The room hadn't relaxed after the introductions.
If anything, it had grown heavier.
No one moved with ease. Eyes lingered too long, then slid away. The air was thick with quiet assessment—people measuring one another without saying a word.
Only Peter and Orina spoke, their low conversation carrying a strange normalcy, as if this wasn't the first time they'd stood at the edge of something dangerous.
I barely heard them.
My thoughts drifted—back to the deal, forward to consequences I hadn't fully shaped yet. The weight of it pressed behind my ribs, unfamiliar and unsettling.
Then—
The man entered.
Junseo noticed instantly. He leaned slightly toward me, voice low.
"That guy," he murmured. "The one from earlier. The one who ran his mouth."
I followed his gaze.
Same posture. Same faint arrogance. The kind that survives because it hides behind stronger men.
The man glanced at Junseo and didn't bother masking his disdain.
Orina's attention snapped to the shift in energy. "What happened?" she asked, brows knitting.
Junseo didn't answer her.
He stepped forward.
"Now that the deal's done," Junseo said calmly, almost politely—
And then he punched him.
The sound was sharp. Clean.
The man staggered back, shock flashing across his face as he hit the floor.
For a heartbeat, no one reacted.
Then—
Laughter.
Not mocking. Not cruel.
Amused. Familiar.
As if this kind of thing happened often enough to be expected.
The man on the floor didn't retaliate. Didn't even curse. His eyes flicked briefly toward the doorway, fear slipping through the cracks of his arrogance.
That told me everything.
Junseo straightened, rolling his shoulder once. The tension drained from him, his expression lighter—satisfied.
I stayed silent.
He needed that release. And I already had enough weight in my head for both of us.
Footsteps approached.
Borislav entered the room, gaze sweeping over the scene without pause, without comment. If he disapproved, he didn't show it.
He crossed to the table, pulled out a set of documents, and slapped them down.
"Both of you," he said evenly. "Get ready."
Junseo blinked. "For what?"
"We leave tomorrow evening."
I picked up the papers, eyes scanning the text. Routes. Names. Timelines.
"Where?" I asked.
Borislav met my gaze.
"Russia."
The word settled heavy.
"We were waiting for you," he continued.
"Now we move—where the real game begins."
A pause.
Then, almost amused—
"Welcome to your new beginning."
Junseo looked at me.
I didn't look back.
Because I already knew—
When we returned to our place, I'd have a lot to explain.
And none of it would be easy.
Back at our place.
I sat where I always did—same corner, same worn seat.
A half-crushed beer can hung loosely in my hand, the other arm resting against the couch like it had nowhere better to be.
Junseo lay on his side across from me, head propped on his arm, eyes fixed on my face.
Or maybe he was watching for the moment I'd finally break.
I leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
I don't know when it turned grey.
Funny how you can live somewhere for years and still miss the simplest things.
Junseo grabbed a cushion and hurled it at me.
It sailed right over my head.
I didn't move.
"Missed," I said.
He clicked his tongue. "Hyung."
I glanced at him.
"How can you do this?" he asked, irritation leaking through his voice. "Why take this deal? Why Russia of all places?"
I went back to staring upward.
"Don't you ever want to try something new?"
I said.
The words sounded casual. Too casual.
Inside, something tight twisted slowly—quiet, persistent.
Did I choose right?
I sat up.
Really looked at him this time.
"Why do you always listen to me?" I asked.
"You could've said no. You could've walked away."
Junseo frowned, like the answer was obvious.
"Why wouldn't I?" he said. "We're brothers."
He shifted closer, voice steady.
"And brothers stay together. No matter what."
Something warm settled in my chest—uncomfortable, heavy.
I smiled faintly.
"Then let's wait and see," I said. "Maybe destiny's got something good planned for us."
Junseo raised a brow. "You don't sound convinced."
"Or," I added lightly, "we retire early. Open a small shop somewhere warm."
He let out a long sigh, rubbing his face.
"You always say ridiculous things when you're scared," he muttered.
I didn't deny it.
After a moment, he spoke again—quieter now.
"Whatever happens, hyung… if you're there, I can go anywhere."
The room fell silent.
I crushed the beer can in my hand.
This deal wasn't just about Russia.
It was about how far I was willing to drag us both into the dark.
And whether I could still bring us back.