BEYOND THE LOVE

CHAPTER 22:

I awoke with a start, disoriented. The room was dark, save for a sliver of dim light filtering through a gap in the curtains. My parched throat begged for relief, prompting me to swing my legs over the edge of the bed and gingerly find my footing. Despite the dull throbbing in my wrist, I navigated my way to the kitchen, guided by the dim luminescence of the city outside.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts and my quest for a glass of water that I didn't immediately notice him. Ji Woon was sitting alone in the living room, bathed in a pool of moonlight, his features sharply defined in the semi-darkness. He seemed deep in thought, the weight of the world evident in his drooping shoulders.

I glimpsed Ji Woon perched on the sofa, his back to the room, an array of emotions - sadness, guilt, worry - painting his face. I sipped my drink and placed the glass in the kitchen.

Approaching him, I softly called out, "Ji Woon," my voice hollow.

He spun around, recognizing my voice instantly. "Nara," he began, "I didn't mean..." but trailed off.

He exhaled deeply, looking down momentarily before lifting his gaze to mine. "Nara, I-"

"I know," I whispered, cutting him off. "About the Syndicate, about your betrayal. But we've been through so much together, Ji Woon. I want to understand why."

Ji Woon's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "It wasn't supposed to be like this. The Syndicate... they had something on me. A dark past that I've tried to escape. I thought joining them would erase that, but instead, it only made things worse. When I saw them corner you, every instinct screamed at me to protect you."

I gestured for him to sit beside me. As he did, I gently probed, "Want to share?"

His eyes glistened, threatening tears. "Nara, your team... they were responsible for my father's death. He was my everything. Knowing he was gone, I felt lost," Ji Woon choked out.

As he spoke, memories of my own past losses flooded in.

"Listen, Nara," he continued, "the Phoneix syndicates have connections everywhere, including with my father. He was involved in something darker... human trafficking. Joining your team, my goal was vengeance, but I learned the truth. I realized I should've been on your side from the start. I'm so sorry."

His confession hit me hard. The pain was sharp and deep. But before Ji Woon could finish, I wrapped him in a tight embrace. "Ji Woon, my past also holds betrayal from those I loved. It's hard, but we move forward."

Breaking the hug, our eyes locked. "Rebuilding trust isn't easy, Ji Woon. But actions mean more than words."

Pulling Ji Woon into another embrace, we were interrupted by Suha's playful voice,

"Did you think you could have a heartfelt moment without us?"

I looked up to see both Suha and Juan grinning at us. Without warning, Suha leaped, enveloping us in a group hug. Juan tightened his embrace, eliciting a playful groan from me, "I'm starting to question my life choices."

As we all pulled away, I noticed Kyoto holding the glass I'd left in the kitchen earlier.

"Came back for this, didn't you?" he teased, offering it to me. I chuckled and gratefully accepted the glass.

Kyoto's gesture lightened the heavy atmosphere. He raised an eyebrow in mock suspicion, "What? Did you think you could just leave it behind?"

I playfully rolled my eyes, taking a sip from the glass. "Thank you, Kyoto. Always the observant one."

Suha interjected with a mischievous grin, "Well, Nara, maybe it's because he has his eyes on you most of the time."

Kyoto's cheeks reddened, and he shot Suha a glare, making everyone chuckle.

Juan looked at Ji Woon and me, "It's hard to carry such burdens. But remember, you have a team that's got your back. Always."

Ji Woon nodded, his face reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering sadness.

Instantly Juan's phone rang, cutting through the camaraderie. The name "Kim Rein" flashed on the screen. Juan's face grew serious as he answered.

"Juan," came the urgent voice, "I've got a mission for the team. I've emailed you all the details. It's crucial."

Juan responded, "Understood. I'll check it now."

He excused himself and headed to his room to review the email. The rest of us exchanged glances, sensing the shift in mood.
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Suha asked raising a eyebrow, "Kim Rein?"

Kyoto rubbed his temple, "It's never simple with Rein. His missions are often high stakes."

Ji Woon, looking up, added, "Should we prepare? Rein doesn't reach out unless it's urgent."

I nodded, "Get everything ready. We'll move as soon as Juan briefs us."
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A few minutes felt like hours, but finally, Juan returned, his face grim. "Pack up," he announced. "We're leaving in few hours. Rein wasn't joking. This mission is critical. A known trafficker we've been trying to pin down for years has resurfaced, and we've been given the green light to apprehend."

Kyoto questioned, "Who's the target?"

Juan replied, "A name from our past: Magnus Corvus. He's not only into human trafficking but also arms and intelligence trade."

A chill ran down my spine. Corvus was infamous. We'd crossed paths before, but he'd always managed to slip away.

Suha clenched her fists, "Not this time. He's not escaping us."

Ji Woon stood, determination evident in his posture.