Chapter 3

61 9 3

by 03110r

by 03110r

Ray Valentino

Ray sank deeper into the warm and soothing water of the bathtub, the bubbles enveloping her body like a warm embrace. She closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh as she rejoiced in the feeling of relaxation. Her mind wandered back to the events of the evening, and a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she imagined the look of irritation on Chan's face at the sight of her small gift.

Well deserved.

She knew he was probably furious right now, no doubt pacing around his office, not even aware that she was back in HQ. The thought amused her, and a small laugh escaped her lips.
Ray leaned her head back against the edge of the bathtub, surrendering to the momentary welcomed solitude. She allowed herself to relax and simply float in the warm water, letting her thoughts drift.

.....................

Ray shifted, stirring in the bed as she felt the first rays of sunlight bathing her face. Her mind was still fuzzy from a night of too little sleep. She sat up, letting out a yawn as she stretched her weary limbs. She then got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She took a quick shower, letting the hot water wash away the fatigue of the night before. Afterward, she dressed up in her usual training attire, a black combat suit paired with black boots.

Now ready for the day, she walked out of her room to HQ's training center. Stray Kids's Headquarters was a vast complex consisting of several interconnected buildings, located in the outskirts of the city.
The base comprised three main buildings: Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. The first division held the boss and the head members' residency. The second building included the training center, the meeting room, the briefing area, the offices, and a multi-usage basement. The third division linked the common lounge room, the subordinates' housing, and other facilities.

Ray reached the training center and pushed open the heavy double doors and the sound of grunts and shuffling bodies immediately assaulted her ears. The sound of her footsteps echoed through the training room, a rhythmic thump against the hardwood floor.

The gym was alive with energy, with a dozen members already engaged in their training routines. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and determination, mingled with the faint trace of metal from the weapons lining the walls.

Aside from her daily assigned missions, Ray was also relegated to the task of training new and weak members of the organization to help them improve their skills and accuracy.
She began to make her way around the area, observing the newbies's performance and giving out pointers on how they could improve. Some of the younger members gave her a nod of acknowledgment as she passed by, while others kept their heads down and focused on their routine, wary of the renowned head member.

As she circled the room, her sharp eyes taking in everything, a deep voice called out to her from the corner.

"Ah, there she is."

It was him, her boss, standing with arms crossed and leaning against the wall. His eyes met hers, his expression a mixture of irritation and a twisted amusement.
She couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly at the sight of him. She knew this would come sooner or later. He was standing there, arms crossed over his muscular chest, the veins in his forearms visible. He looked like his usual self, cool and composed, yet she could see a hint of annoyance in the intensity of his gaze.

He pushed away from the wall, his stride slow and deliberate as he closed the distance between them.

"I've been looking for you," His eyes never left hers, his gaze burning into hers in a way that both enticed and annoyed her.

She met his gaze calmly, her expression a carefully crafted mask of nonchalance. She stood straight, her body language relaxed but poised.

"Here I am," Ray replied, waiting for him to elaborate.

He stopped directly in front of her, looming over her shorter frame. His presence was so close she could feel his body heat, and smell his clean, masculine scent. He studied her face for a moment, his eyes skimming over her features as if looking for something.

"You led me quite the chase yesterday," he finally spoke, his tone tinged with annoyance.

She raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. She knew exactly what he was referring to. She had to admit, it was quite enjoyable toying with him like this.

"Did I now?" She replied, her voice laced with faux innocence.

His gaze darkened as he registered her smirk, a muscle twitching in his jaw. He leaned down, his face now mere inches from hers, their height difference evident. He didn't speak immediately, choosing instead to study her expression.
She kept her face neutral, but she couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through her veins with him close to her like this. It was a strange mix of annoyance and attraction that only he seemed to bring out in her.

"Stop playing dumb, Vixen." he growled, his irritation obvious.

She felt her pulse quicken slightly at his proximity, but she held her ground, her mask of nonchalance firmly in place. She tilted her head up to meet his gaze, looking up at him through her lashes with mock sweetness.

"Didn't appreciate my little surprise? It would do you some good to loosen up through, hmm?"