Taehyuk's pov:
The music pulsed through the hall—loud, alive, drowning out everything that didn't matter.
Perfect.
I moved without hesitation.
Not too fast. Not too slow. Just another man blending into the crowd.
That's how I hunt.
A waiter passed by. I took a glass from the tray without looking, the cool rim brushing against my fingers as I lifted it slightly.
My eyes were already on him.
Blue suit.
Standing near the edge of the hall. Not drinking. Not talking.
Watching.
Counting.
Amateur.
I closed the distance quietly, stopping just behind him.
Close enough.
I cleared my throat...
"Done counting?"
He stiffened.
Slowly, he turned. His expression tried to stay composed, but his eyes betrayed him—sharp, alert, calculating.
They dropped, just for a second.
To my suit pocket.
I subtly gestured to the gun...
"Can we talk alone?" I asked calmly.
Then I walked first, signaling my guards to stay alert.
We reached a secluded area.
Before I could turn, he threw a punch.
I sensed it.
I grabbed his arm, twisted it, and kicked his knee.
He dropped to the ground.
"Agh! Leave me! Do you know who I am—"
I smirked and gestured for my guards to search him.
They checked his pockets—voice recorder, small weapons.
"Hm. A voice recorder… interesting."
I crouched slightly.
"So… tell me. Who sent you?"
"I won't! You bastard—leave me!" he winced.
My eyes darkened.
I don't like people raising their voice at me...
In one swift motion, I smashed the glass against his head.
He cried out as blood trickled down his forehead.
"Who. Sent. You?" I asked, low—dangerously calm.
"Uh…" He struggled to breathe.
"If I tell you… you have to let me go."
"Talk," I said, reloading my gun.
"O-Okay… okay, I will—
I'm… a cop. Undercover."
I let out a quiet scoff.
"So the police sent you."
Silence.
Then I crouched, grabbing his hair and yanking his head up.
"Agh!"
"I've already given them enough warnings,"
I muttered.
"And yet, they keep interfering in my path."
My grip tightened.
"And now… I'll teach them—and you—what happens when someone interferes with me."
"What—what—please—" he started begging.
A voice cut through.
"Mr. Taehyuk?"
Soft. Low.
Yujin.
I stood.
He was there, surrounded by my guards, confusion written all over his face.
"What are you doing here?" he asked quietly, trying to peek past them—but my guards blocked his view.
"Wait in my car," I said.
"But, sir—"
"Wait. In. My. Car."
"…Yes, sir."
He left without another word.
The moment he was gone—
I slammed the man's head into the nearest wall.
"Ahh!"
Blood covered his face now.
I pointed the gun at him.
"If even their shadow falls on my empire… I'll burn them alive."
I pulled the trigger.
Silence.
Blood splattered across my suit. The white shirt underneath was stained red.
"Rest. In. Peace."
I holstered my gun and walked out as my guards began disposing of the body.
Grandpa Joo was waiting outside...
The moment he saw the stains on my coat, he understood.
A proud smile spread across his face.
"Done already?"
I nodded.
"That's my boy!" he said, patting my back.
Osak stood nearby, glaring—envy burning in his eyes.
"Grandpa, but who sent—" Osak began.
"The cops," I cut in.
"Really? They keep interfering in our business," Grandpa muttered.
"We'll deal with it later. First, go—the kid is alone in the car."
"Alright, Grandpa."
I walked out, but I could feel Osak's stare burning into my back.
"Kim," Grandpa called.
I stopped and glanced over my shoulder.
"Clean the blood stains before going to that kid."
I shrugged off my coat while walking and handed it to Lee.
I stopped just before reaching the car.
"Any problem, boss?" Lee asked.
"Nothing." I paused. "…Is my hair fine?"
He stared at me, trying not to smile.
Why do I even care?
Because..I don't want that brat to see me...messy.
I need to look good in front of him.
... Wait. Why should I ?
I've never cared about this before.
"Boss?" he prompted, barely holding back a grin.
"Why are you smiling?" I snapped.
"Nothing, boss. Your hair is perfect. It's just… you've never asked that before."
"Just making sure," I said flatly.
"Shut up."
He straightened immediately.
"Yes, boss."
"Now leave."
He walked away.
I looked at the car—where that stupidly adorable brat was waiting.
I composed myself.
And walked toward it.