"Hao, I already told you several times that it's not possible, right?" Joshua said irritably to Minghao.
"But you're the only one mommy trusts and knows everything about this place. So please, Shua, help me." Minghao pleaded.
"It's really not possible, Hao. Your plan will put all of us in danger."
"But Shua, you know this is my only chance to get out of here. If you guys don't want to leave, then fine—but I'm so sick of this place." minghao said with frustration.
"Hao, you know what happened last time, right? I just don't want it to happen again. We'll only end up in trouble." Joshua answered, trying to keep hir composure.
"If you won't help me, then I'll find a way on my own. We'll never escape this hell if we just sit around doing nothing." he answered.
Annoyed, he stood up after saying those words and walked away. But he froze in place when the eldest among the three of them finally spoke.
"Do you think we don't feel the same? If you're fed up, we're even more tired of this hellish life." Jeonghan said calmly, though there was a hint of irritation in his voice.
He stood up and walked toward Minghao, who was standing near the door of the room.
"What you're feeling isn't any different from what we feel. We all want to get out of here, but the time and circumstances just aren't right yet." he added, trying to make Minghao understand the situation.
A brief silence filled the room, the tension slowly fading as the youngest among them finally calmed down from his sudden outburst. Disheartened, Hao lowered his head and returned to his seat, slumping into the chair with his shoulders sagging. He buried his face into the table, letting out a quiet sigh of frustration.
Jeonghan could only shake his head at the younger one's reaction. But before he could even sit down, he froze in place at the sudden creak of the door opening. None of them had any assigned tasks for the day, so they hadn't expected anyone to come in.
"Here's your new companion. Jeonghan, fix him up and teach him everything about this place—our rules and regulations. You're in charge now."
The woman pushed the boy inside while gripping him tightly by the wrist. At first glance, the newcomer seemed to be around fifteen years old. Without waiting for a response, the woman left abruptly, leaving the four of them in awkward silence—none of them knowing how to start the task given by their mother.
Yes, that woman was their mother. If there was one thing they all had in common, it was that they all came from the orphanage.
Jeonghan slowly shifted his gaze to the boy left in his care. Tears continued to stream down his face, as if his whole world had crumbled the moment that woman took him in. Without a word, Jeonghan approached him and gently wrapped his arms around him. At that moment, it was the only comfort he could offer.
They all understood what he was feeling—but they remained silent. No matter what they said, they knew there was nothing they could do to ease his pain.
"Ssshhh, hush now... come on, let's get you to your room so you can rest." Jeonghan whispered softly, still holding the younger one in his arms.
The boy kept crying, silent sobs escaping his lips. He had no choice but to follow, his small frame trembling against Hannie's warmth. Deep down, he knew—just like him—the strangers he would now live with were as helpless as he was. They were all prisoners in the same cruel reality.
On the other side, in the shadowy part of Seoul, where the rich and young mafia leader resides, the name "Choi Seungcheol" whispered with the mix of reverence and fear. Seungcheol is a guy in his mid-twenties. Alongside his brother "Wen Junhui", they ruled the whole Gangnam area. Cheol is ruthless and cold in his foe but kind hearted in his loved ones while Jun is a happy-go-lucky but deep inside he's a psycho.
*In the basement…..
In a large, well-lit room, a man sat slumped. He had been there for several days, with his hands and feet battered and bruised. The man was a spy planted by the enemy to gather information on them.
"I don't know... I don't know what you're talking about," the man weakly but firmly answered.
"Oh, so you really don't want to cooperate?"
Mingyu punched the man in the stomach repeatedly until he coughed up blood.
"Did Bumzu send you here? Along with this woman?" Mingyu showed the photograph he was holding once again.
"Look at it closely," he added, pushing the picture closer to the man's face.
"I said I don't know. You're such an idiot." the man spat out firmly before spitting directly onto Mingyu's face.
Wiping the spit off, Mingyu's remaining patience finally snapped.
"You're really testing my patience."
He grabbed the man's hair, slamming his head against the wall several times.
In one corner of the room, Seungcheol sat silently, observing everything that was happening. They had been at it for days, yet they still hadn't extracted any information. He knew they were only wasting time and effort.
"Tsk," Seungcheol clicked his tongue in frustration, his patience wearing thin. He stood up and approached the man they had been beating. He pulled out a photograph from his pocket, grabbed the man's hair forcefully, and shoved the picture in front of his face.
"Now, you still don't know anything?"
The photograph was of the man's child confined in the hospital. Terror washed over his face as he instantly pleaded for them not to harm his child and wife.
"Will you talk, or do you want to watch your beloved child take their last breath right in front of you?" Seungcheol's voice was cold and emotionless.
"Answer now. You know whether you talk or not, you're going to die today. The only choice you have is your child's life or the information I want," he added, his eyes locked on the trembling man.
"I can guarantee your family's safety and your child's future the moment you answer our questions. I know they're watching your family's every move, aren't they?"
Seungcheol continued, his voice unwavering as he toyed with the gun he'd been holding the entire time.
"I'll give you the protection you want... in exchange for the information you're so desperately trying to keep."
His cold eyes remained locked on the man, the tension in the room growing heavier with each passing second.
The man paused to think, but eventually, he gave in. Shoulders slumped in defeat, he revealed everything he knew—every detail about Cheol's organization and all the information he had already passed on to the rival group. He left nothing unsaid, laying out every scrap of knowledge stored in his mind.
"Fulfill what you promised... protection and my child's future... swear it!" the man pleaded hopelessly, his voice trembling as he looked at Seungcheol.
Cheol silently faced the man, his cold eyes devoid of emotion. Without a second thought, he aimed the gun with precision.
Without blinking, he pulled the trigger—blowing the man's skull apart—before turning his back without another word
"Wrap that up and send it to them. Tell them it's a special delivery. I want you to hand it over to him personally."
Cheol commanded before walking out of the room.
As he stepped into the living room, he saw Jun and Wonwoo casually playing video games on the couch.
"Jun, take care of the spy's family. Make sure they're safe and that Bumzu will never find them."
He instructed without breaking his stride.
"Yes, boss!" the two answered playfully, adding a mock salute.
Cheol could only shake his head at their antics before finally heading into his office, shutting the door behind him.
A grand celebration was taking place in Anyang, led by Don Kye Beom-ju, more commonly known as Don Bumzu. Unlike Choi Seungcheol, Bumzu was ruthless—even toward his own family. He ruled them through fear and showed no mercy.
Today was his daughter's wedding day to the only son of his close associate. However, despite the occasion, he felt no joy. What excited him more was the impending business alliance between the two families and the expansion of his territory.
In truth, he didn't care whether his daughter loved her husband or not—nor whether the man was good for her. The only thing that mattered to him was his own personal gain.
Don Bumzu stood on the veranda alongside Don Na.
"Cheers to us, kumpadre. Our plans are finally coming to life," said Don Na Yeong-seok, better known as Don Na.
"Is the shipment still on schedule?" he added, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Of course, kumpadre. The vessel carrying your orders is already out at sea," Bumzu replied confidently.
"Hahahaha! That's good to hear." Don Na chuckled, his mood lightened by the news.
Bumzu discreetly signaled to Dk, who quickly approached.
"Call them again and confirm the shipment," Bumzu whispered.
"Okay, boss," Dk answered, nodding before hurrying off to carry out the order.
The wedding reception continued, filled with laughter and music. Politicians and all of Don Bumzu's allies were present, enjoying the lavish celebration.
However, Don Bumzu's attention was caught by one of their servants rushing toward him, carrying a black box. The servant was about to hand the box to Don Bumzu, but Dk quickly intercepted.
"What's inside that? And where did it come from?" Dk questioned, his sharp gaze fixed on the servant.
"I don't know, sir. The guard outside just asked me to deliver it."
Dk took the box and carefully inspected it. After confirming it wasn't dangerous, he handed it to the newlyweds seated at the center of the stage.
The bride happily accepted the box, placing it on her lap.
"Who is this from?" she asked Dk, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"No name was mentioned, they just handed it over... but don't worry, it's safe," Dk reassured her with a confident smile.
The bride carefully untied the ribbon and slowly opened the box.
Inside, a letter greeted her—written in bright red ink.
"BEST WISHES, BITCH"
The bride's smile slowly faded, her hands trembling as she stared at the mocking message.
As the bride lifted the letter, the cloth beneath it accidentally came off—revealing the severed head of a man, his lifeless eyes wide open and a twisted smile frozen on his face.
A blood-curdling scream escaped the bride's lips as she stood abruptly, flinging the box into the air. It landed with a thud, causing the head to roll out onto the floor. The guests erupted into panic, their once joyous celebration turning into utter chaos.
Don Bumzu, noticing the commotion, rushed inside with his men.
"What the hell is going on?" he bellowed, his sharp voice cutting through the noise.
Dk quickly approached him, handing over the gruesome package.
"They got him, boss." Dk's voice was steady but tense.
Bumzu's eyes darkened as he stared at the severed head.
"Send all the guests home... and make sure not a single word leaves their mouths. Find the servant and the guard who brought this—now."
Without hesitation, Dk nodded and set off to carry out his orders.
In Cheol's Office
Knock, knock
"Come in."
'Gyu' Short for Mingyu, Cheol's right-hand man, entered the room carrying documents that needed signing. Aside from being the organization's top hitter, Gyu's position as Cheol's second-in-command made his words powerful—especially in the absence of the brothers.
"Any news?" Cheol asked curtly, barely lifting his eyes from the papers in front of him.
Gyu placed the documents on the desk, his expression serious.
"All goods boss. The best gift they've ever received just got delivered," Gyu replied with a smug grin.
Cheol glanced at him lazily before returning his focus to the documents, flipping through each page and signing without much thought.
"How about our debtors? Has anyone paid up?" he asked, his voice calm yet cold.
"Most of them have, except for The Luxe Den Club. They're two months behind on their payments."
Cheol's hand paused mid-signature, his sharp eyes flicking up to meet Gyu's. The air in the room suddenly felt heavier.
"Give them until tomorrow. If there's still no word... blow it up."
"Noted, boss." Gyu replied without hesitation.
With that, Cheol returned to reviewing and signing the documents Gyu had handed him. Once all the papers were signed, Gyu finally handed over the last document he'd been holding onto—something Jun had asked him to deliver.
"Hyung, Jun asked me to give this to you."
Cheol took the paper without a word, his sharp eyes scanning its contents with unwavering focus.
"Do you think this is far enough? With that bald bastard's extent properties and territories? he'll find the mother and child no matter what. What I need is somewhere unreachable."
Cheol's voice was laced with irritation as he eyed the document—detailing a house and lot on a private island in Busan.
"Ah, uh... Hyung, that's not the final plan yet. Jun Hyung and I already talked about it... but we really can't think of any other place to hide them."
Gyu pouted slightly, his tone almost childlike. Despite being Cheol's right-hand man, Gyu acted more like the youngest brother—having been raised and cared for by the same family that took in Cheol and Jun. Rarely did Cheol ever scold Gyu, making him the undeniable favorite among all of Cheol's men.
"How about in the Philippines? We don't have any properties there yet. Based on the information the spy gave; he still doesn't know about our plan to expand the business in the Philippines." he suggested to the man in front of him.
"Where is Jun? He's the one who should be handling this, not you!" Cheol slammed the documents on his desk, leaning back tiredly in his swivel chair.
Just then, Jun entered his office.
"Hyung!" he greeted while settling down on the long sofa inside his brother's office.
"Oh?" Cheol responded shortly, massaging his temple.
"Hyung, how's that place in Busan? Is it good or not? I can't think of any other place where they won't be tracked. But if we place that mother and child in our private property, would it be a good place to hide them?" he asked his brother.
Cheol stared at him for a moment before answering. He just told him the place he had thought of and mentioned to Gyu before his brother entered his office.
"Find a place in Palawan, somewhere secluded if possible. Hire the best doctor to attend to the child's medical needs. We don't need to support their daily lives—just enough to ensure their safety. You handle the rest, that's why I entrusted this task to you." Cheol said tiredly.
His brother nodded and left to begin carrying out the orders of his older brother.
Upon entering the room, Jeonghan gently guided the newcomer to sit down and prepared the things he would need. Dazed and uninterested, he blankly watched Jeonghan's every move.
"Go take a shower, so you can rest," Jeonghan said softly after finishing what he was doing. The younger one obediently followed and cried once again inside the bathroom.
"Hyung… help me," he whispered weakly.
After a few hours of showering, he finally came out. he found the three others in the room where he would likely be staying for a long time.
"I won't ask if you're okay because it's obvious you're not. But my only advice is to follow everything they want. If you don't want to get hurt or punished," Joshua calmly said.
"Why?" he asked in confusion.
Joshua simply stared at him as if he asked the most foolish question in the world.
"Why do I have to just accept all their orders and whims? I don't want to be here; I don't want this. Why do I have to keep accepting everything?" the child ranted, tears streaming down as he sat down, hugging his knees, sobbing.
In every situation, Jeonghan was always the quiet one, which made the other two surprised when he was the first to approach and embrace the new younger member of the family. he comforted the child, whispering,
"In our situation, if you want to survive, you'll do anything. Even acceptance... you'll do it just to stay alive."
His words carried a deep meaning. The child fell silent, staring at him with tear-filled eyes. Jeonghan wiped the child's tears, a faint smile playing on his lips as he continued.
"In my situation? The hope I once had died long ago. It is what it is—that's the only thing that keeps running through my mind whether I get out of here or not. Ever since I was a child, this has been my life... our life," he said, gesturing to the two others behind him.
"We were already living this life when we were even younger than you when we first came here." Jeonghan's voice trailed off, his words leaving a heavy silence in the air.
"Unlike me, these two still cling to the hope of leaving this place. Me? I simply go with the flow, wherever it takes me. Even death... I've lost hope in that too. Because no matter what I do, I'll always wake up... I'll always wake up." Jeongahn's voice carried a bitter finality.
By this time, the new member had stopped crying, quietly listening to everything Jeobghan had to say.
"You don't have to accept everything that is happening in your life," Joshua interjected. "All we're saying is—don't fight it. It might sound wrong... but if you're not looking for pain, it's better to just go along with it."
Minghao, who had been insisting on leaving earlier, had no choice but to give advice and agree with what the two older boys were saying.
"But... can we really leave this place?" he asked the three in a soft voice. The three of them exchanged glances and simultaneously lowered their heads.
"Who knows? We wouldn't know if we don't try," Minghao replied, giving a glimmer of hope to the new boy's face. "But it's dangerous," he added, breaking the hope once more.
"What's your name? And which orphanage did you come from?" Jeonghan asked, changing the topic.
"Oh, sorry. I'm Seungkwan, Boo Seungkwan — Kwannie for short. I came from Daebak Orphanage. Actually, I came from the other base, soI already know the nature of the work they're making us do. I'm 15 years old, by the way."
"15? You're still so young. How old were you when they first brought you into this kind of world?" Minghao asked, adding another question.
"Uhm... 13? Yeah, I was 6 when they adopted me, but I was 13 when they first brought me here," Seungkwan finished, his voice trailing off.
Side Story...
Somewhere
In a big dim room, where the only light source came from the massive monitors, lived a man. He was the type who could go on without ever stepping outside, preferring solitude above all. His keyboard and screens served as his eyes and hands to the outside world.
tak...tak...tak (keyboard sound)
As usual, the moment he woke up, he started cracking codes right away. Nothing in his life was more important than codes. He could go without eating—codes were his sustenance. That's how dedicated and obsessed he was. He couldn't even remember the last time he saw sunlight or what the outside of his room looked like.
"What do you want for breakfast?" asked the annoying presence in his room. He ignored it.
"Eggs???"
"Sunny-side up?"
"Poached egg?"
"Scrambled or... meee?" the pest teased, now much closer to him.
But he treated the voice like mere air and continued typing. In his quiet and peaceful world, this annoying pest suddenly barged into his life. As much as he wanted to kick it out, he knew it would only waste his energy, so he just let it be.