Between The Badge And The Bullet

Officer Min-jae had arrested Seo Ryujin three times in the past two years. And every single time, Ryujin had walked free, flashing that same cocky smirk as he stepped out of the station like he owned the world.

"See you next time, Officer," Ryujin had said the last time, winking as he adjusted his leather jacket.

Min-jae had gritted his teeth, hands clenched into fists.

Ryujin wasn’t just some low-level gangster. He was one of the top enforcers for the Black Serpents, the most dangerous crime syndicate in the city. He was involved in everything—smuggling, illegal gambling, underground fights. And yet, there was never enough evidence to pin him down.

But Min-jae wasn’t giving up.

It was raining the night Min-jae got the tip.

An arms deal. The docks. Midnight.

Min-jae knew he should wait for backup. But something about it felt personal. He had spent years chasing Ryujin, and now—finally—he had a chance to bring him down.

So he went alone.

The docks were quiet, the only sound the distant crashing of waves. Min-jae moved silently, gun raised as he crept between shipping containers.

And then, a voice.

"You’re early, Officer."

Min-jae spun around—only to feel cold metal press against his temple. A gun.

"Didn’t think you’d come alone," the man behind him sneered.

Min-jae’s jaw tightened. He recognized the guy—a known arms dealer, a man with a reputation for making cops disappear.

Min-jae wasn’t getting out of this alive.

Then, out of nowhere, a gunshot.

Not his.

The man in front of him staggered, blood blooming across his chest before he collapsed onto the wet pavement.

And standing behind him, gun still smoking, was Ryujin.

Min-jae’s breath caught. "You—"

Ryujin sighed, tucking the gun away. "You really are reckless, Officer. What would you do without me?"

Min-jae’s head was spinning. "Why the hell did you save me?"

Ryujin shrugged. "Couldn't let someone else kill you. That would be boring."

"You’re insane," Min-jae muttered.

Ryujin smirked. "And yet, here you are. Alive, thanks to me."

Min-jae exhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. He should arrest him. This was his chance. But for some reason, his hands wouldn’t move.

"Come on," Ryujin said, grabbing Min-jae’s wrist. "There’s more of them. Unless you wanna die, I suggest you follow me."

Min-jae should’ve resisted. Should’ve fought back.

But instead, he let Ryujin pull him away into the shadows.

Days later, Min-jae found a note in his jacket pocket.

An address. A meeting place.

He should report it. Should call in his team.

Instead, that night, he found himself driving to the location.

Because for the first time, Min-jae wasn’t sure what scared him more—Ryujin’s crimes, or the fact that he wasn’t sure he wanted to stop him anymore.

[THE END]

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