-Wook agrees with her on that, about to reach in his pocket for his cigarettes but immediately he puts his hand down. He knew how much she hated smoking, mostly because her father almost always had a cigar in his mouth and the scent brought back bad memories that didn't need to be rehashed.

"I know. We couldn't do anything right then because you know how your father gets when we disobey him. He's been easygoing lately compared to how he was when he was younger. Maybe he's just tired and doesn't have the energy to get pissed at us like he used to. Maybe he feels guilty."

That makes her raise a brow and deadpan, her eyes immediately rolling at that statement, "My father doesn't ever feel guilty for shit. He's an asshole and he always will be till the day he dies."

The underboss only shrugs, "Who knows with that man, he's unpredictable and selfish. Always has been. Right now we need to focus on Dori and Taehyung. I figure that the man needs to build up his strength considering the beating he got so we'll try to find where he's holding up. I might look around the hotel the Yakuza are staying at just to make sure Dori isn't keeping him close."

"You need to be careful. I doubt they'll like you sniffing around where they sleep. You might get bloody if you're caught."

The man smiles, giving her a certain look, "Runa, when have I ever gotten caught? You know me, I'm always careful. If anything, I'm the one who should be saying that to you."

She falls silent and looks away from that concerned expression on his face, "I'm fine, Dong-Wook. If you ask me one more time I might just show you how fine I am."

He doesn't budge from the threat because that's how she always was. Inherently aggressive and sarcastic, and most people just thought she was a bitch. And most of those idiots didn't realize that not everybody puts on a fake persona just to appease others.

If you didn't like her ruthless honesty, she didn't give a flying fuck about it. She was unapologetically her, Kang Runa, and she was proud to be the woman she became. And one of the only men that cared, Dong-Wook, was more than proud of her as well so he never took her glares and attitude to heart. That was just her sense of humor.

"No matter what you say or do, I'm going to worry regardless. I know you're ok physically, but I can tell how exhausted you are from this mess. You've been working exceptionally hard and the tiredness is clear in your face. Take a day off, get some rest. Because I know you've been pulling all-nighters trying to figure this out."

The stern look he gives makes her huff and pet Cookie on the head for comfort, "I don't take days off. You know that's not how I work. But what should we do about Dori and Taehyung? I know you said you'd look around where they're occupied but there has to be something more we could do."

Dong-Wook hums in thought, "I think considering Taehyung's attempt to kill you, Dori is gonna be extra careful and keep him close and safe. The hotel is our best bet, and if not, I'll talk to the gang leaders about keeping an eye out for both men."

She agrees with a nod, "Alright, that sounds like a good idea. I have work to do and should get going so call me if anything comes up."

Dong-Wook leads Runa, her bodyguard, and Cookie to the front door and after they bid each other goodbye with a salute, the trio exit the condo and step into the elevator. It was a bit tense between them, she was certain he didn't like the fact that she slept so close to him last night but it was too awkward to say anything.

She'd rather suffer in silence than admit to him that she liked sleeping beside him, that his warmth and the subtle aroma of his aftershave made her feel calm and easily put her to sleep.

They stayed quiet as they walked to her car, him driving of course and before he could ask where their next destination was, her phone buzzed with a notification, breaking the silence.

She saw it was a message from an unknown number and she opened it out of curiosity, her heart starting to thud in her chest when she saw what it said and Jungkook waited for her to say something.

Unknown number: Hello Runa, you don't know me just yet and I know how out of the blue this is, I understand why you wouldn't trust a stranger considering what happened last night but I'm on your side. I want to help you and have some information I know you'd be interested in.

Immediately she frowns and looks around to make sure no one is watching them, and it makes Jungkook do the same and wonder why she looked so serious.

"Is everything alright? Where are we headed next?", he asks and she turns to him.

"You can turn off the car for now. I need to do something."

He does as she says and stares out at the building across from where they are parked. Cookie was in the backseat lying down, and although Runa knew how dangerous this could be, she was desperate for answers and needed them fast.

She was curious as to how this person got her number and knew what happened last night. It was slightly unnerving and she took a careful chance, being thorough before accepting anything this person gave her as the truth.

Runa: Who is this? And how do you know about last night?

Unknown: I can't tell you who I am just yet, but I'm someone who's been watching over you. It sounds creepy I know, but you can trust me even if you don't know who I am. I've tried to keep you safe all these years, but now is the time for us to meet. That can't happen until I give you what you need.

Runa: And what makes you think I'll believe you?

Unknown: Because I'm a friend of Dong-Wook's and I knew your mother. I'm the leader of the Russian mafia, a close ally with your family.

Runa: From what I heard you're involved with the enemy, meaning some new drug lord and his buddy Dori, the Yakuza leader. Rumors say you have a connection with this unknown man. Is that true?

Unknown: I don't know who the drug lord is, but he is a threat and he isn't just a rumor. Dori is involved with him and Taehyung is too. He's a traitor and I've been unsuccessful in finding the identity of this man. I know you haven't had much luck yourself, and that's why the time is right for me to give you something.

Runa: And what would that something be?

Unknown: A hard drive

Runa: I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say there's a video on it. Correct?

Unknown: Yes. I can't tell you what it is because you won't believe me until you see it with your own eyes. I watched it about a dozen times when it was brought to me for safekeeping, and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

Unknown: I know how rough things have been lately, I understand why you're skeptical of me and my intentions. But you need to see this, and once you do you'll understand everything.

Runa: If you are truly the leader of the Russian mafia, prove it to me. What are the materials we trade with you? Name locations and how we ship our goods so I know you're being for real.

Unknown: You trade military-grade weapons. A variety of guns, knives, and explosives. In return, we give you soldiers, a specific supply of the drug opium poppy, and access to ships and trade routes around the world but specifically in East Asia

Unknown: Last month on the 17th, your shipment of machine guns arrived at the Port of Novorossiysk at around 9 p.m. And on the 19th, our ship 00700 had arrived at Port Newark with about a hundred pounds of opium poppy and methamphetamine.

Runa checked her calendar list, checking those dates to see what events happened that day because she always kept track of every shipment that came in and out of New York, specifically from their inventory and indeed the man was correct.

She knew it was him because this information was given to a few people who swore by blood to never share it. So it did ease her mind somewhat, but she still kept her guard up. Not too fond of the idea of yet another person getting involved in this. For all she knew he could be a traitor too.

Runa: The information is accurate, but don't think you've gained my trust just because you knew a couple of things.

Unknown: I completely understand that.

Runa: So where's this hard drive?

Unknown: In the cargo box labeled #7 at the *** warehouse on *** street. My men just dropped it off about five minutes ago so I'd be sure to get that now.

Runa: You realize I don't even know your name? Or your true intentions behind this?

Unknown: If I tell you my name, do you swear to keep it to yourself just for the time being?

Runa: Wow, you sound as suspicious as the drug lord trying to keep his identity hidden. What if you're him?

Unknown: Haha, very funny. I've always admired your wit and sarcasm, but if you must know, my name is Park Jimin.

Runa: That sounds Korean, I figured the mafia boss of Russia would be...Russian.

Unknown: Well Kang Min-Su isn't exactly American is he? And yet his forefathers built an empire in New York.

Runa: That's true. So, Park Jimin, do you also happen to be in New York?

Unknown: How'd you guess?

Runa: If this hard drive is as important as you make it out to be, I can only suspect that you'd want to monitor the situation in person. In town for a little business? Maybe we should have lunch together. It would make me much less skeptical of you.

Unknown: It still impresses me how intelligent you are. Once you see the video you'll understand why I'm here and I can assure you, we will meet soon. Just not yet.

Runa: Give me one reason why I shouldn't pretend like we never had this conversation.

Unknown: Although it seems your allies are turning out to be traitors, not all of us are snakes, and growing up in the Russian mafia, loyalty is something we all take very seriously.

Runa: Alright, I'll bite. But you know what will happen if this is a trap.

Unknown: No need to threaten me, Runa. I know of your reputation, I know the things you've done.

Runa: Oh yeah, you said you've kept a close eye on me. How long exactly and how?

Unknown: Let's just say a close friend of yours is a close friend of mine.

Runa: Mhm, whatever you say. I'm on my way to get the hard drive now. Anything else you'd like to tell me?

Unknown: Yes, and this is a warning. What you'll see and hear will be shocking and you might not believe it at first. I want you to watch it a few times and let everything sink in. And afterward, you know who to go to.

Runa: Color me confused. What does that mean?

Unknown: Just make sure you wear headphones and watch it alone. Keep it safe and make sure you don't lose it.

Runa: OK then. I guess I'll talk to you later, Park Jimin.

Unknown: We will, Kang Runa. It's a pleasure talking to you after all this time. I'll hopefully see you sometime soon. Please be careful.

Runa: Will do.

Before Jungkook could ask why they sat in silence for the past five minutes while she was on her phone, she cleared her throat and spoke up.

"Go to *** street. I have something to pick up."

Without questioning her just yet, he types in the address into the GPS and realizes there's an abandoned warehouse on that road, making him curious as to why exactly she had to pick up something from there.

"It's an abandoned warehouse...", he comments while pulling out of the parking garage and onto the main road.

"I know that", she replies simply, and he glances over to see her arm propped on the door and her head resting against her fist.

She seemed to be deep in thought because whenever she was she'd ball her fists in concentration, almost like she was trying to stay in her mind and not get distracted from anything else. It was a habit of hers he picked up on early when they first met.

And it did make him curious and usually bodyguards aren't supposed to ask questions and just follow orders, he of course was not like the rest and he wasn't just a bodyguard to her.

She was a friend. It felt weird saying that in his head, and although he never had friends, he admitted this to himself with ease as opposed to being against the idea, which he originally was before she used her charm to persuade him.

That's why it worried him. In his gut, he felt that something wasn't right. Because who was she talking to? She hadn't uttered a single word and her fingers typed against the keyboard so fast like she was in a hurry or nervous. He even took note of how they were slightly shaking.

"Who were you talking to on the phone?", he glances her way, one hand on the wheel while his other arm rested on the center console casually.

She blinks a few times, getting out of her head and realizing he asked her something, "Uh, just a friend."

He hums, knowing by her tone that wasn't the truth, "What friend?"

With a sigh, she leans back in the car seat, "I'll tell you everything later. Right now I just need to get something from that warehouse and..."

He notices how she trailed off and he questions her further, wanting details, "So what exactly are we picking up? Is it something from your friend?"

"Yes and it's a hard drive with the information I need", she smoothly replies.

Jungkook knows she's telling the truth but her vagueness is confirmation that something is going on. And for many good reasons, he needed to know. Who exactly was this friend? Were they truly someone that could be trusted or was this another trap?

"Look, I need to know for your safety. Are you so sure they can be trusted? And what information is on this hard drive?"

Runa groans at the questions that are starting to get on her nerves. She knew he was curious and was trying to protect her by figuring out exactly who this friend was. Still, she was in her head about it and hoping that the Russian mafia leader, Park Jimin, could be trusted.

"Jungkook-"

"Stop talking and listen", he cuts off harshly, and his serious tone immediately makes her mouth close as the tension starts to rise.

"Who is this friend?"

She avoids his glare and looks out the window as they drive through the backgrounds outside the city, beautiful deep green trees passing them by and she stares out at them. His hand grips the wheel tightly and he presses on the brakes so abruptly that she jerks back against the seat and snaps her head towards him with a fierce glare which he mirrored.

"What the fuck-"

"Answer the question, Kang Runa."

Her heart pounds harshly in her chest from the devastatingly thick tension between them. Her mouth runs dry as she stares back into the soulless black pits of his eyes and she feels so meek and small.

She felt weak and she hated feeling like this. And poor Cookie sat in the backseat, her sleep disturbed and she gazed at both of them with her head cocked to the side, indeed feeling like a third wheel.

"Jungkook, I'll tell you after we-"

"No, you're gonna tell me now", he cuts her off again and her blood starts to boil with agitation.

He could see she was getting upset by the redness of her face and her heavy breathing. He remained eerily calm for someone who was upset at her withholding information from him. He was supposed to be the man she could confide in, the one she could always go to, and a friend. And he didn't feel like that at the moment, and of course, he wasn't going to admit that aloud.

"It's the mob boss of Russia."

The few beats of silence make her tongue feel heavy. Like she's afraid to say something else because the aura he emitted never failed to keep her on her toes. What was worse was that she enjoyed it.

She liked feeling like this and she knew that was disturbing, even when a small part of her was upset because he was. Now that feeling of enjoying the dark look in his eyes fades when she realizes just exactly why he's so upset. She was almost killed last night and now he was being overprotective. She didn't know whether or not she wanted to cry or scream. Possibly both.

"The Russian mafia leader? The one who also keeps his identity a secret? Wow, that's impressive."

His bitter tone made the heat rise to a suffocating level and she wanted to turn on the air conditioning just to cool down. But she felt stiff, too afraid to move. Not afraid that he would hurt her, but afraid that he'd say something she didn't like. And they were wasting time with this, so of course she was feeling an overwhelming sense of impatience.

"Jungkook, trust me on this."

He raised an eyebrow at that and leaned closer, so close that she could see every small detail of his face and her heart hammered against her rib cage so loud she assumed he could hear it too.

"Yeah, because that's worked out so well before."

She ignores the jab and replies in a whisper, "This is different. This man knew things only the Russian mafia boss would know, and I mean specifics. He told me his name, Jungkook. And everyone only knows him by his nickname. The Executioner. And yet out of everyone, he told me his real name. I have a gut feeling Jungkook, and we're wasting time by sitting here. I need to get that hard drive as soon as possible. It has the answers to everything."

Runa stressed and he could see the desperation in her eyes. How she wasn't as angry as before, but impatient and worried something would happen and that hard drive would be lost forever. So instead of arguing with her, he leans back in his seat, not saying another word as he continues driving as the GPS directs him.

She hastily turns on the air conditioning to cool down and leans back as well, the atmosphere is still heavy but at least she isn't burning up anymore. She wanted him to say something, anything, even when just a minute ago she wished for him to keep quiet and not question her.

As soon as she opens her mouth to say his name, he turns and drives into the small field of overgrown grass where the beaten-down warehouse was, surrounded by a thicket of trees.

"You're staying in the car", he announces and she immediately protests when he unbuckles his seat belt and turns off the car.

"No, I have to go inside because I know what I'm looking for", she retorts and he glances at her, clearly not liking the idea and he looks out the window where the grass almost reached.

"And how exactly do you plan on getting there wearing heels and a skirt?"

She pursed her lips and looked out where his gaze was, seeing how tall the weeds were, and considering what she was wearing, she'd most likely get a few bug bites on her legs.

Goddamnit, I should've worn pants today. And then her gloomy expression brightens when she gets an idea and just by her cocky smile, he knew exactly what she had in mind.

"You can carry me inside."

His eyebrow raises and he narrows his eyes, "Are you serious?"

"You had no problem doing it before", she cheekily says, and he huffs, realizing that she is going to go with him no matter what.

"Fine", he grumbles in response, getting out of the car and making his way over to the passenger side.

He swings open the back door so Cookie can get out, and when the dog hops into the grass, he closes it while simultaneously opening her door.

He picks her up easily, the action making her heart race again from their proximity and as they walk to the entrance of the warehouse, she admires his side profile with a small smile.

He of course knows she's looking at him and he clears his throat as he sets her down when they arrive before the broken double doors.

"Staring is rude", he comments, making her choke a little on her spit and he kicks in the door, pulling out both guns from their holsters and looking around to make sure no one unexpected was here.

He gestures that she can come in since it's clear, and both she and Cookie walk in and take a brief look around at the old boxes lying around, most of them presumably empty and the musty smell of rotting wood makes her nose scrunch.

"Let's be quick. It stinks in here. Look for a crate labeled with a number 7", she says and with a hum in response, both of them start to search for it while Cookie stands guard at the entrance when Runa commands her to do so.

In the far left corner, one crate in particular catches her eyes due to its mint condition and she smiles triumphantly when she sees it's labeled with a 7. Finally, something going right.

"Found it", she announces while taking the unopened wooden box off the rusty metal shelf and pulling out her dagger to cut it.

Jungkook approaches her from behind and holds the box so it doesn't shift around while she opens it, and when it does, she pops off the top and reaches in to take the small black hard drive in its safe casing laying in fluffs of cotton.

"See? I told you", she puts the case in her suit jacket pocket and puts the dagger back in the holster strap on her thigh.

"Let's leave now", he replies blankly, and she rolls her eyes while walking behind him as he makes his way out of the warehouse, patting Cookie's head lightly when they get outside.

Before she could comment on his grumpy attitude, he scooped her up in his arms and walked through the tall grass, approaching the car parked not too far away from the warehouse.

"At least give me a little credit. I did well with this one. I bet you were expecting a snake to pop out, right? Not gonna lie, that idea was in the back of my mind."

"You want my approval or something?", he mumbled while opening the passenger side as she got in and did the same to the back door to allow Cookie in.

She gapes at him and watches as he gets in the other side and immediately starts the engine once he gets the keys out of his trenchcoat pocket, "No, I don't. But it'd be nice if you looked a little more cheery about the fact that it wasn't a trap and we're alive."

"Wow, what an accomplishment", he says sarcastically in his usual nonchalant way.

She clicks her tongue at his sass as they drive out of the field and back onto the road where she tells him to head back to the mansion before she retorts at his comment.

"I'm not liking your sassing, old man. Considering how I was almost killed last night and survived, I'd say it's a damn good day to be alive. Now we have information that we so desperately need. At least look pleased for Christ's sake."

He only sighed in response, rubbing his forehead from the ache that was starting to form, "My god woman, don't you understand? I'm pissed because you didn't tell me about this whole ordeal right off the bat. It's stupid, you know. You told me anyways and started an argument about it because you refused to cooperate and answer my questions in the first place."

That earns a scoff in response and she incredulously shakes her head at him, "What, are you worried or something?"

"Yes, of course I was. You almost died last night and I failed to protect you."

Immediately she falls silent, her frown softening as she realizes he was telling the truth, she just didn't expect him to say that. She hadn't even thought about his point of view on things, she just assumed that it was another stressful night for him since in his past she's sure he had many of them being an assassin and all. Now she felt selfish for not telling him. It might not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but it was. And his next words make her feel like shit.

"I'm supposed to be your protector and I wasn't there when you needed me", he glances over and although the bruise on her cheek was well concealed by her makeup, it was still visible and it made him look away.

His tone wasn't as snappy, it was almost as soft as a mumble and her mouth was slightly agape at what he admits. It slowly processes in her mind and it shakes her to her core. He felt guilty.

"Jungkook..."

"You don't need to make excuses for me."

She quickly tries to reassure him and instinctively grabs his hand, and to her surprise he doesn't pull away from the touch, "Jungkook it's not your fault. I fought him off and-"

"And he knocked you out. If it weren't for us being there on time, he would've raped and killed you. I failed, Runa. And there's nothing you can say or do that will change that."

She sighed at his stubbornness and pulled her hand slowly away from his just in case it made him feel uncomfortable, "You didn't fail me. You've always taken all the measures you could to make sure I was safe, and there was nothing you could've done. He snuck in from my balcony and knew how to duck the cameras so he wasn't detected."

"Everything happens for a reason, and I know you don't believe that, but it's true. We were meant to fight and he was meant to get beaten. Although Dori taking him and my father allowing that certainly wasn't the outcome we would've liked, it's what happened and all we can do is ensure we're prepared for whatever comes our way."

He looks over at her again, and although he still isn't over what happened and how he wasn't there to prevent her from getting hurt, he feels a spark of hope deep within him. She always was incredibly empathetic and he was in awe of that.

It felt reassuring to be understood, and he knew she didn't mean to offend him, but he was a bit angry she didn't tell him everything in the beginning. Sure, they got the hard drive without any issues(other than their little fight along the way) but he was uncomfortable by the fact of her trying to keep it secret.

"You said you wanted to be my friend. Well, you can start by not keeping things from me."

And now he's back to his usual cold, nonchalant ways. But instead of getting upset, she understands why he felt the way he did. She hated being kept in the dark so his feelings were valid, especially because he was her bodyguard and needed to know things like this in case something went wrong.

"I understand. I just didn't want you to-"

"It's my job to worry. You might be a grown woman and can hold your own, but remember why I'm here for you."

In truth, she still had to adjust to having someone like him by her side. Other than Dong-Wook, she's never been able to rely on anyone, and that much was clear by how her father treated her and how her ex-best friend tried to kill her.

Most of her life was a hot mess, and the only stability she had was within herself. Living as the heir of an empire, nothing was ever easy, and with every turn down a new path was a new issue to deal with such as unpredictability.

Runa was never one to rely on others because she learned from a young age that you needed to trust yourself above anything and anyone else. So to have Jungkook standing next to her in the fire made her feel secure and comfortable with trusting again.

She knew deep in her heart that if the world was against her, only Dong-Wook and Jungkook would defend and keep her safe. Other than Cookie of course. Although it wasn't necessary because as her bodyguard said, she could hold her own. But having people you could rely on was important in a world like this, and they were the only ones she trusted with her life.

"I know Jungkook, I know I can rely on you. I won't hold anything back anymore."

With a hum, he presses his lips together with a nod in satisfaction, "Good."

And the rest of the way back, as opposed to earlier, the silence is comfortable. She took the case out of her pocket, gazing at it curiously with both anticipation and curiosity. Runa wasn't sure what she'd find or what the video would show, but she knew that after all the struggle and late nights, she was getting a reward out of this.