Chapter 2 – Calculated Shadows

Chapter 2 – Calculated Shadows

The morning sun pierced the glass walls of the skyscraper, but Kim Taeyun barely noticed it. He stood in his corner office, black coffee in hand, eyes scanning multiple screens displaying his empire’s subsidiaries, enemy movements, and news headlines about his sudden “return.”

The world saw him as reborn—a young CEO taking over the family company with unprecedented energy. But inside, he was a predator. Every glance, every decision, every step he made was calculated. The people who had betrayed him in his past life had no idea what awaited them.

Taeyun’s phone buzzed again. Another unknown number.

“Do not underestimate him. The boy is dangerous beyond measure.”

A small smirk curved his lips. He loved it when others underestimated him.

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Meanwhile, in the company lobby, Jeon Jungguk strode through the crowd, sharp-eyed and always aware. He had heard whispers about the young CEO who returned overnight—someone rumored to be cold, calculating, and untouchable.

Their paths crossed unexpectedly. Jungguk bumped into him, coffee nearly spilling onto Taeyun’s designer suit.

“Watch where you’re going,” Taeyun said flatly, glancing down at the intruder.

“I think you should watch where you’re standing,” Jungguk shot back, smirking, unafraid.

The tension was instant, a spark that could ignite a wildfire. Taeyun’s cold gaze met Jungguk’s fearless one, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to stop.

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In the following days, Taeyun moved like a shadow. He manipulated the board subtly, undermined Han Seoah and Lee Minho without revealing his full strength, and quietly positioned himself to reclaim the empire he had lost.

Han Seoah noticed the difference immediately. Her confident, mocking smile faltered when he passed her in the hallway, offering only a cold nod instead of the submissive deference she expected.

Lee Minho, once smug and untouchable, found himself trapped in a web of Taeyun’s making. Every move he thought was secret was being monitored, every ally he trusted was questioned.

And Jungguk… Jungguk kept appearing at inconvenient times, crossing paths with him in ways that both frustrated and intrigued Taeyun.

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One evening, Taeyun stood on the rooftop balcony, overlooking the city lights glittering below. The rain from the previous night had left the streets glistening like black glass. He thought about the enemies who had killed him, the empire that had been stolen, and the fiery young man who seemed to follow him everywhere.

A shadow moved behind him. Kang Hyun, the mafia boss and one of Taeyun’s secret allies, stepped into view.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Taeyun,” Kang said, his voice low and steady. “The people who killed you the first time… they won’t wait long. They’re already making moves.”

Taeyun’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Let them. I’ve already survived death once. This time… I’ll make them regret it with every breath they take.”

Suddenly, his phone buzzed again—a new message, this one chillingly simple:

“Your little empire is about to crumble. Are you ready to bleed?”

Taeyun clenched his fists, feeling the familiar fire of vengeance stir inside him. He glanced down at the city, then up at the night sky. The game had begun. And this time… there would be no mercy.

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Next chapter teaser:

Taeyun executes his first covert strike against his betrayers.

Jungguk unknowingly aids Taeyun’s plan, creating tension and teasing their growing connection.

Han Seoah begins plotting back, unaware she’s already steps behind.

The mafia world grows darker, secrets are revealed, and the path to revenge tightens.

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Author’s Note:

I’ve changed the names from Kim Taehyung → Kim Taeyun and Jeon Jungkook → Jeon Jungguk to create an original story while keeping your favorite characters’ vibes. I'm a new writer so please pardon me for my mistake and support me 🙏 💕

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