CHAPTER SIX POINT TWO

The energy inside LoL Park was electric, the crowd buzzing with excitement as the match hit its critical moments. The casters' voices echoed through the arena, narrating every move, every skill shot, every calculated risk taken on the Rift. Khynny sat in the stands, her heart pounding as she watched Oner navigate his way through the chaos of the game, his precision and focus sharper than ever.

Next to her, Hye Jin, Oner's sister, observed with the same intensity, her gaze fixed on her brother's performance. Khynny could feel the quiet pride emanating from her, but what stirred inside her was something different. She couldn't help but admire Oner—not just as a player but as a person. He had come so far, not just in the game but in life. His dedication, his discipline, his courage to step into this world despite the high rate of failure among pro players—it was a path most wouldn't have dared to take. Yet he had, and he was thriving.

The screen flashed with Oner's in-game avatar making a bold move. He wasn't the flashy type like Gumayusi, who thrived on the attention and playful banter. Oner was more calculated, driven by purpose rather than the spotlight. His decisions were precise, his play disciplined. In moments like this, Khynny could see glimpses of the man he was becoming.

She leaned forward in her seat, her gaze never leaving the screen. There was something about the way Oner approached the game—his methodical plays, his silent leadership, his courage in making hard decisions—that deeply resonated with her. In a way, he reminded her of the men she'd always admired: her father and brothers. They had the same qualities—strong, focused, and determined to protect what they held dear.

A massive team fight erupted on the Rift, and Oner's champion dove into the fray without hesitation, setting up his team for success. He was fearless, commanding, yet calm under pressure. Khynny's chest tightened, a swell of admiration building inside her. This was the kind of bravery that wasn't just about winning—it was about commitment. The way Oner took on responsibility, not just for himself but for his team, mirrored the qualities she had always looked up to in the men in her life.

The match ended with a triumphant cheer from the crowd as T1 secured another victory. Khynny could feel the energy shift, the tension in the room releasing as fans erupted into applause. She looked over at Oner, still seated on stage, his expression calm but his eyes alight with the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.

"He's really something," Khynny murmured, almost to herself, though Hye Jin caught it.

Hye Jin smiled softly, her gaze following her brother as he stood from his chair, sharing a brief exchange with Faker before walking toward the back. "He always has been. But lately... he's really come into his own."

Khynny nodded, her thoughts swirling. She had seen plenty of players in the esports world, but Oner was different. There was a gravity to him, a seriousness in how he carried himself. He wasn't playing for the attention or the fame; he was playing for something deeper. His quiet strength and dedication were undeniable, and it was becoming harder for Khynny to ignore the pull she felt toward him.

As the team made their way off the stage, Gumayusi caught Khynny's eye, flashing her a playful grin, always eager to keep things light. "So, how'd I do? MVP material, right?"

Khynny chuckled, but her eyes drifted back to Oner, who was walking a few steps behind, his demeanor calm, almost reserved compared to the others. "I think Hyeun Jun might have you beat today," she teased, though her voice softened as she spoke.

Gumayusi raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Oh, really?" He grinned, knowing full well the kind of dynamic they all had.

Hye Jin, picking up on the subtle shift in Khynny's tone, added with a smirk, "Well, someone has to keep you humble."

The group laughed, but Khynny's thoughts remained on Oner. She admired him—not just as a player, but as a person who was growing into someone truly admirable. Yet, there was something else. Something she couldn't quite place. A hint of tension in him that she had started to notice lately. Still, she pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the calm, confident leader she had seen on stage.

"So, Gumayusi," Khynny began, a teasing glint in her eye, "what's it like being T1's resident drama queen?"

Gumayusi grinned, leaning back with practiced ease. "Drama queen? More like the heart of the team. I keep things... interesting." He added a flourish with his hand, earning a round of laughter.

Keria snorted and shook his head. "Interesting or exhausting? It's a fine line, man."

Faker, ever the quiet observer, glanced up from his phone, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips.

Oner, who had been standing off to the side, crossed his arms, his posture casual but his mind clearly elsewhere. He watched the easy camaraderie between Khynny and Gumayusi, and a strange tightness began twisting in his chest. It wasn't quite jealousy, but it was close. A kind of protectiveness that unsettled him, one he didn't quite understand.

He stepped closer, sliding smoothly into the conversation. "Min Hyeung's just upset because I took MVP last game," Oner quipped, his eyes flicking between Khynny and Gumayusi before settling on his teammate with a knowing grin. "Right, bro?"

Gumayusi's smile didn't falter. "Took? Pretty sure I let you have that one. You needed the morale boost," he shot back, a playful challenge flashing in his eyes. "Besides, you only got MVP because Sang Hyeok Hyung was too busy making the rest of us look good."

"True," Faker said, barely looking up, sending another ripple of laughter through the room.

Khynny noticed the slight edge in Oner's voice and leaned in, her shoulder brushing against his arm. "If you keep playing like this, you might get a statue next to Faker's one day."

Oner's smirk returned, some of the tension easing at her playful nudge. "If that happens, Min Hyeung'll have to get used to being my sidekick."

"Oh, no way," Gumayusi gasped, placing a hand dramatically on his chest. "I'll always be the main character. Ask anyone."

His eyes flicked to Khynny again, the teasing glint still dancing in them.

Hye Jin, who had been watching the banter unfold, chimed in, "Maybe you should both get statues—one flexing, and the other crying when you lose."

More laughter erupted, but Khynny could sense the shift in the room's energy. She glanced at Oner, noticing the slight tension in his posture. There was something off about him now, a stiffness that hadn't been there before. She nudged him gently, her voice soft. "Come on, don't be like that. You know you're irreplaceable."

Oner's expression softened, but there was still a guardedness in his eyes. He leaned closer, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "I just don't like how close he's getting."

"Close?" Khynny blinked, smiling at the absurdity of the statement. "We're just talking."

"Talking, right," Oner muttered under his breath, the tension in his voice barely masked. He clenched his jaw, trying to brush off the possessive feeling creeping up inside him, but it lingered, gnawing at him.

Khynny frowned slightly. This wasn't the calm, composed Oner she'd been admiring moments ago. Was she missing something? Was his protectiveness a part of that admirable strength—or was it a flaw he was struggling to control?

Before either of them could say more, the break room door creaked open again. The room fell silent as Seol Ji Won, Hyeon Jun's ex-girlfriend, stood in the doorway, looking visibly out of place. Her wide, panicked eyes scanned the room before landing on Oner. Something in her expression tightened.

"Hyeon Jun," Ji Won began, her voice soft but urgent, "I need to talk to you."

The laughter died instantly. Everyone turned toward her, tension creeping into the atmosphere.

Oner went rigid, the warmth between him and Khynny evaporating. His jaw tightened as he stared at Ji Won, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "What are you doing here?"

Ji Won twisted the strap of her bag nervously. "I—I need your help. It's... important."

Khynny could feel the energy in the room shift again, but now, it was more than tension—it was something darker. The Oner she had admired for his steady leadership and calm was unraveling before her eyes.

"You should leave," Oner said, his voice sharp, his patience clearly frayed.

"No, please," Ji Won's voice trembled. "I'm in serious trouble. It's about the heist... the man I've been involved with—he's dangerous. He's going to kill me if I don't find a way out."

Khynny's heart skipped a beat. Ji Won's fear was real. She stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Maybe we should hear her out."

Oner's head snapped toward her, his voice rising. "Why? Why should we listen to anything she says?"

Khynny flinched at the anger in his voice but kept her expression steady. She couldn't deny how sharply his tone had shifted from the composed person he usually was. "Because she's scared. We can't ignore that."

"That's how she got me into trouble the first time," Oner snapped, his frustration now fully exposed. "You don't know what she's capable of."

Khynny hesitated, her admiration for Oner suddenly faltering. The strong, calm leader she had seen on stage had crumbled into someone defensive, angry, and unwilling to listen. Was this really the same person? Her chest tightened with a confusing swirl of emotions. She had admired him for his strength, but now she wasn't so sure. "Maybe not," she said quietly, "but we can't turn our backs on someone in danger."

Hye Jin stepped forward, hoping to diffuse the situation. "Maybe we all need to take a breath and talk this through."

But Oner wasn't ready to back down. "No. I'm done with this. I'm done with her."

Ji Won's voice broke. "Please, Hyeon Jun. I don't know where else to turn."

Khynny's heart ached at the desperation in her voice. She placed a hand on Oner's arm, her touch firm but grounding. "You don't have to forgive her, but you can't walk away."

His gaze hardened, guilt flashing in his eyes before he shook his head. "I can't do this." He turned and walked out, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

The silence that followed was heavy.

Keria let out a low whistle. "Well, that was... intense."

Gumayusi cleared his throat awkwardly. "Top three uncomfortable moments, easily."

Zeus, shifting uncomfortably, asked, "Should we do something?"

Faker finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "Give him space."

The tension lingered, thick and oppressive. Khynny stood still, feeling the weight of Oner's sudden departure settle over her. The man she had admired so deeply minutes ago now seemed like a stranger. She wasn't sure what to think anymore, but the storm of emotions he had left in his wake was impossible to ignore.

Faker finally looked up from his phone, his expression unreadable. "It's not our place to get involved," he said, voice calm, though there was a subtle edge of concern. "But if Hyeon Jun-Ah needs us, we'll be there."

Keria nodded, a touch more serious than usual. "He's got a lot going on in his head right now. We just have to give him space."

"But space doesn't solve everything," Hye Jin chimed in, her voice steady but filled with quiet frustration. She shot a look toward the door where her brother had stormed out. "He runs when things get tough. It's... his thing."

Khynny remained silent, her mind still turning over the confrontation, replaying Oner's pained expression, his abrupt departure. Her emotions churned inside her, a confusing mix of empathy, frustration, and disappointment. She had tried to keep him grounded, but his walls had gone up the moment Ji Won entered the room, and she couldn't stop replaying the harshness in his voice. She didn't expect that.

"You alright, Professor Khy?" Gumayusi asked, his teasing tone gone, replaced by a surprising hint of genuine concern.

Khynny blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts. She glanced at the team, all eyes on her, waiting for her reaction. "Yeah, I'm okay," she said, though her voice wavered slightly. "It's just... complicated."

"Complicated is putting it lightly," Zeus muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Feels like we just watched a soap opera."

Faker, ever the pragmatic one, stood and slid his phone into his pocket. "We should give them time. You know how Hyeon Jun is."

"Yeah, he'll come around," Gumayusi added, though his brow furrowed in slight worry. "He just needs to sort through it on his own terms."

Khynny smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I hope so."

Hye Jin moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Khynny's arm. "He'll figure it out. But right now, it's not just about him. It's about getting Ji Won somewhere safe."

Khynny nodded, though her mind had already shifted to the present problem. Her chest felt tight, and she realized how badly she wanted to help Ji Won. She turned to her, seeing the faint tremor in her hands and the panic lingering in her eyes. "Let's get you out of here. We'll figure out what to do next once you're safe."

"Thank you," Ji Won whispered, her voice shaky but filled with gratitude. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

The rest of the team stayed silent, giving space for Khynny and Hye Jin to guide Ji Won toward the exit. As they left the break room, the low hum of post-event chatter and distant fans started to fade, replaced by the heavy, nervous thrum of their footsteps.

Just before they turned the corner, Keria called out from behind them. "Professor Khy!"

Khynny paused, looking back at him.

Keria's face softened with concern. "We've got your back, alright? Whatever happens."

She forced a small but sincere nod. "Thank you."

They stepped into the cool evening air outside LoL Park, the bustling energy of the event left behind. The quiet night felt like a stark contrast to the tension that lingered between them. Khynny could feel the weight of what had just happened—the argument with Oner, the uncertainty of Ji Won's situation, the unspoken tension that now hung over her.

She tried to shake it off as they reached the car, but something inside her wasn't settling. Khynny pulled out her phone, her fingers moving quickly across the screen. Hye Jin gave her a curious look as she opened the driver's door. "What's going on?"

"I'm calling Kuya," Khynny said, her voice tight with urgency. "He's the only one who can help right now."

"Your brother?" Hye Jin asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

Khynny nodded as she hit the call button. "He's a security expert working for the Pentagon. He's got connections all over. He might not be in Korea, but if anyone can help, it's him."

Ji Won's eyes widened from the backseat, her breath shaky. "Do you think he can really protect me?"

Khynny hesitated, a flicker of doubt creeping in. What if her brother's contact couldn't help? What if she had miscalculated? The sudden pressure weighed on her chest, but she pushed it aside. She couldn't let Ji Won see her doubt, not when she was so scared. "We're about to find out," she said, her voice sharper than intended as she revved the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

Her knuckles were white against the steering wheel as she mentally mapped out the safest route to get them away from LoL Park. What if someone was already following them? What if Oner had been right, and they were walking into something even worse? She gritted her teeth and tried to focus, but the overthinking continued.

The phone clicked, and a deep voice answered, slightly muffled by the distance. "Langga? What's up? Isn't it late over there?"

"Kuya Khylyb, I need your help. Now," Khynny said, her voice low but filled with urgency. "It's serious."

The tone in her brother's voice shifted immediately, from casual to alert. "What's going on?"

Khynny quickly explained the situation, glancing in the rearview mirror at Ji Won, whose fear was now palpable. Was this the right move? Was she putting Ji Won in more danger? What if something went wrong? "We just left LoL Park, but they're after her, and we don't know where to go."

Khylyb's response was calm but firm. "Alright. Listen carefully. I have a contact in Seoul—a trusted one. His name is Lieutenant Han, ex-KNP, and he owes me a favor. He runs a private security firm now, off the grid. I'm texting you the address. Get there fast."

Khynny exhaled, trying to release the anxiety gnawing at her. What if it wasn't fast enough? "Got it."

"Do not stop, and do not take the main roads," Khylyb instructed. "Use the back streets, alleyways if you have to. I'll call ahead and let him know you're coming."

Hye Jin leaned closer, her face pale with concern. "You think these guys are tracking us?"

"They could be," Khynny muttered, her mind running wild with possibilities. They could be watching us right now. What if we're too slow? What if they already know where we're going? She checked the mirrors constantly as they navigated through the city. "But we're not going to make it easy for them."

"I'm sending you a direct route. It's less crowded, harder to follow. Got it?" Khylyb's voice remained steady, a sharp contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in Khynny's head.

Her phone buzzed with a new message, the route from Khylyb lighting up the screen. She glanced at it briefly and adjusted the steering wheel. The roads were quiet, but quiet didn't mean safe. "Got it. Heading there now."

"Paghinay, Langga," Khylyb added, his tone softening slightly. "These people sound dangerous."

"Ayaw kabaraka Kuya," she assured him, though her grip on the wheel tightened. What if she wasn't enough? What if she couldn't protect Ji Won, couldn't fix this mess? "I know what I'm doing."

"I know you do. Just... call me as soon as you arrive there."

With that, the line went dead, and Khynny's focus sharpened even further as she veered onto a quieter street, taking one of the back routes her brother had sent. The city around them seemed darker, more threatening now. The weight of the chase loomed over them, thickening the air.

Ji Won, sitting in the back, glanced nervously out the window. "Do you think they're still following us?"

"They'd have to be good to track us this way," Hye Jin reassured her, though her own nerves were starting to show. "We've got a head start."

Khynny's eyes flicked toward the rearview mirror again, watching for any suspicious movement. What if it wasn't enough? What if they had already found them? "Don't worry, Ji Won," she said, her voice steady but intense. "We'll get you to safety."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Khynny spotted the building her brother had described. It was tucked away on a quiet industrial street, a nondescript structure with high fences and few lights. From the outside, it looked like just another forgotten warehouse, but Khynny's eyes caught the subtle markers—security cameras well-hidden in the corners, a discreet but armed guard near the entrance, and the faint hum of something more beneath the surface.

"This is it," she murmured, exhaling deeply as she pulled up to the gate. Her heartbeat was still racing, but she pushed the anxiety down, focusing on the task at hand. "Khylyb's contact should be here."

The gate opened slowly, and as Khynny drove inside, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The heavy metal doors swung shut behind them with a metallic clang, sealing them in.

"Are we safe here?" Ji Won's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes wide with fear.

Khynny nodded, though a part of her wasn't completely sure. We should be. "We're in the right place. Kuya wouldn't send us somewhere unsafe."

As soon as they parked, a tall man in his mid-forties stepped out from the shadows. He was solidly built, his face sharp and alert, the kind of face that gave nothing away. His eyes scanned the car quickly, assessing every detail in seconds. This was Lieutenant Han—Khylyb's contact.

He approached them with measured steps, stopping just short of the driver's side. Khynny rolled down the window, her heart still beating fast, her mind running through a checklist of questions. Was this man trustworthy? Could they really rely on him? Would he be enough to protect Ji Won?

"Khylyb sent me a message," Lieutenant Han said, his voice calm but commanding. "You must be his sister." His gaze shifted briefly to Ji Won, who shrank back slightly. "And you're the one in trouble."

Ji Won nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes."

"Alright," Han said firmly, stepping back to open the door for them. "You're safe now. Come inside."

Khynny released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She turned to Hye Jin and Ji Won. "Let's go."

The three of them stepped out of the car, the night air cool against their skin. The industrial building loomed over them, quiet and still, but there was an underlying sense of security within its walls. For now, Khynny thought. We're safe for now. But her mind kept churning, doubt gnawing at the edges of her thoughts. How long would this safety last?

They followed Han inside the building, passing through a series of secured doors. The interior was stark and minimal, but it was clear this place had been fortified. The hum of security systems filled the silence, and the air felt tense with preparedness. Khynny's muscles ached from the stress of the drive, but there was no room for relief yet.

Lieutenant Han led them down a dim hallway before stopping at a small, guarded room. "This will be your safe house for now," he said, opening the door to reveal a modest space with basic furniture. "No one knows you're here, and no one will be able to track you. Rest. We'll assess the situation tomorrow."

Ji Won, her hands trembling, nodded gratefully and hurried inside. Hye Jin followed close behind, but Khynny hesitated at the threshold, her instincts buzzing. What if this wasn't enough? What if they underestimated the people after Ji Won? She couldn't shake the feeling that the danger wasn't over, even if they were behind reinforced walls.

As Lieutenant Han turned to leave, Khynny called after him. "How sure are you... that we're safe here?"

Han paused, his expression unreadable. "No place is completely safe. But this is as close as it gets. Your brother trusts me, and I don't take that lightly."

Khynny nodded, though the pit in her stomach remained. "Thank you."

When Han left, she closed the door and leaned against it, finally allowing herself a moment to exhale fully. But even as she tried to convince herself they were safe, her mind wouldn't stop. What if they weren't safe? What if they were already being tracked? She glanced over at Ji Won, who had curled up on the couch, her eyes still wide with fear. Khynny could see the toll this was taking on her—and it made the weight of her own responsibility feel even heavier.

What if I can't protect her?

Hye Jin noticed Khynny's tension and walked over to her, her voice soft but concerned. "Are you okay?"

Khynny forced a smile, but her voice wavered. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

Hye Jin studied her for a moment before nodding. "We'll get through this. You've done everything right so far."

Khynny wanted to believe that. She wanted to believe that they were finally safe, that she had made the right decisions. But the fear wouldn't let her. The "what-ifs" kept creeping in, whispering doubts into her mind. What if everything went wrong?

For now, though, there was nothing more she could do. She had brought them this far. She would have to trust that it was enough.