"I think he's fine."

That was the answer she got from Dong-Wook. He and Runa sat in one of the private rooms of a club, Jungkook standing outside to guard the door since she asked him to. He didn't like not having his eyes on her, but he knew Dong-Wook was in the clear so he didn't worry too much and obeyed her wish for him to stand outside.

The girl wore a purple pantsuit, a black lacy corset underneath along with shiny black heels that were as glossy as her pink lips. Her makeup was casual like it always was, and as elegant as she looked, her personality certainly countered that.

She was aggressive at times, and she asked her long-time father figure of a friend what his thoughts were on Jungkook since it had been some time since he'd been by her side. Dong-Wook could tell by the tone of her voice that she did want his opinion. Like she was excited for it.

The older male adjusted his tie, sighing out and trying to gather a more suitable response after the side eye she gave him while reapplying her lipgloss in a small compact mirror from her purse.

"Alright, I like him."

Runa chuckles in surprise, looking over at the male in disbelief that he would admit such a thing. She puts away the mirror and lipgloss, stuffing it neatly in her black purse, and watches as Dong-Wook avoids her eyes and downs his small glass of whiskey with a frown. His brows were always scrunched together, he had a natural scowl and she could see it pained him to admit that.

"Repeat that please, I think I'm losing it or something. No way in hell I just heard you say you like somebody."

He waves off her dramatics, making her softly laugh and attempt to hold it in. It was like he was embarrassed, and it was more than amusing to her. And her teasing tone was only making him feel even more weird than he already did. He too couldn't believe he took a chance to get to know somebody.

"Alright, alright. It's not that big of a deal", he says dismissively, hoping to end the conversation and she clicks her tongue with a smile when his eyes finally meet hers.

"You hanging out with somebody as opposed to being alone is a big deal. I mean, you two actually talked the other day while I was on a call. How the hell did that even come about? And you've been starting a conversation with him whenever you get a chance."

"He and I have a lot in common", he grumbles, turning away and scooting toward the end of the booth.

The smirk on her face was starting to get him flustered, and he never got flustered. Never.

"I'm sure you do. You two are connected to the Organization. He's like fifteen years younger but I certainly see a lot of similar traits between you two. You both are disturbingly silent at times, impossible to read, and your anger can be underestimated. You guys are practically twins."

That earns an eye roll from him, "Ok now that's dramatic. He and I are the same in many ways because of our upbringing. Other than that, not too much else. I mean, we have a similar style, similar skill set, and similar opinions. We both prefer-"

Runa dramatically yawns, which makes him deadpan, "Jesus, the list must be eternal. Just admit it. You guys are friends."

That makes him scoff while incredulously shaking his head, "No way in hell. Friends? No, certainly not. I don't have any friends."

That makes her frown and snap defensively, "What am I then? Chopped liver?"

Dong-Wook cracked a smile, a rare sight she felt privileged to get out of him, "I'd say you're more like an annoying niece to me."

That makes her mouth hang open, "Annoying niece? My god that's worse than chopped liver. Just sell all my organs while you're at it."

Again, he snorts at her dramatics, "Oh come on, kid. You're like the daughter I never had."

Other than getting all sentimental over the compliment, she maintains her casual sarcasm and slyly grins, "Never had huh? What if you will one day?"

That caused him to laugh, another rare thing from him and she hadn't heard it in so long it made her flinch in surprise, especially when he started patting her shoulder to calm himself down. Nevertheless, she felt good to be the one bringing his good side out from the darkness.

"Kid, I'm 50 years old. I'm too old for all that."

"That's not true! Your age doesn't mean shit when it comes to being in your position. I mean doesn't it get stressful being an underboss? You have to deal with more shit than my dad does because you're exposed to more. Whereas he hides in his office all the time, rarely making an appearance. You're not too old for anything."

"I don't have a wife...or even a girlfriend", he replies, his expression blank once again as he takes out a pack of cigarettes from his suit pocket but immediately puts it back out of habit, knowing she hated the smoke.

"Get one then."

He gives her a look, "It's not that easy, Runa. Love isn't something that you can find. It finds you instead."

She clutches her chest and wipes a fake tear, "My god, with that poetry, you could swoon any woman."

He playfully rolls his eyes with a hint of a smirk, "I'm still desirable even in my old age, but I'm not the type to settle for something temporary. If I date anyone, it's because I genuinely want them. And I truly don't think I'll ever find that. I'm not the luckiest man when it comes to romance."

She hums in understanding, leaning her back against the booth and admiring the club lights illuminating the room, "I don't think people like us deserve something as fulfilling as love. In our line of work, it's a weakness and will hurt you more than anything else."

Her sour tone catches his attention, "Why do you think that?"

"Because it's true, just look at what happened to my parents."

It's painfully silent as she stares at the door, and she doesn't look over at Dong-Wook to notice the change in his expression or how he shifted stiffly in his seat before clearing his throat and standing.

"I'm gonna get another drink. You want anything?"

Once she shakes her head, he gives her a tight-lipped smile before exiting the room, briefly nodding at Jungkook who stands in the same position and returns the gesture. While walking down the steps, Dong-Wook gets that urge again, that urge to let his tongue slip but he knows it's not time.

There's a plan in place and he reminds himself of that as he downs yet another glass of alcohol. He needs to follow it step by step or else things will get messy and unpredictable. There was enough of that already.

💎🗡️💎🗡️💎🗡️

"You're getting too serious about her."

Those were words the gangster didn't want to hear. But he smiled like he always did, his eyes sparkling behind the shield of his designer glasses, and he could feel the tingling sensation of excitement rushing through him. Just because they were now talking about her and whenever she was mentioned or in his sights, the world seemed to fade away.

"Serious? What do you mean by that?", he chuckles, his fingers drumming against the table that was starting to drive the older male insane.

That annoying fucking habit he's had for all these years only got worse every time he had something serious on his mind, meaning her. As soon as Dong-Wook walked in and saw that grin on Taehyung's face, they both knew exactly why he had called this private meeting so late at night.

"Her bodyguard says you're obsessed. I didn't want to believe it at first, but things are starting to add up."

"The bodyguard, hm? Jungkook you mean?"

That devilish smirk on the man's face only pisses him off and he leans forward threateningly. The situation they were in was serious and he was going to fuck up the plan that has been built for years just for the sake of his feelings.

Dong-Wook knew from the beginning how crazed the gangster could be, but he wasn't expecting things to go this far. At the same time, he should've known. There have been many others who had their eyes on the girl before, and Taehyung was no different.

"I'm serious, Taehyung. Don't be fucking delusional. She's your friend and nothing more", he grits through his teeth.

And the smug look on the gangster's face was making his hand itch to punch him. He's trying not to act rashly by getting violent as he usually would because he knows Taehyung has a key role in all of this. But that doesn't mean he'll let this go so easily.

When Jungkook came to him after being blown off by Min-Su about how Taehyung was around her, he paid close attention and believed what the bodyguard said. In the end, protecting her was their common goal and Jungkook took that as seriously as he did and he hasn't even known her as long as Dong-Wook has.

"But why?", he playfully whines a little just to piss Dong-Wook off, just to see his jaw clench as he leans forward to grab the pack of cigarettes in the man's suit jacket pocket.

The older man doesn't make a move, only keeping his sharp gaze on the other as he takes a cigarette out of the pack and puts it between his lips, lighting it with his lighter that rested on the table before taking a slow drag and blowing the smoke out.

"Because I said so", Dong-Wook breaks the silence and Taehyung leans back casually, inhaling and exhaling the smoke with that cocky grin on his face.

Even if his eyes were concealed by those sunglasses he had on, even though they were inside, the underboss could practically taste the insanity lurking behind.

"How about you let me do my job and you do yours? I'm not gonna hurt her or anything. The boss would kill me."

Dong-Wook scoffs a little, crossing his arms over his chest, "Both of them would. But what you need to worry about is getting rid of any feelings you have for her that could put her at risk. You're insane Taehyung and every day I question why the boss wanted you part of his plan. We must focus and you aren't focusing on the right things. You let that little worm between your legs do half your thinking and somebody's gonna end up dead. And rest assured it won't be her."

Taehyung chuckles, smashing the burning end of his cigarette on the table to put it out, not caring about the mark it left on the wood, "It's so interesting, this little mission we're on. Don't you think? I mean the boss, you, and now Jungkook are all desperate to protect the little angel from harm."

The humorless chuckle only makes the older male frown. He was starting to lose patience with the gangster, and he'd hope that the boss wasn't making a mistake with him.

"In reality, one or more of us is going to die. And you rest assured it won't be me."

Dong-Wook snaps back, "And it won't be her either. As I just said."

The latter shrugs carelessly, "I won't let that happen, I love her too much."

That makes the underboss laugh, "You don't love her. You're obsessed with her. There's a difference."

Taehyung hums in amusement, "Is there? Why is it everyone calls me insane for having strong feelings for her, meanwhile the whole purpose of this mission is to get her reunited with-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Dong-Wook slams his hand on the table to cut him off, "I have had enough of your bullshit. Your intentions toward her are unclear and I don't feel comfortable with you being a part of this. I think maybe I should talk to our boss because you need to fucking go."

"Oh? How rude", the gangster fake pouts, pretending to sulk, "I don't think I need to go anywhere. I'm staying right here. And mind you, I'm her best friend."

He leans forward and tilts his head down so his eyes are peeking out from the glasses that slide down just enough so Dong-Wook can return a glare.

"She needs me just as much as she needs you. And there's a plan in place to reassure she understands and her trust within us remains."

"Don't fuck it up because of your obsession. Your feelings will cloud your judgment so I expect you to grasp onto that little smidge of sanity you have left. Grip onto it tight because things will get chaotic and we can't risk you going crazy on us. We're too close. We are too fucking close to risk anything. I think our boss needs to know of the feelings you've hid way too well from him. After all, he can't see you with his own eyes like I can, and he deserves to know the truth. I doubt he'll be pleased to know about this."

And with that, the older male snatches his cigarette box from the table and exits the room without another word. The gangster laughs to himself, entertained by this and what's coming that no one will expect. He was the epitome of chaos, and since that would ensue quite soon, he was getting too excited about it to where he wasn't worrying about Jungkook or Dong-Wook's suspicions.

He had his agenda with this, and he sighs contently to himself, a sadistic smirk on his face when he takes a Polaroid picture out of his pocket and gazes at it with possessiveness gleaming in his eyes.

"You'll be mine soon, little angel. No one can stop me...not even your brother dearest."

💎🗡️💎🗡️💎🗡️

Runa and Jungkook walk side by side into the booming club. His eyes look all around to make sure no one's eyes are lingering on her, to make sure no one gets any ideas although everyone's too busy dancing and getting wasted to notice who just walked in without needing to go through security.

It was a tight space but they managed to squeeze through a few people. With the help of Jungkook's strength of course, which meant pushing away a few people so they didn't rub against her accidentally and cause her discomfort. It felt like they could breathe and hear once they got off the dance floor and went up the stairs where the second floor had a more relaxed setting.

There was a bar, a few leather couches laid out with people sitting and talking with others, some of them using the glass tables to messily pour shots for their crowd of friends that hollered drunkenly and danced to the music that continued booming.

The floor overlooked the dancing crowd below, so the two walked over to the railing and looked out, waiting for a certain somebody to show up. Jungkook knew exactly why Dong-Wook wanted to meet with them, and she didn't seem to have a clue. She figured it was business as usual, collecting payments from the business owners in the neighborhood or something related to the club they were currently in.

"Do you need anything? Would you like a drink?", Jungkook asks, raising his voice so she could hear him over the music and she shakes her head.

"I'm good. Get yourself one if you'd like."

"I'm not drinking on the job", he retorts, his posture remaining perfect as always.

The remark makes her smile a little, "Well then I guess you never drink. Considering you're always on the clock."

He hums, his eyes searching for a particular male who just now can be seen pushing people aside to get to the stairs, "That's my job. To always be on an alert."

She turns to him, her eyes raking his form and he doesn't pay attention to it as his eyes remain locked on her face. Although he of course took note of the tight purple dress she was wearing along with the diamond heels.

Safe to say she had a thing for diamonds and that color since she always had some type of diamonds on and her love for purple was something anyone would notice.

"So you never indulge in the occasional drowning in alcohol?"

"I don't need to drown myself just to not feel anything or feel relief for that matter. I used to drink when I was younger, the occasional glass but it was rare and it certainly wasn't for the sake of feelings."

She frowns a little, her glossed lips naturally forming a pout, "So as I've asked before, are you a robot? How can you not feel anything?"

He sighed, not enjoying the interrogation but he knew she was just curious, so instead of ignoring her like he usually would when people asked too much, he indulged in the conversation.

"I was trained not to."

"That doesn't mean you can't though. You're still human, emotions are a part of who we are. Do you not feel anything?"

Sometimes she'd still act so astonished by how he was. How calculated every response was, how he always wore the same neutral expression and his eyes held no source of...anything. He might have been trained to not feel, but so was Dong-Wook. And that man certainly felt a high volume of emotions. The most reoccurring ones being anger and irritation.

He shakes his head in response, his eyes landing on the man who finally was able to escape the crowd and get up the stairs. He huffs a little, clearly annoyed and Runa follows her bodyguard's gaze to see the underboss walking towards them, giving a small salute to Runa who smiles and returns it, the interaction not going unnoticed by the stoic male who remained in his stance.

"I got a room for us. Follow me."

The two silently follow him, making their way across the floor as club lights flash upon them until they get into a hallway that is lit by red LEDs so they can see the numbered rooms. Walking past a few, the underboss stops at one and takes out a key from his pocket, unlocking it and ushering them into the room.

Right now, both men sat across from her in the booth, a circular table between them as she eyed them both in both nervousness and confusion about why exactly he wanted to meet with them and why they looked like two dads about to scold a child.

"Am I getting a scolding or something? Jesus", she breathes out, her body tense from the intimidating aura they both exuded.

The men glance at each other before Dong-Wook speaks up first. They both looked serious, Jungkook always did so that wasn't much of a change, but Dong-Wook looked like he was about to scold her for whatever reason. The tension was only magnified when he heavily sighed and crossed his arms over his chest with a stern look. This wasn't going to be good.

"We need to talk about Taehyung."

That simple sentence earns a raised brow from her, "And why is that?", she sassily replies.

"Because both of us don't like you being so close to him. He's insane and-"

"And you both think he's obsessed with me. I get it", she sighs and glances at Jungkook who remains indifferent as always.

"Looks like somebody's buddy-buddy with my bodyguard", she shifts her gaze to Dong-Wook who presses his lips into a thin line.

"He told your father and as usual, the boss wasn't concerned. So he told me. And we're both worried."

That earns a light scoff from her, "Why is that? I mean why after all this time of me knowing him are you suddenly hopping on the hate train?"

"Because I talked with him earlier...and although he was wearing his usual glasses, I could feel bad energy radiating off of him. He's changed, something has shifted in him recently and it's suspicious."

She rolls her eyes at how ridiculous this is, "Then just kill him for God's sake. If he's such a danger, then take him out."

Her sarcasm makes Dong-Wook raise a brow, silently warning her, "It isn't that simple. He's a gang leader and killing him would cause chaos that we don't need. Your father still hasn't fully dealt with the FBI, so we still have to watch our backs with what we do, where we go, and who we meet. One of the most notorious gangsters in town being killed will just cause stress for everyone and gain the attention of cops."

"I see your point, but what am I gonna say to him? We work together and if I avoid him he'll get suspicious of me and then we'll all be pointing fingers at each other."

The older male sighs once again, Jungkook keeping silent and observing their interaction, "Just don't hang out with him unless necessary. Alright?"

This was starting to get way out of hand. Even though she had a feeling Taehyung was a bit more than what he presented, especially with his emotions, she wondered if maybe it was just the doubt they both were instilling in her.

She was questioning everything at this point and concluded that they just wanted to control her. It seems likely, considering that's exactly what her father tries to do.

"I can do what I want. Need I remind you how old I am?"

"How about I put it like this? I'm the underboss and you're a capo, meaning I have a higher rank than yours, so shut it and listen to me", he snaps back.

It makes her face burn red hot with embarrassment and anger, and her breath gets lodged in her throat. He's never done that before...

"Oh, so now you're going to pull ranks on me? Is that how it is? Bunch of bullshit considering I'm a Kang and whether or not I'm a capo, a soldier, or an associate, I will always be above you. Fucking hypocrite. You have a lot to say about my father when you're doing the same shit. Underestimating me."

Jungkook knew she was right, he felt kind of proud to see her stand up for herself, and he silently gave Dong-Wook a look. You shouldn't have said that. Bad move.

In return, Dong-Wook knew it was wrong to do that, but maybe pissing her off would make her understand somehow. Regardless of her position, she needed to listen to him for her safety.

She couldn't see what Jungkook and Dong-Wook saw in Taehyung. They both knew she could feel it, but she was in denial. And only Jungkook knew exactly why.

"That was wrong of him to use that against you, but you know he has a point. He has your best interest in mind and so do I. You might not like this but you have no choice. This is for your safety", Jungkook says, breaking the silence.

Runa glances at Jungkook, analyzing his face that still showed nothing but it didn't have to. She could hear it in his voice, that even though they'd discussed this before, they'd keep saying it until she'd listened.

So she settles down and agrees just so she doesn't have to hear any more of their scolding, "Alright, I got it. I'll stay away from Taehyung unless it's business."

Dong-Wook gives the bodyguard a silent nod of appreciation before looking at Runa who keeps her eyes on the floor and her arms crossed. He knew he hit a nerve, and he wasn't going to let his ego get in the way of an apology.

"Runa, we aren't upset with you. We just want you to listen to us, ok? I'm sorry I said that."

"It's fine", she coldly replies, making both men glance at each other.

They knew exactly what the issue was. But before Dong-Wook could say anything, Jungkook got out of the booth since he was on the outside and stood next to her, making her glance up at him.

"Don't be upset over this. You're too young to get worry lines so enough sulking. We have work to do."

His voice was firm but not as cold as his usual tone, and it was clear he wasn't used to comforting people, so he didn't attempt. She just brushed it off and reminded herself that they weren't like Min-Su, they were only keeping her safe. Even if she did have to break off a friendship and have no one at all.

After Dong-Wook salutes her and she returns the gesture to tell him everything is cool, they finish business at the club and leave, Jungkook of course in the driver's seat of her Porsche that now enters the gates of the Kang Residence. She was silent the whole ride home and although Jungkook had a small urge to attempt to comfort her, he wouldn't.

"I'll just be in my room", she says while taking off her heels and slipping on her slippers, walking up the stairs to her room.

The older male sighed softly, figuring it was best to leave her alone right now so he went to his room and sat on his bed, staring down at the floor in thought. Runa wasn't a particularly sensitive girl, she was quite unemotional and uncaring most of the time but given her relationship with her father, she always detested a man telling her what to do.

Not because of her ego, but because she was sick and tired of everyone treating her like she was less than because she was one of the only women in the business. That and she was underestimated, being the daughter of Kang Min-Su and having the usual stereotypes against her.

That she was a daddy's girl who got everything she wanted. How she was a spoiled, helpless mafia princess that couldn't do shit to save herself when things got too rough. She might wear fancy jewelry, skirts and dresses, and makeup, she might embrace her femininity but that didn't mean she couldn't be ruthless. Her confidence in her femininity didn't equal weakness, and that was a common misconception among people.

It was always the prettiest ones that were the ugliest on the inside, so after years of working her ass off to come out on top and crush anyone underneath her heel, she had gained the respect of many. But certainly not that of her father.

Being the woman hater he was, which was concluded from how he never spoke to any woman or looked them in the eye, he found her repulsive in more ways than one. In Jungkook's mind, it was stupid and weak to be such a coward.

They would be much stronger if they united as one, father and daughter. But it was almost as if he was embarrassed that she was his in the first place. Like Min-Su had said to Jungkook, she was good for business and that's all he saw her as. He poisoned the family just for another dollar in his pocket and dared to speak down on her when she was the one out on the streets. He wasn't.

Min-Su rarely left the Kang Residence unless he had no choice. No one knew exactly why, but it didn't matter much. Jungkook knew how the man was, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't feel a bit annoyed by the boss' behavior towards her. And the next day as both Runa and Jungkook stood in front of the man, the annoyance only continued to fester deep within him.

Min-Su was now degrading her for what she was wearing. A simple white dress shirt with a tie, and a black pleated skirt with white knee-high socks and cherry red pumps. It seems like the choice of red lips and black eyeshadow only irked the older man even more.

"You look like a fucking slut. Go change now."

The girl only smirks as she scoffs, clearly not giving a shit what he said, "You sound like a hater. Maybe don't project your insecurities on others."

His hand slamming on the table did nothing to her at all, if anything, it made her even happier to see him so frustrated over something he could never control. He might have some say in what she does as a capo, but God be damned if she'd ever let him degrade her style into something that wasn't her.

"Enough back talk. Jungkook, tell her to change and wipe that disgusting makeup off her face. You look like a clown."

When Runa turns to Jungkook, he can see that she is pleading him with her eyes to not make her do this. It might seem like nothing, but it was taking away her freedom of choice and expression.

Which at this point was all she had left. And so she's utterly shocked to hear what Jungkook says to her father, and also the tone of his voice. No one ever dared to speak to him that way except her, and she felt so empowered to be defended.

"She's a grown woman, she can do as she pleases and what she wears does not affect the business. If others see that she's confident in what she wears, they won't underestimate her and they'll know that she's strong enough to dismiss the judgment of others and not be controlled by an irrelevant and cowardly opinion."

The room goes completely silent and her heart starts beating fast. She's both scared and relieved by what he just said. Scared because of that look on her father's face and she isn't sure whether she should cry or laugh.

"Leave. Both of you. Now."

That's all he says, rolling his eyes and looking back at his computer. She wastes no time in heading out of the office and as soon as the door closes and they're a safe distance away, she laughs a little and turns to Jungkook with an eased expression.

"Thank you for that. I was scared for a second...I thought he was gonna shoot you or something. He has done that before."

Jungkook doesn't crack a smile but his eyes are soft so she knows he at least feels something inside, and he nods firmly, "There's no need to thank me. I'm here to protect you emotionally and physically. Your father is disrespectful towards you and I have no care in the world for someone's position or status. I don't tolerate such things."

She chuckles at the irony, "Yeah, I guess that makes sense considering the people you've killed. Most of them being the rich and powerful."

"Or assholes. There were some people I killed for the sake of them being rude. No contract needed", he adds and she grins cheekily.

"Good to know I have someone as heartless as you by my side. It makes me feel safer."

He dismisses her playful wink and shakes his head incredulously at her, "You're too playful."

She gives him a sly look, "When you dance with death on the daily, it's best to live your life laughing and with a smile as opposed to crying about the unfortunate deal I've been dealt since birth."

He almost smiles at that. She can tell by his sigh and the way he briefly shook his head. She was finally getting something out of him, even if he fought against showing it or just wasn't able to, she made it her mission to try and make him smile.

That was one of her long-term goals because she knew in her gut it wasn't going to be easy. But the look in his eyes was enough to say she was getting somewhere.

"That's good then, at least above everything else you've learned to dismiss the insults and maintain your self-esteem."

As they walk into her room, he stops outside her door and she frowns in confusion when he just stands there.

"You can come in, ya know."

He shakes his head, "I don't think that's appropriate."

She quirks a brow at that, "Appropriate? It's my room, it's not a private strip joint or something."

"Still, it's your bedroom. It's your personal space and I'm not obligated to invade it."

That earns an eye roll, "Good lord, you're too much like Dong-Wook. It's scary. Get your ass in here please, the boogeyman from my closet might get me."

He sighs in response, reluctantly walking in and she ignores the stern look he gives her when she closes and locks the door, turning to him with a smug smile.

"Don't worry old man, I won't tie you down or nothin'."