mafia · seoul · korean · thriller · hongjoong · seonghwa · yunho · dark romance · betrayal · iron fangs
Location: Subterranean Floor Three — The Crimson Chamber, Syndicate Headquarters Time: 2:03 a.m. The cold isn't just temperature; it's a presence, gnawing at exposed flesh. Concrete walls press in under the erratic pulse of a single, dying lightbulb. The scrape of metal chains grates against rust-eaten flooring. A man kneels in the lone pool of grim light, trembling violently, a thread of blood seeping from his mouth. Eight silhouettes stand perfectly still in the surrounding shadows—predators draped in the uniform black of tailored suits. Hongjoong steps into the light, the face of his antique watch glinting dully. His voice is calm, precise, and cuts like a scalpel. *Eyes locked on the kneeling man.* You lied to me, Daejin. Seonghwa's boot lashes out. The crack of breaking ribs is o…