𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗟𝗘𝗬 | ᴊᴀᴇᴊɪ

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸

The morning sun had barely crept above the horizon, casting a soft, golden light into the room where Jaemin and Jisung were still entwined in sleep. The peaceful quiet was abruptly shattered by the insistent ringing of Jaemin's phone on the nightstand. He groaned softly, his body stiffening as he reached to silence it. Glancing at the caller ID, his eyes widened with a mix of alarm and resignation—it was his boss, an unexpected and rarely good sign.

Jisung stirred beside him, blinking open his eyes. "What's wrong?" he mumbled, noticing the serious expression on Jaemin's face.

Jaemin pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for quiet, and answered the call. "This is Jaemin."

"Jaemin, we need you back immediately," his boss's voice was curt, leaving no room for argument. "There's a situation that requires your particular set of skills. Your flight has been booked for three hours from now."

Jaemin's jaw tightened. He glanced at Jisung, whose confusion had turned to concern. "Understood," Jaemin replied, keeping his voice even. "I'll be there."

He hung up and turned to face Jisung, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, Jisung, we need to go back home. There's... work I need to handle."

Jisung sat up, wrapping the sheet around himself. "Is everything okay? This seems serious."

Jaemin hesitated, the weight of his double life pressing down on him. As much as he wanted to keep Jisung shielded from the darker aspects of his job, he knew he owed him honesty. "It's my job," he admitted. "Sometimes, it demands sudden changes. I need to... handle a situation."

Jisung nodded slowly, his mind racing with the implications. "Is it dangerous?"

"It can be," Jaemin confessed. "But I'm trained for this. I promise I'll be careful."

Jisung reached out, taking Jaemin's hand. "I trust you," he said firmly. "Just make sure you come back to me."

Jaemin squeezed his hand, the promise solidifying in his heart. "I will. Let's pack up."

They moved quickly, packing their belongings into their suitcases with a practiced efficiency. The romantic getaway had ended abruptly, replaced by a tense urgency. As they checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport, the silence between them was filled with unspoken worries and reassurances.

At the airport, Jaemin pulled Jisung aside, away from the bustling crowd. "Listen, when we get back, I might have to go straight to work. I don't want you to worry."

Jisung nodded, his throat tight. "I know. Just... be safe, okay?"

Jaemin pulled him into a hug, tight and desperate. "Always. I love you, Jisung."

"I love you too," Jisung replied, clinging to him for a moment longer before they had to part.

The flight back was quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. Jaemin reviewed the details of his assignment, while Jisung worried about the dangers Jaemin would face. When they landed, Jaemin was met by an associate who briefed him further, leaving Jisung to return to their apartment alone.

As Jaemin disappeared with his contact, Jisung felt a chill run through him. He knew Jaemin was skilled at his job, but the fear of losing him hung heavily in his heart. He made his way home, the emptiness of the apartment echoing his unease.

He settled on the couch, surrounded by the quiet, and waited. Waited for the call to confirm that Jaemin was safe, that he had completed his mission, that he was coming home. As the hours ticked by, Jisung held onto the promise Jaemin had made and prayed that he would keep it.