Chapter 1: The New Recruit

The neon lights of Seoul flickered like distant stars against the night sky, illuminating the underbelly of the city where shadows danced and secrets thrived. In this world of chaos and power, one name ruled with an iron fist—Min Yoongi, known to most as Suga. He was a man carved from the very darkness that enveloped the city, a figure feared by many and trusted by few. His presence alone commanded respect, and his icy demeanor kept even the bravest souls at bay.

Suga was tall and lean, his black hair styled in a way that accentuated his sharp features. His piercing gaze could cut through the bravado of anyone who dared to challenge him. Those who worked alongside him knew the truth: his loyalty came with a price, and betrayal was met with swift, unforgiving justice. He was the mastermind behind every operation, every deal made in the shadows, and he took pleasure in the power he wielded.

In stark contrast stood Park Jimin—a new recruit, fresh-faced and filled with an eagerness that belied the reality of the life he had chosen. Jimin had always been driven by a desire for something greater, a yearning to escape the mundane. He was shorter than Suga, with a lithe build that spoke of agility rather than brute strength. His warm, doe-like eyes held a spark of determination, tempered by a softness that made him appear vulnerable in a world where weakness was not tolerated.

Their paths crossed on a night that felt heavy with anticipation. Jimin had been summoned to the penthouse, a lavish space that overlooked the city—a stark reminder of the wealth and power that came with the life of crime. He had spent the past few weeks enduring the grueling training sessions, each day more punishing than the last. He had learned the hard way that mistakes were not just lessons; they were punishments.

The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the sprawling cityscape outside. Jimin stood nervously at the entrance, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to steady his breathing. It was a meeting with Suga that he had both anticipated and dreaded. He had heard the whispers among the other recruits—the stories of Suga’s ruthless methods and how he dealt with failures.

“Come in,” Suga’s voice echoed from within, smooth yet commanding. Jimin hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, crossing the threshold into a world that was as intoxicating as it was terrifying.

As he entered, he found Suga seated at a sleek black desk, his posture relaxed yet exuding an air of authority that made Jimin’s stomach twist in knots. The mafia leader was casually dressed in a fitted black shirt and dark jeans, an effortless look that only enhanced his intimidating presence. Suga’s eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed Jimin, taking in the nervousness that radiated from the younger man.

“You’re late,” Suga stated matter-of-factly, leaning back in his chair. The room felt charged, and Jimin could sense the weight of Suga’s scrutiny.

“I—” Jimin stammered, scrambling for an excuse. But he knew better than to make excuses in front of someone like Suga. Instead, he swallowed his fear and tried to stand tall. “I’m sorry. I lost track of time during training.”

Suga’s lips curled into a half-smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “Training is no excuse for tardiness. You need to learn that discipline is crucial in this line of work.” His tone was calm, but the underlying warning was clear.

Jimin nodded, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. He had expected punishment for his mistake, but he wasn’t prepared for how it would unfold. Suga’s gaze held a mixture of annoyance and something else—perhaps curiosity. There was a glimmer of interest in those dark eyes, as if Suga were contemplating just how far he could push this new recruit.

“Stand by the wall,” Suga commanded, gesturing with a flick of his hand. Jimin obeyed, moving to the side of the room and pressing his back against the cool surface. The air was thick with tension, and he felt exposed under Suga’s piercing gaze.

“Do you know why I keep pushing you?” Suga asked, his voice low, almost a murmur. Jimin shook his head, unsure of what to say.

“Because I see potential in you,” Suga continued, his expression shifting slightly. “But potential means nothing if you can’t handle the pressure.”

Jimin swallowed hard, his heart racing as he sensed what was coming. “What do you want me to do?” he asked, his voice steady despite the fear bubbling inside.

“Prove to me that you can endure.” Suga’s tone was firm, and Jimin felt a mix of dread and determination. “You’re going to do ten laps around the penthouse. No breaks. Then, you’ll report to the training room for sparring practice. Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to survive.”

Jimin nodded, trying to suppress the flutter of anxiety in his stomach. He knew he needed to prove himself to Suga, to show that he could endure the punishments that came with this life. He took a deep breath, pushing himself off the wall and starting the first lap.

As he ran, Jimin felt Suga’s eyes on him, assessing every move he made. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, knowing that the mafia leader was watching. Each lap burned his muscles, but he pushed through the pain, driven by the desire to impress Suga.

When he finally completed the laps, sweat dripped down his brow, and he could barely catch his breath. But Suga was waiting, arms crossed and a faint smirk on his lips.

“Good. But this is just the beginning,” Suga said, his voice steady as if he were grading Jimin’s performance. “You’ll learn that pain is a part of this life. Embrace it.”

Jimin met Suga’s gaze, determination burning in his chest. He was ready to face whatever came next, even if it meant enduring more punishments. He would show Suga that he was worthy of being part of this dangerous world.

As they moved to the training room, Jimin felt a spark of something deeper—an unexplainable connection with Suga, intertwined with the challenges that lay ahead. The night was just beginning, and the shadows of love and danger were waiting to unfold.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***