8:00 PM, Seoul International Ship Sailing Gala

The ship was a floating palace of elegance, with its sprawling decks adorned with golden lights that reflected off the dark waters of the Han River. The hum of conversation mixed with the distant notes of a string quartet, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive champagne and fresh sea breeze. People in designer dresses and tailored suits moved about, holding glasses of sparkling wine as they laughed and chatted.

From his vantage point on the upper deck, Eun-jae adjusted his glasses, the faint glint of their frame catching the light. Known in the intelligence world as Codename Helix, he wasn't here for the festivities. He stood like a statue, observing the throng below with a practiced eye, his posture exuding calm authority. To any casual observer, he appeared to be another guest, an unassuming man blending seamlessly into the wealthy crowd. But beneath his composed exterior, his mind was a battlefield of strategies and contingencies.

The voice crackled in his earpiece, cutting through the ambient noise of the party.

"Helix, stay vigilant. Kang Joon is on the ship. He has the chip we're looking for," the voice said, low and steady, a stark contrast to the lively chaos around him.

Eun-jae's lips barely moved as he replied, "Got it. I just need to figure out where to find him."

He scanned the crowd, his sharp eyes flitting over every face. If Kang Joon is here, then that means Layla Kim must be nearby. The thought sent a ripple of tension through him. Layla and Kang Joon weren't just small-time players; they were key operatives for the Black Serpents, a ruthless syndicate that specialized in arms dealing and high-level espionage.

Descending the stairs with deliberate calm, Eun-jae moved through the crowd like a predator stalking its prey. His movements were unhurried, each step purposeful. As he passed by a woman in an emerald dress, something about her gave him pause. Her profile, her bearing—it stirred a memory deep within him. He glanced at her again, narrowing his eyes.

She looks so familiar. Could it be—?

"Hmm," he muttered under his breath, shaking off the thought. This wasn't the time for distractions. His mission came first.

He tapped his earpiece. "Nova, are you in position?"

"Yes, sir," Nova's voice came through, calm but focused.

"Prepare the boat. I've found him," Eun-jae said as he reached the lower deck. His hands moved swiftly, tying his shoulder-length hair into a neat ponytail, the motion a small but telling sign that he was preparing for action.

There, standing awkwardly by a soda machine, was Kang Joon. Dressed in a plain black outfit that screamed "trying too hard to blend in." Joon's hand gripped a briefcase tightly, his eyes darting nervously as he shuffled toward the soda stand. He looked as out of place as a wolf in a chicken coop, fumbling awkwardly as he tried to maintain a façade of normalcy.

Eun-jae's lips curled into a small smirk. You're not subtle at all, are you?

Kang Joon leaned over the soda machine, fumbling with the buttons like a man unsure how to interact with normal society. As Eun-jae approached, he couldn't help but notice the faint bulge in Joon's coat—a telltale sign of a concealed weapon. His mind raced. Layla must've stashed the chip somewhere nearby. Joon doesn't even realize he's already a pawn in her game.

Feigning casualness, Eun-jae strolled up to the soda machine. As he neared, he gave the machine a light hit on the side. A can of Coca-Cola clattered loudly into the dispenser slot, startling Kang Joon.

"What the heck!" Joon jolted, his grip tightening on the briefcase.

Eun-jae offered a disarming smile. "Oops, sorry about that. You looked like you were lost in thought, sir. Thought I'd help you out," he said, his tone light, almost friendly. But his sharp eyes had already locked onto the soda can—its surface bore the faint outline of a microchip, expertly embedded by Layla Kim.

Joon's eyes narrowed as he studied Eun-jae's face. A flicker of recognition flashed in his expression, followed by fear. He wasn't a fool—he knew when he was being hunted.

Eun-jae's mind sharpened to a razor's edge. He knows. Damn it, he knows.

In an instant, Joon's hand darted toward his coat, reaching for the gun hidden beneath. But Eun-jae was faster. Reacting on pure instinct, he delivered a swift kick to Joon's wrist, sending the gun skidding across the floor. Patrons gasped, their murmurs escalating into panicked screams as they noticed the weapon. The air grew thick with chaos as people began to scatter, overturning tables and spilling drinks in their rush to escape.

"Uh... sirs, is everything alright?"

The question came from a young ship worker, his voice thin and hesitant as it cut through the suffocating tension. The man was dressed in the cruise staff's pristine white uniform, a golden name tag pinned to his chest that read Min-soo. His wide, doe-like eyes darted nervously between Eun-jae and Kang Joon, clearly oblivious to the storm brewing before him. His polite demeanor clashed sharply with the undercurrent of hostility in the air.

Kang Joon's head snapped toward Min-soo, his eyes narrowing as an idea struck him. In a flash, he lunged, his movements fast and desperate. Before Eun-jae could react, Kang Joon grabbed the worker, yanking him roughly into a chokehold. A gasp escaped Min-soo as Kang Joon pulled a knife from his coat, the cold steel gleaming under the chandelier's light.

"I'm not dying alone," Kang Joon spat through gritted teeth, his grip on Min-soo tightening. The knife pressed against the terrified man's throat, just enough to draw a thin bead of blood.

Eun-jae froze, his mind racing as he took in the scene. Damn it. He's using the worker as a shield. Of course, he'd stoop to this.

The room seemed to shrink, the distant noise of the chaotic ballroom fading into a low hum. Everything in Eun-jae's world narrowed to Kang Joon, the blade, and the trembling figure of Min-soo.

"Drop the chip and the gun!" Kang Joon barked, his voice raw with desperation. "Slide them over to me, or this man dies!"

Min-soo whimpered, his face pale, his eyes filling with tears. "P-please... help me," he stammered, his voice cracking. His chest heaved with panicked breaths as he clung to Kang Joon's arm, his nails digging into the man's sleeve in a futile attempt to pull away.

Eun-jae clenched his jaw, his heart twisting at the worker's plea. This poor guy had no idea what he was walking into. He didn't ask for this.

"Alright, alright," Eun-jae said calmly, his voice steady and even. He raised his hands slowly, palms out, in a gesture of surrender. Every move he made was deliberate, calculated. "I'll do as you say. Just don't hurt him."

Kang Joon's eyes darted wildly, his body twitching with tension. "No funny business," he snarled.

Eun-jae crouched down, placing his gun on the floor first. The cold metal clinked softly against the polished marble. Next, he held up the chip, the tiny device glinting in his hand. He met Kang Joon's frantic gaze, his own expression carefully neutral. Slowly, he placed the chip on the floor beside the gun.

"There," Eun-jae said, his tone measured. "I'm sliding them over."

He pushed both the gun and the chip across the floor with a controlled movement, watching as they came to a stop near Kang Joon's feet.

"Good," Kang Joon muttered, his grip on Min-soo loosening slightly. Then, with a grunt of effort, he shoved the worker forward, sending him stumbling into Eun-jae.

Min-soo let out a startled cry as he fell into Eun-jae's arms. Eun-jae caught him easily, steadying the man. "Are you okay?" he asked quickly, his voice low but firm.

"I'm fine," Min-soo choked out, though his shaking hands betrayed his fear. "Go... get him!"

Eun-jae nodded once, his focus already snapping back to Kang Joon. The man had grabbed the chip and was making a break for it, his shoes pounding against the marble as he bolted for the grand staircase.

Without hesitation, Eun-jae pushed Min-soo gently aside and took off after him, his long strides eating up the distance.

"Shit," Eun-jae muttered under his breath as Kang Joon reached the staircase. The man was quick, his dark coat billowing behind him as he climbed two steps at a time.

Eun-jae's sharp gaze stayed locked on Kang Joon's retreating form. He's desperate. That makes him dangerous, but it also makes him predictable. He's running scared, which means he'll slip up.

The stairs loomed ahead, their ornate design shimmering under the golden glow of the chandeliers. Each step Eun-jae climbed felt like a test of his endurance, the weight of the mission pressing heavily on his shoulders. This isn't just about me catching him. If he escapes with that chip, it's over. All the intel we've worked for, the lives we've risked—it'll all be for nothing.

Joon glanced back as he reached the top of the staircase, his face pale with fear. He stumbled slightly, the chip clutched tightly in his hand.

Eun-jae saw the flicker of panic in Kang Joon's eyes and felt a surge of determination. He knows he's cornered. He's just running on borrowed time now.

The distance between them closed with every pounding step, Eun-jae's breath steady despite the exertion. His sharp mind mapped out possible scenarios, calculating Kang Joon's next move. He's heading for the upper decks. If Nova locks down the exits, he'll have nowhere to go. I just need to keep the pressure on.

Pressing a finger to his earpiece, Eun-jae barked, "Nova, Kang Joon is heading to the upper decks. Cut off all escape routes. Lock down the main exits."

"Understood," Nova's voice crackled in response. "Locking it down now."

Eun-jae burst onto the upper decks, his chest heaving as the cold night air slapped against his face, chilling the sweat on his brow. The distant hum of the ship's engines was drowned out by the sound of his heartbeat pounding in his ears. Above him, the moon hung high in the ink-black sky, its light glinting off the rippling surface of the ocean and casting eerie shadows across the deck. His sharp eyes scanned the open area, taking in every detail, every potential threat, his instincts honed and razor-sharp.

There, at the far end of the deck, Kang Joon stood silhouetted against the moonlight. He clutched the briefcase tightly in one hand, and in the other, the precious chip glinted faintly, catching the light like a beacon. His face was flushed, his hair disheveled from the frantic chase. Yet, even now, Joon's lips curled into a triumphant smirk, a look of defiance that made Eun-jae's blood boil.

Eun-jae slowed his steps, moving with calculated precision, his mind racing. He's cornered. There's nowhere left for him to go. Every muscle in his body tensed, prepared for whatever desperate move Joon might attempt.

"End of the line, Kang Joon," Eun-jae called out, his voice low and steady, carrying across the space between them like a warning shot. "Hand over the briefcase and the chip, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece."

Joon didn't respond immediately. Instead, his smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with something almost maniacal. "You really think you've got me, don't you, Helix?" he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "You agents are all the same—always thinking you're a step ahead."

Before Eun-jae could respond, Joon took a sudden step backward, climbing onto the edge of the railing. For a split second, Eun-jae's breath caught in his throat. He wouldn't…

But he did. With a final mocking laugh, Kang Joon leapt off the edge, his figure disappearing into the darkness below. Eun-jae ran forward instinctively, gripping the cold metal railing as he looked down. The icy water churned as Joon resurfaced moments later, already swimming with powerful, deliberate strokes away from the ship.

"Did he just jump?" Eun-jae muttered under his breath, his mind struggling to process the audacity of it. Of all the reckless moves… Damn it, I can't let him get away.

His hand moved automatically to his holster, drawing his gun with practiced ease. He raised it, squinting as he aligned his sights on the fleeing figure. One clean shot, and this ends here. His finger tightened on the trigger—

Pow!

The sharp crack of a gunshot shattered the night air. The wooden railing inches from his hand exploded in a spray of splinters, forcing him to jerk back. Instinctively, Eun-jae ducked, spinning toward the source of the attack. His sharp gaze landed on a shadowy figure emerging from the far side of the deck.

It was her. Layla Kim.

She stepped into the moonlight, her presence commanding and deadly. The sleek handgun in her grip was pointed directly at him, her stance steady and confident. The dark trench coat she wore billowed slightly in the wind, and her eyes burned with cold determination.

"Layla," Eun-jae growled, his jaw tightening. Of course, she's here. Kang Joon's backup. This was planned.

Layla tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a sly, taunting smile. "Miss me, Helix?" she purred, her voice like silk, but laced with venom. "You didn't think we'd let you ruin our plans so easily, did you?"

Eun-jae didn't reply. He didn't need to. His eyes darted to the gun in her hand, the way her finger rested lightly on the trigger. She's going to shoot again.

As if on cue, Layla fired, the bullet slicing through the air with lethal precision. Eun-jae moved on instinct, diving to the side and rolling as the shot whizzed past him. He came up in a crouch, his own gun trained on her, but he hesitated.

"Helix, Helix," Layla said mockingly, her tone dripping with amusement. "You know the rules. You don't shoot first. Always the gentleman."

Eun-jae's grip tightened on his gun. "I don't have time for your games, Layla. Stand down, or I'll make you."

Her laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. "Oh, I'd like to see you try."

She lunged forward without warning, closing the distance between them faster than he'd anticipated. Her movements were fluid, almost serpentine, as she aimed another strike. Eun-jae sidestepped, dodging her attack, and retaliated with a swift disarm. His hand caught her wrist, twisting just enough to make her drop the gun.

But Layla wasn't done. She spun, driving her knee toward his ribs. Eun-jae blocked the blow with his forearm, countering with a move of his own. In a flash, he swept her legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the deck.

"I don't fight women," Eun-jae said coldly, pinning her wrist to the floor as she struggled beneath him. "But you're leaving me no choice."

Layla glared up at him, her defiance unbroken. "You think you've won, Helix?" she spat. "You're too late. Joon's gone, and you're out of time."

Eun-jae's jaw tightened, his mind racing. She's stalling me. Joon's getting farther away by the second.

"Stay down," he growled, delivering a precise strike to her pressure point. Her body went limp, unconscious but unharmed.

Rising to his feet, Eun-jae didn't waste a second. He turned his attention back to the railing, his sharp eyes searching the water. Kang Joon's figure was faintly visible in the distance, nearing a smaller boat.

"Damn it," Eun-jae muttered under his breath. Without hesitation, he vaulted over the railing, plunging into the icy water below.

Nova's boat skidded to a halt beside Eun-jae, who was frantically swimming through the churning waves, his powerful strokes cutting through the icy water. The cold seemed to seep into his bones, numbing his limbs with every passing second. His heart pounded in his chest, not from exhaustion but from the adrenaline surging through him. Every thought in his mind was focused on one thing: Kang Joon.

"Sir! I got you!" Nova shouted, leaning precariously over the edge of the boat, his arm stretched out toward Eun-jae. His voice was tinged with panic, but his grip was steady as he finally caught Eun-jae's wrist and hauled him aboard.

Eun-jae collapsed onto the deck, water pooling around him as he caught his breath. His soaked clothes clung to his body, the freezing air biting into his skin. But he didn't pause for long. He pushed himself upright, his sharp eyes already locking onto the shape of Joon's retreating boat in the distance.

"Have the borders been blocked?" Eun-jae demanded, his voice cold and commanding as he brushed his wet hair out of his face.

"Yes, sir!" Nova replied, his voice rising slightly as he tried to keep pace with Eun-jae's intensity.

Eun-jae nodded curtly. He stepped forward and grabbed the wheel, his movements precise and determined. The engine roared as he pushed the boat forward, slicing through the waves like a predator closing in on its prey. He won't get far. Not with me on his tail.

On Joon's boat, the atmosphere was far from calm. Kang Joon's nerves were frayed, and his eyes darted wildly between the water ahead and the faint light of his pursuers behind. The briefcase was clutched tightly in one hand, and in the other, he held a gun, its barrel pointed at the trembling driver.

"Faster!" Joon barked, his voice sharp and filled with desperation. "If you don't move this thing, I swear I'll—"

"Please, I'm going as fast as I can!" the driver stammered, his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel.

Joon's patience snapped. He cursed under his breath and turned his gaze back toward the briefcase. The tension was too much; he couldn't just wait and hope. With trembling hands, he popped the latches and opened it.

Inside lay the Ravenclaw MK-II, a weapon of deadly elegance. It was compact but radiated menace, its sleek black finish gleaming faintly in the dim light. The weapon hummed softly as Joon lifted it, its energy core glowing a sinister red. This was no ordinary gun—it was a prototype energy cannon capable of devastating small vessels with a single shot.

Joon smirked, his grip tightening around the weapon. He turned and aimed it at Eun-jae's boat, his face twisted with a mix of fear and triumph. "Let's see you survive this, Helix!" he muttered under his breath, his finger hovering over the trigger.

On Eun-jae's boat, Nova's eyes widened in horror as he spotted the weapon. "S-Sir, that's the Ravenclaw MK-II! He's pointing it at us! We're all gonna die!"

Eun-jae's jaw tightened, his mind racing. He recognized the weapon instantly, its specs burned into his memory from countless briefings. Of course, he'd have something like that. Desperate men always reach for the biggest gun they can find.

"Stay calm," Eun-jae ordered, his voice sharp and unyielding. "Before he shoots, we'll already be out of harm's way."

Nova turned to him, panic etched on his face. "How? That thing will destroy us!"

Eun-jae's gaze stayed fixed on Joon's boat. His mind worked at lightning speed, calculating the timing, the distance, the odds. "We're going to jump. The water will shield us from the blast. The explosion will make it look like we didn't make it."

Nova's face went pale, his breath hitching. "J-Jump? Into the water? Are you serious?"

Eun-jae turned to him, his expression cold and resolute. "Do you want to survive or not? When I say jump, you jump. No hesitation."

Nova swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Understood, sir."

The hum of the Ravenclaw grew louder, the red glow intensifying as it charged. Joon's grin widened as he shouted, "Say goodbye, Helix!"

Eun-jae's eyes narrowed. His grip on the wheel tightened as he steadied the boat, preparing for the inevitable. "Alright, Nova. On my count. Three… two…"

Joon pulled the trigger, and the Ravenclaw roared to life.

"One… JUMP!" Eun-jae shouted.

Both men launched themselves into the icy water just as the energy blast struck their boat. The explosion was deafening, a blinding flash of light accompanied by a thunderous boom. Flames and debris shot into the air, the shockwave sending ripples through the water that tossed Eun-jae and Nova like rag dolls beneath the surface.

The water was a chaotic maelstrom of debris and firelight, but Eun-jae remained focused. Stay low. Keep moving. He'll think we're gone. He gestured to Nova, signaling him to swim toward the shore.

Nova hesitated for a moment, his fear evident, but he obeyed, following Eun-jae's lead. Beneath the waves, Eun-jae swam with powerful, deliberate strokes, his lungs burning but his resolve unshaken. Above them, Joon peered over the edge of his boat, scanning the wreckage with a mixture of caution and triumph.

"Got you," Joon muttered, his smirk returning.

But Eun-jae was far from finished. His mind was already calculating his next move. You're mine, Kang Joon. This ends tonight.

While Joon was leaning over the edge of his boat, scanning the flaming wreckage of Eun-jae's vessel, a smug smirk crept across his face. He squinted into the dark water, searching for any signs of movement. The explosion had been massive; there was no way anyone could have survived that.

"Finally," Joon muttered under his breath, letting out a shaky exhale. His fingers tightened around the Ravenclaw MK-II, the weapon still warm from the blast. He turned away from the edge, ready to direct the driver to make their escape, when he froze.

A faint thud reverberated through the deck.

Joon's eyes narrowed as he whirled around, his instincts screaming at him that something was wrong. His hand tightened around the briefcase as his gaze darted toward the source of the noise.

Before he could react, a shadow emerged from the edge of the boat. Eun-jae, drenched and deadly, hoisted himself onto the deck in a single fluid motion. His piercing eyes locked onto Joon, his expression as cold as the water dripping from his hair.

"What the—?" Joon stumbled back, his heart pounding.

Eun-jae didn't give him time to recover. With lightning speed, he closed the distance between them, his every movement precise and calculated. His training kicked in, his body moving on instinct honed by years of experience.

Joon raised the Ravenclaw, but Eun-jae was faster. A sharp twist of his wrist sent the weapon clattering to the deck before Joon could even aim. Joon let out a frustrated yell and swung the briefcase at Eun-jae, but the agent ducked effortlessly, his movements smooth and controlled.

Eun-jae's fist shot out, striking Joon square in the gut. The impact forced the air from Joon's lungs, doubling him over. But Eun-jae wasn't finished. Grabbing Joon by the arm, he twisted it behind his back, forcing the man to drop the briefcase.

"Give up," Eun-jae growled, his voice low and menacing.

"Never!" Joon hissed through gritted teeth, summoning all his strength to elbow Eun-jae in the ribs. The blow landed, but Eun-jae barely flinched. His grip on Joon tightened, his resolve unshaken.

Joon tried to twist free, but Eun-jae anticipated his every move. With a swift sweep of his leg, Eun-jae sent Joon sprawling to the deck. The moment Joon hit the ground, Eun-jae was on him, pinning him down with one knee while his other hand grabbed Joon's wrist, twisting it until he cried out in pain.

"You're out of options, Joon," Eun-jae said, his tone as sharp as a blade. His eyes burned with intensity, his focus unrelenting. "This ends now."

Joon thrashed beneath him, desperation fueling his attempts to break free. But Eun-jae's grip was unyielding, his strength a testament to his relentless training. Every move he made was deliberate, every strike calculated to incapacitate without unnecessary harm.

With a final, desperate surge, Joon managed to reach for a knife hidden in his boot. He swung wildly, aiming for Eun-jae's side, but the agent was already a step ahead. He caught Joon's wrist mid-swing, twisting it until the blade fell harmlessly to the deck.

"Nice try," Eun-jae muttered, his voice tinged with mockery.

In one swift motion, Eun-jae slammed the knife away with his foot and delivered a precise strike to Joon's temple. The force of the blow left Joon dazed, his body going limp beneath Eun-jae's weight.

Eun-jae straightened, breathing heavily as he looked down at the unconscious man. His heart pounded in his chest, but his expression remained calm and composed. He grabbed the briefcase, ensuring the chip was still inside, and secured it.

Nova's voice crackled through his earpiece. "Sir, are you alright? Did you get him?"

Eun-jae glanced at the unmoving Joon and smirked. "He's down. Mission accomplished."

Eun-jae stood at the helm of the boat, his gaze fixed on the faint outline of the shore in the distance. The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the air, a steady reminder of the night's chaotic events. The wind whipped at his still-damp hair, but his expression remained stoic. He gripped the wheel firmly, steering the boat with precision as the faint lights of the city grew brighter.

His thoughts, however, were far from the calm he projected. Another mission, another risk. This life... He shook his head slightly, brushing away the lingering tension in his chest. He had completed the objective, secured the chip, and neutralized Joon. But the weight of his responsibilities always lingered, no matter how many times he succeeded.

As the boat docked, Eun-jae jumped out with practiced ease, his boots hitting the wooden platform with a muffled thud. Agents were already waiting for him, their expressions expectant. Tae, one of the senior agents, approached him with an easy grin, his tall, broad frame cutting an imposing figure.

Eun-jae handed the briefcase over to one of the agents without a word. The man accepted it with a nod and quickly stepped away, disappearing into the shadows to deliver the critical asset to headquarters.

"Mission accomplished," Tae said, his voice smooth, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he eyed Eun-jae. There was something in Tae's demeanor—always slightly playful, always testing boundaries.

Eun-jae glanced at him briefly, his sharp features illuminated under the harsh dock lights. "Yeah," he replied, his tone curt.

Tae wasn't deterred by the lack of enthusiasm. "So, what do you say we grab a drink or two? Celebrate a little. It's not every day you pull off a mission like that and live to tell the tale. It's your birthday tomorrow, after all. Why not spend it with some company?" His tone turned playful, with just a hint of flirtation.

Eun-jae stopped in his tracks and turned to face him, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. "No. I'd rather spend it with my mom," His response was firm, almost dismissive, as he adjusted the strap of his backpack and swung one leg over his motorcycle.

Tae blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the bluntness of the rejection. "Come on, Helix. Lighten up a little. It's not like I bite... unless you're into that," he added with a sly grin.

Eun-jae didn't even dignify the comment with a response. The engine of his motorcycle roared to life, the sound cutting through the crisp night air.

His mind was already elsewhere. Tomorrow was his birthday, and all he wanted was to be home. The thought of Busan, of the familiar scent of the sea mingling with the aroma of his mom's cooking, brought a rare flicker of warmth to his otherwise guarded expression. She's probably been worrying about me again, he thought, a pang of guilt settling in his chest. I'll make it up to her. Just a quiet day at home... maybe I can convince her to take a break for once.

"Damn, why is this beta so difficult?" Tae muttered under his breath as he watched Eun-jae speed off, the motorcycle disappearing into the night like a shadow.

Tae turned back to the other agents with a resigned shrug, clapping his hands together. "Alright, folks. Show's over. Let's get back to work!"

The train hummed steadily along the tracks, the rhythmic clatter blending with the faint conversations and occasional announcements over the intercom. Eun-jae sat by the window, his head resting lightly against the cool glass as the sprawling cityscape of Seoul gave way to the serene countryside. The morning sun bathed everything in a golden hue, and for once, he allowed himself to relax, his thoughts drifting to home.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking his momentary peace. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen, and a rare smile crept onto his lips. Mom.

"Hello?" Eun-jae answered, his voice soft yet carrying a note of warmth that was rare for him.

"Eun-jae-yah!" his mother's cheerful voice filled the line, brimming with affection. "Are you on the train already?"

"Yes, Mom," he replied, leaning back in his seat. "I'm almost halfway there. Should be home by lunchtime."

"Good, good," she said, a hint of excitement lacing her tone. Then her voice softened, as though she were hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Happy birthday, my son."

Eun-jae's heart clenched slightly at her words. Birthdays had always been simple affairs between the two of them, but the sincerity in her voice made it feel special every time.

"Thanks, Mom," he said, his lips quirking into a small smile. "Although I think I'm a little too old for birthday wishes now."

"Too old?" she said with mock offense. "Just how old are you now, young man?"

Eun-jae chuckled, glancing out the window as fields and hills rolled by. "Twenty-nine, Mom. You should know that."

"Twenty-nine!" she exclaimed dramatically, though the humor in her voice was unmistakable. "When did my little boy grow up so much? I must be getting old!"

Eun-jae laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You're not old, Mom. You're timeless. Like one of those old paintings in a museum." He smirked to himself, anticipating her reaction.

"Oh, you brat!" she said, but she was laughing too. "Is this how you talk to your mother? When you get home, I might just forget to cook you a birthday meal."

Eun-jae feigned a gasp. "You wouldn't dare! I've been dreaming about your kimchi jjigae since the mission ended."

Her laughter softened, and for a moment, her tone turned more serious, though still full of warmth. "Hurry up and come home, Eun-jae. I miss you."

His chest tightened at her words, the longing in her voice striking a chord deep within him. He hadn't been home in months, and the missions had been relentless. Hearing her voice now reminded him of what he had been missing—the simple comfort of family, the warmth of her presence, and the feeling of being truly at peace.

"I'm on my way, Mom," he said quietly, his voice tinged with emotion. "I'll be there soon."

"Good," she replied. "And don't forget to stop by the market on your way. I need you to pick up some rice cakes. You can't have a birthday without them."

"Of course," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Anything else, Madam?"

"Just bring yourself home safely," she said softly. "That's all I want."

The call ended with her cheerful goodbye, and Eun-jae leaned back in his seat, staring out at the rolling landscape. His thoughts were filled with memories of home—of his mother's laughter, the scent of her cooking wafting through their small house, and the warmth that came with simply being around her.

Eun-jae slumped back in his seat on the train, letting out a long, dramatic sigh as the rhythmic clatter of the tracks hummed in his ears. His head tipped back against the headrest, his dark hair falling over his forehead in messy strands, a perfect reflection of his current state: exhausted, disheveled, and, frankly, over it.

The last mission had been a complete disaster—or, as the agency liked to call it, "a marginal success." Which was code for "you nearly died, but hey, at least the intel's safe." His muscles ached in places he didn't even know had muscles, and the bruises on his ribs throbbed with every slight jostle of the train. All he wanted was to get home, throw himself on his bed, and sleep until the apocalypse—or at least until the next mission.

He glanced out the window, watching the sprawling city blur into streaks of light as the train sped forward. The faint reflection of his own face stared back at him, looking as miserable as he felt. His cheekbone still bore a faint bruise from where some low-level thug had managed to land a punch. Amateur, he thought bitterly, shifting in his seat to ease the dull pain in his side.

Today, of all days, he deserved a break. It's my birthday, damn it. It wasn't like he celebrated with balloons and cake or anything, but one measly day of peace wasn't too much to ask for, was it? Apparently, it is, he thought with a roll of his eyes, tugging at the sleeves of his black jacket. He looked down at the small stain near the cuff—blood, definitely not his own—and sighed. Maybe he'd just burn the whole thing and buy a new one.

Just as he was beginning to feel the sweet pull of sleep, the sharp buzz of his phone vibrated against his leg, breaking the calm. He groaned, dragging the device out of his pocket with all the enthusiasm of a man pulling weeds. One glance at the screen, and his eyebrows knitted together in pure annoyance.

"Of course," he muttered under his breath. The caller ID flashing across the screen read Boss.

He pressed the red "decline" button without a second thought and tossed the phone back into his pocket. "Not today," he mumbled, slumping further into his seat. His eyes fluttered shut again as he focused on the sound of the train, the faint chatter of passengers, the occasional ding of the intercom. For a moment, just a moment, he felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease.

Then, it happened again.

The phone rang, louder and more insistent this time. The sharp tone cut through the calm like a knife, and Eun-jae's eyes snapped open, his jaw clenching in irritation. He could feel the stares of the other passengers as the obnoxious ringtone blared through the train car. A man across the aisle shot him a pointed look, and Eun-jae glared back, daring him to say something.

Let it ring, he told himself. Maybe if I ignore it, they'll give up. But of course, they didn't. The phone kept buzzing, and Eun-jae swore he could feel his sanity slipping away with every ring.

"Un-fucking-believable," he muttered, yanking the phone out of his pocket so aggressively he nearly flung it across the aisle. He jabbed the green button with enough force to risk breaking the screen.

"WHAT?!" he barked into the receiver, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet car. An elderly woman sitting nearby flinched, clutching her purse a little tighter.

There was a pause on the other end before a hesitant voice replied, "Uh, sunbae, it's me. In-su."

Eun-jae groaned, leaning his head back against the seat. "Oh, for the love of—what do you want, In-su? Can't you see I just got back from a goddamn mission? I'm tired. I'm hungry. My ribs feel like they've been tenderized with a baseball bat. Whatever it is, I don't care."

"It's not me, sunbae!" In-su stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "It's the director. He said he needs you to come to the agency. Like…right now."

Eun-jae let out a hollow laugh, the kind that sounded more like a growl. "Right now? RIGHT NOW? No. Whatever the problem is, they can find another agent to fix it. I'm going home. I'm taking a long, hot shower, eating an obscene amount of fried chicken, and sleeping for twenty-four hours straight. It's my birthday, for crying out loud. I deserve one day—just one day—of peace."

"Sunbae, I don't think—"

"In-su," Eun-jae interrupted, his tone laced with warning. "Do not finish that sentence unless you want me to strangle you with this phone cord."

There was another pause, and for a brief moment, Eun-jae thought he might've actually scared the poor guy off. Then, another voice came through the line.

"Agent Helix."

Eun-jae's stomach sank. He didn't even need to see the screen to know who it was. His boss's voice was sharp, authoritative, and utterly unamused.

"Get your butt to the agency. Now."

"But, sir—"

"Now," the boss repeated, cutting him off. And just like that, the line went dead.

Eun-jae stared at the phone in his hand, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, his voice dripping with venom. He could feel the eyes of the other passengers on him, but he didn't care. He shoved the phone back into his pocket.

"Fucking hell," he grumbled under his breath. Happy birthday to me I guess.