Veins of power 

The afternoon sun bore down on Gimpo International Airport, where tension hung thick in the air. Guards lined the runway, their postures rigid as they prepared for the arrival of one of Korea's most feared and respected figures. The private jet touched down with a low roar, and every staff member within sight hurried to the runway, bowing deeply in synchronized submission.

The jet door opened with a soft hiss, and a man stepped out. He was in his late forties, his sharp suit tailored to perfection, every detail radiating wealth and power. His stride was calm yet commanding, exuding an aura that silenced even the faintest whisper. Daniel Park, the advisor and underboss of SVT, moved with an authority that demanded respect—or fear. The guards positioned nearby avoided his gaze, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as he passed.

At the airport entrance stood Jun, casual as always, his hands resting loosely in his pockets. Unlike the guards, he didn't falter under the oppressive aura of Daniel Park. He inclined his head slightly as Daniel approached.

"Welcome back," Jun said, his tone measured, offering a brief nod and a light, indifferent hug.

"Where's Seungcheol?" Daniel asked, his tone sharp and clipped, not one for pleasantries.

"Business," Jun replied curtly, already turning to lead him toward the sleek black car waiting nearby.

Daniel followed in silence, his piercing gaze sweeping over the surroundings as they walked. When they reached the car, Daniel reached for the door, but Jun's voice cut through the quiet.

"The penthouse," Jun said without a trace of hesitation.

Daniel froze, his hand lingering on the door handle. He turned his head slowly, his expression darkening as his eyes narrowed at Jun.

"Who told you that?" Daniel's voice was low and cold, sharp enough to make anyone else flinch.

"Seungcheol," Jun replied with ease, moving to the other side of the car, his tone unbothered.

Daniel stared at him for a moment, his jaw tightening slightly. Without another word, he stepped into the car, the air inside growing as heavy as it was outside.

As the vehicle began its smooth journey to its destination, Daniel gazed out of the window, his fingers drumming lightly on his thigh. After a moment, he broke the silence, his voice calm yet laced with warning.

"Get Seungcheol to me this evening," he said firmly, his eyes fixed on the passing cityscape.

"Got it," Jun responded simply, his tone unaffected as he pulled out his phone, tapping out a message.

Daniel's gaze remained on the outside world, but his mind was far from the scenery. "This could complicate things," Jun muttered under his breath as he hit send, the tension in the car thick enough to cut with a knife.

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Later the afternoon 

The café exuded warmth, with the soft hum of chatter blending seamlessly with the hiss of the coffee machine. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in a golden glow. Wonwoo stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping the room, calm on the surface but with his mind meticulously analyzing every detail. This wasn't a casual visit, Viktor's team had been spotted nearby, and Sofia, Viktor's feared personal assistant, was on her way. Wonwoo had to ensure she suspected nothing about Jeonghan or the shop across the street.

Behind the counter, Mingyu worked with his usual mix of confidence and clumsiness. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing toned forearms, and his messy hair added to his charm. The moment he looked up and saw Wonwoo, he froze. His heart skipped a beat as he took in the tall man's sharp features, his glasses giving him an air of quiet sophistication.

Wonwoo approached the counter and ordered an Americano in a tone that was polite yet distant. Mingyu quickly nodded, turning to prepare the drink, but he couldn't help sneaking glances. The way Wonwoo stood—calm, poised, almost detached—was magnetic. Mingyu's hands trembled as he reached for the coffee beans, his nerves getting the better of him. Suddenly, the container slipped from his grasp, spilling beans across the counter with a loud clatter.

Mingyu's face turned red as he stammered an apology, fumbling to clean up the mess. Wonwoo raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his expression neutral. Once the coffee was ready, Mingyu handed it over with shaking hands, apologizing again.

"Be careful next time," Wonwoo said simply, adjusting his glasses before taking the cup and walking to a corner table.

Mingyu stood there, muttering under his breath 'he's so handsome', his eyes still glued to him. He barely noticed his coworker nudging him back to work.

Wonwoo sipped his coffee slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the café as he made mental notes about the layout, the exits, and the patrons. His shoulders were tense, though his body language betrayed none of it. He was deep in thought when the door chimed again, announcing Sofia's arrival.

She entered with an aura of confidence and danger. Her sharp heels clicked against the floor, her red lips curved in a faint smile, and her tailored dress accentuated every movement. She carried herself with a grace that demanded attention. As she approached the counter, she ordered an espresso in a voice that was smooth and commanding.

Mingyu nodded quickly, his hands fumbling slightly under her piercing gaze. Sofia's attention, however, soon shifted. She turned, her sharp eyes landing on Wonwoo.

"Well, well," she said, her lips curving into a smirk as she walked over to his table. "Fancy seeing you here."

Wonwoo looked up, his expression calm and unreadable. "You look surprised," he said smoothly. "Didn't think cafés were my thing?"

"Not exactly," Sofia replied, sliding into the chair across from him. "But this place doesn't seem like your style. Too... quiet."

Wonwoo leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. "Quiet places can be deceptive," he said, his tone laced with subtle amusement. "They tend to hide the most interesting things."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile didn't waver. "Interesting things like you, perhaps?" she asked, her voice dripping with curiosity. "Tell me, what are you really doing here, Wonwoo?"

"Coffee," he replied simply, his smirk faint but deliberate. "And maybe some flowers later. I heard the shop across the street is worth visiting."

Her suspicion flickered for a moment before she masked it with a chuckle. "Always so mysterious. It's a wonder anyone puts up with you."

"I make it worth their while," Wonwoo said with a small shrug, his tone as steady as ever.

Sofia laughed, low and amused, though there was no warmth in the sound. She stood, her heels clicking once more as she looked down at him. "Enjoy your coffee, Wonwoo. I'll see you around," she said before leaving the café.

Once she was gone, Wonwoo allowed himself to relax slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. He finished his coffee, ensured no one was watching, and left after paying.

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Wonwoo's POV

The flower shop was a world apart, humming with warmth and life. As I stepped inside, the soft chime of the doorbell announced my arrival. The air smelled of roses, lilies, and daisies—a calming, nostalgic scent. Buckets of vibrant flowers lined the walls, their colors vivid against the beige interior. It was busy, but not chaotic—just enough voices to create a soothing buzz.

Near the counter, Seungkwan clung to Woozi like a lifeline, his face buried in Woozi's shoulder. Joshua stood nearby, arms crossed, his voice sharp with concern. "You're not even trying to take care of yourself, Seungkwan. Your semester starts in a week, and you're wandering around instead of studying."

Seungkwan's muffled protest came out as a pout. "I wasn't wandering. I was... studying. Sort of."

Woozi sighed, his hand rubbing soft circles on Seungkwan's back. "He'll be fine, Joshua. Stop fussing." His tone was gruff, but the protective way he held Seungkwan said otherwise.

Minghao sat nearby, his tapping fingers betraying his worry, while Seokmin stood between them all, his bright smile a weak attempt to lighten the mood. "Come on, guys," Seokmin said, spreading his hands in mock surrender. "Seungkwan always pulls through. Let's not turn this into a group therapy session."

Their energy was chaotic yet comforting, a mix of scolding and affection that spoke of bonds stronger than words. I shouldn't care, shouldn't let it linger, but something about the scene stirred an ache I didn't want to name.

Taehyung emerged from the back and approached the counter. "What can I get you?" he asked evenly.

"White roses," I replied, my voice colder than intended. He nodded and disappeared, leaving me to observe the ongoing drama.

Joshua pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you know how important this semester is? You need to focus, Seungkwan."

"I'm fine," Seungkwan muttered, peeking out from Woozi's shoulder. "Everyone just needs to chill."

Minghao spoke softly, his voice cutting through the noise. "We worry because we care, Seungkwan. Don't push us away."

Taehyung returned with the bouquet, placing it gently on the counter. "Your order," he said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I paid in silence, watching as Woozi's mock glare made Seungkwan grin, and Joshua's sternness melted into laughter as his boyfriend pulled him into a hug. The tension dissolved, replaced by warmth.

For a moment, I felt the corners of my lips twitch into a smile—an involuntary response that startled me. I quickly masked it, picking up the bouquet and heading for the door.

As I stepped outside, I glanced back. The group was laughing now, their closeness radiating a warmth I couldn't quite shake.

Is this what life looks like here? The thought lingered, unwanted, as I turned toward the mansion, the chill of my world settling back over me.

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A long chapter .......<3  sry for the delay

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yours lovingly <3 author <3