Fortnight

Chapter - 20

As the first light of dawn filters through the curtains, Theo leaves Jaehyun's hideout, leaving behind a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Jaehyun lies back on his bed with a deep sigh, trying to process the events of the night. He brought someone who could be closely connected to his target into his secret lair and spent the night talking—actual talking. That's not something Jaehyun does. His encounters in the past have always been purely physical, no strings attached, and he never saw those people again. But Theo Martin? Shit, why did Jaehyun make exceptions for him?

Jaehyun hits the back of his head on the bed, frustration and confusion warring within him. He felt so real, so genuine last night with Theo. The vulnerability and openness they shared were new territory for him.

The door creaks open, and James, one of Jaehyun's colleagues, steps in with a skeptical look. "Off the records, really?" he says, raising an eyebrow.

Jaehyun jumps to his feet, grabbing his jacket. "Just do me this favor," he mutters.

James chuckles, shaking his head. "Jaehyun the Great is asking for a favor? The person who doesn't believe in taking help? Who actually is this guy to you, huh?"

Jaehyun throws a cushion at James, aiming for his head. "Shut up."

James dodges the cushion, laughing. "So it means no telling Woobin?"

Jaehyun pauses at the door, turning back with a serious look. "Not even Ethan."

James whistles, smirking. "Already down bad for the guy?"

Jaehyun shakes his head, feigning nonchalance. "No, it was just for one night. Don't wanna cause trouble."

James chuckles again, clearly not buying it. "Whatever you say."

Jaehyun waves his hand dismissively and leaves the room. He's barely outside when his phone buzzes with an incoming call from Woobin. Sighing, he answers while heading back into the house. "Yeah?"

"We've got today's schedule for Mark," Woobin announces. "Also, last night's mistake won't happen again. We've tracked his location."

Jaehyun hums in acknowledgment. "Send it to me."

The boring part of his job begins: stalking his target as long as the client wants. Despite the monotony, he can't help but think back to Theo. Why did he let his guard down? Was it the alcohol? Or was it something else entirely?

Woobin's voice cuts through his thoughts. "Jaehyun, are you even listening?"

"Yeah, yeah," Jaehyun replies, shaking off his distraction. "Just send me the schedule."

"Focus," Woobin warns. "We can't afford any slip-ups."

"Got it," Jaehyun says, rolling his eyes as he ends the call. He looks at the screen as the schedule comes through, feeling a mix of frustration and intrigue.

Back in his hideout, he sits down with a sigh, scrolling through Mark's itinerary. His mind drifts back to Theo again. That face, those eyes, the way he talked and laughed—it all felt so different, so genuine.

James walks in again, smirking. "Still thinking about him?"

Jaehyun glares at him. "Shut up, James. I've got work to do."

James chuckles, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Assassin. Just don't let your little distraction get in the way."

Jaehyun groans, throwing a pen at James this time. "Get out."

James laughs, dodging the pen and leaving the room. Jaehyun leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. This is going to be a long day.

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