Chapter 62

"What is wrong with him? He should have been okay after the ritual," asked Dae Jung in a worried tone.

Hyun Soo, who was helping Namjoon stabilize using his hybrid powers of a healing scorpion was concentrating hard. His hands glowed faintly as he channeled his energy into Namjoon. Byung Ho stood to the side, watching with a smirk.

"Why are you so concerned about him? You're not his friends but enemies, right?" Byung Ho's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"We are not idiots like some people who don't know the difference between right and wrong," retorted Hyun Soo, not taking his eyes off Namjoon.

"Hey, don't be so angry. I'm not saying anything to you, am I?" said Byung Ho in a weird, seductive tone. Dae Jung found him very irritating and disgusting. He was about to kick his ass when Min Ho stepped between them and gave Byung Ho a shove, causing him to fall to the ground.

Min Ho looked down at Byung Ho with a smug grin. "Oops, sorry. That wasn't intentional," he said with a mocking tone.

Dae Jung couldn't help but smile at this. However, the moment was interrupted by a sharp gasp from Hyun Soo.

"He... His hybrid core... It's broken!" Hyun Soo exclaimed, his face pale with shock.

"WHAT?!" Min Ho and Dae Jung shouted in unison, while Byung Ho frowned, trying to understand when that had happened. While Namjoon was with him, nothing like this happened, even though he wanted it to happen.

"How can a hybrid's core be broken? And this boy is still alive and doing well? Is it possible?" Min Ho questioned, his voice filled with disbelief.

Hyun Soo took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "By broken, I meant that one piece of it is missing. The hybrid core is like a double-sided prism. It's one shard or one part is broken. And it looks like he broke it himself. Maybe he gave it to someone? I can't be sure..."

"Who did he give it to?! Byung Ho!! He was with you all this time. Did you do something to him?" Dae Jung's voice was filled with suspicion and anger.

"No, I didn't. Besides, why would I take only a piece of his core?" Byung Ho replied defensively.

"What?! What do you mean by that?" Min Ho asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I meant... I meant that I needed his... I mean him. Why would I hurt him?" Byung Ho stammered, clearly nervous in front of the furious Dae Jung.

"Can you stabilize him? That broken shard is the reason for his unstable health. Can you fix it?" Min Ho asked, his concern evident.

Hyun Soo shook his head. "I can't repair the broken part. But I think he is stabilized now." He sighed heavily, exhaustion visible on his face as he stopped using his powers and sat down on a nearby chair.

Dae Jung, his curiosity piqued, approached Namjoon, who was lying unconscious on a bed. He watched as Namjoon's eyes fluttered open. A smile spread across Dae Jung's face. "Min Ho, come here. He's awake," he called out.

Namjoon just kept staring at them, his gaze unfocused as if trying to understand where he was. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then fell silent.

"Do you know me? "Asks Dae Jung.

Namjook just kept staring frowning with confusion.

" I am Lee Min Ho. And this is Dae Jung" Said Min ho trying to see if he remember something of past. But still Namjoon was staring at both of them.

"Namhyuk. Your name is Namhyuk," Dae Jung said lovingly, as if talking to a child.

"Yah! Why are you talking to him like a child? Give him orders and tell him to work for us. Hey! You idiot little rascal, I won't tolerate your nonsense. Get to work!" Byung Ho shouted angrily.

Namjoon just kept staring at him, his expression slowly changing to a frown. Suddenly, as if a great force had hit Byung Ho, he was thrown across the room, slamming into the door with such force that the handle broke and he fell to the ground along with the door.

Dae Jung and Min Ho were astonished, watching Namjoon with wide eyes as he turned his innocent gaze back to them, as if nothing had happened.

Namjoon, now called Namhyuk, continued to behave like a child. His wide eyes followed every movement in the room, but he didn't utter a word. He seemed particularly drawn to Dae Jung, only showing signs of comfort when he was near. Everyone else seemed to agitate him, especially Madam Hana, who had just entered the room.

Hana approached with a smile that was more menacing than kind. She tried to be nice, pushing Dae Jung aside to talk to Namhyuk. This sudden movement upset Namhyuk. His eyes filled with anger, and in a swift motion, he broke a glass on the bedside table and pierced Hana's cheek with it.

Hana's smile twisted into a psychotic grin as blood trickled down her face. "If you don't want it the easy way, then we'll do it the hard way," she hissed. She grabbed Namhyuk's arm, and though he tried to free himself, he couldn't. Her hybrid powers drained his energy, rendering him weak and helpless.

"Dae Jung, why does she have to be so rough?" Min Ho muttered, watching the scene unfold.

"I don't know, but this isn't right," Dae Jung replied, his concern growing.

The other three men followed as Hana dragged Namhyuk down the hallway. She led them to a stark, white room—pure and clinical. Hana pushed Namhyuk inside and walked to the other side of the glass shield that separated the room. It was the punishment room.

Dae Jung gasped as two iron beams appeared in the room where Namhyuk stood, looking lost and scared. "Torturing him won't bring results. He won't obey, and if he gets out of control, we won't be able to do anything," Dae Jung pleaded.

Min Ho nodded in agreement. "He's right. This isn't the way."

But Byung Ho, who enjoyed torturing people, smirked and whispered something to Hana. Her anger flared, and she pressed a button. The room filled with electric currents, and Namhyuk's screams echoed through the glass.

For five long minutes, Dae Jung watched in horror. "Stop it! You're going to kill him!" he shouted, pounding on the glass.

Min Ho exchanged a worried look with Dae Jung, who shared his concern and pity. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He ran towards the control panel, and Min Ho blocked Hana, cutting off the electric currents.

Hana, furious, tried to use her hybrid powers on Min Ho, but she was helpless against a pure blood. Defeated, she glared at them.

Inside the room, Namhyuk sat on the floor, his body scarred and trembling. Dae Jung rushed to him, panting. He checked Namhyuk's wounds, but the boy only stared at him, ignoring his injuries.

"It's okay, Namhyuk. You're safe now," Dae Jung whispered, trying to comfort him.

Namhyuk's eyes softened, and he reached out, clutching Dae Jung's hand like a lifeline.

"We'll take care of Namhyuk," Min Ho reasoned with Hana. "We guarantee that he will listen to us."

Hana crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Fine. If you can do it within seven months, I won't interfere. But if he doesn't do what I want after seven months, I'll use my methods to make him comply."

Dae Jung nodded, knowing they had no choice but to agree. He looked at Namhyuk, who gazed back with childlike innocence, oblivious to the danger that loomed over him.

---

After the ordeal, Dae Jung and Min Ho guided Namhyuk back to a safer, quieter room. Dae Jung sat with him, gently cleaning his wounds.

"Does it hurt?" Dae Jung asked softly.

Namhyuk didn't respond but kept his eyes locked on Dae Jung, a mixture of fear and trust in his gaze.

"You're going to be okay. We'll make sure of it," Min Ho added, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Namhyuk's hand tightened around Dae Jung's. He still hadn't spoken, but his grip was a clear sign of his need for comfort and protection.

"Why does Hana want him so badly?" Dae Jung wondered aloud, looking at Min Ho.

Min Ho sighed. "I think she sees his potential and wants to harness it for her own gains. But her methods are too harsh."

"We need to find a way to make him work for us but without hurting him," Dae Jung said, determination in his voice.

"Agreed," Min Ho replied. "But for now, we need to focus on keeping him safe and helping him heal."

Namhyuk's eyes began to close, exhausted from the day's events. Dae Jung's lips automatically curved into a smile seeing the innocent face on his face and unknowingly an urge felt to protect this boy.

Namhyuk stirred awake after a while, blinking as he adjusted to the dim light in the room. Dae Jung leaned in, trying to make him speak. "Namhyuk, can you hear me? Can you say something?"

Namhyuk's eyes met Dae Jung's, but he remained silent, simply staring.

"Maybe you should go take a bath," Dae Jung suggested gently.

Namhyuk nodded and slowly got up, heading to the bathroom. As the door closed behind him, Min Ho and Dae Jung exchanged concerned glances.

"Why is he behaving that way?" Min Ho asked, frustration seeping into his voice. "He won't talk but will react."

Dae Jung shrugged. "I have no idea. It's like he understands us but can't communicate."

Min Ho folded his arms, a hint of jealousy in his tone. "Why is he so attached to you, though?"

Dae Jung frowned. "I don't know. It's weird. Why me?"

Min Ho sighed. "We know Namhyuk is an alpha. The ritual was a success. But why is he behaving like a kid?"

Dae Jung's eyes lit up as if a light bulb had just turned on. "Exactly. He's behaving like a child because, in a way, he is one. He was a soul present in Namjoon's core. Only his soul was attached. But now he's outside and in Namjoon's body, while Namjoon is trapped in the core. Everything is new to Namhyuk. He doesn't know anything, so he's like a child. We need to be careful with him."

Min Ho smirked, leaning back. "Well, if you're saying he's a child, you just told him to bathe, and it's been 20 minutes. He still hasn't come out."

Dae Jung's eyes widened in realization. "Oh no!"

Without wasting another second, he rushed to the bathroom door and knocked. "Namhyuk, are you okay in there?"

There was no response. Dae Jung turned the handle, but it was locked. He glanced back at Min Ho, who was trying hard not to laugh.

"Dae Jung, I think he might need some help," Min Ho said, failing to suppress his grin.

Dae Jung sighed and then spoke loudly through the door. "Namhyuk, can you unlock the door?"

A few moments later, the door clicked open, and Dae Jung carefully stepped inside. What he saw made him stop in his tracks. The bathroom was a mess. Water was everywhere, the floor was soaked, and Namhyuk was sitting in the bathtub with bubbles overflowing around him. He had somehow managed to turn on both the faucet and the shower at full blast, creating a chaotic mix of bubbles and water.

"Namhyuk, what happened?" Dae Jung asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

Namhyuk looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, holding a bar of soap like it was a precious artifact. He tilted his head, clearly confused.

Min Ho appeared at the doorway, taking in the scene. He burst out laughing. "Well, he certainly made the most of his bath time."

Dae Jung shook his head, trying not to laugh as well. "Namhyuk, let's get you cleaned up properly, okay?"

He carefully turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and helped Namhyuk out of the tub. Namhyuk was behavibg like a kid but still he understood what privacy meant. He quickly covered hisnelf with the towel while Dae Jung used another towel to help him. As he dried him off, Namhyuk stood still, watching Dae Jung with the same wide-eyed curiosity.

"This is going to be quite an adventure," Min Ho said, still chuckling.

Dae Jung nodded, wrapping the towel around Namhyuk. "Yeah, but at least we know he's like a child. We just need to be patient and teach him everything."

As they led Namhyuk back to the room, Dae Jung couldn't help but smile. Despite the chaos, there was something endearing about Namhyuk's innocence. And in that moment, he realized that helping Namhyuk navigate this new world was going to be a unique journey for all of them.

Over the next week, Namhyuk slowly began to adapt to his new environment. Although he still didn't speak, his actions showed he was becoming more comfortable with Dae Jung and Min Ho. The bond between the three grew, transforming their previous enmity into an unexpected camaraderie.

One morning, Dae Jung and Min Ho were sitting in the kitchen, discussing their plans for the day. Namhyuk entered the room, his hair still damp from his morning shower. He wore one of Min Ho's oversized shirts, which hung loosely on his small frame.

"Good morning, Namhyuk," Dae Jung greeted with a smile. Namhyuk simply nodded, his eyes scanning the room curiously.

"Hey, Namhyuk," Min Ho called, holding up a box of cereal. "Do you want to try some?"

Namhyuk walked over, peering into the box. He tilted his head, clearly intrigued but unsure. Dae Jung chuckled and poured some cereal into a bowl, adding milk. He handed it to Namhyuk, who cautiously took a spoonful. His eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly took another bite.

"I think he likes it," Min Ho said with a grin.

Dae Jung nodded. "Yeah, it's a good start."

As Namhyuk continued to eat, Dae Jung noticed him looking around the kitchen, his gaze settling on a drawer. Curious, Dae Jung opened it, revealing a collection of utensils. Namhyuk reached in and pulled out a spatula, examining it closely.

"You want to help cook?" Dae Jung asked, amused.

Namhyuk nodded eagerly. Dae Jung and Min Ho exchanged a look, and then Min Ho said, "Alright, let's see what you've got."

They spent the next hour teaching Namhyuk how to make pancakes. Dae Jung showed him how to mix the batter, and Min Ho guided his hand to flip the pancakes. Namhyuk's first attempts were messy, with batter splattering everywhere and pancakes landing half on and half off the pan, but he was determined. Each time he managed to flip a pancake correctly, his eyes sparkled with pride.

"Not bad for your first try," Dae Jung praised, ruffling Namhyuk's hair.

Min Ho laughed. "Yeah, you're a natural."

Namhyuk beamed, his smile brightening the room.

Later that day, they decided to take Namhyuk outside for some fresh air. They walked to a nearby park, where Namhyuk's curiosity once again got the better of him. He watched children playing on the swings and slides, his eyes wide with fascination.

"Do you want to try?" Dae Jung asked, pointing to the swings.

Namhyuk nodded, and they guided him to a swing. Dae Jung gently pushed him, and Namhyuk's face lit up with joy as he soared higher and higher.

Min Ho watched with a smile. "It's hard to believe we were enemies just a week ago."

Dae Jung nodded. "Yeah, but look at us now. We're treating him like a kid ,being like his parents."

As the day went on, they continued to explore the park. Namhyuk was especially fascinated by a group of ducks in a pond. He crouched down by the water's edge, watching them intently. One of the ducks waddled over, and Namhyuk extended his hand. The duck nibbled at his fingers, making him giggle—a sound that warmed Dae Jung's heart.

That evening, back at their place, they decided to have a movie night. Dae Jung and Min Ho set up a cozy spot in the living room with blankets and pillows. They chose a lighthearted comedy, hoping to make Namhyuk laugh.

As the movie played, Namhyuk's eyes were glued to the screen. He didn't quite understand everything, but the funny scenes made him smile. At one point, he mimicked the characters' actions, trying to imitate their funny expressions and movements.

"He's really getting the hang of this," Min Ho said, chuckling.

Dae Jung nodded. "Yeah, he's a quick learner."

During a particularly funny scene, Namhyuk laughed out loud—a sound that made both Dae Jung and Min Ho grin from ear to ear. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental.

By the end of the week, the three of them had formed a bond that seemed unbreakable. Namhyuk was no longer the silent, confused soul they had rescued. He was adapting, learning, and, most importantly, trusting them.

One night, as they were getting ready for bed, Namhyuk walked up to Dae Jung and Min Ho, holding a small stuffed animal he had found. He handed it to Dae Jung, looking up with wide, hopeful eyes.

"You want me to keep it?" Dae Jung asked softly.

Namhyuk nodded, then pointed to himself and Dae Jung, as if to say, "It's for both of us."

Dae Jung's heart swelled with emotion. "Thank you, Namhyuk."

Min Ho smiled, watching the exchange. "He's really come a long way."

Dae Jung nodded. "Yeah, he has. And we'll keep helping him, no matter what."

As they settled down for the night, Dae Jung placed the stuffed animal between them, a symbol of their growing bond. Namhyuk snuggled close, finally finding a sense of peace and security with his new family.

Meanwhile, Seokjin and the others were confined in an isolation cell—a high-security room with no doors or windows, just a small opening for passing food. This wasn't a cell they were forced into; they had maneuvered their way there, provoking Hana and Byung Ho intentionally.

Four days ago, in a regular cell, Seokjin and his team huddled together, planning their next move. They knew they needed some privacy to devise their plans without being constantly watched by their enemies.

Seokjin, the leader, spoke first. "We need to get moved to a more secure location where we can be left alone. Any ideas on how to provoke them enough?"

Yoongi, the tech expert, smirked. "Easy. We just need to cause a little chaos."

As seasoned mafias, they were always prepared for any situation. They all had small gadgets hidden with them every time. And this time was no exception. Yoongi and Jimin were the tech wizards, equipped with advanced hacking tools and various gadgets for breaking through security systems . Seokjin and Jungkook had numerous hidden weapons on their bodies, ready for combat. Hoseok and Taehyung, the strategists and escape artists, had brought along items crucial for their survival and escape plans. Soobin, Yeonjun, and Beomgyu were eager to help in any way they could.

Hoseok revealed a small toolkit hidden in his shoe. "I've got tools for picking locks, creating distractions, and a few other tricks up my sleeve."

Taehyung smirked, pulling out a small, foldable mirror. "And I've got this—perfect for checking around corners without being seen. Plus, a few other small explosives and smoke bombs."

Seokjin nodded. "Alright, let's provoke Hana and Byung Ho. If we can get them to move us to a more secure location, we might find vulnerabilities there we can exploit."

Their plan took action the next day. Seokjin and Jungkook started a fight, drawing attention to themselves. Jimin and Yoongi began hacking into the cell's security system, causing minor glitches and disruptions. The guards were on edge, and it wasn't long before Hana and Byung Ho were called in.

"What is going on here?" Hana demanded, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the chaos.

Seokjin smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Just stretching our legs. This cell is too boring. Maybe you should entertain us, can you? "

Byung Ho stepped forward, anger flaring in his eyes. "You think you can dictate terms? We'll show you what real isolation is."

Hana nodded. "Move them to the high-security isolation cells. Let's see how they handle that."

As they were transferred, Seokjin and his team exchanged subtle nods. Their plan was working perfectly. Once inside the new cell, Yoongi got to work immediately, using his device to hack into the security camera.

"We're in," he whispered triumphantly after a few minutes. "Now we just need to gather the intel and plan our next move."

The high-security isolation cell, though intended to be a punishment, provided them the cover they needed. They were away from prying eyes and could strategize without constant surveillance.

On the fourth day, the situation took an unexpected turn. The boys were disturbing the guards constantly, asking for silly things and making noise, which irritated every guard. The guards reported this to Hana and Byung Ho.

"What's the matter with them now?" Hana groaned, rubbing her temples.

Byung Ho, already annoyed, sneered. "They're just trying to get under our skin. I'll handle this."

He stormed over to the cell and began insulting them, thinking they couldn't do anything from their confinement. "You bunch of losers, do you think you can annoy us into letting you out? Pathetic."

Taehyung, seeing an opportunity, quickly fashioned a makeshift rope and threw it through the small food opening, wrapping it around Byung Ho's legs and yanking hard. Byung Ho yelped in surprise as he fell to the ground.

"Why is everyone picking on me?" Byung Ho muttered, his face turning red with anger and embarrassment.

"What do you want now? " Asks Hana getting irritated.

"These two have been sleeping for quite a while. They need to eat. You won't want one of us to die here. You won't want unnecessary trouble from us at this time, do you? " Asks Hoseok.

"Fine," Hana snapped, her patience wearing thin. "It's time to wake your boys up."

Kai and Taehyun, who had been asleep, started waking up due to the commotion. Hana, tired of the antics, decided it was time to withdraw her magic and fully wake them.

As her magic lifted, Kai rubbed his eyes and looked around groggily. "What's going on?"

Beomgyu grinned. "Just a little fun. You in?"

Taehyun, now fully awake, smirked. "Of course."

Byung Ho, still on the ground, glared at them. "This is not funny!"

Byung Ho, still fuming, muttered to himself, "Why does everyone treat me like a punching bag?"

Hana couldn't help but chuckle. "Maybe it's because your behavior makes you one."

The boys burst into laughter again, and even Hana couldn't suppress a smile. Byung Ho's misfortune had become their amusement, and for a moment, the tension and fear of their situation melted away, replaced by camaraderie and a shared sense of humor.

As the laughter died down, Seokjin gathered everyone around. "Alright, back to business. We need to be careful with our next steps. Everyone knows their roles."

With a final nod of agreement, the group prepared for their next move. They had turned their isolation into an opportunity, and they were ready to reclaim their freedom and take control of the facility.

While the boys were busy with their training, Namhyuk's bond with Dae Jung and Min Ho continued to grow stronger. The past week had been filled with small, meaningful moments that brought them closer together.

One late evening, Namhyuk found himself alone in a secluded corridor of the facility. Dae Jung and Min Ho had gone to fetch supplies, leaving Namhyuk with strict instructions to stay in their room. But Namhyuk, driven by curiosity, had wandered off, exploring the quiet hallways.

As he turned a corner, he was suddenly confronted by a group of guards. They leered at him, their intentions clear. One of them, a tall and burly man with a cruel smile, stepped forward.

"Well, well, look what we have here," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "A pretty little thing, all alone."

Namhyuk's eyes widened in fear. He took a step back, but the guards closed in, blocking his escape.

"Why don't you come with us?" another guard suggested, his tone sickeningly sweet. "We'll take good care of you."

Namhyuk's heart raced. He could feel his hybrid powers stirring within him, but he was too frightened and inexperienced to use them effectively. Just as the guards were about to grab him, a familiar voice rang out.

"Hey! Get away from him!"

Dae Jung and Min Ho appeared at the end of the corridor, their faces set in fierce determination. They sprinted toward Namhyuk, their movements a blur of speed and precision.

The guards were shocked to see their boss in front of them, but before they could explain, Dae Jung delivered a powerful kick to the first guard, sending him crashing into the wall. Min Ho tackled another, disarming him with a swift, practiced motion.

"Are you okay?" Dae Jung asked Namhyuk, his voice gentle despite the intensity of the situation. Namhyuk just kept staring and hugging Dae Jung.

Min Ho stood over the remaining guards, his eyes cold. "If you ever try something like this again, you won't just get a beating. You'll regret it for the rest of your lives."

The guards scrambled to their feet and fled, leaving Dae Jung, Min Ho, and Namhyuk alone in the corridor. Dae Jung placed a reassuring hand on Namhyuk's shoulder.

"You're safe now," he said softly. "Let's get you back to the room."

Over the next few days, Dae Jung and Min Ho were more protective of Namhyuk than ever. They rarely let him out of their sight, ensuring he was never alone. Their bond with Namhyuk deepened, and they began to understand just how much he had come to mean to them.

One afternoon, while they were outside gathering more supplies, they found themselves ambushed by another group of mercenaries. The attackers outnumbered them, and despite their strength and skill, Dae Jung and Min Ho were struggling to fend them off.

"There's too many of them!" Min Ho shouted, dodging a blow aimed at his head.

"We need to find a way out of here!" Dae Jung responded, his voice strained.

Namhyuk, who had been standing behind them, felt a surge of determination. He couldn't let anything happen to the people who had protected him and cared for him. Summoning his courage, he stepped forward.

"Stop!" he shouted, his voice ringing with authority.

The mercenaries paused, taken aback by Namhyuk's unexpected command. Dae Jung and Min Ho turned to him, their faces etched with surprise.

Namhyuk took a deep breath and focused, feeling his hybrid powers activate. His eyes glowed with a fierce light, and he raised his hand. A shimmering barrier of energy appeared between them and the mercenaries, holding the attackers at bay.

"Get back!" Namhyuk ordered, his voice steady.

The mercenaries, intimidated by the display of power, hesitated. Seizing the opportunity, Dae Jung and Min Ho quickly regrouped and launched a coordinated attack, driving the mercenaries back.

"Namhyuk, keep that barrier up!" Min Ho instructed, his eyes never leaving the fight.

Namhyuk nodded, his concentration unwavering. The barrier held strong, giving Dae Jung and Min Ho the upper hand. Within minutes, the mercenaries were either incapacitated or fleeing for their lives.

As the last of the attackers retreated, Namhyuk lowered the barrier, exhaustion evident on his face. Dae Jung and Min Ho rushed to his side, their expressions a mix of relief and amazement.

"You can talk?" Dae Jung asked, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Namhyuk nodded, a shy smile on his lips. "Yes, I can."

Min Ho's expression softened. "Since when? Why didn't you tell us?"

Namhyuk looked down, his voice hesitant. "I... I didn't know how. It's all new to me."

Dae Jung placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Namhyuk. We're just glad you did."

Namhyuk smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. For the first time, he felt truly understood and accepted. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but with Dae Jung and Min Ho by his side, he felt confident he could face anything.

From that day on, Namhyuk's bond with Dae Jung and Min Ho grew even stronger. He began to communicate more, albeit shyly, and they supported him every step of the way. The three of them formed an unbreakable team, each willing to protect the others at any cost.

One day while Namhyuk, Dae Jung, and Min Ho were discussing the intricacies of Syntek and its key players, Namhyuk listened intently, absorbing the information. He was still learning to navigate this new world, and the support of his two newfound protectors made the transition easier. They were explaining the various individuals in the company, trying to prepare him for any encounters he might face.

Byung Ho, who had been roaming the halls with a scowl on his face, noticed Namhyuk conversing freely. His eyes narrowed with malice, and he stomped over, grabbing Namhyuk by the arm.

"What do we have here? He started talking but you two did not inform about that to us. " Byung Ho sneered, his grip tightening painfully. "And you...Namhyuk...You think you can just chat around like you own the place? I'm your master, and you'll do as I say!"

Namhyuk winced but held his ground. He didn't have any memories of being mistreated by Byung Ho, but his instincts told him not to trust this man. He knew he was different, and he wouldn't tolerate anyone talking down to him.

With newfound courage and defiance, Namhyuk stared directly into Byung Ho's eyes. "I listen to my hyungs only," he declared, his voice steady and cold.

Byung Ho's eyes widened in shock and anger. "What did you just say?" he barked, yanking Namhyuk closer. "You dare speak to me like that? You're nothing but a servant, a tool!"

Namhyuk's eyes burned with a fierce light. "I am not your servant. I am Namhyuk. And I only listen to Dae Jung hyung and Min Ho hyung."

Dae Jung and Min Ho, who had been standing to the side, were stunned. They had expected Namhyuk to be timid and compliant, given his recent experiences. But hearing him call them "hyung," acknowledging them as his brothers, was something they had never anticipated.

Byung Ho's face turned red with rage. He raised his hand to strike Namhyuk, but Dae Jung stepped in, grabbing Byung Ho's wrist. "Enough," Dae Jung said, his voice low and dangerous. "You will not touch him."

Min Ho moved to Namhyuk's side, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "He's under our protection now," Min Ho added. "And we won't tolerate any harm coming to him."

Byung Ho pulled his arm free, glaring at them. "You think you can protect him forever? He's mine to control!"

Namhyuk, emboldened by the support of his new hyungs, stood tall. "I am not yours to control," he said firmly. "I make my own choices, and I choose to stand with my hyungs."

Dae Jung and Min Ho exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of pride and concern. They had started off as enemies, but in this moment, they realized that their bond with Namhyuk had grown stronger. He wasn't just a tool or a pawn; he was family. THEIR family.

Byung Ho, seething with rage, spat on the ground. "This isn't over," he snarled before storming off.

As the tension in the air began to dissipate, Namhyuk turned to Dae Jung and Min Ho. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude.

Dae Jung smiled and ruffled Namhyuk's hair. "We're a team now," he said. "And we look out for each other."

Min Ho nodded. "You're one of us, Namhyuk. We won't let anyone hurt you."

In the days that followed, the bond between the three grew even stronger. There were moments of laughter and learning as Namhyuk adapted to his new surroundings. He struggled with speaking at times, but Dae Jung and Min Ho were patient, helping him find his voice.

They had started off as enemies, but now they were a family, united in their determination to protect each other and bring down Syntek. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. But what will happen when Namhyuk meets Namjoon's team, Namjoon's family? Will love bloom again or seed of hatred grow between them....