If you only knew...

2.Playful bond

Ana's POV

I walk closer to Lisa since she's the only person I know here. I watch as the first agents start their physical tests, climbing ropes, running and jumping on platforms, and navigating wooden obstacles. It looks challenging, but they all seem pretty capable. I start to feel nervous, knowing that my turn is coming up soon!

On the other side of Lisa, there's her mission partner, a slightly overweight but tall man in his 30s. He looks really excited to test his abilities with Lisa. It's nice to see how well they get along. Meanwhile, I can't spot V anywhere, and I wonder if we'll ever be friends. His shy demeanor, or maybe I should say off-putting, makes me think that despite his good looks, there's not much else he has to offer.

I'm adrift in a sea of my own thoughts when a soothing voice cuts through the chaos, pulling me back to the present with startling clarity.

"Are you going to daydream here for the whole day? I think I've heard your name out there!" he points to the starting platform.

V stands there, effortlessly cool in his black T-shirt and cargo pants, exuding an aura that catches my attention. Just as I start to admire his style, he jolts me back to reality, reminding me that my name has been called for the test. A wave of panic crashes over me as I realize I've completely missed it. Heart racing, I dash to the starting point, adrenaline surging through my veins. As the manager raises the countdown, I know this is my moment to shine. It's time to prove what I can do!

With each pull of the rope, I ascend higher, reaching the summit of the rock face where a dizzying wave of nerves crashes over me. There's no time to linger on my fears; I leap onto the wooden platforms below, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I teeter on the edge of balance. It hits me then—this challenge is the real deal. There are no safety ropes to catch me, just an exhilarating plunge into pure danger from the start.

Despite the adrenaline and uncertainty, I blaze through the course, finishing in a remarkable 18:32 minutes, leaving the others in my wake. Pride swells within me, but exhaustion soon follows as I sink onto a rock seat to catch my breath. It's only then that I notice a sharp pain in my leg. As I tend to my injury, V comes over, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Are you alright?" he asks, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that catches me off guard.

A jolt of surprise courses through me at his unexpected approach, and I can feel my body tense up. Honestly, I never thought he would show any real concern for me. Yet, his words flutter in my chest like a startled bird, and I fight to mask the rush of warmth that threatens to betray my composure.

"Just a scratch," I chuckle, the memory of more intense scrapes I've witnessed on other participants flashing through my mind. "It's nothing compared to what some of the others have endured."

"You were amazing! Congratulations!" he exclaims, his eyes darting around as if he's silently willing his name to be called next.

"Thanks! I have to admit it was way more challenging than I anticipated, but I had an incredible time!" I reply, feeling grateful for his support.

"Honestly, this feels like a piece of cake compared to what I believe we will face in the real assignments." he flashes a genuine smile before turning to walk away.

His presence leaves me buzzing, a magnetic energy that lingers even after he's gone. I can't help but wonder how I'll handle these emotions when we're working side by side. The intensity of his charm stirs something deep within me.

I shouldn't be thinking like this—I feel a wave of guilt wash over me—but I can't deny the joy I feel from the warmth of his smile and the depth of his enchanting eyes.