Chapter 5: CHAPTER 5
"HIDE-OUT. NOW.", Lisa ordered loud and clear on the other line and ended the call.
Just two words and Jisoo knew that Lisa did not call to play. She started dragging Chaeng, who is about to take a huge bite of the corn dog they've just bought. They were on their way to the hide-out in the first place before Lisa even called when Chaeng saw a corn dog stand along the way and asked her to stop by for a quick bite. Well, it's so much for a quick bite because it is Chaeng's fourth corn dog now.
"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck", Jisoo muttered to herself.
"Stop dragging meeee.", Chaeng pulled back her arm from Jisoo. "What's with the rush? Did you not like the corn dogs?"
"That was Lisa.", Jisoo pertains to the call. "Sounds like she's not happy.", she said as she opens her car door. Chaeng did the same on the passenger's seat side. "Corn dog's great." Jisoo started the car and revved the engine. "We should've been there already if not for you getting hungry every goddamn second. Tsss."
"Heeey. You were the one driving. You have a choice not to stop.", Chaeng countered as she finished her food.
"Whatever.", Jisoo rolled her eyes. "I wonder what's the problem. We haven't encountered any issues recently.", Jisoo is now sweating coldly as she thinks of all the possible reasons why the Alpha is so upset. "Fuck. I should've noticed Seulgi's call."
"Who's Seulgi?", Chaeng asked curiously.
"Goddamnit Chaeng, don't distract me! I am fucking driving.", Jisoo said rather annoyed as if Chaeng is not distracting her for the whole day already.
"Remember I am already a part of this Kim Jisoo.", Chaeng scoffed. She doesn't know why but she's kinda getting the feeling of being excited about all of this. She's finally getting involved in her sister's world and she's happy at the fact that she could help Lisa out. She's terrified at some point but she knows it will all be worth it if it's for Lisa.
It really hasn't sunk in yet until now that Chaeng is already part of this group. "She's the one who looks after the hood whenever Lisa and I are not around.", Jisoo sighed. "You'll meet the members there.", she overtakes a small cargo truck as she increases her speed.
Chaeng was kinda taken aback by the sudden acceleration but she told herself that she should be getting used to this kind of driving like she's in a Fast and Furious movie as she somehow knows that it will always be like this.
They entered a road with fewer buildings and houses and cars and the next thing that Chaeyoung knew is that they were already in the outskirts of Seoul. She didn't know that there was such a place in Seoul like this. It was like a remote area where you can just see fields of grass. The grasses were so tall that she can't even see if there are still houses or people living in this area.
Jisoo turned right on a much narrower road. It's getting pretty dark and the only source of light that Chaeng can see is their headlights. 5 minutes later and Chaeng can now see a building up ahead. The building seems abandoned and it looks pretty old. The one you usually see in a horror movie where everyone wouldn't even dare to go because it's too creepy. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚?
They arrived at the gate which was opened by two guys. They look much younger than them. Chaeng can tell that they are expecting the vehicle. Jisoo stopped the car immediately as soon as they entered the gate, not even bothering to park the car properly. "Let's go.", Jisoo told her. Chaeng opened her door and went out.
"Is the Alpha already here?", Jisoo asked one of the guards.
"She's not here yet.", answered one of the guys as he slightly bowed her head to Jisoo as a greeting of respect. The other guy is closing and securing the gate.
"Why are you the ones on watch? Aren't you supposed to be in training?", Jisoo asked rather curiously as these two guys are just new recruits. Not that she doesn't trust the skills of these two but it's just unusual for Seulgi to assign newbies on the frontline. She doesn't have any idea what happened yet so it must be something serious.
The young guard was about to answer her question but Jisoo cut him off. "Never mind, I'm in a hurry. I'll get the details inside.", she said. "Park this.", she threw her keys to the guy and gestured for Chaeng to follow her.
They walked to an old door which seems like the main entrance to the building. Jisoo stood still and Chaeng wondered what the brunette was doing.
"What's wrong?", Chaeng asked.
"Just shut up for a moment."
After a moment, the door beeped and the knob lighted green indicating that Jisoo passed security and was recognized as a member of Black Parade. Turns out the door has a facial recognition system, much to Chaeyoung's surprise.
Yes, the building looks so old and creepy on the exterior but that's just how the Alpha wants the place to be so that no one could actually suspect that the place is where Black Parade holds its operations. Little did anyone outside the group know that between those old, brittle walls are bulletproof steels that allow protection for the members inside the building. The doors are TrussDoor hollow metal doors which are the ones usually used in prisons. You shouldn't be fooled by the outside appearance.
Just when Chaeng thought that the inside is not the same as the outside, she was welcomed by a dark dungeon-like corridor. The sconces along the wall are the only source of illumination.
"These walls are bulletproof. The doors are too. Everyone is pretty much safe inside.", Jisoo broke the silence as they walked. She felt bad for shutting up the redhead.
Chaeng nodded to her as she admired how the building was constructed. "Who planned all of this? I mean, who's idea is this?"
"Mine."
𝙒𝙤𝙖𝙝. Chaeng really didn't expect that. She really didn't know that Jisoo is good at architecture as well.
"Oh don't be so surprised. It's just my idea. I didn't technically design every single detail of this building. The group has a lot of connections and we hired people to do the complicated parts. I just worked with them through it all. I needed to be hands-on to this specific matter as I am the one in charge of security. But yeah, I do read books about architecture. It fascinates me.", Jisoo said.
𝙒𝙤𝙖𝙝 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. That was a whole lot of information to take in. This person she is talking to right now is way more different than the Jisoo she knows. She really didn't know what to say about that.
They reached the end of the corridor and Jisoo unlocked another door with the facial recognition system.
Chaeng felt like she stepped into a whole new world upon entering the room. The inside is pretty much the opposite of what you can see outside. The room is a huge receiving area. There is a huge L-shaped couch, a center table, a mini bar at one side, an 85 inches TV and pretty much everything that you usually see in your house's living room except, this is much bigger. It's her first time to be in this place but she feels weirdly comfortable already. The ambiance is quite homey. The design is quite modern and elegant with its black and grey interiors. She has no idea how much money the business is making for the group to set up a facility like this but it's surely hella lot.
*picture of how the interior looks like is in the comments. Credits to the owner of this photo. I just grabbed this from Google.*
There is a crowd of 15 to 20 individuals inside. A deafening silence was heard when they noticed Jisoo entered the room, as if the crowd suddenly stopped arguing with each other.
"Care to tell us what the fuck happened in here?", Jisoo said in a collected tone as she scanned the crowd for Seulgi. "Where is Seulgi?"
"S-she is in Cell E. Trying to get something from the spy---", said a boy, but was cut off by Jisoo as she pushed the poor boy against the nearest wall.
"Are you fucking telling me that we are being spied??", she was overreacting, yes, but this shit just couldn't be happening. They hadn't been in a serious encounter with any of their enemies or the local authorities for the past few months so having a spy caught just today means someone is up to something.
"Jisoo…", Chaeyoung called to the brunette as she's afraid Jisoo might hit the boy's face.
Jisoo releases the boy and tries to calm herself down. Nothing will be resolved with her lashing out to everybody.
"You people are being so irresponsible.", a cold voice said as the door opened. "What are you guys been doing while I'm gone?", Lisa asked in a calm voice. Her green eyes were in a dark shade, obviously trying to keep her rage.
"Alpha.", the boy whom Jisoo had shoved a while ago kneeled on one knee and bowed his head like a chivalrous knight. Everyone in the room followed his lead, showing their greeting and respect to their leader. Even Jisoo did the same. Yes, they are best friends, but the brunette also knows how to acknowledge Lisa as her leader when it comes to the business.
Chaeng has really no idea on what's going on so she's the only one left standing. But she surely knows she had seen this gesture before.
Lisa proceeded to her chair. It's a comfy La-Z-Boy recliner and no one sits in it except for her.
Everyone stood again. Some began gawking at Lisa. Their Alpha is wearing her usual long, black leather coat which hugs her curves perfectly. Imagine how badass and sexy that is. She looks like a sexy badass vampire queen in a vampire movie. Some of them began shifting uncomfortably in their places, waiting for their leader to snap and eventually decide to kill whoever is responsible for this problem. But Lisa was calm. And that's when you should be more nervous.
"Jisoo.", she called for Jisoo who was standing rather awkwardly in front of the blonde, thinking of what she would say if Lisa started asking questions. They've just fucking arrived. She didn't know what exactly happened yet.
She walks towards Lisa with a deep sigh.
"I want the others to leave. Just assign 10 people to guard this area. I want Seulgi's presence NOW.", Lisa ordered as she massaged her temple. Her head was already aching. She's feeling tired because of that energy she wasted for that dickhead earlier plus her time inside that Student Council room puts her in a worse mood.
"Everyone, listen! Go back to your assigned duties! No lazing around tonight. The Alpha wants to be alone.", Jisoo shouted at their members and everyone quickly dispersed. "Shin Yuna,"she called to a blonde girl, "Get Seulgi. Lisa wants to talk to her."
Lisa watched her friend pointing fingers to some members, probably assigning the ones who will be left in the area.
"Li, are you okay?"
She looked up and saw Chaeng standing in front of her. She totally forgot about her sister. This must be so overwhelming for Chaeng to experience all of this on her first day. "I am fine.", she answered.
Chaeyoung sat on the couch near Lisa. She looked around and noticed that some of the members were eyeing her. They are probably wondering who she is. She also noticed that Lisa's injured fist was neatly dressed. Looks like the president really took care of her earlier. "Did you take your pill?", she asked Lisa.
"Yes." 𝙉𝙤.
"Did you... have an attack?", she hesitantly asked as she knows Lisa doesn't really like talking about it.
"No."
𝙊𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. Chaeng was relieved. She thinks the medication is working well for Lisa. Her thoughts have been disrupted when a girl with an eye-patch approached them.
"Alpha.", she did the kneeling and bowing gesture just like what everyone did earlier. The girl is tall, probably the same height as hers and Lisa's. She looks like she's in her mid twenties with a black long hair and a lean body. Chaeng was amazed by the respect these people have for Lisa. Heck, even Jisoo respects her so much.
"Seulgi. Care to fill me in?", Lisa narrowed her green orbs.
Selugi stood up and cleared her throat. Clearly, she was the one assigned to look after the business when the boss is not around. She knows the rules, knows every transaction in the business and Lisa trusts her enough to put her in-charge of everything on behalf of her. Seulgi is Lisa's friend as well but she'd willingly obey whatever Alpha orders her to do. She owes Lisa her life.
"Ryujin's roving team were doing their rounds in the field at around 6pm. It was getting dark already but they noticed a figure behind a thick bush. The person has binoculars with her and as Ryujin said, it looked like she was about to call someone when they spotted her. Ryujin managed to stealthily get behind her back and yanked her head with a gun.", Seulgi explained.
"Gaaad Jisoo! You're the one in-charge of security! Why was it not captured in the CCTVs? You better do something about this bullshit!", Lisa barked at Jisoo.
"The spot where she was caught was out of the camera's range.", Seulgi added.
Jisoo is already on her phone. "Let me fix this. I'll make calls and ask my guys to reset alarms and reposition the cameras. I'll be adding some new ones too. Just chill the fuck out okay? You've been so grumpy since this morning."
"I am not fucking playing around.", Lisa warned.
"I know, I know. I'm taking this seriously too. It's just that you're not looking so good.", Jisoo said as she watched Lisa swallow a pill and drink a glass of water. "You're about to pop a vein in your forehead." She then excused herself and made some phone calls.
Lisa huffed. This is really tiring her out.
"Lisa, I think you should get some rest. Even just for a bit.", Chaeyoung said worriedly. She really can't bear seeing Lisa in pain but she also told herself that she needs to get used to this type of situation. She then noticed Seulgi's curious eyes on her. "Oh. My bad. You must be wondering who I am. I'm Chaeyoung. Just call me Chaeng. I'm Lisa's sister.", she offered her hand and smiled.
𝘼𝙡𝙥𝙝𝙖'𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧? Seulgi took it and did a hand shake. "Seulgi.", she said and returned the smile.
"She'll be joining us now.", Lisa said. "By the way, how'd you know that the spy hasn't made the call yet when they found her?"
"We checked her call logs and messages. We didn't find anything. I have the phone examined by a technician as well. He said it was negative."
Lisa was clearly unsatisfied with it. Everything should be counterchecked.
"We are not really sure about that. Squeeze out something from her.", Lisa ordered Seulgi.
"Copy."
---------------------------------
"Grandfather, good evening. You called me.", Jennie said as she entered her grandfather's office inside the Kim's residence. She politely stood by the door, waiting for her hal-abeoji to invite her to sit. This is Jennie Kim. She was raised to be a perfect lady, always have to be prim and proper, always have to be polite and always have to have manners all the time.
"Have a seat.", he gestured for her to sit, so formally as if Jennie is one of those regular students in the university which he had to have a discussion with. Jennie walked further inside the room and took one of the seats in front of her grandfather's enormous executive table.
"How was the first day?", the old man asked.
"Everything is doing well, hal-abeonim. The Student Council will discuss the allotment of the clubs' budget after the Club Signing Day for each org to finalize first the headcounts of their members. We have started the preparations for the said event. I made sure everyone in the council is involved and doing their responsibilities.". Jennie reported.
Joseph Kim nodded like he was satisfied with what Jennie had said. He took off his glasses, wiped it with a clean cotton cloth and wore it back again. "Remember what we talked about last year? The reason why I wanted you to be involved in everything that concerns the university?"
"Yes, hal-abeonim."
"I am only preparing you because you will be the one to take over as the chairman once I retire. And so I expect you to attend board meetings as well. It is important that you know how the school runs so you can continue what the family has started."
"I understand, grandfather. I will do my best to continue your legacy."
"If only not for your father ditching us for his so-called 'finding out about his life's purpose', he could've been the one taking over after me. This is supposed to be his purpose. Nothing else. That bastard.", Joseph Kim said, almost gritting his teeth out of anger.
"I apologize on behalf of that man, grandfather.", Jennie said, can't even say the word 'Father or Dad' anymore when the man left the family when she was in middle school. She was still so young and was still trying to figure out what was happening back then. Until now, she still doesn't understand why her father needs to leave her behind. It caused a lot of pain to Jennie. Her mother passed away giving birth to her and she just saw her in pictures. Then her father went MIA in most of her teen years. Having to grow up in a household without the guidance of your parents is quite hard and sad and it's more difficult for Jennie as she is the only child and has to bear all of it alone. Her grandfather is such a busy man. He was always away doing business appointments, meeting up people dressed in suits and ties. Whenever he's home, he is still working and just mostly inside of his office. To him, the family business is everything. Jennie respects this man so much. And as being the only grandchild of Joseph Kim, Jennie bears the pressure and responsibility of carrying out the Kim's name. Thankfully, she has her grandmother by her side. Her hal-meoni tried her best to fill the love and care Jennie is longing for from her parents and gave Jennie all the support the young lady needed. And that is why even though Jennie has a really bumpy road of a life, she still grew up as the kind and loving person that she is today. "I'll do my best to learn everything and lead the family's business one day.", she reassured the old man.
"Yes, you should.", the elder Kim said like it is what it is and Jennie doesn't have a choice. "That is why I think your part-time job at the NIS is a hindrance to what we're trying to achieve. You will lose focus on your responsibilities in the university if your thoughts are divided. I think you need to quit being an agent."
"Grandfather… please… I can do both. I promise that my responsibilities in the university will not be compromised.", Jennie said with a slight pleading tone but tried her best not to sound so desperate. She doesn't really want another thing that she loves be taken away from her and this job in the NIS is something that she really wants to do. Jennie loves helping people and she believes that the assignments they've been doing as an agent for the National Intelligence Service creates an impact on the safety of many. May it be a big time syndicate or a mere small time street gang, as long as it's a threat to the people, it will be an honor for Jennie to be part of a group that helps to put these imbeciles behind bars.
Joseph Kim scratched his chin like he was thinking. After a moment of silence, he let out a heavy sigh.
"Fine. I'll let you do it.
Jennie's blue orbs lightened up.
"But I have two conditions.", said the old Kim.
Jennie's sudden brightness immediately faded. Of course there will always be terms for getting what she wants. It's always been like that.
"First, I want you to get along with Kai Jongin Kim."
Jennie gave him a confused look.
"Look. I know you've just known the boy for quite some time when we had a dinner meeting with him and his older brother but I believe that the young man will be the perfect husband for you in the future."
Jennie was speechless. She really doesn't know what to say about that. Her grandfather is setting up a guy for her and it is like a fixed marriage. Just not a formal one yet. Well, Jennie knew that this would eventually happen but she didn't expect that her grandfather would use it as a price for letting her do the job she loves.
"Listen to me, Jennie Ruby Jane."
Jennie was kinda taken aback by the sudden use of her full name. This just implicates that her grandfather means business.
"Suho Kim owns the most successful conglomerate in the country. Eventually, Kai will inherit their businesses here in South Korea once Suho has successfully branched out to America. I am thinking of the family's future here. You and Kai will be the new generations who will continue the family's legacy. We haven't formally discussed anything yet about the two of you but I believe it is now the right time to start getting along with his brother.", her grandfather said, sounding like the businessman that he is, trying to offer her a sale for a great deal.
Jennie was trying to absorb all of these. She's feeling different emotions swirling at the same time. First, she was happy that her grandfather finally agreed with her job at the NIS. Second, she had totally accepted her fate long ago that she'd eventually end up with a fixed marriage in the future but hearing and talking about it in words, makes her feel uncomfortable. Of all the people in the world, why does it have to be Kai? Sure the guy excels in his sports, his academics can still pass average and not to mention that he has this great physique with a handsome face but Jennie can't really feel anything special about the guy. He seems spoiled and Jennie even wondered if he can run this so-called conglomerate in the future. He has this jerk and casanova image in the academy but her grandfather surely doesn't know about any of that.
Maybe it's way too early to judge but can she really do what the old Kim wants for the sake of the family? She pondered on this for a bit. She'd really love to keep the job and giving a chance to know Kai is not really that bad enough, right? Maybe there's more to him than just being the school's pretty boy and maybe they could really work things out one day.
But the most important thing that Jennie is trying to consider is that she really doesn't want to disappoint her grandfather. She only has her grandparents and they are not getting any younger. She loves them so much and owes them everything, even the person that she is right now. Their happiness is her top priority as well so if this is what her grandfather wants, she's willing to give it a go.
"I understand.", Jennie muttered.
"Mwo?."
"I'll do as you say, hal-abeonim."
Joseph Kim's serious face relaxed, as if a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "I know that I can always count on you.", he then pulled up a small smile. "Now, let's discuss the second one."
Jennie almost forgot that there are two conditions.
"I know that I agreed to this NIS job of yours but it has a limit, Ruby Jane. It has to stop once you graduate. As I said, you will focus solely on the business and the plans that we have for you. Arasso?", Mr. Kim said, making sure that everything discussed was clear.
Well, there you go. Nice things don't really last huh? But does Jennie really have a choice at this point? No. Arguing about it will just complicate things. She's even lucky that her grandfather allowed her to keep the job and she doesn't want to compromise it. She just had to suck it all up and just make the most of this short-term freedom that she has right now.
She inhaled deeply, nodded and answered, "Yes, grandfather. I completely understand."
-------------------------------------------------------
"Heeeeey, Jisoooo. Haven't seen you for a week. What's up?", the bartender at Winner Seoul greeted the brunette from across the pub as he saw her enter the place.
"You're being loud, Hoony.", Jisoo chuckled, giving the guy a high five when she approached the bar counter. She sat on one of the highchairs with Lisa doing the same. The blonde is pretty much occupied with her phone.
"What? You don't want your flings to know you're here?", Hoony said, giving her a cheeky grin.
Jisoo laughed at his joke. "You know the music in this place is not that loud and people can hear you pretty clearly, jackass. You might give them the wrong idea."
"You seem nervous though. Don't worry, I haven't seen any of them yet tonight.", he chuckled. Teasing people always makes him feel good. "I'm just kidding, geez. Yow, Lisa", he turned his attention to the blonde.
Lisa just gave him a nod. He shooted a playful finger gun in return.
"Where are the boys?", Jisoo asked.
"Oh. Yoon's at home. Jinwoo-hyung forbids him from coming here during school nights. You're in the same university, right?"
"Yeah. Haven't seen him today though."
"Mino took the day off. Jinwoo-hyung is in a meeting with a possible supplier. I don't know the full details but Lisa surely does.", he gave Jisoo a wink.
"Right.", Jisoo looked at Lisa for an answer but the blonde is still busy with her phone.
"So, you guys want the usual? Do you want to sit at your spot? I could get those people another table.", Hoony asked, pointing to a certain table at the right corner with a bunch of middle-aged men. The place is almost full of people of all kinds. Located at the center of the city, Winner Seoul is a go-to bar where you can just chill and drink your favorite booze. It is not your usual bar that has loud music blasting from the speakers with a DJ booth and people grinding each other on the dance floor. It is more like a pub that serves alcohol and good food. They also usually pay bands to play on weekends to add on the chill vibes. Lisa and Jisoo often go here to relax. Lisa co-owns the place but gave Jinwoo the full responsibility to manage it. The bar is one of BP's main investments.
"No, we'll take the seats outside. She wants fresh air. Just give us two buckets of beers for now."
"Got company huh?"
"Yeah. Seulgi's outside, waiting. With Lisa's sibling."
"Ooh. Right. What's her name again?"
"Park Chaeyoung."
"Right. I remembered. Okay." Hoony fixed them the drinks and handed them the buckets. "Here you go."
"Cool.", Jisoo handed the other bucket to Lisa which the blonde nonchalantly took. "And oh, can I borrow the menu?"
"Sure. You know you didn't have to ask, geez. I'll send someone to get your order."
"The best."
-----------------------------------------------
"Yes, the right eye is blind.", Seulgi said, startling the hell out of Chaeyoung as the eye-patched girl hasn't spoken a word until now.
"Huh?"
"You keep on eyeing it ever since you saw me earlier. You wanted to confirm if it's blind, right?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. It's just that I rarely see people with eyepatches and you make it look so cool."
Seulgi was taken aback by the compliment. It's one of those moments when someone compliments you and you don't know what to say or how to react. It is kinda awkward too as she only met Chaeyoung today.
"T-thanks."
"Uhm, so how long have you known my sister?", Chaeng asked, trying to break the ice between her and Seulgi. The girl is the Alpha's left hand, and it is just a must to get to know her personally, right? These people have been taking care of her sister for quite some time now and it's just right to be close to them as well. But most of all, she really hopes Jisoo and Lisa would come over here soon to lessen the awkwardness.
Seulgi fiddled with her fingers. Answering Chaeyoung's questions will surely bring back memories but she knows it's unavoidable. "I've known her since that happened.", she answered simply and shortly.
The mood suddenly became serious and Chaeng knew she hit a sensitive subject. Chaeng recalled that unforgettable night 5 years ago and the pain it brought to everyone.
"Oh. You were there?", she asked.
Seulgi nodded.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to---".
"No. It's fine. It's just… It's been a while since someone asked about that night."
She wasn't physically in the site when it actually happened and the pain it brought to her was unimaginable. What more for Jisoo and Seulgi who was actually there to witness it all. And of course Lisa… Lisa was even traumatized by it until now. Although Chaeng wants to know more about why Seulgi was there, she knew better than to ask another question. She doesn't want to put Seulgi in a sour mood. The eye-patched girl seems the type of person that's always calm and collected. Like the one who will always think first before doing anything. A total opposite of Jisoo. Jisoo is kinda laid back, free and easygoing. And speaking of the devil, here she comes with beers. 𝘽𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨?
"Are you serious right now? Beers? Really? On a school night?"
"Oh come on. It's just beers. It's not even a hard one. This is nothing.", Jisoo answered, placing the drinks on the table. "Here, order some food or something.", she hands Chaeng the menu which the redhead happily took. She signaled Hoony to send over someone to get Chaeyoung's order. She then opened three bottles and handed Lisa and Seulgi each. Jisoo immediately chugged half of hers like the beer is water and she hasn't drank anything for quite some time. "This 'possible supplier' Jinwoo is working on is not just a simple supplier of alcohol huh?", she asked Lisa.
"Someone offered him a deal about a shipment of booze. Turns out it's illegal, no papers. Jinwoo tipped me off. I told him to close the deal and make an agreement that payment will be transferred only once he got the goods. They made him pay a security deposit though which is still fine because we can still make a lot of money once we have that truck full of alcohol. I don't know what group is behind the shipment yet. Looks like a small time one. These people don't know Jinwoo's working with a group like us. They think he's just a mere businessman looking for a great deal."
"So when will we do the heist?"
"Sunday night. Truck will be coming from a pier in Busan. We will take care of it once it reaches the boundaries of Seoul."
"It's the first in a while.", Seulgi said.
"Yes. And this is Chaeng's first operation with us.", Lisa said as she took a sip of her beer.
"Don't you think it's too early for her to join heists like this?", Jisoo countered.
Jisoo has a point. However, Chaeng needs to experience real time shits for her to get used to this business. Lisa knows she's risking the safety of her sister but there's no other way to do this. No matter how far she pushed Chaeng away, she knew that at some point in time, Chaeyoung would never really have a normal life as they are bound to each other so might as well just teach Chaeyoung survival skills and not die. With Jisoo and Seulgi by her side, she knows her sister is in good hands. "Well, she still has a week to train.", she said.
"A week? Lisa, you trained for a year before assuming the Alpha position. Even our newbies have to do training for a couple of months before we let them outside. What are you thinking?"
"Hey. Kim Jisoo. I think you're underestimating me. I have a background in fighting. I even know how to shoot with a gun. Technically, I know the basics. These things were taught to us when we were young, remember?", Chaeng spoke for herself.
Jisoo scoffed. "I know that. But you haven't touched a gun for years and--"
"Well, train me then."
"W-what?", 𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧?
"Train me. Train me how to fight. Train me how to handle a gun again. You think I'm incompetent, right? So train me. We still have a week.", Chaeng said, looking straight into Jisoo's brown hazel eyes.
Jisoo was utterly dumbfounded and really didn't know what to say about that. First of all, Chaeyoung sounded very serious and so eager that it makes her look so fucking sexy and second, training with Chaeyoung means a lot of physical contact, right? Jisoo doesn't think that it's a good idea. She did well on ignoring her little crush for Chaeng for years and now that she's part of the group, Jisoo knows that she'll be having a hard time keeping her feelings at bay. Training with her will just aggravate things.
Seulgi let out a tiny laugh, causing Jisoo to snap back to reality.
"What's funny?"
"Should've seen your face. You looked like you've seen a ghost or something."
Jisoo gave her a confused look.
"Well, if you don't wanna train her, I could give her a hand.", Seulgi smirked.
"What? No. I mean, fine. I'll do it.", she said, trying to make it sound like it's not a big deal when in fact, it is. Plus, she doesn't want Seulgi to have all the fun.
Chaeyoung gave her a big smile and she tried her best not to be drawn at it because seriously, this redhead is becoming a problem. "Whatever. HQ after school."
"How's it going with that spy?" Lisa asked Seulgi, changing the topic. It's unusual for her to leave the hideout when there's a problem like this but she hella needs to breathe. There is so much on her plate right now and it's kinda overwhelming. She can't afford losing her shit and that's why she needs a little step back. She also feels that she's putting a lot of pressure on Jisoo and Seulgi right now and that's why she dragged the two of them here for a drink. She told them they would discuss something business-wise but the truth is, she just missed her buddies. She just doesn't have the guts to say it out loud though.
"I can't get anything out of her. She just won't talk. I told her guards to starve her though. Water is not an option as well. Let's see what hunger would do."
"Good. Keep her cell dark and give her a silent treatment. Get back to her tomorrow."
Seulgi nodded to her. She just wished this spy would talk already. It's kinda alarming that someone found their hiding spot but she really hopes it's nothing serious and this spy is just from a small-time group.
"Why don't we talk about something else? It's been a long time since we sat together like this.", Jisoo said.
Chaeyoung noticed that the two buckets of beers they've ordered a while ago were nearly finished. It really amazes her how people can drink such a beverage with an unpleasant taste and gets you intoxicated after. She never tried drinking one as she knows her tolerance is low and who knows what may happen if she got drunk. She glanced at Lisa and her sister's face was red but still looks fine. Seulgi must've a high alcohol tolerance because she doesn't seem affected even by a tiny bit. Well, Jisoo said earlier that it's not even a hard drink so maybe that's why. Her gaze then turned to Jisoo and the brunette's chinky eyes became smaller. Her face is blushing so hard that it's red as a tomato. 𝙄𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙠?
"Aren't we a little sentimental now, Ji? I think you drank enough.", she said.
"Nah, she's still fine. She just gets all red when drinking alcohol. A little tipsy yes, but still fine.", Seulgi assured her.
"I told you these are just beers. No harm. I can still even drive us back home.", the brunette boasts.
"Fine. But don't get us killed."
The quartet continued their drinking bout as Hoony served them more beers and foods.
Lisa was about to sip her 5th bottle when she abruptly stopped. Seulgi noticed the action immediately.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm hearing something."
"It's just probably the noise inside.", Seulgi said. There are still a lot of people inside however, there are fewer people on the streets as it's already getting late.
"No. I can hear someone shouting from a distance."
Chaeng, Jisoo and Seulgi eyed her curiously but the blonde is certain that it's not coming from inside the bar. She put her index finger on her lips to shush the three and make them listen carefully. Now she can also hear laughter and someone crying for help.
Lisa stood from her seat and began walking towards the noise. She walked for about 40 meters from the bar and stopped at a dark alley. She squinted her eyes to have a better look on what's going on because it is so dark and she can barely see anything. She recognized a face and sighed in disappointment when she saw what the ruckus was about.
The trio who are still wondering what the hell Lisa is doing, followed their leader to where she is standing. They quickly caught up to her and realized what was going on.
There were three guys and a boy. The boy was held up on a wall by two of these goons while the other one who seems to be the leader, had a pocket knife pointed to the boy's throat. Lisa can very much recognize the one acting as the leader. It's the dickhead she had an encounter with earlier in the university. Lisa smirked at him. He may be lucky earlier because of that annoying president but now that they are outside university premises, he should've wished he never bumped into Lisa ever.
"Well, look who we have here. Lisa Manoban. Again.", said the dickhead, also noticing Lisa is not alone. He points his knife down but his ugly friends are still pinning their victim on the wall. "If I were you, I would just mind my own business. Stop being such a nosy bitch all the fucking time. Gaad, you're everywhere."
Lisa doesn't know where the audacity of this dirtbag is coming from after what happened inside the campus. But she also cannot deny the fact that she admires the courage in him to talk to her like that after almost breaking his face. This is getting exciting.
"Do you know this jerk?", Seulgi, ready to reach out for her handgun that's always tucked into her back waistband. "Do you want me to handle this guy?"
Lisa raised her hand to signal her to stop and that she can handle this by herself.
"You surely talk a lot for a guy. Well, I was enjoying my drinks over there when I heard some loud barks. Turns out it's you and your dogs. I know it's important to take our pets for a walk but don't you think it's a little too late for that now?", Lisa took a step towards them.
The two guys holding up the poor boy released him and did a fighting stance. At the same instance, Lisa heard guns clicking somewhere.
"Goddamnit, Seulgi. Why'd you bring them here? I don't fucking need people guarding me all the fucking time. How many are there?", Lisa somehow knew the guns were pointing towards Dickhead and his minions.
Seulgi let out a heavy sigh. She just wanna make sure Lisa is always safe though. "Just five."
"Send them home."
Seulgi tapped onto her earpiece and spoke. "Put down your guns. We can handle this from here. Go home now. Alpha's order."
Chaeyoung didn't even notice the earpiece Seulgi is wearing. She's feeling mixed emotions right now. First, it amazes her how the members always have Lisa's back. Heck, they are even guarding her from the shadows. Like what the hell was that? Second, it'll be her first time seeing her sister in action and she doesn't know how to feel about it. There are three guys and Lisa wants to take them all by herself? This little brat clearly just wants to show off. 𝙄𝙛 𝙨𝙝𝙚'𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙣, 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.
"Oh, she can handle it. No doubt.", Jisoo said as if she could read Chaeyoung's mind. She leaned her back against the cold wall, ready to watch the scene that's about to happen.
"Now where were we again? Why don't we start by letting the boy go?", Lisa calmly said.
Dickhead heard the clicking sound of the guns too but his brain was too slow to process that it's guns so he just shrugged the noise away. Besides, he can only see four girls in front of him. It is obvious that they can handle these ladies easily. "Screw you.", Dickhead turned to his minions and took a step back, "Get her."
The two guys circled on Lisa. They surely look larger than the blonde but Lisa cannot see any weapon with them so it'll still be a fair fight. Lisa cracked her neck and stretched her arm. Her right fist still hurts as hell, thanks to this Dickhead, but she still wants to bash it right into his face. She needs to take care of these two idiots first though.
Ugly Guy 1 took the initiative to make the first move. He tried throwing a punch just to calculate what Lisa would do. Since Lisa's reflexes are excellent, she quickly caught it with her left hand and threw a hard jab with her right straight onto the guy's ribs. Ugly Guy 1 didn't have much enough time to process the pain because Lisa threw a quick straight kick at the same spot, sending him over to the alley wall. Lisa knew that these guys don't have much experience in actual fights because of the way they move. Her right fist starts bleeding again but the hell she cares. She's ready to take on Ugly Guy 2. However, Ugly Guy 2 feels otherwise. After seeing what happened to his buddy and how fast Lisa is, he doesn't want to waste his time and energy for a fight that he knew in the first place he would never win.
"I'm outta here.", he mumbled, scrambling on his feet, running to the other end of the alley. Ugly Guy 1, tried his best to get up but his broken rib is making it too difficult to do. He knew to himself that he would get more than a broken rib if he would stay here a bit longer. Although it's painful, he managed to get himself up and sprinted limply to follow his friend.
Now, it's just Dickhead left.
Lisa should be more careful because this one has a knife but by the way he's slashing it recklessly to the air, she knows the weapon is just for props and he never really used it in a real fight before.
"Try to come near me and I'll slit your neck.", Dickhead warned. He was acting brave but his trembling voice gave him away. This bitch humiliated the hell out of him earlier and now is the chance to get back to her. Plus, he was just trying to scare that street kid. It was just a dare between him and his friends and they were just fooling around. He wasn't really gonna kill that boy. If only this Lisa bitch could mind her own business, they'd still be having fun.
Lisa slowly moves forward with her both arms on defence. She needs to be close enough to Dickhead if she wants to disarm the knife from the guy's grip. She's finding a way to get in but with Dickhead's furious slashing on thin air, makes it difficult for her to make a move. She could really get stabbed or sliced if she's not careful. Lisa tried to make her way inside by countering and blocking every slash attack but she ended up getting a long cut on her left forearm. She collected herself, not minding the fresh blood coming out of her and prepared for another offense.
Dickhead must be tiring out. His knife taunting moves become slower. He stopped slashing around and just pointed the knife in front of him which Lisa quickly took as an opening. She grabbed Dickhead's right wrist (the one that holds the knife) with both of her hands and trapped it with her strength. Now, her problem is Dickhead's left hand. It keeps pushing her face, making it hard for her to focus on his other hand holding the knife.
Dickhead was trying to break free from Lisa's grip and also trying his best to push the blonde away with his left to distract her. He would never allow her to have this knife or else, it's over for him.
Lisa then noticed Dickhead's back is a couple of meters away from the wall so she slammed her body sideways with a great amount of force for Dickhead to make a few steps back and eventually made him back up against the alley wall. Now that he's cornered, Lisa pinned his neck with her right forearm.
"So much for slitting my neck, huh?", Lisa whispered to his ears. She kneed him on his stomach making him gasped as the air from his lungs temporarily left him. He's no longer holding the knife as he has no strength left in his body. His knees are turning jell-o and he would've already fallen to the ground if not for Lisa still pinning his neck against the wall. That's the only thing that keeps him standing.
"I… I wasn't g-gonna hurt him.", Dickhead mumbled. It was not easy to say something when someone is strangling your neck. "I… I was just s-scaring him. P-please let m-me go."
Lisa recalled their encounter earlier. She remembers him calling her 'coward' and a 'pussy', words that she greatly dislikes. Lisa punched him hard on the same spot where he kneed Dickhead causing him to grunt from pain.
"P-please."
Lisa punched him again. Her right fist which is still bandaged is now soaked again in blood but seeing this jerk crying in pain weirdly makes her feel great.
"Lisa. That's enough.", Jisoo called her out. "That kneed alone is already too painful. He's not going anywhere."
Lisa released Dickhead. He is now clutching his stomach on the ground. He can't even describe the pain he is feeling right now. He surely messed up with the wrong person. Just when he thought that Lisa was done, the blonde grabbed him again by his collar.
"Who do you work for?", Lisa asked, earning a confused look from Dickhead.
"W-what?", he asked. He doesn't have any idea what she is talking about.
Lisa gave him a jab to the cheeks, causing his head to jerk violently to the side. Ouch.
"Lisa. What the fuck?", Jisoo called her out again.
"Who do you work for?", the blonde asked again.
"I-i don't---"
Lisa was about to give him another blow but Seulgi rushed to her and stopped her from doing so. "Enough. He doesn't understand what you're talking about. He's not from any group."
Lisa slumped on the ground, catching her breath. Now, she's feeling exhausted as fuck. "Search him.", she ordered.
Seulgi frisk Dickhead and checked for any symbols or tattoos cause gang members usually have one as an identification. Gang community uses it to identify if you are an ally or an enemy.
"Negative."
Dickhead doesn't really fully understand what's going on anymore but there's one thing he's sure of. These are gang members that he's dealing with. It's not impossible but he didn't think these youth gangs would recruit students from Seoul National University. He can't fully think straight right now though as he was feeling sleepy. Or dizzy. Or both.
Seulgi slightly tapped his cheek to keep him awake. "Hey. Don't fucking pass out on me. What were you doing with that boy?"
"I-it was just a dare. We were just playing around.", he mumbled.
"Next time, play with someone your size. And knives are not for kids. Don't touch one, if you do not know how to use it.", Seulgi patted him on the head like a puppy.
Lisa stood up and bent over to his face. "Listen to me. This has never happened. We haven't had this encounter and you will not speak about any of this ever. Understand?"
Dickhead nodded to her as quickly as he could.
"My guy, you better say it in words and answer my friend properly because you are really in big trouble if you don't.", Seulgi said.
"I promise. I promise. I won't tell anyone.", he said.
"I'll fucking hunt you down and your family if you break that little promise of yours.", Alpha warned.
"Promise… I won't." If he could just zip his mouth forever, he would. Lisa is fucking scary. He had learned his lesson and swear to himself not to do anything stupid again.
"Get up now and leave before my friend changes her mind and decides to kill you instead. Go.", Seulgi said. The scared look on his face amuses her.
Dickhead tried to get up. It was difficult but he managed to find his footings. He sprinted as fast as he could, away from that dark alley.
Jisoo walked towards the poor boy who witnessed everything and was just sitting there in shock. Having a knife pointed at your throat and witnessing a fight that you thought one would end up being dead must be traumatizing. He's still trembling.
"Kid, what's your name?", Jisoo asked.
"J-junghwan."
"How old are you?"
"Fifteen."
"Do you have a family?"
"No, I ran away from the orphanage."
"How do you survive in the streets?" This time, it was Chaeyoung who asked. She looks really concerned about the kid. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙮.
"I scavenged for food. O-or ask people for it."
"You don't steal?", Jisoo asked. Normally, homeless people do it because of hunger.
"I-in the orphanage… they said it's wrong to steal.", he said. He has no idea why these people keep asking him questions. But he's grateful for them for saving him from that lunatic man earlier.
"They said it's bad huh?", Lisa said while she was unwrapping her bandage because it was kinda useless now.
Junghwan nodded to her.
"Well, what if it's for a good cause?", the Alpha smirked.
Jisoo smiled warmly at Junghwan to let him know he will be in good hands. Chaeyoung removed her coat and wrapped it around him. It was pretty chilly and she knows that the tattered clothes are not giving him any warmth. The quartet led him back to Winner Seoul. Junghwan must be starving as hell and they will let him have the feast of his life.
𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟓
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
wanhyuniie
wanhyuniie The longest chapter I have ever written so far! The length of this is twice my normal one. I know the story’s flow is too painfully slow for JenLisa’s relationship development, but that’s just how I wanted it to be. I don’t want it to be like that love at first sight type of thing. And hey, I’ve introduced you to Lisa’s world and Jennie’s family background. I also tried writing a fight scene (need more practice on it, I know) cause Lisa looked so cool doing it inside my head. Lol. I just didn’t know if I gave justice to writing it. I very much enjoyed writing this chapter though. Seulgi looks so cool with an eyepatch and yes, Jisoo has a childhood crush on Chaeng. She’s just trying to ignore it since then because Lisa is her best friend she knows our Lili would disapprove of it. She thinks it’s inappropriate for her to have feelings towards Chaeng because Lisa knows Jisoo’s reputation with boys and girls. I haven’t revealed yet what incident happened in the past that made Lisa the grumpy and lonely person that she is right now. It’s connected to how Seulgi got her eye blinded. And a lot of familiar idols and groups huh? I’m bringing the whole industry here in my story if I could. Lol. I’m talking too much. Gotta get started on Chapter 6.
Twitter: @lalalalice_kim
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone