Chapter 35 - 33

"How is he?" Daniel asks, bolting up from his seat in his uncle's office as said man struts in.

Jinyoung doesn't answer immediately. Instead, he takes his time walking around his desk to settle in his chair, slapping a couple of files and papers onto his table as he leans back into his seat before finally looking over at his nephew—the same nephew who was looking back at him in concern.

"He's fine," Jinyoung finally sighs. Daniel nods, feeling some tension leave his body at the two words. Slowly, he sinks back into his seat.

"Oh thank fuck" Daniel breathes out, closing his eyes and letting his head fall to the back of the seat.

"He's awake now. He had a concussion and had to get a few stitches, but otherwise, physically, he should be fine," Jinyoung rattles off, and Daniel listens to the words with a wince.

He hadn't meant to hurt the other Doctor, but his anger and panic had gotten the better of him and his hands had moved before he could even stop himself. Then again, if Jeremy wasn't such an asshole then he would never have been so pissed off at him in the first place. Getting the Doctor to the hospital had been a mess, Mira having called for an ambulance since the first responders had already left the CC for the night. Uncle Jinyoung had been less than happy to see Daniel come into his hospital in the back of an ambulance with the Doctor he had sent to help him, he was even less impressed when he found out the reasons.

"Unfortunately, despite Jeremy being alright physically there are more pressing issues to talk about" Jinyoung states, causing Daniel to snap his head back in his uncle's direction to look at the man.

"What do you mean?" He questions, worried about the answer he is going to be provided.

"Doctor Jeremy Kim is threatening to sue the hospital for negligence and he's threatening to sue you for bodily harm and assault" Jinyoung states outright without any sugarcoating.

"What? How is the hospital negligent? There's no way the case will hold up in court!" Daniel shouts, feeling his aggravation from his earlier return, he almost forgot why he hit Jeremy in the first place. The guy was a pain in his backside.

"Apparently, we hadn't trained him well enough when it came to situations of disputes between co-workers. Moreover, he claims that he felt unsafe working with you from the beginning due to your questionable abilities, practice and the I quote 'nepotism that lifted you into this position and made people overlook your inability to be a Doctor' end quote. This kid hates your guts" Jinyoung sighed and Daniel couldn't help but gape. "He's been making countless accusations since the minute he woke up. Stating that he's going to go to the press to unveil the truth about you and how you allegedly got handed your position. About how your lesser skill levels and easy-to-rile-up personality results in violence makes you unfit to be in this occupation. That you're a danger to people"

Hearing these words, every single one of them made Daniel feel sick to his stomach. Each accusation, some true, some disgustingly false, Daniel wanted to shove his head into a toilet bowl and hope he would drown. What the hell did he do to Jeremy to get the guy to loathe him so much? If it had been the same offences he had enacted on Collin then shouldn't it make sense for Jeremy to also forgive him after a heart-to-heart talk? They tried talking but it didn't work so clearly there was something else that he did to hurt the guy.

Unless of course Jeremy just wanted to see him suffer.

"Anything else?" Daniel spits out, confused and hurt by everything he had to endure as of late. His life was going to shit.

"Yeah. He's also threatening to make it public that you've been sleeping with your boss, that he specifically knows that it's Gun that you're sleeping with. Threatens to blow it out of proportion, make it seem like you're some sex addict that needs to get down and dirty with your employer just for fun even though you don't need to, at least that's what he said" Jinyoung adds and this time he grimaces at his words.

Daniel gapes.

"Are you fucking kidding me? I should have hit him harder with the tray!" Daniel cries out, slamming his palm against his uncle's desk only to be sent a look of warning from the elder.

"Yes, perhaps amnesia or a coma would have been better outcomes for this situation but unfortunately that's not the case. If Jeremy decides to go public with all this information and sue both the hospital and you and potentially win then this could absolutely ruin us and there would be no recovering from this" Jinyoung sighs, running a hand through his hair as Daniel watches on in utter shocked silence which then falls into despair.

Daniel had really fucked things over this time around, not only that but his fuck ups were taking down his uncle too who had no part in any of his bullshit. Noticing his nephew's expression, Jinyoung speaks again with a resigned tone.

"I've contacted the legal team, they'll speak to Jeremy and get him to stay quiet. The team is good at their job, they'll keep the hospital from falling into ruin and make sure the guy doesn't say anything that could jeopardise SNMC" Jinyoung tells Daniel and this at least allows the Doctor to feel a little more at ease with the situation.

Daniel hasn't worked with the Legal team before but he knows that they were the best at their jobs, being hired to help and protect one of the richest and most influential hospitals in all of Korea, they wouldn't let Jinyoung down.

"That's good, they'll help keep Jeremy quiet and then he won't spill false lies about the hospital and spread rumours about Gun and myself" Daniel nods.

"Uh no, the legal team will be helping the hospital, anything related to your assault against him as well as your arduous relationship with your boss won't be covered. Hard to prove that you're not guilty of assaulting Jeremy when you had an entire crowd of people watching you as you smashed the guy's face with a metal tray. Some might even say that it's attempted murder" Jinyoung hums out and Daniel lets out an outcry of offence.

"Hey! I didn't try to kill him! He was pissing me off while running his mouth and he just wouldn't shut the hell up"

"So you tried to shut him up…permanently?" Jinyoung questions and Daniel has the decency to sink back into his seat and let out a defeated groan.

"Okay, I get it. Don't hit the guy that's annoying you with a metal tray, got it" Daniel mumbles before reconsidering the situation he had fallen into. He was screwed, if SNMC's legal team couldn't cover him then he was going to end up in juvie.

His medical licence was going to be removed, he'd have a criminal record and his life was going to be in utter shambles. His mother would probably bawl her eyes out after berating him for his impulsive and horrible behaviour and his uncle and his hospital would suffer public scrutiny by association. The people would probably turn on him for his actions, he'd be banished and shunned from society without even getting an opportunity to do or say anything.

"So…what am I going to do?" Daniel finally voices, feeling lost and defeated all in one as he looks at his uncle for an answer.

Jinyoung held a contemplative look, switching between a complicated emotion to one of pure sadness before eventually, he opened his mouth to reply.

"I've already made a call to Charles, he said that he'll get his legal team to come in and talk to Jeremy. If there's one thing that man can do it's get away with shit. He'll keep Jeremy silent for a while, even if he has to buy the guy's silence" Jinyoung states and Daniel frowns.

He didn't want to pay Jeremy for his silence, it was underhanded and something so criminal that it was almost as bad as assaulting someone. The thought of having to pay someone to keep silent about a situation overall just felt grimy, possibly due to the social connotations the act held.

"Would Chairman Choi be able to pull something like that off?" Daniel can't help but inquire and Jinyoung merely snorts.

"When it comes to people, there's always a price" The Director states firmly yet even then he doesn't look convinced with his own words.

"I sense a but" Daniel hums and Jinyoung nods.

"But despite Jeremy staying silent we know that the story is going to come out eventually. You said that there were whole groups of bystanders watching and listening to your argument, they're going to talk and if they talk then the information is going to spread and eventually, it will lead back to you. Whether they talk about your medical skills or you sleeping with your boss or even you assaulting another worker, neither outcome will be good and if it's both then it will be even worse for you" Jinyoung explains and Daniel nods.

Even if Jeremy was silenced and sent away, the rumours and allegations were out in the open now. The news would travel fast and by the time Daniel reaches the next morning there will be hundreds of assumptions and false stories about him and he'll have no say in how to fix it.

"Should I make a statement about it now? It would be better if I came out and said something before people heard about it through other people or social media. I'll hold myself accountable" Daniel offers but Jinyoung shakes his head.

"You'd be labelled as a nepo baby, a dangerous and volatile doctor and much more. The only thing we can do is not fight against the storm but rather avoid it altogether. I'm removing you from this situation" Jinyoung announces as he opens a drawer and pulls something out, he places it in front of Daniel for him to read.

Daniel skims the file before snapping his head back up to face his uncle.

"This is a medical program" He points out and Jinyoung nods.

"Astute observation"

"Uncle, this isn't the time for jokes. This is a pamphlet and file for an overseas medical program…you want me to travel to America for some program?!" Daniel gestures at the object but Jinyoung's face remains the same. "Why?! What's the point of doing this? I'm content with staying here in Korea and if this is because of my situation then I'd rather ride out the storm here in Seoul. People will think that I'm trying to run away from the rumours and then they'll think that everything is true-"

"But it is true. Every so-called allegation against you is true" Jinyoung cuts in, causing Daniel to fall quiet and listen. "You did allow your emotions to get the better of you and you did assault another Doctor, technically speaking you did get into your school of choice through my recommendations even if your scores were flawless due to you. And of course, you are sleeping with Gun Park who is your boss. Daniel thinks for a second about how badly this is going to reflect on you and everyone around you" Jinyoung informs and Daniel pauses, thinking through the words even if the truth hurts.

"But…"

"But nothing. I thought I taught you better than for you to allow your emotions to overwhelm you like that. You are a Doctor, your whole identity is to remain patient and calm even when there are people who are going against you. You should have walked away from Jeremy and not engaged with him, I don't understand how you could allow him to continue talking about this entire situation in public without you so much as cutting him off or outwardly stating that he was wrong. Instead, you recounted that you agreed with some of his points. That in itself is self-doubt and that makes you guilty before you even have the chance to prove your innocence" Jinyoung states and Daniel couldn't help but start chewing on his lips.

Daniel hadn't wanted to fight Jeremy, not at first and for the majority of his conversation with the other Doctor he had wanted to change the man's opinion of him. He wanted Jeremy to see that he wasn't such a horrible person, he wanted the guy to have an 'Oh' moment just like Collin did but that never came. Instead, he was greeted with hate upon hate until eventually, it all exploded in his face.

"Admitting that I'm in the wrong doesn't make me weak. Apologising for my mistakes and accepting punishment is what the bigger man does in a situation like mine" In Daniel's heart he knew that owning up to his mistakes for the assault, for taking advantage of his position to get the job he wanted would mean that people would realise that he wasn't just some dainty, cute Doctor anymore.

That he was a real person and that he also made bad decisions at times.

Jinyoung sighs, deep and from his soul before he straightens up in his seat and speaks clearly.

"Daniel. You're a good boy and your opinions and words are not exactly wrong. Admitting your faults, apologising and taking responsibility are the mature and noble options if this were a situation about yourself but it isn't." Jinyoung sets out firmly before raising his hands and making gesturing motions as he talks.

"Let's say you admit your fault to everything, you explain your side of the story as best as you can. This will give power to what Jeremy did to you, confronting you and attempting to expose you in a public setting to set up your downfall. It will give power and reason to his mindless hate towards you and this may also feed into the public's perceptions about you. If the world concludes that you are a dangerous person then the world will also conclude that both the hospital and myself have been protecting you unjustly all this time. They will call into question our practice, our policies and morals, and our standards. People will want to make sense of this information regarding you as some 'horrible' Doctor and they will dig through your personal life or other people who know you will come out. They'll spread and talk about the stories of you in your intern days, of you running out of the OR rooms or spilling your guts out because you couldn't handle it and they will talk about how and why we kept you as a Doctor which will ultimately lead to me. It will lead to me being your uncle and that being the reason you're still here and people will assume that my decision was filled with bias"

"Is it not?" Daniel snorts.

Jinyoung pauses momentarily, allowing himself time to process his nephew's words before responding.

"You're right. A big part of why I didn't immediately abandon you when you couldn't perform here at the SNMC is because you are my one and only nephew. It is because I love you like you were my own son. So yes, the people who don't already know will find out that the reason I allowed you to stay for so long is because I love and care for you, because you are my family and you are my blood. People will see and hear that and they won't care about the love and family part because all they'll care about is how unfair it is for you to be treated this way when with anyone else they would have been fired. This entire part is a mistake on my part but unfortunately, I can't do anything about it now other than offer you this as a solution. I acknowledge my part in this issue but I also know that even if I tried my hardest not to favour you I would have failed anyways" Jinyoung scoffs at the end and Daniel can't help but feel both warmed up to the idea that his uncle really cared for him but also confused by the last bit.

"Wouldn't it have been easier if you had treated me like any other medical student, intern or resident?" Daniel murmurs silently but Jinyoung nods.

"I'm your uncle, of course, I'll only want the best for you. If anyone else was in the same position, had the same amount of money and had a relative they loved and cared for they would do the exact same thing to ensure their happiness. I only want to see you happy but in the process, I guess I ended up spoiling you. Maybe If I had been harsher on you, you might have gotten over your fears and doubts earlier" Jinyoung reasons but there was still no regret in his voice or body language, only a soft amount of earnestness.

With that in mind, the extent of the damage that Daniel's situation would cause his uncle and the hospital seemed to weigh an infinite amount more.

"Moreover, this entire situation is outing you. Sure some people might have speculated, some might have known whereas others might not have, but the world will be publicly finding out that you are sleeping with your male boss. Most of the world nowadays is progressive but Korea…we're a bit slower than the rest. It won't be just scrutiny you'll face but discrimination and pure hatred. The same hatred Jeremy seems to hold but even worse. Are you willing to not only subject yourself to that but also Gun?" Jinyoung questions.

The thought of Daniel and Gun being outed to the public left a sour taste in Daniel's mouth. Daniel was sure that most of his friends and the CC fighters wouldn't care but that wouldn't be the same for the rest of the world. This was Daniel's first and only relationship, he had never been with a woman or another man in such a way before and to have it all just publicly aired felt like a violation of privacy. Moreover, Gun who already disliked most social interactions would despise this entire thing even further. The same Gun who was still on the edge of staying or leaving Korea, if Gun were to stay then he would hate what he would have to suffer through with Daniel.

Daniel wasn't sure if he'd be able to stand Gun slowly coming to hate him because he accidentally outed them.

As Daniel thought about the consequences he reached out to pick up the pamphlet. Opening it and reading through the content he finds that the medical program itself offered several beneficial opportunities for Daniel to grow as a Doctor. It would give him experience that working in the CC or Korea might not give him. The program overall was well thought out, advantageous and a suitable option for Daniel to choose.

Yet the thought of leaving Korea for an unknown amount of time didn't sit well with him.

Noticing his hesitance, Jinyoung pulls out one more card that he had been holding close to his chest.

"Daniel, do you remember the talk we had with one another before you returned to the CC? Do you remember the three rules I gave you, telling you that if you broke any of them I would do something in retaliation?" Jinyoung prompts and Daniel thinks back.

The rules had been:

More extensive and frequent reporting back to Jinyoung from the CC.

Being happy while he worked at the CC

and…

"No…" Daniel gapes at his uncle.

"I told you that if you got into any more fights at the CC or the fights were in some form or shape about the CC I would send you away. Do you remember that? I'm not a man of lies, nephew. This time there is no bending or breaking the rules for you. You fought in the CC so now you will receive your punishment" Jinyoung huffs aloud.

Daniel had made the promise with his uncle and being an idiot he had gotten the conditions to the agreement. Clench his fists against his pants, Daniel deflates and nods.

"When do you want me gone?"

"Finish up with the tournament. You'll have a couple of days to say your goodbyes and pack up your things. I'll have the arrangements for your replacement at the CC, organise this program, your accommodations and flights ready by the end of the week"

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Going back to work felt nothing short of nerve-wracking, more so than when Daniel returned following his incident with No.1. Especially with the tan-coloured envelope that he was currently holding in his hands, small in size but weighing considerably on Daniel's consciousness.

It had only been a few hours since his conversation with his uncle but his decision had been formed and now he was making his move.

Daniel did his best to avoid the stares that people gave him as he walked into the CC. Security guards, cleaners and other employees that were in during the day gave him looks before turning to whisper amongst each other. It all unnerved Daniel to be subjected to so much suspicious and not very positive chatter. Still, Daniel holds his head down and speed walks to the medical room.

"Daniel!"

Freezing in his spot, Daniel looks up to see James down the hall. The redhead seems to take Daniel's stillness as an invitation to rush over and approach him. Speed walking over, James held himself with an air of confidence even with the concerned expression on his face.

"James" Daniel greets, nodding his head slightly as he turns his eyes to the floor. He honestly didn't know what to say to the Founder but he knew the man knew exactly what had happened the previous night. If the lights from the ambulances that had come to escort Jeremy hadn't it was the growing rumours spread by mouth from those who witnessed the incident.

"Hey, I heard about the situation. Are you alright?" James questions, looking over the Doctor once before dragging his eyes back up to meet the younger man's face.

"Y-Yeah, just a bit tired but I'm fine…Jeremy's also fine, He has a concussion but he's recovering…James can I speak to you about something...In private?" Daniel mumbles, his hands squeezing onto the file like a lifeline.

James seems to notice his anxiety so without further notice he starts moving in the direction of his office.

"Come, let's go to my office"

That was how Daniel found himself sitting opposite James on the sofa, waiting for the redhead to settle down in front of him after tossing his blazer to the side.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" James asks casually, offering Daniel a cold glass of water since that was all he had in his office.

"Well…it would be better if you read this first" Daniel slides the file over, declining the drink as he leans back into his seat to observe the Founder's reaction to the information in the file.

Sceptical, James takes the object and opens it up with deft and well-practised fingers. Sliding out the content, there's a moment of silence as Daniel allows the other to read the words on the first page. There isn't any immediate reaction, no sudden outrage or cry of anger or frustration. The moment seemed to drag on forever, so much so that Daniel couldn't help but squeeze and pinch at his own hands painfully to make sure that he was still awake and present.

"This is a resignation letter" James finally acknowledges, naming the object in his hands before settling it back down on the coffee table. The red-headed voice held a gentle confusion, one that wasn't confronting or intimidating, just pure bafflement by Daniel's decision to call it quits at the CC. His expression gradually shifts from neutral to even more concerned than before. "Why are you resigning, Daniel?" He asks and Daniel shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

"Well, if you have a look through the rest of the papers it will detail to you some of the reasons why. But if you would like for me to say it aloud-" "Yes, I need you to tell me exactly why you're leaving. I need to hear it from you or else I won't accept these bullshit papers" James cuts in and Daniel sucks in a breath at the sharp tone the other uses all of a sudden.

As if James couldn't accept the situation that was slowly dawning on him.

"Well. The first reason is because of the incident from the previous night. I assaulted someone in a fit of emotions in front of an entire crowd of people. It was unbefitting of me and it's probably going to impact more than just me. The CC, the fighters and even SNMC and my uncle will probably suffer from what I've done" Daniel breathes out, keeping his voice as even as possible.

"Controversy comes and goes, people will understand that you didn't do it for no reason which I assume that you didn't do it for no reason" James retorts, are crossed as his gaze seems to penetrate Daniel.

"Well, Jeremy wasn't exactly doing anything that was helping his case" Daniel states, swallowing the lump that was forming in his throat.

"What else, if it's just about the Jeremy thing then the CC can help you spin a story to benefit you. Hell, I'll create a story to help you" James insists and Daniel's eyes widen before he's shaking his head.

"No! I don't want you or the CC to lie or create some fake tale about Jeremy and me" Daniel calls. "It's already bad enough that I've physically assaulted someone, it would be worse if the truth came forward later on and it labelled me a liar as well" He reasons and James seems unsatisfied with that answer.

"So…what else? Apart from the Jeremy case, you haven't given me much else to see that this is worth you leaving over. You've fought against other guys in the CC before, even the controversy surrounding No.1 didn't make you leave so why now?" James continues to insist on Daniel answering.

Turning to look down at his lap, Daniel twists his fingers uncomfortably before sucking in a short breath to speak.

"When I decided to come back to the CC it was under an agreement I made with my uncle" Daniel starts and even without looking, he knew that James' silence meant that he was listening intently. "There were three conditions, the first being that I was going to report to him more often which I have been doing weekly even if it's a pain" he states before his hands stop fidgeting and he's grasping onto his thighs with a firm grip.

"The second was that I don't get into any fights in the CC or relating to the CC. I broke that rule when I got into that argument and hurt Jeremy. The whole fight had been about Jeremy's bone against me but also because he was going to expose my relationship with Gun to the world which by my uncle's standard is CC related. It doesn't help that it happened in the CC during company hours" Daniel huffs, exasperated by the situation but not knowing what else to do in his case.

"Wait, so not only was Jeremy acting impossibly rude to you and bullying you but he was threatening to expose your sexuality and relationship? That's probably a crime of some sort, at the very least it's harassment" James calls out and Daniel snaps his head up to meet the redhead's gaze.

"Bullying? I didn't say anything about bullying" He was quick to say.

"You didn't need to, most people who saw what was happening were quick to say that Jeremy was in the wrong for what he did and that he was rude. In fact, both Lua and Lineman have come by to protest your case and tell me about how Jeremy has bullied you in the past. Even last night, Mira and Jay came by after you left to explain the situation to me. This entire situation isn't your fault Daniel, you don't need to tell me you believe it's like that because I see your guilt written all over your face, the blame lies solely on Jeremy and if he even attempts to do something about this then the CC and myself are going to stand by your side and I know a lot of others who would do the same" James was quick to rant, with every word held passion and with every gesture whether it was with his hands or the expression on his face it radiated anger.

Anger not at Daniel.

Anger for Daniel.

Daniel felt impossibly more emotional now, his eyes growing hot as he blinked furiously to keep the tears at bay.

"But it doesn't matter, I still got into a fight and because of this my uncle is sending me away" Daniel blurts out and James falls silent. "He's in the process of arranging everything, from my accommodations to the program I'll be taking in the States" He informs and James' eyes seem to bulge at the word of going overseas.

"You're going to go to America?!" The redhead blurts out, unbecoming and so unlike him to react with such shock or emotion before.

Gingerly, Daniel nods in confirmation.

James slumps back into his seat, shutting his eyes and his breath deflating from his body. As if he couldn't believe the news that he was hearing.

"Please don't worry too much, James. I've talked it over with my uncle and I convinced him not to leave the CC high and dry. I'm pushing for a program to be developed at SNMC, an educational one that encourages young doctors to do rounds at the CC for a set period, changing periodically but allowing medical students or new doctors to gain insight into different types of work or medical environments. Seeing as the CC can't hold a Doctor for all that long I thought the program could be perfect, allowing several people at a time to filter through for a set amount of time before moving on and being replaced with others. It could benefit both young Doctors and nurses as well as the CC" Daniel was quick to jump in and explain.

It was the truth, with his impending leave from the CC it would mean the business wouldn't have any other Doctor. Daniel had heard enough complaining come from James and the other Founders' mouths as well as praises to Daniel about the complexities of hiring a new Doctor. The stress was taxing on the Founder and he didn't want his leave to be the cause of the man's ire which was why he came up with this plan.

Initially, it hadn't been because Daniel was leaving. Daniel had already thought about creating a program similar to this, allowing newer Doctors or interns of nurses to get their placement or round dates done here at the CC. Initially, it would be Daniel helping them, training them and such but with his leave, he's had to plan it all around his absence.

"Doctor if you think I'm reacting this way because of the stresses of having to hire another medical professional you'd be partially right but also entirely wrong. I'm not annoyed at you" James cuts in, his eyes opening as he shifts his gaze back to Daniel, a sadness blooming in his eyes as he speaks. "I'm depressed because YOU are leaving. You have not only been such a wonderful employee but a wonderful friend too. The thought of you leaving upsets me because I'm your friend" James states modestly and Daniel gapes.

Daniel hasn't considered who was his friend and who wasn't his friend at the CC. They were all his friends in one way or another, friendly and kind, the Doctor had always regarded everyone highly. Sure there were the fair few who liked to proclaim that they were close with Daniel and the Doctor wouldn't object to it but to hear it come from James himself had been shocking to hear.

"Oh," Daniel murmurs out loud.

James seems to register Daniel's brain slowly registering the implications and soon his expression turns from one of sadness to dejection.

"I know I'm your boss but you had no idea we were friends?" James asks and Daniel merely shrugs.

"You're my boss and my…my partner's friend. Sure we're friendly and we look after each other but I hadn't given the whole 'friendship' between us or myself and Goo much thought" Daniel replies honestly and James sighs but a small smile slips back onto his face.

"Even though I am Gun's friend, is it wrong to say that you're my favourite one in the relationship?" James asks and Daniel lets out a snort only for the redhead to suddenly stand up. "Alright, this is not okay. I know realistically we don't know much about each other so let's change that. Seeing as you're going to be leaving us soon and no matter how much I try to convince you to stay it won't be up to you to make that decision, it's better to make memories now whilst you're still here. Let's go" James quickly moves around his desk and through his room, marching to grab his coat and then to the door.

"What? Where are we going?" Daniel calls, bolting after the taller.

"Come along, you'll see"

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James drove his vehicle, taking them through Seoul at a speed that has Daniel's heart rate fluctuating more than it should have. Did Daniel believe that James would keep them safe? Yes. Did he hold onto his seat belt with a vice grip? Yes.

Throughout the drive, James remained tightlipped about the location they were heading to. No matter how many times he asked the other man the redhead would just smirk and stay silent. Around half an hour later they slowed down to a large building, one that Daniel hadn't seen often in person but would be stupid not to know what it was. He's seen the building enough times on social media to be able to decipher it from its architecture and logos.

Moreover, there was a giant billboard of the pink-haired idol and CEO of the company plastered right on the side of the building so it wasn't hard not to be able to guess where they were.

"What are we doing at PTJ Entertainment?" Daniel inquires softly, eyes warily looking at the endless amount of windows and sparkling cars that were parked in the area.

"We're going to meet someone, come on" James hops out of the car first and Daniel follows at a slower pace. Trudging behind James, Daniel can't help but let his gaze wander to the outside of the building before it morphed into the inside. Overall, it was all pretty surreal and amazing. "Stay here for a moment, I need to go do something" James orders as he directs Daniel to sit in the foyer.

The Doctor could only watch sceptically as James' body disappeared through a pair of doors, leaving Daniel to his lonesome self. Sure there were dozens upon dozens of people around on the ground floor, bustling around and doing their work, but they weren't focused on him.

Eventually, after about ten long minutes, there's a voice that calls out to him.

"Mister Park?"

Looking up, Daniel is startled to see a woman approaching him. She wore a professional muted red dress, her dark hair was pulled back into a bun and her demeanour was put together as she approached the Doctor.

"Yes?" Daniel replies, confused by who he was being addressed by but standing up to meet her and even going so far as to shake her hand when she offers it.

"I'm Maria, DG's secretary. Come with me" She orders firmly before spinning around in her heels. "He's waiting for you" Maria prompts as she walks towards the elevators at a brisk pace without waiting for the other to follow.

Daniel rushes to catch up, narrowly entering the doors of the lift before it closes.

"DG?" Daniel gapes, mouth wide open and confusion written on his face.

Why the hell was he meeting with DG?!

"Why am I meeting him? I don't think I'm supposed to be meeting with the CEO, I came here with my boss, James Lee, and I have no idea where he is…" Daniel trails off but Maria holds up a hand, pausing him in his tracks.

"I know"

There was no further explanation so Daniel admits his defeat and stands back.

The elevator goes up and up until eventually, they make it to one of the top floors. Walking in they head towards a direction, passing office booths and other workers who were around, continuing with their own life.

As Daniel followed he heard a commotion from the corner of the room, turning to watch the shouting match that was going on, the Doctor was surprised to see a woman, pretty with light brown hair and a pretty face, although currently it was morphed into an ugly scowl.

She was lecturing the man that stood in front of her, dressed in a tracksuit and with an irritated expression on his face…Holy shit was that Conner?! Daniel gapes at the sight of the fighter who had openly complained about his work life and more specifically his boss.

Was his boss Aru?!!

Maria didn't bother addressing the situation, merely rolling her eyes and continuing forward until they were standing in front of large double doors. Daniel takes the time to glance around the area, catching sight of a desk that must've belonged to Maria judging by the photo frames that were located there. One photo frame in particular stood out, it was her standing next to a man as well as a child who looked to be two to three years of age, all three of them smiling into the camera. It was a nice photo.

Present Maria pauses momentarily before turning back to face Daniel, placing a firm expression on her face as she directs her words at him.

"What you're about to see stays with you and only you. If I find out that you somehow leak this information to the press I will ensure that your life is ruined. Do we have an understanding?" Maria hisses and Daniel gapes.

His mouth opens and closes, processing the threat before his brows scrunch together and he replies.

"Miss, I have no idea about what's going on and I'm so lost. I came here with my boss who dares I say might have abandoned me here as punishment for me having resigned from my job today and now I'm meeting DG for some reason and I can't help but feel like I'm panicking and I'm lost and I'm-" "Ok, ok, calm down" Maria's cold front drops momentarily and it's replace is concern.

She reaches out and grasps Daniel's shoulder, the contact feeling warm and grounding.

"You're not in trouble, kid. I'm just…whatever you see in there I just want you to keep it to yourself. Can you do that for me?" She asks, wording her previous question in a softer and much more understanding tone.

Daniel nods.

"Okay, if you can do that for me then there won't be any problems. What you're about to see is nothing…it's nothing dangerous. I just want you to be mindful that the secret I'm about to unveil to you is going to be something I need you to hold close to your heart. Not many people know about this" Maria explains and Daniels.

"I promise I won't tell a soul" Daniel agrees, feeling younger than he actually was under the secretary's motherly gaze.

She nods, patting his shoulder before turning back and knocking on the door.

There's a faint response which leads to her opening the door for Daniel and stepping aside. Daniel glances at her nervously before heading in, the door shuts after he enters and he finds himself alone with DG.

"Daniel"

Looking up, Daniel immediately catches sight of the iconic DG pink hair as well as the luxury sunglasses that hid the man's gaze that was pinned onto him.

"Um…hello Mr. DG" Daniel edges forward, feeling shy to be in the presence of someone so famous and beloved by the world. "I'm sorry to bother you, I don't mean to be here and I honestly think that this is a mistake but…I'm quite a big fan of yours" He rambles on before a voice clears, and Daniel pauses.

"Come here" DG raises a hand and ushers him closer.

Not willing to disobey the superstar and CEO, Daniel walks forward slowly. He moves closer and closer until he eventually finds himself right in front of the man's desk.

"You're a fan?" DG asks, his voice just as soft and pleasant as his music usually is.

"I-I am" Daniel couldn't stop his stuttering and he couldn't help but feel utterly embarrassed.

How the hell could James even pull a stunt like this on him without warning? Was it a punishment or a gift from the man? Daniel can hear the scrapping of a chair and he senses DG shift from a sitting position to a standing one. The Doctor doesn't dare look up, not until he feels a hand grasp his chin and tilt it up.

"It's truly heart warming to know that the Miracle Doctor is a fan of mine. I'm also quite a fan of you" Daniel looks up, feeling the way his face grows red at the touch only to pause. Daniel stares his eyes mapping out DG's handsome face.

From the man's high cheekbones, and perfectly structured nose to his sharp jawline, he looked exactly like his posters and music videos. He also looked oddly familiar. Daniel can't help but feel like the sight of the man in front of him is too similar to someone else.

DG's sunglasses slip down slightly to reveal the man's eyes and in an instant, Daniel is ripping his face away from the hand.

"JAMES?!" Daniel shouts.

Immediately 'DGs' face morphed into one of amusement.

"Hey Daniel," James smiles.

A million thoughts ran through Daniel's mind as he tried to process what was going on in front of him.

"James…are you impersonating DG?" Daniel hisses, looking around the office for cameras or maybe even a prank crew. "That's…how the hell did you organise something like this?!" He gasps.

James freezes for a moment before he bursts out laughing. It's loud and it has James heaving between breaths that at some points it sounds like he's choking. The man has gone almost as pink as his…was it real hair or a wig? Daniel didn't have a clue. There are a few tears that are streaming down the Founder's face, and he's clawing at the table to stand upright. Overall, it felt like the reaction was a bit exaggerated.

"Okay, okay, laugh it up but I still have no clue what's going on" Daniel crosses his arms, pouting at the reaction.

"I-I'm sorry. It's just that I've never had someone clock onto the fact that it's me so fast but still be so clueless about what's going on" James wipes a tear before pushing himself to stand upright. "I am DG" He states clearly and Daniel raises a brow.

"Uh yeah, I can see that. It's a really impressive cosplay by the way and the production into this prank, I mean you even got access into the building and potentially his office-" "No, no. Daniel listens to me for a moment" James holds up a hand before pointing to himself.

"I am DG" He reiterates and Daniel frowns.

"I heard you the first time"

"Oh for the love of- I AM DG! There are no pranks and no jokes. I am Playboy, Billionaire, Philanthropist, worldwide superstar and CEO of PTJ entertainment. DG and James are one and the same except that DG has just been an alias for me all this time due to my job at the CC" James explains in clearer terms.

Daniel blinks.

James blinks.

…

"Oh"

James sighs, palming his face as Daniel flushes in embarrassment. He's flustered at having been so slow to realise the true situation. Now that the truth has been revealed and Daniel can step back and register what is going on, he still has no clue about the purpose of this reveal.

"James…thanks for trusting me with this secret but I'm not quite sure how this is related to my situation at all" Daniel huffs out.

James' smile turns sad, the edges don't quite reach his eyes as he addresses the situation.

"I've revealed this to you to show you that the CC has its secrets and can hide them. Your situation with that other Doctor, whilst nefarious isn't the worst there is. People who were present saw what happened and can definitively say that you were being verbally harassed and just defending yourself. Every other rumour or scandal that Jeremy tries to bring up would be worthless without anyone choosing to back his words up. At the end of the day, he's one measly doctor and you fortunately have many people you can count on. Moreover, Your relationship with Gun if revealed isn't something that should be viewed with negativity. Yes, there will be some who will hate it but their opinions shouldn't weigh on you as a person. You don't need to elope to a different country because of what has happened and if you need to convince your uncle of that then allow me to speak with him. Surely others can knock some sense into him, he's seen the change that you've implemented on all of us, and to take you away could be taking all that progress" Throughout James' speech he was confident.

He was sure in his words, in his stance and reasons and he was sure that Daniel would pull through from things because of it. Daniel could understand, he really did. There didn't need to be a dramatic exit, Daniel didn't need to leave but…in the back of his mind, there were a few things that were eating at him.

In the period from when Jinyoung announced that he would be leaving up until he had finished his resignation letter, he has had time to think and consider. Jeremy's words had been brutal, they had been harsh but they had been true. Every single one of his proclamations about Daniel had been the truth and no amount of venomous denial could ever strip it of that.

Yes, by all technicalities he was a child of nepotism and he was granted special privileges because of his uncle.

Yes, he had been a terrible Doctor, to begin with. Trauma and history aside his actions and inadequacy to perform could have resulted in harm towards his patients, towards the hospital and to his fellow peers and colleagues.

Yes, he is having an affair with his boss. Whilst that wasn't the biggest problem in the world, others wouldn't view it the same as he did. They'd think it was either Gun taking advantage of his position to sleep with a subordinate or it was Daniel trying to climb the rankings. Unless Daniel could explicitly explain it in full terms about their 'relationship' which he didn't want to do any time soon, then people were going to have thoughts and opinions about them. No matter how much Daniel could ignore those, he knew they'd still take a toll on him and his relationship, especially since Gun and he were still at a low point.

What made all these points even worse was his public denial of them. He's already denied the allegations and he even ended up assaulting a person over them. To come out now and say ' Hey, by the way, all the allegations are true and I just hit someone because I was mad ' was not reasonable.

By James' explanation, he believed that regardless the fans and people wouldn't care. That their love and devotion for Daniel would far outweigh all the lies or truths he'd be spewing out. What's worse is that Daniel knows that James is right and that doesn't sit well with him in the slightest.

It would be no less than Daniel taking advantage of other people for his benefit. No matter how much that would save Daniel's ass, he could not and will not do that to people who trust him.

"I'm sorry James" Daniel starts and James deflates in his seat, a look of loss and understanding befalling him. "But I can't do that. It's time I start owning up to my mistakes and face the music…thank you for telling me the truth about you and I appreciate all your hard work and effort to support me but I can't in good conscience do that…I'm still going to resign" He admits.

Leaning back in his chair, James continues to watch Daniel with a passive expression. He wasn't outraged by the conclusion, annoyed and frustrated perhaps but not mad at Daniel. Quietly he voices a thought.

"You're a good man, Daniel" James sighs and Daniel smiles.

"No, but I'm trying to be" He answers honestly.

James nods before asking a question.

"Have you told Gun about all of this?" The Founder was sceptical and rightfully so when he was met with silence. Sucking in a deep breath, James Changes his question. "When will you tell him?

.

.

.

There was an awkward tension in the air when Daniel returned to the CC just in time to help prepare for the finale of the tournament. His fellow helpers whispered in hush tones and watched him warily, causing the Doctor to feel nothing more than like a zoo animal behind bars.

It isn't until Mira and Jay arrive that the distance between them breaks.

"Daniel!" Mira's voice rings through the air, cutting off the whispers and pausing Daniel in his spot. He had been helping restock bandages and gauzes, turning around he caught sight of the female's worried expression before she strode over and flinging her arms around him. "Daniel, are you alright?" She asks.

Responding to the hug, Daniel squeezes her tightly before letting go and putting distance between them.

"I'm fine, I'm not the one who got hurt, remember?" Daniel reminds kindly.

A hand clamps down on his shoulders and the Doctor turns to see Jay watching him with a woeful expression, he shakes his head aggressively.

"Jay is right. Physically, Jeremy might have been the one to get hurt but that doesn't mean the words he had been saying and throwing around didn't hurt you. I don't understand that guy! He was horrible to work with, he was mean to you and he was just a foul person overall, a complete bully" Mira translates and to Daniel's surprise there was a murmur of agreement that radiated throughout the room as others chime in.

"We didn't want to ask or say anything earlier, Doctor Park but we were worried for you" One person calls.

"Don't worry Doctor Park, we don't believe a word he said" Someone else states.

"We hated that guy anyways" Another chimes in and there's another round of agreements.

Surprised and oddly touched by the reaction, Daniel could only smile sadly at the group. The group that he had taught and watched grew since the first day of the CC. Few had left, many had joined, yet all of them were hardworking, caring and amazing individuals.

"I…I'm alright, really I am" Daniel confesses and he finds that mentally he is fine. His whole situation with Jeremy whilst annoying was now only a minuscule problem. Instead, it was finding the heart to tell this group that by next week he wouldn't be working with them anymore, that he'd be out of the country, now that was harder to swallow. Especially knowing how much they struggled in the past with previous Doctors, it was heart breaking.

"So, what's the outcome of it all? Anything significant we should know about?" Mira asks gently and Daniel blinks at her and the crowd that was forming around him.

Slowly he speaks.

"Jeremy is concussed but he's fine, he'll make a full recovery. As for everything else…it's still to be determined. I don't know anything yet" Until the lawyers could speak and settle what happened, Daniel was in the unknown.

People nod at the words, accepting the explanation but still wary of the circumstances. Feeling the need to pick up their mood, Daniel clears his throat at this captures the attention of every present.

"Before we complete tonight's tournament I'd just like to say a few words to you all" He announces, taking a step back so that he could consider all the people present. "I wanted to express my gratitude and thank every one of you for sticking by, for improving and for working hard. It's not been an easy journey, we've all had our challenges and overcome different situations and yet you've all made it so far. I'm proud of you, all of you" Daniel tells them honestly.

The amount of surprised looks he received showcases just how deprived many of them were of words of affirmation. Few looked ready to cry but that wasn't Daniel's intention.

"The CC wouldn't be where it is today without the hard work and effort that all of you have put in. You might not feel like you've made a difference but I can assure you, you have. The work you put in here is valued, I couldn't have asked for a better team than the one standing in front of me today. Thank you" If Daniel sounds forlorn then nobody mentions it, instead they cheer and clap, and a few come up to him to thank him for his work. Some hug and offer compliments and just ever so slightly, the heavy burden on Daniel's shoulders lessens.

To them, it was a speech. One of many that Daniel has given, maybe it was peppered with a few more compliments than usual but to Daniel, it was his goodbye to the team. Not that they'll know.

The CC tournament was soon to begin, pushing aside his outside life and worries, Daniel focused.

.

.

.

Gun could barely focus on anything else other than Daniel who looked about as normal and calm as he usually was, bustling around in the medical set-up area. He had heard about the situation with Jeremy and had to deal with a bit of the aftermath of it but he ultimately hadn't been able to meet with the Doctor. He had contemplated sending him a message to ask if he was okay but thought against it. He could ask after the tournament face to face, maybe even talk about other things relating to them, but that would have to wait.

For now, Gun watches, he observes and stores the memory of Daniel tirelessly working in his mind.

A tap on his shoulder snaps him out of it. Turning and rather than seeing Goo or James calling for his attention he's met with his uncle. The man's subdued face reminds him of the other problems in his life.

" We should have another talk, perhaps you can re-evaluate your decision and be sensible" Shintaro remarks and Gun frowns.

He couldn't avoid his family altogether and with Shintaro and the Kojima brothers frequenting the CC every week their silent stares were becoming weary.

"I'll give you my final decision soon," He replies evenly and his uncle, although not satisfied by the words, doesn't argue. Heading back towards his coveted seat, he continues to brood.

A few moments afterwards, once Gun can overcome his anger and his fellow Founders are sure he won't explode, they begin the tournament.

With this tournament, although there weren't as many participants as the last time, the viewership had of course gone up again. It wasn't every day where an entire older generation of fighters would come together to stand for something meaningful. Even if that meaning was revenge.

Gun barely pays attention to James' and Goo's commentating, they decide to give him a pass this time due to his mood, he also barely pays attention as both Jichang and Gitae come out into the arena. The crowd goes crazy at the sight of them, eyeing the two competitors with vulturous eyes.

Jichang in his tan and light-coloured suit. Gitae in a deep red, pinstripe shirt and dark pants. Both men regarded each other with disdain and hate, it was mutual and it would fuel their fight for tonight.

With the two men facing off, Gun makes out the both of them exchanging a few words, ones that seem to only endlessly piss the police officer off more and more. Gitae scoffs and smirks, his attitude as pompous and cocky as Gun remembers hearing about. He had never formally met the King of Seoul but he had heard enough about his strength through the rumours on the street and whatever crumbs he was given from Goo and James. Nevertheless, he has heard the tale of Gitae's fight with Jichang and the end of the former king losing.

Goo calls for the fight to start and it begins immediately. Both men lunge, Jichang using his special technique aims straight for the head only for Gitae to completely dodge, unphased by how dangerously close the officer's hands had gotten. Instead, the King misdirects the hand and sends his punch straight to the white snake's chest, knocking the man to the ground with a thunderous impact.

People gape and cheer at the sight, within a mere couple seconds they were already being given entertainment and within those mere seconds they had witnessed Gitae land the first hit.

"What's this? The White snake blocks!" Goo shouts from his seat.

Several people stand to watch the scene, noticing how both of Jichang's hands have blocked the blow, yet despite this success the pain on the officer's face was prevalent. It also didn't help that the injuries on Jichang's hands seemed to be even more noticeable that night. Gitae eyes the scars, a smirk appearing on his face at the sight as he makes some remark to the police officer who only seems to fume even more.

Then, out of nowhere, Gitae raises his free hand in a similar maneuver to the other man, copying Jichang's hand blades he goes in for the kill. Shock at the move rings through the arena but luckily Jichang doesn't seem surprised by this as rather than block he dodges. Rolling out from under the King of Seoul, he skids to a stop only to yet again throw his body out of the way as Gitae dives for him again.

The scene continues similarly and the crowd watches on. With Gitae unleashing move after move, some hits landing and others missing by mere millimetres due to Jichang's prowess but of course, as time goes on the officer grows tired. The same couldn't be said about Gitae who grins from ear to ear, relentlessly attacking without breaking so much as a sweat.

By the 20-minute mark, Jichang is out of breath and littered with bruises and cuts. Sweat pours down his forehead yet despite the heavily one-sided fight he doesn't back down. Even Gitae was sporting a few bruises here and there despite being on the winning side, Officer Kwak wasn't going to let him get away scratch-free.

"Gitae is fighting harder than he did with the other kings" Gun mutters to Goo and James who are also watching the fight avidly.

"Their adversary is more personal compared to the others" James states and although he appears nonchalant the tone of his voice dips into worry. Was James worried for Jichang? Hah, Gun hadn't expected the redhead to care about his King's adversaries.

"Gitae won the last time around, I don't see why he would try so hard now" Goo hisses, concern shining on his face as he gives the fight his entire attention.

"Jichang's trying even harder than he did last time, I'm sure it's because he wants to beat Gitae and move on to fight me but…that just means that Gitae is just going to try harder to beat him. Losing isn't in the Son of Gapryong's nature, bastard or not" James analyses and Gun agrees.

Just watching how effortlessly Gitae was able to move around and play with Jichang made Gun's interest in the man peak. If there weren't set rules on his ability to challenge others' he'd probably ask the guy to a fight of his own. Gun would love to know which one of them would be the stronger individual. Lost in his thoughts about fighting Gitae and evaluating how he could win against the guy the sound of the crowd draws him back to reality.

Blinking in confusion, Gun is met with the sight of Gitae pinning Jichang to the floor, straddling the man's bloodied and exhausted body and once more speaking to him in hushed tones that were being drowned out by the people.

Whatever he asks of Jichang is ignored and soon the officer laughs in his face and throws up his middle finger. The sudden attitude shocks the majority of viewers and fans, including the VIPs.

"What the hell is he thinking?" Neko hisses from her spot as Vivi agrees.

Eugene watched on silently, face grim as his eyes tracked to movements of Gitae.

Shintaro and the Kojima brothers were also quiet but that didn't hide the awe that was on their faces as they observed Gitae. Although Sintaro looked slightly more peeved rather than in awe as if he was seeing an image no one else could see. Maybe Gitae simply reminded the man of Gapryong Kim, Gun wasn't sure.

Gitae's next move comes fast, using the hand blades he works quickly to pierce Jichang's uninjured hand, the one without scars. People scream and gasp at the sight of fingers piercing through the skin as if they were knives, the gruesome scene finally reminding people of the brutality the CC offered compared to other fight clubs. Jichang doesn't bother screaming, he holds in his pain through bitten lips, enough to make them bleed.

"Should we stop them?" Goo mutters out the question.

"Jichang has yet to concede, he could recover from this" James remarks.

Gitae pulls back his hand and acts yet again, piercing his fingers even deeper which causes Jichang to gasp this time, throwing his head back in pain as Gitae crackles manically.

Reaching for the microphone, Gun voices out a question.

"Officer Jichang Kwak, do you concede?" He asks monotonously, hoping the man would consider calling it quits.

There's no response other than Gitae putting more pressure on the wound and muttering more things into Jichang's ear. Gun shares a look with his Founders before asking again.

"Officer Kwak, if you want to get out of this situation you either need to fight back or concede," He pressures the man.

Gun would consider himself well acquainted with Jichang. With the CC working with the police department when it comes to crimes and delinquency, he was familiar with meeting up with the man whenever particular groups or fighters lost control in a public setting. He has shared coffee with the man and smoked together with him and Jichang has turned a blind eye to Gun more than once. One time in particular was when Gun needed to track down the creeps that had hurt and upset Daniel. He was grateful for the man handing him over the names of the men even if he had taunted Gun for it.

Overall, he could say that he respected and liked Jichang, to see him die would not be Gun's preference in outcomes.

After a staggeringly long moment of egoism, Jichang concedes.

"I CONCEDE!" And rightfully so. Sirens go off to signal the end of the match.

Revenge against Gitae and James didn't matter in the grand scheme of things, not when the man had two younger brothers to support. Without Jichang, they're without a guardian, and their family had already lost their parental figures to lose Jichang would put them in a worse position.

Gitae pulls his hand away and moves off Jichang. The medical team rushed out to collect Jichang who groaned in pain on the floor. The crowd go off, cheering for the mindless violence once more like clockwork and Gun claps along. Grinning at the people's reaction, Gitae bows slightly before turning to face the VIP booth.

Goo cheers happily for his secret friend whereas James reacts similarly to Gun. Taking in their applause, a calculating look befalls Gitae's face before a smirk appears. Gun can only feel sick and twisted deep inside at the reaction, it only gets worse when Gitae lifts a hand and points to the booth.

People go quiet, watching the scene unfold with confused and bated breaths. Goo falls completely silent, confusion swirling in his mind before eventually he freaks out.

"What the fuck?!" Goo shouts, louder than he intended but he doesn't care about the consequences. His eyes trail from the pointed finger up to the figure it was directed at.

Gitae laughs at the reaction before ushering for a mic. The object is passed on by an employee and the King of Seoul takes it with bloodied hands he hadn't even bothered to wash off or wipe away yet.

"I won the match which means I get to pick who I want to fight, right? I've chosen my fighter, come on out, James Lee" Gitae demands as heads turn to the redhead who watched on in stunned shock.

Blinking once, then twice, James turns to Goo who is just as shocked.

"Goo…what have you done? I knew this wasn't going to go over well" He hisses to the blonde who looked guilty.

Despite Goo's insistence that Gitae would simply choose the prize money and walk away, there had always been the chance for the man to defy his instructions and choose to fight one of them yet they had been blinded by their assumptions. With James expecting to fight one of the other kings, Goo simply thinking his 'friendship' with Gitae would be secure and Gun's mind being occupied by his family and Daniel they had forgotten to consider this outcome.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think…We had an agreement and he…he's going against his words" Goo attempts to apologise but James shakes his head, standing from his seat he stares down at Gitae.

"I accept" James announces before turning around to march down to the arena.

.

.

.

James had been prepared to fight, despite Goo's 'amazing' plan that he had in place and the reassurance that the Kings wouldn't be a problem, he had still been prepared. He had worn practical attire rather than a suit as well as fitting shoes for the event. He had known that later he would be called on to face a fighter in the arena after a tournament, it's happened before so James understands the rules and regulations for it. It just hasn't happened with an opponent he knows could match his abilities.

As he walks out into view of the people he's met with a shining spotlight. Down here on the ground, it feels hotter than usual but with the direction of where his night was going, he attempts to ignore it as best as he can. He ignores the sound of the people, of Goo cautiously commentating on the fight and Gun joining in here and there, having broken out of the mood he was in earlier. Nice to know his potential demise is what causes Gun to refocus on his job.

The next sight he sees is the tall and bloodied form of Gitae, smiling dangerously at him from a distance. The closer the redhead gets the taller the man gets, it's almost pitiful what their height difference is and James wasn't even remotely a short person.

"James, it's been a while" Gitae greets civilly and James nods.

"That it has, although I didn't expect this to be our first physical interaction and conversation after you returned from Mexico" How many years had it been since he asked the man for help with the King's situation? How many years since Gitae had run off to Mexico to pursue bigger things other than killing his fellow bastard siblings? James is unsure but he does distinctly remember being on good enough terms with the man.

Good enough that it didn't warrant a fight in the CC. Unfortunately, this didn't turn out to be true.

"Well, I just couldn't pass up such a wonderful opportunity. I know the both of us have speculated about who would be stronger and this is the perfect time to test out our abilities against each other" Gitae grins as he rolls his shoulder and takes a fighting stance.

James frowns, spreading his feet apart slightly and waiting for the siren to sound as Goo in the background announces their match-up.

"I can't say I've ever wanted to fight you, never had a reason to" James replies as Gitae cackles in return.

"Brave words from a losing man. You know, these past several years I have been working my ass off, honing my skills and power. Tell me, what have you been doing other than sitting on your ass in a booth and watching other scoundrels fight?" Gitae taunts.

James knows that the man is just trying to get a rise out of him. Well, it was working.

"You'll get your answer through this fight" James simply smiles but rather than his usual sweet one, it showcases a sharp sincerity and promise of danger.

The sirens go off but neither Gitae nor James move from their spots. Standing still and not approaching one another causes a wave of confusion to flow through the viewers.

' Why aren't they fighting? The match began, right?'

'Uhh…Maybe this is a strategy?'

'Oooh I'm pretty sure it's a face off…I think'

The siren may have dictated the start of the match but it did not initiate the start of their fight. Cautiously eyeing one another, rather than lunge or approach the two men simply start to edge around each other. Moving in slow, precise movements, they walk around in a clockwise motion.

Everyone watches on with bated breaths, falling silent as their focus hinged on every edge of motion coming from the two fighters. A pin could drop at this current moment and the entire arena would be able to hear it, that was how quiet it had gotten.

James calculates the moves and skills Gitae would potentially use, coming up with as many counters or offence moves as possible. He was perspiring, the tension, pressure and heat of the spotlight adding to it all until eventually a bead of sweat fell from the side of his head, down his chin and to the floor, that's when they moved.

James bites back a grunt as Gitae moves, almost faster than he could process he finds himself head first into the concrete floor as the bastard kicks his head down. Holding back curses at being hit first, James catches himself on the floor with both arms, pushing himself up and swinging his legs around to nail the guy in the face. Blood pours out from both their heads, both hits causing damage but not so much as preventing the other from continuing the fight.

Goo narrates in the background, James can't make out the words but he can feel the thrum of worry in his tone of voice. It takes everything in him not to turn around and look over to Goo and Gun who were sitting in the VIP booth, probably watching on critically, they would only distract him.

Gitae who was caught off guard from the kick to the face recovers strangely well. His body which had been falling over due to the momentum of James' kick catches itself with his right arm, putting weight on the appendage he lifts his body into a one-arm handstand and attempts to send a front kick. Catching sight of the move, James grits his teeth and draws himself backwards and away from the foot. The sound of the wind flying past him was enough to tell him just how much force was behind the kick.

Just as Gitae lands and stabilises himself on the floor, the Founder lunges forward and makes a move to swipe him off balance yet of course, Gitae jumps out of reach.

The two of them go back and forth. Other than the first hit against each other neither of them could land another. Catching air and only air, both men begin to grow frustrated. Despite Gitae not having broken a sweat with Jichang, he was slowly losing his composure here. Two fights in a row, especially against men like Jichang and James? Of course, he was going to grow tired even if it was slightly. James on the other hand wanted to get this done and over with, the longer this played out the higher the chance of the both of them doing something they would regret.

Clicking his tongue, just as Gitae finishes following through with a failed punch, James rushes forward. He grabs the son of Gapryong by the hips and attempts to tackle him to the floor only for Gitae to scoff in agitation about being grabbed. Knowing that the man thinks he's about to be tackled to the floor onto his back, James switches his maneuver and spins them around so that he is grabbing Gitae from behind. With all his might, he holds on tightly and heaves Gitae off the floor.

A suplex, perfect in all regards, so perfect that James was sure the taller man would get hit only for Gitae to chuckle. Somehow, someway, Gitae manages to squeeze himself out mid-lift, landing on his feet and leaving James in a precarious position. Not taking a moment at all, Gitae wraps his arm and biceps around James' neck and smashes him into the floor.

Expecting this, James plants a strong hand against his head and the concrete to soften the blow. Countering this, Gitae lets go and stomps James' entire head further into the floor with even more force, causing the Founder's head to go through regardless of his arm in place.

Clenching his teeth in pain, James could feel the debris from the concrete floor crack open, a hot, throbbing pain was pulsating through his head and arm and he could do nothing but ignore it for now. Feeling Gitae's presence still behind him, he sends a sharp elbow to the sternum of his chest which knocks the guy backwards with a gasp.

Lifting himself off the floor, James can feel the sticky, warm blood cascading down his head. Turning around he catches sight of Gitae's smile falling off his face as he rubs at his chest, staggering to stand straight and push aside any sign of weakness.

"Not bad so far, not bad" Gitae remarks, speaking again now that they had exchanged more than enough blows to send an army of men to their graves.

"Right back at you" James acknowledges. Despite the situation and pain, he could acknowledge a strong opponent when he faced one, he had forgotten about how thrilling fights like this could get. When was the last time he faced a worthy opponent that could make him bleed? The other Kings? Goo and Gun? He can't remember.

"Let's turn this up a notch" Gitae states as suddenly he lunges again yet this time with even quicker speed. Caught off guard by this, James gasps as the man sends a kick to his thigh, weakening his leg.

James had always prided himself on his speed and strength and he knew that Gitae's strength and endurance could match or even surpass him but never did he think that his speed could be outmatched. James isn't given time to recover or react before he's sent a punch to his stomach, lifting him off the floor just slightly but with enough force for the Founder to hear something crack.

Again, Gitae moves and hooks him in the face, James can barely catch himself with his feet, staggering backwards only to be kneed in the abdomen harshly. The pain that was pulsating through his head and ribs was achingly sharp, he could barely breathe without being rained on with more hits. A sharp kick to his chin has him verbally shouting in pain, blood now spills down his mouth as he bites his tongue.

Fuck it hurt.

Was he going to lose?

Stumbling down, he feels his legs give out from underneath him until he suddenly finds himself on his knees. The solid ground beneath him is more reassuring than he wanted it to be but after such a nauseating onslaught of attacks, James finds himself disorientated.

His hands shift themselves to lie flat on the floor, struggling to hold himself upright and trying to make sense of the spinning world.

"Hmm, how disappointing" James could briefly make out Gitae's words through the thunder of shock and surprise that was vibrating through all the people who were watching.

For once in James' life he questions what the hell he's doing. In all the fights he's been in there had never been a point in his life where he questions the purpose of his actions. He fights for justice. He fights because it's his duty. He fights because it's his job. Yet now, as he faces against Gitae Kim, he questions why the hell he had to be the one to do it.

What would even happen if he lost?

The CC's reputation might take a hit but then what? One person beats him and then he'll have to what? Retire? People might look at him in pity and sympathy, he might be known as the supposed invincible Founder who was defeated in a fight that was supposed to be in his favour, to begin with. He'd lose his spot as a Founder, as per regulation Gitae would have the opportunity to take it if he wanted it…the bastard would probably take it out of spite and then change the CC into something even more sinister. Proof of his work with the Mexican Cartel would show up here and then the symbol of the CC for peace and justice would be shattered.

Gitae's place as a Founder and owner of the CC would ruin years of progress. It would single-handedly set the country back and it would be all because James failed to do his job.

Failed?

James Lee…failed to do his job? The name James Lee should not, COULD NOT , be associated with failure. He doesn't fail. He doesn't lose.

But can he win this?

Forcing his eyes open, James hadn't even noticed that they were closed, he makes out Gitae watching him with a smirk. That cocky, arrogant smirk he had only seen a few times in his life of a person that thought they were better than him. It was the same smirk he gave to those who were beneath him, now James was receiving a taste of the same medicine.

Shit, was this what the Kings felt when he overthrew them?

Anger. Bitterness. Hopelessness.

He coughs out more blood, scaring people with the sight of it spilling all over his chin and shirt.

"James Lee, do you concede?" A voice asks, it sounds so far away, so hesitant and so scared that all James can do is shift his eyes in the direction of it.

In the VIP booth, Goo stood up from his seat with a grief-stricken expression, clutching his microphone like a lifeline. Next to him sat Gun, his face hardened with disbelief and anger, his hands grasped onto the railing as if to stop himself from jumping from his seat to his side. Their worry was touching, James couldn't have ask for better friends than those two men.

Through the blood that was caked onto his face, he smiles. It's small, barely seeable but it's there.

James was content to lose, he'd fought long enough. It was time he passed the torch onto someone else, right?

"James…don't concede" Goo's voice calls again causing James to pause. Did he hear that correctly? Blinking lethargically, James processes the words as Goo speaks again. "You have to fight" as if instantaneously, the concern and worry evaporate from the blonde's face.

In its place is simply reassurance. Firm reassurance that James was going to win because no one had ever seen him lose.

"I have to fight?" He croaks out…to fight was to live, that was the motto that he bestowed upon this business when he started, it was the CC's motto so why the hell was he giving up now?

Because he was hurt? Because Gitae was stronger? Has he grown so old and weak that he would simply give up this fight now? Maybe the bastard was right, maybe he had grown comfortable sitting in his seat in the VIP section. Whatever the case, this wasn't acceptable.

With one more glance at Goo's handsome face, so believing in James' ability, he laughs.

It's loud and it's clear, the laugh simply cuts through and carries throughout the arena. Slowly but surely, he claws his hand against the ground and pulls himself up. Promptly, the weight of his limbs ceases to exist and instead, it's replaced with noradrenaline pumping through his veins. He can't let Gitae come in out of nowhere and fuck up the progress that he and his fellow Founders had put into the CC, he simply could not allow that, it was not an option.

So the urge to fight, the urge to win, is overcomed and changed into something else.

He will win.

He has to win.

The world had yet to stop spinning even as James staggers into a standing position, his head and brain feel like he's rolling around his skull without so much as a push. Like a drunk man, he stumbles slightly and although the display should have been humiliating all it does is cause James to laugh. Convulsing and roaring out the sound from the pits of his stomach, the people don't so much as respond with the same enthusiasm as they watched James lose his mind.

Soon the cackling comes to a stop and the smile drops from his face. Instead, he levels Gitae with a despondent look, voided for any emotions.

Gitae who had been amused by the display felt something shift in the air.

"What's this, a mid-fight power u-" Before Gitae could finish his sentence he was sent flying through the air.

Landing on the floor, rolling and then skidding to a stop, Gitae blinks in surprise at the attack but no more words can leave his mouth. Snapping his head up he barely catches sight of the fist that fills his view. Grunting, his neck snaps to the side and he feels blood pour down his face.

Curses aren't even allowed to leave his mouth as a shadow falls down his face. Blinking fast, the sight of James Lee's bloodied and battered form performing a perfectly angled front kick assaults his sights. Gritting his teeth and sucking in a sharp breath, Gitae raises his arms to block the kick yet even that doesn't remove the sheer force of the move.

Shoulders and forearms aching, the son of Gapryong's eyes flitted to Jame Lee's passive face that didn't even blink.

Gitae pushes the foot off his arms, throwing himself forward to land a hit against the Redhead only for him to leap into the air. How a body as broken as James' Lee could jump that high, Gitae doesn't know or understand but he does so anyway and lands straight on his opponent's shoulder.

Gitae grimaces at the sharp pain, the feeling of his shoulder bone shattering is surprising but nothing new.

James jumps off the man, attempting to put some space only for his shirt to be grabbed. In an action to throw him to the ground, James counters easily by slipping away from the grip. In a one-arm handstand on top of Gitae, he doesn't provide the man with any leeway as immediately he smashes his raised foot into his head.

Gitae hits the concrete floor, and more debris flies around but it's not yet enough to force the other into a state of unconsciousness or to concede the fight. Gitae gets up with a growl and James moves to pary.

Their fight continues, yet this time instead of being evenly matched, if people paid close attention they would be able to see that James was outperforming the King. His edge in speed, having increased in the last few moments, overpowers Gitae. Unfortunately for the Founder, Gitae's endurance remains firm even if he bleeds and bruises.

"Fuck, I'm over this shit" Gitae sneers.

James could feel the edge of his lips twitch.

"Heh, so am I" James replies.

Gitae make a motion to grab him but James tears his shirt away effortlessly. With practised ease, James jumps into the air, spinning his body in a spinning kick he swings at Gitae's free head. It lands, Gitae choking in pain.

Yet, just before James could conclude that his victory was assured before he could even land, he let out a shout of pain. Ripping through his chest, James lands and grasps his body before jumping away.

Blinking momentarily, James looks over at Gitae who had blood pouring down his face. He stood firmly in his place and one hand was raised into the air. The sight of a bloodied axe, shining brightly and gleaming with blood, answers the question as to why James' torso was burning in pain.

Looking down, James catches sight of the large gash reaching from his chest to his stomach. Litres and litres of blood seem to pour out, he might have been exaggerating but it sure looked and left like it.

"You must have not read my file when I joined the CC but I put in a request to use a weapon" Gitae announces in a haggard voice as he lowers the axe and points it in James' way. "Let's play" He calls as he jumps forward.

Eyes widening, James doesn't completely dodge the next hit as the axe yet again rips through his chest. He doesn't bother concealing a scream, too exhausted to bother with facades of strength. He stumbles away, understanding that his predicament and the state of his body won't allow him to win against the axe unless he disarms the man in some way. So he runs.

As fast and as far as his body will take him, he runs but the padded footsteps of Gitae chasing after him do little to ease the threat of death. Another explosion of pain rivets his back as Gitae swings yet again. Another scream but James keeps moving.

Gitae laughs, manic and high on the intent to end it all, he chases his prey like a wild hound hungry to sink his fangs into his James' body.

"Come on James, you were acting so high and mighty before, come and face me!" Gitae calls but James doesn't bother looking back.

Yet as he runs he soon realises there is no other option than to face the man. Skidding to a halt, James spins around just as Gitae swings again. Another sharp pain, deeper this time, reaches James but to retaliate, James grabs onto the man before shoving hard. He uses every ounce of strength he has left and humiliatingly so, all it does is push Gitae barely even a metre away.

"How pathetic" Gitae sneers, huffing as he stands up straight and readjusts his grip on the axe. "Let's end this" He growls as he walks forward.

"AND THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IS THE END OF THE 19TH TOURNAMENT OF THE CC!" The sirens sound and Goo's voice booms across the arena.

Gitae's steps falter as he raises his head towards the VIP booth.

"What the fuck?! Neither of us have conceded!" Gitae shouts back.

Goo, for all his bravado that he can muster simply points to Gitae. The big screens shift and zoom out from Gitae to take in the full picture of where he's standing.

"Unfortunately, Gitae, you are outside the boundaries of the arena and therefore you are eliminated making James Lee the winner of this tournament" Goo was quick to explain.

People who had been so absorbed in the fight, Gitae who was just the same, forgot about the other methods of winning aside from verbally conceding and being knocked unconscious. James' running hadn't been out of cowardice, it had been strategic.

People cheer and roar in utter disbelief, James stares plainly at Gitae, barely holding himself together as the King of Seoul gapes in utter disbelief. Eventually, the irritation melts away and all blood lust disappears, all that's left is apathy.

"I see, how annoying" Gitae manages to huff as he gives James one last look before marching off. Despite his bleeding and injuries, he doesn't bother with the medical team that nervously rushes over to him. He even sidesteps and moves away from Doctor Park who rushes onto the scene, raising a hand to stop them before carrying on with his movements.

Once gone and out of sight, James turns to the medical team who come for him. Daniel's devastated face catches his eyes but it's not until the Doctor's hands touch him does he crumble. Every bit of strength leaves his body.

"You're alright, James. I've got you" Comes to the doctor's words as he feels his body gets picked up and placed on a bed. He feels lightheaded, delirious even but with a bit of coordination, he manages to grasp the Doctors hand.

"Don't leave Daniel, don't go" He mumbles out. There's a pause before the hand tightens.

"I'm right here, James, I'm right here. Stay awake for me" Daniel orders firmly.

Relaxing his body, his head shifts to the side and through the flashing lights, the people crowding him and everything else, James manages to catch a glimpse of Goo still standing up from his seat in the VIP booth off in the distance.

James can't help but smile. He'll tease Goo later, why was he so worried?

James' eyes fall shut.