Crimson Strings [Yeongyu]

The Rabbit's hole

Beomgyu's head was pounding.

The world around him was a blur-dark, unfamiliar. His body felt heavy, his limbs weak. He tried to move, but his wrists were bound. Cold metal bit into his skin.

Cuffs.

Panic shot through him. His breath quickened as he forced his eyes open.

He was in a *bedroom*.

But not just any bedroom.

The walls were black, sleek bookshelves lined with expensive-looking books. A massive window overlooked the city, the night lights glowing like scattered embers. The air smelled faintly of something rich-like expensive cologne and danger.

Then he heard it.

A low chuckle.

He turned his head-and his heart nearly stopped.

Yeonjun.

Sitting casually on the edge of the bed, his fingers lazily twirling a knife. His gaze burned into Beomgyu like a predator watching its prey.

"You're awake," Yeonjun murmured, tilting his head. "Took you long enough."

Beomgyu's throat was dry. "Where the hell am I?"

Yeonjun leaned forward, dragging the knife along the bedsheet between them. The blade gleamed under the dim light.

"My place," he said simply.

Beomgyu tugged at the cuffs around his wrists, his pulse racing. "You kidnapped me."

Yeonjun laughed softly, shaking his head. "I *saved* you."

Beomgyu's eyes narrowed. "From what?"

Yeonjun's smirk widened. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Beomgyu's skin.

"From *everyone else*."

A shiver ran down Beomgyu's spine.

Yeonjun's voice dropped lower. "You have no idea how many people want to hurt you, Beomgyu. But don't worry..." He reached out, his fingers tracing the side of Beomgyu's face.

"...I won't let anyone touch what's *mine*."

Beomgyu flinched, his breath caught in his throat. "I'm not yours."

Yeonjun's grip tightened on his chin, forcing him to meet his gaze.

His eyes were unreadable. A storm brewing behind them.

"You will be."

Beomgyu's blood turned to ice.

Yeonjun released him, standing up with an effortless grace. He walked to a sleek black dresser and pulled out a small key.

With a smirk, he turned back to Beomgyu.

"Be good, and I might just let you out."

He leaned down, his lips brushing against Beomgyu's ear.

"But if you run..." His voice was velvet, laced with a threat that sent chills down Beomgyu's spine.

"I'll hunt you down."

And with that, he unlocked the cuffs.

The moment Beomgyu's hands were free, he didn't hesitate.

He *ran*.

Out the door. Down the hallway. His heart pounded as he skidded around a corner, searching for an exit.

Then-

A shadow moved.

Before he could react, a strong arm wrapped around his waist, yanking him back.

Beomgyu gasped as he was slammed against a wall. His vision spun-then focused.

A man stood before him.

Tall. Dangerous. Dressed in all black. His sharp jawline and cold eyes screamed *mafia*.

"You really shouldn't have done that," the man murmured, his grip tightening.

Then-Yeonjun's voice. Low. Amused.

"Ah, Beomgyu." Footsteps echoed down the hall. "You're making this *so much more fun*."

Beomgyu struggled, but the man didn't let go.

Yeonjun appeared, hands in his pockets, smirking.

"You really thought I'd let you go that easily?"

Beomgyu's chest heaved. "What the hell do you *want* from me?"

Yeonjun's gaze darkened.

Then, slowly, he leaned in-his lips barely an inch from Beomgyu's.

"Everything."

Beomgyu's breath hitched.

Yeonjun's smirk widened.

"Now, let's play, little mouse."