Chapter 16: The Search Begins

The bustling city of Seoul was a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of Min-ho's estate. Amidst the skyscrapers, neon lights, and ceaseless activity, there was one man who moved with a singular purpose—Hyun-woo. With his sharp eyes and unwavering determination, he navigated the crowded streets, each step bringing him closer to uncovering the truth about Jae-min's disappearance.

Hyun-woo had been searching for weeks, following leads that often led to dead ends. But he refused to give up. Jae-min was more than just a friend; he was family, someone Hyun-woo had sworn to protect. The thought of Jae-min being held against his will, suffering alone, fueled Hyun-woo's relentless pursuit.

Today, Hyun-woo found himself in a dimly lit café, tucked away in one of Seoul's older districts. The place was known for its discretion, a meeting point for those who didn't want their conversations overheard. Hyun-woo sat at a corner table, his eyes scanning the room as he waited for his contact to arrive.

A few minutes later, a man in a dark coat slipped into the seat across from him. He looked around nervously before meeting Hyun-woo's gaze. "You're Hyun-woo, right?" the man asked, his voice low.

Hyun-woo nodded. "Yes. You have information about Jae-min?"

The man glanced around again before leaning in. "I heard whispers about someone matching his description. A young omega, taken by force. It's said he's being held by a powerful alpha, someone with connections and money."

Hyun-woo's heart raced. This was the most promising lead he had gotten in weeks. "Do you have a name? A location?"

The man hesitated, his eyes flickering with fear. "It's dangerous to talk about this. But I've heard the name Min-ho mentioned. He's a powerful figure, not someone you want to cross."

Hyun-woo's mind raced. Min-ho was known in certain circles, his reputation one of ruthlessness and control. The idea of Jae-min being in his grasp was chilling. "Do you know where he might be holding him?" Hyun-woo pressed.

The man shook his head. "I don't know specifics. But Min-ho's estate is heavily guarded. It won't be easy to get in."

Hyun-woo nodded, his mind already formulating a plan. "Thank you. You've been very helpful."

As the man slipped away, Hyun-woo remained seated, his thoughts dark and determined. If Min-ho was indeed holding Jae-min, it would take all of his skills and resources to rescue him. But Hyun-woo was prepared to do whatever it took.

Later that evening, Hyun-woo returned to his apartment, a modest but well-kept space that served as both his home and office. He sat down at his desk, pulling out a map of the city and spreading it across the surface. His eyes scanned the various districts, searching for any potential leads.

He knew he needed more information before making his move. Min-ho's estate would be a fortress, and Hyun-woo couldn't afford to go in blind. He picked up his phone and dialed a number, waiting for the line to connect.

"Yeon-jin, it's Hyun-woo. I need your help," he said as soon as the call was answered.

Yeon-jin was a former colleague, someone Hyun-woo trusted implicitly. She had connections in the underworld and a knack for gathering information. If anyone could help him, it was her.

"What's going on, Hyun-woo?" Yeon-jin's voice was calm but curious.

"I think I've found a lead on Jae-min. He's being held by someone named Min-ho. I need to know everything you can find out about him—his estate, his security, his routines. Anything that can help me get Jae-min out."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Yeon-jin replied. "Min-ho? That's a dangerous target, Hyun-woo. Are you sure about this?"

"I don't have a choice," Hyun-woo said, his voice firm. "Jae-min needs me."

"Alright," Yeon-jin said with a sigh. "I'll see what I can dig up. Give me a couple of days."

"Thank you, Yeon-jin. I owe you one."

"You owe me more than one," she replied with a chuckle before hanging up.

Hyun-woo set his phone down and leaned back in his chair, staring at the map. He knew this wouldn't be easy. Min-ho was a formidable opponent, and the risks were high. But the thought of Jae-min suffering alone was unbearable. Hyun-woo would stop at nothing to bring him back.

The next few days were a blur of activity. Hyun-woo gathered supplies, researched Min-ho's background, and waited for Yeon-jin's call. His apartment became a makeshift command center, maps and notes covering every available surface. Each piece of information brought him closer to his goal.

Finally, Yeon-jin called with the information he needed. "Min-ho's estate is located in the outskirts of the city, heavily guarded with both personnel and high-tech security systems. He rarely leaves the premises, but when he does, it's always with a large entourage. Breaking in won't be easy, but there are a few weak points in the security that you might be able to exploit."

Hyun-woo listened carefully, taking notes. "Thank you, Yeon-jin. This is exactly what I needed."

"Be careful, Hyun-woo," Yeon-jin said, her voice tinged with worry. "Min-ho is not someone to be underestimated."

"I will. Thanks again."

With the new information in hand, Hyun-woo finalized his plan. He knew it would take precision and timing to succeed, but he was determined to bring Jae-min home. As he packed his gear and prepared for the mission, he thought of Jae-min's smile, his laughter, the way his eyes lit up when he was happy.

"I'm coming for you, Jae-min," Hyun-woo whispered to himself. "Hold on a little longer."

As night fell, Hyun-woo set out towards Min-ho's estate, his mind focused and his resolve unshakable. The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but he was ready to face whatever came his way. For Jae-min, for the promise he had made to protect him, Hyun-woo would stop at nothing.