BEYOND THE LOVE

CHAPTER 1:

"As usual, a Negroni, Nara."

"Change can be refreshing... a Black Russian?"

"Of course, miss."

He seems genuinely content tonight. Perhaps you're seeking a dependable confidante, but that person might not always be consistent. Maybe you yearn for connection, hence frequenting clubs despite disliking the ambiance.

"Here's your order."

"Thanks..."

Despite past close shaves, I'm determined to make the most of my life. Everything's a blur; I didn't envision this.

"You're on your 11th shot. Heading home soon?"

"Not yet. Feel free to go."

During their chat, a call interrupts.
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*Five minutes later*

"Nara, an urgent task calls. I need to leave immediately, okay?"

"Alright, take care."

I barely know him, having worked with him for just a week. Yet, he seems to know me well.

Soon, I expect I'll be lost in thought. Out of nowhere, someone inquired, "Why are you alone at this hour?"

The person felt vaguely familiar.

"Excuse me, who are you to ask that?"

He leaned in, smirking, "Curious about me?"

His scent was oddly familiar. Suddenly, gunshots echoed. Instinctively, I grabbed his hand, fleeing the chaos. During our escape, he took the lead, pulling me behind him. Everything felt eerily known: him, his scent, this scene.

"Nara, wake up!" My chief shook me to reality, while Suha teased,
"What were you daydreaming about? You seemed distant."

Gathering myself, I shot her a look.

She grinned, "Time to head out. Meeting's done."

"Nara, take this file."

"Yes, Chief. I'd like to spearhead this mission. I'll assemble a team and report tomorrow at 5 p.m."

"Confirmed."

"Let's go!"

"You seemed distant. Caught any of that?"

I shook my head.

"Don't sweat it. Review the file, pick your team."

"Alright."

The evening air was soothing, contrasting the day's warmth. Riding a bike with a loved one feels special. Until an unexpected bump sends one soaring!

We headed in the same direction.
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"This might be our riskiest mission."

"Why?"

"Didn't catch their backstory? Oh, right, daydreaming," she chuckled.

Rolling my eyes, I replied, "Are we involving Juan?"

"Absolutely, Suha."

With that, I retired, drifting into sleep.
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Awakening at 3 a.m., I freshened up and reviewed the mission file. Intrigued, I decided on my ideal team.

By 5 a.m., I called Juan. He promptly answered, no surprise.

"You ever sleep, Juan?"

"You first," juan teased.

"Up and at 'em," I replied. "Care for a walk?"

"Nara, I'm swamped."

"So, skipping the mission?"

I could practically see his eager eyes. His hacking prowess is unmatched.

"Guess I can make time," he smirked. "Someone's been no good."

"Be there by 5 p.m., sharp." Ending the call, I overheard his jest about not being robotic and then returned to sleep.
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Our bond spans nine years. Juan's been my rock, more than a mere friend or brother. Without him and Suha, I'd be lost in darkness. Suha, my seven-year confidante, knows me like no other. Together, they're my pillars, standing by me through thick and thin. Life's fleeting moments change everything in an instant.