The evening sky had darkened to an inky blue, the city lights flickering outside like a silent orchestra of neon and metal. Inside a lavish, dimly lit penthouse, Sky, Aou, and Boom sat in a hushed but charged atmosphere. The air carried the scent of expensive cologne and freshly poured whiskey, a sharp contrast to the ruthlessness brewing between them.

Aou and Boom, despite having spent years under Sky's command, still found themselves caught off guard by his sheer audacity. He wasn't just ruthless; he was methodical, calculating, and terrifyingly good at what he did.

Tonight was just another proof of that.

"You two need to stop staring at me like that," Sky finally broke the silence, his voice carrying the usual low, amused drawl. He pushed his tousled black hair back, revealing the sharp angles of his face before reaching for the buttons of his crisp black shirt. With a practiced ease, he undid the first four, exposing just enough of his collarbones to add to his effortless dominance.

"Do I look like a Greek god to you or something?" He smirked, shifting his posture as he sank into the plush couch. His right leg crossed over his left knee, a laptop resting on his lap as if he were preparing to conduct a business deal rather than orchestrate something far more sinister. The way he sat—composed, commanding, and completely unfazed—only served as a reminder of why he was feared.

Aou scoffed. "A Greek god? More like the devil in a designer shirt."

Boom chuckled, but the tension in the room was thick, and Sky was never one for unnecessary chatter. He exhaled slowly, fingers tapping against the laptop, before speaking again.

"We have a bigger plan tonight," he stated, his voice dropping an octave lower. His dark eyes flickered between them, analyzing, calculating. "I need you, Aou, and P'Joong for this." Then, turning to Boom, he added, "And you—you need to ensure we don't get interrupted. I want the entire department's system wiped clean before they even realize what's happening."

Boom frowned, his brows knitting together in confusion. "Wait, which department?"

Aou leaned forward slightly, curiosity now piqued. "And what exactly are we pulling off this time?"

Sky smiled, but there was no warmth behind it; just something sharp and predatory, like a wolf who had already cornered his prey.

"You both might know… Mr. Thawornchai.." Sky spoke, his voice smooth yet carrying an unmistakable edge. He moved his laptop aside, leaning forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees as he observed their reactions.

Boom's brows furrowed in thought before he nodded. "Yeah, the head of the Zayathorn Forensic Department.." he replied in a precise, measured tone, already analyzing why Sky had brought up his name.

Sky exhaled slowly, his lips pursing slightly in contemplation before curling into something resembling amusement. "He's been irking me. Quite a lot, actually," he admitted, tapping a finger against his temple absentmindedly. "And I bet he'll be a great help to the upcoming Suphot Gang Case major trial…" His voice trailed off, as if the idea itself was an afterthought, yet the gleam in his eyes said otherwise.

Aou stiffened, sensing the inevitable conclusion before Sky could even say it. "Don't tell me that we're—"

"Exactly." Sky didn't let him finish, his words slicing through the air with finality. His smirk deepened, eyes gleaming like a predator that had finally set its sights on its prey. "We're going to kill him."

Aou and Boom exchanged a glance before sighing almost in sync. It wasn't as if they were against it—far from it. They knew better than anyone that Sky never made a move without a reason, and if Thawornchai had made it onto his list, then his fate had already been sealed.

"I've sent you his entire life history.." Sky continued, his tone brokering no argument. "Korn gathered every little detail. Read through it all, and don't waste time asking questions. We don't have the luxury for that."

Aou and Boom nodded in silent understanding. In Sky's world, obedience wasn't just expected—it was demanded. They had long since learned that his methods, no matter how extreme, always served a purpose. If Thawornchai had to be silenced, then it meant he was a liability.

As they began sifting through the documents Sky had sent, the door to the penthouse swung open, and in stepped Joong. His presence alone exuded authority, and unlike Aou and Boom, he held a different kind of weight in Sky's life.

Sky pushed himself up from the couch, his expression shifting slightly as he approached Joong with a smirk. "P'Joong, glad you're here." he greeted, wrapping his arms around his elder brother in a brief but firm embrace. Joong reciprocated the gesture, a faint smile on his lips as he patted Sky's back.

"You only ever say that when you need something," Joong mused, pulling away just enough to eye Sky with amusement.

Sky chuckled, unbothered by how easily Joong could read him. "You know me too well," he admitted with a playful wink. "And you're right. I do have a job for you."

Joong arched a brow, already bracing himself. "Let me guess—it's dangerous?"

"Not for you," Sky countered, his smirk deepening. "For you, it'll be a piece of cake. I just need you to handle that little detective, Nani."

Joong's expression shifted, his smirk faltering just slightly. "You've got to be kidding me, Sky. He's a damn detective, and you're telling me I have to threaten him?"

"Yes," Sky responded without hesitation. "Do whatever it takes to silence him. I want him quiet for a while." He leaned in just slightly, his voice lowering to something far more sinister. "Then, I'll deal with him myself."

Joong let out a slow breath, shaking his head slightly. "You never make things easy, do you?"

Sky only shrugged, completely unfazed. "When have I ever?"

Aou, who had been listening intently, finally spoke up. "So… you've seen him before?"

Sky's smirk returned, this time sharper, more knowing. "What led you to ask me that question? And, Of course, I have. You think anything escapes my eyes?"

Boom let out a small chuckle, but Sky wasn't finished.

"When we visited Mr. Natachai, I asked Korn to send me a digital copy of the file," he explained, crossing his arms. "After we got back to the office, I took my time going through it. That man needs to consider retirement. The way his forehead wrinkles with all those frowns? He's already halfway there."

Aou, Boom, and Joong burst into laughter, but there was an unspoken truth beneath Sky's words.

Nani isn't just a target; he is a problem.  And problems? Sky always had a way of dealing with them.

• • • • • • •

Sky adjusted the cuffs of his fireproof jacket, his expression unreadable as he stood near the entrance. The faint glint of determination flickered in his dark eyes, partially hidden by the shadow of his cap. His attire was carefully chosen—black from head to toe, every detail meticulously planned to ensure he remained unseen, unrecognizable.

Aou, dressed in a matching ensemble, stepped down from the upper floor, his movements fluid yet laced with a silent readiness. His gaze briefly met Sky's, and there was an understanding between them—one that required no words.

They had done this before.

And they would do it again.

Meanwhile, Boom moved with practiced ease, his hands swiftly packing up the essentials—a laptop, cables, devices, and everything else required to breach the security systems of the forensic department. His fingers moved expertly, but his mind was elsewhere, still processing the gravity of their plan.

And then there was Joong.

Standing before the mirror, he pulled out a sleek black mask, rolling it between his fingers before fastening it securely over his face. The reflection staring back at him was no longer that of a businessman—no, the man in the mirror was someone else entirely. A phantom of the night. A shadow of calculated destruction.

His fingers moved to his pocket, retrieving a small case. He snapped it open to reveal an array of colored contact lenses.

"Boom, I need lenses," Joong said, his voice calm yet firm.

Boom, who was zipping up his bag, glanced up with a knowing smirk. "Smart. You don't want that detective recognizing you if you ever cross paths again, huh?"

Joong chuckled, nodding. "Exactly."

Boom walked over to his bag again, carefully unzipping another compartment. His bag—elegant, sleek, and meticulously organized, much like himself—held everything they could need for a mission like this. He retrieved a small, compact box, flipping it open to reveal multiple shades of contact lenses.

"Take a darker shade," Boom advised as he handed the box to Joong. "If you pick something too bright, that detective will notice. He's sharp. If he realizes your eye color doesn't match, he'll remember."

Joong hummed in agreement as he scanned the options, finally settling on a dark grey pair. He held one up before carefully placing it into his right eye, blinking a few times to adjust. He repeated the process with the left, before stepping back and examining himself in the mirror.

Boom observed him for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "It's subtle. It'll do."

Joong returned the nod with a small smirk before pushing his hair back, gathering it into a neat man-bun before pulling a hat over it.

The transformation was complete.

"I'm all set," Joong muttered as he turned to Boom. "I'll head to the detective's apartment now, but I won’t take any action until you guys reach the forensic department. Sky wants me to handle him only while you're dealing with that doctor."

Boom crossed his arms, nodding. "Got it."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from different directions. Sky emerged from his master bedroom, exuding his usual commanding presence, while Aou descended from the upstairs hallway. Both were clad in identical outfits—black tactical gear, gloves, masks, and fireproof jackets. They were nothing more than shadows, faceless figures stepping into the darkness.

Boom let out a low whistle. "You two look completely unrecognizable."

Sky shot a glance at Aou, who returned it with a dry, unimpressed look. Without another word, Sky turned his gaze back to Boom.

"Alright," Sky began, his tone business-like. "Let's get moving. P'Joong, as soon as Boom and Aou reach the forensic department, they'll call you. You'll unlock his biometrics and handle the detective from there."

Joong let out a scoff, adjusting the cuff of his coat. "Seriously, I never thought I'd be taking orders from you, Sky. I'm just trying to live my life as a normal businessman, yet here I am, dealing with your mess."

Sky smirked, eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're welcome."

Joong rolled his eyes but didn't argue further.

"Wait! Bluetooth devices—checked?" Boom suddenly called out. At his words, everyone chuckled before taking out their earpieces and securing them in place.

Sooner, the air between them was thick with anticipation as they moved toward the exit, each of them heading in their respective directions.

The basement was dimly lit, the underground parking lot empty except for their cars—silent beasts waiting to be unleashed.

Aou approached their car, unlocking it with a smooth click. Without a word, Sky and Boom slid into their seats, the quiet hum of the engine breaking the silence.

Joong followed suit, stepping into his own vehicle, hands steady on the wheel. He watched as Sky's car pulled out first, disappearing into the night.

Then, with a final glance at the rearview mirror, Joong smirked beneath his mask and drove off toward his own destination.

• • • • • • •

It took approximately 30 minutes for Sky, Aou, and Boom to arrive at the Zayathorn Forensic Department. The building stood ominously against the night sky, its harsh fluorescent lights flickering erratically, casting eerie shadows over the empty streets. The surrounding area was desolate, the silence punctuated only by the occasional hum of passing vehicles in the distance.

They parked their car at a discreet distance, ensuring they remained inconspicuous. Sky and Aou stepped out, their dark attire rendering them nearly indistinguishable from the abyss of the night. They moved with calculated precision, their footsteps barely audible as they approached the department’s rear entrance.

Sky tapped his earpiece, seamlessly connecting to their (3) private communication channel. "Boom, call Phi. He must have reached by now. Once we get inside, I'll signal when we need to execute. Understood?"

"Got it." Boom responded, his fingers already dialing Joong.

The phone rang once before Joong picked up, by tapping onto his bluetooth. "Phi, have you reached?"

"Of course," Joong replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Just now. His apartment is quite far from the department, but that works in my favor. Less suspicion, don't you think?"

Boom smirked, shaking his head slightly. "Yeah, just be careful. Make sure the cameras outside his door don't capture even a glimpse of your face or eyes. Not even a shadow."

"Tsk, don't worry. I've handled trickier situations." Joong scoffed, stepping out of his vehicle. He had parked behind the apartment building, ensuring no direct surveillance could track his movements. Reaching into his coat, he retrieved a slim, sharpened knife, slipping it into the lock of the back gate, which looked as though it hadn't been touched in months. With a few deft movements, the lock gave way with a muted click.

"Okay, I'm inside. Heading to his floor now."

"Make it quick, Phi." Boom urged, his voice laced with urgency. "The sooner you get in, the sooner we can get this over with."

Joong hummed in acknowledgment as he stepped into the dimly lit stairwell. The scent of dust and stale air filled his lungs as he ascended. Reaching the elevator, he pressed the button for the 12th floor, his reflection flickering in the polished steel doors as they slid shut.

Meanwhile, back at the forensic department, Sky and Aou reached the rear entrance. With fluid movements, Aou crouched beside the security panel, pulling out his modified device. Within seconds, he was overriding the building's surveillance system, ensuring they moved undetected.

"I'm in," Aou muttered, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Security feeds are looping. We have a small window—make it count."

Sky smirked under his mask. "Good. Time to pay the doctor a visit."

As Aou kept the system under control, Sky disappeared into the shadows of the building, his steps silent as he moved toward his target. At the same time, the elevator chimed softly on the 12th floor. Joong stepped out, his gaze locking onto the detective's apartment door.

Tonight, everything was set in motion.