Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 117

Zero Hour

Days later, the morning sun over Seoul was crisp, casting long, sharp shadows across the driveway at Hannam The Hill.

For once, the black Hyundai Grandeur was already idling, but the person behind the wheel wasn't its usual owner.

​Aen adjusted the mirrors, feeling the familiar weight of the sedan.

​The passenger door opened, and Yoongi slid in, looking slightly disoriented to be on the right side of the car.

He wasn't in a suit or a stage outfit; he was dressed for his final day of quiet service, yet there was an undeniable sharpness in his eyes.

​"You look far too comfortable in that seat, Jagi," he teased, his voice still gravelly with sleep as he buckled his seatbelt.

​"Well, you've spent a year taking me to work and back home. So, today, I'm the one getting you to the finish line."

As the Grandeur glided out of the Hannam gates, the cabin filled with the low hum of the engine and the easy back-and-forth they always fell into.

​"Did you double-check the bag?" Aen asked, glancing at the backpack at his feet.

"You have your ID? The locker keys? Everything you need to turn in?"

​"I checked it three times, Aen-ah," Yoongi murmured, though he reached down to pat the bag anyway.

"It's all there. Honestly, it feels strange. I've spent months looking at the calendar, and now that I'm finally signing those release papers, my brain hasn't quite caught up."

​"It'll catch up when you walk out at six," she promised.

"What's the first thing you're going to do? Besides the dinner with the boys? I mean the first 'civilian' thing?"

​Yoongi stayed quiet for a moment, watching the city pass by.

"I want to go to the studio. Not to work-just to sit there. Knowing I don't have to check the clock to see if I'm breaking a curfew. Just sitting in a room that belongs to me again."

​"I'll have the studio fridge stocked with your favorite coffee by the time we get back tonight," Aen said, her voice softening.

"No more 'Agent Min' logistics. Just Min Yoongi, the producer. And my husband."

​Yoongi reached over, lacing his fingers with hers on the center console.

"That last one is the only title I'm actually worried about keeping today."

As they navigated the morning rush, Aen caught him watching her profile with a steady, quiet pride.

Every red light felt like a countdown; every kilometer, a bit of weight falling off their shoulders.

When she finally pulled up to the curb of the district office, the reality of the day finally settled.

In eight hours, the man sitting next to her would no longer be a public servant.

​Aen put the car in park but kept the engine running.

She turned to him, reaching out to straighten his collar before cupping his face.

"Have a good day at work, Jagi," she whispered, her eyes soft but bright with excitement.

"Make it a quick one. I'll be right here waiting when the clock hits zero."