“Sungmin! Let’s just inform the police and wait here!” Yunho tugged at Sungmin’s sleeve to catch his attention. Sungmin had his eyes fixed on the two gang members. 

“Didn’t you see the inverted triangle tattoo? They are from the TriSatan, Yunho! We can’t just let them off the hook like that. Look, I think that’s a drug addict.” Sungmin said without turning to look at Yunho. From their hiding spot, one of the gang members received the money from the drug addict, giving him a packet of pills in return.

“We are not letting them off the hook! I’ve already informed the police, so let’s stop following them!” Yunho replied exasperatedly, but his words fell on deaf ears.

“You wait for the police here, I’ll follow them. Contact by phone.”

“We are only police trainees—” Before Yunho could grab on to Sungmin, Sungmin moved swiftly out of their hiding spot, trailing the gang members.

They crossed a street and turned a corner. A motorcycle sped past, almost knocking into the edge of the road. Sungmin turned his attention to the cyclist for a moment, but when he turned his head back, the gang members were no longer there. He darted his eyes in all directions, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone. However, the path was deserted. 

“Looking for us?” A playful voice broke the silence.

Sungmin swung around. One of the gang members was holding a young lady hostage, the knife on her neck. On the left, the other member was holding another hostage…

“Yunho!” Sungmin shouted, shocked.

“I’m sorry, Sungmin.” The arm around Yunho’s neck tightened, pulling the knife closer to his neck.

“So, did you have fun trailing my two kids?” A third voice came from the other side of Sungmin. He was cornered. Nowhere to run, friend as hostage.

“What do you want?” Sungmin asked warily.

“Hmm… Very simple.” The third gang member, obviously a higher up, gave a smirk. “Choose. The lady or your friend?”

Sungmin’s eyes widened. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.
“If I choose, will you let the person go immediately?”

“Of course, I keep my promises. Just for you, cutie police trainee.” The gangster winked at Sungmin.

Sungmin turned around to the hostages, his eyes meeting Yunho’s eyes that were full of understanding. It was obvious that Sungmin would choose the defenseless lady. 

“Let the lady go.” Sungmin spoke coldly, keeping the emotions out of his voice.

The higher up nodded at his underling, who turned his back to push the lady away. Sungmin winked at Yunho, who immediately gave an elbow strike to his opponent, then kicking the knife off his hand. Sungmin charged at the other underling, giving a high kick to the head, sending him unconscious.

“Sungmin!”

Sungmin felt himself being swung around by Yunho as the sound of a gun firing filled the air.

Sungmin stared at the higher up holding a gun in their direction. He had not expected them to possess a gun. Yunho’s legs went limp and he fell towards Sungmin.

“Yunho! No, Yunho!” Sungmin caught Yunho, the blood staining in his hands.

 “Yah! Freeze!” Shouting voices came from behind them. The higher up dropped his arm and escaped.

“Yunho! Don’t leave me, please. I’m sorry! Stay with me, Yunho…” Sungmin chanted repeatedly, as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Min… I don’t blame you… Don’t bl—” Yunho coughed. “…blame yourself. Stay alive, my best friend.” Yunho smiled weakly, before he lost consciousness.

Yunho passed away on the way to the hospital. At that time, Sungmin was young and impulsive. One stubborn decision caused the life of his best friend.

“Dauntless hyung, we are here.” Y said, pulling Sungmin out of his memories.

“Let’s go.” Sungmin pushed open the door, getting out of his car. He strode towards the gambling house, his underlings following behind.

And that stubborn decision changed his entire life.