Chapter 02 (2/2)

"Touche. Still, for someone of your skills, it'll only be a few small jobs and you'll be free to go. What do you say?" Lu Han offered with a smile.

"... If it's just that and then you'll get off my ass, fine. Whatever—as long as it gets me out of these cuffs and back on my feet again. And also if you let me land one punch on you."

The petulance had the politician laughing.

"Maybe we can arrange that, sure." Lu Han said as he turned to look at his guards. He nodded at them, and two of them stepped forward to undo the assassin's binds. Once Minseok was free, he shoved the men away and stood up, rubbing at his wrists where the metal had slightly rubbed the skin raw. He closed the distance between him and Lu Han and without warning, reeled back his arm and thrusted it forward, aiming for the taller man's face. Instead of taking it like Minseok had hoped Lu Han would do, the man raised his arm in the split second it took for the politician to realize exactly what Minseok was intending and managed to block the hit. The assassin glared at him.

"You promised me one punch."

"I did," Lu Han agreed, amused by the other's antics. "You didn't specify where though."

"Fuck you." Minseok seethed. He pulled away nonetheless, not interested in starting a fight with five people in the room. "So? What kind of 'work' exactly will I be doing for the great deputy director?" Sarcasm was dripping in his tone.

"The only work you would do, of course. I just need you to take out a few names for me. Once they're eliminated and everything seems to be going the way I need it to be, I'll let you go free with a nice payment. Sound good?" Lu Han explained.

"It doesn't sound good but it doesn't sound bad either." Minseok reluctantly agreed, crossing his arms in annoyance. "My main question is why me though."

"You gave me the idea to use an assassin," Lu Han admitted with a shrug. "And you were right there."

"... You didn't even think to hire your own assassin instead of kidnapping me?"

"I mean, I could've, but I don't even know where to begin looking, and you were the nearest one. Plus, based on what I've observed, you seem to be more knowledgeable and skilled in your practice than the other hitmen that have come for me. Why would I let such a large opportunity like that go?"

The compliment, though it came from a person Minseok wasn't necessarily happy with, managed to make the black haired man puff his chest out in pride, lips pressed in a thin line. Not that he needed Lu Han's approval to stroke his ego with, but Minseok knew he was good and having other people acknowledge that always pleased him. At this rate, he figured it wouldn't be too bad working with the politician after all.

"I hate how good with words you are." Minseok grumbled. The statement had Lu Han grinning instead, his stance becoming more laid back and relaxed despite standing in front of someone that could potentially end his life.

"It's necessary for my trade. Of course I'd be good at it." He said.

"Of course—now, if you would be so kind as to returning my pants and gear, I would really appreciate it."   To read more, please visit my private journal on Dreamwidth!