Note: And there we have, Chapter 13!!!

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┏━°⌜ 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 ⌟°━┓
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┗━°⌜ 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙠𝙤𝙤𝙠_     ⌟°━┛

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　.
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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　.
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　　˚　　　⠀　⠀  　　,　　　　　　.
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•

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Jia's PoV

The bass of the music reverberated through the club as Jia and her colleagues stepped deeper into the dimly lit space of Jack'n the Box. The air was thick with anticipation and the mingling scents of cologne, sweat, and cocktails. Colourful lights flickered overhead, casting vibrant shadows on the lively crowd that swayed in rhythm to the infectious beats. As Jia looked around, she felt a pulse of excitement, an adrenaline rush that promised a night of freedom from her usual routine.

Sunhee, ever the energetic spark, tugged at Jia's arm, pulling her toward the bar. "Come on, let's grab some drinks before we hit the dance floor!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. Jia smiled, allowing herself to be swept along as they reached the bar.

"Three Jack's Specials, please!" Sunhee ordered, her eyes dancing with excitement as she turned to Jia and Jisoo, who had joined them. "This place is amazing! I can't believe we haven't come here before!"

Jisoo, already nursing a cocktail, raised his glass in agreement. "We definitely need to make this a regular thing. I mean, just look at the crowd!"

As they waited for their drinks, Jia's gaze drifted across the club. The energy was electric, a magnetic pull that drew her into the moment. She spotted a few familiar faces from the office mingling and laughing, the tension of work fading as they embraced the night. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, one that made her heart race with the thrill of being part of something more than just their daily grind.

"Here you go!" The bartender slid their drinks across the bar, and Sunhee grabbed two, handing one to Jia.

"To a night of fun!" Sunhee declared, raising her glass high, her golden hair catching the light. Jia and Jisoo clinked their glasses against hers, a moment of unity that made Jia feel a little lighter.

After taking a sip, Sunhee leaned closer, a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. "We should dance now! And don't say no! You need to let loose, Areum!"

Jisoo nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, you're too serious sometimes! I'll keep an eye on you girls from over here— go have some fun!"

Jia hesitated, the thought of dancing making her stomach flutter with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She glanced around, taking in the scene. "Okay, okay, I'll give it a try," she relented, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

As the two of them made their way to the dance floor, the music surged, and the lights flickered in time with the beat. The crowd moved in a sea of bodies, each person lost in their own world. Sunhee immediately fell into the rhythm, swaying and laughing, while Jia hung back for a moment, observing the lively atmosphere.

Just as she was about to join her, she felt a sudden wave of energy push her forward. Sunhee was pulling her into the fray, and with a laugh, Jia found herself dancing alongside her friends. The music enveloped them, and Jia allowed herself to move, feeling the beat resonate within her.

The rhythm was infectious, and soon she was lost in the moment, her worries momentarily forgotten. She caught sight of a few colleagues dancing nearby, their faces illuminated with joy and abandon. Jia exchanged smiles and laughter with them, feeling the warmth of the night wrap around her like a cosy blanket.

Then, out of nowhere, Sunhee leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the pounding music. "I dare you to go up to that guy!" She pointed towards a tall figure standing at the edge of the dance floor. Jia followed her gaze, her heart skipping a beat as she recognised Jaehyun.

He looked different tonight. Gone were the tailored suits and polished demeanour; instead, he wore a fitted black leather jacket over a simple white shirt. Blue denim jeans, loosely hanging over his muscular thighs, and decorated with chains attached to his belt loops. His piercings were also in, a ring on his bottom lip, two studs on his eyebrow and several decorating his ear lobes. The outfit was effortlessly cool, and his confident posture drew the eyes of several women in the crowd. Jia felt a rush of warmth, both from the alcohol and the intensity of his presence.

"No way!" she nervously laughed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "I can't just go up to him!"

The mission, you idiot!

"Why not? It'll be fun!" Sunhee insisted, pushing Jia playfully toward Jaehyun.

Before she could protest further, Jia found herself moving closer to him, her heart pounding in her chest. The crowd swayed around them, but there was a magnetic pull between her and Jaehyun that felt undeniable. She stopped just a few feet away, their eyes locking for a moment.

"Areum," he greeted, his voice smooth and inviting, making her feel as though they were the only two people in the room. The way he said her name sent a jolt of electricity through her.

"Hey," she managed, her confidence wavering under his intense gaze.

"Wanna dance?" he asked, tilting his head toward the dance floor as the beat dropped dramatically.

Jia hesitated, but Sunhee's encouraging grin from the sidelines propelled her forward. "Uh—sure...," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. Fuck— a little bit of dancing won't jeopardise anything. Besides I need to show that I'm a normal visitor.

As they began to dance, Jia lost herself in the rhythm once more. Jaehyun moved fluidly beside her, their bodies just inches apart as the music pulsed around them. She felt the heat radiating from him, and the way he moved was captivating.

Then, without warning, she felt his hands slide onto her hips, a gentle yet firm touch that sent a rush of warmth through her body. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she was taken aback. It felt both thrilling and terrifying, the contact igniting something deep within her.

She turned to look at him, her heart racing. Jaehyun's expression was playful, his eyes glinting with mischief as he guided her movements. "It's different seeing you here. You seem more relaxed—I hope you've stopped thinking so much," he teased, leaning closer, his breath warm against her ear.

Jia forced herself to respond, the thrill of dancing with him almost overwhelming. "Your judgement was quick. The only place you've seen me outside of work was that gallery— where a certain art geek talked my ear off entirely ," she defiantly said, her voice barely audible over the thumping bass.

"Is that an insult?" He murmured, mimicking her tone from days ago in the office.

"Not an insult," she grinned, something frisky behind her eyes. "Just an observation."

As they danced, she felt the boundaries of her reality blur. The heat of the moment, the intoxicating atmosphere, and the connection she shared with Jaehyun all blended into a whirlwind of sensations. His hands remained steady on her hips, guiding her movements, and she found herself leaning into him, surrendering to the rhythm.

But beneath the surface of her enjoyment, a nagging thought lingered—was this genuine, or was he playing a game? The duality of her emotions threatened to crash into her blissful moment, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the dance, on him.

They swayed to the beat, lost in the music, and for those brief moments, she allowed herself to forget everything else—the mission, the secrets, the darkness. The world around them faded as they moved in sync, two bodies connected by an unspoken tension that crackled in the air.

As the song reached its climax, Jaehyun leaned in, their faces inches apart. "You dance well, Areum," he said, his voice low and smooth.

"Thanks, I guess," she replied, feeling both shy and exhilarated under his gaze.

What the fuck, Jia?! You're an agent— not some teen at her high school prom!! What the fuck is this shy girl persona— get a fucking grip!

Just as the moment felt charged enough to tip into something deeper, Sunhee and Jisoo rejoined them, breaking the spell. "There you are! We were looking for you!" Sunhee exclaimed, pulling Jia away from Jaehyun.

Jia's heart raced, caught between the excitement of the dance and the sudden return to reality. She glanced back at Jaehyun, who wore that infuriatingly charming smile, the mystery behind it still shrouded in shadows.

"Having fun?" Jisoo asked, his eyes glinting with playful curiosity.

"Yeah, it's been a blast!" she smiled, trying to maintain her composure despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her.

As the night continued, Jia felt the lingering sensation of his hands on her hips, the thrill of dancing with him still buzzing in her veins. But now, the reality of who he was—who Jeon Jungkook was and if Jaehyun was related to him in any way—hovered at the edges of her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were intricately woven in ways she was only beginning to understand.

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The pulsating energy of the club enveloped Jia as she returned to the bar, the vibrant lights swirling around her like a whirlwind. She had taken a moment to catch her breath after dancing with Jaehyun, but now, a different tension thrummed beneath the surface. As she leaned against the polished wood of the bar, her drink in hand, she felt a prickling awareness in the back of her mind.

Jia's gaze roamed the room, scanning the crowd, but her instincts were sharpened by the unease that had settled within her. Her thoughts drifted to the whispers of the cult that had recently surfaced, and her worries about Jungkook and his ties to this dark underbelly of Seoul began to swirl in her mind. She had to remain vigilant; she couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing just beneath the surface.

As she took a sip of her drink, her attention shifted toward the corridor leading to the VIP area. She noticed a steady stream of people moving in and out, their laughter and chatter echoing through the otherwise pulsing dance floor. There was something about their attitudes that struck her as off—too hurried, too secretive. The atmosphere seemed to shift around that corridor, a veil of intrigue hanging thick in the air.

Jia narrowed her eyes, noting the presence of a guard stationed at the entrance. He was tall and broad-shouldered, an imposing figure who seemed to take his job seriously, yet the look in his eyes suggested a layer of disinterest. He scanned the crowd lazily, as if bored with the routine of the night. But the more Jia watched, the more she grasped that this was a potential lead.

She leaned against the bar, taking a moment to strategise. If she could get past the guard, perhaps she could uncover what was happening behind those closed doors. The idea formed in her mind, and before she could second-guess herself, she decided to put her plan into action.

With a deep breath, she sauntered toward the guard, letting a playful smile grace her lips. As she approached, she made sure her movements were deliberate, swaying her hips just enough to catch his eye. "Hey there," she said, her voice laced with a sultry sweetness.

He looked down at her, his expression a mix of surprise and suspicion. "Sorry, miss, but you can't go in there without permission," he replied, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jia feigned a pout, tilting her head slightly. "Oh, come on. Just a little peek? I promise I won't tell anyone." She stepped closer, her body brushing against his as she leaned in, allowing the faint scent of her perfume to waft toward him.

He hesitated, but then shook his head. "I really can't. It's against the rules." His voice was firm, but the way his eyes roamed her face suggested he was torn.

"Rules are meant to be bent, don't you think?" she said, biting her lip playfully. She let her fingertips graze his arm, feeling the muscles tense beneath his shirt. "How about I make it worth your while?"

At that, the guard's resolve began to falter, and Jia felt a rush of adrenaline. She leaned in closer, her breath ghosting against his ear as she whispered, "Just for a minute. No one has to know."

He shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward the entrance of the corridor. "I shouldn't..."

Jia seized the moment, slipping her fingers to his waist and pulling him slightly closer. "Just one kiss," she murmured, her voice low and inviting. "You can handle that, right?"

His defences crumbled as her allure wrapped around him like a vine, pulling him in. "Fine," he relented, his voice barely above a whisper, and she could see the struggle in his eyes. She smiled, knowing she had him where she wanted.

She led him into the shadowy corridor, the music fading behind them. The tension in the air shifted as she pushed him against the wall, her heart racing in anticipation. He seemed to expect a kiss, his lips hovering close, but she held him there, a playful smirk on her face.

"Just relax," she teased, leaning in as if to kiss him. But just before their lips met, she pivoted. With swift precision, she struck at the pulse points on his neck—one swift jab, two precise movements, and he crumpled against the wall, unconscious before he even hit the ground.

Jia quickly scanned the corridor, her pulse pounding in her ears. She stepped lightly over his sprawled form, her heart racing with both fear and exhilaration. The adrenaline coursed through her veins as she moved deeper into the corridor, her eyes darting to the faint glow of light spilling from the end.

Approaching the last VIP room, she noticed the door slightly ajar. She paused, holding her breath, listening intently for any sounds. There was a low murmur of voices—indistinct but compelling. She felt a thrill of danger wash over her. Whoever was inside could have crucial information about Jungkook and the cult.

Jia crept closer, her heart hammering as she peered through the narrow opening. The room was dimly lit, a plush interior obscuring much of what lay within. She could make out the silhouettes of a few figures gathered around a table, their conversation laced with tension.

"...I'm sorry! I didn't mean to— I was forced!," one voice said, the fearfully grave and urgent.

"Excuses, excuses," another sung in reply, sheer mock coating his voice. "You know I don't like liar's, Jaesuk-ah."

Jia's breath hitched in her throat, the solemn voice now familiar. Han Jaesuk? The Mayor of Busan? What the hell was he doing here? She was suspicious of his connections to Jeon Jungkook regardless, after the gallery, but now it had morphed into confusion. Why was he begging this person?

The pieces of the puzzle began to swirl in her mind, no longer in place, and she knew she had to gather more information, but she also had to tread carefully.

Then it clicked. Han Jaesuk— the Mayor of Busan, had been involved with the Han Church. During her visit to the NIS HQ several weeks prior, she and Hana had come across some old articles from - decade ago. In it, involved harmless columns of the mayor's charitable character— depicting his generosity and kindness through his regular donations to charity. However, only at the end, it was noted that he'd make regular donations, of a large sum, to none other than, Han Church. His two children had been baptised in that church, mother's funeral held there, and his own wedding too.

Very quickly, it had become clear how closely knitted Han Jaesuk had been with Ryu Hun, clearly— and seeing the status of his relationship with Jungkook, he'd been angered. It seemed her initial hypothesis was correct— that Han Jaesuk and Jeon Jungkook had some sort of deal going on. The nature of the their deal must've been important enough for Jungkook to decide such punishment to Jaesuk at his betrayal.

But. What if this wasn't Jungkook's doing. The Jack'n the Box, was a club, his men had been seen frequenting, but as did other smaller gang members. So did celebrities, the children of rich and corrupt CEOs, and some business men and women too. There was no direct proof linking what Jia was seeing to Jeon Jungkook, yet a twist in her gut told her otherwise.

But what if it's Ryu Han?

The possibility of this man being Ryu Han was just as likely as Jeon Jungkook. Seeing his long lasting relationship with Han Jaesuk, it would make complete sense for him to do this, finding out a long term parter of his had betrayed him for his newfound enemy.

As she stood there, her pulse quickening, she felt the confusion mixed with the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She had crossed a line, stepping into the unknown. With determination set in her gaze, she leaned in closer, straining to catch every word, knowing this could be the key to unravelling the mysteries surrounding Jeon Jungkook and the chaos that was beginning to spiral out of control.

Jia pressed herself closer to the door, her breath shallow as she strained to hear the conversation inside the VIP room. Her heart drummed loudly in her chest, the tension in the air palpable. She could see the silhouette of a man standing rigid, the seaside province's beloved mayor, his voice heated and begging as he gestured toward the shadowy figure opposite him. She couldn't make out every word, but the tone was clear-this was more than just an argument. This was something far more dangerous.

Suddenly, a deafening crack split the air.

Jia froze. Her blood ran cold as Jaesuk staggered backward, a look of shock widening his eyes before he crumpled to the ground. The plush carpet beneath him was soon darkened by a pool of blood.

Her mind screamed at her to move, to run, to act, but her body was locked in place, horror bubbling up her throat. This wasn't what she had expected to find tonight. The mission was supposed to be about information, gathering intel-not this. She had to get out before she was discovered. Before they—

Suddenly, strong hand clamped over her mouth, yanking her out of her stupor. Jia struggled instinctively, terror spiking through her veins until she caught the familiar scent of cologne that had burned into her senses much earlier. A strong blend of musk, with woody undertones, so masculine, it sent her perception pathetically into overdrive. Her panic dissolved into something equally unsettling when she realised who it was.

Jaehyun.

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