Chapter 52

In the dank and oppressive atmosphere of an abandoned garage, Yeonjun's head pounds relentlessly, each throb echoing the urgency of their perilous predicament. His eyes flutter open to see himself and his comrades, bound and vulnerable, each tethered to separate pillars by unforgiving restraints.

"Guys, wake up. Soobin! Soobin, snap out of it!" Yeonjun's voice carries a mix of desperation and determination, cutting through the suffocating silence that envelops them.

Soobin's groans resonates in air as he fights against the darkness threatening to engulf him. "My arm... it's killing me."

"Binnie, focus! You with us?" Yeonjun's voice, though strained, carries an unyielding resolve born of their shared struggle.

As Soobin's bleary eyes struggle to make sense of their grim surroundings, the reality of their abduction crashes down upon him like a relentless tide. "Hyung! We've been taken..."

"We need to act fast," Yeonjun urges, his mind racing with possibilities amidst the overwhelming uncertainty. "Wake the others, quietly.".

Soobin's efforts are met with groggy responses from Beomgyu and Taehyun, their senses slowly awakening to the dire situation they find themselves in. Hueningkai was awake due to the noises made by other two.

Beomgyu nods grimly, scanning the dimly lit space for any sliver of hope. His eyes lock onto a rusted shard of metal, a crude lifeline in their battle against captivity.

With stealth born of desperation, Soobin maneuvers the metal piece closer to Beomgyu, their silent communication a testament to their unspoken camaraderie and determination.

Just as Beomgyu inches closer to gaining a sliver of freedom as the metal shard was just between his feet, the creak of the door shatters the fragile calm startling Beomgyu making the metal fall back to it's place. Three imposing figures step into the garage, their menacing presence amplifying the tension to a suffocating degree.

"Ohh the babies are awake. They look cute tied up there, don't they? " Asked a funny, weird voice but the person who told this was nowhere to be seen. All of them frowned for a second and then their eyes widened. They exchanged wary glances, each of them knew the source of this voice—their nemesis, the one responsible for their delays and anxieties in England.

Yeonjun's jaw clenched as he nodded with unwavering determination, a glint of defiance in his eyes. The others mirrored his resolve, their expressions hardening with determination. Today marked the end of their torment, the culmination of their struggles and fears.As they stood united, a silent promise echoed in the room—a promise not to cower or retreat again.

Yeonjun's frustration reached a boiling point, his words laced with bitterness and a tinge of desperation as he called out into the shadows. "Aishh! Yahh! Brat rat, show yourself! Come in front where we can see you clearly."

His voice echoed through the dimly lit garage, a stark contrast to the sinister silence that seemed to envelop them. The sense of déjà vu weighed heavily on Yeonjun's shoulders, the haunting memories of past torment resurfacing with each passing moment. The same helplessness, the same confinement—it was a cruel twist of fate that thrust him, thrust all of them back into a nightmare they had hoped to escape forever.

At last, a figure emerged—a dwarf of diminutive stature, barely reaching four feet tall. His appearance was almost comical, with oversized teeth protruding from his mouth and a long, skinny face that seemed out of place in the grim setting. Beomgyu couldn't help but release a loud laugh at the sight as always, finding a momentary reprieve in the absurdity of the situation. Soobin, on the other hand, maintained a steely gaze, his annoyance palpable as he assessed their diminutive captor.

"How dare you call me rat?" The dwarf's high-pitched voice squeaked with indignation, his attempt at intimidation undermined by his comical appearance.

"Did you miss the 'brat' part, you idiot?" Yeonjun's smirk was evident in his tone, his words dripping with sarcasm as he emphasized the insult.

The dwarf's face contorted in anger, but his bravado faltered under Yeonjun's cutting remarks. "Being cocky, huh? You will regret it soon."

With a twisted sense of amusement, the dwarf revealed the cruel reality of their predicament. "I was considering having some fun with you, but any scars on your bodies would reduce your price. So, better not show off any stunts. You have electric wires attached to your wrists along with the ropes. Don't get too shocked!"

"Boss, what about the sixth one?" A buff men's voice carried a sense of urgency, his eyes narrowing on the purple haired unconscious guy.

The dwarf boss, a figure of authority in the ruthless underworld they found themselves entangled in, considered his men's question with a dismissive flick of his hand. "He's just a human, not like these five. Not worth much in the grand scheme, but a little extra coin never hurt anyone."

The man again asks with brow furrowed in disbelief, his mind racing with questions. "But how can you be so sure they are hybrids?"

The boss's response was chillingly matter-of-fact, his tone carrying a cruel certainty that sent shivers down their spines. "I've been tracking them for a long long time, all the way to England. Witnessed their powers firsthand. Taehyun's display was quite impressive, saving Soobin. And then the others, showcasing their unique abilities to protect one another. But you know what? Their true value lies in being used as... pleasure slaves. Their hybrid nature makes them... desirable."

The revelation struck like a dagger to the heart, each word a painful reminder of the dark fate that awaited them in the clutches of their captors. Yeonjun's rage simmered beneath the surface, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists in frustration.

"SHUT UP!" Yeonjun's voice rang out, filled with a mix of anger, fear, and defiance.

The boss, seemingly unaffected by Yeonjun's outburst, outlined their grim destiny with chilling finality. "Tonight, we celebrate our victory. But for you lot, it's the end of the line. Enjoy your last moments together. Forty minutes to reminisce, then it's farewell."

As the dwarf and his menacing entourage made their exit, leaving the captives to their uncertain fate, a heavy silence settled over the group. The weight of their impending separation and the cruel intentions of their captors hung like a suffocating blanket, casting a shadow over their once hopeful spirits.

"What do we do now? How to escape?" Taehyun's voice trembled with apprehension, his eyes darting between his companions, seeking guidance in their dire predicament.

As Taehyun's voice broke the heavy silence, a collective sense of urgency filled the air, mingled with fear and uncertainty. RM's eyes flickered open, his mind immediately processing the gravity of their situation. However, he kept his senses masked, aware that revealing his true strength could jeopardize their chances of escape and put them in even more danger.

"I will try to free myself. The shock won't be severe. Trust me," Yeonjun interjected, his voice filled with a mix of determination and a hint of desperation born out of their captivity.

"Don't ever take a risk where you are not sure that you will get a good result," RM's voice cut through the tension like a knife, his words carrying the weight of experience and caution.

"H-Hyung! You heard everything?" Soobin's voice trembled with disbelief, his eyes wide as he searched RM's expression for any hint of reassurance.

RM maintained a composed exterior, his gaze shifting subtly as he considered the delicate balance they were in. "I heard enough to know we're in trouble, but let's not panic. We need a plan."

The weight of RM's words settled heavily upon them, a tangible reminder of the perilous path they faced. Taehyun's fear was palpable, his desperation driving him to seek any means of escape, even as the others shared a quiet concern about what RM might have overheard during his 'unconscious' state.

"Then what do I do, hyung?" Taehyun's voice quivered with apprehension, his eyes pleading for guidance amidst the chaos.

RM's gaze softened as he assessed their options, his mind racing to find a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. "Just give me a moment," he said calmly, his hand moving instinctively to his pocket in search of his mobile phone.

The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning—these flimsy ropes were a constraint not just physically, but also symbolically. While metal chains might have posed a challenge, these ropes were mere threads to him. Yet, he had to hold back his strength. He can't reveal his identity to these newly met friends. He trust them, but trust had always been a distant dream for RM .Despite being part of a team, a supposed bond that should bring solace, he felt isolated in his struggle. The longing for genuine connection and understanding left a hollow ache in his heart, a melancholy that colored his every action.But for now, he remained trapped in his own emotional prison, wrestling with the ghosts of broken trust and unspoken emotions.

"I had started recording on my phone since I called Jin hyung. We can learn a lot from that recording; I just need to get my hands on it," RM grunted with determination, his fingers working diligently to retrieve the phone from his pocket.

"Hyung, let me help you—" Beomgyu began to offer his assistance, but Yeonjun's sudden yell cut through the air like a warning bell.

"NO...!!!" Yeonjun's shout was sharp, filled with urgency and a hint of fear, his eyes staring at Beomgyu warning him not to do anything in haste that might reveal their identity.

"Yahh!! Why are you shouting? The men may enter," RM cautioned, still focused on extracting the phone without drawing unwanted attention.

"Sorry. But Beomgyu, be careful. Don't do anything risky," Yeonjun's voice held a note of concern as he fixed a stern gaze on Beomgyu, emphasizing the need for caution in their delicate situation.

Finally, RM managed to bring out the mobile from his pocket, a small victory in their battle for freedom. "Okay, let's see," RM said, relief evident in his voice as he glanced at the ongoing recording. He quickly navigated to the beginning and hit play, the sound of Jin hyung's voice filling the tense atmosphere of their captivity. Each word captured in the recording held the potential to be a key to their escape, a ray of hope amidst the darkness of their ordeal.

[Sound of footsteps approaching, followed by a door opening and closing]

Unknown man : Boss you said five. There are six boys here.

Boss( dwarf man) :Take all of them before anyone sees us."

[Sound of a car engine starting]

Unknown Man: "Their bodies and figures are indeed good. Can't we have some fun before delivering them?"

Boss: "The dealers are very particular. They're paying hefty money but want them unspoiled, no scars, and not used."

Unknown Man: "At least the sixth one. We did the deal only for these five. We can keep the sixth one for ourselves."

Another Man: "But what if he's also one of them?"

Boss: "Nope. If you want satisfaction, go to a bar. These six are to be sold tonight at 3. No further discussion on this."

[Silence for one hour]

The tension in the room escalated as the voice recording played, each word a reminder of the imminent danger they faced. The other five grew increasingly anxious, fearing that RM might continue listening and discover more unsettling details about themselves.

But RM, suddenly pause the recording. "That's it. That's what we want," he declared, his voice filled with determination. "The dealers will arrive at 3, and we are approximately 1 hour away from the mart. It's 2 now. We can make an escape plan."

"But how? We are tied up with these damn electric wires!" Taehyun's frustration was palpable, his attempts to free himself only resulting in futile struggles.

"Calm down. No worries," RM reassured them, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Don't you have a small knife or something sharp around? Maybe in your bracelet or ring?"

"No, do you have one? , hyung."Asks Soobin with hope of glimmer in his eyes. RM nods while looking at Soobin with a smile.

"That is great," Beomgyu replied, his eyes lighting up with hope at the prospect of RM's resourcefulness.

RM nodded, his expression focused yet calm. "Okay, just give me a few minutes, and then I will help you too."

RM always wore a ring with a hidden blade, a precaution he had taken long ago. With a simple click, the small blade popped out, a testament to his preparedness. Swiftly, RM maneuvered his hand, exploiting the loosened ropes that were already on the verge of breaking. He used the blade ring not for its name but for its function, carefully cutting through the electric wires that bound them.

As each member's bindings were released, a sense of relief washed over them. RM's quick thinking and dexterity had bought them precious moments and a chance at freedom. With renewed determination, they worked together to untie each other, their movements swift yet cautious to avoid making any noise that could alert their captors.

The countdown to their escape had begun, fueled by RM's ingenuity and the unwavering bond between them. Time was of the essence, and they were ready to seize the opportunity fate had granted them.

"If you had the blade, why didn't you free yourself earlier?" Yeonjun's question cut through the tension, his curiosity echoing the thoughts of the others.

RM's response was measured, his gaze steady as he explained, "Before knowing how far we are from home, why we were kidnapped, I couldn't take the risk of freeing myself and resorting to a fight. If I had freed myself and the men barged in while I was unaware of our situation, it could have led to further trouble. It's crucial to always assess the situation—know where you've been brought and what the purpose is."

His words resonated with the group, a shared understanding dawning on them as they nodded in agreement with their hyung's wisdom. The value of caution and strategic thinking in dire situations like these became all the more apparent.

Before they could delve deeper into their plans, the sound of the door creaking interrupted them, signaling the return of the dwarf man and his formidable bodyguards.

"Tape their mouths properly. We don't want any noise or disturbance," the boss instructed, his eyes narrowing as he noticed RM's freed state. "And... What the? How did you free yourself? Well, it doesn't matter. Boys, catch them, and this time, they won't have the chance to escape."

The tension in the room escalated as the dwarf man's incompetence became glaringly apparent. Yeonjun's voice dripped with disdain as he addressed their captor, "We're not even thinking of escaping, brat rat!! And you are the dumbest kidnapper I've ever seen. You didn't even take our weapons. How did you survive till now?"

The dwarf man's face flushed red with anger and embarrassment at the taunts, his authority challenged in front of his own men. "You are not going anywhere. Capture them!" he barked, his voice trembling with rage.

But Soobin's response cut through the air like a blade, filled with determination and defiance, "And we are not going anywhere today. Not before killing you all."

The atmosphere crackled with tension as the boys prepared for a confrontation, each revealing their signature weapons with a sense of purpose and readiness.

Yeonjun's sleek, custom-designed pistols named "Dual Seraphim" gleamed in the dim light, their intricate engravings depicting celestial wings. These guns were not just tools but extensions of his precise aim and tactical prowess, a symbol of his angelic precision on the battlefield.

Soobin stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he revealed his hidden arsenal—a set of "Moonshadow" throwing knives concealed within a wristband. Crafted for silent strikes and deadly accuracy, these knives reflected Soobin's calm demeanor that masked a storm of precision and agility.

Beomgyu's agility was mirrored in his swift, double-edged small swords known as "Swift Reapers." Adorned with intricate patterns symbolizing speed and grace, these blades were designed for swift and precise strikes, embodying Beomgyu's finesse in combat.

Taehyun wielded a pair of Sai daggers named "Shadow Piercers," their sleek black blades and knuckle brass handles enhancing his grip and striking power. These daggers were a testament to Taehyun's finesse in close-quarters combat, allowing him to strike swiftly and decisively.

Hueningkai, with his energetic presence, revealed a retractable karambit knife named "Stormfang" concealed within his boot. This razor-sharp blade complemented his agility and swift reflexes, making him a deadly force in close-quarters combat.

The garage erupted into chaos as the confrontation turned into a fierce battle. RM, not needing weapons, relied on his own formidable strength and combat skills, launching into action alongside his five brothers. The clash of metal and grunts of exertion filled the air as they faced off against the ten buff men.

Yeonjun's pistols rang out with precision, each shot finding its mark with deadly accuracy. Soobin's swift strikes with his throwing knives were silent but lethal, taking down opponents with precise aim and agility. Beomgyu's swords danced through the air, their double-edged blades cutting through defenses effortlessly. Taehyun's sai daggers flashed in the dim light as he darted between enemies, striking with calculated finesse. Hueningkai's retractable karambit knife became an extension of his swift movements, dealing swift and decisive blows.

The synergy between the brothers was evident as they fought as a cohesive unit, covering each other's backs and seamlessly switching roles based on the flow of battle. However, despite their prowess, injuries were inevitable in such a heated encounter.

The dwarf man, sensing an opportunity, sneaked up on RM, catching him off guard with a vicious knife attack. RM staggered back, gritting his teeth against the pain but refusing to yield. Yeonjun and Soobin, always protective of their younger brothers, sustained injuries while shielding them from harm.

Just when it seemed they had gained the upper hand, ten more men appeared, their reinforcements adding to the already intense fight. Yet, the six didn't falter. Drawing upon their individual skills and unwavering determination, they turned the tide once again.

With quick thinking, they overpowered their foes, disarming them and using their own weapons against them. RM, despite his injuries, led the charge, his strength and resilience driving them forward. As the tide of battle turned in their favor once again, the dwarf man found himself cornered, his bravado diminishing in the face of the brothers' unwavering resolve. With a grim expression, RM stepped forward, his eyes locking onto the dwarf man's.

"You underestimated us," RM's voice was calm yet firm, his gaze piercing. "You thought we were helpless, but you were wrong. Guys, you all were his main target. I leave him to you. Do as you wish".

The dwarf man, realizing the gravity of his situation, attempted to plead for mercy, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. The five brothers, fueled by a mix of anger and determination, surrounded the dwarf man."You've caused enough suffering," Beomgyu's voice was cold, his eyes narrowed as he gripped his "Swift Reapers" tightly.

Taehyun's "Shadow Piercers" gleamed in the dim light as he spoke with a hint of disdain, "You thought you could control us, but you were mistaken."

Hueningkai's "Stormfang" knife, a symbol of his hidden danger, reflected the resolve in his voice, "We're not your playthings. We are the ruthless mafia team."

With a nod from Soobin, they moved as one, swiftly disarming the dwarf man and rendering him defenseless. Their words echoed in the tense air, each syllable a testament to their strength and defiance against oppression."It ends here," Yeonjun's voice was final as he delivered the decisive blow, ending the dwarf man's reign of terror. The brothers stood united, their victory tinged with the somber reality of their injuries, but also with the hope of a new beginning, free from captivity and fear.

With a nod from RM, they quickly assessed the situation. Spotting a key on one of the fallen men, RM swiftly used it to start their enemies' car. With the battered but determined group inside, they made their daring escape, leaving the abandoned garage behind.

The drive was tense, each of them nursing their wounds but also filled with a sense of triumph. They had faced a formidable challenge and emerged victorious, their bond as brothers stronger than ever as they drove into the night, leaving their captors and the traumatic ordeal behind them.

As the six boys returned home, their footsteps echoed in the familiar halls, each step a testament to their resilience and unyielding spirit. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of emotions—relief at being back, wounds both physical and emotional still raw from their ordeal, and a silent determination to move forward.

Upon entering, they were met with a surprising sight. Their other five brothers stood in the living room, armed and ready, a palpable tension hanging in the air. The youngest, Jungkook, couldn't contain his emotions as he rushed forward, his eyes brimming with tears of relief and joy.

"Guys! You're back!" Jungkook's voice trembled with emotion as he enveloped each of his brothers in a tight embrace.

The others smiled through their own weariness, their eyes reflecting the shared bond that had only strengthened in the face of adversity. Seokjin the eldest among them, spoke first, his voice a mix of concern and curiosity. "What happened out there? Are you all okay?"

All do them sat on the couch and Yoongi called Dr. Choi to come immediately for help.

Hueningkai took a deep breath, his gaze meeting each of his brothers." We were kidnapped. It was a nightmare, hyung. When we were in England, and a man—a dwarf man—took a liking to us, wanted to export us like commodities for profit." His words were laced with bitterness, the memory still vivid in his mind.

"We always fought," Yeonjun interjected, his voice tinged with determination. "We fought like hell to end it, but every time, he slipped away like a rat."

Soobin's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched with pent-up anger. "Not anymore. He won't harm anyone else. Today we ended his matter for good. " His words carried a weight of finality, a resolve to ensure justice prevailed.

Yoongi smiled and patting Yeonjun's back says" It's good. It's good that you all are alright and you ended the matter. "

The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of their words sinking in. Just then, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the doctor. As the doctor tended to their wounds, concern etched on RM's face, and he made a quiet exit to his room, his expression unreadable.

"Where's Namjoon hyung going?" Yeonjun's voice broke the silence, his eyes searching for answers among his brothers.

Yoongi sighed, his gaze following Namjoon's retreating figure. "He's always been like that, he is okay."

"But he's hurt too," Soobin protested, his worry evident.

"He's a fighter," Hoseok chimed in, his tone filled with admiration. "He will be fine. Don't worry. "

As Namjoon retreated to his room, a torrent of conflicting emotions engulfed him. The ache in his body mirrored the ache in his heart—a silent cry for independence in a world where dependency felt like shackles.

Sitting alone in the dimly lit room, Namjoon's gaze fell upon the medical kit he had retrieved. His hands moved mechanically, tending to the wound inflicted by the cruel knife. Each touch sent a jolt of pain, but it was nothing compared to the turmoil within.

Namjoon sat in solitude, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. "I can't depend on them," he whispered to himself, a sense of pride mingled with stubbornness. "I won't burden them."

Memories flooded his mind—memories of struggling to make ends meet, of shouldering burdens silently, of nights spent in silent contemplation. The prospect of depending on his brothers for medical care felt like a betrayal of the self-reliance he had fought so hard to maintain.

"I can't burden them," Namjoon whispered to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the quiet of the room. "I can't burden anyone."

The weight of his decision bore down on him, heavy and suffocating. The thought of not being able to afford the doctor's fee gnawed at his pride, a reminder of his financial struggles that he had kept hidden from his brothers.

Tears welled up in Namjoon's eyes, a mixture of pain, frustration, and a deep-seated desire to stand on his own. He was tired of being the one who needed help, tired of being the one who couldn't afford even the basic necessities. His resolve hardened with each passing moment—he would take care of himself, no matter the cost.

In that solitary moment, Namjoon made a silent vow to never burden his brothers again. The walls of self-reliance he had built around himself grew higher, shielding him from the vulnerability of needing others. It was a lonely path he chose, but it was one he felt he had to walk to preserve his sense of pride and independence.

As he wiped away the tears, a sense of resignation settled over him. The room felt emptier than ever, echoing with the silent screams of a soul yearning to be free from the chains of dependency. Namjoon's heart-wrenching decision echoed in the quietude—a silent plea to be seen as strong, even in moments of vulnerability.