Protective Instinct

A servant stepped forward to serve Sia. Before the man could place the dish— Taeyhung spoke.“Careful.” One word. Sharp.

The servant instantly corrected his movement.

Sia blinked. “…I wasn’t even doing anything.”

Jungkook leaned in again, whispering dramatically— “Congratulations. You’ve unlocked Hyung’s rare concern mode.” Sia rolled her eyes—but a small, unnoticed smile appeared.Viranshu placed his fork down slowly. “You’ve built quite an empire, Taeyhung.” The word empire lingered. Heavy.

Intentional. Sia looked confused again. “What empire?” Silence. For half a second too long. Taeyhung finally spoke. “Business.” Simple,Clean. A lie… wrapped perfectly.Viranshu smiled faintly. “Of course.” But his eyes said— I know more than you think.Dinner continued. Conversations happening.

Laughter here and there. But underneath it all—

There was tension. Unspoken truths.

And a dangerous secret sitting right at the head of the table. Sia glanced at Taeyhung one last time.

Something about him felt different. Not just older.

Not just distant. But… dangerous. And Taeyhung?

He already knew. This dinner wasn’t just a reunion.

It was the beginning of a storm. And this time—

He wouldn’t let her stay untouched by it.

...----------------...

...(The Private Room)...

...----------------...

The door clicked shut. Silencing the laughter from outside. Inside, the atmosphere changed instantly.

Heavier. Colder. More… real.

Taeyhung walked toward the bar, pouring three glasses without asking.

No ice, No hesitation.

He handed one to Aditya… and one to Viranshu.

No one spoke for a few seconds.

Only the sound of liquid settling in crystal.

Viranshu leaned back slightly, swirling his drink.

“You’ve grown,” he said calmly. “Not just in business.”

Taeyhung’s expression didn’t change. “Say what you mean.”

Aditya stepped in, voice low but steady.

“We know.” Silence,Thick, Unavoidable.

Taeyhung finally looked at them.

Not surprised, Not nervous, Just… aware.

“I assumed you did,” he replied.

Viranshu smirked faintly. “India’s underground doesn’t stay quiet for long.” Aditya’s tone turned serious. “You’re not just involved, Taeyhung.”

A pause. “You’re leading it.”

Taeyhung took a slow sip of his drink.

“Someone had to.”

Aditya’s grip tightened on the glass.

“This world is not something you control forever.”

Taeyhung’s eyes darkened slightly. “I don’t plan to control it forever.” Viranshu raised a brow. “Then?”

Taeyhung’s voice dropped.n“I plan to end it.”

Both men went still. Viranshu let out a quiet chuckle. “You think it’s that easy?” Taeyhung stepped closer. “It will be.” Not confidence. Not arrogance. Certainty. Aditya exhaled slowly.

“And Sia?” That name changed everything. Just slightly. But enough. Taeyhung’s jaw tightened.

“She stays out of it.” Viranshu tilted his head. “Does she?” Taeyhung’s eyes snapped toward him.

Sharp. Dangerous. Viranshu didn’t back down.

“Because from what I see… she’s already walking toward you.” For the first time— Taeyhung’s silence wasn’t calm. It was conflicted. Aditya spoke softly now. “She trusts you.” A pause. “She always has.” Taeyhung looked down at his glass. Then back up. “And that’s exactly why she can never know.” The room fell silent again.

Because they all understood one thing—

Sia wasn’t just part of his past. She was his only weakness.

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