Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Main Society Headquarters
23 January 2025
04:37

"Want me to introduce you to them?" Lincoln asked.

"No," Paige shook her head strongly.

"Why not? You'll be working with them for the next month."

"I know but I want it to happen naturally."

"Naturally?" He laughed. "What does that even mean?"

"I don't know yet but I will when it happens."

"You're worried, aren't you?"

"How can I not be?" She half-shouted, half-whispered so they couldn't hear but also to get Lincoln to understand how strongly she felt about the situation. "They are a flipping mafia group!"

"And you're an agent. Besides, they are working with us."

"I know, I know. It's just... I'll meet them later."

Lincoln cocked an eyebrow at her, unconvinced but still agreed.

"Alright then." He handed Paige her burger and cleared his throat.

"What is it?" She asked, sensing he had something to say.

"I know all of this is new to you and I promise I really want to stay with you and help you out all day long..."

"But?"

"But something came up. There was an attack in the Singapore base and I need to sort some things out."

He looked genuinely apologetic and Paige could tell that he really did want to hang out with her.

She shot him a reassuring smile.

"It's alright. Go ahead, I'll just go down to the shooting range or something."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"I'm really sorry, Paige. I swear I am. Maybe tomorrow though."

"I already said it was alright, what else do you want from me?" She chuckled but Lincoln didn't join her.

"I'm just terribly sorry."

A Society worker came behind him and whispered something into his ear before walk into away.

His face dropped even more.

"What now?"

"Looks like I'm booked for the rest of the week..."

Paige sighed.

"It's not easy being the Head of the Society is it?" She asked with evident disappointment and bitterness.

"I'm so sorry-"

"There's no need to be sorry. I'll just do hang out with Lily or something. I'll be alright. Now get on with your work already."

He smiled slightly and ruffled her hair

"You're always welcome in my office. Bye now."

"Bye."

And just like that, he left.

Paige sighed once.more and sunk in her seat. She didn't even feel like eating anymore. After a moment, she realised someone was staring at her.

Looking up, she met the gaze of one of the members of Stray Kids. He had black hair and dark eyes, pink lips and a small, perfect nose. He was undeniably good-looking.

When their gazes met, she noticed the sympathy written on his face before his lips curled up into a small smile.

He was so familiar but she couldn't quite tell who exactly he was. She knew it was one of the ones she used to hang out with why she was young. If only she knew which one.

Paige didn't return the smile. She just stood up and walked out of the cafeteria, throwing the burger away while she did so.

Minho watched. He was the only member that even seemed to notice her. His smile dropped before he turned back to the group.

"What were you looking at?" Seungmin asked as he glanced around the cafeteria.

"Nothing," he shook his head. "Could you repeat that story? I missed it."

Seungmin glanced at the other Stray Kids members then back to Minho before finally opening his mouth again.