Whispers Before Dawn

Chapter 2

Ilay gazed at the laptop screen, where Tae-ui appeared in his soldier's uniform. The crisp fabric hugged his lean frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and subtle musculature. The deep hues of the uniform contrasted with his fair skin, giving him an almost ethereal quality. Tae-ui's caramel-colored eyes held the familiar warmth that Ilay had come to recognize.

"Do you really like them that much?" Ilay asked, amusement flickering at the corners of his mouth. His voice was smooth, laced with a trace of intrigue.

"Yeah... they're beautiful" Tae-ui replied, his gaze dropping to his own hands. He flexed his fingers slightly, the motion deliberate, as if admiring them. His hands were elegant, with long, slender fingers and neatly trimmed nails.

Ilay's dark eyes followed the movement. "Yours are no less" he remarked, his gaze lingering.

A playful smile curled on Tae-ui's lips. "You like mine? Why don't we exchange them?" His tone was teasing, a sparkle of challenge dancing in his eyes.

Ilay chuckled softly. "Hmm... what would I do with those delicate hands?" he retorted, his tone playful yet edged with something unreadable. "They might not suit my... line of work."

"Maybe a delicate touch is just what your work needs" Tae-ui quipped, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He leaned in slightly toward the camera, the movement drawing attention to the graceful lines of his neck and the gentle curve of his jaw. The soft light enhanced his features, casting a warm glow on his skin.

Ilay's gaze sharpened with interest. "By the way, are you really a soldier? You don't look like one" he asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.

"What?" Tae-ui blinked, his expression a mix of innocence and surprise. A faint blush touched his cheeks.

Ilay raised a hand in a placating gesture. "No, no, I didn't mean to offend you. It was supposed to be a compliment" he added quickly, his voice softening.

A puzzled expression crossed Tae-ui's face. "Oh... I see" he said softly, still looking a bit confused.

He tilted his head slightly, a stray lock of damp hair falling across his forehead. Absentmindedly, he brushed it aside, revealing the smooth lines of his brow.

Ilay's gaze lingered briefly before he continued, "What's your position, by the way?"

"I'm a lieutenant" Tae-ui answered, sitting up a bit straighter, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Have you ever used a gun in a fight?" Ilay asked, his tone casual but probing. His dark eyes seemed to search Tae-ui's face for any sign of hesitation or discomfort.

"No, I haven't had the chance" Tae-ui replied evenly.

"By the way, I'm sorry, but I'm running late" Tae-ui said abruptly, glancing at a clock off-screen. "I need to leave. Tell my uncle I'll call him back next week." He offered a warm, apologetic smile, his eyes sincere despite the sudden shift in conversation.

"It was nice talking to you, Ilay" he added, his smile brightening, reaching his eyes and lighting them up like amber in the evening light.

"Likewise" Ilay replied, and for a moment, genuine warmth flickered in his gaze.

As the call ended and the screen went dark, Ilay's reflection stared back at him. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his expression contemplative.

"Innocent and delicate, just as I suspected" Ilay muttered with a smirk. "Probably working in administrative duties in the army."

The door clicked open, and Chang In entered, a folder of documents in hand. Ilay remained seated, his gaze still fixed on the now dark laptop screen.