Min-Soo

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Rowoon's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white as he stared at the cold, damp concrete beneath his feet. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, he could hardly process what he was seeing. The dark splatters punctuated the eerily empty space; each drop felt like a stab to his gut, and rage surged through him like fire.

"How could this happen?" he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse and tight. And the emotions he was feeling felt too unfamiliar

He paced the small area, each step heavy with dread and frustration.he could make use of the answer he was getting and it was killing him.

Suddenly, a thought struck him like a lightning bolt, halting him in his tracks. The sly fox. *I can't believe I have to call him,* Rowoon grimaced at the mere thought of reaching out to the one person he despised the most. But as much as he hated the idea, he knew there was no one else who could help him navigate this chaotic mess.

Fumbling for his phone, Rowoon hesitated for only a heartbeat, mulling over his options. But as the glistening drops of blood pulled his thoughts back to reality, he pressed the phone to his ear, his heart pounding with every ring.

"Of all the times, it has to be now," he muttered, picturing that infuriating smirk on the face of the man he'd rather avoid. Seconds felt like hours, and just as he was about to hang up, a smooth voice answered.

"Rowoon," he drawled, the mockery evident even through the phone. "To what do I owe this… pleasure?"

Rowoon's grip on the phone tightened, anger boiling just beneath the surface. "I need your help," he snapped, unable to mask the desperation in his voice. "Felix has been taken."

There was a moment of shock, followed by a silence that felt heavy between them. "what do u mean," the voice replied, the tone slithering into a more serious register. "And what the hell are doing about it? I warn you Rowoon ."nothing must happen to Felix.

"I don't care what you think of me," Rowoon shot back, his voice low but seething. "I need information, and I know you have your… connections." The very idea of leaning on the sly fox made him grit his teeth, but it was a necessary evil.

"any idea who could have done it, min-soo asked,Rowoon could sense a shift. "I'll help you, but you'll owe me. You know I never do anything for free."

"Fine," Rowoon spat, rage flaring again at the thought of that debt. But deeper down, a flicker of relief ignited—he might just be able to save Felix. "Just tell me what you need."

"Meet me at the usual place, and hurry," the voice commanded before hanging up.

Rowoon's heart raced as he met the foreboding darkness of the alley where they always met. He was stepping into a world of treachery, but for Felix, he would face any danger.

He turned on his heel, determination flooding through him. Felix needed him, and he was done allowing anger and resentment to cloud his judgment. The moment their eyes met again, he promised himself, he would do everything in his power to protect him.

---

Rowoon hastily exited the room, intent on meeting Min-Soo. However, Zain quickly caught up to him, grasping his arm.

"Hey, where are you off to?" Zain asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Rowoon's face faltered as he suddenly recalled the critical detail he had overlooked in his rage: Min-Soo was someone Zain couldn't meet. A chance encounter would spell disaster.

Thinking swiftly, Rowoom concocted a hasty lie. "I've got a lead on someone who might have Felix ," he said, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Zain's eyes lit up, and he sprang to his feet. "Really? Let's go!"

Rowoon hastily intervened, grasping Zain's arm to restrain him. "Wait, I needto go alone before we confront anyone."

Zain's face fell, but Rowoon knew he had to stall him. The consequences of Zain meeting Min-Soo would be catastrophic.

Just keep an eye on things here for me and wait for my call," Rowoon said leaving no room for me talk