15

Joong quietly closes the door behind him just as Sky steps out of the bathroom.

Nani is curled up under the blanket. Though his body still looks tense, there's a hint of peace in his sleep.

Something rare for him.

"Did the mafia in detention give you any trouble?" Joong asks playfully, glancing at Sky.

Sky, now fully free of stitches and the bandage that covered his injury until this morning, looks healthier.

He chuckles as he joins Joong on the couch, accepting a cold can of beer the mafia boss hands him.

"He's been nagging me nonstop," Sky says, smirking. "Keeps insisting I shouldn't let water near the wound now that the stitches are out."

Joong laughs. "That's Nani for you. Behind that cold, tough exterior is a full-blown nagging queen."

They clink their cans together before taking a drink.

Sky's expression shifts, growing serious. "Any updates on the search?"

Joong's smile fades. "False alarm. It wasn't Dunk."

Sky frowns as Joong continues, frustration creeping into his voice.

"I spend three days in that district chasing shadows. Turns out it's just a new group of wannabe mafias trying to make quick money by feeding us lies."

Sky leans back on the couch, his fingers tightening slightly around the can. "They used Dunk as bait?"

Joong nods grimly. "They know his name carries weight with us. They figure if they dangle just enough truth, we'll come running."

Sky exhales, jaw tightening. "They're lucky you didn't burn the whole place down."

"I wanted to," Joong mutters. "But we're already stretched thin, and now with Fai pulling strings from the shadows—"

He stops himself, glancing toward the sleeping figure on the bed.

Sky follows his gaze, his voice soft. "He told me everything. About Fai. About the past."

Joong turns back to Sky, eyes hard. "He opened up to you?"

Sky nods. "He's terrified. Not just for himself, but for everyone. I think he's planning something reckless."

Joong's expression darkens. "If he's thinking of turning himself in, I'll lock him up myself."

"I won't let that happen," Sky says, his tone firm. "But he's carrying too much. He thinks all of this is his fault."

Joong looks down at the beer in his hand, then sets it aside with a quiet sigh. "I knew he was broken when I saved him. But I didn't realize how deep it ran."

"I did," Sky says quietly. "He was having a nightmare."

Silence settles between them.Heavy, but not uncomfortable.

"I won't let Fai win," Joong says finally. "Not again. And especially not at Nani's expense."

Sky nods. "Then what about Dunk?" he asks. "Is it okay to pause the search for now while you track his whereabouts?"

Joong leans back with a sigh. "To be honest, it's hard to say. But it really seems like Dunk isn't with Fai."

Sky's expression sharpens. "That reminds me, Nani received a message from Fai, asking him to return on his own."

Joong scoffs, his grip on the can tightening. "I freaking knew it. He used me as bait. Probably paid those thugs to say Dunk was with them just to mess with Nani's head."

He takes a long sip of his beer, his jaw tense. "Nani's never submitted to anyone else except him."

Sky glances toward the closed bedroom door. "He listens to you, though. He's stayed put. Hasn't tried to run from the villa."

Joong shakes his head. "No, he didn't stay because of me. He stayed because of you."

Sky's expression softens.

"You're still recovering, and he knows damn well that I'm not around just to babysit you. And let's be honest, he doesn't trust anyone else in this villa."

Joong gives Sky a knowing look, then takes another sip of beer. "Whatever it is between you two, it's the only thing holding him together right now."

Sky looks down at the can in his hand, quietly turning it in his fingers. "He's been through so much. I don't know how he still manages to stand."

Joong sighs, nodding. "He doesn't see his own strength. Always thinking he's just a burden, like he doesn't deserve anything good."

"But he does," Sky says firmly. "He deserves peace. He deserves to feel safe."

Joong glances sideways at him. "You really mean that, don't you?"

Sky doesn't hesitate. "Yeah. I don't care what he's done or where he came from. I want to protect him even if he never lets me in fully."

Joong chuckles softly. "You sure you know what you're getting yourself into?"

"I don't," Sky admits with a half-smile. "But I know I'm not walking away."

Joong gives him a nod of approval. "Watch him. If he even hints at doing something reckless, stop him."

Sky doesn't need to be told twice.

***

Nani stares at himself in the mirror, adjusting the black suit that frames his lean figure. He carefully fixes the knot of his tie, his expression relaxed.

After weeks of hiding in the villa, he's finally stepping out, only to attend the funeral of a rival gang member.

Even though they're enemies, these gatherings are where mafia networks build alliances, avoid open battle, and protect their interests through strategic diplomacy.

And today, the Aydin Gang is the talk of the underworld. Rumors are spreading fast.

They've secured real gold worth more than ten billion baht.

"Are you ready?" Sky asks, cracking the door open and peeking inside.

Nani turns slightly and gives a small nod.

The bodyguard's eyes briefly scan him, clearly pleased with how striking Nani looks in the simple black suit.

"Let's go. Joong and Kay are waiting," Sky says, stepping in.

As Nani approaches, Sky performs a final check especially inside the suit where the concealed gun rests.

"Only use it if necessary," Sky reminds him, patting it lightly.

Nani nods silently.

"You're coming with us?" he asks.

Sky nods. "Of course. I wouldn't let you take a single step away from me when you're outside."

Nani almost smiles. Instead, he gives another quiet nod, his usual cold expression holding firm.

"You first," Sky says, motioning him forward.

They leave the room together, walking toward the elevator that takes them to the ground floor of the villa.

Joong is already waiting, looking as sharp and commanding as ever in a sleek black suit.

Beside him stands Kay, the reliable enforcer, equally poised.

"The car is ready," Kay informs them.

Without a word, Joong takes the lead, with Nani walking by his side. Sky and Kay follow just a few steps behind.

Once the two mafia members are securely seated in the back, Kay gets into the passenger seat while Sky takes the wheel.

Two more vehicles, filled with their henchmen, follow as the convoy rolls out of the villa.

"Stay close to me the whole time," Joong says, glancing at Nani.

Nani gives a small nod, looking out the window.

"Was it Thanith from the Fangs Gang who died?" he asks, voice calm but curious.

The two bodyguards up front stay quiet. They know better than to chime in on conversations that aren't theirs.

"Yeah," Joong answers. "Another gang heavily involved in human trafficking. Sounds like something went south."

Nani frowns. "Do we know who did it? Which gang?"

Joong shakes his head. "No idea. Whoever they are, they stay in the shadows. Move quietly. But their targets always end up dead."

Nani keeps his eyes on the passing scenery, deep in thought.

An unknown gang, taking down powerful mafia leaders specifically the ones involved in human trafficking.

"You think we could work with them? Use them to take Fai down?" Nani asks, turning his gaze toward Joong.

Joong raises an eyebrow. "If you want, we can try to find them. Might cost us, but we've got the gold to negotiate."

Nani leans back in his seat, his mind racing through the possibilities.

Maybe this ghost gang is the answer they've been waiting for.

The convoy moves through the city streets in silence, the atmosphere inside the car heavy with unspoken thoughts.

They arrive at the funeral home just before noon. The air outside is humid and thick with tension.

High-ranking members from various gangs are already present, most of them wearing dark sunglasses, their expressions hidden behind the shades.

The funeral of Thanith is less about mourning and more about presence.

Who comes, who doesn't, and who dares to stand too close to the enemy's flame.

As Joong, Nani, Sky, and Kay step out of the car, all eyes shift to them.

Nani follows in silence, his eyes sharp as they scan the room. Sky walks half a step behind, posture tense and alert.

Joong is the first to offer a respectful wai, his movements slow and composed.

Nani follows suit, mirroring the gesture to those inside the hall. Behind them, Sky and Kay trail in step, bowing their heads in quiet respect.

Inside the mourning hall, the scent of incense fills the air. A massive portrait of Thanith sits at the center of an altar, surrounded by white tuberose and offerings.

As they approach the altar to pay their respects, a man steps forward.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with a scar cutting across his jaw. He blocks their path, his expression hard.

"Didn't think the Aydin Gang would show up, considering your recent activities," he says.

Joong meets his gaze calmly. "We respect tradition, regardless of politics."

The man's lips twitch slightly. "I see. And the gold?" he asks, casually, as if inquiring about the weather.

Joong doesn't answer. He simply gives a polite smile and steps past him.

Nani feels the eyes watching him, weighing him. One wrong move, one wrong glance and this room could turn to chaos.

They give a respectful wai to the deceased in front of the altar. Nani keeps his expression blank, but inside, his thoughts race.

This isn't just a funeral.

This is a show of dominance.

Once they're done paying respects, they step away from the altar, giving space to others who wish to do the same.

The service is brief. Formal words.

And then, the real reason everyone came begins. Private conversations in hushed corners, deals whispered behind polite smiles.

Joong disappears into one of those side talks, Kay trailing after him like a shadow.

Sky and Nani stand near the edge of the garden once they're out of the hall, pretending to admire the koi pond.

"They're circling," Nani says. "Testing who's weak. Who's not."

Sky nods, eyes trained on the water.

And then Nani feels it.

That presence. Cold. Familiar.

He doesn't need to look to know who's just stepped into the garden.

Fai.

Nani's spine stiffens. His breath catches for a second before he forces himself to exhale slowly, controlled.

He turns his head slightly enough to catch sight of the man he hoped never to see again.

Fai stands a few meters away, flanked by two guards in sleek, dark suits. He looks just as composed as ever.

Refined. Handsome. Completely in control.

His eyes find Nani almost immediately, and the faint smile that curls at the edge of his lips is anything but warm.

It's possessive.

Sky sees it too. He subtly shifts his stance, positioning himself slightly in front of Nani without making it obvious.

His jaw clenches as his hand drifts toward his side, where his weapon is tucked beneath his jacket.

Fai doesn't approach right away.

He takes his time, exchanging words with a few other mafia leaders, shaking hands, even offering polite bows.

But his eyes never truly leave Nani.

"He's trying to get in your head," Sky mutters lowly. "Don't let him."

"I'm not," Nani replies quietly, though his hands curl into fists at his sides.

Finally, Fai makes his way over.The moment is suffocating. Tense.

"Nani," he greets smoothly. "It's been a while."

Nani doesn't respond right away. He lifts his gaze. Calm, but cold. "Didn't think you'd show your face in a place like this."

Fai chuckles softly, his voice low and charismatic. "You know me. I always show up when it matters."

His eyes turn briefly to Sky, then back to Nani with a smirk. "And I see you've found yourself a new protector."

Sky steps forward, unblinking. "Say what you need to say, or walk away."

Fai doesn't react with anger. In fact, he looks amused. "Relax. I'm here to pay my respects. We're all civil men, aren't we?"

He looks back at Nani, and his smile hardens into something darker.

"Enjoy the gold while it lasts," he says quietly. "Because when I come to collect, I'll be taking more than just what's mine."

Nani's expression doesn't waver. "I'm not yours anymore."

Fai's eyes gleam. "You keep telling yourself that."

He turns and walks away, leaving a chilling silence in his wake.

Sky glances at Nani.

"I'm okay," Nani assures him, and Sky gives a small nod in response.

They remain there for a few more minutes, watching Joong engage in conversation with other gang leaders. Sky's eyes never leave Nani, his watchful gaze steady.

"He used to confront me every time I showed up at public events," Nani says suddenly, his voice low.

Sky listens in silence.

"It's the first time I've seen him back off without me having to force him," Nani continues, then adds, "Thanks, Sky."

Sky gives a subtle nod in return.

When it looks like Joong is finally wrapping up the conversation, they prepare to leave only for him to be intercepted again, this time by a politician who approaches with a firm handshake.

"I guess we'll be here a little longer," Sky says.

Nani nods.