MASKED FACES || SEVENTEEN

⛥ FORTY ⛥

'2 MONTHS AGO'

The man discreetly concealed himself behind the looming pillar, his eyes fixated intently on the captivating young girl at a distance. A subtle, intrigued smirk played upon his lips as he observed her stroll alongside a boy who appeared to be about her age.

He continued to watch her in silence, his gaze trained intently upon her every move. With a mixture of curiosity and determination, he followed her from afar, his footsteps light and cautious, blending into the surroundings.

As the girl and her companion ventured further into the crowded space, the man shadowed them, maintaining a respectable distance to avoid detection. His eyes remained fixed on the girl, studying her every gesture and expression, his heart pounding with intrigue.

The girl and her companion stepped through the doors of "Melody," the charming café adorned with its welcoming sign. Upon entering, the man observed them both donning uniforms, signaling that they were working within the café. He discreetly surveyed the pair, his curiosity piqued by their apparent roles at the establishment.

As he was contemplating a stealthy exit, an unexpected event abruptly interrupted his thoughts. His foot inadvertently collided with a small hairpin adorned with a line of delicate pearls. Startled, he recognized the item as something that likely belonged to the girl.

The man's lips curled into a subtle smirk as he bent down to retrieve the delicate hairpin. He held it gently in his hand, its small pearls reflecting the soft café lighting.

He placed the hairpin gently into his pocket, its small shape disappearing within the fabric. With a final, subtle glance towards the girl and her companion, he began to distance himself, each step carrying him further away from the bustling café.

Entering the imposing confines of the mansion, his steps echoed firmly against the grand walls. With a clear sense of purpose, he proceeded towards the secluded security room, his gait exuding determination and intent.

Pushing open the door to the security room, he entered and was greeted by the multitude of monitors displaying the various areas of the mansion, from the ornate hallways to the exterior gardens. His eyes scanned the screens, searching for something specific, his mind set on his objective.

Startled, Woozi's eyes flicked up, meeting the gaze of the figure who had entered the room. His voice, tinged with curiosity, inquired, "Are you here for something?"
The figure met Woozi's gaze, recognizing the skilled hacker and security systems expert. He made a direct request, his tone firm yet composed as he requested, "Hyung, I need to borrow your Svt2 laptop."

Woozi, accustomed to the unexpected requests that frequently came his way, paused for a moment in slight surprise. He regarded the figure with a calculating gaze, his fingers still resting on the keyboard. Before responding, he asked, "And why exactly do you need my Svt2 laptop?"

The figure maintained his composure, his eyes meeting Woozi's steady gaze. He responded calmly, "I have a specific task I need to perform, and your Svt2 laptop has the necessary resources and capabilities for the job."

A flicker of skepticism crossed Woozi's face as he weighed the figure's words. He considered the request, his mind running through various scenarios and potential risks. After a brief moment of contemplation, he inquired, "What exactly do you plan to do with my laptop?"

The figure sighed, then played a card he knew would resonate with Woozi. He looked at him and spoke calmly, "Hyung, don't you trust me?"
The words hung in the air, gently tugging at Woozi's sense of trust. The figure knew that this appeal to their relationship and trust might give him a chance to secure the laptop.