Namhyuk blinked rapidly as he regained consciousness, his mind swirling in confusion. The dim light of the prison flickered above him, and the woman who had helped him leaned closer, concern etched on her face.
"Take it easy, Namhyuk," she urged softly, placing a small, ornate box on the table beside him. "But be careful. This is the blood pill." Her fingers brushed over its box's surface protectively. "It can only be exposed to air for a minute; otherwise, it decays and becomes useless. It's made from blood, after all."
Namhyuk's heart raced at the implications. "My brother… he only has two hours left?" Panic surged through him, amplifying his already frantic thoughts.
The woman nodded solemnly. "You need to go now. He's counting on you."
With a surge of adrenaline, Namhyuk dashed out of the room, his legs shaky from the blood extraction. As he stumbled toward the door, a shadow loomed just outside, watching him with a sinister smirk.
Sang Ook leaned casually against the wall, eyes glinting with malice. "What to do, Namhyuk? You're so naive and careless," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Don't blame me when things go wrong." With a calculated step, he trailed after Namhyuk, his intentions cloaked in deceit.
Namhyuk rushed straight to Min Ho and Dae Jung's room, heart pounding. He flung the door open, finding Dae Jung in the same position he had left him, looking utterly defeated, as if the world had collapsed around him.
"Dae Jung!" Namhyuk shouted, shaking him urgently. "DAE JUNG! Here, take this!" He thrust the box toward Dae Jung, who stared blankly, confusion washing over his face.
Namhyuk smiled, relief flooding through him. "You want to save him, right? Quick, give it to him.
As the fog lifted from Dae Jung's mind, hope ignited in his eyes. "The antidote…!" His voice trembled as he sbox ot up, a flicker of life returning to his expression. "You found it!"
Dae Jung's face transformed, and he enveloped Namhyuk in a tight embrace. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" he exclaimed, voice muffled against Namhyuk's shoulder.
But as Namhyuk felt Dae Jung's warmth, an overwhelming wave of weakness crashed over him. "Okay, okay! I can't breathe!" he gasped, trying to push him away gently.
Dae Jung pulled back, gratitude radiating from him, but then he noticed the blood trickling from Namhyuk's nose. "Are you okay?"
"It's nothing," Namhyuk insisted, hastily wiping his nose. "Just give him the pill! It needs to be taken immediately once you open the box. Otherwise, it'll be useless." His tone grew urgent as he locked eyes with Dae Jung.
Dae Jung nodded vigorously, determination taking root within him. "I won't let him down. Thank you again, Namhyuk!"
Namhyuk stumbled toward the bathroom, feeling dizzy and disoriented. Just as he entered the bathroom , Sang Ook casually stepped into the room, an air of confidence about him.
As Dae Jung prepared to open the box, Sang Ook abruptly shoved him aside, feigning surprise. "Oops! Sorry about that!" he exclaimed, a sly grin forming as the box slipped from Dae Jung's grip and crashed to the floor.
Dae Jung's heart raced. "No!" he shouted, lunging forward, but the box hit the ground and skidded away, opening with a crack.
Horror gripped Dae Jung as he rushed to retrieve it. "Where is it?!" Panic flooded his voice, dread settling in his stomach as he frantically searched the floor, ignoring Sang Ook's mock concern.
"What's wrong? What are you looking for?" Sang Ook asked, his eyes glinting with sadistic delight.
Dae Jung's breath hitched as he crawled under the table and spotted the box, but his heart sank when he saw the crushed remains of the pill beneath Sang Ook's foot. "No… No!" he gasped, aghast.
He shot up, facing Sang Ook with a mix of rage and desperation. "You—! You crushed it!"
Sang Ook shrugged, an arrogant smile spreading across his face. "Just a little accident. You should have been more careful, Dae Jung. Now your lover's fate lies in your hands. You destroyed Namhyuk's efforts,not me. " His voice dripped with venom, each word a calculated jab.
Dae Jung's fists clenched, fury igniting within him. "You did this on purpose!"
"Me? I wouldn't dream of it," Sang Ook replied, feigning innocence. "But sometimes, the naive and careless get what they deserve."
As Sang Ook left hurriedly, Namhyuk reemerged from the bathroom, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. He froze at the sight of Dae Jung's pale face and the crushed pill on the floor.
"Dae Jung, what happened?" Namhyuk asked, panic rising in his chest as he rushed forward.
Dae Jung's eyes filled with tears. "It's gone! Sang Ook pushed me, and now… it's destroyed!" His voice cracked, despair overtaking him.
"No…" Namhyuk's voice dropped to a whisper, anguish tightening around his heart. "How could this happen? We had one chance!"
Dae Jung trembled, realization dawning on him. "The pill was crushed when it hit the ground. It can't be saved…"
Namhyuk felt the walls closing in around him, a suffocating sense of failure washing over him. "I trusted you, Dae Jung! We were supposed to save him!" Frustration bubbled within him, mingling with fear.
Dae Jung, his voice barely a whisper, replied, "I didn't mean for this to happen! Sang Ook… he did this on purpose!"
Namhyuk's gaze darkened as rage surged through him. "That scheming rat! I should have known he wouldn't let us succeed."
As they searched the room, determination ignited within Namhyuk. "We can't give up! There must be another way!" His heart raced with the urgency of their situation, desperation clawing at him.
Dae Jung sank to his knees, the weight of their failure crashing down on him. "What do we do now?" he choked out, hopelessness palpable in the air.
"I'll find something else," Namhyuk vowed, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "We can't let Min Ho down. We have to keep fighting!"
Sang Ook lingered at the doorway, watching the chaos he had instigated with a sinister smile, reveling in their despair. "Good luck, boys," he taunted. "You'll need it."
As Sang Ook strolled away, Namhyuk turned to Dae Jung, a fierce determination in his gaze. "Let's figure this out together. We won't let him win."
Namhyuk, feeling strained and helpless, made a decision that sent shivers down his spine. He had to take drastic steps. With determination fueling him, he returned to the basement, where the woman awaited him. As he approached, her surprise was palpable.
"How come the work is done so soon?" she asked, eyebrows raised in curiosity. "Min Ho might need two hours at most to wake up after taking the pill."
Namhyuk remained silent, his expression a mix of despair and desperation. He stood there, shoulders tense, and the woman sensed that something was amiss.
"What happened?" she asked, her voice turning serious.
He took a deep breath, the words barely escaping his lips. "The pill is gone. Sang Ook did it."
The woman sighed heavily, the weight of reality crashing down around them. "Then there is no way to save Min Ho. Maybe it was his destiny."
"I will change it," Namhyuk said quietly, his resolve hardening. "I'll make another blood pill."
The woman widened her eyes in disbelief. "Are you crazy? Making a blood pill drains half of your life energy! You want to make one more? Look at yourself, can you even stand properly, now? "
She refused outright, her tone final. Namhyuk's heart sank, but desperation clawed at him. "What is it that you wanted to ask for help?" he pressed. "If I can do it, will you help me?"
The lady fell silent, then shot him an angry glare. "Do I look like someone who will do anything for personal gain?"
Namhyuk began to piece it together, his mind racing. "You were a hybrid brought by Hana. You've been captured. That means you have a family you've been away from for years. You want me to help you find them."
She didn't respond, but her eyes betrayed her emotions.
A small smile flickered on Namhyuk's face. "I'm right, aren't I? If you help me, you can meet your family or at least get news about them."
The woman's gaze hardened, but Namhyuk pressed on. "But even if that's the case, I can't let you walk down this death path. You might die if you extract more blood."
In a moment of vulnerability, Namhyuk dropped to his knees, tears brimming in his eyes. "Please… help me," he begged, his voice choked with emotion.
The lady's eyes softened, her own resolve wavering at the sight of his despair. She takes a deep sigh. "Okay.....This is your life, Namhyuk. It's your decision."
"I understand," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You have to help me save Min Ho. Think about your family. Tell me about them. Maybe you could find them today."
At the mention of her family, the woman's defenses crumbled. "My husband… Kim Seo Joon, and my son, Kim Seokjin," she said, her voice trembling. The names hung in the air, heavy with longing.
Hearing the name Kim Seokjin, Namhyuk let out a pained laugh, filled with irony. "The world is really small," he murmured. "Okay, you will meet your son today, but you have to help me."
She nodded slowly, the gravity of their situation settling in. She was surprised."Today...how can you be so sure...?"
Namhyuk straightened, determination replacing despair. "You will know it soo...Before we start, I need to see the others. I have to gather the BTS and Cinq team. They are needed for this plan to work. "
With a renewed sense of purpose, Namhyuk left the cell, the weight of the world on his shoulders, but with a flicker of hope igniting within him.
Namhyuk pushed open the door to the cell where the BTS and Cinq teams were training. The atmosphere was electric, with each member practicing furiously, their movements sharp and focused. As soon as they spotted him, they halted, concern flooding their expressions.
"Namhyuk!" Jimin exclaimed, rushing over. "What happened? You look weak."
Namhyuk forced a smile, trying to mask his fatigue. "I'm in a good mood. I want to fulfill wishes for everyone."
The group exchanged puzzled glances. Yeonjun raised an eyebrow. "What's this about fulfilling wishes? Did something happen?"
Namhyuk took a deep breath, urgency creeping into his voice. "Just answer me. Sang Ook is a crazy fellow. If we stay here much longer, things will spiral out of control. We won't be able to save ourselves."
Seokjin frowned, considering Namhyuk's words. "He's right. Namjoon mentioned we need to get out of here. "
"So, what do you need to get out of this prison. You are here to find people or what? I can help. You help me in return for what I ask. Okay? " Asks Namhyuk.
"Okay ,then..Little Joon-wo is still in Hana's captivity," Yoongi added, his tone grim.
"Who's Joon-wo?" Namhyuk asked, confusion etched on his face.
"Our friend's child," Yoongi replied, his eyes darkening with worry.
Namhyuk's eyes widened in horror. "Are you all insane? How can you leave a child in the enemy's hands while you sit here practicing?"
Seokjin shook his head, trying to reason with him. "Madam Hana isn't entirely unreliable. She won't let any harm come to Joon-wo."
Namhyuk's heart raced as he shook his head. "You're reckless. You can't just leave a child alone with an enemy."
Yeonjun chimed in, " That's one thing. We also need to find Jin's mom. We have a clue that she's being held captive by Hana."
"And?" Namhyuk pressed, urgency in his voice.
Seokjin replied, "We want to find the killer of our friends. They were murdered, and we believe it's connected to Byung Ho."
"Do you have a picture of Joon-wo's parents?" Namhyuk asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
Yoongi nodded. "It's on my mobile."
"Then show me," Namhyuk urged.
Yoongi frowned. "The mobile is in custody. They took it from us."
"Don't fool me," Namhyuk retorted, frustration bubbling up. "I clearly remember bringing your phone, and you haven't returned it yet."
"Grumpy," Yoongi muttered, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smirk. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the phone, scrolling until he found the picture. "Here."
As Namhyuk gazed at the couple in the photo, a deep sigh escaped him. "Okay. All your work will surely be done tonight. I just need help with a few things."
" Work will be done...just like that. And you are so confident...and work,Like what?" Beomgyu asked, curious.
"First, Dae Jung will bring Joon-wo to his room tonight," Namhyuk instructed. "All of you will get out of this cell. I'll give you a box with the antidote. Min Ho is poisoned."
"What? Min Ho is poisoned?" Beomgyu exclaimed, his voice rising in shock. "How? Who did it?"
"Be quiet and listen," Namhyuk snapped, his patience wearing thin. "The box should not be opened until it's time to give the pill. If it's exposed to air, it decays. You'll need to deliver the pill to Dae Jung, who will bring Joon-wo to you."
The others nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "What's the rest of your plan?" Jungkook asked.
Namhyuk's expression turned serious. "I'll handle the rest. Everything clear?"
The group nodded, determination filling the room.
Namhyuk took a moment to collect himself before making a call to Dae Jung. "Listen, I'm sending the antidote through the BTS gang. You need to let them leave and bring Joon-wo to his room."
Dae Jung's voice trembled on the other end. "If Min Ho can be cured, I'll do whatever it takes."
"Good. Be ready in fifteen minutes," Namhyuk said, ending the call. He turned to the group, his heart racing. "We don't have much time. Let's move."
As the members prepared for action, Namhyuk felt a surge of hope mixed with anxiety. They were racing against time, but with each of them playing their part, there was a chance—no matter how slim—that they could save Min Ho and being Joon-wo back to them.
Namhyuk returned to the basement, his heart heavy as he approached the lady. "You need to start preparing the antidote," he urged, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
She sighed sadly, nodding in understanding. As she began gathering the necessary materials, Namhyuk felt an overwhelming wave of pain wash over him, a visceral reminder of the blood extraction process he had endured before. This time, however, the pain was magnified, piercing through him like a thousand needles.
As she began her work, a new wave of pain surged through him, far worse than the first extraction. It felt as if his very essence was being torn away, each moment stretching out in excruciating detail. He braced himself against the cold, damp wall, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. His heartbeat echoed in his ears, a relentless reminder that time was slipping away.
This pain wasn't just physical; it was a manifestation of years of isolation and yearning. Since he had come to his senses, he had never truly known love or acceptance. Each friendship had felt like a distant dream, something just out of reach. Dae Jung had always held his heart, but Dae Jung's affections were fixed on Min Ho, leaving Namhyuk feeling like an outsider in his own life. It was a hollow ache that had become a constant companion.
The blood pulsed in his veins, each beat feeling like it could be his last. He could almost visualize his life force ebbing away, grains of sand falling through his fingers. "No… I can't let this be the end," he thought, a fierce determination igniting amidst the pain. He needed to prove his worth, to be seen not just as Namjoon, the lost son, but as Namhyuk, a brother, a friend.
"Stay with me," he whispered to himself, even as the darkness beckoned. Memories flashed before his eyes: the laughter shared with the BTS and Cinq teams, moments of camaraderie that felt painfully fleeting. He longed to be part of that bond, to be loved and accepted, but the shadow of his past loomed over him, reminding him he was merely an echo of someone else.
As the lady mixed the ingredients, he felt a warmth built in his chest, fueled by his desperation. "I'm doing this for them," he thought, his heart heavy yet determined. "For Dae Jung, for Min Ho, for Bts and cinq team, the family I've never had." Each drop of blood he willingly gave felt like a piece of his soul, a sacrifice for a chance at love and belonging.
But with each extraction, the pain intensified, almost unbearable. "I can't… I won't give up," he gasped, tears welling in his eyes. The very air felt thick, suffocating him as he fought against the creeping darkness. It was a battle not just against his physical limits but against the emotional turmoil that threatened to drown him.
"Please… let this work," he pleaded silently, envisioning Dae Jung's smile, Seokjin's longing eyes, the way his heart raced at the thought of being seen as someone important. "I want to be more than just Namjoon. I want to be loved for who I am."
The lady glanced at him, concern etched on her face. "Namhyuk, you need to rest. You're pushing yourself too hard."
"No!" he exclaimed, the word escaping his lips with a fierceness that surprised even him. "I can't stop now. Not when there's still hope."
His resolve solidified. He had always been the one left behind, the shadow in the background. But this time, he would fight to step into the light, to claim his place in their hearts.
As the antidote began to take shape, Namhyuk felt a surge of emotions—fear, hope, desperation. With each pulse of pain, he was reminded of what he was fighting for. He was not just creating a pill; he was forging a path to acceptance, to love, to finally being seen for who he truly was.
In that moment, despite the overwhelming agony, he felt a flicker of something more profound than pain: purpose. And with that, he steeled himself for the final extraction, ready to risk it all for a chance at love and belonging.
Namhyuk lay against the wall, barely conscious, as the antidote formed in front of him. He felt the world fading, his breath shallow, but he managed to nod when the lady shook him, concern etched across her face. "I'm okay," he rasped, his voice barely a whisper. "Just pass the pill through the small gate to the boys outside."
With trembling hands, the lady carefully placed the pill in the small opening, her heart racing. As she handed it over, Namhyuk dragged himself to the door, straining to stay upright. "Seokjin hyung!" he called out, his voice hoarse.
"Yes, Namhyuk?" came Seokjin's familiar voice, filled with a mix of concern and confusion.
"Do as planned," Namhyuk urged, his voice weary but determined. "I'll be there soon."
"Okay," Seokjin replied, but the uncertainty in his tone was palpable as he stepped away.
The lady stood frozen in shock, the realization dawning on her face. "You called him Seokjin… That's my son!...really? " Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of disbelief and joy.
Namhyuk offered her a tired smile, his strength waning. "What are you thinking so deeply about? He is indeed your son," he said softly.
The lady's heart swelled with emotion as she nodded, a cascade of tears streaming down her cheeks. "My son… I thought I lost him forever."
With great effort, Namhyuk stood, using the wall for support. For a fleeting moment, a spark of aqua blue flickered in his eyes before fading away. "I know," he murmured, determination coursing through him despite his exhaustion. "It's time to confess."
Hand in hand, they pushed through the door and made their way to Min Ho's room. Dae Jung stood there, his face a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Namhyuk. The antidote has been given to Min Ho," he said, relief flooding his voice.
Namhyuk nodded, but his attention was on Seokjin, who stood paralyzed, eyes wide with shock as he took in the sight of the lady beside Namhyuk. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Namhyuk stood against the wall, his face pale and drawn, as he watched Seokjin and the lady frozen in place. For a moment, no one moved—time itself seemed to hold its breath.
"Mom?" Seokjin's voice broke the silence, a single word dripping with disbelief and years of pent-up emotions.
The lady's hands shook, and she blinked away tears that blurred her vision. "My son… is it really you?" she whispered, her voice fragile, as if a mere breath would shatter this moment into pieces.
Seokjin took a hesitant step forward, his eyes never leaving her face, searching for the woman he had lost so long ago. His gaze was filled with anger, pain, and hope all at once. "Why, Mom? Why did you leave us?" His voice cracked, and the words came out broken, each one stabbing at the unhealed wound in his heart. "I— I thought you never wanted me. I thought you didn't love me!"
The lady gasped, reaching out for him with trembling hands. "No, no, my son… it was never like that! I didn't leave you—I was taken, captured. Every day, I fought to come back to you."
But Seokjin stepped back, his face twisting in anguish. "Then why didn't you come? Why couldn't you come?!" His voice rose, every syllable carrying the weight of the years spent alone, abandoned, left with nothing but his confusion and hatred. "Dad—he—he died believing you didn't love him. He thought you never cared!"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she took another step forward, her eyes desperate. "I cared. I cared more than you'll ever know! I loved him—both of you—more than anything else. Please, Seokjin, believe me!"
"Believe you?" he choked out, his body trembling with the effort to hold back his emotions. "How am I supposed to believe you? I waited, Mom. I waited for you every single day. And when you didn't come, I thought… I thought you were dead to me."
The lady fell to her knees, her sobs shaking her body. "I wanted to come back to you. I tried so hard… but I couldn't break free. They kept me locked away, hidden. All I could think about was you, your father. Every second was torture."
Seokjin's face crumpled, and a sob escaped him, raw and unfiltered. "I hated you for so long. I blamed you. I thought you abandoned us…" His knees gave out, and he collapsed in front of her, tears streaming down his face. "And Dad—he—he couldn't take it. He lost hope, and I couldn't stop him…"
The lady clutched his shoulders, her own tears mingling with his. "I never meant for that to happen… I never wanted him to lose hope. I never wanted you to feel abandoned." Her voice broke, and she caressed his face gently, as if afraid he would disappear. "I'm so sorry, Seokjin. I failed you both. I'm so, so sorry."
Seokjin's chest heaved with sobs, his body shaking uncontrollably. "He killed himself, Mom. He left me alone. I thought you… I thought you left because we weren't enough for you. That you didn't love us enough."
"Don't say that!" she cried, her voice filled with heartbreak. "You were everything to me—both of you! My life was incomplete without you, Seokjin. I prayed every day, just for one more chance to see you, to hold you again. I didn't know he was gone. I didn't know he thought I'd abandoned him. It was never my choice!"
Seokjin's sobs quieted, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He stared at his mother's face, seeing the same grief, the same pain, mirrored in her eyes. For so many years, he had painted her as the villain in his life, the one who had shattered his world. But now, looking at her, he saw the truth—she had suffered just as much, if not more.
"I hated you," he whispered, tears still streaming down his face. "But I missed you too. Every day, I wished you'd come back. And when you didn't…" He swallowed hard, his voice breaking. "I blamed myself. I thought… I thought I wasn't enough for you to come back to."
The lady shook her head fiercely, pulling him close, her arms wrapping around him tightly. "No, Seokjin. You are everything I ever wanted. You were the reason I kept fighting, the reason I stayed alive all these years. I didn't come back because I couldn't… but I never stopped loving you."
Seokjin buried his face in her shoulder, his tears soaking her clothes. "I'm so sorry, Mom… I'm sorry for doubting you, for hating you. I was so lost without you."
"Shh, shh," she murmured, rocking him gently like she used to when he was a child. "It's okay now, my love. I'm here. We're together again, and that's all that matters. I'll never leave you again."
They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, wrapped in each other's arms, holding on as if the world might tear them apart again if they let go.
Finally, Seokjin pulled back slightly, his eyes red and swollen, but softer now, filled with something that had been missing for so long—hope. "I… I don't know how to forgive myself. I blamed you. I never looked for you. If I had… maybe I could have found you sooner."
The lady shook her head gently. "No, Seokjin. This isn't your fault. None of this is your fault. You were just a child, and you did what you could to survive. I'm proud of you for being so strong, for holding on even when it hurt."
Seokjin's face crumpled, and he nodded, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks. "I just… I'm so sorry, Mom."
"And I'm sorry too, my son." She kissed his forehead softly, a mother's touch that he had craved for so long. "We can start again. We can rebuild what we lost."
Namhyuk watched quietly, feeling a strange warmth spread through his chest. He was exhausted, every part of his body screaming in pain, but seeing Seokjin and his mother finally reunite made it all worthwhile. He stepped back, giving them space, his legs shaking from the effort.
He didn't need to be the center of attention. He didn't need to be loved or cherished in the same way. Just being able to bring them together, to give Seokjin something he had been missing for so long, was enough for him.
His heart ached, not with regret, but with a strange, quiet contentment. Maybe he didn't have a place in anyone's heart like Seokjin had in his mother's, but at least he could make a difference. At least he could give them this small happiness.
"Let's fulfill my promise, okay?" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. The lady turned, looking at him with gratitude shining in her tear-filled eyes. Namhyuk gave her a small, tired smile, leaning heavily against the wall as he swayed on his feet.
"Yes, let's just get out of here". she whispered, her gaze lingering on her son. She and Seokjin exchanged a glance, and then, without a word, they reached out to steady Namhyuk between them, supporting him as they all walked forward together.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Seokjin felt like he wasn't alone. And Namhyuk, despite the agony tearing through his body, felt like he had finally done something truly right.
The room, which had been filled with a tentative sense of relief and new hope, suddenly grew tense as the door was kicked open, slamming against the wall. Everyone turned to see Sang Ook striding in, his face twisted with fury, followed by a group of imposing alphas. Their presence immediately sent a chill through the air, erasing the fragile peace that had settled moments ago.
"Ah, how touching," Sang Ook sneered, his eyes sweeping over Seokjin and his mother, then Min Ho, who lay unconscious but finally free of the poison that had been slowly killing him. His gaze hardened when it landed on Namhyuk, who was barely standing, his body trembling from the strain of creating the pill for a second time. "But this little family reunion ends here."
Namhyuk lifted his head slowly, a faint smile pulling at his lips despite the obvious pain etched on his face. "Sang Ook… you're ruining the moment," he murmured, his voice hoarse but steady.
"You—!" Sang Ook's eyes blazed with anger as he pointed a finger at Namhyuk. "You really did it, didn't you? You made the pill again? Even when you're barely alive? Are you that desperate to play the hero?"
Namhyuk swayed on his feet, his vision blurring at the edges. He could barely breathe, his chest tightening with every word Sang Ook spat at him. But he managed a weak smirk, his gaze defiant. "Guess… I'm crazier than you thought," he whispered.
Before Sang Ook could take another step, a figure moved behind him, and Madam Hana appeared, her eyes wide and unblinking, almost feverish. "You!" she snapped, pointing at Seokjin's mother. "How did you get out? I made sure every precaution was in place! You were supposed to help me establish a new world for hybrids! We were going to create a safe place, a palace—where we would reign supreme over both humans and hybrids! How could you betray me like this?"
Seokjin's mother, whom Hana had known only as *Yun Ah*, stood tall, her expression calm despite the storm brewing in Hana's eyes. "You're sick, Hana," Yun Ah said quietly, her voice firm and unyielding. "You've always been obsessed with power and control. But this? This is madness. You need to stop. I won't let you hurt my son or anyone else anymore."
Hana's face contorted with rage, and she shook her head violently, as if Yun Ah's words physically hurt her. "Madness? No, Yun Ah. It's not madness. It's *our destiny*. You know it—deep down, you know we hybrids have always been meant for greatness, to rule! And you—of all people—should understand that. We need to reclaim what was taken from us. With your abilities and my vision, we could bring hybrids to their rightful place!"
"Rightful place?" Yun Ah echoed bitterly. "You talk about power and ruling as if that's the answer to everything. But what about our children, Hana? Seokjin, Namhyuk, all the others? They've suffered enough because of people like you, who think they can dictate the lives of others. No more. I won't let you use my son for your twisted dream."
Hana's eyes widened, almost manic, and she laughed, a high-pitched, unnerving sound that made the hair on everyone's neck stand on end. "Use him? *Use him?!*" She gestured wildly at Namhyuk, who was still struggling to stay upright. "Don't you see? He's the key! Namhyuk! He has the power of the *King*. The King of Hybrids. With him, we can finally take back what's ours. The palace will rise again! Our rule—our reign—will be restored! I'll be the queen, and you… you could stand beside me. We could lead together, just like we were meant to! Just like before!"
Sang Ook, impatient with the bickering, snarled. "Enough! All of you!" He glanced at the alphas behind him and barked orders. " Come on, capture them all. Bring them all to me. And if anyone resists, kill them."
The alphas moved to obey, but before they could even take a step, Namhyuk raised his hand. Despite the intense pain wracking his body, he managed to focus his energy, channeling it with a surge of determination. With a flash, a translucent wall appeared out of thin air, solidifying between Sang Ook, Hana, and their men—and the group behind Namhyuk.
"What—?" Sang Ook's eyes widened, and he turned back to Namhyuk, shock and anger written across his face. "You dare—"
Namhyuk's smile widened, though it was a fragile, weary thing. He glanced sideways at Seokjin and whispered, "Hyung… you're good with teleportation now, right? Better than before?"
Seokjin, stunned by the sheer willpower Namhyuk was displaying, could only nod slowly. "Yeah, I— I can do it. I've been practicing…"
"Good," Namhyuk murmured, his breath hitching as he fought to stay conscious. "Because I've been practicing too."
With a soft hum of energy, Namhyuk made another motion, and out of thin air, a series of weapons—pistols, small blades—materialized in his hands. He handed them to Seokjin and the others, his movements shaky but determined. "Use these… if they break through."
Sang Ook's face turned a dangerous shade of red, and he roared, "Tear that wall down! NOW!"
As the alphas surged forward, Hana's voice rang out, sharp and almost hysterical. "He did it… He really did it! He has the power of our King! This is it! We'll finally be able to go back to the palace! The throne will be ours again!" She clasped her hands together, her expression wild with excitement. "With Namjoon—no, *Namhyuk*—we'll be unstoppable! The palace will be restored, and I will be the Queen! The hybrids will bow to me, and the humans will cower in fear!"
Yun Ah shook her head, her heart aching at the sight of what her old friend had become. "You're delusional, Hana. There is no throne. There is no kingdom. It's all in your head. Namhyuk isn't some pawn for you to use. He's a person, a living, breathing person, with his own dreams and desires. You can't control him. Not anymore."
But Hana only laughed again, a chilling sound that echoed around the room. "Control? No, Yun Ah. It's not about control. It's about *destiny*. He was born for this. The power of the King flows in his veins. He belongs with us—with me! And once he embraces who he truly is, we will rise again. You'll see… everyone will see!"
Namhyuk, his vision dimming, leaned heavily against the wall. He could hear them shouting, could feel the weight of everyone's expectations and fears pressing down on him. But he forced himself to stay standing, to keep smiling, even if it was only a shadow of his usual grin.
"You're wrong, Hana," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible. "I don't belong to anyone. I make my own choices… and I choose them." He glanced at Seokjin, at the others who stood behind him, ready to fight. "I choose my family. And I'll protect them… no matter what."
The sound of gunfire reverberated through the hall, a cacophony of violence and rage that shook the very foundation of the building. Sang Ook remained hunched behind Madam Hana, using her as a shield while his men advanced with relentless force. His voice was sharp and unforgiving as he barked orders. "Kill them all! Every single one of them—except Namhyuk! I need him alive!"
But Madam Hana barely registered his commands, lost in the fevered world of her own making. Her eyes were wide, unfocused, staring into the void as she muttered under her breath, "My kingdom… My throne… With Namhyuk, I will rule over all hybrids… Everyone will bow to me…"
The words echoed in the air, a chilling reminder of her madness. And then, through the chaos of firing bullets and flashing lights, more men surged in. Reinforcements. Among them was Byung Ho, his gaze scanning the battlefield until it landed on Namhyuk, who stood in the heart of the storm, his frail body leaning heavily against Seokjin's side.
Byung Ho's eyes narrowed, his fists clenching in anger and disbelief. His son—his flesh and blood—was caught in the crossfire. Fury surged through him, but before he could move, Seokjin's gaze locked onto him. In a heartbeat, Seokjin raised his gun, aiming directly at the man who had brought nothing but suffering and manipulation into Namhyuk's life.
But just as Seokjin's finger squeezed the trigger, Sang Ook shoved Madam Hana forward with a vicious snarl. The gunshot rang out, echoing in the chamber as everything seemed to slow. Hana's eyes widened in shock as the bullet struck her straight through the head. Her body jerked once, twice, then crumpled to the ground in a heap.
The room fell silent, as if even the walls themselves were stunned into stillness. Blood pooled beneath her lifeless form, spreading in a dark, crimson halo. Seokjin's breath hitched as he stared at the woman lying at his feet. The woman who had caused his mother so much suffering, who had twisted his brother's life and dreams. A woman whose death had come not at the hands of a stranger, but through the actions of a son who had been robbed of his parents because of her.
Namhyuk's gaze remained fixed on Madam Hana's body, his expression unreadable. After a long moment, he murmured softly, "I guess that's what you call karma. Captured a mother… and died by her son's hand."
But there was no triumph in his voice. No relief. Only a weary resignation, as if the weight of the world had finally crushed him. The room exploded back into chaos as the fighting resumed, but Seokjin's focus remained solely on Namhyuk, who leaned in close, whispering through the noise.
"Hyung, listen to me… we don't have much time." Namhyuk's voice was almost a rasp, each word costing him more energy than he had left. "Open a portal… somewhere safe. A place no one knows but us."
Seokjin shook his head, his brow furrowing in concern. "Namhyuk, no—"
"Please, hyung." Namhyuk's eyes were pleading. "Just do it. We can't win this fight. Not here."
Swallowing his fear, Seokjin nodded, closing his eyes to concentrate. With a flick of his wrist, the air shimmered and twisted, forming a small, glowing portal that pulsed with faint, blue light. He glanced at Namhyuk, who gestured weakly for the others.
"Go!" Seokjin yelled. "Everyone, through the portal, now!"
The others hesitated only for a second before rushing forward, one by one disappearing into the safety of the unknown space beyond. Soon, it was just Seokjin and Namhyuk left.
The barrier that Namhyuk had conjured to keep Sang Ook and his men at bay was beginning to flicker, the cracks in its surface spreading like a spider's web. Namhyuk looked at it, then back at Seokjin, and smiled—a small, fragile smile that held more pain than words could express.
"You go first, hyung," Namhyuk said quietly.
"No." Seokjin's voice was firm, his grip on Namhyuk's arm tightening. "We're going together. I command the teleport—if you don't come with me, I'm not leaving."
The wall behind them shuddered violently, chunks of it breaking off as the alphas on the other side continued to tear through it. Namhyuk turned to Seokjin, a bittersweet expression crossing his face.
"I'm sorry, hyung," he murmured. "I have to stay."
"What are you talking about?" Seokjin demanded, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're not staying here. You—"
"Hyung," Namhyuk interrupted softly. "I'm not Namjoon. I'm Namhyuk. And Namhyuk…
"Namhyuk!! I am not leaving Namhyuk alone. Neither Namhyuk nor Namjoon. I need both of you". Shouts Seokjin firmly.
Namhyuk paused, taking a shuddering breath. "It… it really feels good to hear you say that. That you don't want to leave me behind. That you want me for who I am… not for who I used to be, or who I was supposed to be. You made everything I did worth it. But…"
"Stop it!" Seokjin shouted, his eyes blazing with desperation. "You're coming with me! We'll figure it out together, I swear—just come—"
"I promised you I'd fulfill all your demands, didn't I?" Namhyuk's voice was a ghost of a whisper now, his gaze unfocused and distant. "And the last one… the murderer of Joon-wo's parents…"
Seokjin stilled, his breath catching. "Namhyuk… don't-"
Namhyuk leaned in, his hand trembling as he reached for Seokjin's. "It's me, hyung. I'm the one who killed them. The real murderer of the Park couple."
The words crashed into Seokjin like a tidal wave, the world tilting on its axis. He stared at Namhyuk, eyes wide with horror and disbelief. "No… no, that can't—"
"Leave me here, hyung," Namhyuk whispered, a tear slipping down his cheek as he gave a weak smile. "Consider it your last demand… fulfilled."
Before Seokjin could react, Namhyuk shoved him backward, pushing him through the portal with what little strength he had left. The last thing Seokjin saw before the portal closed was Namhyuk's tear-streaked face, his broken smile framed by the shimmering light of the collapsing barrier.
"No!" Seokjin screamed, his voice echoing in the empty void. "Namhyuk! Namhyuk, come back!"
But the portal was gone, and with it, Namhyuk.
Seokjin fell to his knees, his heart shattering into a thousand pieces. The man he had come to see as a brother—the one he had finally reached out to, only to lose him all over again—was gone.
His mind replayed Namhyuk's last words over and over, each time stabbing deeper into his soul. *The real murderer… it's me.*
The realization sank in, tearing at him like claws. Everything Namhyuk had done—every sacrifice, every choice—had been to protect him, to give him closure, even if it meant becoming the villain of the story.
Seokjin's scream of anguish filled the empty space, a raw, guttural cry that spoke of loss, regret, and unbearable pain. Namhyuk was gone, and with him, the chance to save his broken, fragile soul.
And all that was left for Seokjin was a truth too bitter to bear. He had lost not only Namjoon but Namhyuk as well—the boy who had just wanted to be loved, to be seen for who he truly was.
And now, he was alone once more.