Codename Anastasia Novel (End) - Chapter 67

Yes, Cheollima Courier. “Thank you for your hard work. I have a question. This is 1724, Seocho-dong. A package that should have arrived yesterday hasn’t.”

He brazenly gave the address of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. As expected, the reply came.

Oh, really? Do you happen to know the tracking number? “No. That’s… the sender just happens to be closed today. They’re not answering calls either. Would it be difficult to look up the sender information and my information?”

Then would you like to tell me?

Again, he recited the sender and recipient information that Kwon Taekjoo had hinted at. A quick “Thank you” came back.

Customer, I’ve checked, and the package is confirmed to have arrived in that area. I will give you the contact information for the delivery driver. Would you like to try contacting them?

He quickly jotted down the number given to him. Kwon Taekjoo had said that the photo would be conclusive evidence. If that was true, he had to safely deliver it to Prosecutor Seok before he was apprehended. Due to the nature of courier delivery, he couldn’t be sure exactly when it would arrive or if it would be properly delivered, making him anxious.

He tried calling the delivery driver. Soon, the familiar ringtone played. He wandered around aimlessly, anxiously waiting for a response. However, only a voice message stating that the customer could not be reached was played.

“…This is driving me crazy. Why isn’t he answering?”

He thought it was probably just that the driver was busy and couldn’t answer the phone. That happened quite often. Still, his thoughts kept turning to the worst. Since it was an item that absolutely had to be delivered, he couldn’t shake the worry that it might be lost or snatched midway.

He tried calling again. This time too, only a long ringtone continued. He was looking at his phone, wondering if there was something wrong with it, when someone else’s shadow fell over him from behind.

“Yoon Jongwoo.”

At the call, he nervously turned around. Two men in black suits stood there. He instinctively recognized their identities. They were agents from headquarters, sent by Director Im.

Yoon Jongwoo’s phone dropped to the floor. From it, the message “The customer cannot be reached” rang out again.

Kwon Taekjoo left the motel and went up to the rooftop of a commercial building. Similar-height buildings were densely packed around it. There were several paths leading to the main road, but most were narrow alleys barely wide enough for a single car. From above, the neighborhood itself looked like a maze.

He kept hearing sirens somewhere, and then men who appeared to be plainclothes police officers began to appear one by one. They seemed to be thoroughly searching the area around the cell tower, backtracking Yoon Jongwoo’s phone records. From now on, he himself had to become the bait and firmly hold their attention.

He pulled a Colt from his waistband. Then he pulled the trigger, aiming at a police vehicle with a flashing light. Thanks to the suppressor, no gunshot rang out. However, the fired bullet hit the car tire, immediately drawing attention. Detectives nearby crouched low. They frantically scanned the surroundings, searching for the firing point. Soon, one of them pointed to the rooftop.

“There he is!”

The scattered detectives and police officers rushed to the building where Kwon Taekjoo was. They quickly ran up the stairs and burst onto the rooftop.

“Don’t move!”

They each pulled out their firearms and aimed at Kwon Taekjoo. Kwon Taekjoo paid them no mind, sprang from his spot, and dashed forward. The police officers stared blankly as he suddenly ran towards the railing. They had issued a warning to fire, but if they rashly pulled the trigger, they would be blamed for excessive force. Kwon Taekjoo, who was speeding as if to commit suicide, leaped over the railing. His body dropped abruptly downwards. The frozen police officers hurried to the railing.

Kwon Taekjoo landed not on the ground, but on the adjacent building. He immediately got up and fled, seemingly unharmed. The stunned police officers began firing simultaneously. However, some fired blanks, and even live rounds hit innocent walls instead of Kwon Taekjoo. In the meantime, Kwon Taekjoo jumped from rooftop to rooftop again.

“He’s over there!”

Personnel waiting below spotted him and shouted. A large group of police officers chased him from all directions. Patrol cars followed, repeatedly relaying his location via radio.

It was an area densely packed with low-rise commercial buildings and houses, so even if Kwon Taekjoo passed right in front of them, they couldn’t rashly pull the trigger. Even if the suspect was a heinous criminal, citizen safety was paramount. They had to be even more careful now, with the media’s attention focused on them and widespread distrust of public authority. Perhaps exploiting that fact, Kwon Taekjoo kept circling around residential areas.

As the detectives pressed with their numbers, gradually tightening the encirclement, he abruptly leaped down a 3-meter-high stone wall. Then he rapidly ran across the top of the wall, which was barely 15cm wide. He was fearless, even in conditions where he could easily plunge to the ground. While the pursuing personnel couldn’t easily catch up, he leaped down the wall and disappeared. He was said to be a field agent from the National Intelligence Service, but he was like a human cheetah.

Target found. Moving west, moving west.

Running while listening to the radio, a sudden loud engine noise was heard. A car suddenly darted out in front of the detective who was looking around. It was moving so fast that there was no time to confirm who was inside. However, seeing the line of patrol cars following behind, he knew the driver was Kwon Taekjoo.

The detectives also quickly got into their investigation vehicles. The support team was waiting, controlling the road, so all they had to do was corner him. From now on, it was only a matter of time.

Sharp sirens continuously wailed in the quaint residential area. Kwon Taekjoo skillfully drove through the commotion. He didn’t slow down even on narrow roads barely wide enough for one car.

How far had he driven? A side door of a multi-unit dwelling suddenly swung open, and a man came out to throw out trash. Turning his head at the unusual sound, he screamed when he saw Kwon Taekjoo’s car rushing towards him.

“Aaaah!”

Kwon Taekjoo sharply turned the steering wheel to the right. The car body pressed completely against the wall, shattering the side mirror. Thanks to that, he narrowly passed him without causing any casualties.

The pursuing patrol cars couldn’t bring themselves to pass by the man who had collapsed and stopped. While the police officers got out of their cars and moved the man to safety, Kwon Taekjoo leisurely slipped out of the alley.

He drove down the hill and onto the main road. The support team waiting nearby immediately closed in. When two patrol cars blocked his path, he unhesitatingly crossed the double yellow line and drove against traffic. Fortunately, there were no cars passing by, as if the road had been controlled.

Soon, the sound of propellers was heard above his head. A military helicopter was closely pursuing Kwon Taekjoo’s car. A sniper was also seen aiming his rifle. They seemed ready to kill him for a quick subjugation. Investigation vehicles also rushed in, obstructing his driving. One of them drove across the three-lane road and slammed directly into the rear of Kwon Taekjoo’s car.

As a result, the car body spun around in a large circle. Dark skid marks appeared as the tires slid. The pursuing cars, which had been close behind, quickly braked. However, due to the sudden braking, they couldn’t avoid colliding with each other. A spectacular scene unfolded as six or seven patrol cars crashed into each other in a chain reaction. The investigation cars coming from the opposite direction also stopped.

Smoke rose from between the entangled cars. It was impossible to discern where Kwon Taekjoo’s car was. Patrol cars that arrived one after another surrounded the area like a barricade, turning it into a car graveyard.

Soon, the car doors opened, and armed police officers emerged. They took cover behind the open doors, preparing for a potential shootout. Then, with only their black muzzles exposed, they intently watched Kwon Taekjoo’s silent car.

Around that time, a black sedan arrived at the scene. Inside were Director Im and the First Deputy Director. Director Im got out of the car and identified himself to the police officer who tried to block his approach. After that, he called the on-site commander and received a megaphone.

“You are completely surrounded. Surrender your weapon and yield obediently.”

Only the sound of sirens had lingered on the road, but now Director Im’s voice reverberated rhythmically. However, there was still no sign from Kwon Taekjoo’s car. Pedestrians, whose access was restricted, and people in nearby buildings craned their necks to watch the situation. All of them held cell phones in their hands.

“I warn you again. Come out with your hands up immediately. Then I will spare your life.”

At the lines that sounded like something from a movie, the onlookers’ faces flushed. Unaware of the seriousness of the situation, they were all busy taking photos or videos. The police officers tried to stop them, but it was no use. Related content was probably already spreading like wildfire on social media.

It was then. The driver’s side door of Kwon Taekjoo’s car, which had been silent all this time, flung open. The driver finally emerged, stepping on the car’s hood and climbing onto the roof. He was wearing a character mask that a child might use. Everyone was bewildered by the unexpected turn of events, but only Director Im easily recognized him as Kwon Taekjoo.

Kwon Taekjoo, standing on top of the car, slowly raised both arms into the air. The detectives and police officers gathered at the scene collectively leveled their firearms. The air stirred with every minute movement of Kwon Taekjoo.

Then another silence descended. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Director Im’s command through the megaphone. If Kwon Taekjoo was arrested, everything would be over. Yet, Director Im silently darted his eyes around, searching for someone.

Since Kwon Taekjoo was exposed, there had been no report of anyone moving with him. Even now, he was alone. Psikh Bogdanov was nowhere to be seen. Hadn’t he been with him? Could he really have been released unharmed like this without colluding with the man? He was confused. He couldn’t quite grasp the cause of the unsettling feeling creeping up his neck.

He kept looking around restlessly due to an ominous feeling when he suddenly caught an unexpected sight. The window of the sedan the First Deputy Director was in slowly rolled down, and through the gap, the long muzzle of a rifle protruded. Because all attention was focused on Kwon Taekjoo, no one noticed it except Director Im.

Kwon Taekjoo was as good as caught. What more could they possibly want to do with a done deal? Director Im’s brow furrowed abruptly, and he glared at the First Deputy Director. For a fleeting moment, their gazes met in the air. He shook his head, telling him to stop. But the First Deputy Director, resisting Director Im’s strong dissuasion, closed one eye as he looked through the sights.

Any potential trouble had to be removed beforehand. Eternal silence could only be guaranteed by one method.

“Only the dead tell no tales.”

Just as Kim Younghee and Lee Cheoljin  had. The index finger on the trigger fully curled. Immediately after, fire erupted from the black muzzle.

An unusual tension also hung over the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. This was because the fugitive, who had repeatedly eluded capture despite the mobilization of so many public authorities, was on the verge of being apprehended. Related news was rapidly being reported through the communication networks between investigative agencies, as well as the media and social media. As it happened, a case handled by the public security department within their jurisdiction was involved, making it impossible to ignore.

Prosecutor Seok’s situation was no different. Of course, arresting Kwon Taekjoo and proving his guilt was beyond Prosecutor Seok’s authority. However, he needed to know if he was truly the one who poisoned Lee Cheoljin , and if so, why. Kwon Taekjoo claimed that a series of incidents surrounding him were someone’s conspiracy. But he hadn’t provided any evidence of that yet. Perhaps his visit to Prosecutor Seok himself was just a theatrical act to confuse the investigation.

“Prosecutor?”

While he was lost in thought, Chief Kim approached, drawing his attention. He quickly snapped out of it.

“Yes, what is it?” 

“A package just arrived for you, Prosecutor.”

He handed over a silver courier envelope. Checking the tracking label, he confirmed it was indeed addressed to him. The sender’s name “Garam Photo Studio” was simply printed on it.

He had never before received personal mail at the prosecutor’s office. Therefore, this package too was sent unilaterally by someone. Usually, requests, bribes for entertainment, anonymous complaints, or threats were delivered in such a way, but occasionally it was a clue sent by an anonymous informant.

Chief Kim hinted, “I think it’s photos.” He seemed secretly curious about the contents. Perhaps due to the exquisite timing, Kwon Taekjoo naturally came to mind. “No way,” he denied, opening the envelope.

Inside were hundreds of photos. As he carelessly pulled them out, some spilled onto the floor. Chief Kim exclaimed, “Oh!”, and quickly picked them up. Then he let out a low gasp, “Uh.” Prosecutor Seok also froze, looking at the photos in his hand. Most of the photos showed Lee Cheoljin .

What surprised him more was the person with him. The face somehow seemed familiar yet unfamiliar. Chief Kim seemed to feel the same sense of déjà vu as Prosecutor Seok. He kept tilting his head, wondering where he had seen him before.

“Do you know who this person is?” 

“Well, I’ve seen him somewhere, but…”

Chief Kim intently examined the person in the photo. He looked at a few more photos, searching his memory. After a long while, a vaguely familiar figure came to mind. It might be a mistake. He had heard that he rarely forgot someone he had seen once, but this time might be an exception.

To be sure, he took out his cell phone. Then he connected to the internet and searched for someone. Soon, information about the person appeared. Chief Kim checked the name, current affiliation, and even the photo in order, and his eyes widened. There was no mistake.

He immediately turned his phone and showed it to Prosecutor Seok. The person found in the search was clearly the same person as in the photo. His identity was Cha Moonseok, the First Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service.

Thump.

A single gunshot shattered the momentary silence. Simultaneously, Kwon Taekjoo, who had been calmly raising his arms, fell backward. The police officers who had been aiming at him were thrown into disarray by the untimely gunshot. A few bullets, losing their target, shot into the sky. Amidst the commotion, Director Im and the First Deputy Director exchanged disgruntled glances.

Not long after, the sound of propellers was heard. A helicopter was approaching from above. He thought it was the support helicopter arriving late, but its appearance was quite different from the existing helicopters. It was characterized by its sleek exterior and unusually thick, long landing skids.

Everyone’s gaze turned skyward. Hair and collars fluttered wildly with the helicopter’s approach. It was even difficult to keep their eyes open properly. The helicopter continued to descend. The rotation speed of the propellers showed no signs of decreasing, so it didn’t seem to be attempting to land. But if it wasn’t going to land, its proximity to the ground was too close.

The helicopter, which was indistinguishable as friend or foe, and whose purpose of approach was unclear, suddenly discharged a large amount of gas. It was a dense smoke bomb. Visibility was instantly cut off, even in broad daylight. It was impossible to discern even an inch in front of them.

While everyone was in disarray, the sound of the propellers did not cease. No, it became even closer than before. The First Deputy Director, who was inside the car, looked around uncomfortably. Strangely, it felt as if the helicopter was circling only above his head. The vibration of the air generated by the rotating propellers shook the car body. Black smoke and strong winds repeatedly surged through the open window. Could it be, it wasn’t just his imagination?

He gripped the rifle tightly with his sweat-drenched hands. The next moment, the sedan violently rocked from side to side. A screeching metallic sound sharply grated on his eardrums. He looked out the window in horror and saw a mass of metal rapidly approaching, cutting through the smoke. It then pierced the window and instantly entered the car. With a violent tearing sound, glass fragments poured onto the seat. He was so surprised that the process seemed to unfold in slow motion before his eyes, but in reality, it happened in just a few seconds.

The mass of metal that pushed its way in front of the First Deputy Director was the helicopter’s landing skid. Made of special titanium, it showed no scratches even after the previous impact. The skid, which narrowly missed the First Deputy Director, was firmly embedded in the ceiling. As a result, the helicopter and the car body continuously collided, generating sparks. He couldn’t understand its intention at all. Unless it was trying to die together.

Soon, the car body, which had been rocking only from side to side, began to sway up and down. Occasionally, it seemed to float slightly into the air. Only then did the First Deputy Director realize what was happening to him. He hurried to get out of the car, but the door was dented and wouldn’t open. In the meantime, the helicopter slowly gained altitude. The sedan, impaled on the landing skid, also tilted and was lifted into the air.

“Aaaah!”

He screamed and rolled down the window. The opening button didn’t respond. He tried to smash it with the rifle, but with a small movement, the car body violently lurched. The skid, embedded in the ceiling, also made a creaking sound and slid. If it came loose, he would inevitably fall. Realizing his predicament, his body froze. He couldn’t even breathe carelessly.

Gradually, the smoke thinned, but the police officers could take no action. They could only helplessly watch the helicopter flying off into the distant sky. If they fired, the car, held hostage, would not be safe. For the same reason, the police helicopters hovering nearby also could not attempt to attack. They merely chased the mysterious helicopter from a certain distance.

Unexpectedly, the pursuit did not last long. This was because the problematic helicopter abruptly landed in the parking lot of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. At the sudden appearance of the helicopter, the prosecutor’s office security guards ran out with bewildered expressions. The helicopter first dropped the vehicle impaled on its landing skid, then flew up again before fully landing next to it.

Just then, Prosecutor Seok was leaving the prosecutor’s office with the investigative team. He stopped when he saw the helicopter landing in the parking lot. Other employees also clung to the windows, watching the unexpected spectacle. The security guards surrounded the helicopter and the sedan, hesitating about how to respond.

Soon, the helicopter door opened. The person who appeared from inside was none other than Zhenya. As the Russian suddenly appeared, the atmosphere around them became even more chaotic. Zhenya walked towards the sedan with everyone watching. Then, he tore open the crumpled door and dragged out the dazed First Deputy Director. Prosecutor Seok, recognizing his face, strode purposefully towards Zhenya.

Zhenya shoved the First Deputy Director, who was too weak to stand properly, towards him. He also abruptly held out the memory card Kwon Taekjoo had asked him to deliver. Prosecutor Seok immediately recognized what it was the moment he received it.

Having completed all his tasks, he headed for the helicopter. The security guards collectively drew their guns to stop him, but he paid them no mind and boarded the cockpit. Prosecutor Seok intervened to prevent a physical confrontation. Soon, the helicopter rose into the air again, creating an enormous wind. When the wind completely died down, it was already far away, shrunk to the size of a fingernail.

Prosecutor Seok clearly informed the still bewildered First Deputy Director.

“I am Prosecutor Seok Jaehee from the Public Security Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. I am arresting Mr. Cha Moonseok under emergency provisions for violating the National Security Act. You have the right to appoint a lawyer, the right to remain silent, and any statements you make from now on may be used against you in court.”

Zhenya’s helicopter landed on a skyscraper. The door opened, and Zhenya and Kwon Taekjoo disembarked one after another. He leaned against the railing, enjoying the wind blowing from all directions. Although he had some scrapes and sprains here and there, there was nothing seriously bothering him.

When the First Deputy Director suddenly fired, he reflexively twisted his body and barely avoided it. Following Director Im’s gaze, he had seen the gun pointed from behind him. Although he had sprained his ankle while falling under the car, he was lucky to have avoided a gunshot wound.

Immediately after, Zhenya appeared in a helicopter, and amidst the smoke, lowered a rope ladder. When he asked why he had come instead of doing the assigned task, Zhenya said something nonsensical about going to do it now. Then, he abruptly impaled the First Deputy Director’s car and transported it to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

There was nothing remotely ordinary about him, but he found himself thinking it was cute that Zhenya obediently carried out instructions, which meant he wasn’t normal either. He was clearly mad from excessive stress.

“It’s quiet now.”

Zhenya leisurely leaned against the railing. Kwon Taekjoo looked up at his side profile for a moment before turning his gaze away and saying, “Yeah.” He felt a sense of relief that it was all over, yet also a vague emptiness. Perhaps it hadn’t sunk in yet. It felt as if he had been in a long dream since the day he left for Russia.

While he was lost in thought for a moment, Zhenya’s hand approached. He instinctively flinched, then stopped. Zhenya’s hand paused in the air at his guarded reaction. He felt unnecessarily awkward. He didn’t back away further and stared intently at the man. Then, Zhenya continued to reach out and removed the mask he was still wearing. Finally, their gazes fully met.

Would it really be okay? Even if he was swept away by a momentary emotion. Even if he had never desired a man or properly dealt with one, and was blindly rushing in. It would be impossible to run away now, but he still had no intention of lusting after a man’s backside. Nor was he cut off from the world like before, with the man being his only support.

Still, if he was with him, at least…

“…I won’t be tormented by nightmares.”

He muttered to himself, looking intently at Zhenya. It wasn’t like they were suddenly getting married, and maybe the man would cool down even faster. So there was no need to overthink it. He just needed to give as much leeway as possible.

If being chased was tiring and terrifying, then he just wouldn’t run. There seemed to be no clearer answer than that for now. He chuckled at his own conclusion, finding it absurd.

He exhaled a long breath, looking down at the world below him.

“I want to rest somewhere quiet.” “I know a place like that. A place where no one will disturb us.” “Oh, please spare me that one.”

A sigh escaped him naturally. At his disgusted expression, Zhenya’s lips curved upwards. Then he came up behind him and grabbed the railing. His body was trapped between Zhenya’s rigid arms and the railing, practically buried in his embrace. Zhenya’s scent grew distinctly stronger.

Zhenya bit at the collar of Kwon Taekjoo’s shirt, exposing his neck, then pressed his lips to it with soft pecks. He rubbed his nose against the dry skin, inhaling his scent deeply. His heart and pulse fluttered erratically from the ticklish sensations. It seemed he could no longer deny it.

He let out an exasperated sigh, self-deprecatingly thinking, I never knew my taste would be so depraved. Zhenya couldn’t understand because it was in Korean. He merely continued to bite at Kwon Taekjoo’s nape as long as he pleased, punishing him for his unintelligible lamentations.

Before long, the long day was coming to an end, and the sun was setting. The biting wind had, at some point, begun to feel warm. It was a prelude to spring.

Courtroom 426, Criminal Division 21, Seoul Central District Court. The trial concerning a covert operation case involving a high-ranking National Intelligence Service official began.

The defendant was accused of engaging in covert activities for decades, receiving orders from North Korea. However, he gradually underwent ideological changes, and when his name was coincidentally mentioned as a candidate for the next NIS Director, he attempted to conceal and manipulate his past actions to launder his resume. This plan led to several accomplices, including an NIS department head, causing public authority to become entangled. Furthermore, an innocent NIS employee was falsely accused of leaking national secrets and became a fugitive, drawing public attention.

However, the first public hearing was held in private, completely barring entry to both journalists and observers. Due to strict court control, even the defense team had to prove their identity every time they entered. It was an unprecedented spectacle.

“We request the National Intelligence Service agent who apprehended the defendants at the time as a witness.”

The court accepted the prosecutor’s witness request. Then, court officials brought in office partitions and installed one each at the prosecutor’s bench, the defense counsel’s bench, and the observer’s gallery. This was to protect the witness’s identity, considering the unique nature of their profession.

A moment later, the door opened, and the witness entered the courtroom. Concealed by the shielding facility, he swore to speak only the truth and faithfully answered the questions posed. Including him, a total of three active agents sat in the witness stand. The fierce debate continued for over two hours.

“We will adjourn for 30 minutes.”

The court declared a short recess and announced that the trial would transition to a public hearing thereafter. Immediately, the witness protection partitions were removed, and the closed doors were opened. Journalists waiting outside rushed in, vying for position. They appeased their disappointment at not being able to observe the witness cross-examination by filming even the partially dismantled shielding facility. In the meantime, the witnesses exited through a private passage.

Yoon Jongwoo first took off his stifling jacket and draped it over his shoulder. He messily ruffled his carefully styled hair.

“Ugh, I didn’t even do anything wrong, but I was so nervous. My heart completely sank when I went into the courtroom. If our luck had been just a little worse, the two of us would have been sitting in that defendant’s seat.”

At his chattering, Kwon Taekjoo loosened his tie and chuckled. Indeed, there were many variables. As Yoon Jongwoo said, they were lucky that all of them worked out positively, leading to the current outcome. If even one thing had gone wrong, the situation might have changed dramatically. Most truths were like that. Things that should naturally be revealed are easily buried, distorted, and difficult to uncover.

After the case concluded, Kwon Taekjoo’s life returned to normal. He still worked as an NIS agent, and his mother’s worries remained unchanged.

He still hadn’t told his mother everything honestly. He had made excuses, saying the warrant was just a clerical error. He had also claimed he’d hidden his job due to NIS regulations, and that his work there was simply support tasks. Of course, his mother, upon hearing the word ‘NIS’, immediately insisted he quit. So, he had to lie, saying he was on standby due to this incident and would soon transfer to another agency, so she shouldn’t worry.

Deceiving his mother wasn’t exactly pleasant. However, he couldn’t live a life he didn’t want just to appease her anxiety. The job of an intelligence agent felt like his calling; it suited him perfectly. He felt alive when he was in the field. He wasn’t sure if the thrill and sense of accomplishment that surged after completing a mission could be replaced by anything else.

Recently, his mother had begun receiving counseling to overcome her long-standing trauma. She was also slowly taking care of her own neglected life. For the peace and well-being of their mother-son relationship, he would have to resort to white lies for the time being.

He decided to get Zhenya’s help with that part. He wondered if it was even appropriate to use a public institution for such a private matter. Thinking about it again, he still couldn’t understand why the man had taken on such a position. Both the man and Russia, which readily granted his demands, were equally clueless. Perhaps they considered him a troublesome individual if kept in his home country, so they’d dumped him in far-off Korea.

“By the way, I was so surprised when I heard the news a few days ago. Did you know, senior? That crazy Russian is going to be the next Russian ambassador.”

While he inwardly clicked his tongue, Yoon Jongwoo abruptly brought up the related topic. He felt a pang of guilt, as if his thoughts had been read. Not enough to be Russia’s officially crazy man, now he was being called crazy in Korea too. What was he doing with such a man?

He sighed deeply and nodded vaguely. Then Yoon Jongwoo expressed concern, “Will it be okay?”

“It’ll be temporary. Even if he’s obsessed and acting crazy now, he’ll get bored quickly, right? How long can a guy who claims he never goes for the same person more than twice maintain pure devotion? He won’t stick around until his back bends, right? Don’t you think so?”

He babbled, holding onto a sliver of hope. He had no intention of backing out of his promise now, as petty as it seemed. But it was hard to immediately jump into a romantic relationship with a man who had threatened to kill him. He was a little scared to just throw himself at the man.

So, he was holding onto a faint hope that Zhenya’s bizarre interest would naturally fade with time. Until then, he planned to go along with what Zhenya wanted as much as possible. As long as Zhenya harbored tender feelings for him, he wouldn’t treat him roughly like before, and if he looked closely, there was a simple, childlike side to him, so he could subtly coax him along. Although the man’s penis, which was weapon-like, was still awkward, their sexual chemistry seemed to be quite good, so it wasn’t a complete loss.

He tried hard to quell his endlessly growing worries, but Yoon Jongwoo asked obliviously,

“What’s this ‘never more than twice’ thing? And what’s ‘pure devotion’?” “…It’s just something, you idiot.”

He mumbled, looking displeased. Yoon Jongwoo just pouted, muttering, “You were the one who brought it up first.” Just then, his phone rang.

“I need to go to headquarters, senior. What about you?” “I’m going to enjoy the rest of my vacation…”

That’s when it happened. A sudden vibration came from inside his jacket. He had a bad feeling. He subtly took out his phone, and sure enough, the direct line to headquarters was displayed. At his unusual reaction, Yoon Jongwoo peered at his phone. Then he immediately made a disgusted face. Staring at the continuously ringing phone, he muttered, “What if I don’t answer…?”

“They’ll call me and tell me to transfer it. They know we’re together.”

The expected answer came back. He had no choice but to answer the phone. The call, as always, began and ended unilaterally. He couldn’t even utter a single word. The new director was a typical workaholic. A common characteristic of capable people was their mastery of exploiting their subordinates.

“What did they say?” 

“What else? A new mission.”

A sigh escaped him preemptively. As if on cue, both men slumped their shoulders before chuckling. It was an inescapable routine as long as they worked for the NIS. Since they couldn’t avoid it, they might as well enjoy it.

He resigned himself and was about to move, but his phone rang again. For some reason, this time he felt he knew who the caller was without even checking the sender. It was a vague, yet almost certain intuition. If he didn’t answer, they would keep calling until he did. He pressed the call button and put the phone to his ear. Before he could even respond, the other party preempted him.

Tell them you can’t go.

It was Zhenya, without a doubt, speaking abruptly. The timing of the call suggested he had once again arbitrarily hacked Kwon Taekjoo’s phone.

“Hey, hacking and wiretapping are strictly illegal, you know? Did you forget already?”

It seems you’ve forgotten too, but diplomats have diplomatic immunity.

They shouldn’t grant that immunity to him, though. No, they absolutely shouldn’t. Is the future of South Korea going to be okay like this? He felt a sense of apprehension and guilt.

He wasn’t sure if he would ever truly feel the same way about Zhenya. Having never considered a man as a romantic partner in his life, it wouldn’t be easy. He also didn’t know when Zhenya might change his mind again.

However, one thing was clear: Zhenya was the only person, regardless of gender, who had ever made his heart pound uncontrollably. Whether it was due to Stockholm Syndrome, an absurd sense of pity, or some other emotion, was still unclear.

For now, he was simply curious to see how much Zhenya could change because of him. Whenever Zhenya showed an unfamiliar side, a strange sense of challenge and interest arose within him. Wouldn’t it be okay to start from there?

Kwon Taekjoo chuckled silently and said, “Anyway,”

“I’m going.”

So, wait for me.