Chapter Text
“Are you sure of this?” – Changkyun usually never questioned Jooheon’s decisions, not because he was afraid or because he didn’t care but mostly because Jooheon always ended up being right. Changkyun hasn’t figured out how he did it nonetheless it worked for their goals so he didn’t want to push. The only difference is they always worked as a pair only, they didn’t need anyone else. Until now.
“Trust me, Kyun, he is a professional”, - he in question is Son Hyunwoo, mostly known as Shownu. Oh, and also as one of the most skilled hitmen around. The rumor is he has connections with police and that’s why he hasn’t been acquainted for any of his murders yet. From what Changkyun learnt it’s more than likely a true fact, he himself hasn’t found much and that’s rather unsettling – he isn’t used to not getting the information he needs.
Somehow Shownu must’ve found out that they’ve been looking for him and contacted them first, which only makes things worse. However, Jooheon somehow looks very calm through all of this, so Changkyun tries to get himself together – Joo wouldn’t walk into such an obvious trap without some kind of way out.
The attack comes out of nowhere – one moment they were walking and the next one Changkyun has a gun barrel pressed to his temple. Dumb, dumb Changkyun, he should’ve focused on his surroundings more.
“You’re the ones looking for me?” – this Shownu has quite a nice voice, it would sound even better if he wasn’t five seconds away from blowing Changkyun’s brains out.
“We have an offer for you”, - Jooheon raises his hands up slowly, - “Ever heard of philosopher’s stone?”
“I will give you five seconds to leave”, - Changkyun tries to discreetly take his own gun out but Shownu holds him tighter making it harder to move, - “If your little friend will keep squirming I’ll make it three”
“How about you hear us out first though? I don’t mean an actual philosopher’s stone but a jewel with this title”, - Changkyun freezes and tries to look around himself to find ways to knock this Shownu guy out. Maybe he can abruptly pull and knock him in the jaw, then get the gun – and goodbye. Or he can also –
“How much will I get?” – Jooheon smirks – he somehow yet again knew.
“We can talk numbers after you let my little friend go”, - Shownu slowly lets him go, the temptation to hit him just for grabbing Changkyun so suddenly is strong but he holds it in. For now at least.
“Your gun and knives”, - Shownu finally talks to Changkyun as he holds his hand out. Changkyun turns to Jooheon who simply nods at him. What in the hell is going on? Walking into someone’s territory and willingly giving up all of your weapons? Changkyun hopes he’ll never see the day Jooheon is wrong in his confidence.
“The one at your right ankle too”, - okay, maybe the Shownu guy is kind of good, most people don’t notice this one – which does become their downfall most of the time – because of the especially lean form, Chankgyun had it custom-made and all so he better get it back at the end.
“Now you”, - he nods at Jooheon.
“Don’t got any”, - Joo shrugs, stepping closer to Changkyun. He lightly pats Changkyun on the back to say it’s okay.
“You know who you came to talk to, right?” – Shownu lifts his eyebrow, looking them up and down.
“I do, yes”, - Jooheon’s voice dips down for a second but the three of them pretend it didn’t happen – Shownu is still too wary around them, Changkyun is still too wary around Shownu and Jooheon himself doesn’t seem to notice it.
The talk itself goes smoother: Jooheon explains in detail Shownu’s part in the play, the money is what gets him most excited and at hearing that he will end up getting more than all of them at first makes him suspicious but eventually he gives in calmed with Jooheon’s persuasion.
“We will need your help getting someone out later than as well, you don’t have to agree though but it’d make our plan progress faster”, - Changkyun swallows his surprise and keeps his face relaxed as if he knows exactly what Jooheon is talking about. However, the twist is – he does not, he very much does not. So much for the trust between them.
“Okay”, - and just like that Mr Son Hyunwoo joins the team. Overall, not too bad – could’ve been worse. As much as Changkyun is sure of his fighting skills he wouldn’t really want to fight with this guy. It’s not only his muscles that are three times Changkyun’s, but his general vibe of someone who would know exactly where to hit you in the most painful way and wouldn’t stop until there will be no you left to hit.
When they leave, Shownu carefully hands Changkyun’s weapons back, his eyes full of admiration for the knives. Yeah, it could’ve been worse.
*
The worst does come in the form of Lee Minhyuk. He has no nicknames and he doesn’t bother clearing up evidence of his murders. Changkyun has heard of this guy and prayed that they will never have to cross paths, so whoever is in charge of his destiny has now fucked up big time. (Or maybe deities don’t listen to prayers of the likes of him).
Second time they go out to find a hitman, second time Changkyun is the one held hostage. It starts to become a trend and you know what – fuck that. This time though he did hear Minhyuk come at him and tried to fight him. But who knew this guy’s insane and would tackle him down in the most weird way of straight up biting him on the ankle and then attacking his face like some feral thing? Changkyun did. Changkyun could feel this happening and now he’s the one suffering.
“So who are you guys?” – Changkyun’s cheek stings, his lungs are hurting a little from having another human sit on top of him – and not in a sexy way, Minhyuk’s just sitting on top of him how you would on a chair.
“You already know that. Why don’t we discuss our offer right away?” – and once again Jooheon seems entirely calm as if he didn’t watch Changkyun get toppled over and hit on the face. Perhaps Changkyun needs better friends – friends that don’t let crazy people beat you up.
“Mmm, I like to be wined and dined first”, - Minhyuk crosses his legs on top of Changkyun which forces a painful “oof” sound out of him.
“You’d have to let Changkyun go first though and then we can have dinner”, - Jooheon offers a hand for Minhyuk to help him stand. As if he’s the one who needs it!
While he was nonchalantly using Changkyun as a seat he stole his weapons so Changkyun is defenseless. Again. Changkyun misses Shownu, at least he was nice and didn’t almost shoved his fingers into his sockets before sitting down on him.
Jooheon’s dinner offer is a very real one: he drives the three of them to one of the restaurants in the area and as it turns out he already has ordered a table so they can take a sit right away. The waiters aren’t too bothered by Minhyuk’s and mostly Changkyun’s bloodied faces. Changkyun quickly checks and turns this one belongs to one of their previous clients. It must be a new purchase because he would remember otherwise.
While Jooheon makes small talk with Minhyuk, who acts as if he’s very excited but already checked every way of in-out and every waiter, Changkyun decides he can quickly slip away to wash himself. Jooheon doesn’t seem to be in danger.
After he comes back, he keeps watching Minhyuk who is a little hard to focus on. He keeps catching Changkyun looking at him and winking with a serious expression. After a close look however Changkyun notices that it’s simply how he blinks, still doesn’t change the fact that he is multitasking at keeping a calm front and watching every single person around him.
“So, as you know, we have an offer for you – a little heist”, - Minhyuk nods. Changkyun quietly scoffs to himself – how would he know, even Changkyun himself learnt that they were going to ask Minhyuk to join only yesterday.
“Im Changkyun, or should I call you Daniel?” – Changkyun flinches a little, but pretends to be calm. Minhyuk looks right through it and smirks, - “You’re not the only one with good research skills. You know I keep records on myself for a reputation, not because I don’t know how to clear them up”
Minhyuk smiles at him – the kind of smile that could’ve been incredibly beautiful if not for the void in his eyes.
“I am in”, - Jooheon nods, letting out a quiet sigh. He must’ve been not so sure about this one. – “Do I get an invitation or do I have to fend for myself?”
“However you’d like to do it”, - Changkyun notices a slight tension in Minhyuk’s posture come and leave both suddenly. He notices it himself too – the “I am not your boss but” in Jooheon’s tone, but that’s how he talks in general so nothing new.
“I prefer to work on my own”, - he smiles again.
“Then we will leave you to finish your dinner. It is free for you so order whatever you want”, - Jooheon motions for Changkyun to leave. Farewell Changkyun’s beautiful knife, it was a long ride but now they must part.
“Aw, you’re so sweet!” – Minhyuk takes Changkyun’s weapons and slides them to him, - “Here you go, you looked so sad without your toys”
And one more person joins their team. Hopefully that’s the last one.
*
Wow, deities – if they exist, which Changkyun starts to doubt more and more – hate him that much. Not surprising however.
“So how exactly can an owner of a fight club help us?” – Jooheon ignores him and keeps humming to some old tune coming through the radio. Changkyun sighs and turns to the window. At least it’s not another hitman, thank heavens for that alone.
The club itself is nothing special, just another one of its kinds; the owner is nothing special either: some records of stealing, fraud and a couple of killings – pretty standard stuff. But Jooheon must have his reasons. Though it would be nice if he actually shared them with Changkyun.
At the entrance they find the secretary and Jooheon tells him they’d like to see Chae Hyungwon – that is the name of the owner. While they wait Changkyun looks around; he can see the appeal a little – looks very atmospheric, perfect for those old guys with shit tons of money who say shit like “females” and go one about how nowadays all the boys are too gay and feminine. Changkyun smiles to himself, the hour spent on his outfit and makeup today feels more than worth it. When he notices a couple of those exact men look him up and down with disgust dropping out of their trembling with old age lips, it takes everything in him not to do a little twirl for them as well.
The secretary shows up after half-an-hour and asks him and Joo to follow them. Changkyun thought they’d get taken to a cabinet or at least a different room, but instead they just closer to the ring.
Here is the thing – the dressing up and putting his face together was mostly done because the owner of the club is well, how do you put this into words, drop-dead gorgeous. He might be nothing special in regards to his records and skills on paper, but looks wise he might just as well be the most handsome Changkyun’s ever seen in his life. Standing next to him and seeing the real deal he understands what people mean when they say that pictures don’t do justice to some people. He gets it now. If Hyungwon looked like a model in photos, in person he looks close to a deity. Or perhaps a devil would be a more accurate word to describe him – what with his long legs in shiny leathery pants, equally shiny leather jacket in blood red; his slightly wavy hair looks deliberately messy – enough to make it look like he doesn’t care yet still completely perfectly intact.
“Good evening. What would you like to discuss with me, gentlemen?” – he talks in a laid back manner, his voice quiet and lazy. Chankgyun does notice that he’s watching them very carefully however.
“We have an offer for you”, - Jooheon discreetly pinches Changkyun. Was he staring too obliviously? He forcefully peels his glance away and pretends to be interested in the fight happening in the ring.
“And what kind of offer can that be?” – he sounds completely unamused. Fair enough, he must get all kinds of people showing up to him and offering all sorts of things all the time. Interesting how Jooheon will get him on board – he’ll probably need the most persuasion.
But Jooheon talks in a monotone way, calmly explaining his plan and what they’d need Hyungwon to do – details and numbers, and not a single emotion on Jooheon’s face. Hyungwon watches him talk just as uninterested and then agrees.
“Wait what?” – what just happened? Hyungwon meets Changkyun’s gaze and gives him a little smile. He is probably laughing at Changkyun’s surprised face, but it feels nice to see him with some sort of feeling – it suits him.
“I agree to your offer, it sounds fun”, - his voice doesn’t sound particularly excited at the mentioned fun but Changkyun doesn’t care. At least this time the person joining hasn’t threatened his life! (And we can skip everything else, no need to mention it at all).
*
“Let me repeat what you’ve just said”, - it’s 4am and Changkyun has not slept yet, he’s holding onto his energy drink as if it’s the only lifeline between him and the bits of sanity he has left, - “We are we going to rail one of the most secure prisons in our country, so we can get into the most secured wing of it? And we’re up tomorrow?”
“I believe in you?” – Changkyun closes his eyes, maybe he did fall asleep at some point and this is simply a hyper-realistic dream. When he opens his eyes again everything is still the same. At least he tried.
“You know, being confident one thing and running head first into danger is another”, - Changkyun mumbles mostly to himself, words sleepily slipping out of his mouth.
“I have faith in you, Changkyunie”
“Better get me some ramen instead”, - Jooheon smiles wide enough for his dimples to show. Well, they are breaking into prison, Changkyun sighs, he has no arguments left.
*
After seventeen hours of staring at blueprints of the prison and the wings, looking up schedules and creating a somewhat cohesive plan, Changkyun finally passes out. His brain is too tired to give him any feasible dreams so he sleeps soundlessly until Jooheon lightly shakes him on the shoulder.
Or so Changkyun thought. When he opens his eyes he’s met with Shownu, who looks … Like a simple guy? Changkyun’s brain is immediately awake – a trick you learn if you want to stay awake in the streets – so he checks over Shownu, who is dressed in simple clothes. When his face is not shadowed by the absence of the light, he looks quite pleasant – he’s got quite a strong jaw, but overall his face features are quite soft. Especially nice and soft are Shownu’s lips – plump and pinkish, they slightly remind Changkyun of peaches. Would they taste the same?
“Where’s Jooheon?”
“He left me in and went out to get breakfast”, - Changkyun nods. Breakfast would be nice.
Shownu drops onto the couch without saying anything, Changkyun lightly slaps himself on the face to help himself wake up completely. His body feels too groggy, so he stretches out and only now notices that he’s not wearing a shirt – he must’ve taken it off at some point while working.
Jooheon comes back with a bunch of steaming buns in a bag and Minhyuk, who too looks much more pleasant in daylight and not trying to claw at Changkyun’s face. Turns out he got coffee for Changkyun – and guessed correctly, Jooheon swears he did not help him with order at all, in fact they met after Minhyuk bought coffee already. It doesn’t matter to Changkyun, what matters is that he can drink something warm and he doesn't have to pay for it.
Thankfully before Hyungwon shows up Changkyun manages to freshen up, Hyungwon looks too sleepy himself however (still incredible), so he probably wouldn’t notice either way. But at least all of them are here now, so Changkyun can get started on explaining what they will need to do.
*
“All of this and for whom exactly? A bomb specialist who is so good he got caught?” – Changkyun’s surprised Hyungwon even listened; he was sure he saw Hyungwon doze off at some point between explaining the mechanics of unlocking the cells and the route to Kihyun’s cell – their new new member.
“I wouldn’t say it to his face if I were you”, - Minhyuk is sitting on the table, with his legs crossed, seems it’s his favorite thing – sitting on the surfaces not suited for seating (e.g tables or humans). – “He got acquitted of murders. He could get away but he decided not to”
“Is it still a good idea to get him on the team?” – Shownu looks at Jooheon, who’s been silent this whole time.
“Yes. We need him or else it won’t work”, - Shownu nods.
“I am in then. Let’s get your bomb expert”, - Minhyuk lets out a giddy laugh, which startles Hyungwon into a smile. If Changkyun could pretend they are just some old buddies talking about a road trip instead of raiding a highly protected prison facility he would’ve been happier. But his brain is too occupied with plan details and there is no place for such fantasies.
*
The plan goes perfectly, without a single hitch: they manage to fit just right into time spaces between guards changing, not a single prolonging. Changkyun was worried that they wouldn’t work together or at least will have issues of clicking, but they work like an expensive branded clock.
Shownu moves just as Changkyun expected him too – careful, smart and professional, he easily lets Jooheon take control – a king and a knight. Minhyuk on the other hand is nothing like what he acts in general – he is a lot more composed and serious; the way he fought with Changkyun earlier now seems to be a test to see how much he and Jooheon are ready to accept to take him in. Then there is Hyungwon. Changkyun now sees why his image is overall boring – he works seamlessly, you blink once and he’s already done, so of course most people would not even notice how skilled and smart he is.
Now, onto Kihyun. So Kihyun. How do you even start? He is a completely normal, neat looking person. He politely talked to Jooheon and agreed to join the team for retrieving “the philosopher’s stone”. And then Minhyuk and Hyungwon happen.
For whatever damned reason as soon as these three come together they keep on arguing about everything! It starts with Hyungwon being skeptical about having Kihyun on the team, then somehow they’re talking about the police and have completely different opinions, then there is another topic and another one. Hyungwon and Kihyun are the ones opposing each other while Minhyuk plays the chaos element of firing them up. When Changkyun meets eyes with him in the rear-view mirror, he just widely smiles and doesn’t stop.
With time Kihyun gets quieter and quieter until he eventually falls asleep, his head propped on Minhyuk’s shoulder who he was just now fighting with.
“Get out of your head”, - Jooheon looks over at Changkyun, - “It will be alright”.
“It better be. How did you find all of them?”
“The same way I found you”.
“Yeah, and you still haven’t told me about that either”, - Jooheon only shrugs.
“Let’s say it was fate”.
*
Kihyun stays at Changkyun’s room because it’s better and he can work there with more comfort. At first Changkyun wants to protest, but Kihyun is okay: he is clean and doesn’t touch any of Changkyun’s stuff – and that is more than enough. He also cooks occasionally, and it tastes much better than whatever he and Jooheon have ever made. So, in general, he isn’t so bad, even if he starts grumbling from time to time.
“You will burn a hole in me if you keep staring”, - Changkyun moves a little closer, entranced by Kihyun’s work.
“I wasn’t looking at you”, - Kihyun snickers at him and turns around, stretching his hands up in the air.
“Sure”, - Changkyun wants to roll his eyes, but he doesn’t. He was looking at Kihyun, that much is true, and they both know it.
“You are not my type”, - Kihyun nods, an amused smile blooming on his face – he looks a lot younger when he isn’t frowning (and a lot prettier).
“Alright”, - Changkyun stares at Kihyun barely holding his laughter. This is too flustering; he meant what he said, he just didn’t want to say it like that, or at all. What was he even trying to say? He is too embarrassed now, so he simply leaves.
“No, wait-“
Kihyun’s laughter is echoing in his ears.
*
“So, let’s go over a plan once again”, - Changkyun stands in the center, appointed by Jooheon to be in charge for whatever reason. He did help to refine the plan but it’s not his so it feels weird to be the one explaining the details.
First, everyone needs to get the invitations to the auction – it is private and tightly secured, so the invitations get passed on from person to person, which makes it easier to get them if you know for whom to look. Jooheon has that covered, which he, of course, has not explained. Minhyuk and Hyungwon decided to get their invitations on their own, while the rest of them got theirs from Jooheon, which is yet another white spot for Changkyun and he has nothing to comment here. For Jooheon – he will be taking on the role of the auctioneer, which he will deal with by himself.
“Maybe Jooheon should explain this one?”
“It doesn’t matter, we’re stopping too much on the details. All that matters is to get our bidder railed up enough, then Kihyun’s bomb should do the rest of the job for us while providing cover”, - Jooheon takes a sip of his drink, and puts out his hand forward.
“What? Are we doing a little cheer chant?” – Minhyuk laughs, but still puts his hand out as well. The rest shrug and put their hands out as well.
“Put your faith into Changkyun and we’ll be okay”, - Changkyun nods. (He prays this night to the luck deities, they seem to be the only ones listening to him and hopefully they haven’t left him yet).
*
“I’m in”, - Minhyuk whispers in his com. Changkyun bites his lip – this is stupid, he expected for Minhyuk to not be serious while talking to him, but he didn’t expect himself to lose the concentration because of it.
“Your target is coming as well, keep it together”, - Changkyun watches Minhyuk tense up through the surveillance camera.
“Sir, yes sir!” – Minhyuk’s voice is nothing close to tense however. Changkyun guesses that’s his trick to survive out in the streets.
“Be careful”, - slips out of Changkyun’s stupid mouth, which immediately results in Minhyuk looking up into the camera and smiling at him.
“Always am”
The rest goes by quickly – the guy doesn’t get the time to put up a fight but he wouldn’t stand a chance even if he had all the time in the world. Changkyun whispers a little prayer – a habit he should get rid of with the way his life has been going.
“Don’t forget to change before entering the auction hall”, - Minhyuk stands in the place where there are no cameras, so it’s not visible how he reacts.
“You got it”, - it’s too early to say it yet Changkyun wants to respond. He disconnects and turns his attention to Hyungwon.
*
“Minhyuk’s done with his target”, – Hyungwon is sitting in the restaurant, enjoying his dinner as it seems. He barely visibly nods at Changkyun’s words and takes a slow sip of the drink in front of him.
When the target stands up so does Hyungwon pretending to make way to the bar, they bump into each other for a split second – and then Hyungwon’s target is gone. If Changkyun hasn’t seen Hyungwon work before he would definitely miss it but he catches the slight hand movement, which means Hyungwon succeeded at securing an invitation for himself.
“Done”, - Hyungwon’s voice comes as a whisper. Changkyun disconnects before he’s going to start fan-boying over him.
*
“Turn left and you’ll be there”, - Changkyun has been leading Kihyun to the plant underneath – they will need to create an interference with power in the city and that’s where Kihyun comes in with his knowledge of making an explosive powerful yet gentle enough for this task.
“Will an hour be really enough?” – Kihyun has been asking and re-asking the same questions for plans. Changkyun thought Jooheon would get annoyed and snap but he hasn’t so far, as for Changkyun himself – he doesn’t care, he’s simply tunes out.
“According to Jooheon, yes” – there are no cameras here, so he can’t see Kihyun’s face. Something tells Changkyun that he scrunched up his nose as he does whenever he’s not entirely happy with an answer to his words. And this tells Changkyun that he’s been spending too much looking and studying him – and for no reason too!
“You trust Jooheon this much?”
“I trust him with my life”, - Changkyun can almost see Kihyun do a little nod to himself – it’s different from him nodding to others, this one’s smaller and quicker. Fuck. He really has been staring at Yoo Kihyun for too much.
“Okay then. Let’s go steal the philosopher’s stone then”.
*
The guards at the entrance check Changkyun for weapons. He keeps his face straight, which is quite tough on its own in general, but especially now knowing that none of them is good enough to find anything on him.
“You are good to go, sir”, - he walks in, not making eye-contact with anyone. Their main target is already in, in fact all of them are already in and he is the last to make it in. Not his fault – he needed to make sure everything is in place. General rule of a thumb – trust, but verify.
As soon as Jooheon walks in the bidding begins.
“Good evening, gentlemen, my name is Kim Doyun and I will be your auctioneer for tonight”, - their main target narrows his eyes at him, then looks over the room and gets even more upset. That was it, Changkyun feels perpetually much better for having to kill him later. In fact, it feels right, heavens may forgive him for it.
They start slow, the target sure of himself. Then Hyungwon suddenly raises the price from millions to a hundred million. Changkyun notes how natural he looks in here in his rich suit and slicked back hair, he looks scary expensive. The target starts to get nervous, so Kihyun comes through by raising the price even higher. The target is now panicking, which means it’s going entirely in the way Jooheon described it would.
In-between the bidding Minhyuk decides to make an off-hand comment about Kihyun. To an unknowing eye it would seem like a passive-aggressive fight, but Changkyun sees right through it – they must’ve planned it for whatever reason. Well, for Minhyuk it’s his narrative of being impulsive and out of control so no one will even dare to try, but what’s Kihyun’s gain out of this? Either way it rails up the target even more.
Eventually Kihyun leaves his seat and goes up to Minhyuk just before the explosion, Changkyun quietly keeps observing the situation while trying to guess what will happen. Hyungwon’s at his side is just as amused, he downs the last bits of his drink, eyes never leaving the two in front.
“What did you just say?” – Kihyun pulls Minhyuk by the lapels on his jacket.
“Fuck off dude”, - Minhyuk pushes Kihyun away, the guards around them are visibly tensing up. – “This suit costs more than your entire existence”
Kihyun scoffs – and that’s when the lights go out.
Changkyun doesn’t waste time and lunges at the guard the closest to him, who goes down without a sound. Someone attacks his arm and he pushes them off quickly, pulling a second knife out. The target lets out a scream but it sounds more like a squeak – that’s probably Shownu. Changkyun counts to ten and then runs out of the room.
On his way he changes clothes from a suit to a police uniform – Jooheon’s doing, left once again with no answer.
*
At the second floor all of them meet. Involuntarily Changkyun checks on Minhyuk and Kihyun but they look alright, they are quietly discussing something between them.
“I expected them to at least punch each other before the power goes out”, - Hyungwon sighs. – “Next time, I guess”
“Who’d you think would win?” – Changkyun asks while they quickly make their way to the room storing the stone.
“Probably Kihyun, but if he asks say I voted for Minhyuk”
*
When they finally make their way out, Changkyun goes with Jooheon.
“Told you it’ll be alright”, - he looks calm and not even a bit exhausted.
“That’s the only thing you’ve told me”, - Changkyun doesn’t want to sound like a grumpy child, but he kind of feels like one right now even though it’s unfair.
“It’s all fate, my dude, just trust me”, - Jooheon looks at him with a soft smile, and in that moment Changkyun’s deities tell him to run but Changkyun’s common sense tells him to get the money he earned tonight. As his common sense has done much more for him, he smiles back.