JAEMIN

"What do I do?" She whispered.

I took a deep breath,"We need to find out what he wants this time. Is he threatening to release the video? Or is he blackmailing you for something else?"

"He won't fucking tell me." She sobbed.

"Fuck." I cursed under my breath, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to call him, and I'm going to find out what he wants. And then we're going to deal with him, together."

Her eyes widened and she shook her head, "No...no, you can't do that. If he gets to know I told you, he's going to leak that video, please no."

I grabbed her arms, my eyes locked with hers.

"Listen to me." I said firmly. "He's not going to suspect anything if I act like I found out on my own. I'm not going to let you handle this alone anymore, okay? We need the information, and I'm getting it."

"But..." She took a deep breath, "What if he finds out?"

"Then he's going to have to deal with me." I said firmly but gently, one hand moving to cup her cheek. "I'm serious. I'm not letting him control your life anymore. Do you trust me?"

She nodded slowly. I gave her a soft smile, before pressing my lips to her forehead.

"Good girl." I whispered. "Now, give me his number."

She read out Max's number from her phone, and I dialled the number on my phone.

I put the phone on speaker and held it between us, my free hand squeezing hers reassuringly. After a few tense seconds, the call connected.

"Hello?" Max's voice was heard from the other end.

"Max." I said coldly. "We need to talk."

"Who is this?" Max asked, even though it was obvious that he knew who it was.

"It's Jaemin." I replied flatly, my grip on Haeun's hand tightening slightly. "And I know everything. About the pictures, about the video. So let's cut the bullshit."

Max let out a sarcastic laugh, "I knew she would tell you. I mean...what else can we expect from a coward bitch?"

My jaw clenched, "Watch your fucking mouth when you talk about her."

"Aw." Max giggled. "Or what?"

"Or I'll make sure the only thing you're known for is the piece of shit who messed with the wrong girl and her boyfriend." I said. "You think you have power over her? I'm about to show you what real power looks like."

"Too bad." He said. "It's too late now."

"Too late for what?" I asked. "You think you can ruin her life and get away with it? You think you can post those pictures and videos online without consequences? Let me tell you what's going to happen, Max."

"Ooh, I'm scared." Max said sarcastically.

"You should be. Because unlike your little blackmail game, I don't make empty threats. Tell me what you want, so we can make this quick." I said.