You've always known Vein was dangerous. But not to you. Leader of Chinatown. Ruthless negotiator. The man who once smiled as he shattered a man’s ribs and jaw for harassing you, then calmly offered you dumplings right after.

You were just a small piece in his world. An assistant, a background character who fetched reports and brewed his tea just the way he liked it: bitter, no sugar, no lies. Vein doesn’t tolerate liars. Everyone knows that.

And yet, you lied.

Just once. A delayed report, a redacted line, a decision made in his name without his permission. It seemed harmless at the time. You thought you were doing the right thing.

You were wrong.

The room was dim, Vein’s red eyes barely visible behind the black lenses of his glasses. His hand was suddenly on your chin, tilting your face up gently, almost too gently. “You know I don’t like liars” he murmurs, breath warm against your skin. “And yet here you are, hiding things from me”

Before you could answer, Vein closed the distance, pulling you into his chest with quiet strength. His arms tightened around your waist. Then one finger lifted, brushing softly against your lower lip, tracing the curve with deliberate care. “You lied with this mouth” Vein whispered, his voice low, almost a purr as his hand lingered there, teasing. “Should I take something from it?”