Since Jeonghan had already had his deal Vera felt so much pressure right now. “Damn it, Nikita! Why can’t you just listen to people who are older than you.” she grunted while Vernon was leading her to Kai’s men who was originally Gavril’s men.

 

“You better be alive, Jeonghan!” Vera scolded.

 

“I will.” Jeonghan chuckled.

 

Vera confidently and bravely showed her face to his father’s former soldiers. “Ms. Vera.” they called.

 

“Is Kai here?”

 

“No. He went outside. What can we do for you? We’ve been looking around for you.”

 

“Well, I am terrified. Tell me, is this Kai’s plan?”

 

“We don’t have any idea, Ms. Vera. All we know is he’s meeting with Mr. Cha.”

 

“That bastard! He really is taking this to a different level.” Vera murmured in annoyance. “Listen to me, anyone loyal to my father should come with me because Kai is not anymore an heir.”

 

Gavril’s loyal men didn’t know about this information and became confused. “Are we hearing correctly?”

 

“You can find that out if you ask him why he is hunting Nikita right now. Dad knew Kai is not suitable to be the next leader. He went to his attorney to change his will the last minute with Tristan. He knew Kai would assassinate him to ensure that father’s possessions would go automatically to him being the first born. He didn’t know that dad already made actions.”

 

Still confused, Gavril’s best soldiers couldn’t decide whom to side. They demanded a proof but right now was not the time as they were at war. “Why should we believe you?”

 

Vera took out a paper. It was a copy of Gavril’s hand writing drafting the letter for his will. “If you want to follow that idiot, go ahead but those who are still loyal to my father, I suggest you going with us because the heir dad chose is Nikita Ivanov.”

 

Since this was clearly Kai’s plan, the men were convinced to go with Vera not letting Kai deceive them with his fantasies. They knew Kai. He will fall, they could all say that with his attitude. It’s just that they carry the will of their late boss and if it’s with Kai, which he faked the information, they would have followed him ‘till the end.

 

“Ms. Vera.” called one of their oldest and best guards “Do you believe Nikita could lead?” doubting the long lost heir.

 

“He’s a different person than all of us. I would rather have him as my leader than Kai. I want to live a kind and peaceful life.” Vera smiled.

 

On that note, Gavril’s men couldn’t deny that in their age, they should be enjoying a retirement. They’ve been there with Gavril through thick and thin. Even when they weren’t yet in the underground business. “Then, we trust your and your father’s trusted leader.” Finally they’ve decided. “What do you want us to do?”

 

“It is said that we’d have a cease fire until everybody escapes but they say EunWoo is a very dangerous man. I doubt he’d keep Nikita alive after they meet. I suspect Kai already knew about the news and is dying to get everything from Jeonghan. Not to mention he’d kill him. I want you to follow Moon, Jun’s order. He would keep you updated.”

 

“The tailor? But he’s Lancelot’s son.” the moment Vernon and Vera realized that they knew how wicked Lancelot could be.

 

“Don’t worry, Jun was also a victim. He’s here with the CIA and Interpol. Don’t worry, Jun will get us out of here.”

 

“I know the young Cha. I’ve worked with him.” stated the other man in the room. “You are right, Ms. Vera. He’s not going to end this peacefully. I have a plan.”

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Meanwhile, Wonwoo and Minghao were on a standby looking out around the place. “You really are on this?” asked Wonwoo. “It’s okay if you’d crawl back.” he teased.

 

“I’m pretty serious here.”

 

“And what about your words?”

 

“Words what?” asked Minghao irritated.

 

“The ones you said to Jeonghan hyung.”

 

“He got you too?”

 

“The moment I was about to be assassinated by Jun the night I met with him. Moreover, he saved me twice… with you.” Wonwoo smirked.

 

Minghao frowned. “The hell- Don’t tell me you are not Tristan?”

 

“Nope. I am an agent.”

 

“You son of a !” Minghao stated “If we are not on the same team right now and if only you are not that of a good fighter, I will really kill you. You say Jeonghan planned this?”

 

Wonwoo chuckled. “With me? Yes. In case something happened to me. Thank goodness Vera was okay keeping me in exchange of the real one.”

 

“I see. He’s smart. I wonder if he really likes me.” Minghao contemplated.

 

“I think he’s beginning to like you. You see, he’s not someone who’d leave you after seeing goodness in people. He’d fight for you. He even traded himself if he couldn’t get you out of prison.”

 

“That pretty angel.” Minghao murmured. He was quite feeling relief. “I’m glad we met.”

 

It was at that moment EunWoo ordered his people to stop firing. Same with Jeonghan’s. They were ordered to go to their respective teams. Since the ear device had limited signal range, there were times they couldn’t hear each other’s voices from a distance unless they have their radio which Jun’s team was equipped aside from the small ones.

 

“Can we believe this?” asked Vernon from the other line.

 

“We don’t know.” answered Minghao.

 

“Master Xu.” called Abbot on their ear line. “Your men said they will go with you. They are already in position. Just tell them when to take action. I’ve got them all they need. One of your men can already hear us.”

 

“Where have you been?” asked Minghao after seeing them not around during the ceremony.

 

“We are being chased to die by EunWoo’s men. They came before Agent Abbot and Jacob came. As much as I hate to go to prison, I would not want to get ambushed like this. We will avenge ourselves first.”

 

“Good.”

 

Sharing lines, Vera had few men left on the other side with Kai in order for them not to notice a coup in their little kingdom. “We are here.” One of the men whispered. “The cease fire is real.” He confirmed.

 

“But?” asked Jun.

 

“I am betting Kai might probably kill Nikita after they get what they want.”

 

Jun looked at Jeonghan worriedly. Meanwhile, as nervous as he could be, Jeonghan decided his fighting spirit to overrule any of his feelings. “It couldn’t be helped.” he smiled as if it was a small matter.

 

“We will rescue you.”

 

Jeonghan nodded and believed.

 

“Good luck.”

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Seungcheol, on the other hand, was feeling strange. He was observing when one man went to him from the back of his chair. Another came from the front showing the line they put on their ears to communicate for a limited range. The man who came in front punched him as soon as Kai ordered.

 

“Call Jeonghan badly, Seungcheol. Looks like you need a little help. You think he’d rescue you?”

 

Seungcheol fell on the ground the second time he received a heavy punch. The job of the man from his back was to make his stand again. Upon securing him seated on the floor, Seungcheol felt a little loose on the ropes on his hand. He didn’t know if it just snapped like that or the man behind him slashed it for him. Looking at the man in front of him getting ready for another punch, he noticed that he was looking at him also. He put his gun at a table near them as if he was giving it away. On Kai’s perspective it was preparing for a hard core punch since the gun was a little nuisance from the front belt. Coming for another hit, the man whispered subtly “You can use that later.” looking at the gun while acting they were happy punishing him.

 

The punch was actually hard. Kai could actually feel it just from the sound. No faking at all. Seungcheol was put up again after a perfect blow. “You think you’d win this, wouldn’t you?”

 

Seunghceol couldn’t help but to puke a little blood.

 

“That hurts isn’t it?” Kai teased “Don’t worry, I guess EunWoo would let you live after your mini prince in distress act here. You should’ve chosen the right guy for you.”

 

Seungcheol smirked. “Are you kidding me? There’s no one more perfect for me than Jeonghan. I am just relieved he didn’t get his attitude from you. You are basically a trash. No wonder your father couldn’t stop looking for his lost brilliant son.”

 

It insulted Kai more than anything. He grabbed a piece of wood and hit Seungcheol on his legs. “You bastard! Be thankful I couldn’t grab a gun right now to kill you.”

 

Seungcheol smirked. “Too bad EunWoo takes control, isn’t it?”

 

The statement annoyed Kai. He was not wrong but EunWoo was perfect for plans like this. He couldn’t intervene as any action might make the situation miserable and vulnerable. “Just wait and see how we eat Jeonghan alive. You will regret that you fought against us.”

 

Seungcheol was terrified from what he heard but he knew Jun won’t let it happen.

 

Before the exchange of hostage, Eunwoo and Jeonghan’s team gathered in each set camps.

 

JEONGHAN’S CAMP_

 

“This is it.” Jeonghan breathed heavily.

 

“I will come with you.” Vernon suggested.

 

“I think it’s a good idea.” suggested Abbot. “Vernon is the right man for this task. He and Seungcheol would create a big emotional satisfaction to our enemies.”

 

“You good with it?” asked Jeonghan. Vernon nodded.

 

“My men are on their positions.” stated Minghao. “You be careful out there, Jeonghan. Those are monsters you are going to deal with.”

 

Jeonghan smiled. “I know. Thank you. I’ll keep your gun.”

 

Jun came close. “Gun isn’t enough.” as he came putting belt on Jeonghan’s waist. “This buckle is just a small knife. You get this and hit them on the neck or upper thigh… We’ll come to rescue.”

 

Jeonghan inhaled heavily again and took note of everything they’ve reminded.

 

2 HOURS HAD PAST_

 

EunWoo, Kai with Seungcheol and other armed guards were already in the rendezvous place. Jeonghan came with Vernon alone.

 

“This seemed not fair.” uttered Vernon from a far.

 

“We can see agents from a far.” EunWoo noted.

 

“They are not at the range. Besides, we are in your territory, you should be at ease.” Jeonghan stated. Getting closer to Seungcheol, Jeonghan was getting anxious. It was the first time he’s seen him after he left and he couldn’t think of how to act in front of him.

 

Seungcheol was obviously not in a good condition. He looked like he served as people’s punching bag. Kai was the one walking with Seungcheol that time. His ties were still intact despite the tear inside. He kept it like that in order for them not to suspect but the gun, it was hidden at the back pressed on his trousers hoping it would not noticeable.

 

Kai pushed him towards Jeonghan while they catch him. “Sorry I had to meet you like this.” Seungcheol stated.

 

Jeonghan tucked Seungcheol around his arms for a warm embrace.

 

Seungcheol made a gesture of tightening his embrace towards Jeonghan even if his hands were visibly tide. “I missed you.” He whispered. “Be safe.”

 

“Now you take care of yourself.” Jeonghan left a kiss on the man’s cheeks before he released him. “Vernon, take care of Seungcheol for me. I have to leave.”

 

Vernon covered Seungcheol from the back for a while. Jeonghan was confused but Seungcheol managed to put his ear set on Jeonghan’s hand “Keep that for a while.”

 

Jeonghan nodded and kept it tucked on a small hole near his cuffs from what Jun taught him just right before he fit the suit for the first time. It would cover any metal detector for as long as he’d keep something in there. However, in order to make the ear piece work, it had to be outside since that cover was to null the function of any tiny device that might be kept in it.

 

“Jeonghan, you know they cannot be trusted, right?” Seungcheol whispered before letting go.

 

Jeonghan was puzzled about Seungcheol’s action.

 

“No matter what happens, we will rescue you. I cannot let you get killed as soon as they got what they want.”

 

“Seungcheol, I already have this negotiation.”

 

“They know no fair, Jeonghan. For all I know, they wouldn’t let one of us stay alive now that they know about the alliance so…” Letting go of the embrace, he signaled Vernon to protect Jeonghan at all cost. At last he untied the rope, got his gun given by those men who came to him, faced the enemy on his own as a signal to everyone that no one is ever handing anyone to the criminals.

 

Seungcheol fired the gun continuously while the men on the other side took out their powerful guns to fire back. Kai and EunWoo were protected by EunWoo’s men. Vera, however, signaled their men in the enemy’s side not to make any scene yet unless there would be exchange fires on their area. Moreover, in case they couldn’t protect Jeonghan, someone would.

 

Jeonghan was successfully hidden with Minghao and Wonwoo’s care towards the route they originally talked about.

 

Jeonghan was all confused. Jun, on the other hand, was clearing their way. “Go as fast as you can.”

 

“Agents!” Called Abbot. “Cover Jun, Seungcheol and Vernon!”

 

It was indeed a war. Jeonghan was scared looking back but he had to know what was happening. JaeWon met them on their way “Son. Do not look back. Leave them to us.” Looking at Minghao and Wonwoo. “I trust you.”

 

Minghao held Jeonghan’s hand. “Let’s go.”

 

Jeonghan had no idea how bloody this kind of fight could be.  While moving forward, there were men waiting for them but it wasn’t theirs.

 

“! He planned this!” Wonwoo murmured. “Minghao! I’m leaving Jeonghan hyung to you! Do not stop! I will be right behind you.”

 

Jeonghan was so scared while Minghao still ranting how Wonwoo just removed calling him master. “Damn you, Wonwoo! You’ll see that I am still worth calling a young master!”

 

Wonwoo sighed even if he was in great trouble with a few men he’s trying to stop.

 

Minghao, on the other hand, prepared his gun. Stay behind me. Jeonghan was obviously shaking. He was overwhelmed. “Are they going to be okay?”

 

“I don’t know, Jeonghan. To be honest, I don’t think some can survive.” Looking out for enemies. Meanwhile, he felt Jeonghan’s hand clinging on his clothes as he trembled. His heart became weak knowing Jeonghan couldn’t handle this kind of action even though he’s pretending to be tough. Minghao looked at him and held him tightly on an embrace. “Don’t worry, I will be here.” he whispered.

 

Jeonghan couldn’t help but to stretch his arms all over Minghao’s body. The embrace felt ever so warm. That’s all Minghao was asking for when he was a kid. He embraced him tightly and said “I should’ve met you long before so I could have plenty of chance being held ever so tender and loving.”

 

“I will not letting you go, Minghao. Please, do not die on me. I will not forgive myself.”

 

“Relax, I have plenty of lives.”

 

“I will fight too.” Bringing out the gun Minghao told him to use for emergency.

 

Minghao was surprised and said “Jeonghan that one is not for something like this.”

 

“You said I can use this for emergency. Putting your life in the line is an emergency.”

 

Minghao was moved. It was something he wanted for a very long time and now was not the time to end it. He wanted more, however, their situation wasn’t telling forever at all. “Alright. But under one condition. You will use that when I am down.”

 

“No! You can’t order me that.”

 

Minghao sighed in disbelief. “Fine. Then… aim well.”

 

Meanwhile, someone went behind their back. Minghao was ever so alerted, he prepared his gun pointing at the stranger but then, the man hushed and asked to follow him. “I will protect you, young master.” Minghao knew he was referring to the next heir of the Ivanovs since Minghao couldn’t recognize the man.

 

“How would we know that you are not setting us up?” asked Minghao carefully.

 

“Ms. Vera came to us earlier and I say we are allies. We cannot let Kai rule over Gavril’s empire.”

 

“So… do you recognize how bully and evil your boss is.”

 

“He did so much. I didn’t know he’s capable of killing his own father and brother.” the man stated in disappointment.

 

“I can’t promise anything. If you follow me in case I survive this, I will not go underground ever again.”

 

The man smiled and said “That’s better, young master. Now, come. Let us not waste time. I will lead you to the ship you are supposed to board.”

 

They continued travelling towards the boat. Minghao’s men were already in the move. “Young master!” called his men. “There are a lot of men waiting right at the boat. What is your order?”

 

“Protect Jeonghan no matter what. Go ahead.”

 

“Are you sure you will be alright?”

 

Minghao smirked and said “I am waiting for someone who needs scolding.” referring to Wonwoo who was left out there in the battle alone.

 

“No!” Jeonghan exclaimed. “I will stay with you.” Jeonghan clenched tightly to Minghao and he never intended to let go.

 

“Jeonghan, it is you they are after. Besides, you are the leader of this group. You should be safe.”

 

“Minghao! Please! Don’t do this to me.” Jeonghan’s tears started to flow endlessly.

 

“Oh dear Jeonghan, I can’t believe I will feel weak seeing you like that.” He sighed as he contemplated. However, Jeonghan needed to be saved. “Go now.” Minghao ordered.

 

As Jeonghan did not want to go, he was rather carried to go along with them.

 

“Aigoo. I would really give him the world.” Minghao stated while he got ready for his attackers.

 

That place was having some kind of metallic scent despite the ocean breeze. Minghao was hit right there when Jeonghan could see. Thankfully, it was just on the shoulder. Jun was seen coming from a far with a motor. He came to aid Minghao. While Abbot went ahead to aid Jeonghan.

 

Unfortunately, Abbot was shot while driving the motor. There was snipper waiting from small buildings. Who knows someone could be already waiting on the ship.

 

“Abbot!” shouted Jun worriedly.

 

“Concentrate!” Abbot shouted. “This is nothing. Watch out for snipers!” Too late when the one guarding Jeonghan were shot dead.

 

“!” Jun shouted as he rushed towards Jeonghan.

 

“Go get him!” shouted Minghao while concentrating on his fight.

 

Men came picking him up with larger and obviously more powerful guns. They were of top tier and going against them right now would give them zero chance of surviving.

 

Jeonghan was scared with the men forcing him but he needed to think in order to save more of his men and come up with another plan. “Jun! They will not kill me unless I sign with Kai’s wishes. Back down. Treat the wounded. Come back when you can. I can hold!” He instructed bravely, finally.

 

The statement halted Jun from running with all his might. He took the order as what they agreed upon. He pulled Abbot and Minghao out of the scene. Later on, they met Wonwoo, Vernon and Seungcheol along the road.

 

“Where is Jeonghan?” asked Seungcheol panting.

 

“They got him.” He simply stated while already forming some strategies on his mind.

 

“Son of a !”

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.

KOREA_

 

Mingyu was surrounded. Soon Young was again facing enemies. “Congressman, do you know how to hold a gun?”

 

“I’m sorry, I don’t use them quite well.”

 

“Well, we have no choice.” Soon Young handed a gun. “Don’t fire at them unless there’s no other option. Stay behind me.”

 

Meanwhile, Chan was informed about Soon Young and Mingyu’s situation through a small message Soon Young left from a beeper. Jihoon was about to move and do something about his friends caught up in a very dangerous situation when he had policemen on his door step for his official arrest. Media were all over the place. Flashes and mics were immediately put in front of him.

 

“!” Jihoon grunted with eyes blinded with multiple light while on handcuffs.

 

“Hyung!” Chan called. “Stay put. I will call someone.”

 

“Do everything to save them. Faster!” Jihoon ordered.

 

It surprised all of them when Judge Somi came and said “What do you think you are doing?” making people halt to whatever he’s doing.

 

“Judge.” called the authorities.

 

“You dare act without a proper hearing, I will be the one who will sue you. Let the governor go. This arrest wasn’t authorized. I just had his case last night. Tell me who authorized your arrest warrant?”

 

“It was a direct order by our head of police, Judge.” explained the man.

 

“Commander Park, I see. Well, I have to sue him for the evidence I got against him. Governor Jihoon was the one to hand them over despite having to face exactly this kind of situation.”

 

Jihoon was surprised with a flashy appearance but he did deliver it to the judge’s office 3 days ago.

 

“Release him or I’ll sue every single one of you for illegally arresting a man without proper procedure?” the Judge threatened.

 

Once released, Jihoon thanked the judge but he had to leave early due to his friends’ situation. “You really are a changed man, Governor.” the judge smiled feeling she’s seen a miracle. “I was the one hunting you down after Judge Yoon. Minhyuk explained everything to me.”

 

“Thank you judge. I would love to hear those compliments after I save some asses.” Jihoon coolly stated.

 

“You don’t have to worry, Governor. I have already ordered my people to rescue. Besides, you cannot make it in time anyway.”

 

“The enemy is strong.”

 

“Soon Young can survive that for a while. Relax.”

 

Chan was chuckling. The judge noticed. “I see you are fond with your new friends, Mr. Governor.”

 

Finally, Jihoon managed to calm himself. “I am but our situation is not yet resolved. Pardon me but I have to make some calls.”

 

Julia visited at the same time and said “Tiny Lee, you can calm your down for a bit. I got this. I also contacted Jackson Wang to rescue our two boys in trouble.”

 

“How about Jeonghan and the others?”

 

Julia sighed. “I have no news yet.”

 

RUSSIA_

 

Jeonghan was already in the hands of their enemies with no contact and all. Seungcheol was getting his wounds treated, as well as the others, before they get ready to an all-out war.

 

“How many criminals were arrested?” asked Abbot to his men.

 

“They loaded the three trucks.”

 

“Transfer them as soon as possible. Load more guns because they are too many for a few of us.” Abbot noted Jun about their current situation while Jun received how many of Minghao’s men were scattered.

 

“We are too few.” stated Jun. Looking at the wounded men he walked at the center and shouted “Men! Let’s end this once and for all. Get ready.”

 

“How about the hostage, sir?”

 

Jun sighed heavily and thought deeply.

 

“Don’t tell me-“ Seungcheol anxiously murmured as he knew Jun would be so ruthless most of the time. However, there’s a hope that he’d save Jeonghan because of his love for him.

 

However, Jun announced “Jeonghan… would be the least priority.”

 

All were surprised. Minghao even shouted to curse at him.

 

“You are not doing this.” Seungcheol said.

 

“We end this, there’s no more suffering for people. If we fail, we may take one more decade to be able to stop this and that time, it’s not going to be any easier.”

 

Seungcheol grabbed Jun’s collar. “He sacrificed himself for everyone to survive!”

 

“It’s crazy but this has been out of control. He agreed to take it all. Even if he falls during the battle.”

 

“You are mad!” Minghao shouted once again.

 

Soldiers were quiet. Even Wonwoo and Vernon couldn’t weigh what’s right or wrong decision. Nevertheless, they prepared.

 

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GREETINGS FOR 2023!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!

How are you? I miss all of you. Wish us all the best! 

Hope you are still enjoying Suit & Tie