Taehyung descends the long curvy stairs of Jongpil manor at a snail's pace. His back straight, stance proud and jittery fingers tucked safely in his pockets. Can't let these vultures see him vulnerable now can he. He thanked his ancestors for ushering his father to throw a sophisticated masquerade party instead of his usual pretentious balls. Not like there is nothing pretentious about this party, but at least he has something to hide his bruised eye. Though, if asked, he could claim it to be an injury acquired in a brawl outside his club; but then that would simply be an invitation for unnecessary rumors. And he had a growing pile of those on his desk already. He did not need any more of those.

He walks confidently among the people he is supposed to consider his loyal followers and well-wishers, yet he is sure that one of them or maybe all of them would stab him in the back any moment without a second thought. The only reason he is safe, is his father. His father who cannot kill him because of his mother. Fortunately he is still in love with that woman even though he is married to someone else now. Taehyung has his doubts though. Maybe it's not because of his mother that he is alive. Maybe it's about the inheritance and the next leader of Kim clan. However, his step brother has shown great interest in taking on the role which is why he does not quite understand why he is still the crown prince. Kim Woobin is the perfect killer his father desired him to be. Yet, his father does not seem to consider Woobin to be their future leader.

Why? Why is Taehyung still wearing the heavy crown when no one in the gang sees him as one of them? Why is he sitting next to his father as an equal when no one respects him or even takes his orders into consideration? 

"Taehyung-ah." Taehyung snaps out of his thoughts at the sound of his mother's voice. She is here. He smiles. Why is she here? He frowns.

"Mother."

"Oh my sweet baby! How have you been?" Kim Eunkyung cups her son's face in her soft warm palms. How long ago was it when he felt this warm touch last?

"Mother, you cannot be here." Taehyung grabbed her frail wrists and pulled her to a corner. "What if he saw you? What if Woobin saw you? Or worse, his mother!"

"Don't worry Taehyung. Your father invited me to this party himself. He knows I am here and so does his bitch."

Taehyung giggled at his mother's remark but did not bother.

"How is Copenhagen? You haven't uploaded any new blogs. I was beginning to get worried." Taehyung said. "When did you even decide to come back? And why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up from the airport."

Eunkyung chuckled. "One question at a time my boy. It happened too quickly for me too. Something about you going somewhere and all of that."

"What?"

"I fear your father is sending you to the States for training. I wish I could intervene. I wish I could take you away with me." Eunkyung ran her fingers through Taehyung's wavy black hair holding her tears back. She knew Taehyung's life was already filled with difficulties. The fact that he still had not taken off his mask yet alone proves her theory. She felt helpless. Utterly pathetic. She knew what was coming next and still could not do anything to save her son.

"I will be fine. I pro-"

"Kim Taehyung." Taehyung startled at the voice of his father, gravel grinding against concrete. "Stop gossiping around and follow me. We have business to take care of."

Taehyung gave him a curt bow. He turned to see his mother, maybe give her a reassuring smile. But his face was hidden. His smile nonexistent. She would never know. It's okay. At least he got a few minutes with her this time.

Taehyung felt his mother squeeze his arm lightly before he followed his father to a secluded VIP room with a round table in between. He saw a few familiar men and gave them curt nods, his step brother and his father's assistant were already seated and waiting for him. He took his seat. Directly next to his father.

"Woobin any word from Seoul?" Dongwook asked not even acknowledging Taehyung's presence.

"Not yet. But neither have we received a negative response which I suppose is them considering our offer." Woobin replied with a smirk on his handsome face.

"What is taking them so long!? Do they not know who I am?! Do they take me for a fool!?" Dongwook yelled slamming a hand on the table. Taehyung curled his figures into fists in an attempt to suppress a flinch. Not in front of his father's men; he will not show weakness. Taehyung kept his gaze locked on the oak wood centre with zero facial expression.

"Father, Jeon is a calculative man. You know that. The minute we show haste he'll know something is up." Woobin reasoned, twirling his signature diamond ring in his middle finger. A ring that has been used to leave a mark on his victims. A symbol of Woobin's presence or as he would like to call- a gift to his enemies.

"That child! Just for now, I will bow down to him. Just for now!" Dongwook grit his teeth. "Once I have my hold on Seoul he'll know who is the real king of South Korea!"

"Of course, we just have to be a little more patient."

"But don't you think he's just playing with us now?" One of the associates said. "It's been a week since we sent our proposal, we're basically giving him control over Busan port and he's taking us for granted."

Taehyung's expressionless face cracked into a frown. He did not know of any business expansion plans or any kind of mergers with someone in Seoul. If his father and step brother hadn't bothered to keep him in the loop then why the hell is he needed here right now. He could have simply spent some quality time with his mother instead of listening to these old geezers yap about being disrespected.

Wait.

Giving him Control over Busan port.

What?

Taehyung looked up and met eyes with Woobin. His step brother gave him his signature malicious smirk. Taehyung felt a knot in his stomach. What is it? What is this deal they speak of?

"What if he finds our proposal useless? He already has Incheon port under his control, why would he need another?" The associate continues.

"Don't forget our warehouses and our reach. Incheon may be the top tourist spot but we, the Kims of Daegu, have more foreign influence. Trade is under our jurisdiction because we control the Busan port." Woobin cuts in, smoothly using 'foreign influence' as a synonym for 'smugglers'. His voice dangerously authoritative, as if he rules them.

"The plan still does not seem ideal." Another associate chimes in. "Giving away our future leader as reassurance, does not sound like a logical game plan. We are basically handing him as hostage; that could be used against us. A future threat to our gang."

Taehyung's heart skipped a beat. What has been going on behind his back!? Even with his mask still on his face, he knew everyone in this room felt his astonishment. They heard his gasp, saw the change in his stance- the subtle tilt of his body toward his father. His unspoken demand for answers was clear in the air.

"Is that 'doubt' I hear Choi?" Woobin chuckled while Dongwook scoffed. "Do you think our Taehyung is incapable of surviving in enemy territory?"

"Of course not." Choi squirmed in his seat unable to explain himself. "I just thought-"

"We have a team of experts who do the thinking here Choi. They brainstormed all day and night and have come up with an exquisite game plan which you, a mere supply associate, dares to doubt." Woobin leans in on the table, eyes narrow with an intent to kill. "Your job- your only job here, is to keep our money safe. Yeah?"

Choi just gave a nod. Woobin smiled victoriously then glanced at Taehyung. His look conveyed everything in that moment. See Taehyung? This is called power. This is called control.

"You may all leave. This meeting is over." Dongwook said. His men filed out of the room, bowing respectfully first and then leaving quietly.

"What even was the point of this meeting father?" Woobin asked leaning back into his chair and giving Dongwook a bored look.

"I wanted updates on our burlesque club and the new supplies. That bastard opened his mouth and ruined my mood." Dongwook said. "We could have discussed it when Taehyung was outside."

"Father-" Taehyung was interrupted before he could even form a whole sentence.

"Yes you're being sent to Seoul. Yes you're going to work for Jeon and me. Yes you will double cross. Any more questions?"

Taehyung's expression hardened. There's no need for words here. Nothing he could do or say to save himself would work. He's a slave after all. First for his father and now for this Jeon.

Taehyung let out a defeated sigh and stood up to leave.

"Make sure you study Jeon's file, now that you know our plan. Woobin will send it to you soon." Dongwook prompted before Taehyung could walk out of the VIP room.

"Yes father." Taehyung gave a curt bow to his father but did not bother to look at his step brother. He holds no respect for Woobin even if he's elder to Taehyung; his rank is still lower than him. Technically at least.

Taehyung walked out of that room with his back straight. He knew he was doomed from a young age. His life was over before it could ever begin. What has he left to mourn? Everything was already taken from him. The only reason he has not packed up and left is because of his mother. His sweet innocent mother who is still living in the clutches of his horrible father. She is bound to him and hence he is too. And just for her, he will stay. He will take everything that is thrown his way. Better him than his mother. He will protect her. That is the only goal in his life. To never let that bright light get consumed by the darkness.

Taehyung saw Eunkyung at a far corner of the huge ballroom. She quietly sipped champagne from her glass as she stared ahead at nothing in particular. Taehyung chuckled. He now knew where he got his habit of zoning out from, even when his surroundings are blaring with noise.

"Mother." Taehyung called softly to avoid startling Eunkyung.

"Tae." She gave him her million dollar smile. "Is everything alright?"

"It is." As of now.

"Why did your father drag you out of the party then?"

"Just wanted some updates on the burlesque club. The usual." Taehyung dismissed the topic with a wave of his hand.

Eunkyung brought her hand up to her son's hair, petting the raven tuft. "My handsome son should not overwork himself. You wouldn't want wrinkles at this age."

Taehyung let out a hearty laugh at that.

His mother. His beautiful charming mother. That's all he needs.

And he will go through anything. For her.

~*~

The sound of gunshots resonated in the old abandoned factory as Jeon's men gained more territory cornering their enemy. They walked with their massive fire power watching the snakes from their gang scrabble for their lives. Some had surrendered and were on their knees begging for mercy. Jeon did not think twice before shooting between their eyes. He was in no mood for lame excuses. The traitors did not deserve his attention and he was too tired to listen to the sound of their voices. Something about it made his blood boil more. Mercy? He could pull their intestines out and hang them with it outside this factory for the sake of showing his dominance to whomever these bitches were loyal to. He was giving them an easy way out by punching a hole into their skull without any kind of torturous interrogation.

"Oi Jungkook! I found the mastermind!" Seokjin hooted as he threw a body down from the first floor balcony then jumped, swiftly landing on his feet, knees bent, with no damage. He kicked the groaning man in front of him for extra effect.

"Jeon, I say we tie him up with bombs and blow this place with him!" Seokjin suggested giving the bastard another kick.

Jungkook looked at Yoongi, the demolition expert- basically an all rounder with a special talent for building lethal bombs. Min Yoongi was obsessed with fire.

Yoongi gave a nod and his men moved around him. Some holding long wires and some holding tiny devices that were to be stuck to every pillar in this damned factory. As the men moved around placing the small bombs in their rightful places, Jungkook walked ahead and crouched next to the bloodied man.

"I will only ask once, who sent you?" Jungkook asked in a low dangerous whisper.

The man grunted a reply that was barely audible due to his swollen mouth. Jungkook made a face and looked up at the cause. Seokjin shrugged innocently. Jungkook shook his head and began getting up, least interested in obtaining information out of the battered man. Suddenly, the bloodied man caught the hem of his crisp ironed trousers. Jungkook kicked to get rid of him. These trousers are more expensive than this godforsaken human. He didn't want to ruin them with blood stains.

"Gwa-ng-ju." The man spoke in a broken tone. Jungkook raised a brow.

"Gwangju?" Jungkook repeated.

"Jung Hoseok, that twat!" Seokjin spat. "Didn't he run with his tail between his legs last year? Hah! Some people just don't learn!"

Jungkook scoffed. He looked back at Yoongi just in time for him to signal the completion of installation of bombs around the perimeter. Jungkook pulled the lapels of suit in place and gave his men a nod. They knew what needed to be done.

Jungkook walked out of the factory twirling his gun between his fingers. His brain focused on something entirely different. He heard a set of footsteps following after him. His inner circle close by. Jungkook pulled the car door open and climbed into the passenger seat with Jimin taking the driver seat and Seokjin and Yoongi in the back.

"What are you going to do?" Seokjin asked, wiping his gun with a white silk handkerchief.

"About what?"

"You know what. Gwangju and Daegu. This cannot be a coincidence. I say we start planning for an attack."

"I say we wait." Jimin said, shifting gear. "Nothing has been confirmed yet. No members from Daegu have set up any sort of meeting with Jung's men. There's no information on any new alliance on the streets."

Jimin was the intel expert. The spy of the gang. The man who could sniff out secrets from thin air and sell them at the cost of life, or even perhaps death. It depends on his mood. And of course, Jungkook's orders.

Jimin and Jungkook have been together since the very early days. They have fought together, starved together, built an empire together and stitched each others wounds all the same. Jungkook takes the lead because he is ruthless and knows how to exude power. Jimin is the striker who works from the shadows. He doesn't like the attention that comes with being a leader. However, being the second in command is getting hectic as well. Jimin liked his peace, his alone time; he likes to kill in silence. He puts a bullet through his victim's skull before they start screaming.

"When did we start cowering?" Seokjin scoffed. They reached their base headquarters and everyone climbed out of the car. Jimin threw the car keys at one of their security guards. They made their way into the huge Seoul tower, all the way up to Jungkook's penthouse.

Though it was a place for all of them to stay, they only ever gathered here during working hours or when they have to plan a mission. They had a different base for the inner circle on the outskirts of Seoul which they could almost refer to as home. Jungkook bounced from one base to another all the time never staying the night at one place. Jimin had a doubt that he had bought himself another apartment somewhere in the city.

Seokjin flopped on the couch while Yoongi went over to the open kitchen counter to grab a glass of iced americano.

"Jimin, have you replied to Kim Woobin?" Jungkook asked taking a seat in one of the armchairs.

"Not yet, I'm waiting for a confirmation from-"

"You've got to be kidding me." Seokjin titled his head glaring at Jungkook. "You're planning on taking that filth in, aren't you?"

"I have a plan Jin."

"Unless it's killing Kim Taehyung and bringing down Kim Dongwook I'm not listening."

"Do you think through your guns all the time?" Yoongi asked Seokjin. He was reaching his limits with Seokjin's attitude today. And it was barely 4pm.

"Shut up pale boy." Seokjin hissed. Yoongi drew his knife but stopped when Jimin blocked his view.

"Jin, I understand your anger but we do have a plan that is better than just killing those assholes." Jimin said.

"We torture the pretty boy." Jungkook jumped in. "We make him pay for what he has done. Seokjin, they are offering us the Busan port and their heir. C'mon don't tell me that doesn't tempt you."

"Control over merchant ships is one thing. But entertaining that good for nothing prune is totally another. I will not tolerate this stupidity Jungkook. A life for a life. That's how we've always worked and yet he lives. Yet, you're willing to let him walk free in our territory, live in our space, breathe in our presence! What the fuck is wrong with you!?" Seokjin's voice raised with each sentence. His hand going straight for the gun in his holster.

A sound of something clicking was heard and then Seokjin felt the cool tip of a gun on the back of his head.

"Stand down Jin." Jimin's voice was void of emotions as always.

"You don't get it. Neither of you do!" Seokjin stood up swatting at the gun pointed at him. Jimin did not fight back. Seokjin was family, angry or not he was still a part of their brotherhood.

Seokjin pointed an accusatory finger at jungkook, "you may have become merciful but I have not. You may have forgotten what they did to us- your brother, my sister, Jimin's parents, fucking hell Yoongi- but I will never!"

"That's enough!" Yoongi yelled throwing his knife straight at seokjin, luckily his target wasn't seokjin. The knife cut through the air and stuck shaking into the wall just above Jungkook's head. His saviour. Yoongi stormed out of the penthouse without another word. Not even a heartbeat later jimin followed.

"Your hunger for revenge may have died Jungkook but mine remains, as long as jisoo suffers I won't rest." Seokjin continued stepping closer to Jungkook. "You bring him here for whatever politics, I don't give a damn, I will make sure he doesn't get to see the sun rise the next day."

"You're not the only one suffering Seokjin." Jungkook finally replied without batting an eye at the threat. "We bring Kim Taehyung here and we use him. We use him to destroy Dongwook."

Jungkook stood up, eye to eye with Seokjin.

"I promise you brother, I will kill Kim Taehyung in the most painful way. I won't stop until you're satisfied with his screams, until even Jisoo can hear him through her sleep, until Yoongi hears him begging and pleading for mercy. I give you my word Seokjin. And when I kill him, with him his entire empire will die, I will take everything and everyone he loves. I will kill them slowly and brutally; every last one of them."