Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Chasing the Dragon

The Morning After

Sky woke up slowly.

The room was still dim, the early morning light filtering through the curtains.

He blinked once. Twice.

And then he realized—

Nani was in his arms.

Warm. Close. Pressed against his chest.

Sky stiffened.

Not because it was uncomfortable.

But because it wasn’t.

His mind retraced the night before.

Nani had been restless. Tossing. Turning. Muttering under his breath.

Sky, half-asleep, had acted on instinct.

He had pulled him closer. Held him still.

Somehow, Nani had settled.

And now—this.

Sky’s eyes flickered down.

Nani’s face was barely inches from his own. His breathing was steady, his usual guarded expression gone. Soft. Vulnerable.

Sky swallowed.

Too close.

And yet—

His arms didn’t move.

Because for the first time in a while, Nani looked at peace.

And Sky… didn’t want to wake him up.

He let out a slow breath, his thumb unconsciously brushing against Nani’s back.

Dangerous.

That was the only word that came to mind.

Because holding Nani like this?

Felt too natural.

And Sky wasn’t ready for what that meant.

But before he could think too hard about it—

Nani shifted.

His brows furrowed slightly, like his body realized something was different. Then, slowly, his eyes fluttered open.

Sleepy. Unfocused.

For a moment, he just blinked at Sky.

Then—realization hit.

His whole body tensed.

Sky watched, amused, as Nani processed their position. The warmth. The closeness.

Then Nani, predictably, jerked away.

“What the hell—”

Sky caught his wrist.

Enough to make Nani freeze.

Sky’s voice was calm. Too calm.

“You slept better.”

Nani’s breath hitched.

Because Sky wasn’t moving away.

And neither was he.

Sky tilted his head slightly. “Didn’t know you liked to cuddle.”

Nani, recovering quickly, scoffed. “I don’t.”

Sky’s lips twitched. “Then why didn’t you push me off?”

Nani’s face betrayed him. Just slightly.

Sky grinned.

Nani, annoyed, shoved his arm. “Shut up.”

Sky chuckled.

He released Nani’s wrist slowly, the warmth lingering between them.

Nani, still flustered, muttered under his breath. “Next time, sleep on the damn floor.”

Sky smirked. “Sure.”

They both knew he wouldn’t.

---

Sky stepped out first.

The rest of the squad was still waking up, the house unusually quiet.

He walked into the kitchen and—

Found Dew.

Already making coffee.

Dew glanced up, took one look at Sky, and smirked. “…You look well-rested.”

Sky ignored him. “Situation?”

Dew leaned against the counter. “Calm. No suspicious activity overnight. My squad rotated shifts with Interpol.”

Sky nodded, grabbing a mug. “Good.”

Dew took a sip of his coffee. “How’s Nani?”

Sky’s fingers paused against the mug handle.

Dew, grinning, didn’t miss it.

Sky played it off, taking a slow sip. “Fine.”

Dew’s smirk widened. “That’s it?”

Sky shot him a look. “I’m not playing your game.”

Dew chuckled. “Oh, but it’s so much fun.”

Sky sighed. “Are you done?”

Dew, ever dramatic, placed a hand on his chest. “I’m wounded, Sky. Can’t a brother check in?”

Sky rolled his eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

Dew grinned. “And you’re getting soft.”

Sky didn’t answer.

Because maybe—Dew was right.

-----

Planning Their Next Move

The safehouse’s living room had been rearranged into a makeshift war room.

A large table was covered in documents, maps, and surveillance photos. Screens lined the walls, connected to Perth’s laptop, displaying various security feeds and financial trails.

The usual squad banter was gone.

Because this wasn’t just about protecting Nani anymore.

This is war.

Sky leaned against the table, arms crossed. His sharp gaze moved across the team.

Thanawat, standing beside Captain Ohm, broke the silence first.

“Jason Blackwood is tightening his hold. We have limited time before he becomes untouchable.”

Ohm tapped the folder in front of him. “We’ve confirmed Thupa is still in play, but he’s not in control anymore. Jason is absorbing his network.”

Perth, eyes flickering between his screens, murmured, “Thupa’s movements are erratic. It’s not just paranoia—he’s running out of places to hide.”

Joong, leaning on his elbows, exhaled. “If we find him first, we get leverage over Jason.”

Santa, arms crossed, muttered, “If Jason doesn’t kill him before we do.”

The weight of the words settled over the room.

Jason Blackwood wasn’t reckless.

If Thupa was still alive, it was because Jason wanted him to be.

Sky’s voice cut through the tension. “So we find him first.”

Ohm nodded. “I plan to move on a lead today.”

Sky, without missing a beat, responded, “I’m coming with you.”

The room stilled.

Nani’s breath hitched.

“No.”

Sky barely glanced at him. “This isn’t up for debate.”

Nani stepped forward. “Like hell it isn’t.”

The air between them shifted—tightened.

Everyone felt it.

Dunk muttered under his breath, “…Shit, here we go.”

Sky’s voice remained steady. “I’m not just going to sit here and wait for Jason to make his next move.”

Nani’s jaw clenched. “That’s exactly what you should do.”

Joong exhaled, leaning back. “Nani, I get that you're worried, but—”

“You don’t get it.” Nani’s voice was sharp. Unyielding. “Jason doesn’t fight fair. He doesn’t leave loose ends.”

Sky met his gaze head-on. “That’s exactly why I need to go.”

Nani’s hands curled into fists. “You think I don’t know what he’s capable of?”

Sky’s voice softened—just slightly. “Then you know why we can’t just wait.”

Nani took a slow breath. Forced himself to calm down.

“There’s another way.”

All eyes turned to him.

Nani exhaled, shifting his weight. “I might remember something.”

The room went silent.

Joong sat up straighter. Santa’s smirk faded. Dunk’s eyes widened slightly.

Even Thanawat’s usual unreadable expression sharpened.

Sky, voice low, steady, asked, “What do you remember?”

Nani hesitated. Not because he didn’t want to say it.

But because saying it out loud made it real.

He exhaled.

“Jason never gets his hands dirty.”

Perth, still typing, muttered, “We already figured that.”

Nani shook his head. “No. I mean—not just physically. Even his money never touches illegal assets directly.”

Santa frowned. “Meaning?”

Nani pressed his fingers against the table. “Every major crime lord I’ve ever seen always left some kind of direct link to their empire. No matter how careful, there was always something. Jason? Nothing.”

Joong frowned. “Then how the hell did he take over Thupa’s network?”

Nani’s throat tightened. “…Because he had control before Thupa even knew it.”

The weight of the realization settled over the room.

Sky’s eyes darkened. “He doesn’t just buy his way in. He owns the game before anyone realizes they’re playing.”

Ohm exhaled. “Which means taking him down isn’t about proving his crimes.”

Thanawat nodded. “It’s about proving he’s already won.”

Dunk, shaking his head, muttered, “I hate this guy.”

Santa snorted. “Join the club.”

Sky’s jaw tightened. He turned to Ohm. “You still need to go after Thupa.”

Ohm nodded. “We need him alive. He’s the only one desperate enough to talk.”

Sky’s next words were sharp. “Then I’m still going.”

Nani’s breath hitched again. “Sky—”

Sky turned toward him, stepping closer. Not aggressive. Not cold. Just firm.

“I’m not reckless, Nani.”

Nani inhaled sharply. “You don’t know Jason like I do.”

Sky held his gaze. “No. But I know you.”

Nani’s chest tightened.

The room was dead silent.

Joong, rubbing his temple, muttered, “Okay, this is getting intense.”

Santa grinned. “ahhh so cool.”

Dunk smacked his arm. “Dude, read the room.”

Santa shrugged. “I am. It’s a great room.”

Thanawat sighed heavily. “Focus.”

Sky, eyes never leaving Nani’s, spoke again.

“I need to do this.”

Nani swallowed. “…Then I’m going with you.”

Sky’s expression didn’t change.

“No.”

Nani’s pulse spiked. “Sky—”

Sky’s voice was steady. “Your cover is already blown. If you come, Jason will know exactly where to strike.”

Nani’s hands clenched.

Because Sky wasn’t wrong.

But that didn’t mean he had to like it.

Sky’s voice softened. Just enough for only Nani to hear.

“Trust me.”

Nani exhaled shakily.

He didn’t want to.

But deep down, he already did.

---

Finalizing the Plan

Thanawat tapped the table. “Then it’s settled.”

Ohm nodded. “We move out in two hours.”

Sky turned to Joong. “Hold down the fort here. Monitor Jason’s network. If anything shifts, I want to know immediately.”

Joong nodded. “Got it.”

Perth adjusted his laptop. “I’ll keep tracking the financial trails.”

Santa cracked his knuckles. “And I’ll be here looking good.”

Dunk muttered, “Useless.”

Santa gasped. “How dare you.”

Thanawat ignored them. “Dew, your squad remains in primary security detail. Make sure interpol does their job”

Dew, still smirking at Sky and Nani, gave a lazy salute. “We’ve got it covered.”

Thanawat exhaled. “Then let’s end this.”

The squad exchanged glances.

Because this was it.

No more waiting. No more running.

Jason Blackwood had made his move.

Now, it was their turn.

And this time—they wouldn’t be playing by his rules.

------

The First Lead

The Bangkok streets were alive with noise—vendors calling out their sales, the honking of impatient drivers, the rhythmic hum of the city.

But Sky wasn’t listening.

His focus was on the man in front of him.

Ohm, flipping through a file, muttered, “Our lead says Thupa’s been hiding in the old district. A dock warehouse, near the river.”

Sky’s jaw tightened. “How solid is this lead?”

Ohm’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Not solid enough.”

Sky exhaled sharply. “Then let’s make it solid.”

The two moved through the crowded market streets, blending in. Neither spoke. Neither needed to.

They had done this before.

Find the target. Get in.

Get out.

Simple.

Or at least, it should have been.

Because the second they stepped near the old docks—something felt off.

Sky’s instincts kicked in. His steps slowed. His fingers brushed against the concealed gun at his back.

Ohm noticed. “You feel it too.”

Sky didn’t answer. He scanned the street—too many people. Too many eyes watching.

Then—

A flicker of movement.

Sky barely had time to react.

A dark figure burst from a side alley, shoving past a vendor’s stall. Boxes crashed to the ground, scattering fruit and plastic wrappers.

The suspect didn’t look back.

Sky cursed. “We’ve been notice.”

Ohm was already moving. “Go! I’ll cut him off.”

Sky didn’t hesitate.

The chase was on.

---

A High-Speed Pursuit

The suspect darted through the maze of streets, weaving between pedestrians, leaping over carts, shoving through narrow alleys.

Sky was right behind him.

His breath was steady. His legs burned. But he didn’t slow down.

Ohm’s voice crackled through his earpiece. “He’s heading toward the bridge. Don’t let him cross.”

Sky pushed harder.

He lunged—grabbing at the man’s hoodie—

The suspect twisted, throwing an elbow.

Sky barely dodged. His body slammed into a stall, sending a pile of newspapers flying.

He recovered fast. Too fast.

Because the suspect was already turning the corner.

Sky growled under his breath. “Not today.”

He surged forward.

Pedestrians shouted, vendors cursed, motorcycles swerved.

The suspect reached the bridge—

Ohm appeared from the other side.

Blocked.

The man skidded to a stop, eyes darting between Sky and Ohm.

Trapped.

Sky slowed his steps, breathing hard but controlled. “End of the line.”

The suspect didn’t respond.

He reached for something in his jacket.

Gun.

Sky moved instantly.

Bang—

A shot rang out.

Sky tackled the man before the bullet could land.

They crashed onto the bridge pavement. The gun skidded across the ground.

Sky twisted, pinning the suspect down, knee pressed hard against his back.

Ohm grabbed the weapon, clearing it. “That was stupid.”

The suspect groaned, struggling.

Sky tightened his grip. “Where’s Thupa?”

No answer.

Ohm crouched, shaking his head. “He’s not going to talk.”

Sky’s jaw clenched. His patience was thin.

He grabbed the suspect’s wrist—twisted.

A sickening crack.

The man howled.

Sky’s voice was deadly calm. “Let’s try this again.”

Ohm exhaled. “Sky—”

Sky didn’t let go. “Where. Is. Thupa?”

The suspect gasped, sweat dripping down his forehead. “…Warehouse. River docks.”

Sky released him.

Ohm stood. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Sky rolled his shoulders. “Let’s move.”

---

Walking Into A Trap

The air near the docks was thick with the stench of saltwater and oil.

Sky and Ohm moved in silence, approaching the abandoned warehouse.

Sky’s grip on his gun was tight.

Ohm scanned the surroundings. “Something’s wrong.”

Sky’s voice was flat. “I know.”

But they didn’t have a choice.

They pushed forward, slipping through the rusted doors.

Inside—

A figure sat tied to a chair.

Face covered. Body limp.

Sky and Ohm exchanged glances.

Ohm exhaled. “Guess we found him.”

Sky moved first, stepping closer. “Thupa?”

No response.

Ohm frowned. “He’s out cold.”

Sky reached for the cloth covering his face.

That’s when he felt it.

The shift in the air. The faintest sound of metal shifting.

A trap.

Sky barely had time to react before—

Gunfire exploded from above.

Bullets rained down from the rafters.

Sky dove, grabbing Ohm by the back of his vest, yanking him down. “Cover!”

They hit the ground as bullets shredded through the wooden crates around them.

“Shit!” Ohm hissed, pressing against a pillar.

Sky cursed, drawing his weapon. “It’s an ambush.”

Ohm returned fire, hitting one of the shooters. “No shit.”

Sky glanced at Thupa—still unconscious, still tied up.

They couldn’t leave him behind.

Sky gritted his teeth. “Cover me.”

Ohm’s eyes widened. “You’re insane.”

Sky didn’t respond. He moved.

Fast. Precise. Reckless.

Bullets sliced past him as he sprinted toward Thupa. He dropped low, cutting the ropes.

The moment Thupa slumped forward, Sky grabbed him, hauling him over his shoulder.

Ohm shouted, “Move, move, move!”

Sky ran.

Gunfire chased them. A bullet grazed his arm—sharp, burning pain.

He ignored it.

They burst out of the warehouse.

Ohm fired a shot over his shoulder, hitting another shooter.

Sky’s breath was heavy. His grip on Thupa was slipping. His vision blurred for half a second.

Ohm caught his arm. “Shit, you’re hit.”

Sky shook him off. “Not the priority.”

Ohm gritted his teeth. “Like hell you aren’t.”

Sky didn’t answer.

Because right now, they have bigger problems.

More men were approaching from the docks.

They needed an escape. Fast.

Ohm’s radio crackled. “Perth! We need an exit!”

Perth’s voice came sharp. “Sending coordinates. There’s a secondary dock with a speedboat waiting.”

Sky exhaled. “Then let’s go.”

Ohm grabbed his arm. “You’re losing blood.”

Sky’s expression didn’t change. “Then I’ll bleed later.”

They ran.

Gunfire followed.

But they didn’t stop.

Not until they reached the docks.

Not until they were speeding away, leaving chaos in their wake.

---

Sky leaned back, pressing a hand to his wound.

The adrenaline was wearing off.

Ohm, steering, glanced at him. “Stay awake.”

Sky smirked slightly. “Why? You’ll miss me?”

Ohm scowled. “I’ll throw you overboard.”

Sky let out a breathless chuckle.

Then—his vision darkened.

His body swayed.

And before he could stop it—

Everything faded to black.

---

The Moment Everything Stopped

The sound of the speedboat cutting through the water should have been a relief.

But Nani’s stomach twisted.

Something was wrong.

He could see it—the tension in Joong’s stance, the way Perth’s fingers hovered over his tablet, the rare, serious look in Santa’s eyes.

Then—he saw the blood.

It smeared across Sky’s shirt, stark against his pale skin. His body slumped against Ohm, unmoving.

Nani’s breath caught in his throat.

The dock felt too far away. The boat is too slow.

The second it reached the edge, Nani was already moving.

Ohm barely had time to step off before Nani grabbed Sky from him, steadying his weight.

Sky groaned softly, eyelids fluttering but not opening.

Nani’s heart slammed against his ribs. “What the hell happened?” His voice was sharper than intended.

Ohm exhaled, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Took a bullet. Lost too much blood. Passed out before we hit the river.”

Nani’s fingers clenched against Sky’s arm. “And you didn’t think to call ahead?!”

Santa whistled low. “Damn. Protective much?”

Before Nani could snap back, Dew’s voice cut through the tension.

“Move. Now.”

Dew and his vice-captain, Benz, were already stepping in. Benz had medical supplies in hand, eyes sharp with urgency.

Dew’s jaw was tight as he took one look at Sky. “Get him inside before he loses more blood.”

Nani didn’t hesitate.

He pulled Sky’s arm over his shoulder, half-carrying him inside.

---

The second they stepped into the room, Nani guided Sky onto the couch.

Sky groaned softly, head tilting back. His breathing was too slow.

Nani knelt beside him, pressing his fingers against Sky’s pulse. It was steady but weak.

Too weak.

His throat tightened.

Dew crouched beside him, checking the wound. "Benz, get the gauze ready."

Benz nodded, already working. "Not deep, but the blood loss is bad."

Nani’s fingers curled into fists. “He shouldn’t have been out there.”

Ohm gave him a tired look. “Try telling him that.”

Santa leaned against the table, arms crossed. “Honestly? He’s lucky. Could’ve been worse.”

Dunk, sitting nearby, muttered, “Yeah, but still. Seeing him like that?” He shivered. “Didn’t like it.”

Joong sighed. “No one did.”

Nani barely heard them.

His entire focus was on the unconscious man in front of him.

The dried blood on Sky’s shirt.

The way his fingers twitched slightly, like he was still fighting something in his dreams.

This wasn’t the first time Nani had seen someone injured.

But it was the first time it felt like this.

Like something was clawing at his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He swallowed hard.

Then, carefully, he reached out.

Fingers brushing against Sky’s wrist—just to feel the pulse again.

Just to make sure.

---

The room had gone quiet.

Nani hadn’t realized it.

Hadn’t noticed how intently everyone was watching him.

Santa smirked. “You’re hovering.”

Nani didn’t move. Didn’t acknowledge him.

Perth arched an eyebrow. “I’ve seen doctors less concerned about their patients.”

Dunk grinned. “Damn. When did you start looking at him like that?”

Joong didn’t say anything. But his gaze was sharp. Calculating.

Ohm, finally done cleaning his own wounds, muttered, “I should’ve known.”

Nani frowned. “Known what?”

Ohm gave him a look. “That you wouldn’t just let this be about work.”

Nani inhaled sharply. “That’s not—”

But he stopped.

Because he wasn’t sure what to say.

Because he wasn’t sure it was a lie.

Dew, standing with arms crossed, tilted his head. “Well, this is interesting.”

Santa’s smirk widened. “Oh, he’s panicking.”

Dunk whistled. “It’s cute.”

Nani shot them a glare. “Shut up.”

But they were right.

Because the way his stomach twisted, the way his hands refused to move away from Sky—

It wasn’t normal.

It wasn’t just a concern.

And that realization was terrifying.

---

A groan.

Low. Raspy. Pained.

Nani’s heart stopped.

Sky shifted slightly, blinking blearily. His gaze was unfocused at first, then sharpened—landing directly on Nani.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then—Sky smirked weakly. “You look like hell.”

Nani exhaled, tension snapping inside him. “Says the guy bleeding on my floor.”

Sky’s smirk widened—just slightly. “It’s not your floor.”

Nani punched his shoulder.

Hard.

Sky winced. “Ow—what the hell?”

Nani’s voice was sharp. “Do you have any idea how fucking stupid that was?”

Sky blinked. “You’re gonna have to be more specific.”

Nani’s throat burned.

Something inside him cracked.

“You could’ve died.” His voice was quieter now. “And I would’ve had to watch.”

The words hung between them.

For the first time, Sky’s smirk faded.

His eyes softened.

Nani exhaled, pressing a hand over his face. “I swear to god, if you pull that shit again—”

Sky’s hand moved before Nani could finish.

Fingers curled around Nani’s hand.

Firm. Warm. Grounding.

Nani froze.

Sky’s voice is softer now. “I’m here.”

Nani swallowed hard. “…You better stay that way.”

Sky’s grip didn’t loosen.

If anything—

He held on tighter.

---

Enjoys The Show

Dunk, watching the entire thing, grinned.

“Oh, this is getting good.”

Santa, nudging Perth, muttered, “Are they gonna kiss, or—”

Joong sighed. “Give them five minutes alone and we’ll find out.”

Nani snapped.

“GET OUT.”

Santa cackled. “Oh, he’s mad mad.”

Dunk saluted. “Message received.”

Perth, smirking, dragged them toward the door. “Come on. Let the lovebirds have their moment.”

Nani’s glare could’ve set fire to the walls. “I swear to—”

Dew, standing by the door, smirked. “You’re loud when you’re worried.”

Nani scowled. “I hate all of you.”

Dew clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Sure you do.”

Then—he left.

The teasing.

The squad.

The world.

All that mattered was the warmth of Sky’s touch.

And the terrifying, undeniable truth—

Nani didn’t want to lose him.

Not now.

Not ever.

And that—

That changed everything.