Codename Anastasia (English)

translationsxxx

Published: 2023

Source: https://www.wattpad.com

Welcome

Please read!🔔

I translated this!!! I made the story easier to read than other translations in
English.

Some parts were too difficult so I copied some words from: phoenix_230
on ao3. *See below*
and from the official manga on BATO.TO and mangago. (These are the
official sites, I asked the translators themselves on Discord, you can check
if u want).

I did NOT copy the translation of the story, I translated most of the story
myself (sometimes with machine), though I copied very difficult parts
because English isn't my native language and it was hard to translate. I'm
still gonna share the credits because I still copied some parts!

* A translation of Codename Anastasia by Boy Season. (I got some help

from the translations on ao3 by phoenix_230).

This is a completed unofficial translation of codename anastasia (There is

not an official english translation to this date)). I translated this myself and
sometimes with machine or other translations as help.

I do not want to steal credit from the author, boy season, so please support
the author through ridibooks if possible.

https://ridibooks.com/books/4148000006?

_s=search&_q=%EC%BD%94%EB%93%9C%EB%84%A4%EC%9E%84

+%EC%95%84%EB%82%98%EC%8A%A4%ED%83%80%EC%83%A4

&_rdt_sid=search&_rdt_idx=1

I only made this to make the story known (because there aren't any official
English translations out there, and if there are, they're bad lol).

DO NOT STEAL OR COPY THIS STORY. IF YOU WANT TO DO

SOMETHING WITH IT, ASK ME!!!!!!!

Before we begin:

- ⚠ This story contains violence, rape, sexual assault, drugs, blood etc.

Read at your own risk!!! 17+

- Don't spoil the fun. Spoiling is dumb.

- All of the fanart (+ cover) aren't mine! It's the official cover. The original
novel is Korean. This is just an translation.

- Check out the webtoon! It's more fun that way! You can check them out
on Mangago or BATO.TO for free without signing up.

- Join Codename Anastasia on Discord! The webtoon creaters are ready to

answer all your questions, and will notify you when they drop a new
episode!

- English isn't my native language, but rest assured, I'll do my best

translating!

- Don't hate. Haters suck.

- I'll upload all the chapters. Maybe even some side-stories. I promise I
won't drop this series, even if this takes 2 years away from my life !

- Don't even try to copy! Some people did and they got banned! This is a
warning! Do NOT COPY MY TRANSLATIONS. If you want to use
something from my story, ask me.

That's all, good luck with reading!

1; prologue

👉 This story uses the 'I' perspective as MC, but also 'Kwon Taekju' (or
he/him). So keep in mind that it's the same perspective in the OG!!!! Both
pronouns 'I' and 'he' are indicating the same person (Kwon Taekju)!!! I'll
change it when I have the time!

It was 7:49 p.m. at Busan International Port, and preparations for the ferry's
departure were in full swing as darkness fell. The 5,000-ton deputy ferry
stood majestically under the flickering street lights. This liner, which sailed
once a day, was bound for Shimonoseki, Japan, arriving the next morning.
As the early boarding deadline passed, the entrance door closed, and the last
loading crane silently withdrew. The terminal's lights were turned off,
enveloping the night in silence, except for the ferry afloat on the black
rippling sea.

Inside, a different atmosphere prevailed. I had entered my assigned room

early and lied on a bunk. Most passengers were busy exploring the ship
with excited faces, drinking in small groups, or capturing everything with
their cameras. Laughter and a unique sense of adventure filled the air, even
on the deck where the cold wind blew. The excitement and anticipation of
the journey about to begin were palpable everywhere.

Among the crowd, there was Kwon Taek-ju. He wore a casual suit and a
mustang jacket, looking out of place with his extremely bored expression.

The person occupying the most expensive suite was bored. Hah.

Occasionally, I pulled up my sleeve to check the time, feeling an odd sense

following the clock's second hand. It struck 8 o'clock precisely, and a long
horn blast signaled the departure into the sea. I stepped out onto the
balcony.

From the balcony, I had a clear view of the lower deck where tourists were
still busy taking pictures. It was challenging to get a good shot in the dark,
but they kept pressing the shutter. Amidst this, a small mechanical sound
came from my left ear, followed by a voice.

"Kwon Taek-ju, How are you holding up? Does it feel nice to be enjoying
what they would call a romance night at sea?"

"Partner, not as bad. It's loud, bustling, and dull."

A low chuckle came from the communicator in my ear. Meanwhile, Kwon

Taek-ju's gaze remained fixed on the deck, meticulously inspecting each
passerby. No one particularly stood out.

"Report."
"Ahem, liaison agent Kim Young-hee and MSS officer Ri Cheol-jin are
both confirmed as boarded passengers. Ri Cheol-jin is posing as a Chinese
citizen and is likely heading to China upon arrival in Japan. Younghee Kim
has a reservation for a ferry departing from Shimonoseki tomorrow
evening."

"Then they'll contact each other before arriving to Japan," I murmured, then
hurriedly left the balcony.

"Are you planning to make a move now??" My partner asked.

Kwon Taek-ju didn't mind him as he exited the room and walked down an
empty aisle.

"They say those who are good at hide-and-seek tend to be bold," I replied.

If the targets were to make contact, this crowded moment would be the
ideal time. Blending in when there are fewer people would attract more
attention.

I descended the spiral staircase one by one, and a group of people had
gathered in front of the restaurant on the second floor. I passed by them,
scanning each person, but no one particulary stood out.

My partner gave brief instructions as I descended the stairs leading to the

first-floor lobby.

"Call me." I said.

The cell phone rang immediately, and I allowed it to vibrate a couple of

times before answering. I greeted my "partner" and engaged in an
imaginary conversation, trying not to draw any suspicion.

After a while, a woman passed behind me, her coat collar awkwardly pulled
up. After crossing the information desk, she approached a vending machine
next to the elevator. She seemed to take her time choosing a drink, even
giving up her turn when someone else approached.
Only after the surroundings quieted down did she finally insert a thousand-
yen bill. Despite her prolonged indecision, she ended up choosing

a simple green tea. She carefully collected her change and then headed back
upstairs.

Kwon Taek-ju, feigning ignorance, paid no special attention to the woman,

and she appeared equally unaware of him.

"Target approaching," a voice from the communicator alerted me as the

woman disappeared upstairs. I directly understood.

"Okay. See you later," I replied.

After the usual greeting, I ended the call.

Around that time, a man emerged from a shared room at the back of the
lobby. He wore an ultramarine blue beanie and approached the vending
machine, fumbling for coins but constantly glancing over at his
surroundings rather than selecting a drink. His cautious demeanor caught
my attention.

After a while, the man finally inserted a 100-yen coin into the machine's
slot. Suddenly, an arm stretched out from over his shoulder, followed by a
soft clicking sound. It was a familiar noise, like a coin rolling into a narrow
groove. However, the 100-yen coin remained in the navy blue beanie's
hand. Kwon Taekju's hand had darted into the line, instinctively choosing
and pressing the drink.

"... What's going on?" The navy blue beanie seemed puzzled.

The next moment, he realized the situation. The heavy canned beverage
clattered and fell, and he hurriedly grabbed Kwon Taek-ju's hand as he
reached for the product. He was clearly taken aback by this unexpected turn
of events.

"What the fuck are you doing? Are you nuts?" The man in the beanie
seemed angry.
"I had a feeling an indecisive person like you would never make a decision.
If I had waited, you might as well kept me here all day," Kwon Taek-ju
retorted shamelessly, locking hands with the man.

There was a strange tension. Though he had been anticipating a

confrontation like this, something didn't feel right—Kwon Taekju had a
deeply uncomfortable feeling.

My instinct warned of impending danger, but I didn't pay much attention to

it. The man's eyebrows twitched and anger gave way for a moment to
uneasiness in his hard expression. His breathing grew labored and cold
sweat formed on his forehead.

"Shit!" The man exclaimed.

Suddenly, the man reached for the vending machine, as if trying to secure
something first. Kwon Taek-ju didn't hesitate to step on the cover, with the
man's hand under it.

"Ah!" The man, whose hand had gotten caught in the cover, cried out in
pain. Kwon Taek-ju wore an untroubled expression, as if nothing were
amiss.

"You crazy bastard!"

With each provocation, the man's irritation became increasingly evident.

He grabbed Kwon Taek-ju by the collar, his gaze intense, but Kwon Taek-ju
remained unfazed, alternately inspecting the man's face. The man's glare
slowly shifted to Kwon Taek-ju's wrist, which he was holding. Great, now
my suit was ruined.

I felt an irresistible force, impossible to ignore. At the same time, I became

certain—though not hopeful. Kwon Taek-ju turned his gaze to the
onlookers who had gathered and muttered something.

"Ugh, I despise drawing attention. Do you too, Mr. Ri Cheol-jin?

Everyone in this line of work is like that, huh?"

As soon as his real name was uttered, Ri Cheol-jin turned pale. 'Wha-...

Ah, I see.'

Passengers poured in, quickly surrounding the two of us, and amid the
commotion, the most captivating spectacle was, of course, a fight. I
harbored peculiar expectations as I studied the expressions of those
watching the drama. It was like an arena.

Drawing out the situation seemed ideal. A cornered mouse might yet
outsmart the cat. I pondered the unpredictable actions Ri Cheol-jin might
take if I applied more pressure.

I firmly gripped Ri Cheol-jin's arm, prompting an unexpected self-

deprecating chuckle from him.

"...Kwon Taekjuu."

'!!'

I abandoned any pretense of hiding my identity. When an operative's cover

was blown, only two choices remained: a pre-prepared poison for self-
termination or a desperate escape.

This time, I didn't plan on dying; escape was my only option...

Before Ri Cheol-jin swiftly reached into his coat, I raised my hands and
grasped his neck, slamming his head against the vending machine. The
vending machine rattled, and Ri Cheol-jin staggered from the impact.

Seizing the opportunity, I snatched his gun, causing a brief scream and
retreat from the onlookers.

I paid no mind to the panic and forcefully pushed Ri Cheol-jin, sending him
sprawling to the floor. I continued to strike his head, my actions relentless.

After some minutes, I flipped open the vending machine's cover and
retrieved the USB, left behind by the woman Kim Younghee. According to
our mission, it likely contained high-level national classified information.
"Step aside for a moment, sir! Wait!"

A flight attendant emerged amid the chaos, having likely been alerted. As I
absentmindedly stared at him, overhearing everything. It was too loud
here...

"Even if I die here, I will atleast not die alone!!"

A foreboding chill crept over me as I turned my head to meet Ri Cheoljin's

oddly gleaming eyes.

Fuck. No wonder things were going a little too smoothly.

I knew the man was going to use the crewman as a hostage, but I was too
late.

"...Hick!"

Everything happened in an instant. Ri Cheol-jin tightened around the

crewman's neck and pulled a sharp weapon from his other hand, smirking.

"Aaaaaagh!"

Passengers scattered in confusion as the blade gleamed menacingly. Only

Kwon Taek-joo remained composed.

Kwon Taek-joo bit his lower lip. Operations like this one made him uneasy;
he always did everything right, then why not right now? What went wrong?
But there was no room for complacency. I must think of something.

Ri Cheol-jin grasped the weapon with his hand wrapped around the
hostage's neck, eliciting a frantic scream. Kwon Taek-joo bit his lip again,
what do I do now...

"Give it here, you motherfucker."

Ri Cheol-jin extended his hand, demanding the USB. The sharp, blue blade
pressed closer to the hostage's neck. Kwon Taek-joo watched, unmoved.
Ri Cheol-jin shook his outstretched hand nervously, shouting impatiently.

I grew weary of his every move and the hostage's bluish face. Breathless,
like a little girl who was scared, there was a rapid rasping of breath.

Kwon Taek-joo glanced at the USB in his hand and handed it off without
hesitation. He threw it towards the man. The small device struck the
hostage and tumbled to the floor. Ri Cheol-jin, who had reflexively bent to
retrieve it, quickly changed his mind.

Instead, he forced the trembling hostage to pick it up. The hostage peed in
his pants through fear. Ri Cheol-jin, lifting him back up again, stepped back
slowly.

Simultaneously, Kwon Taek-ju began to shift his position. For every step Ri
Chul-jin retreated, Kwon Taek-joo advanced, seemingly indifferent to the
hostage's safety.

Ri Cheol-jin's voice cracked in embarrassment. "Don't follow me!"

His threat fell on deaf ears. For each step backward, Kwon Taek-joo
matched it with one of his own forward. A certain distance was maintained,
but the hostage couldnt keep himself calm anymore.

'HELP ME!!! PLEASE! I HAVE A WIFE-...'

"Don't you dare come closer! Step back!"

"PLEASE, HELP ME!"

The hostage's pleas poured out as he rubbed his trembling hands together.

The urine that had soaked his pants now dripped onto the floor. Time
seemed to stand still.

"You son of a bitch, didn't you just hear what I said?!"

As if to test me, Ri Cheol-jin took another step back. Kwon Taek-joo,

followed, relentless in his pursuit. Ri Cheol-jin appeared frantic, while the
hostage's face turned an alarming shade of blue. Breath came in desperate,
jagged gasps, like sobbing. There was blood dripping from his neck.

Ri Cheol-jin eventually gave up, shoving the hostage away and hastily
ascending a nearby staircase.

Kwon Taek-joo helped the fallen hostage aside and pursued Ri Cheol-jin.

As he reached the second floor, chaos erupted from the deck access. I
quickly turned and headed in that direction, catching sight of the fleeing Ri
Cheol-jin.

Kwon Taek-joo, on the other hand, maintained a measured pace. There was
no need for haste; after all, the ship was in the middle of the sea. It's not like
he has anywhere to run off to. The water was surrounding Ri Cheol-jin like
a vulnurable rat in poison. Kwon Taekju calmly trailed Ri Cheol-jin, with
his dark hair fluttering in the strong sea breeze, creating an eerie aura.

'Sir, I've informed the Coast Guard on Adjutant Ferry about the armed
individual on board. What's your plan?'

"Let's talk later. It seems things are about to get busier."

👇👇👇

Note: hey guys! This was SO difficult to translate. If you find any mistakes,
parts I forgot to translate or just anything you want to change, please, tell
me! English isn't my native language and I'm very busy these days!

Anyways, hope ya'll liked this chapter! Thanks for reading. I will upload
every week, once or twice. Thanks again!

2; prologue

Kwon Taek-joo watched intently as Ri Cheol-jin finally reached the railing.

A dissuading voice crackled over the communicator, but Kwon Taekju
promptly shut it off. As a result, only Ri Cheol-jin and Kwon Taek-joo
remained on the deck, buffeted by the brisk wind.

Ri Cheol-jin's grip on the railing tightened as he peered down at the distant

sea, looking back and forth. Meanwhile, Kwon Taek-joo steadily closed the
gap between them. Ri Cheol-jin, feeling cornered, waved his knife in the air
in a futile attempt to scare me, but it held no meaning. The moment fear
gripped him, the threat lost its power.

"D-Don't come any closer!"

Ignoring the desperate pleas, Kwon Taekju hurriedly approached Ri Cheol-

jin. Kwon Taek-joo closed in rapidly, and Ri Cheol-jin, alternating between
watching the dark sea and Kwon Taekju, trembled with his whole body.

"I t-told you not to come! I'm gonna strike you with t-this! I swear!'

He shouted, with a mixture of embarrassment and ferocity. Kwon Taekjoo

drew his colt. That moment, Ri Cheol-jin's sword turned into a useless lump
of metal.

Ri Cheol-jin abruptly turned away from Kwon Taek-joo, his eyes locked on
something behind him.

In an instant, a deafening bang echoed as flames erupted from Kwon Taek-

joo's glock. The bullet found its mark with chilling precision.

However, it wasn't Ri Cheol-jin who collapsed, screaming. It was Kim

Young-hee, the woman had silently approached Kwon Taek-joo.

Younghee Kim's once-ivory coat was now stained with her own blood.

She slumped down, clutching her mangled right hand, and her colt slipped
from her grasp, shooting a shot into the air. It was unclear whether the
intended target of the woman was Kwon Taek-ju or Ri Cheol-jin, who had
been exposed.
Kwon Taek-joo turned his gaze forward once more. Ri Cheol-jin dropped
his knife and stood with his back turned, taking a deep breath as he clung to
the railing, his shoulders squared.

He was in an odd position, which caused him to slip off the railing and fall
into the darkness of that night. Fuck.

"...!"

Kwon Taek-joo sprinted to the railing, but before he could reach it, the
sound of a splash echoed in his ears. Looking down, he saw the dark sea
briefly churn white.

I scanned the area for Ri Cheol-jin, but he was nowhere to be found. I

waited a few minutes. Then, Ri Cheol-jin's head emerged amidst the frothy
waves. He jumped from such a height that you would think he was
committing suicide.

Suddenly a little ship came out of nowhere. This vessel, shrouded in

darkness and advancing with all lights off, was an old wooden fishing boat.

Perhaps it had managed to evade the surveillance of the investigative

agency.

Just now I realized. The ferry was used just as a dead drop site*. So that
boat was acctually the real escape route?

(* a secret location for passing items of information between two

individuals)

I opened fire immediately, but hitting the invisible ship proved challenging.
There was clearly a target, but the difficulty increased when it came to
actually hitting it in darkness. If I had been granted permission to kill from
the start, things might not have been like this...

The objective of this operation was to unearth the South Korean operatives
who had infiltrated the country for an extended period, occupying
influential positions in society while stealing state secrets. There were likely
many individuals who colluded with them and provided protection. Cutting
off the roots before exposing the branches was impossible.

The big ferry continued to move, steadily increasing the distance from the
fishing boat. A man from the fishing boat's wheelhouse hauled Ri Cheol-jin
aboard. Ri Cheol-jin looked at me and smirked.

"Fuck you." He mouthed.

I just stared back, thinking what to do next. I was always the winner and
would always be.

I wouldn't lose.

Never.

I strapped a tracking device on his arm earlier at the vending machine. I

looked at my watch, locating Ri Cheoljin. Now we'll see who's fucked,
idiot.

On the receding ship, Ri Cheol-jin raised his arm in a triumphant gesture,

his face radiating confidence.

I chuckled softly.

Then, my smile suddenly vanished from my face. Kwon Taek-joo turned

and approached the fallen woman, Kim Young-hee.

Kim Young-hee trembled in agony from the searing pain of her severed
hand. Nonetheless, she struggled to retrieve something.

'!'

Kwon Taek-joo intervened, swiftly striking the back of her neck with the
blade of his hand as she attempted to take her own life with a pill.

Kim Young-hee released a muffled cry, and Kwon Taek-joo stuffed a

handkerchief into her mouth to prevent her from talking. Then, he twisted
her left arm behind her back.
On her ring finger hung an expensive ring, seemingly bought recently, with
barely a scratch.

"Did you get yourself a pretty ring? I'll complete the collection, here are the
bracelets!"

Kwon Taek-joo held handcuffs out with a sardonic grin and secured them
with a resounding click. The other end was affixed to the railing.

With everything settled, I reactivated the communicator on my ear.

"Hey you, head this way in 8 seconds."

As if my partner had misheard, he hesitated before responding with a

puzzled, "Wait what? Right now? Are you done already?" I just ignored
him.

My consciousness had already shifted to my watch. With a determined

press on the reset button on the watch's side, the familiar time display
vanished, replaced by a map with a big red dot. I chuckled.

I had planted a tracker on Ri Chul-jin during our brief encounter, and now,
the crimson dot representing his location was steadily slipping away from
me. There was no room for hesitation.

Summoning a deep breath, I sprinted towards the ferry's stern.

As I reached the end of the deck, without a second thought, I launched

myself from the railing. In an instant, the world went black, the wind
howling past me. The descent seemed endless. Cold, hollow and dangerous.

My breathing was heavy.

'Ugh!'

The water swallowed me up. Just now I landed in the water with a loud dive
that sent a shock wave through my entire body. It felt like every muscle was
torn apart. Seawater invaded every pore and bubbles burst around me.
I allowed myself to float for a moment, letting the shock subside.

Gradually, I began to move my limbs, struggling to regain control against

the relentless current. My muscles were frozen, but I felt better than just
now.

Shit, where is he?

I opened my eyes but found only darkness in the water, devoid of any
glimmer of light. With all my strength, I surged upward towards the surface,
battling the unyielding waves.

I'm gonna kill him.

With great effort, I managed to reach my wrist and pressed the watch's reset
button again.

From a distance, a familiar mechanical sound echoed—a motorboat engine.

It grew louder before suddenly fading as white waves collided with the
boat's propeller, striking my skin.

"I swear, you'll become a water ghost like this."

Yoon Jong-woo, who had hurried to my aid, extended his hand, helping me
onto the boat. My drenched body shivered in the biting cold. Despite the
frigid conditions, I removed my watch and tossed it to Yoon Jong-woo, who
followed the red dot on the bearing chart without question, steering the
boat. Meanwhile, Kwon Taek-ju discarded his soaked coat and took a
moment to catch his breath. He didn't mind him coming later than expected
anymore, he was too tired anyways.

The motorboat rode the tumultuous black waves, the entire vessel bouncing
wildly in the undulating waters. The nearly-lost red dot slowly drew closer.

Pip, pip, pip, pip, pip, pipipipipi.

As the wooden ship came into view, the distinctive mechanical noise
intensified. The leisurely boat ahead had surely noticed its relentless
pursuer.

'Drive faster.'

"This is the fastest it can g-... hey!"

I pushed Yoon Jong-woo away and gripped the steering wheel. By making
sharp turns Kwon Taekju was getting closer.

A man emerged from the wheelhouse, holding a rifle. Clenching my teeth, I

steered sharply, causing a powerful current to surge. Bullets flew through
teh air. Most of the bullets missed their mark, but one lodged itself in the
boat's corner, narrowly avoiding disaster.

In the inky darkness, there were no lights to aid me in confrontation. As we

got closer, bullets rained down relentlessly.

'S-sir! Please let's stop this! I'm too young to die!' My partner cried.

It was an absurd situation—trying to catch armed individuals who showed

no signs of surrender in the middle of the night on the sea.

We swerved to dodge their fire, closed in again, only to pull back as bullets
whizzed past. 'Stop! Shit!' Yoon Jong-woo cursed in frustration as he
gripped my arm and tried pulling me back.

I was in the driver's seat, steering towards the fishing boat, not minding
him.

"We're gonna collide, damn it! It's too dangerous!" Yoon Jong-woo shouted
in desperation, but Kwon Taek-joo only accelerated further.

The volley of bullets from the wooden boat intensified, but Kwon Taekjoo
tilted the boat, drenching the opposing deck with a massive splash.

Finally, their attack ceased, and they fell behind.

Unexpectedly, we turned back sharply, nearly capsizing in the process.

Yoon Jong-woo, now pallid and trembling, attempted to flee but tumbled
again.

I pushed the boat to its limit. When it reappeared from the darkness, even
the wooden boat seemed bewilderd. Anxiety was palpable as the relentless
hail of bullets continued, leaving us no room for rest.

We got closer and closet to the little boat, ready to collide. Yoon Jong-Woo
was yelling to stop. I didn't even know what I was doing, but I knew that I
would never lose.

I must win.

Always.

I couldn't help but think of my parents back in the countryside. Tears welled
in my eyes as memories of my mother's struggle to make ends meet

flooded my mind. Her message, calling me a "rotten bastard," echoed

painfully in my heart. Ah, mother. I'm so sorry....

Because I lied to you.

3; prologue

The wooden ship faced an ominous fate, reflecting an impending doom. It

plunged into the water almost simultaneously as they watched the
motorboat rush toward its demise. The collision loomed, mere meters away,
gears grinding from the impending doom. In this moment of resignation and
despair, time seemed to stretch into eternity.

Then Kwon Taek-joo gripped the steering wheel with all his might. The
boat, unable to cope with the abrupt brake, shook violently. The vessel
skidded through the water, tracing a graceful arc. In theory, collision was
inevitable, but Kwon Taek-joo refused to let go of the wheel.
With a resounding thud, the right side of the wooden boat collided with the
rear of the other boat. The impact sent both boats into a wild frenzy,
sparking vividly after causing an explosion where they crashed at. For an
instant, it felt as though the entire yacht floated in mid-air.

"... Ugh?"

After the turmoil settled, Yoon Jong-woo cautiously opened his eyes. He
found himself still aboard the boat, not in the cold sea. Kwon Taek-ju had
managed to keep the driver's seat intact. Smoke billowed from the damaged
rear, and a sizable hole pierced the right side of the wooden boat, but they
had survived. The tension that had gripped their bodies was released, and
their racing hearts finally slowed.

Soon the engine sputtered to a stop. The lapping waves gently nudged the
stationary boat toward the wooden vessel. The two hulls, now close,
bumped intermittently, creating a rhythmic thud.

Kwon Taek-joo rose from his seat and swiftly made his way to the wooden
boat. Jong-Woo Yoon, regaining his senses, fumbled to retrieve his Colt.
The ordeal was far from over.

Kwon Taek-joo climbed onto the fishing boat and lit the surroundings with
a flashlight. Two figures were desperately swimming in the deep sea with
nowhere to escape. He watched their frantic struggle, then reached for

a fishing net lying nearby. With a swift throw, he ensnared the fleeing
figures. The more they struggled, the tighter the net entwined them.

Kwon Taek-joo observed their desperate efforts for a while before operating
the hoist connected to the fishing net. A rusty metallic sound emanated
from the manual hoist. It wasn't as difficult as it appeared.

"... ... ."

Glancing back, Yoon Jong-woo, who had been watching in disbelief,

approached him. He pulled the crank of the hoist with even more vigor than
Kwon Taek-joo, seemingly trying to mask his shock. Soon, Ri Cheol-jin
and his accomplice clambered aboard, entangled in the fishing nets.

"Let us go, you fuckers! You bastards will die in hell-..."

"AH!" Taekju gave him a slap across the face.

"Haha, uu-uhm, s-sir, what do we do now?" Yoon Jong-woo wiped his

sweat and looked at Kwon Taekju. Kwon Taek-joo remained silent. He had
already moved to the motorboat, frantically searching for something.

"What are you looking for?"

"What did I tell you to prepare, huh?"

"Ah, it's under the driver's seat, sir."

Kwon Taek-joo promptly flipped the driver's seat backward. Just as Yoon
Jong-woo had said, there was a suitcase beneath. After unzipping it and
inspecting the contents, Kwon Taek-joo gave Yoon Jong-woo his
instructions.

"Contact headquarters and inform them that Ri Cheol-jin, his associates,

and the USBs are all secure. Lieutenant Younghee Kim is tied up on the
ferry, and the Coast Guard should have been alerted by now. Tell her to take
it from there."

"Me? Alone, senior? Somehow, it sounds like I'm doing all the work..."

"Just say you don't want to?"

"What, ah senior? The boat is broken, it's n-not because I don't want to!"

"This madman has his hands full. I have a family event to attend. You're on
this one."

Faced with the brink of life and death, Yoon Jong-woo was left stuttering,
repeatedly saying, "Sir?" as he struggled to accept my request.
The motorboat Kwon Taekju was on roared to life. He left Yoon Jongwoo
on the wooden boat with the two ensnared men and departed without a
backward glance.

The motorboat boasted a powerful engine and swiftly moved away. He

stared at his wet shoes in astonishment, they gradually became soaked from
the seawater seeping into the wooden boat. It was a wooden boat, with a
hole...Could he really leave his comrades stranded in such a dire situation,
without any guilt or hesitation?

Behind him, cries of desperation echoed. However, Kwon Taek-ju didn't

pay attention to them as as the wind and waves played tricks on his ears. He
had always believed in raising his children with strict discipline. This was a
wise lesson to learn from.

The boat docked in a quiet corner of the pier, facing no repercussions even
for unauthorized mooring due to prior registration for a public event.

Without a second thought, he grabbed the suitcase and entered a nearby

warehouse. When he emerged, he had changed into clean clothes.

Passing through the dimly lit terminal, he reached the main road, where a
pre-arranged taxi awaited. They got in and headed for Busan Station.

Upon arrival, an announcement signaled the departure of the KTX bound

for Seoul. Kwon Taekju descended to the platform along with the bustling
crowd. The train arrived promptly and waited as everyone entered through
the nearest door, checked their seat assignment, and settled in. It was late at
night, and the compartment was hushed.

Bzzzt... bzzzt... .

Just as Taekju settled in, the phone inside his jacket pocket buzzed. It was a
personal call, not business-related. As expected, it was from his mother.

After clearing his throat, he answered.

"Yes, Mother. I've just boarded the train. The cleanup after the event took
longer than expected, so I could only catch the last train. Even if it runs
without delays, I'll be arriving late at dawn, so please get some rest and
eat."

His mother launched hundreds of questions, wanting to know the exact

departure and arrival times, the transportation from the station to their
home, and more. Given that he was a son who visited his mother maybe
once or twice a year, these visits were quite rare, and the conversation
ended with him finally promising to go straight home without any detours.

As soon as he ended the call, exhaustion began to set in. A sigh escaped
from his lips. Around that time, the train doors closed, and it departed for
Seoul. Leaning back, Taekju felt the train's vibrations through his still-damp
hair.

In the quiet compartment, an announcement about the upcoming stop

played. The space, previously abuzz with chatter, fell silent after the word

"Seoul" fell. Even the overhead lights seemed to dim.

The heater's warmth had Kwon Tarkju feeling drowsy. His eyelids, still
tinged with the saltiness of seawater, grew heavy. He had nearly three hours
left until his final destination. Would it be wise to catch up on some sleep?

Just as he was about to close his eyes...

Bzzzt...bzzzt...

Suddenly, his pocket vibrated. The phone he used to talk to their mother
was still in his hand. Thus, the incoming call had to be work-related. First,
he tried to ignore it, trying to settle into sleep, but the phone continued to
vibrate persistently. It was clear that the caller intended to keep ringing until
Taekju answered. The faintly nerve-wracking noise began to disturb fellow
passengers.

"Ugh... why isn't that man picking up?"

"Yeah, this generation is so disrespectful."

I rolled my eyes. Reluctantly, Taekju straightened up and pressed the

answer button.

'Taekju. Where are you?'

'...What?'

4; prologue

'What?' Taekju asked.

It was Manager Lim on the other side if the phone, asking Taekju where he
was without a hint of hesitation. Was it bad to have some difficulties with a
mission? If Yun Jong-woo had not met his watery but successful end, he
would have been quickly informed of the operation's outcome. So, why this
unexpected call?

Manager Lim's calls had always been pleasant, never out of the ordinary.

Because I did everything like I had to, I never failed.

"Where are you headed? I just want to see you."

Was this a mere call to check up on me? What was really going on?

All Kwon Taek-joo could speculate about was the mission he had recently
handled to eliminate the operatives. It was supposed to be a covert
operation, but there were too many witnesses. Even innocent civilians were
taken hostage, causing quite a stir when the report came in. To make
matters worse, the Coast Guard had been alerted. Getting things back on
track wouldn't be easy.

Journalists might have caught up by now. Manager Lim was likely to point
out that a secret organization like NIS should remain secret for a reason.
Even though he knew it would be futile, Kwon Taek-joo attempted to make
excuses.

"This operation went as smoothly as it could, you know I always do my

best."

'Yes, I know, I always had high expectations for you, Kwon Taekju.

Come here and let's talk.'

Alright, this was Manager Lim, never one to beat around the bush.

Honestly, Kwon Taek-joo was scared. He loved his job. He couldn't ever
imagine a life without his job.

Tomorrow was his mother's birthday, a woman who had only worked hard
in her life to survive. All alone. So, no matter what, he had to return

home.

What did Manager Lim say to him again? That even if the Second Korean
War broke out, Lim promised to send him back to his mother's embrace.

Kwon Taek-joo was pondering when he suddenly remembered Manager

Lim was still on the phone.

"Boss, please, tomorrow is my mother's birthday, you know that right? I

need to be next to her."

'I know. Just come here, I won't delay it for too long.'

There was no getting through to him. Director Lim was relentless and
insistent. Annoyed, Kwon Taek-joo ruffled his wet hair. Then, he said his
final argument while gazing at the passing scenery outside the car window.

"I've already left, so what do you want?"

It was around that time. The KTX, which had been running smoothly,
suddenly came to a halt. Passengers, who had been listening to music or
playing mobile games, looked around in surprise.

For a while, the KTX remained stopped inside the tunnel. No

announcements were made in the train, and no attendants passed by. KTX

breakdowns were not uncommon, and passengers were hardly mad by this.

Most soon lost interest in the sudden stop and drifted off to sleep again.

It wasn't a big deal, or so he wanted to believe. But ominous premonitions

lingered like ghosts.

"Get off, come on."

Director Lim instructed with a sly smirk. Just as Kwon Taek-joo was about
to ask what this was about, an announcement echoed from the speaker. It
mentioned a track problem causing the delay, promising to resume the
journey as soon as the issue was "resolved."

"As soon as the problem is resolved", it meant that unless Kwon Taek-joo
didn't get off the train, it wouldn't budge.

"Huh? Aren't you getting off?"

A hushed whisper followed. Director Lim's voice rustled, as if he was

enjoying the current situation. Kwon Taek-joo didn't feel like resisting
anymore. He was going to see his mom. No matter what.

However, without the train moving, Kwon Taek-joo had no way to get
home himself. He shook his head anxiously. He angrily ended the call. His
phone didn't ring again. And of course, there was no sign of the KTX

departing either.

After holding out for a little while, he let out a long sigh and stood up. As
he strode down the aisle to exit, the door opened as if it had been waiting
for him. Shaking his head, he descended the stairs. The pebbles on the
tracks crunched beneath his shoe soles.
As he walked away from the train, he called his mom. Just after having left
the tunnel, the halted KTX resumed. Around that time, a voice on the other
end of the phone echoed, "Hello?"

It was his mother, and her voice was quieter than before. She must have
been worried that her son, who had promised to come, would cancel their
meeting due to urgent work.

"Mom. It's me. There's an issue with the train, so I'll be a bit late. I'll
definitely make it this time. I promise you, mom. Just a little late this time."

He stopped in his tracks.

"So, don't light the birthday cake and wait for me, please."

~~~

With a prearranged helicopter, Kwon Taekju arrived at NIS office. An

employee waiting for him guided Kwon Taek-joo to the office of the First
Deputy Director. Taekju followed silently, his head slightly tilted. He
couldn't help but wonder why it was the First Deputy Director's office and
not the Manager's office, considering the operation was under the Third
Deputy Director's lead.

As he pondered, the friendly employee knocked on the door of the First

Deputy Director's office. Permission to enter was granted quickly. But it
wasn't Manager Lim's voice that he heard behind the door... The employee
opened the door and ushered Kwon Taek-joo inside.

Kwon Taek-joo forgot to offer a greeting and instead stared at the First
Deputy Director. Wasn't it natural for the First Deputy Chief to occupy the
First Deputy Chief's office?

Nevertheless, the current situation was ironic, to say the least. Director Lim,
the man who had summoned Kwon Taek-joo, was sitting next to him,
gazing him with a weird expression. Then, Director Lim merely smiled.
The atmosphere was peculiar. Kwon Taek-joo, somewhat defensively,
glanced between Deputy Director 1 and Manager Lim, both were smiling
like crazy. This was bad.

"I called you here, so why don't you take a seat? There's no need to defend
yourself. Despite some commotion, it's still nothing compared to a breach
of state secrets. Isn't that right, Lim?"

It was almost sarcastic, and Deputy Director 1's words drew a wry smile
from Kwon Taek-joo. Despite the commotion that had unfolded during the
operation, reprimanding him personally was a clear misuse of authority.

Kwon Taek-joo kept an eye on Director Lim, his skepticism lingering.

Director Lim merely shook his head, still wearing that peculiar smile.

Kwon Taek-joo was left all the more puzzled. If not due to the Busan
incident, why was he called here, at this hour? He had pondered it all along
on his way here, but couldn't reach to a logical conclusion.

Director Lim didn't dwell on Kwon Taek-joo any longer. He placed the
tablet he had been holding onto the table.

"What's this?"

"Take a look first."

Kwon Taek-joo shrugged and obediently picked up the tablet. He scrolled

through the first page with a bored expression, but as his gaze moved from
line to line, his expression became wary.

He read the text silently, his breath growing shallower as he scrolled to the
next page. Director Lim, observing him, finally spoke.

"It's high-level intelligence we recently acquired. Rumors have been

circulating for a while, but this is the first time we've secured evidence to
confirm the truth. As you may have seen, the core of the matter is that
North Korea and Russia have been collaborating on developing new
weaponry for the past three years. This weapon is said to possess
unprecedented firepower that no other nation in the world has ever seen. It
could potentially shift the balance of world power once completed. It's also
been referred to as 'Anastasia,' though we're not certain if that's the
weapon's exact name, a secret agreement between North Korea and Russia,
or even the weapon's blueprint or designer. We're not even sure if the
weapon has been completed."

Ah, Kwon Taek-joo realized the significance of the presence of both Deputy
Director 1 and Manager Lim. If North Korea and Russia were indeed
collaborating on a weapon of unparalleled destruction, it would cause
trouble for both South Korea and the United States.

"We need to uncover the true nature of this weapon. A lack of information
would tip the balance of power. If 'Anastasia' isn't completed yet, and, if
possible, we should prevent it from being unveiled to the world."

There was a moment of silence.

"You're probably asking what we can we do for the sake of global and
human peace? Sometimes, a little wrongdoing may be necessary to prevent
a great evil."

Hence, the mission was to unveil the identity of the weapon on which North
Korea and Russia had joined forces. If required, it meant stealing the
blueprint or related secrets and, if not, ensuring it never saw the light of day.

And who was the chosen agent for this mission?

Kwon Taek-ju.

Since the beginning of his career at the NIS, overseas assignments had been
common. He'd spent more days abroad than in Korea as a spy.

Therefore, the prospect of a business trip wasn't unusual. However, the

surprising aspect was the mission's location: Russia. A country he had never
visited.
Of course, the language wasn't an issue. Kwon Taek-joo had received
training in Chinese, Persian, and Russian immediately after joining the
agency. Speaking the language of Moscow wouldn't be a problem for him.

But that wasn't the primary concern. For Kwon Taek-joo, combat
experience was paramount. What good is an agent without real-life
experience? For this mission, it felt like he was being thrown into a
battlefield unarmed. The choice of Kwon Taek-joo for this operation was
bizarre, to say the least.

He stared at Lim with an expression of dissatisfaction. Lim nodded,

seemingly understanding.

"Strictly speaking, you're not the most qualified for this operation."

"Then why choose me?"

"I did consider other options. I even dispatched someone else."

"So, what happened?"

Lim hesitated, scratching his eyebrow. First Deputy Director 1 also offered
a sad smile. They both seemed to understand something that he didn't.

"It seems it didn't go well."

Manager Lim nodded again and spread three photos on the table. The first
displayed a hand with all ten fingertips bluntly severed. The skin was
bloodless but swollen.

In another photo, a body was covered with a white cloth, and a mysterious
pattern was engraved on the forehead. It soon became apparent that it was a
tattoo, appearing fresh.

The final photo was a clean ID picture, likely the original appearance of the
mutilated corpse. Kwon Taek-joo recognized the person in the photo.

"That-"
"Dominic Morgan. He was an elite agent sent to Russia by the US

intelligence agency. His body was found four days ago on the banks of the
Nara River. He was tasked with uncovering the identity of 'Anastasia.' He
was a valuable asset for gathering Russian intelligence. In Russia, he was
treated as an unknown entity. Given his role, it's only natural he concealed
his identity. It's questionable whether the Russians viewed him as a mere
unknown person."

Kwon Taek-joo had known Agent Morgan only briefly, having met him
during the last ROK-US joint training, about a month ago at most.

Coincidentally they were assigned the same room to sleep in.

"Hm."

Manager Lim offered a faint smile, as if trying to ease Kwon Taek-joo's

skepticism.

"That's exactly why we chose you, Kwon Taekju. People who are too
emotionally attached to the person cause problems. I figured this job
wouldn't be that big of a deal for you. I'll let you even schoose your own
teammates. Plus we'll provide you with full support."

Shit, why are they always changing the subject so sudden? Of course it's a
big deal. There must be atleast one other person in NIS that's more suitable
for it... Haah, fuck.

A phone rang and First Deputy Director 1 stood up. 'Please, excuse me for a
moment.'

Just as he went out, I made up my mind.

"I'll accept the mission."

However, Kwon Taek-joo felt his stomach gnaw as he thought of Dominic

Morgan's death. While he couldn't deny being affected, his unease extended
even beyond that. This was a direct path to hell.
But...Director Lim would always be my immediate superior. When he
issues an order, I have to obey. I'm in no position to refuse.

Director Lim's eyes widened. Hah, unexpected, wasn't it?

"...Why accept this mission if you're not interested in power?"

"This is an order from a high-ranking official. Can a subordinate refuse?"

"Of course not, is there another reason?"

"If I refuse this case, my career, which has always been flawless, would
crumble."

"Indeed, nothing else?"

"May I leave now?"

"Here, a gift." Director Lim gave him an envelope while he continued

talking.

"I've heard that between Gazprom, a Russian state-owned gas company, and
a Japanese energy company, a *LNG facility construction contract has been
signed and the expected profit alone is worth tens of trillions won."

*(LNG=> liquefied natural gas)

Now that was interesting.

"The Russian side invited executives from the Japanese energy company,
the international trading company, and from a large bank that's responsible
for corporate loans. To celebrate the signing of the contract and to allow
them to visit the planned construction site. Major officials working under
the prime ministers of both countries and big names in politics and business
will attend. From what I heard, an international trading company called

'Itochu' played a big role in the signing of the contract. Hiro Sakamoto is an
employee in charge of the European region there. His name is also proudly
on the guest list for the scheduled to visit to Russia."
So, in other words, I'll be infiltrating Russia disguised as Hiro Sakamoto.

That plan isn't bad at all. If it's true that Russia and North Korea developed
weapons, very few of the leaders know about that secret information.

However, this won't be safe...

"Relax, unless the real Hiro Sakamoto appears, they'll never know that
you're not him. Sakamoto is the first one who's scheduled to leave the
country a day before the rest of the visiting group. But, in reality, the Tokyo
agent will stop him from leaving the country... Our disguise skill is
excellent to even fool your own mother."

I looked at Hiro Sakamato's information. 180 cm, a little shorter than me.

If you're a normal person, you wouldn't be able to tell a 2-3 cm height

difference. If someone's suspicious of me, I'll try deceiving them by
pretending to wear insoles.

If this was a normal mission, I wouldn't have to worry about little things
like this. I have no rights to refuse orders from higher-ups unless I resign.

But why do I feel... like something's wrong?

"Kwon Taekju, this is about re-establishing global supremacy. If you

succeed and things go smoothly, you could get promoted." Director Lim
smirked.

I did it for money, too. No denying in that. But...

"But I'm not interested in promotions or power, those are unnecessarily

competitive."

"And yet, to my surprise, you accepted this mission, no?"

"Like I just said, it's because I have no right to refuse. May I go now?"

"Wait, one more thing. There's something you should keep in mind."
Kwon Taek-joo was getting annoyed, his patuence running out. Lim's
expression grew serious. His gaze on Kwon Taek-joo turned cautious as he
spoke.

"Psych Bogdanov."

"Psych Bogdanov? Is that a name? Wouldn't it-..."

Kwon Taek-joo furrowed his brow in puzzlement. 'Bogdanov' sounded like

a Russian surname, but 'Psych' was certainly not a given name. Who in their
right mind would name their own child 'crazy' or 'asshole'? Probably an
asshole themself.

Manager Lim provided clarification.

"I've heard he's usually referred to by his last name."

A name is more used by others than by the person themselves. Therefore,

nicknames or aliases often describe a person. The fact that the Russian
Director Lim called Bogdanov 'Crazy' rather than his real name suggested
he was a formidable individual. Kwon Taek-joo couldn't help but wonder
about the person behind that moniker.

"He's like a nuclear figure in Russia."

"If he's nuclear, does that mean he's a dangerous center?"

Kwon Taek-joo asked uncertainly, considering the potential language

nuances. 'Nuclear' could mean both a core or center, but it had an entirely
different connotation as well. It was hard to believe they'd call a person
such a weapon. Kwon Taek-joo gave Lim a questioning look, who
responded with a nonchalant smile.

"Yes, that's what it means."

It seemed 'nuclear' was closer to the kind of 'nuclear' associated with

nuclear weapons. Kwon Taek-joo's expression involuntarily twisted in
response. What kind of individual goes by the name 'Psych' more than their
real name? To the point of being called 'Nuclear Bomb'?
The mention of 'Psych Bogdanov' raised another question. What was his
connection to the mission, whose primary objective was to uncover

'Anastasia'?

"Did he have something to do with Morgan's death?"

"We're not sure. There's no concrete evidence, only suspicions. When

dealing with the Russian heavyweights, confrontation is unavoidable.

'Psych' is not there for nothing; potential harm lies ahead. But even if you
do encounter him, do not attempt to engage. Avoid him no matter what."

Kwon Taek-joo smirked. The more warnings he received, the more curious
he became about this eccentric individual. Why was he more curious now
about this so called psychotic guy even after being warned about him?
Taekju scoffed.

Just then, there was a knocking at the door. Director Lim gave his
permission to enter, and the same employee who had ushered Kwon
Taekjoo in appeared. In one hand, he held a large bouquet of flowers, and in
the other, a suitcase. Kwon Taek-joo tried to decline, but the employee
silently walked out, leaving the flowers with Kwon Taekju. Taekju looked
at director Lim, raising his eyebrow. The director smirked.

"I've got everything you'll need for this mission. It saves time and work.

Isn't that convenient for you and nice of me? I even picked out new
underwear for you, considering your taste, since you haven't made any
purchases since two months ago. No need to thank me."

"You seem to know more about my underwear than I do."

Director Lim coughed. "Just a little, nothing wrong here. And take the
flowers home. It's your mother's birthday, isn't it?"

This man, seriously.

Kwon Taek-joo held himself back; the words threatened to spill out of his
mouth, he replied curtly.

"I won't tell her they're a gift from you, Manager Lim. If she finds out it's a
bouquet from the man who stole her son on her birthday, it might ruin her
mood on her special day. And then I might ruin you."

"Thanks for considering it."

Director Lim smiled brightly.

"Don't die out there."

About to turn and leave, Kwon Taek-joo paused momentarily, then gave a
casual nod before continuing on his way.

When he exited, the hallway stood empty. Kwon Taek-joo trudged toward
the exit. As his footsteps moved along the corridor, sensor lights flickered
on and off one by one, dimming as he ventured further. Darkness followed
him like a shroud, encroaching upon him as the lights receded.

"... ... ."

Suddenly, he halted and looked back. As he stood still, even the last ceiling
light went out, and Kwon Taek-joo vanished into the thick darkness.

Don't die out there.

5; new mission

Is there anything more futile than asking a child their future dreams?

It's a question that hangs in the air, lingering. Children, after all, are known
for their ever-shifting ambitions, crossing from one aspiration to another
time after time. One day, they might dream of becoming the president, and
the next, an astronaut or a famous celebrity.
Kwon Taek-joo, in his youthful days, had always dreamed about becoming
an astronaut or famous footballer. Even as he walked into the hallowed halls
of the college entrance exam, he had no inkling that he would eventually
become an agent of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

His brother, on the other hand, was an exception to this ever-shifting

attitude. From the very moment he could speak in earnest, his dream
remained steadfast and unwavering. He aspired to follow in the footsteps of
his father, to become a soldier. Yet, his mother couldn't help but whine
when, on his first birthday, he eagerly picked up a book - a book on military
theory.

His mother had harbored a deep-rooted hope that her two sons would never
choose a path that led them into the perils of military life. Her own father,
who placed the call of duty above all else, and her husband, who had been a
soldier himself, had given her a lot of problems.

She had spent countless sleepless nights when her husband was out on
dangerous missions, being reminded of cradling her own brother in both
arms, covered in his own blood. She didn't wish such suffering upon her
own children, hah, to anyone.

However, as fate would have it, children seldom heed their parents'

wishes.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, her elder son destroyed her hopes.

He volunteered for the Navy and ultimately gave his life in service to his
country. That was a decade ago, but the wound remained fresh in his
mother's heart.

After his funeral, she turned to Kwon Taek-joo, her only remaining son, and
pleaded with him not to follow the same path. But even Kwon Taek-joo
couldn't grant her wish.

The rules of the National Intelligence Service dictated that an agent's

identity should remain a secret, even for their close family, including their
parents. But it wasn't just those regulations that kept Kwon Taek-joo from
confiding in his mother.

She had already endured the loss of her father, her husband, and her
firstborn to the nation. Revealing that her last living relative now wielded a
knife more often than chopsticks would be a burden too heavy to bear.

In her eyes, Kwon Taek-joo was just a humble civil servant in a provincial
town, living under the guise of a Japanese identity. Little did she know that
he was en route to Moscow.

As the memories of the past flooded his mind, Kwon Taek-joo closed his
eyes and reached for his phone. As expected, a message from his mother
had arrived:

[Son, enjoy your lunch. Good luck!]

It was a daily greeting. If there was no response, it would be followed by a

phone call. His mother's faith in him seemed to grow stronger with each
passing day.

He placed the phone back in his pocket and checked the time. It had been
nine long hours since he had boarded the plane. Glancing at the monitor
displaying the remaining distance, it seemed that it would take about an
hour to reach the destination. At this point, he decided it was time to check
his disguise.

Slowly, he rose from his seat and made his way to the bathroom. It was
empty when he arrived, but as he was about to enter, he heard an
unexpected commotion coming from the economy class.

Curiosity piqued, he peered through the curtains and saw a heated argument
between a passenger and a flight attendant.

It appeared that someone had drank too much alcohol. He quickly lost
interest and entered the bathroom, locking the door behind him.
Inside, he examined the unfamiliar face reflected in the mirror. The current
Kwon Taek-joo had become Sakamoto Hiro, at least in appearance.

Even his ears had been meticulously adjusted to match. All that remained of
Kwon Taek-joo were his dark eyes.

He turned his head, his fingers tracing the texture of the artificial leather.

It felt eerily similar to his own skin. He ran a hand through his hair, washed
his hands, and dried them with a paper towel.

Just as he was about to leave, something abruptly struck the back of the
bathroom door.

Bam!

No matter how forcefully Taekju tried opening it, it just wouldn't budge.

The ceiling lights flickered and dimmed.

Soon, the noise outside escalated further. The flight attendant's concerned
voice, the sound of hurried footsteps, and the incoherent yelling of a man
merged into a cacophony of chaos.

He unlocked the door and pulled it open again, and the man who had been
leaning against it tumbled inside.

"Aagh... what the fuck!"

The burly man was clearly drunk, a typical representation of a Russian.

He clutched a bottle of vodka in his hand, evidence of his onboard

indulgence. While he claimed to be drunk by mistake, the reality seemed a
few notches above that.

Kwon Taek-joo gazed down at the man, who struggled to find his words.

Only the flight attendants seemed capable of handling the situation.

"Sir, please, try to stand up. I'll assist you."

"What? How dare you touch me? Let go! Hey, let go!"

"Kyaaak!"

The man pushed away the flight attendant who was trying to help him.

The other crew members watched with embarrassment as no one seemed

able to immediately subdue this formidable Russian.

Even the fellow passengers who had intervened remained reluctant.

While contemplating his options, one of the flight attendants rushed to the
cockpit to alert the crew.

Normally, in such an onboard disturbance, the aircraft would make an

emergency landing at the nearest airport. This would require all passengers
to disembark, subjecting them to a tedious process of baggage inspection
and long boarding procedures. The passengers would have to endure
lengthy waits until the aircraft was cleared for use or alternative flights
arranged.

Intervening in this altercation was against protocol. Kwon Taek-joo had no

desire to draw attention to himself.

However, the disruption caused by this unruly passenger was an unwelcome

deviation from his original plan, and he wasn't thrilled about the
inconvenience that lay ahead.

He grabbed the back of the intoxicated man's collar, who still leaned against
his legs.

"Wake up for a moment."

"... Ugh!"

The man, forced to stand, was unsteady on his feet, stumbling forward and
knocking into the toilet bowl. A low, collective gasp escaped from the
passengers.

Those seated near the front row quickly rose to their feet, ignoring the flight
attendants' pleas to remain seated. Suddenly, the cabin was filled with calls
for assistance from all corners.

For a brief moment, the atmosphere grew eerily quiet, yet the expected stop
of the plain did not happen. The passengers further back, straining to see
what was happening, exchanged bewildered glances.

The man who had attempted a surprise attack on Kwon Taek-joo's face was
left hanging, Taekju holding him by his neck. He had to fully subdue him
before releasing his stranglehold, at which point he delivered a swift kick to
the man's shoulder and pushed him out of the bathroom. The passengers
erupted in silent screams once more.

Taekju then dragged him into the bathroom again and locked the door.

Sometime later, Taekju came back. The passengers were confused and
curious about what had happened in that room. Kwon Taek-joo casually
straightened his rumpled jacket and strolled out, leaving the man, who was
scared and silent now, on the ground. The man got up and went to his seat.

'I'm sorry everyone. I'll shut up now."

"I-is everything all right?"

Around that time, the first officer, who had reported the incident, emerged.
He analyzed the situation, alternating his gaze between the still-struggling
passenger and Kwon Taek-joo, then directed his attention to the flight
attendants.

Kwon Taek-joo returned to his seat, not minding anything.

Click.

The sound of his seatbelt fastening signaled the end of this tumultuous
episode.
The flight attendants, previously engrossed in dealing with the inebriated
passenger, were now occupied with calming the irate passengers who had
voiced complaints and objections.

"Sorry, I apologize for the disturbance. Were you alarmed? I'll bring you a
glass of warm water. You're safe now. Don't worry. I'm so sorry. I'm so
sorry."

Behind the drawn curtains, these words were repeated incessantly. An

apology announcement was also broadcast, acknowledging the disruption
that had occurred during the flight.

Kwon Taek-joo ignored it and attempted to close his eyes, but the first
officer and the flight attendant approached. It appeared they wanted to
express their gratitude for his assistance.

Kwon Taek-joo reluctantly removed his headphones and offered a dry nod
of acknowledgment. The two then returned to their respective seats,
expressing their heartfelt thanks for the assistance.

As passengers who had previously complained now complied with

instructions to fasten their seatbelts due to turbulence, calmness now hung
in the cabin. But even without any further disturbances, Kwon Taek-joo
couldn't quite relax. His ears felt muffled, and sleep remained elusive. As he
idled away the time, a soothing in-flight announcement broke through the
silence.

[Ladies and gentlemen, our plane will soon arrive at Domodedovo Airport
in Moscow. The local time is 16:11. The weather is overcast with many
clouds, and the temperature is -13 degrees Celsius. We sincerely apologize
for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected disturbances during the
flight. Thank you for choosing Japan Airlines, and we look forward to
serving you again soon. Thank you.]

However, after the announcement, the plane continued to circle the skies for
some time. It was past 5 PM by the time the plane landend safely on the
ground.
Kwon Taek-joo joined the throngs of passengers as they made their way to
the immigration checkpoint. He wasn't particularly nervous; after all, he had
crossed borders disguised as someone else numerous times before.

The examination was swift, with the immigration officer sparing only a
cursory glance at Kwon Taek-joo before allowing him to pass.

The process continued smoothly, from retrieving his luggage to reaching the
arrivals hall. Outside the exit, a crowd of people eagerly awaited the

arrival of their loved ones, family, and friends.

Although Kwon Taek-joo was in Moscow on official business, arriving a

day ahead of the main event, there was no arrangement for someone to meet
him. He had planned to proceed to the hotel alone.

Yet, amidst the sea of faces, a piece of paper with 'Sakamoto Hiro'

scrawled upon it caught his attention. He removed his sunglasses for a

closer look and confirmed that the name was written in both Chinese and
English characters. Below that, the name 'Itochu Corporation' was written.

He halted in his tracks, and the individual holding the sign appeared visibly
pleased.

"Mister Sakamoto?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Taekju replied with a hint of uncertainty. Who was this man? A warm smile
stretched across the man's face.

"Hello! I'm Vasily Alexandrovich, from Gazprom's Public Relations Office.

I heard that you were arriving in Moscow today, so I came to greet you."

Kwon Taek-joo extended his hand, albeit hesitantly, towards Vasily, who
eagerly shook it.

"I wasn't informed of such an arrangement..."

"You weren't informed? Could there have been an understanding?

According to our communication services this morning, we were supposed

to meet you at the airport. They mentioned they'd inform you, Mr.

Sakamoto, as well."

Vasily spoke confidently, convinced of the accuracy of his information.

Kwon Taek-joo decided to double-check, reaching for his work phone. He

had received several messages while aboard the plane, some of which were
likely from Lim.

As Vasily claimed, Gazprom had dispatched someone to greet him.

"Ah... Yes, that's correct."

"So it was a misunderstanding. In any case, you've had a long journey.

By the way, why did you arrive later than expected?"

"We had a minor incident on the plane."

"Another case of drunken disturbances?"

"May I ask how you figured that?"

"Ah, it's quite common for Russian men, you know. As fiery as vodka itself.
I'm sure it was quite a shock for you. But aside from that, are you

doing well? I'd love to hear more about your journey."

"It's fine. I'm fine."

"Ah, good to hear. Then follow me."

Even when Vasily saw I still hesitated, he didn't seem disheartened. On the
contrary, he cheerfully led the way, as if something wonderful had occurred.
Kwon Taek-joo followed at a leisurely pace, his thoughts flashing in his
mind. He couldn't pinpoint where or how the misunderstanding had arisen,
but one thing was clear: Hiro Sakamoto was an esteemed guest, and this
had only complicated matters for Kwon Taek-joo. He would have to
continue masquerading as Sakamoto Hiro until he reached the hotel.

A black sedan awaited them at the spot where Vasily had led him. The
driver emerged from the front seat, nodding in acknowledgment. He
retrieved Kwon Taek-joo's bag and stowed it in the trunk. Vasily personally
opened the rear door, and Kwon Taek-joo awkwardly slid into the seat,
overwhelmed by the hospitality.

As Vasily settled into the passenger seat and closed the door, the sedan
pulled away from the airport. The long flight had left Kwon Taek-joo
feeling weary and sore all over. He leaned back in the seat and closed his
eyes for a brief rest, signaling to Vasily that he wasn't in the mood for idle
chatter.

The drive continued in silence, occasionally punctuated by Vasily's

enthusiastic attitude.

The road had grown dark, the city lights illuminating the way. However, the
bustling atmosphere of Moscow was everywhere.

Everywhere he looked, Lada vehicles dominated the streets, and the

Starbucks logo adorned the cityscape alongside the Cyrillic alphabet.

Passersby, bundled up against the cold, wore traditional shapkas, their noses
red from the biting chill. It was clear that the frigid temperatures had taken
a toll.

"I knew Moscow was cold, but is it really that cold?"

Vasily, who had been sharing tales of his travels in Japan, fell silent at
Kwon Taek-joo's sudden question.

He grinned, undeterred by the rude and sudden interruption.

"It's not too bad these days. Even in the heart of winter, it rarely drops
below minus 15 degrees Celsius. Quite manageable, I'd say."

Kwon Taek-joo, shivering at the thought of such cold, responded with a

reluctant nod.

"Sometimes, you'll hear people complain about the cold in Moscow. But
trust me, compared to some places like Irkutsk or Verkhoyansk, where
temperatures range from minus 20 to minus 45 degrees, Moscow is
practically a paradise. Of course, it's no Tokyo, where they say the
temperature never falls below freezing. If it did, I imagine people would be
literal blocks of ice."

The prospect of temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees sent a

second shiver down Kwon Taek-joo's spine. Vasily continued his boring
chatter, unaware that Kwon Taek-joo's attention had drifted elsewhere.

"Most Muscovites are quite accustomed to the cold. They wouldn't trade it
for anything. Is it true that Tokyo maintains above-freezing temperatures
year-round? I've heard stories of people freezing to death if it gets too cold."

Kwon Taek-joo could only nod, feeling grateful for the relatively mild
winters he was accustomed to.

Their conversation rambled on, but Kwon Taek-joo struggled to focus on

Vasily's words. His thoughts lingered on the events that had transpired
during the flight, and he couldn't shake the sense of unease that
accompanied him.

There is something wrong...

It was then, in the midst of his cautious optimism, that a jolt of fear shot
through him, like a dagger thrust into his back.

6; new mission

'...!'
I turned my head to peer out of the window, my gaze captured by an
unusual sight lingering at the corner of my vision.

I snapped my attention back at Vasily, but nothing seemed amiss. Perhaps a

faint, human-like figure had caught my eye, but the dark surroundings made
it impossible to confirm. Nevertheless, a lingering unease clung to me.

With a furrowed brow, I sat back down. Confused about the cause of my
distraction, but I brushed it off. Though I couldn't shake the feeling that
something was off. As I stared outside, it hit me suddenly.

The vehicle was retracing the same road we had already passed.

Everything looked identical, from the buildings to the shadowy alleys. I

muttered to myself as I fixated on a nearby trash can.

"It's as if we're lost."

"It can't be. We were on the right track," Vasily replied.

"No, something's not right. The trash can on the left, the dirt stain, the
overflowing garbage, even the closed lid – it's all exactly as it was before.

And the building behind it, the cracks in the outer walls, the color of the
bricks, the shape of the window frames – it's all too familiar. Even the
laundry hung is exactly the same"

I kept contrasting the outside scenery with my memories, and Vasily, who
had been silent, finally answered with a fishy tone,

"You've got a keen eye, you know?"

His words held a hint of sarcasm, and his earlier charm had completely
faded. This sudden transformation raised suspicions.

Kwon Taek-ju's instincts kicked in, and he pulled out his Colt without
hesitation, loading a bullet and halting Vasily with a stern command.

"Stop the car." I pointed the gun at Vasily.

The driver obeyed without a second thought, bringing our speeding sedan to
a halt in a narrow alley. Vasily raised his hands in surrender.

"You've got quite a dangerous toy there, Mr. Sakamoto."

"Who are you."

"I thought I already told you. I'm Vasily Alexandrovich, here to see you."

"Is that Alexandrovich connected to Gazprom?"

"Just a little bit."

These bastards... are they trying to kidnap Hiro Sakamoto? Who the hell are
they? No, I need to escape first.

"Don't try to do anything stupid, one wrong move and your head gets blown
off."

It was at that moment.

"...?"

The backseat door abruptly swung open, and a man pushed Kwon Taekjoo
forward. In his hand gleamed a Tokarev, a Russian revolver, aimed
perilously close to Kwon Taek-joo's temple. But that wasn't all; several red
dots appeared from somewhere, hovering all over Kwon Taek-joo's chest.

He was completely surrounded.

Kwon Taek-joo clenched his jaw, ready to act. The situation had escalated
dramatically. Taekju grabbed the man next to him and pushed him infront of
his chest, where all the red dots were, and used him as a shield.

The next few seconds were too difficult to describe, as blood flew
everywhere. 'One wrong move and your head gets blown off'...

Vasily's fate seemed no different. He lay sprawled across the dashboard, a

bullet holl in the center of his face.
Kwon Taek-joo wasted no time, holding the driver in a chokehold from
behind, instructing him on their next moves.

"Now drive!! Take me to the main road and turn the headlights off. You
better listen if you don't want to end up like them."

The driver, drenched in Vasily's blood, obeyed Kwon Taek-joo's commands

without resistance. Taekju kept a close watch on him. But the real problem
was the road that seemed to have no end in sight, with the ever-present
threat of the lurking sniper. It was hard to tell whether they were headed for
a dead-end or not.

Then, once more...

"...!"

Something swift darted between the buildings. Kwon Taek-joo had

glimpsed it before, but now he was sure. It wasn't a mere illusion or
paranoia. It moved nimbly, too fast to be a cat, and far more massive. His
unease grew as he scanned the darkness for that elusive presence.

And again, a moment later...

"Fuck!"

In an instant, another white vehicle sped forward, crashing against our

sedan. For a moment, everything floated. Everything slowed down, as if
time itself had paused. Kwon Taek-joo's vision flipped, and his body
collided violently with the car's frame, shards of shattered glass whizzing
by. The sedan was overturned.

The area fell silent once more, with no sign of movement around the
vehicle. Only the engine emitted a faint, strained noise.

How much time had passed? The silence was shattered by an unexpected
sound, someone pounding on the thoroughly dented door.

It was Kwon Taek-joo. He crawled out as though squeezing through a

crevice, struggling to get up.
"Ughh..."

Attempting to stand, he ultimately slumped back down. Great. The impact

from the accident must have caused a mild concussion. He shook his head
to clear his thoughts, propping himself up against the wrecked car's
remains. Glancing around, he found a similarly unresponsive Vasily in the
same dire state. He had been shot in the face, and the situation looked grim.

Whose white car was that? Are they connected? What the hell was going on
and why am I being in the middle of it? Was Russia always this dangerous?

...The fact that they knew my whole schedule and background, it's clear
they're no ordinary criminal organization. To ambush Hiro Sakamoto and
hold him hostage, do they plan on threatening Gazprom or the Russian
Government? Damn it, why am I the one suffering instead or the real
Sakamoto?!

I shook my head in frustration as I made my way to the back of the car, to

grab my stuff. Wrestling with the stubborn trunk, a loud noise suddenly
jolted me.

"Put your hands up," a stern voice demanded.

My reflexes kicked in, and in an instant, a gunshot echoed in the air.

"One wrong move and your head gets blown off."

Oh, right, as if he didn't know that.

He reluctantly lifted his arms, and turned around as ordered. As I faced the
menace behind the gun, a sense of unease washed over me.

It was an eerie sight; his face was bloody, revealing he was the driver of the
white vehicle. Bastard. Those firearms were all too familiar, too. This was
undoubtedly Vasily's henchman.

Kwon Taek-joo clenched his jaw. With no place to hide and no suitable
weapon in sight, he knew he had to face him head-on. While pondering his
next move, Taekju's eyes caught sight of a familiar Colt rolling near the
man's feet.

"Move slowly in this direction. Any mischief, and you'll regret it," the
wounded man threatened, though the man's bewildered expression made it
clear he wasn't playing.

As I drew closer, I noticed the gunman's unease growing. It was ironic that
the one with the gun, the power advantage, seemed increasingly agitated as
I closed the distance.

Maybe this would be easier than expected, I thought optimistically.

"Remove your coat. I don't know what tricks you might have hidden
inside," he commanded, as I caught a glimpse of another man behind us.

Though unfamiliar, his rifle hinted he one of the earlier snipers. Taekju
obeyed, leaving only his right sleeve.

Right then, I yanked my coat off. I quickly covered the face of man in front
of me with it. The sniper quickly caught on to everything and started
shooting. Taekju put the man, just like before, in front of him as a shield,
with his jacket still over his head... How many times do I have to use others
as a human shield?!

I began to stride forward, the sniper still shooting at me. I grabbed the
sniper's rifle as he stumbled, disarmed him, and left him groaning. The
sniper's moans were drowned out by a gunshot when he retrieved his
composure.

When the other man threw Taekju's coat off his head, Taekju was already
running. The man quickly turned furious and started shooting wildly, yet
none of his shots found their mark.

"Damn it, follow him!!"

My legs carried me forward as I glanced ahead. The darkness of the alleys

was a double-edged sword—few places to hide and the risk of reaching a
dead end.

The chase continued, bullets whizzing past, leaving marks on buildings.

At each intersection, I chose without hesitation, desperately trying to evade

my relentless pursuers.

Suddenly, Taekju clashed with a white car. He fell down hard on the ground
and groaned. Where did this shit come from? What the hell was wrong with
Russia??? Ever since he stepped foot in Russia, only bad things happened.

Fuck, I don't think I can keep on running...

Then, an opportunity emerged as I spotted a wide, empty field during my

flight. Construction was ongoing, but an abandoned building stood there, its
walls absent, only a skeletal frame remaining, with scattered materials
around.

There was no time to contemplate; it was the only escape route. I dashed
towards it, taking the dust-covered stairs with haste. I heard the car coming
closer and closer.

When I reached the fourth floor, I couldn't hold back anymore. My heart
pounded painfully, and despite wearing just a thin shirt, the cold didn't
register.

The group chasing me gradually converged beneath the building. Four

people. There were five though?

That means the fifth person is making his way up now.

I moved silently towards the wall by the stairwell, back pressed against it,
listening carefully. I tried to hold back my breath, which was almost
impossible to do. I sensed someone stealthily approaching, so I slowly
unfastened my belt, holding it with both hands.

Before long, the sounds of the one climbing the stairs amplified. Without
hesitation, I put the buckle side horizontally and waited silently.
When he was close enough, I wrapped the belt around his gun and yanked it
forcefully.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.

Bullets erupted from his raised rifle, but I released one end of the belt,
simultaneously swinging it like a whip. It struck the back of his hand,
making him groan and drop his firearm. I kicked the fallen rifle forward,
then looped the belt around the man's neck as he tried to retrieve it. He
struggled, clutching his constricted neck.

"Kugh!"

Ignoring his plight, I tightened the belt further. His trembling body
gradually went limp. I released my hold, and he crumpled like a puppet on
the ground.

One down, I thought as the commotion downstairs grew louder. Another

group had heard the gunshots and was rushing up. I looked at the fallen
rifle, knowing that if I didn't escape now, I'd be trapped.

"Search the area!"

Taking a deep breath, I ran over quickly. The gang was almost at the top of
the stairs when I retrieved the rifle from the floor. As they faced me, guns
raised, I pulled the trigger first. Shots rang out in quick succession, and two
men screamed, tumbling down in pain. Bullets from their muzzles pierced
the ceiling.

Ugh, I'm out of ammo, too. Without hesitation, I threw the empty rifle away
and advanced.

Two down. Two to go.

I kept an eye on the action below. This isn't going good.

Fuck, this is even ridiculous.

"!!!"
I suddenly jerked my head upward, my heart racing. It was because
something else immediately grabbed my attention.

However, with a quick glance, there was no one to be seen. Why did I keep
experiencing these bizarre sightings? My nervousness made my breathing
seem more labored than usual.

I tried to convince myself that I must have been mistaken. There was no
time to be swayed by vague intuitions. Nevertheless, my sixth sense
couldn't be easily dismissed.

And then, he saw it.

"...!"

Kwon Taek-ju leaped upright, his gaze fixed on the building across the
street. The figure on the rooftop was blurry due to the distance. Squinting
my eyes, I watched as the mysterious presence quickly vanished.

I had always been skeptical of ghosts and the supernatural, but it was hard
to deny that what I'd just witnessed defied human capabilities.

Questions swirled in my mind, but suddenly, an attack came from below.

Bullets rained down, reducing the floor beneath me to rubble. I barely

avoided the onslaught and scanned for the enemy's next move.

Two adversaries taunted me. One entered the building, while the other
beneath me aimed upwards to the ceiling. Panic set in as I desperately
searched for cover and a weapon, but there was nowhere to hide, and no
suitable weapon in sight.

Then, a gunshot echoed from below, followed by a blood-curdling scream.

No, it was more like a roar, and it was close, just below me. I waited, but
the eerie silence that followed left me unsettled. I peered out of the
building, attempting to make sense of the situation.

Outside, the man who had been waiting for me seemed as bewildered as
me, his expression mirroring my surprise at the relentless gunfire and
screams. Then, he spotted me and immediatly pulled the trigger.

I dodged the incoming bullets, bewildered by the chaos unfolding around

me. Soon, even the remaining man outside entered the building, and the
sound of their footsteps on the stairs grew louder and closer with each
passing moment. The fourth floor was only a few footsteps away away.

With no other options left, I reached for the button on my right sleeve and
ripped it off. A small mechanical sound accompanied the emergence of a
long, thin wire from the discarded button—a mini bomb. I was ready to use
it to escape this dire situation.

I cut the wires, coiled the bomb, and prepared for the man's appearance.

But he didn't show up for a long time. The surroundings grew eerily quiet,
as if I were alone in the building. I couldn't even hear my own breath, let
alone the footsteps approaching.

How had this happened? Was he hiding, waiting for me to make a move?

I raised my head once more and scanned the empty space. No human
figures were in sight. That's when my anxiety reached its peak.

Suddenly, something extended from the corner of my vision, and I froze in

terror. It was a human arm, and dangling on it was the same man who had
entered the building earlier. I could barely make out his identity by his
attire, as a large hand covered his entire face.

To be precise, long, straight fingers were thrust into his eye sockets, causing
his body to dangle mid-air.

A groan escaped the man's lips. My brow furrowed, and a chill ran down
my spine. I couldn't bring myself to turn my head and face the owner of that
monstrous hand. It wasn't a matter of courage but instinctual avoidance.

The owner of the outstretched arm, like a crane, wasted no time. He

effortlessly let go of the man, who fell from the building. The building
echoed with the sound of his crash on the ground below.
It's him, the shadow that had been following me. That peculair gaze I felt
from the alleyway... it's definitely him.

7; new mission

All that remained was Kwon Taek-joo.

No, actually there was an unknown killer lurking nearby. Taekju sensed the
man's presence without needing to turn back; it was as if a predatory gaze
followed him, a beast hungry for its prey.

An irritating voice in his head kept nagging to him that the enigmatic figure
he had glimpsed since his abduction may be one of the kidnappers.

Kwon Taek-joo closed his eyes briefly to clear his thoughts.

His senses, temporarily frozen, gradually rekindled one by one.

Simultaneously, the ominous presence he had previously overlooked began

to take shape. A shadow that eclipsed his own, an overpowering scent that
stung his nostrils, and a chilling aura that seemed to still the air.

The man seemed about 200 cm (6 feet and 7 inches) thus way taller than
me. Amazing how fast he can move despite his height.

He clenched the button tightly in his hand, knowing that even a

psychopathic murderer like that man wouldn't be safe from an explosive
device. In such close proximity, there was no guarantee Kwon Taekju
himself could escape uninjured, but fleeing was not an option. His plan was
simple: catch them off guard and plant a bomb in their eye, nose, or mouth.

With that, he was ready.

Before he could act, his hand holding the bomb was suddenly gripped.

The bomb slipped from his grasp and flew away, leaving him bracing for
excruciating pain.
However, an explosion erupted from below the building, accompanied by
scorching heat.

Kwon Taek-joo fell on the rough cement floor, and his blurred vision was
fixed on two long legs and crocodile leather shoes.

He had seen them in a magazine not too long ago, their sleek design
reminiscent of a crocodile. I think they cost about 4000€. His taste is quite
fancy for a killer.

The man suddenly gripped Taekju's neck, holding him down on the cold
floor. His other hand was almost crushed by the murderer. Shit, how strong

was he?

"Aaah, my hands are dirty, lend me your clothes, will you?"

Those were his first words, spoken in a voice less coarse than anticipated,
making him seem unexpectedly young.

Damn it, he easily overpowered me. I was too tired to resist.

"Ugh, fuck."

Perhaps it was the hand that had gouged out a man's eye that needed
cleansing. Despite his vague suspicions, he preferred not to dwell on it.

Losing his last remaining piece of clothing would leave him vulnerable, and
in the biting cold, that could be deadly.

However, this killer had different plans. An object with a familiar texture
touched his head – a Colt.

"...damn," Taekju muttered softly, his right arm immobilized, forcing him to
use his left. With newfound determination, he began unbuttoning his shirt,
though its stiff newness made it a difficult task.

Before he could unfasten the second button, the man yanked his shirt,
sending buttons flying.
After some time, something cold replaced the man's hand around Taekju's
wrist. A clicking sound followed as handcuffs secured his wrists. The other
end clung to a nearby steel structure. His head still lay on the floor. As the
killer silently moved away, he threw Taekju's shirt, tainted with blood and
fluids, on the ground.

Taking a deep breath, the man exhaled slowly, as if savoring the moment.

It felt as though he were savoring a cigarette, but the scent was different –

richer, deeper, bittersweet. Not long after, something blunt entered Taekju's
line of sight – a handmade cigar, a remnant from the man's earlier smoke.

The man finished his cigarette and began to depart, leaving Kwon Taekju
restrained and helpless. It took a considerable amount of time for the man's
receding back to disappear from his view.

As Taekju's nervousness slowly disappeared, he slumped to the floor,

drained of strength. The chilling reality of his situation replaced the
adrenaline-fueled fantasy of the encounter. The frigid wind cut into his skin,
making him feel as though his whole body would freeze and crack.

"Fuck," he groaned, pounding the floor in frustration. "UGH!"

Soon, the sound of sirens grew louder, drawing nearer. It was the wailing
siren of a police car.

~~~~

Hours passed at the police station before they finally released Taekju. A
passing officer handed him a thick, musty-smelling blanket. Despite the
heating, an unshakeable chill seemed to haunt the station, making the
blanket a necessity.

Kwon Taek-joo examined his throbbing wrist, now wrapped in bandages.

The marks left by the murderer's grip were still visible. Oddly, he felt no
pain during the medical attention. The paramedics remained oblivious to his
sprained wrist, a detail he had kept secret.
He flexed his fingers wrapped in bandages and managed a chuckle. It all
seemed surreal – his abduction, the sudden appearance of the mysterious
killer who saved him (if you could call that saving), and the pain of his
wrist. I got caught by an absolute madman. If not for the police, I wouldn't
have made it...

Was it even a person? An adult man's wrist had snapped like a twig in the
murderer's grip. If Taekju was a weak and vulnarable man, that would make
sense, but he wasn't. Plus it didn't align with the incredible physical strength
the killer had demonstrated. It was as if he possessed superhuman abilities.

The officer in charge reappeared, breaking the silence. As Kwon Taekjoo

sat down, the chair squeaked.

The officer seemed to view international contracts as a form of warfare, his

eyes gleaming when he mentioned the enormous stakes involved. Kwon
Taek-joo remained silent, impatient to leave for the hotel.

However, the officer continued to excitedly discuss the incident, expressing

hopes that it wouldn't cast Russia in a negative light and vowing to uncover
those responsible. His superior, who had gone for a meal, returned, delaying
Kwon Taek-joo's departure.

"I have to go, but my luggage w-...," Taekju began.

"Oh, you mean the luggage in their car? I placed it over there. I made sure
there were no bombs or trackers. If they tried to kill you once, I'm sure they
would try again, so I'll drive you safely home. Oh, no need to be overly
grateful for our small Russian consideration."

Kwon Taekju just looked at him.

The officer's words were dismissive, almost as if he were telling him not to
bother with thanks. Kwon Taek-joo contemplated sitting in the back seat for
a moment but eventually yielded to Japanese politeness, opening the
passenger seat door.
As he sat down, something fell beneath him, and he retrieved a pair of
stockings. The officer picked them up without hesitation and tossed them
aside. He then noticed other items scattered on the dashboard –

breadcrumbs, paper cups, and... adult magazines.

"Ahem, I thought you were a big nerd, but it seems you have a taste for
sports as well," the officer remarked with a hint of curiosity.

Kwon Taek-joo's physique, naturally developed through physical work,

differed from the artificially enhanced muscles typical of desk-bound
individuals. He shrugged in response, explaining that stamina mattered,
especially during long periods of sitting. The officer's eyes seemed to linger
on him as they conversed, almost flirtatiously, and Kwon Taek-joo couldn't
help but feel a bit uncomfortable.

Their departure from the police station was delayed due to a problem with
the car's rear wheel, necessitating a replacement. During this time, Kwon
Taek-joo contemplated taking a taxi, but the officer insisted on
accompanying him, citing the need to protect a victim and witness.

They only left the police station after the tire had been replaced, and Kwon
Taek-joo couldn't help but feel that the officer's goodwill was somewhat
burdensome.

"When you reach your hotel, rest without worry. If sleep eludes you, a glass
of vodka can do wonders. We will track down and punish those responsible
for your ordeal. But earlier, you mentioned..."

The officer furrowed his brow, trying to recall Kwon Taek-joo's earlier
statements.

"You mentioned there was another person besides those who perished at the
scene. The one with the crocodile leather shoes, right? Did you say he had
an unusual scent? He used his hand to gouge the other man's eyes and threw
him from the building. Correct?"
Kwon Taek-joo repeated what he had witnessed at the scene, but the
officer's interest seemed lukewarm. It was as if he wasn't particularly
concerned about the sudden appearance of a killer in the heart of the city.

Instead, he appeared more interested in Japanese women. Throughout the

ride, he inquired about whether Japanese women truly served their
husbands like masters and whether the kimono's waist sash served only as a
decorative rug. His fascination bordered on obsession, and Kwon Taek-joo
found it increasingly tiresome.

Finally, the car arrived at a five-star hotel. The officer suggested Kwon
Taek-joo change locations, as there was no telling when their assailants
might strike again.

He even offered to provide personal security if needed, hah, I don't need to

add more information. Or drink in return would suffice, the officer said.

Kwon Taek-joo, tired and drained, managed a weak smile. "I'll consider it. I
owe you a lot today."

"How kind of you. It's just Russian hospitality. No need to thank me."

Kwon Taek-joo nodded and turned to leave, while the officer wished him a
final farewell, suggesting to call him when a drink with him was necessary.

Inside the hotel's lobby, a porter took his bag, and despite the courteous
welcome, Kwon Taek-joo handed over his passport and credit card in
silence. The staff members, their faces marked by exhaustion, hastened to
complete the check-in process. Soon, he had his room key in hand.

He hesitated momentarily before heading to his assigned room. Turning

back to the receptionist, he asked, "Are there any shops that sell handmade
cigars around here?"

"We have a variety of handmade cigars available in our hotel shop, catering
to various tastes. Just head to the back of the lobby. Here, a facility map."

The staff handed him a map, and Taekju followed their directions.
Despite his fatigue, he couldn't shake the unease and decided to investigate.

Because once the mission began, he knew he wouldn't have the luxury of
spare time.

8; new mission

The cigar boutique, a true heaven for aficionados, beckoned effortlessly

with its magnificent exterior and a showcase displaying premium products.

I stepped inside, where a charming clerk, diligently arranging the store,

welcomed me warmly.

"Welcome. Is there something specific you're searching for?" he inquired.

"I can't quite recall the brand, but I was captivated by a unique scent," I
replied.

My eyes darted around the meticulously arranged cigars as the clerk, raising
his eyebrows slightly, joined me at the display.

"These are mostly Cuban handmade cigars," he explained. "They differ

mainly in brand, not in craftsmanship. Take the 'Macanudo,' for instance, a
top choice in the United States. It's a perfect starting point for beginners
with its mild and exquisite flavor."

He seemed to peg me as a novice in the world of handmade cigars. I

examined the 'Macanudo' he handed me.

"What's the price range for this?" I asked.

"They go for $7 each," he answered. "Is that within your budget?"

I returned the cigar, realizing it was beyond my budget. He placed it back

on the shelf and posed a question.

"Are you on the search for that unique cigar you stumbled upon?"
"Yes, I'm really eager to identify it," I admitted.

He grinned mysteriously, savoring the thrill of helping me find a specific

cigar amidst dozens or hundreds of choices. It was akin to solving an
enigmatic puzzle with an air of expertise.

"Here's a clue: it was smoked by someone wearing $4,000 shoes."

"Your taste in shoes suggests affluence and a penchant for top-notch

quality," I observed. "All the cigars here are excellent, but some are truly
exceptional. The one you're describing might be the 'Romeo y Julieta.' It
boasts a subtle yet rich, spicy flavor with notes of damp earth, mushrooms,
and sweet honey."

"It smelled damp, but not earthy or mushroomy," I pointed out. "And it had
a hint of sweetness but not quite like honey."

"If it wasn't earthy, it wouldn't be El Rey del Mundo," he mused. "Did it

have a hint of burning wood? Or perhaps a whiff of leather?"

"Yes, it did smell a bit like burning wood," I confirmed. "But not like
leather."

"Was it notably spicy?" he probed.

"Hmm, it lacked spiciness," I replied.

"In that case, it's not Monte Cristo either. What about the cigar's shape?

Was it a long cylinder or one with a tapered head and foot?"

"I only saw the remains after it was smoked, but it wasn't sharply tapered.

Did it have a somewhat aromatic quality?" I inquired.

"Ah, then perhaps it's this one," the clerk beamed as he presented a cigar.

"This is the Cohiba Beehike, known for its deep and delicate fragrance,
heavy yet sweet aroma, and overall subtlety. Would you like to try it?"
I nodded silently as he used a cigar torch to ignite the Cohiba Beehike.

Unlike ordinary cigarettes, the cigar's tip burned slowly, and the ash clung
together without falling to the floor. I savored the cigar's aroma, watching
the smoke dance in the air. But ultimately, I shook my head.

"It's similar, but not quite the same," I said.

"What sets it apart?" he inquired.

"The overall character is quite close," I admitted. "However, the cigar I'm
looking for had a deeper scent, and the aroma was richer. Plus, it didn't have
that dampness."

"If you detected a wetness, it might be because the tip of the cigar was
lightly soaked in cognac before lighting it," the clerk explained. "This
blends the unique flavor of cognac with the cigar's scent."

He gestured for me to wait and disappeared inside the shop. When he

returned, he held a glass of what appeared to be cognac. He carefully cut
the burning cigar's end, applied a drop of cognac, and relit it before handing
it back to me.

"Is this closer to what you remember?" he asked.

"It's getting closer, but it's still not an exact match," I replied.

The clerk seemed troubled by my response, rubbing his forehead in

contemplation.

"A similar scent indicates the same cigar type, but the one you're describing
sounds darker and richer than this," he pondered. "I can think of

only one possibility."

"What's that?" I inquired eagerly.

"Typically, Cohiba products are made by double-aging the main ingredient,

tobacco leaves," he explained. "But there's a special edition called the
'Cohiba Beehike,' produced in limited quantities to commemorate Cohiba's
40th anniversary. It's aged three times and stored in a cigar box for six years
after completion, enhancing its fragrance. Unfortunately, only 4,000 of
these cigars were sold in Spain as a limited edition, priced at $400

each."

$400 per cigar, with a deep and rich aroma, and the dampness from cognac.
It was clear that a world of unimaginable wealth turned people into
connoisseurs.

"Do you have any of those limited edition cigars?" I inquired.

The clerk smiled mischievously, and with my curiosity satisfied, I smiled

back. As a token of appreciation, I selected a $20 artisanal cigar and exited
the boutique.

Only 4,000 packs of 'Cohiba Beehike' existed in the world, and its flavor
was truly regal.

Entering my room, I noticed my luggage had already arrived. Without

wasting time, I undressed and headed straight for the shower. As the hot
water cascaded down, I leaned against the wall, deep in thought.

The police's explanation about the abduction upon my arrival in Russia

made sense - it was undoubtedly related to the energy facility contract.

However, the mysterious appearance of the crocodile leather shoes at the

scene puzzled me. Who was this person, and why was he there? While he

'saved' me, I couldn't be certain of his true intentions. Did he never intend to
harm me, or was he curious about the presence of the quickly dispatched
police?

Just knowing he was behind me sent shivers down my spine, rendering me

almost immobile. I couldn't fathom confronting such a dangerous murderer.
It was the first time I had felt so powerless.

What if he had decided to harm me?

Pointed shoes, the scent of burning cigars, a calm demeanor, and
unwavering strength; he wasn't content with simply subduing his enemies.

It was as though he enjoyed instilling fear and then used it for his own
benefits.

Shaking my head, I attempted to shake off those haunting memories.

Dwelling on such dark thoughts would serve no purpose. Besides, the

murderer didn't know where he was right now.

As I hurriedly finished my shower, I struggled with the bandage around my

arm. Eventually, I removed it, revealing a lingering imprint of the killer's
grip. The memory of our encounter came back, compelling me to reveal his
identity to the authorities. But I couldn't bear the thought of him finding out
I reported him.

I sat on a chair and opened my laptop. Thank god my luggage is safe,

otherwise, I would've lost all contact with the NIS HQ (National
Intelligence Service headquarters).

I plugged in my USB, and opened "NIS". Immediately, director Lim called.

"Kwon Taekju, how is everything going? Are you holding up? Also, why
are you calling back so late?"

"Couldn't you choose a safer guy for me to disguise as?"

"One must possess significant importance enough to get kidnapped to meet

people of high-rank.

"Why do you sound like you knew this'd happen?"

"Nonsense, why would you think that'd be the case? You're an excellent
agent, Kwon Taekju. No matter what crisis came your way, you'd always
come back alive just like you did now."

"So, Director Lim, what happened? I'm quite sure you said that someone
from Gazprom would come pick me up."
"Ah, I certainly did..."

"Are you sure that was Gazprom?"

"Why don't you trust me? You yourself almost fell into a self-made trap.

They even tried to contact *Itochu saying that they have been waiting for
you for a long time. I barely managed to divert the line and prevent it from
happening. Your plane got delayed because of that disturbance, right?

Because of that, you must've missed your actual staff from Gazprom who
had been waiting for you at the airport. There was even an Asian who
artived before you who also happened to be impersonating Hiro Sakamoto.

They only realized later he wasn't the real Sakamoto. In the meantime, you
were kidnapped by a fake employee."

Taekju sighed. Of course, how could he be so blind? That's where

everything started to go south. That bastard employee Vasily, I shouldn't

have killed him so peacefully.

His wrist throbbed. Hah.

This is driving me crazy.

I confided in Director Lim about the murderer, hoping to tap into the
headquarters' information resources. However, Lim's response was less than
enthusiastic.

"Well, without a clear view of his face, there's no way to identify him,"

he reasoned. "And those 4,000 packs of cigars you mentioned are all sold
out. While there could be up to 4,000 buyers, it's too risky to track them
down and would take too much time. Moreover, the shoes you claimed to
wear weren't limited edition products either."

He's not wrong... I opened my mouth to argue but thought better about it,
realizing the futility.
"You've had quite a series of troubles from the very beginning," Lim
observed.

Despite his reassurances, I could only nod, still feeling disheartened.

"No matter how much you prefer to work alone, given the chaotic start, I
should've offered reassurance sooner," Lim admitted. "But you're not alone
anymore."

"What?? What do you mean?" I inquired, surprised.

Lim grinned, and for the first time since our conversation began, I detected
a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I've arranged some assistance for you."

"Assistance?" I repeated, taken aback.

I hadn't been informed of any partners for this mission; it had always been a
solo assignment. Yet, here I was, being told otherwise.

Lim was full of surprises, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead in
this ever-evolving mission.

This sly prick...

9; new mission

"He is someone who not only understands how Russia works, but is also
familiar with the geography, power and route of money there. His expertise
will prove invaluable. Come the day after tomorrow, he will be the first to
reach out after assessing the situation. I'll send you a picture of your new
partner at the right moment, so ensure a thorough inspection."

I thought about it. Someone who knew Russia well would surely come in
handy. Although I like being alone, I still hoped they won't be a burden to
me.
"Starting tomorrow, you will directly meet with the key figures involved in
the contract. It's imperative that you familiarize yourself with the LNG

facility's construction details."

Communication was abruptly cut off before Kwon Taek-joo could respond.
One file after another arrived, all dispatched by Lim.

With a disapproving expression, I opened the attached file. A 527-page PDF

containing all the details of the Russia-Japan contract and materials
regarding the LNG facility construction lay before me.

"..."

Kwon Taek-joo, his gaze fixed on the document brimming with minuscule
text, suddenly turned his head. An invitingly warm bed tried to lure him,
but he had no choice. He released a long sigh, stretching his schoulders and
hoisted himself up.

He popped open the mini-fridge and retrieved a beer. After nearly halving
the frothy contents, he returned to the table. Settling down, he took a deep
breath, and after a prolonged absence, he could finally show his academic
talents.

~~~~

Kwon Taek-joo sat in the restaurant, caught by extreme boredom.

Dignitaries from Russia and Japan were to convene there for a luncheon.

Thankfully, he hadn't aroused any suspicions among the Japanese officials.

He held no interest for his superiors' subordinates. His task was to navigate
through today's luncheon safely and attend the forthcoming celebration in a

few days. The moment he stepped into the gathering of Russian political
and business elites, his role as Hiro Sakamoto would conclude.
Abruptly, I glanced at my wristwatch. The scheduled luncheon time was
noon, but the hour hand had already surpassed '23:00' and was heading
towards midnight. Those who had arrived on time uncomfortably remained
seated for nearly 30 minutes.

The Gazprom CEO had yet to make an appearance. Gazprom executives

repeatedly phoned their company to ask about the CEO, and it was pitiful to
witness their struggles, unable to sit properly and silent.

"... Mr. Sakamoto?"

My attention was seized by the distracting spectacle, causing me to miss the

Russian official's question.

"Yes? Oh, I'm sorry... What did you say?"

"I heard something terrible happened on the day you arrived in the country.
Are you all right?"

"Ah, yes. The Russian police arrived in the nick of time, and I managed to
escape unscathed. They even escorted me back."

"How can I ever apologize for this... I'm deeply sorry for putting you
through that."

"No need for apologies. Shouldn't I be the one apologizing? I should have
been more cautious, but I let my guard down."

It was a reprehensible reply. Nonetheless, the other party continued to

apologize incessantly. Soon, even the Japanese delegation began bowing in
unison, expressing their regrets for causing concern. There were a lot of
apologies, each more profuse than the last.

My stomach suddenly churned. As I rose from my seat, the delegates from

both sides fixed their gaze on me. I, Kwon Taek-joo, who had intended to
sneak away, offered an awkward smile and begged their pardon.

"Excuse me for a moment."

I closed the door behind me and released a long sigh. Hah, I even pretended
to wash my hands before exiting. As soon as I grappled with my
constricting tie looking in the mirror, I heard the Gazprom executive
standing in the corridor engaged in an long phone call. He spoke
impatiently, his voice elevated despite the phone's proximity to his ear.

"Where is the CEO? What?! Has he departed? Who decided that?"

I tiptoed past him. Soon, his suppressed frustration spilled over.

"Deputy? What are you talking about? The representative is on his way?!"

I had no trouble blending into the conversation. But Gazprom's CEO, the
most important person, isn't coming... my patience is coming to naught. I
clicked my tongue and calmly made my way to the restroom.

The restroom was only accessible through a separate corridor. I opened the
door, its height matching the soaring 5-meter ceiling, and entered. As a
habit, I scanned the interior before proceeding. It wasn't overly crowded. I
quietly caught my breath and approached the sink.

As I dried my hands, I reflected on my recent actions. The previous night, I

had dozed off while reading the PDF file sent by Lim. Aside from a slightly
disturbed dream, it wasn't a bad night. I might have slipped into a brief nap
due to my overall exhaustion, both mentally and physically.

Yesterday, I finished reviewing the Director Lim's remaining PDF files in

the morning and met the Japanese delegation's headquarters at the airport in
the afternoon. From then until just now, I continuously monitored the
situation, and it appeared there were no significant blunders. Also, thanks to
the contract data I had memorized over the past two days, I could follow the
conversations effortlessly.

Then, a voice reached my ears from outside the restroom door. It belonged
to a man. If he wasn't holding a lengthy monologue, he seemed to be
conversing on the phone. Could it be a Gazprom executive? As the door
creaked open, his voice became clearer. In an instant, my entire body
tensed.
"... No, I did arrive, but I thought it would be boring."

Badump.

It felt like I had encountered him somewhere before. But where? It wasn't a
distant memory, nor had I heard that voice frequently enough to become
familiar with it. Yet, it was a moment that had remarkably seared itself into
my mind.

Struggling to recall the memory that seemed to hover at the edge of my

consciousness, I heard the voice again.

This time, he was right behind me.

"Let's be clear. If you need to leave anything behind, my recommended job

will suffice."

It was him. I was certain without even glancing back. Two days ago, it had
been crystal clear that I had crossed paths with a murderer, a crazy one

at that. As soon as I realized I was in danger, every sense in my body

sharpened. The first to awaken was my sense of smell.

I detected the faint scent of smoldering damp leaves, mingled with the
unmistakable aroma of cognac and the rich fragrance of Cohiba Behike
cigars. An irresistible allure pressed upon my senses. I could still recognize
the smell from him even though he was not smoking.

His voice continued from behind him. The man stopped at the door and
continued his phone conversation.

Among all time, the killer had to appear here. Now. Behind me.

What a fucking coincidence.

Then, suddenly, I felt his gaze. He hadn't turned around or met my eyes in
the mirror, but I was certain. He was looking directly at Kwon Taek-joo
himself. A shiver ran down my spine.
"Yeah whatever, alright? I'll call you later."

Perhaps it was my imagination, but his tone seemed slightly strained. The
man hung up. The Inquisitive gaze behind me grew more distinct. In the
restroom, devoid of the phone's ringing, it was now just him and me.

I kept washing my hands, all while tracking his movements. My gaze

remained fixed on my own hands, not betraying any acknowledgment of
knowing his presence. The tension was thick. Time crawled by.

How long had it been? The man's footsteps, which had halted, resumed
again. He took the sink right beside me. Soon, water gushed forth with a
gurgling sound. He began to rinse his hands lightly. With that small action,
the aroma of Cohiba, which clung to him, grew more potent.

Simultaneously, the memory of when I first encountered that scent came

rushing back.

I acted as composedly as possible, my feigned indifference masking my

awareness of him. I switched off the tap and dried my hands with a towel.

I didn't know why the killer had appeared at this place and time. If it was a
coincidence, it was an incredible one. Given his financial status, it's no
surprise he could afford to come to a place like this. The real issue here was
that I was trapped in this closed space with him.

Avoid. Right now, avoiding being in the same room as him is top priority.

I could feel the pressure in my head escalate with each passing moment.

I tossed the damp towel aside and attempted to make my exit cautiously.

In that instant, the man spoke to me, stopping me in my tracks.

"Aren't you going to say hello? It's been a while. Were the Japanese really
this impolite?"

I didn't look back. I couldn't even bring myself to twist the doorknob I had
grasped. I had no idea what might happen if I made a hasty move. Even if
something unfortunate occurred within this space, even if he snapped and
ended my life, no one would know until it was too late.

While I hesitated, he continued, "That's hardly the manners of a samurai,"

taunting me like that, huh? The tone was relaxed, but it carried a
discomfiting undertone.

Afterward, he fell silent. I, Kwon Taek-joo, who had focused all my senses
on his presence behind me, finally managed to leave without uttering a
word. As soon as the door closed, and I was separated from him, I exhaled a
sigh of relief. My heart raced, and for the first time in ages, I felt very
anxious.

I needed to escape for now. That's what my instincts urged me to do.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated within my jacket. Since Hiro Sakamoto's cell

phone was in my outer pocket, the current vibration must had come from
the phone I used to communicate with HQ (the headquarters).

Who is it? A call from HQ? Come to think of it, Director Lim said he'll
send me a picture of my soon-to-be partner.

I reached into my jacket and retrieved my phone. Indeed, a picture had been
sent by Lim.

Without hesitation, I examined the photos. The device took a few seconds
to fully display the image on the screen. One second, two seconds, three
seconds. I tapped the notification labeled 'Download complete.' The eagerly
anticipated picture filled the screen when I heard a chuckle.

"... Hmm? Isn't that me?"

10; new mission

I almost dropped my cell phone. I just silently looked at the floor. Taekju
saw a shadow that towered over him. It was coming over from behind.
Was he always this unlucky?

~~~~~

Gazprom's representative never showed up. In the end, Taekju had a meal
with the party he had been waiting for, chatted for a while, and parted ways.

Tired of the long flight, the Japanese delegation also went to their rooms.

Thanks to that, I was able to finish my work earlier than expected.

But the real problem starts now.

Kwon Taek-joo couldn't even enter his own room and just hung around in
front of his door the whole time. After a while, he takes a deep breath and
opens the door.

His eyes went straight to the table by the window. The murderous bastard
sat on it, looking out the window. Perhaps because of his long legs, the table
seemed more comfortable that way than a chair. A high-pressure aura
flowed from his broad shoulders and defined back. Perhaps recognizing the
staring gaze, the bastard quietly turned his head.

The backlighted hair shone white and gold, halfway between them. The
golden eyebrows that rose up without hesitation hinted at his sensitive
temperament.

His light blue eyes hidden by the long dark eyelashes showed a secret
savagery, and the translucent, iridescent eyes were majestically shining,
forming a strange ensemble. The tall and smooth bridge of his nose
naturally drew Taekju's attention to his blushed lips.

Even though he had a bright smile, the tension inside that room did not
ease. Human eyes can't lie.

It's a pretty face overall, but I didn't like it very much. When our eyes met,
it was as if that time froze. The eyes that looked like they were searching
for prey while checking Taekju out silently didn't look like human eyes.
He smiled to Kwon Taek-joo, who stood firm at the door.

"Don't be scared, I don't bite. Come on in."

Taekju was completely unfazed. This is his own room though?! He shook
his head and took off his jacket. The reason why he suddenly turned his
head away was because the thick scent of cigars was wafting over him.

Even though it wasn't very disgusting, I was very upset. I didn't know if it
was because of his first impression or because of his eyes.

Perhaps not knowing the disgust on Kwon Taek-joo's face, the man
stretched out his hand for a handshake.

"Zhenia."

Kwon Taek-ju stared at Zhenia's left hand. Was this the one that pierced
people's eyeballs? I was thinking about that, but suddenly, the hand moved.

I unknowingly flinched and tensed up.

The white fingertips stopped right in front of Kwon Taek-joo's left chest.

I couldn't breathe properly because my lungs were tense.

His fingers, still above his chest, twitched as if they were teasing Kwon
Taek-joo. A displeased look spreads across Taek-joo's face. Zhenia
chuckled as he drew his hand back.

"You don't seem to be in a good mood?"

"Oh yeah? It might get better if I beat you up."

I clenched my teeth. My jaw tensed up. I meant it, but he just smiled and let
it go.

"So, what is your name?"

"You already know."

"It was difficult to pronounce. Anything easier?"

"If it's so difficult, why don't you just not call me at all?"

"... ... ."

At his blunt reply, Zhenia threw a unknown glance at him. His lips were
still in a long curve, and his eyes sparkled extraordinarily. Just like that,
silence filled the room. The fact that Taekju was being watched helplessy
by Zhenia made him feel uneasy. He was still disguised as Hiro Sakamoto,
but if felt like Zhenia was looking directly at him, hidden under a mask.

After a while, Zhenia stopped leaning on the table. He walked around.

"Did you go to the police station?"

Just like that, the silence was gone.

That Zhenia bastard, he smiled shamelessy smile as if he had forgotten

everything that happened. I stared at him without replying. No, it was like a

boundary. Taekju didn't seem to want to give him an answer, he didn't

deserve it.

Zhenia didn't mind it and got off the table and headed for the minibar. He
went through the small bottles on display there and pulled out a whiskey.

He drank it in one go and shrugs his shoulders.

"You're not going to be so cautious, are you? I was just helping a colleague
in danger. I was watching you from the very beginning."

Talking about unusual creepy things as if they were normal. Taekju must
keep a close eye on this stalker...

"Since when have you been watching?"

"Since when? Like I just said, from the very beginning."

He was at the airport from the beginning? Did he mean that he followed and
saved Kwon Taek-joo when he was kidnapped while waiting for the right
time to contact him? Then why didn't he reveal his identity as Taekju's
partner back then?

Zhenia suddenly smiled. He seemed to see through Kwon Taek-joo.

"The headquarters told me to wait patiently until today. But you were so
hopeless, being almost killed that day, that there was no reason for me to
not step in."

His whiskey-soaked lips sighed. The shame I had been trying to suppress
reared my head. I thought Zhenia was a

psychotic murderer with a different level of physical strength that was not
human at all, but in the end he was just his colleague. Taekju's pride was
badly hurt.

"Your first impression you left for me was very good. Show me how to
prick people's eyes with only one hand."

Taekju clicked his tongue and responded. He was kinda relieved to know
that Zhenia was his partner. He and Kwon Taek-joo are one team from now
on. Just that one fact blew away the fear I had for the first time in my life.

Zhenia twisted his mouth and chuckled again. What was so funny, bastard?

"Why are you acting like a pacifist? It doesn't suit you."

"I like handling things neatly."

"It's too clean it's too gross, it's too slow it's too fast, it's too painful it's too
easy... so what? I did my job and rescued you. Shouldn't you be grateful?"

He shakes his head with a dissapointed expression. Then he tapped my

temple with his finger.

"Lets think together, shall we? Everyone wants to be special, right? We

want to stand out, even on our very last breath. But how empty and trivial
would it be if my death was lumped together as 'death by gunshot' in a
corner of a newspaper article? At least, having both eyeballs pierced can
take up one or two lines more in the newspaper. Aren't I a good person?"

It was sophistry. The sophistry of a psychopath trying to justify his

wrongdoings. Kwon Taekju rolled his eyes.

"When the day I die in your hands, please kill me in an insignificant way."

"Hmm. It will be difficult, but I will think about it."

Taekju didn't laugh a little bit.

"Don't worry, that won't happen to you unless you harm me. Even if I did, I
only deal with self-defense."

"What kind of shitty pacifist are you trying to be."

He returned the words Zhenia had sarcastically said a little while ago.

Zhenia laughed and grabbed the second whiskey he was drinking. Since it
was a small bottle, it was already more than half empty. Without hesitation,
he threw the whiskey at Taekjuu, who put his mouth on the tip and poured
the rest of the drink into his troat. His tongue tingled as he felt his
esophagus burn.

Just then, the phone rang inside the jacket I had taken off. I put down the
empty bottle and took out my phone. This time, a photo was sent from HQ.

After waiting for a while, a scary-looking Russian person filled the screen.
Is this the 'Psikh Bogdanov' Director Lim told you to be careful of?

I vaguely guessed, but Zhenia approached and snatched my phone.

"I heard I should be careful of him, do you know him?"

Zegna, who was checking the photos with her eyes narrowed, nodded.

"Yes. I know him very well."

"So how is he?"

"You better not get involved with this guy. I've never seen him do anything
good or non-psychotic."

"Is Morgan's death related to this guy?"

"If by Morgan, you mean that American before you who got killed? It
might've or might've not be done by that psycho fucker. Nevermind him,

let's just do our job. You didn't come here to get revenge, did you? Let him
play his way, and we'll do our own thing."

"I can't imagine what a great man he must be when you yourself call him
psycho."

Zhenia just smirked.

Still, I got an uneasy feeling about this all... If I was told that this guy
before me was Psikh Bogdanov, I would've believed it. I was suddenly
curious about that Psikh. How bad could he be?

He shook his head reluctantly. Zhenia just smiled. In any case, it was best
not to bump into each other if there was nothing good about being
entangled.

He didn't have to worry about someone he hadn't encountered yet. Right

now, I had to focus on the task.

"I heard that you are an expert in the political structure and the flow of
money here?"

"Indeed, I am. I can even connect you to either way if you want."

His self-confidence did not appear to be bluffing. Now that I had a partner I
didn't want, I thought it would be a good idea to use him as much as I
could. With either money, info or work-related things.

Kwon Taek-joo gave Zhenia an order with a light-hearted face.

"First of all, I would like you to list donw those who are familiar with the
arms trade. Whether it's the person who financed it, the actual developer, or
the business that buys and sells it, everything. Because if you want to meet

'Anastasia', you have to enter it's world first."

At the mention of 'Anastasia', Zhenia's eyebrows twitched slightly. It wasn't

a change that was obvious enough for Taekju to notice.

But even for a moment, he nodded his head obediently, saying he

understood. He immediately grabs his coat and gets up.

"That's true. Then tomorrow we'll continue.

I stood up after Jenna got up. Why was I so happy he was finally going
away? It was my own room, I could kick him out if I wanted to.

Kwon Taek-joo followed closely behind him with the objective to drive out
not only Zegna but also his unique scent. Taekju quickly opened the door
for him. I was sl tired, I just wanted to go to sleep as fast as possible.

Zhenia stood outside. He opened his mounth to say something, but then
Taekju quickly shut the door. Looking down curiously, I saw a new pointed
shoe nose in the crack in the door. I looked up at Zhenia with a

disapproving face. Zhenia came closer and stared at Taekju bewteen the gap
of the door and the wall.

"Tomorrow, let's take a look at your real pretty face under that mask."

His deep voice sounded ominous. Taekju frowned and glared at Zhenia.

He grinned again, straightened his upper body, and walked across the
hallway. Taekju watched the scene end and then finally closed the door.

~~~

When Zhenia reached the elevator, the door opened immediately. His eyes
met himself in the mirror. Zhenia went in front of it. A man next to him
coughed, letting him know his presence. Inside the elevator rapidly
descending to the first floor, the man behind him suddenly opened his
mouth.

"What should we do now, sir?"

Zhenia saw the number of floors slowly decreasing on the screen. His lips,
which had been calm for some reason, twitched slightly. One after another,
he muttered:

"Blow it up. We shouldn't leave him any places to escape to."

~~~~

Rrringgg!

"... ... ?"

The bell rang early in the morning. Taekju checked the time before putting
on the artificial skin. The table clock showed 8:00 AM. There is still a long
way to go before scheduled housekeeping. There is no official schedule for
the visiting delegation today. Is it Zhenya? That's quite diligent of him. But
still, if that's the case, the door won't be opened for some time.

After tidying up his skin, he headed for the doorway. I was going to ask
who it was, but she first identified herself from outside.

"Room service."

He opened the door with a puzzled expression. As if I hadn't heard it wrong,

there was a cart parked in the hallway in front of the room. A server dressed
in a hotel uniform greeted politely.

I shook my head and looked out into the hallway. It was early, so the
surroundings were all quiet. In the meantime, I blocked the front of the
server asking if she could come in.

"I think you came to the wrong room?"

"Room number 911, sir."

"I never ordered any room service."

"Ah, someone else sent it."

Someone else? No way, is it really that Zhenia guy?

"The CEO of Gazprom."

"Ah," he said, laughing as if it were absurd. Even as his colleague, he was

nothing short of a killer. What kind of kindness did he expect from such a
bastard?

If the CEO of Gazprom sent it, is this his way for apologizing for what
happened yesterday? Not only did he not attend the luncheon he arranged,
his representative didn't come, too.

If he declined, he would contact me again. And Taekju didn't want to attract

unnecessary attention.

He nodded and the maid hurried inside the room. The server, who was very
pretty, brought in the cart. The cart was full of food. She brought it to the
table by the window. The server, who had even set down the tableware
neatly, withdrew, asking if he needed anything more.

Such a luxurious treat while being on a mission.

The table was filled with much food. Bread, sausage, jam, orange juice,
milk, eggs... and of course the typical Russian Borsch. Since it was selected
according to the cultural differences of the delegation, it seems that the
hotel put a lot of effort into the menu.

He sat down at the table and started eating his breakfast. He turned his
phone on and checked his messages. Sure enough, there was a message
from Gazprom's representative. I checked the email that was attached along
with the text message and read it.
[Apologies for yesterday. Unexpected circumstances arose, and I could not
attend the luncheon. Please accept this breakfast as a gesture of goodwill. I
hope we can meet in person soon.]

The message was simple and polite. If I hadn't received it this morning, I
might had contacted the CEO directly. The representative of Gazprom, who
was probably with the delegation at the hotel, must have felt guilty.

As he was eating breakfast, he thought about what to do today. He had

already contacted Zegna yesterday and informed him of the situation. They
would gather information about the arms trade and try to get closer to the
mysterious figure known as "Anastasia." While waiting for further
instructions from the headquarters, he decided to review the information he
had and make a plan.

After finishing his meal, he washed up and got ready for the day ahead.

He put on his suit and checked his appearance in the mirror. Everything
seemed in order. It was time to head out and meet with Zegna to discuss
their next steps.

Just as he wanted to head out, he quickly scanned the table, and a card in a
memo holder caught his eye. That wasn't there before, was it?

Confused, I picked it up and immediately froze up.

There was only one word written.

"BOOM!"

11; new mission

Taekju acted on pure instinct, throwing the card aside and dashing for the
exit. He didn't have a moment to assess the situation. With gritted teeth and
every ounce of his strength, Kwon Taek-joo lunged for the doorknob just as
the air around him erupted in a deafening explosion.
In an instant, the force of the blast sent Kwon Taek-joo flying into a nearby
wall, and the floor beneath him crumbled away. The explosion shattered
windows and sent furniture flying. The hotel's ceiling vibrated as a shrill
alarm pierced the chaos.

Amidst the panicked chaos, everyone thought of a "terrorism". People fled

in a frantic stampede, disregarding all else, shoving and toppling others in
their desperate rush to escape. Fear so intense it paralyzed reason turned
this moment into a living hell. They were like wild animals.

Some time later the fire brigade arrived, followed by a fully armed bomb
disposal squad. Reporters swarmed in, narrating the scene with heightened
voices.

Many were injured, mainly during the evacuation. Ambulances rushed in an

unbroken line, driving the wounded to safety.

In the midst of this tumult, many confronted the paramedics.

It was funny how, Kwon Taek-joo, with blood trickling from a minor
forehead wound, was the most severely injured among them.

"Sir, you're still in shock, you can't feel any pain right now. You'll regret it
once you come to your senses. Since you've got a head injury, it's best to
head to the hospital immediately for a CT scan. Please mister, lay down
here."

Paramedics insisted, regardless of Kwon Taek-joo's protests. The rescuers

weren't willing to leave a stubborn victem like him unattended.

Kwon Taek-joo sighed, fatigued.

"I know what I'm doing, please don't mind me. You take care of the other
patients in the meantime."

"Sir, I'd love to leave a stubborn victem like you alone, but principles won't
allow it. If I get less pay because of your stubbornness, will you take

responsibility?"
"It's just a minor bleeding wound, not a serious injury, alright."

"That's for the medical professionals to determine."

Frustration bubbled up, and Kwon Taek-joo ran his hand through his hair,
visibly irked. A bandage would suffice for the slight tear on his forehead,
maybe a few stitches at most. Delaying treatment shouldn't pose a problem.

Yet, the paramedics were relentless, prompting Kwon Taek-joo to wonder

who was truly being stubborn.

He ran a hand through his hair again, which was oddly tangled around his
left jaw, where artificial skin had peeled off due to the blast. The
paramedics hadn't even inspected it properly. This is driving me crazy.

"Are you hurt elsewhere? Let me see."

Kwon Taek-joo swatted away the approaching paramedic's hand. The

paramedics widened their eyes in surprise, but Kwon Taek-joo's expression
grew more serious. It seemed they believed the shock of the explosion had
affected his mental state, too.

With a nod, they called over a colleague, who joined in grabbing Kwon
Taek-joo and urging him onto a stretcher.

"W-what's this, I said I'm fine!"

"Yeah, yeah. Let's save that for the doctor."

Several curse words slipped from his lips. It was an unsettling morning gift,
and now, he was bare-handed because the explosion destroyed all his
belongings.

Regardless of how audacious he was, he wouldn't carry out any nefarious

deeds in broad daylight, he thought. Ugh, he really wanted to beat them up
thought.

But at this rate, if he were taken away like this, they'd quickly discover he
wasn't Hiro Sakamoto. The hospital was likely already swarming with
police. His disguise being exposed in public was too dangerous. Absolutely
not.

"I'm really fine, look. Can you let me go now?"

Kwon Taek-joo demonstrated a sprightly step in place, but the paramedics

turned a deaf ear. With a chuckle, he played his part. But he'd have to turn
things around later. Too many eyes were watching, and he couldn't ignore
them all.

As Kwon Taek-joo was being dragged away without recourse, he suddenly

locked eyes with someone in the crowd. A sense of familiarity

washed over him, and the person hastily disappeared. It was suspicious.

Who was that?

Kwon Taek-joo reconsidered and followed to the paramedics'

instructions. As he made his way toward the ambulance, he sensed another

gaze upon him. He swiftly glanced back, and once again, the person trying
to hide amidst the crowd vanished.

His heart raced at the sight of the face; it was that bastard Psych Bogdanov.

He was infamous as the nation's biggest psycho, and he had been warned to
avoid him no matter what.

For a brief moment, he was surprised, and many troubling questions

gnawed at him.

Why was Psych Bogdanov here? Had he just happened to be in the area at
that precise moment? That seemed far-fetched. It was more plausible that
the culprit would show up at the scene of the incident. It wouldn't be
surprising if Psych was behind all this. The only question was why. Had my
true identity been uncovered already?

After weighing various possibilities, Kwon Taek-joo concluded that he

needed to make his escape. His Colt and all his belongings had been blown
away in the explosion. If he ran into Psych now, he would have many
problems, being unarmed. I won't be able to engage in close combat with
him.

But, no matter how deranged Psych might be, he wouldn't carry out any
drastic actions in broad daylight. So, Kwon Taek-joo decided it would be
best to quietly make his way to the hospital and escape when the
opportunity arose. He settled his bill and was just about to board the
ambulance.

Unexpectedly, Psych Bogdanov approached Kwon Taek-joo. The man had

smoothly maneuvered through the crowd and was suddenly dressed in a
white coat, matching the paramedics.

He put a white mask over his nose and proceeded without hesitation to the
driver's seat of the ambulance. It was evident he intended to share the ride
with him. Danger loomed, and alarm bells sounded in Kwon Taek-joo's
mind.

Without hesitation, Kwon Taek-joo pushed the paramedic aside and leaped
out of the ambulance.

"Hey!"

The paramedic who had fallen out shouted. In the commotion, Psych
Bogdanov exited the driver's seat. Kwon Taek-joo had his eyes fixed on
him, backing away cautiously. Psych advanced, his masked face reflecting a
sinister determination. The two locked eyes through the mask's openings,
and the intensity was palpable.

Kwon Taek-joo clenched his teeth and made a run for the growing crowd.

As he maneuvered through the people, cries of astonishment and

indignation erupted sporadically. This was precisely what he wanted; in the
current circumstances, the crowd's watchful eyes provided at least a bit of
safety.
Perhaps aware of the attention he was drawing, Psych Bogdanov did not
pursue immediately. He hesitated briefly before vanishing into the crowd on
the other side.

Kwon Taek-joo continued his rapid exit from the hotel, entering the main
street. His pursuer undoubtedly knew the area well. He needed to put as
much distance between them as possible.

He ran for what seemed like an eternity when the sound of a roaring engine
suddenly reached his ears. Turning his head, he spotted a speeding jeep. Its
heavily tinted windows made it impossible to see inside, but one thing was
sure: a man in a white coat sat in the passenger seat, presumably Psych
Bogdanov.

Cursing under his breath, Kwon Taek-joo immediately turned into a narrow
alley where the jeep couldn't follow. The pursuing jeep screeched to a halt.
One by one, the backseat doors flung open, and a group of black-clad men
quickly came out.

With a nod from Bogdanov, they began running toward Taekju, their long
coats flapping behind them. Meanwhile, the jeep disappeared back onto the
main road. Their plan was clear: chase him from behind and block his path
in front.

Kwon Taek-joo couldn't help but ponder the motive behind Psych
Bogdanov's relentless pursuit. If his true identity remained concealed, he
should have targeted Hiro Sakamoto, not him. Was he dissatisfied with the
Russia-Japan contract, too? But kidnapping a delegate with a higher ransom
would make more sense. The fact that only Hiro Sakamoto had been
targeted on the first day of their arrival made the situation even more
confusing.

In the end, was Psych's real target not Hiro Sakamoto but Kwon Taek-joo
himself? Why? These questions swirled in Kwon Taek-joo's mind, with no
clear answers in sight.

He glanced around as he continued running, spotting a spiral staircase

leading out of a building up ahead. If he ascended it or climbed the railing
to the next building, he might be able to elude his pursuers in the alley. He
quickly mapped out his escape route in his mind.

However, his pursuers showed no signs of giving up. Suddenly, a gunshot

rang out from behind, narrowly missing Kwon Taek-joo and grazing the
building's outer wall. The pursuing group seemed to have anticipated his
moves, and heavy gunfire now filled the area around the stairs. His plan to
reach the enormous building through the ventilation ducts seemed
impossible.

What the hell is wrong with this country, that everyone is so calm and
unbothered by gunshots flaring on the side of the main road in broad
daylight?

"...Fuck!"

Teeth gritted in frustration, Kwon Taek-joo sprinted once more. The

relentless pursuit continued. Even with every ounce of strength he had,
there was no visible escape route. Why was it so quiet? It was broad
daylight in a newly established site, and gunfires were echoing through the
streets.

Taking another sharp turn, Kwon Taek-joo cursed the Russian police for
their sluggishness. The narrow lane he had chosen now led directly to the
main road by the river, a route he hadn't anticipated but could maybe use to
his advantage.

A wide boulevard stretched before him as he darted out of the cramped

alley. Cars were driving by. Just a little more, just a little more. Kwon
Taekjoo pushed his legs harder. He was like a madman dashing through the
streets of Russia.

As he reached the main road, however, a car abruptly swerved and cut in
front of him. It was the same jeep he had seen earlier, driven by Psych
Bogdanov himself. His henchmen were closing in behind him.

"No fucking way."

With a forceful shove, Kwon Taek-joo slammed the door shut, who had
opened and almost hit Taekju. The driver attempting to exit was knocked to

the ground. Seizing the moment, Kwon Taek-joo leaped over the hood as if
sliding. But as he stumbled and fell, he saw something worse. Shit.

A motorcycle was hurtling down the lane, its driver slamming on the brakes
as soon as he spotted Kwon Taek-joo in the middle of the road. But the
distance was too short to halt the motorcycle in time. Kwon Taek-joo had
no strength left to get up.

Instinctively, he crouched down low. The motorcycle's front wheel scraped

the road as it tried to stop suddenly, and a sudden collision sent sparks
flying.

A deafening crash followed, but Taekju didn't feel anything.

"...?"

Kwon Taek-joo slowly opened his eyes. The rear wheel of the motorcycle,
which had barely stopped, was spinning right in above him for a split
second. The motorcycle had collided into the front of the jeep and was now
flying mid-air, its rear end raised. Time felt like an eternity, it was like dead
was flashing by.

In a desperate bid for survival, Kwon Taek-joo swiftly rolled aside just as
the rear wheel of the motorcycle, descending from its flying position,
crashed down where he had been moments earlier. If he had been even
slightly slower, his head would have met a gruesome end.

After avoiding death once again, Kwon Taek-joo's heart raced, and his
breathing was heavy. He fluttered his eyelids, sweat-drenched and still in
shock. How many times had his life hung by a thread today?

Someone gripped Kwon Taek-joo, lifting him up. It was one of Psych
Bogdanov's henchmen. Psych Bogdanov himself grabbed Kwon Taek-joo's
other arm. He surveyed his surroundings with a wary eye.
"Stop making a fuss and get in quietly."

A sudden blow to the abdomen stole Kwon Taek-joo's breath. His stomach
shrank and he felt his strength ebbing away.

The group quickly threw Kwon Taek-joo, now limp, into the back seat of
the jeep. Psych Bogdanov took the seat beside him.

All the jeep's doors were sealed shut. Then, they sped away as if nothing
had happened. There were no sign of sirens, people, and let alone police.

It was a kidnapper's paradise. Amidst the turmoil in his mind, Kwon Taek-
joo couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. What was happening now?

Would his ten fingers be cut off and left to rot like agent Morgan? Was he

going to be completely swollen from drowning and then die? It was an

outcome he had never imagined.

In this desperate moment, Kwon Taek-joo's mind raced to one forgotten

figure. Where was that damned Zegna when he needed him?

At that perfect moment, his ears caught the sound of spinning propellers in
the distance.

"It's that motherfucker!"

The man in the passenger seat exclaimed. Kwon Taek-joo, with a sense of
déjà vu, glanced out the window. A helicopter was approaching from the
opposite direction, and though the figure inside was indistinct, Taekju
directly recognized Zegna. Seemed like the others in the car knew him well,
too.

The man in the passenger seat swiftly rolled down the window and began
firing. Meanwhile, Psych Bogdanov reached under the back seat, his hand
brushing against Kwon Taek-joo's heel. It was the unmistakable shape of a
bazooka. Oh my.

"Open the window."

At his command, the backseat window lowered. He leaned completely out,
aiming the bazooka. Even if he hit his target, the jeep would be obliterated
in an instant.

"No!"

Kwon Taek-joo threw himself at Bogdanov, but it was too late to prevent
the launch. The man in the passenger seat brought a gun to Kwon Taekjoo's
temple, forcing him to raise his arms and retreat. With a thunderous blast,
the bazooka fired, jolting the car and sending it swaying wildly.

BOOM!!!

The helicopter rapidly gained altitude to avoid the incoming projectile, and
his movement sent a grenade crashing into a nearby building. It struck with
the force of a battering ram, shattering one side of the building.

As if on cue, the helicopter unleashed a barrage of fire. Zegna mercilessly

unleashed a storm of bullets from the minigun he had kept hidden all along.

Kwon Taek-joo bent low in the back seat. Psych Bogdanov did the same.

The driver struggled helplessly with the steering wheel, but the vehicle was
no match for the onslaught. The car quickly became riddled with bullet
holes.

As the driver's body suddenly slumped, the steering wheel twisted, causing
the car to drift into a guardrail and plunge into a deep cold river.

'...Shit!!'

12; new mission

Amidst the gunfight, the river's water burst through shattered glass
windows.
In the midst of the chaos, there was no time for panic. The world turned
dark as the rush of the cold water surrounded me.

Icy water surged into my nostrils and ears simultaneously. I begin to

suffocate, but I held on and waited for the chaos to calm down. I knew my
breath would settle eventually.

Psych Bogdanov remained conscious too. He looked at Taekju, then calmly

swam out through an open window, the only escape route.

Following suit, Kwon Taek-joo ventured into the water.

And then it happened. Another shot echoed from outside the water. Kwon
Taek-joo retreated, seeking shelter behind the car.

His eardrums remained locked, but it seemed a helicopter had landed just
above the water's surface. Propeller winds churned the water violently,
making breathing unstable once more.

Bullets continued to rain down. The driver and the passenger in the car,
already lifeless, were pierced helplessly by many bullets.

It was a horrific sight, with blood everywhere. Did Zhenia not know Kwon
Taek-joo was in the car? His minigun fired relentlessly, leaving no
survivors.

Shit, what the fuck was he doing? What if that psycho hits me?

This guy was relentless, no limits. Narrowly avoiding the hail of bullets, I
waited for the ceaseless gunfire to end. Gradually, I could feel myself
weaken. My lungs ached for oxygen, and I just wanted to reach the surface
before bullets found me.

Just as I thought my time was running out, the intense shooting ceased.

Suddenly, only shadows danced on the water's surface, but the shooting
didn't seem over. Kwon Taek-joo kicked his legs and swam towards the
surface. It was only a few meters to the surface, but he was still scared of
Zhenia shooting him dead.
Suddenly, something pulled him down. Psych Bogdanov clung to his ankle,
blood trickling from its left arm, seemingly hit by a stray bullet.

Fuck, how persistent.

Kwon Taek-joo showed no mercy, delivering a harsh kick to his face. His
strong hand lost its grip. But it wasn't over; the guy soon grabbed Kwon
Taek-joo's collar and pulled himself at his level, desperate not to die alone.

Kwon Taek-joo's fist struck Psych Bogdanov. As Psych hesitated to dodge,

he wrapped his arm around his neck in one swift motion. It was a deathly
situation, Taekju felt his throat being sqeezed. Psych's gunshot wound
caused much blood loss, leaving him weak, though Kwon Taek-joo wasn't
in a better condition.

With all his might, Kwon Taek-joo pushed him off and did the same to him.
Psych Bogdanov's limbs went limp after a few more seconds, his huge body
falling motionless into the darkness of the bottemless water. As I watched
him slowly sinking, I swam to the surface.

When I surfaced, my entire body was shaking, chest widened as my lungs

greedily absorbed fresh air. My eyes were wide open, and only then did I
notice the biting cold.

As I exhaled, frost formed, making me realize I should have exited the

water sooner. However, the recent battle had left my limbs frozen and weak,
leaving me with no strength to do anything but float.

I tried to swim again, but soon I gave up. I was too tired to even breath
normally. Shit, I don't have any strength left from that underwater struggle...

Unexpectedly, someone grasped Kwon Taek-joo's back and pulled him out.
Gasping, he coughed, throat burning, head spinning, body shaking.

Bogdanov's blow to his stomach also throbbed. Barely pushing his upper
body forward, he looked forward and blinked. Soon, a pair of legs came
into view. Zhenia's face appeared when he glanced up from his pointed
shoes.
"You managed to stay alive?"

"Thanks to you, I almost didn't."

He coughed again and groaned.

"What about that bastard?"

"I sent him on his way; he clung to me like a watery ghost."

Zegna chuckled and inspected Taekju. Taekju stared back at the guy, then
got up. Water dripped from his body, rapidly freezing him from the outside.

Dehydrated lungs struggled to inhale air, his breath rattling. He needed to

warm up quickly.

"You're pretty good."

I moved away, but Zegna suddenly blocked my path.

"Also, that's quite gruesome."

"What do you mean?"

He pointed at my cheek. I followed his gaze and touched my face. The

artificial skin, torn and tattered by the explosion and ensuing chaos, was
falling off. Frustrated, I let out a soft groan as I ran my fingers over my hair.

Zegna's eyes followed my movements closely. His gaze is so obvious. I can

tell what he's thinking. He's curious about what it feels like to rip off human
skin, isn't he?

I pretended not to notice Zegna's fascination and took a slow step back.

He did the opposite, coming in closer while asking why I didn't just remove
it. Unbelievable. What a creep.

Ignoring him and reaching the main road, a gust of wind from across the
river hit me. My teeth began to chatter. I glanced at Zegna standing nearby.
I was jealous of his thick, black, soft and warm coat. I shivered and looked
at him, but he met my gaze with an disinterested face, seemingly unfazed
by the idea of a colleague freezing to death.

He quickly gave up on the idea of wearing his coat and signaled a taxi that
was passing by. At Kwon Taek-joo's call, the taxi, which just had slowed
down, suddenly sped up and drove past him.

Huh? Was it because they were concerned about dirtying the seats? Or they
must have been taken aback by my appearance...

I attempted this three or four times, with Zhenia bursting into laughter each
time.

Although I couldn't blame him, I didn't like his amusement. My fingers and
toes gradually lost sensation. Zhenia interfered as he observed the situation.

"No matter how you look at it, it's because of this."

Zhenia came closer and tapped his cheek with his long fingers and asked,

"Shouldn't you take it off? Hmm? Let me see that pretty face of yours."

Ugh, it was just too cold to think about it.

Seeing my discomfort, Zhenia smirked. I absentmindedly touched the

leather flapping in the wind, and Zhenia's hand came close to my face.

Instinctively, I swatted it away. "Stop it."

Zhenia's other hand reached out to stop Kwon Taek-joo. Our eyes met, and
this time, Zegna didn't wear his usual mocking expression. There was an
unusual interest in his slightly narrowed eyes.

"Why aren't you taking it off?"

"Why do you keep pushing me, then?"

"So you're playing hard to get?"

"Why do you keep hitting on me, then?!"

I responded with irritation, but Zegna didn't seem to care and reached out
again.

"Don't even fucking think about it."

I warned, grabbing his wrist. He suddenly grabbed my chin and tugged it

off with his other hand.

Without even a chance to resist, the damaged leather was torn away, leaving
a tingling sensation where the crappy mask had been. I furrowed my brow
in agony and opened my eyes. Zegna, standing in front of me, wore an
expression as if he had encountered something entirely unfamiliar.

His light blue eyes slowly scanned my face, then my shaking body, before
returning to my face again.

A kinda scary looking smile formed on his lips. It was weird. Even though
he's never seen my real face, he should've already known what I acctually
look like from the pictures HQ sent.

Our first encounter was in the dark, so I don't think he had taken a good
look at my face.

Perhaps there's a difference between Taekju's picture and reality, and he's
unfamiliar with the true appearance of Kwon Taek-joo, having grown
accustomed to Hiro Sakamoto?

Being scrutinized from head to toe felt as I stood before Zegna without a
single layer of disguise felt annoying. It wasn't just my body and bare face
exposed, but also my thoughts and emotions. It felt uncomfortable, almost
invasive.

Zhenia's hand rested on my shoulder. It felt warm. Suddenly, Zegna's lips

softened, and his voice became barely audible.

"This is more like it..."

He mumbled, but I didn't mind it, I was too tired.

A bitter wind blew again. I grabbed Zegna's hand tightly on my shoulder,

seeking warmth. But when I realized what I was doing, I hastily withdrew
it.

Returning to the road, I tried to call for a taxi again, but as a wet and
suspicious foreigner, there was no friendly face willing to assist. Countless
cars sped past, but I couldn't just give up.

Once the cold had thoroughly enveloped me, something touched my

shoulder again. Turning around, I noticed a shiny black card. Zegna held it
between his thumb and index finger, tapping me with its edge.

"What's this?"

"There might be more surveillance or tracking in the future, so borrow a

den and lay low for a while."

"Den... a hideout?"

I thought I heard an unfamiliar term. Could the Russian word for

'hideout' have a different connotation that I wasn't aware of? Perhaps it

means 'tiger's den'?

Just then, an unfamiliar ringtone chimed. It was Zegna's cellphone. After

checking the caller ID, he answered with a tone distinct from his usual
demeanor. It wasn't just unfriendly; it was cold and dry, making him sound
like a completely different person.

"Alright. I'll leave now."

After a brief, one-sided conversation, the call ended abruptly. I stared at

Zegna in silence. Since we were colleagues, I expected him to share who he
had just spoken with and what was happening. However, Zegna remained
silent, stretching his arms across the road.
Soon, a taxi pulled up in front of him. Before I could even interfere, he
entered the backseat and closed the door. The taxi sped away without
hesitation.

What. The. Frick.

I stood there, dumbfounded. My clothes, soaked to the bone, had frozen

stiff, rendering me worse off than not wearing anything. My hand clutched
the card Zegna had given me. I didn't know where to go. I didn't even know
where I was.

Yet, the taxis whizzed by, showing no interest in picking up a stranded

Kwon Taek-joo.

Once again, the biting Moscow winter wind blew. I had no strength left to
even crouch down. I watched cars pass by, stomach growling. It suddenly
dawned on me that I hadn't eaten breakfast.

Even a beggar would be better off than me.

13; new mission

I found a hostel near the riverside. The rundown hostel was a far cry from
the luxurious five-star hotel I had stayed in on the Russian government's
invitation. They offered several room types, but I chose the priciest, craving
a hot bath.

However, when I entered, I couldn't understand why it was so expensive.

Did the price hinge solely on the presence of windows? The small room
contained only an old, single bed and a lonely table. There was a book-sized
TV, but I doubted it would work. Of course, Wi-Fi was out of question.

As long as the water ran hot, I didn't mind anything to be honest. I took off
my clinging clothes and stepped into the shower. I cranked the hot water
valve to the maximum to thaw my frozen body.
However, the expected warmth only flowed as I finished, due to the cold
weather. Lacking even a common robe, I emerged with a large towel
wrapped around my waist.

Suddenly, I noticed something scuttling hastily. Cockroaches, at least three

or four of them, were mating and reproducing even in Siberia's frigid
temperatures.

I shook my head and collapsed onto the bed without hesitation. Dust rose
from the mattress when I settled in, tickling my nose and throat. Coughing
fitfully, I had no energy to lift even a finger.

The bed squeaked with every toss and turn, seemingly on the verge of
collapsing. I took a deep breath. My body felt incredibly heavy, and I
struggled to clear my mind. I really thought that a brief nap would bring
clarity to my thoughts. Soon, my eyes closed, pulling me into darkness.

As I closed my eyelids, I counted the days. It was time to contact my

mother. My cellphone and belongings were gone, so what should I do? I
envisioned myself falling asleep, completely losing touch with my mother.

A day or two would be bearable, but after a few days, my mother would
surely grow concerned and visit me in person.

The moment she discovered that I wasn't a typical government official,

she'd fall ill. She might even cry, choosing to leave this world before

witnessing my fate, just as my father and older brother had.

No, that couldn't happen. I raised my upper body and picked up the handset
from the desk to call the lobby. Strangely, the phone didn't ring.

The same thing happened when I hung up and tried again. I pulled the
phone out of the socket. Hah indeed, the cord looked as if it had been
gnawed by a rat.
Annoyance welled up within me. I threw the phone I was holding on the
ground. Today was just not my day. No, ever since I stepped foot in Russia
I've been unlucky.

What should I do now? I ran my fingers through my wet hair, but I had only
one option. It was partially damp, but I didn't dare to put on my wet clothes
again. Instead, I wrapped the towel tighter around my waist and ventured
down to the first floor, covering only my lower body.

To my surprise, I didn't encounter any other guests despite my disheveled

appearance. The hostel owner was dozing behind the counter. A knock on
the desk roused him.

"Oh, startled me. What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to make an international call."

"It'll cost quite a bit. Are you sure?"

"It doesn't matter. Can I pay with a card?"

The owner nodded indifferently and grabbed an international calling phone

from under the counter. It hadn't been used in a long time, and dust had
accumulated on it.

I grabbed the old device and entered payment information, then typed in the
country code and my home phone number.

After some time, the dial tone began. My mother picked up almost instantly.
Her voice sounded unusual, tinged with concern.

"It's me, mom. Did you miss me? I'm sorry I didn't call you earlier."

As I expected, load of questions followed. Why hadn't I called back?

What happened to me? Was I sick? She worried excessively, as if I had

been absent for months on end. I reassured her with calm responses.
Only after promising to call every day did I manage to end the call.

Exhaustion washed over me. As I turned away, my stomach growled. It

seemed that if I didn't eat now, I wouldn't fall asleep, of could even die of
starvation.

I glanced back at the owner of the Hostel. He yawned loudly, wearing an

irritated expression.

"Are there any decent restaurants around here?"

I asked, he seemed annoyed by my question. He rose from his seat and,

with a few gestures, pointed me in the direction of a restaurant.

After the brief and bad explanation, the owner seemed ready to sit down
again. My towel, however, began to slip, and before I could prevent it, it fell
to the floor. I looked at the owner, who was still staring at my dragon. I
smiled.

"I think I'll need some clothes too."

~~~~

Why did he recommend such a shabby place among the many restaurants? I
entered the nearly empty chamber and checked the room out.

Perhaps it was a hidden gem known only to the locals. I contemplated

staying here to eat, but refrained when I noticed the restaurant owner.

If the hostel owner was 'Ivanovic,' this place's owner might be 'Ivanova.'

Their hairstyles were slightly different, but it would be challenging to tell

them apart that way.

There seemed to be no menus. No order was taken. Instead, the owner, who
had left me to fend for myself, suddenly served dishes I hadn't even
requested. Cabbage soup, borscht, and Russian-style dumplings known as
pelmeni appeared before me.
I glanced at a section of the wall, where the words "Coffee," "Vodka,"

and "Kvass" were scrawled. I opted for kvass, a traditional drink, and began
absorbing the food that arrived some time later.

As I took a bite, the tantalizing scent of lamb hung in the air, turning the
bustling foodmarket infront of him into a mere backdrop. With a furrowed
brow, he hungrily devoured his meal, while he sought relief in a sip of
kvass.

Muttering amidst mouthfuls, I tried to clear my thoughts. It was clear I had

been cursed since my arrival in Russia; otherwise, my fate wouldn't have
taken this ominous turn. Right from the beginning, he had been thrust into a
mission beyond his qualifications.

A kidnapping emerged his very first day, a bomb blast had robbed him of
his belongings on the third, and a near-drowning was his most recent
mishap.

To add to the chaos, his partner had offered little to no help, making me
wonder if my life was really safe in his hands? Had all my misfortune
converged into this one fateful chapter in my life?

Distressed but determined to keep my composure, I chose to shelve the past

and contemplate my probably-not-so-lucky future. I was thinking hard
about what to do next.

My top priority: reporting my survival and the unfolding calamity to

headquarters in the hope of securing additional support.

I never had thought I would need extra support. Though I still want to work
alone, I probably wouldn't made it out alive without Zhenia, my so called
"partner".

Now, time was of the essence, for Taekju had now become a marked man,
and there were likely others on his trail. His safety was now the most
important thing to ensure.
But how on Earth could I reach headquarters? The communicator had
vanished into thin air (probably fell out underwater), and the presence of
Kwon Taek-joo himself here remained a closely guarded secret.

Neither Korean immigration authorities nor the embassies were in the

know. In Russia, Kwon Taek-joo had adopted the alias Sakamoto Hiro, but
visiting the Japanese embassy was out of the question.

What do I do now? It seemed my only hope lay with Zhenia, but the catch
was, I had no way to contact him.

He operated on his own terms, eschewing commitments. I was at a loss on

how to make contact with Zhenia. Perhaps, I should simply deliver the
card?

"Fuck him."

Taekju groaned loudly and gently placed his fork down. My appetite waned,
I paid the tacky food little heed. I called for the bill and headed for the
counter. Just then, the jingle of bells announced the arrival of two police
officers.

The restaurant's owner appeared to be on familiar terms with them, sharing

hearty greetings. I managed to find a seat just in front of the cash register
and settled in.

The owner soon poured de policemen a generous glass of vodka, and they
engaged in conversation. It wasn't long before the owner approached the
cash register.

"That'll be 3,000 rubles."

The charge seemed exorbitant for the tardy arrival. Even 1,000 rubles
would have sufficed for that shitty food.

The owner's demeanor oozed confidence, without a hint of shame. My

dissatisfaction extended from the food's quality to the price, but my energy
was too little to fuss. Besides, it wasn't my money to fuss over.
I reluctantly handed over the card. The owner's irritation was palpable as he
begrudgingly accepted it upon realizing I lacked cash.

After a few swipes, it became apparent the card reader was acting up.

The owner tried multiple times, then stole a glance at Kwon Taek-joo
before approaching the officers' table. They sat there, whispering for a
while, and after each word they looked back at Taekju.

Soon, my eyes locked with the officers. Oddly, their expressions weren't
amicable. Could they be discussing Kwon Taek-joo?

One of the officers eventually stood up. Kwon Taek-joo eyed the
approaching man, Taekju's expression was a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Do you have a moment, sir?" The officer asked.

"Do you have something to say? Please proceed. I don't like it when people
talk behind my back."

In the meantime, another officer closed in, gripping Kwon Taek-joo's arm.
What more could go wrong today? This is getting ridiculous.

Clearly, there was a misunderstanding. Such matters were typically resolved

through civil discourse. However, the issue at hand was the exposure of his
assumed identity. In this state, claiming to be Sakamoto Hiro was futile, he
didn't look Japanese. Plus Kwon Taek-joo might accidentally unveil his true
self. He needed a strategy to avoid a trip to the police station.

Should I break free and flee? It wasn't unreasonable to confront the two
unarmed officers, but fleeing would be tantamount to confessing to
unknown charges and making enemies of the Russian police. Escalating the
number of pursuers while in hiding would hardly be advantageous.

I planned on acting like a normal innocent person would.

"Why do you want to talk to me?"

"The card the gentleman just attempted to use has been reported as stolen."
The officer looked at the owner of the resaturant, not giving Taekju any
attention. This basterd. The grip on Taekju's arm tightened and was hurting
him now.

What? That couldn't be right. I had used it without issue at the hostel earlier.
The owner displayed the card terminal to Kwon Taek-joo, who wore

a skeptical expression. A warning message flashed on the card terminal.

"Now, let's not waste any more time and go to the police-station, yeah?"

The officer prodded Kwon Taek-joo, completely confused. What now?

This situation posed multiple complications. With headquarters out of

reach, expecting support was a long shot. Subduing the officers and
escaping might be the only viable option.

As I pondered, the officer urging me to depart made a move to handcuff

Kwon Taek-joo. In that moment, Kwon Taek-joo seized the officer's arm.

"Wha-...!"

He struck the officer's face with the back of his ellebow, followed by a kick
to the chest. The officer staggered back, clutching his nose and chest in
agony. Blood flowed through his fingers, painting a vivid tableau of the
little chaotic scene.

His colleague, who was taken aback and just stared at Taekju, rushed
toward him in shock.

"You son of a black bitch!"

I was about to deliver a kick to the abdomen when the unmistakable jingle
of bells echoed from the door. In a surreal twist of fate, Zhenia arrived just
in the nick of time. Relief washed over me at the sight of his familiar face. I
presumed that now card's owner had finally surfaced, this stupid situation is
going to be solved.
I relinquished my combat stance and stood upright. Simultaneously, the
confronting officer lunged at Kwon Taek-joo, who didn't expect anything
coming.

The policeman kicked Taekju hard in the stomach.

"Zhen-...Agh!"

Suddenly, Taekju was on the ground. He felt he was being handcuffed by

the policeman. He glared at Zhenia, why the hell was that bastard just
standing there?

Zhenia smirked. He liked it, that psychopath.

The other policeman had a bad nose bleeding, but still stood up straight to
grab Taekju. Taeku did his best to resist, looking pleadingly and furious at
Zhenia.

I swear to god I'm gonna kill him.

"Stop resisting, you bitch! Can't you move quickly?!"

Just when policeofficer raised his hand at Taekju, Zhenia grabbed the
policeman by his throat.

"Don't you dare hit him like that."

"Keugh!"

Zhenia looked at the other officer.

"You gotta get trough me first before you get to him, y'know."

Zhenia confronted the officers calmly, diffusing the situation with his charm
and negotiation skills. Kwon Taek-joo couldn't figure out what Zhenia said,
but he felt a mix of gratitude and uncertainty toward his enigmatic
companion. Some time later they came back.

"Release him."
The police officer uncuffed me, and both officers directly left in a hurry.

"What was that? What kind of sorcery did you use?"

"Nothing. Just some good old tricks I know."

Zegna's relaxed demeanor masked his true nature. His actions were
deliberate, and he calculated each move carefully. He had likely traced the
card's usage and intervened to prevent Kwon Taek-joo's true identity from
being revealed. Despite his unconventional behavior, Zegna had some
redeeming qualities. The incident in Bogdanov's car showed he wouldn't
hesitate to act in his partner's defense.

He questioned Zhenia's actions, suspecting there was more to his casual

demeanor. But Zhenia's smile and attitude revealed little. Kwon Taek-joo
couldn't shake the feeling that Zhenia's carefree facade concealed a shrewd
mind.

Maybe Zhenia must've thought of tracking me down places where I'd use
the credit card since the very beginning, that sneaky bastard. And in case he
couldn't locate me, he'd just report the card as stolen like he did just now. I
felt like I didn't know him at all, but did at the same time.

Zhenia dismissed Kwon Taek-joo's suspicious glare, shamelessly ignoring

his partner. I couldn't tolerate his fucking audacity, my sarcasm spilling out
openly.

"Why so occupied? Is catching a glimpse of your face really that

challenging?"

"And why are you so eager to see me?"

This bastard, I would like to yank both your ears and stitch them together
with your mouth shut.

Taekju clenched his teeth and forced a strained smile. His gaze, previously
fixated on Zhenia, suddenly darted over his shoulder. Taekju
grabbed his chin, preventing him from turning away when he saw me
glaring behind his back.

"Someone's been watching me for a while. Aren't you being followed?"

"...Huh? For real?"

"You're careless."

"What should I do, then?"

"I need to divert attention."

"Pfff... stay here, I'll handle it. I'll be right back."

"If you need help, let me know now."

"Thank you, but I'll decline."

He responded with a smile, then departed. As Zegna exited the restaurant

the spy behind the window I saw him trough cowered in a nearby alley.

Zegna approached him, his long coat billowing with each step. The
bewildered spy panicked. Zegna followed him at a leisurely pace, and soon,
they vanished from Kwon Taek-joo's sight. To be honest, I felt sorry for that
spy.

Only a few minutes later, Zegna reemerged. Kwon Taek-joo's eyes widened
in surprise. The black bulky long coat he had worn was nowhere in sight.

"The coat?"

"I discarded it."

"..."

I didn't ask why. I believed I knew the reason. However, Zegna felt
compelled to explain his actions, seeing Taekju frowning.
"It was filthy."

Taekju glanced at his cunning fingertips. Despite my attempts not to be

affected, my gaze involuntarily followed his hand.

That finger had once pierced a man's eye. Where had it been today? Was it
still reasonable to abandon the entire coat? The thought of what he might
have done gnawed at me, illogical yet unsettling. Strangely, Zhenia
resembled Psych Bogdanov more than the one who had drowned in the
river.

Zegna's fingers suddenly snapped. I flinched involuntarily. Soon, a low

chuckle escaped his lips. As I timidly met his eyes, a mischievous grin crept
across Zhenia's face. I truly despised it.

Zhenia extended something to Kwon Taek-ju, who frowned in confusion.

"Don't focus elsewhere; focus on this."

~~~~~

Sorry for not updating for a long time guys :((( I've been busy as hell. So
here's a longer chapter as a gift 3

If it takes really long, yall can dm me! I always feel guilty when they ask
me to update or tell me it takes too long so it works (kinda mean but dw
bout it it makes me motivated😝 )

Season 2 is almost ending!

14; new mission

It was an invitation. The Kremlin Palace was hosting a banquet to celebrate

the Russian-Japanese contract signing, with attendees including Japanese
delegates and Russian dignitaries. Kwon Taek-joo, under the guise of
Sakamoto Hiro, had planned to infiltrate, but an unexpected terrorist attack
had disrupted everything.
However, the date on the invitation differed from what he knew. It appeared
the schedule had changed due to an unfortunate incident at the Japanese
delegation's hotel. This meant heightened security, with checkpoints and
searches. Talk about good luck.

While pondering how to infiltrate, Zhenia withdrew the invitation and

explained further.

"This is just a façade. The real party will be held afterward."

"A real party?"

"Not far from the Kremlin lies the Bogdanov family mansion. There, Gaju
represents Gazprom unofficially. His second son is close to the president.
After a state-level ceremony, they host a banquet at their mansion. Even
those not invited to the Kremlin attend. It's like a true guest list, including
underworld figures and major players in Russia's cash flow.

They're resourceful and might provide clues about 'Anastasia.'"

"Could that Bogdanov be the one we know? The real Bogdanov?"

"Why not?"

"They're throwing a party like that even though someone in their bloodline
is supposedly dead?"

Kwon Taek-joo couldn't comprehend. Psych Bogdanov's body should have

been discovered by now. Could they hold such a gathering while there's still
a portrait of him in the maison?

"Do you truly believe he's dead?"

"So you mean he's not?"

"Unfortunately, I lined up the bodies, and only two were found in the river."

Despite the gunshot wound and cold river, Psych Bogdanov had survived.
His survival meant Taekju could still be a target. Embarrassment from his
fright for that psycho aside, Kwon Taek-joo shook his head.

"How can you be sure you'll find a clue about Anastasia there?"

Zhenia, seemingly prepared for the question, handed over an envelope. It

contained an old newspaper article and an unfamiliar directory with Russian
and Korean names.

Kwon Taek-joo examined the names and articles. The names matched those
listed as deceased in the articles. Zhenia clarified.

"These are the people involved in the development of Anastasia. They're all
dead."

"Why did they die?"

"Well, why do you think?"

Zhenia raised an eyebrow. It was a challenging look, as if teasing an

ignorant child. Taekju had a vague idea but needed confirmation.

Frustration swelled as Zhenia continued to tease, prompting Kwon Taek-joo

to nudge him impatiently.

"Anastasia is an immensely destructive weapon with unparalleled power.

Its secrets are closely guarded. Many discuss it, yet few truly understand
what it is. Fear arises from the unknown. Once the development is
complete, individuals might recklessly reveal Anastasia's identity and
principles. This shouldn't happen. Anastasia must remain an enduring
source of fear."

Kwon Taek-joo's brow furrowed. Even without hearing the full explanation,
he grasped the connection between 'Anastasia' and the list.

Zhenia nodded and elaborated.

"Everything and everyone was eliminated. So no one could ever recreate

such a weapon."
Kwon Taek-joo was momentarily speechless. Those involved weren't killed
for theft or change of heart. They were preemptively removed to prevent
any attempts to recreate the weapon.

As Kwon Taek-joo examined the list, he noticed something.

"But...!"

"Yes, some people survived."

The list included members of the Bogdanov family, who were very much
alive. With most others involved dead, their survival hinted at something
darker. Kwon Taek-joo looked at Zhenia, troubled.

"Do you mean to say the Bogdanovs were the ones behind the
eliminations?"

"Why not?"

"They're holding such a party even though they know Anastasia's secrets?"

Kwon Taek-joo shook his head, feeling uneasy. If Zhenia's information was
correct, the Bogdanovs likely held clues about Anastasia's whereabouts.
The challenge was his own situation. The party was tomorrow night, and
securing support from headquarters in one day was unlikely.

Infiltrating unprepared was impossible.

"Headquarters didn't prepare me for this."

Zhenia smiled.

"Don't worry about it."

Outside, a sleek convertible hooted and awaited them. Zhenia pushed Kwon
Taek-joo into the passenger seat, and they sped away.

After about 40 minutes, the tall buildings disappeared, and the urban
landscape came in sight. Suspicion crept in as Kwon Taek-joo surveyed the
area. The car halted.

"Get out."

He obeyed, glancing around. There were no warehouses or garages, just an

abandoned building, its sign indicating it was once a bookstore, long closed.

Following Zhenia inside, Kwon Taek-joo descended many dark stairs,

almost tripping to his death. Though still dark, I felt the thick dust. Each
step stirred the dust, tickling my nose. Eventually, they reached a flat floor,
and though the lighting remained dim, Taekju could make out the thick
dust. The unsettling feeling of emptiness persisted.

Something felt off... Rows of bookshelves dominated the basement, yet no

books were placed. Only an old telephone on one of the empty shelves in
the middle.

Why had Kwon Taek-joo been led here? With mounting questions and
dissatisfaction, Zhenia approached the phone.

He dialed a sequence of numbers, and a beeping sound filled the air.

Suddenly, the bookshelves began to rotate, dispelling the dust. The old
bookshelf disappeared, replaced by a sleek iron cabinet containing firearms,
high-tech equipment, and small explosives.

~~~

Yall, this is the and of season 2!!!! I'm so happy kdbzjdvd It was difficult
but I'm going strong thx for almost 11k reads!! I'll complete this story for
sure, I just dk how long it'll take... Thank you all for being patient!
Codename Anastasia

Author: bu._gg

Published: 2024

ENG VER. INCLUDING LATER CHAPTERS AND SIDE STORIES

(NOT MY STORY) please read earlier chapters on another upload

intro

hiii im oak and have recently decided to personally translate CODENAME

ANASTASIA from here on i'll be doing my best to translate the raw copys
to english. I decided to start on a later chapter for my first upload becuase
fuck it there are a lot of translations out there of the early chapters go read
them somewhere plus i've never seen older chapters where they all in love
and stuff translated and since im already doing it for myself why not upload
them here. once i reach the end of the story i might work my way back
since we're starting on like the 9th last chapter or smt so if that's something
you want to see i'd be happy to work my way back (not to ch 1 tho that shit
is translated literally on this app already) so ty and if this gets any views
enjoy reading

(i've recently set the copyright to all rights reserved as this is a translation of
the official story all credit goes to the author and all rights are reserved to
THEM for THEIR story THIS STORY IS NOT MY OWN)

jan 7 update!!!

tysm for 1k VOTES also as of now we're at 43k views and around 600

comments i think?? thankyou for interacting and for the comments in the
intro. it was so fun to finally finish up the later chapters. as i go along of
course i'll keep re reading and fixing small mistakes so if you have spotted
any thankyou for baring with me!
i've decided to not post the chapters where they meet for the very first time
(the beginning of the novel) as there is someone who has already posted
those chapters on here. and itd just feel weird re posting similar chapters! so
if you can and if you want to start form the beginning go over to their
account i can't remember it atm but if you look up codename anastasia it
should be above this story somewhere!

The Nuclear Man (1)

The Bogdanov family's mansion is truly beyond imagination with its size
and luxurious appearance.

The blue roof over white walls exudes elegance and sophistication. The
harmony between Rococo's unique soft curves and dazzling gold
decorations adds a classic touch, along with meticulously crafted circular
stone steps and giant marble columns supporting the ceiling. high building.

Taek Joo felt the majesty and solemnity that was hard to touch through the
large and sturdy gate. The light concentrated around the entire building
creates a vaguely magical atmosphere.

The shadow of the main gate was bold and stretched across the lawn. The
door that had been closed all this time was quietly opening after midnight.

Cars were still lined up across the large garden even in the middle of the
night. The mansion was located next to a large lake, so after passing the
main gate, you have to walk for a while to get inside. Dense trees along the
small road act as a wall separating them from the outside, discreetly hiding
the activities inside the mansion.

Security is tight because the guests are famous people with high social
status. Everyone must be allowed in through the main gate first and then
again at the start of the path leading into the main garden. The same goes
forTaek Joo's car.

An armed security guard approached and knocked on the door. Taek Joo
lowered the window as instructed and then had four or five items of
information checked. Even if you bring an invitation, the name listed on the
attendance list, the car number, whether there is an accompanying person or
not, and even the relationship with the accompanying person, all must
match what has been announced. before, no exceptions.

"Can you show me the invitation, please?"

Taek Joo obediently did as requested. The guard holds a reader equipped
with a special light placed near the invitation envelope. Soon, a mark that
could not be seen with the naked eye appeared. A clear electronic sound
rang out from the recognition device. Immediately after that, the guard
carefully looked inside the car. It is to confirm the accompanying person.

It seems that the invitation letter was processed to not only hide the secret
information on it but also the guest's information. When the device
recognizes the card's serial number, the guest's identity will automatically
appear on the screen. The intention to completely prevent uninvited guests
is expressed very clearly.

The security guard carefully observed the back row and quickly said

"Thank you for your cooperation." and moved on. As a result, congestion
extended from the main gate to the garden entrance and from the garden
entrance to the front of the mansion.

"Wow this party is so great...Why don't they make a fucking spy move
about it or something?"

Taek Joo was grumbling with a bored expression.

"There was no way you could of just done all of that instead?"

Taek Joo stared at the rearview mirror and complained. He made eye
contact with zhenia sitting in the back seat. His eyes silently curled up.

"I was the only one invited, so there was no other way. There are only two
ways for uninvited guests to join the party, to be a driver like now or to be a
lover. If you don't like the first one, you have to disguise yourself and
become the second one, right? Hah wouldn't that be a sight for sore eyes."
It's not wrong. Taek Joo didn't know how Zegna got such an official
invitation, but since they were invited, there was no need to make a fuss. He
just didn't like the thought of having to treat Zhenia like a boss, even for a
moment.

"You can close the window now," Zhenia said. There's definitely an
open/close button in the back seat, he just doesn't want to lift his finger.

Taek Joo glared at Zhenia through the rearview mirror and reluctantly rolled
up the window.

Finally arrived in front of the mansion. He pulled the car aside and applied
the handbrake. Meanwhile, Zhenia didnt move at all.

"What are you doing, don't you get off the bus?"

"That's what I was going to say. Did you forget something?"

When Taek Joo asked again with a puzzled expression, Zhenia winked at
the door behind him. He shook his head as if that was impossible, but
Zhenia nodded as if that was exactly what he was talking about. There were
many eyes outside the car watching. A residence employee is also arriving
to provide valet parking for guests. Taek Joo had no other choice.

He sighed and got out of the driver's seat. He then walked around the car
and opened the backseat door. Zhenia leaned forward and walked out, his
movements leisurely and his eyes licking his face for a long moment. One
side of his mouth curled up.

"Please come this way."

The wait staff politely guided Zhenia. Taek Joo quickly followed.

A large gate appeared after climbing ten steps. Its height was probably at
least 4m with doors opened on both sides by guards. The Bogdanov
family's mansion finally appeared.

A completely different world from the outside was opened. The endless
ceiling and the lobby extending to both sides was like a replica of a chapel
in a cathedral to overwhelm guests right from the entrance. Pure white walls
and pillars exude elegant luxury, and gold-plated jewelry shows off the
nobility to the smallest detail. The light from the gorgeous chandelier shines
down gently on the gold as if making the view more open. The painting on
the ceiling has dark tones to help harmonize the colors of the room. Large

and small statues are cleverly arranged to eliminate boredom on

monotonous walls. A small-scale orchestra is performing enthusiastically
on the balcony-style staircase. The lively yet sophisticated melody fills the
vast space without interrupting the conversation.

"I'm going to vomit."

Zhenia suddenly turned to look at Taek Joo as he talked to himself. Even

though he was in an enchanting space his expression looked very sour. Of
course he didn't expect him to have wonderful impressions of beauty or to
feel like he was in a fairy tale. Taek Joo doesn't seem to have an eye for
aesthetics, and he also doesn't seem to be passionate about playing the
prince role. Even so, even when entering a place that he might only visit
once in his life, the only thing he felt was "Nausea". Zhenia stared
expressionlessly at Taek Joo's face, the corner of his mouth curled up, then
he turned away.

There were many people gathered in the main lobby. They divided into
groups of 3-4 people and talked to each other. Among them was a character
that attracted Taek Joo's attention. It is the president of Russia. Even though
it was a face he had seen many times in the media, seeing him right in front
of him made him feel unreal.

"Come in."

Taek Joo was checking the surrounding situation when a middle-aged

employee approached and sincerely greeted him. He looked like a butler or
general manager of the party. Zhenia passed him and entered the hall
without answering. The man stood up straight, blocking Taek Joo who was
unintentionally trying to follow.

"Driver goes this way."

He stretched out his arm and pointed to the side passage. It looks like a
space mainly for employees. Taek Joo quickly looked after Zhenia, but the
bastard just walked straight ahead without looking back. Every time it's like
this. Even though he is his partner, he cant help in important matters.

"Let's go."

The manager silently urged. Having no other choice, Taek Joo followed him
to the designated location. The last time he saw Zhenia, he had mingled
with the other high-ranking guests. He is like an indispensable person in
Russia's top royal club. Zhenia, who exactly is that guy?

Taek Joo's eyes instantly became sharp. All emotions evaporated from his
hard face.

The place he was taken by the manager was the storage room next to the
kitchen. That place receives uninvited guests, including Taek Joo. As soon
as he stepped in, the door behind him slammed shut.

The people gathered in the room were all focused on their phones as if they
were used to being treated like that. Some people are playing chess or
joking with each other. If this is the case, why did they let the staff inside
the mansion? Wouldn't it be better to stay in the car? If you must find a
reason, it is to prepare for a surprise call from your boss. Taek Joo clicked
his tongue in disgust at that extremely ineffective scene. It was comforting
to know that, unlike them, he had work to do.

The party was in full swing and it was also the perfect opportunity to find
out the secret. If so, then Taek Joo needs to leave this place and return to the
main hall, where the important people are.

But he didn't have a suitable reason. As a driver, he even had to get

permission to go to the bathroom. If Taek Joo's unexpected behavior was
realised, his identity would immediately be suspected. Should he trust
Zhenia and wait? No, that's not possible.

Taek Joo continued to wander by the door and think of a way to escape. The
staff looked at him curiously as he was suspiciously busy but they quickly
lost interest. If you just leave quietly like this, it seems like no one will
notice.

Taek Joo quietly opened the door after confirming that no eyes were
watching him. He gingerly opened the gap, careful not to make any noise
from the hinges. Outside the door it seemed like someone was transporting
alcohol and food. Taek Joo found the right moment and quickly walked out
and quickly closed the door. He didn't relax the tension until he completely
let go of the handle. Only after the door closed did he breathe a sigh of
relief. On the aisle there was only Taek Joo.

He had to find a way to get back to the main hall before someone showed
up. Taek Joo immediately turned his back on the kitchen and started
walking. There was a hallway that branched off to the side not far away.

Everything is going smoothly.

"Where are you going?"

Until he heard an unexpected voice. When Taek Joo stopped walking and
turned around, the manager he met earlier was standing tall. His eyes
looked suspiciously at Taek Joo. He had to quickly find an excuse.

"I want to find the bathroom."

He made the most awkward face possible. It is a physiological problem that

people often understand. However, the manager's suspicions were not easily
dispelled.

He silently examined Taek Joo little by little. He didn't avoid it, but just
returned that look. Taek Joo even tried to lift the corner of his mouth. The
capital manager makes a living by dealing with people, so it is not easy to
deceive him. Suspicious eyes seemed to be scratching Taek Joo's skin like
glass beads.

Not long after, he signaled a waiter coming out of the kitchen.

"You over there, take this guy to the bathroom."

Even though he said it was urgent, he still looked stressed. The waiter
approached Taek Joo and said "Let's go." Unfortunately, the toilet is on the

opposite side of the hallway. He had no choice but to bow to the manager
and follow the waiter.

The restroom is mainly used only by staff here and is located near the
kitchen. On the way there, Taek Joo carefully observed the ceiling, walls,
columns, windows and all the spaces but did not see a single surveillance
camera.

"I'm here. Please excuse me."

The waiter nodded and turned to leave. Taek Joo obediently ducked against
the wall to get out of the way and then suddenly grabbed his shoulder.

"What's up..."

"You should probably get some rest."

"What?"

The waiter looked puzzled and confused. But that didn't last long, because
Taek Joo suddenly hit his head. The waiter, who was stunned with surprise,
quickly went down. Taek Joo pulled him inside.

A moment later, he came out looking like one of the waiters. The door to
the room where the waiter was earlier in was tightly closed. Something fell
from inside. Taek Joo took a mop that was leaning against the wall and
inserted it across the door and the opposite wall. It will take a while to spot
the waiter. Taek Joo had to handle everything during that time.

He didn't hesitate and went straight to the kitchen.

"Where's my whiskey? Where did you run off with the canapés! You lazy
guy, move quickly!"

Outside, an elegant party was in full swing, but inside the kitchen looked
like a battlefield. The irritable and grumpy chef handed a wooden tray of
Single Malt wine to Taek Joo as he entered the kitchen. He pushed his back
hard and told him to stop acting like a slug. Just like that, Taek Joo was
kicked out again.

Although he was quite confused, this was a good opportunity for him to
enter the main hall alone. Taek Joo followed closely behind another waiter
who was walking ahead of him. Thanks to that, he was able to return to the
main hall without getting lost. Taek Joo met the manager again as he
walked to the lobby door, but he quickly lifted the tray to his shoulder and
covered his face.

Just then, many people had gathered in the hall, and even though they were
in the same space, the aspects of the conversation were very different. On
one side were discussing political issues with a somewhat serious
expression, on the other side were young men and women giggling together.

The children who were reluctantly dragged here were dozing, some were
eating, some were sitting like dolls. It's not easy to find the lovely
innocence that is often seen in children in any of the children here.

Taek Joo walked back and forth between high-ranking guests and offered
them Single Malt wine on a tray, while naturally eavesdropping on the back
and forth conversation. Perhaps because the space was so large, there didn't
seem to be anything intredting being talked about. There must be someone
in this group of people who knows Anastasia's whereabouts.

Taek Joo decided to narrow his outreach goals. A special lens worn on his
left eye quickly prints information about a specific person when he looks at
them for more than 3 seconds. If he looked at Lomonosov for three seconds,
the words "Valery Antonovich Lomonosov, President of Russia" would
appear in one corner of his vision and then disappear.

Taek Joo slowly turned his left eye and checked the faces of each guest.

From high-ranking government officials, including the president, to world-

famous corporations and notorious mafia bosses, they all stand together in
one place.
"This suits you too."

Taek Joo was enjoying looking around when a familiar voice suddenly rang
out. When he turned around, Zhenia was standing right next to him. He
reached out to grab a glass of Single Malt and looked happy, perhaps

because of the attention from around him. Taek Joo also occasionally
offered alcohol to people passing in front of the two.

Zhenia muttered as he gently swirled the wine in the glass.

"Isn't this a strange place? It's this noisy but no one really exists."

He almost asked again. Feeling like he had just heard something strange,
Taek Joo wondered if he heard wrong. But then he realized his current
situation and closed his mouth, only his eyes glanced suspiciously at
Zhenia. He slowly brought the glass to his lips and changed the subject as if
the previous muttering was just Taek Joo's hallucination.

"The person standing with Lomonosov is the second son of the Bogdanov
family, Bazim Vissarionovich. Known as one of the president's closest
associates. I heard that the two of them always like to ride horses together
once a week times. He is the most influential person among the Duma
parliamentarians, right? In general, all public projects proposed by the
Russian government must pass through his hands before being approved by
the president."

Come to think of it,Taek Joo had heard that the head of the Bogdanov
family was the true representative of Gazprom. It is understandable that his
son is one of the President's close friends and also one of the influential
parliamentarians in parliament. Zhenia quickly put the empty glass in his
hand down on the tray while explaining why the energy facility
construction contract with Japan was successfully signed and why the
Bogdanov family became the biggest beneficiaries. He drank another glass
in quick succession and pointed at an older figure.

"The person sitting in the wheelchair over there is Visarion Romanovich, a

powerful figure of the state-owned Gazprom corporation. The reason the
Bogdanov family is what it is today is thanks to that old man's tight grip on
the energy industry. This country survives. has survived so far thanks to
abundant resources that became a source of capital and economic support
immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The ruler of Russia is
the president, but the people who really control everything are the
presidents. boss like him."

The true nature of the Bogdanov family is much greater than what Taek Joo
imagined. Curiosity about the rest of the family also began to arise. He
quickly turned his eyes to look for Vladimir Vissarionovich, the eldest son
of the Bogdanov family. After searching for a while but not seeing him
anywhere, Taek Joo took a glass of Single Malt and gave it to Zhenia. He
understood the meaning of that action and smiled, then calmly took the
glass and said, "Here he comes."

Taek Joo turned his head towards Zhenias gaze. A man was walking down
the stairs and shaking hands with guests. The surprising thing is that he has
a small figure but makes a sharp impression.

"They say the eldest son, Vladimir, will take over the family business.

When Vissarion Romanovich dies, he will become Russia's number one

energy tycoon. Slaves give birth to slaves, kings are born king. He has
received more attention than his father in the industry. Some predict that the
family business will grow stronger under him."

"Everyone's gathered here, so what about Psych Bogdanov? Is he Visarion

Romanovich's illegitimate son? A gangster like him doesn't really fit in with
the royal family, huh."

"Not really. Strictly speaking, that person is a government employee."

Taek Joo unconsciously turned to look at Zhenia. Apparently he heard

wrong this time. Otherwise, Zhenia might have told a not-so-funny joke.

But Zhenia just faced Taek Joo with an extremely calm expression.
But Zhenia didnt correct what he said, but only added a little more detail
about Psych Bogdanov.

"That person is very knowledgeable in the defense industry. His abilities are
also quite impressive. In the underworld where diverse arms trading is
taking place, no one knows him."

The underworld is the mafia. The fact that the mafia has become an
emerging force in the Russian economy has become a clear fact. In the past,
mafia gangs maintained their power through illegal activities such as

prostitution, human trafficking, drug trafficking and violence. However,

since the early 1990s, they have turned their attention to the defense
industry. As a result, they have boosted their incomes and the defense
industry, along with the energy industry, have become the major power duo
of today's Russian economy.

Many weapons developed in Russia are often traded through the mafia.

That's because they can achieve higher profits than by following formal and
legal procedures. The government cannot be unaware of the path to selling
advanced weapons created with the national budget. And even if they know,
they either turn a blind eye or willingly agree. With powerful financial
resources, the mafia is not the government's enemy, but its brothers. The
living witnesses are the Bogdanov family.

The Bogdanov family was not very prominent in the business world before
the time of Vissarion Romanovich. Their rapid rise came after the collapse
of the Soviet Union, during a period when new corporations were
flourishing. Although it may be an extreme guess, assuming the Bogdanov
family has mafia connections then everything can be explained, including
the difficult situation they had to go through before the 1990s. .

Taek Joo can also guess why Psych Bogdanov is called Russia's 'nuclear'.

Although he has made enemies within the Royal Family, he still maintains
relationships in the underground world. And he has become a seamless
bridge between two divided economies.
The Nuclear Man (2)

As Taek joo furiously reasoned in his head, Zhenia suddenly said, "Their all
empty" True to his word, the tray he was holding was full of empty glasses.

Taek joo was so absorbed in in what Zhenia was saying that he had lost
track of time. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the general manager from
before glaring at him from the kitchen aisle. "I have to go."

"Before that, Listnen to me, I saw Pskih Bogdanov go upstairs a little while
ago

Alexei Perov and Yuri Lepin were following stealthily."

Alexei Perov and Yuri Lepin were Russia's defense and foreign ministers,
respectively. The two were surely secretly meeting with Psikh Bogdanov.

He had to find out what was going on.

"Keep your communicator on in case you need backup."

Taek joo was about to hurry back to the kitchen, but was interrupted by
Zhenias insistence. For some reason, his tone was cheerful, as if he was
looking forward to something. Taek joo wasn't sure he could trust him.

Shaking his head, he walked down the hall. He tried to leave without being
noticed, but the general manager guarding the aisle stopped him. Taek joo
lifted his tray to cover his face.

"Remember your fucking place. Move quickly, for your masters sake..."

"Yeah"

"If i were you i'd watch your mouth and get back in that damn kitchen"

The manager caught and scolded him. Fighting back his rising frustration,
Taek joo walked down the hall. The kitchen still echoed the chef's shouts.
The waiters were kicked out with new tray that was served. The moment
Taek joo set foot inside the kitchen, someone snatched his empty tray from
him. A quick scan of the inside revealed a pile of food waste in the corner

of the kitchen that seemed to just keep piling up. a approached the
countertop while anoth dealt with the chef. The cooks at each station were
working hard chopping ingredients, preparing food, and plating it all. All it
took was a misplaced dab of sauce for the food to be relentlessly thrown
into the trash. As a result, the trash overflowed and spilled onto the floor.

According to the mansion's floor plan, there was a door from the pantry to
the backyard of the mansion. Garbage was usually disposed of out of sight.

There was no better place for it to go than the backyard. He lifted the heavy
trash can into the air. The kitchen staff were too busy to pay attention to
anyone else. Making a wide turn around the countertop, he entered the
pantry. A side door was facing oposite him. The door locked from the
inside, so there was no problem getting out. The only thing he had to worry
about was the heavy security outside. Sure enough, as soon as he opened
the side door, a security guard stopped him.

"What's going on?"

"The garbage it's everywhere, if it doesn't get taken out the chefs gonna kick
my ass"

The security guard looked back and forth between Taek joo and the trash
can he was carrying. Then his gaze flew past Taek joo, into the pantry. The
chef's hysterical shouting could be heard through the open door. The
security guard gave him look and gestured for him to proceed. taek joo
bowed his head and walked to the dumpster. As he shoveled out the food
waste, he looked over the entire building. If the two ministers and Psikh
Bogdanov were having a secret conversation, the first floor, where the party
was happening, wouldn't be appropriate for such a meeting. Of course, even
if they weren't on the first floor, there were still hundreds of rooms they
could be in upstairs. As Taek joo eyed the entire mansion, his eyes settled
on a room at the end of the third floor. Since it was midnight, all the
curtains were closed, but for some reason, that room was an exception. He
didn't know why. It seemed like a good idea to check it out, if only briefly.

He needed to draw a route. There were many pairs of eyes inside, so it was
better to try and get in form the outside. The backyard was relatively
unguarded, and the shadows of the building fell onto it, making it perfect
for hiding. Of course, he had to take out the guards first. Taek joo picked up

the empty trash can and headed back to the warehouse. The security guard
from earlier was still patrolling the area. He looked back unsuspectingly as
Taek joo approached him. It was then.

"Huh?"

The trash can slammed over the security guard's head. Suddenly blinded,
the security guard reached for his gun. Taek joo knocked his hand away
with his knee. The gun flew through the air and next to Taek joo. As soon as
the security guard removed the trash can from around his head, Taek
punched him in the face. He let out a heavy groan and collapsed, holding
his nose.

Now all that was left was to climb the building. There were two ways to do
it-either rappel from a rope on the roof, or crawl up from underneath.

Luckily, the building's exterior provided plenty of places to step on. The
security at the front was annoyingly well-guarded, while the security at the
back was sloppy. Thankfully. Taek joo rolled up his shirt sleeve and pulled
out his wristwatch. Pointing the front of the watch at the roof, he pressed
the side button. A nylon rope shot out, slicing through the air. He tugged on
the line that had snaked far over the building to check. The entire line was
taut, as if it had caught on something. He pressed the side button again. The
motor inside the watch activated and locked the rope to a certain length.

Leaning his weight on his left arm, Taek joo began to scale the outer wall
like a rock climber. He slipped a few times on the smooth soles of his shoes,
but that wasn't a huge problem.
Suddenly, the sound of a snap rang in his ears. At the same time, his left
arm, which had been pulled painfully tight, loosened. He was falling. He
closed his eyes tightly, anticipating his fall. His vision cut off in a flash. His
entire body reflexively stiffened.. Taek joo slowly opened his eyes. His
body was dangling in midair. Just as the rope snapped, he'd barely managed
to avoid falling by grabbing onto the third-floor windowsill. The nylon rope
that held him up sagged helplessly to the ground He breathed a sigh of
relief. It had been dangerous, but nothing compared to the nearly 110-meter
fall from a skyscraper he'd once experienced. He then used his sheer
strength to climb up onto the windowsill. Holding his breath, he looked
around the room.

"Hah."

He soon realized that it had been pointless. Despite all the effort he had put
in, the room was empty. There was no sign that anyone had been in there.

He wondered if he would be able to find Psikh Bogdanov and the two

ministers in the short time that he had. A crackling noise rang out in his
ears. "Hey. Where are you?" The sound of Zhenias voice followed. Only
then did Taek joo remember the presence of the radio he was wearing. He
sighed, leaning against the windowsill for a moment.

"I'm having a blast."

"If your having fun, then why aren't your ears up?"

Taek joo was about to ask what he meant when suddenly he heard a door
open. It then slammed shut again. He could vaguely hear two people
talking.

The Nuclear Man (3)

Taek joo heard all different voices. There seemed to be at least three people
in there. Since the voices were coming through the radio, it was hard to tell
if Psikh Bogdanov was there. He decided to listen to their private
conversation for a little longer.
"How's SS-29 progressing? I'm still waiting to hear from Sonchev."

"They said they're looking for an expert to fix SS-29, and judging by the
fact that they're not even at the party tonight, they seem to be pretty busy
with that."

"they'll be in touch soon, so we'll just have to wait and see."

"What does North Korea have to say about this this?"

"They said it was an unexpected problem that came up."

"What about the Americans?"

"They're still quiet. I'm sure they've hardened their hearts now that we've
gotten rid of the rat that snuck in."

"But what difference does it make? They couldnt even retrieve his body!"

When they spoke of the rat that snuck in, did they mean Morgan? Russia
was secretly developing nuclear weapons, North Korea was getting
involved, the United States was on the lookout. All the pieces fit together.

The conversation cut off for a moment. Taek joo heard a series of doors
opening and closing. Had someone else come in? He had a vague idea of
what was going on, but Zhenia relayed the situation.

"Bogdanov's just left the room. He's taking a call."

Taek joo tilted his head. Where the hell was Zhenia right now? How did he
know what was going on with Bogdanov?

"How did you get up here?"

"A woman named Olga offered to show me around the mansion earlier. I
had no reason to refuse. As I followed her, I stuck a bug in the keyhole of
the room where they were all in."
'Olga' was the youngest daughter of Vissarion Romanovich. Olga
Vissarionovna. At this point, Taek joo was more curious about Zhenia
identity than Anastasia's. Who in the world was he to be invited to a party
like this and to be allowed to wander the halls of the Bogdanov family's
guarded mansion?

"Where are you now?"

"In the underground control room."

"What are you doing there?"

"I'm watching. You...."

Zhenia paused, then continued.

"You almost fell flat on your face from the third floor."

There was a hint of laughter in his voice. Taek joo immediately turned his
head to look for it. Soon, he spotted a security camera mounted in the
corner of the outer wall, He raised his middle finger at the shining lense. A
boisterous laugh erupted from the other end of his radio. Zhenia, laughing
heartily, scolded him.

"What the hell are you still doing there?"

Taek joo didn't answer back. He had no excuse to be up there really. He

looked at his watch and realized it was almost 3am. Psikh had left for a
phone call. Taek joo wondered if it was an important call, one that took

priority over official business. Naturally, he recalled the conversation he'd

overheard earlier.

"The phone call that Psikh went to answer, did it come from 'Sonchev?"

"I don't know, but it can't hurt to check. As I was touring the mansion, I
noticed a landline at the end of the hallway on the second There's also one
in Bogdanov's office. Of course, their on different lines, so any calls going
directly to his office can only be answered from there."
"But you'll help me listen in, right?"

He asked, glancing down. The place Zhenia mentioned wasn't too far from
where he was. It was right in front of the door of the downstairs room.

The lines were indeed connected. It was all about timing. He had about
eight seconds to get to the phone, pick it up in the hallway at the same time
Psikh picked up the phone in his office. It sounded easy enough, but the
slightest misstep would cause a lot of trouble. He nodded his head at the
security camera, then suddenly pulled out a stick of gum and popped it into
his mouth. As he stood up on the windowsill, the wall against his back seem
float away. There was no time to prepare safety harness. Eight seconds
wasn't a long time. Taking a shallow breath, Taek joo plunged toward the
ground. As he fell, he caught something. It was the second-story
windowsill. His knuckles, wrists, and elbows ached from the impact of the
drop, but he gritted his teeth and climbed upward. It took three seconds for
him to settle safely on the windowsill.

"Not bad."

Zhenia, who was watching, laughed quietly. While Taek joo was focused on
his task, he was snickering while watching the monitor. Ignoring him, Taek
joo pulled out a lighter. At first glance, it looked like a regular Zippo lighter,
but when he opened it and pulled out what looked like a small screw, a
long, slender tube emerged. He bent it into a stator and lit the lighter. There
was a flash at the end of the tube. He stuck the gum he was chewing to the
window, then used the lighter's flame to draw a circle around it. When he
was done, he grabbed the gum and gently pulled it out, and the circle of

glass came away without a sound. With a click the window opened. Taek
joo walked inside.

He moved swiftly to the door, his footsteps were silent. With his ear pressed
to the door, he listened for activity outside. All was quiet. Silently, he
opened the door and stepped out. Turning his head to the right, he saw a
table at the end of the hallway. The phone Zhenia had mentioned was on it.

As he crept to the table, he heard Zhenias voice in his ear again.

"I'll give you a signal, not a second later."

Taek joo grabbed the radio and nodded. Immediately afterward, the voice
on the other end of the Radio began counting by saying,

"three."

Taek joo let out a long breath to steady himself.

"Two."

He glanced back to make sure no one was coming.

"One."

At the sound, his hand tightened on the receiver. Taek joo immediately
picked up the phone receiver. Everything was quiet. Not only was it silent
on the other end of the line, but Zhenia was silent too. Taek joo couldn't
detect any sign that anyone else was on the line except himself. The inside
of his mouth was dry. Did he make a mistake? He squeezed the receiver and
listened for any sound. Without warning, Psikh's voice came from the other
end of the receiver.

"You're right on time".

"We were just talking about it."

"I came to an agreement with them"

"So, how'd it go?"

"North Korea says they'll send an engineer to help"

"That's good to hear. When are they sending them?"

"They're putting him on a plane tomorrow. He'll be here the day after
tomorrow"

"Great, Great"
"He'll be disguised as a Chinese tourist this time, so the Americans will
have a hard time recognizing him."

"keep me updated."

"Yes, of course."

The call was quickly cut off. They spoke in vague terms, just enough to be
understood, and avoided direct references, a sign that they were being
cautious. This reinforced Taek joos suspicions. He held the receiver still. He
planned to wait for Psikh to put it down first, but just then, an unidentifiable
boom came from the radio in his ear. The pain was like an awl piercing his
ears and brain. Taek joo dropped to his knees, clutching his pounding head.

He quickly pulled out his Radio and threw it away, but the reverberations of
the explosion continued echo through his ears.

His forehead was damp with cold sweat, and a chill ran down his spine.

Confusion blurred his vision, and his heart pounded in his chest. He didn't
know why his radio had suddenly gone haywire. The noise should've been
audible even to Psikh.

BANG BANG BANG BANG!

Gunshots rang out from outside the mansion. It seemed that the commotion
earlier had alerted the guards to Zhenias presence. For now, it was time to
take cover.

"...Damn it."

Taek joo pushed himself to his feet. His legs trembled. He ran down the
hallway, still gripping his pounding head, struggling to get his thoughts
straight. He had no idea how he was going to get out of this, or where he
was going to take shelter. He just kept running. As he reached the center
staircase, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps below. Three or four
people, at least. Guards were swarming to search for intruders. The longer
Taek joo waited, the more they'd outnumber him.
He changed his plan and went upstairs. The third floor was still quiet. He
braced himself against the wall and scanned his surroundings. Soon, he
could hear the footsteps of security guards. Taek joo walked briskly down
the hallway, taking large strides but being careful not to make any noise.

Just then, he detected a movement at a nearby door. Someone inside the

room seemed to be approaching. The doorknob jerked. Taek joo quickly hid
in the opposite direction of the opening door. Immediately afterward, the
door opened. In quick succession, security guards also arrived on the third
floor. They saluted in unison to the figure that emerged from the room.

"Did you check?"

The voice and tone was familiar. It was the same voice he'd heard on the
intercepte Psikh Bogdanov.

"We're still searching, but it looks like we have an intruder. It's not safe for
you to stay here, so please come down with us."

The two ministers and Psikh silently complied. Half of the men who had
come up to the third floor to protect them left. That left two or three guards
on the other side of the door at most. Of course, they were all armed, so
they wouldn't be easy to deal with One of the guards tried to close the open
door. Taek joo held his breath and looked down at the doorknob. As the
guard grabbed it from the other side, the side where Taek joo was standing
also moved. Taking advantage of the moment, he kicked the door open with
all his might. The door swung open without warning snapping the guard's
head back. He collapsed with a thud. A guard scanning the other room stuck
his head out, suspicious. He soon spotted his fallen comrade and
approached with a confuse on his face. As he bent over to check on
colleague, he saw a shadow fall through the crack in the door. The security

guard hurriedly reached for his weapon, but a bullet from the other side of
the door pierced his shoulder first.

"URGH!"
Hearing the gunfire, another guard came running down the hall. As soon as
he realized that his colleagues were down, he opened fire. Taek joo dodged
the bullets and ran to the end of the hallway, but the stairs were already
crowded with assembled guards. Eventually, he ducked into a nearby room.

He knew he was caught but he had no other choice. He fastened the lock
and toppled down a nearby cabinet. The security guard, who had quickly
followed, slammed his body against the door. The door didn't budge, but it
wouldn't hold much longer.

The Nuclear Man (4)

Turning around, Taek joo searched for a way to escape. He felt a strange
sense of deja vu, as if he had been in this room before. Thinking back, he
soon realized that it was the room at the end of the third floor that he'd been
paying attention to. Meanwhile, the commotion outside the door grew
louder and louder. The guards seemed to be gathering at the door. Now
what? Taek joo glanced out the window. There were already many guards
outside. Stepping on a desk, he climbed up and touched the ceiling. If it was
thin plywood, he would be able to climb through it to and up to the next
floor, but the material was solid. He stepped down and checked the
surrounding walls. The guards in the hallway opened fire. The hail of
bullets quickly turned the wonden door to shreds.

He stood back and braced himself against the bookshelves, drew two pistols
from his back waistband, and gripped one in each hand. It was reckless, but
all he could do was fight back. He took a deep breath. His eyes locked on
the splintering door. Every muscle in his body tensed, ready for action.

The first thing that caught his attention was the sudden scent of the cigar
from earlier. It was a familiar scent. As he turned to look in surprise, a hand
shot out of the bookshelf and grabbed Taek joo. In an instant, his mouth was
clamped shut and his throat was squeezed by a powerful arm. By the time
he realized he needed to get away, he was already and dragged away.

Darkness overtook his vision in a flash. Soon, he heard the mangled door
creak open the guards flew in.
"All clear!"

"He's gone!"

"Where did he go? Outside?"

They swept all the books off the shelves to the floor and lifted the furniture
and curtains to search for him. All the while, Taek joo was being dragged

away. He didn't even know how he'd gotten there. They traveled down a
long, unlit path. It was an underground, anthill-like secret passage from
room to room, floor to floor. Narrow channels, barely wide enough for a
single person.

Zhenia, who was far ahead, paused for a momment, his eyes scanned the
room. His hand gripped a piece of thick floorboard above him. Watching
blankly, Taek joo snapped out of his daze and gripped his pistol tighter.

Slowly, through the cracks in the flooring, the legs of someone pacing
around were visible. For a second, Taek joo and Zhenias gazes locked. Taek
joo motioned for him to put back the floorboard. Zhenia did as he asked.

His hands were still in contact with the ceiling. The guard scanned the
room, moving closer and closer. When Taek joo signaled again, Zhenia
lifted the floorboards once more. The guard on top of them momentarily
lost his balance and fell. In the meantime, they took the opportunity to jump
out from underneath. The guard scrambled to his feet and pulled his trigger
at the intruders in front of him. Dizzying gunfire cut through the air. Zhenia
turned his head slightly, dodging the bullets that flew at him. One of the
bullets grazed his ear and red blood suddenly gushed out.

Zhenia, brushed the wound on his ear with the back of his hand, he
suddenly laughed.

The next moment, one of Taek joos bullets pierced the guard's right hand.

The guard screamed and grabbed his tattered hand. Before he knew it,
Zhenia was approaching him. Taek joo could already tell the man was in for
a rough time. He didn't even think of stopping Zhenia.

"...CAH!"

Zhenia forced the guard's mouth open and slipped both of his hands into it.

The guard's jaw opened wider than it could've ever humanly gone. He
yanked his mouth apart.

"ARHG- GAH...MHN!"

The captured guard flailed his limbs. Zhenia swiftly tore his jaw apart.

Taek joo quickly turned his head away, but he couldn't ignore the sound. It
wasn't the sound of a jaw breaking, but something even worse. The guard
shuddered, then fell to the ground. Taek joo frowned and took a step back.

Zhenia raised his bloodstained hand and glanced around. His gaze locked
on Taek joo. More precisely, it locked on his shirt. Taek joo took another
step back and shook his head stubbornly.

"No."

Regardless, Zhenia unhesitatingly continued to step closer. Taek joo

frowned and tried to refuse again, but Zhenia stretched out his long arm.

Before Taek joo had time to dodge, he was grabbed by his shirt. Taek joo
stared down at his shirt, which was stamped with the shape of Zhenia's
hand. His jaw tightened. His eyes glared at Zhenia, full of vitality. Zhenia
didn't seem to mind. There was not the slightest sign of remorse on his face.

Taek joo unbuttoned his blood-soaked shirt impatiently and threw it at

Zhenia's face. Profanities flew out of his mouth. Zhenia didn't care and just
wiped the blood and bodily fluids from his hands onto the shirt.

"Why don't you at least carry around a handkerchief?"

"Why would I bother?"

If he needed to, he would just take other people's clothes off. It sounded like
he was saying that. "This way!" In the meantime, the scattered guards ran
towards the gunfire. Should they duck back into the passage? Or attack
them all head-on? Taek joo glanced back and forth be the open passage and
the door, Zhenia grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and dragged him to
the window. Looking out the window, the room they were in seemed to be
at the front of the building instead of the back. Zhenia unhesitatingly slid
the window open, revealing cars rushing out of the mansion, fleeing the
commotion beeped out. Watching the scene, he pulled Taek joo closer to the
windowsill, forcing him to climb up onto it. "Don't move!" The guards
burst into the room and ordered their surrender. It felt like the back of his
head was being clamped. They were probably aiming at every part of his

head, back, and limbs. Even though they were surrounded, Zhenia's
momentum didn't calm down at all. He kept staring ahead and murmured.

"Get ready."

"What?"

"Now."

Before he could register the word "Jump," his body flung forward. He'd
been yanked along mercilessly by Zhenia. As they plummeted out of the
building, they landed on top of a sedan that was just leaving the mansion.

The sedan lurched in all directions from the impact, and Taek joos body
bounced violently, rolling across the top. If he hadn't quickly stuck his
fingers through a gap in the trunk, he would have fallen off In the
meantime, Zhenia half-twisted his body to keep his balance, then slammed
his fist into the driver's side window. After a couple of strikes, the glass
shattered. He reached in and easily pulled the driver out. As the driver was
pulled out, the man in the passenger seat took the wheel in desperation
Zhenia kicked him out with both feet and squeezed inside. Once behind the
wheel, he slammed his foot down on the gas pedal without hesitation.

Because of that, Taek joos body fluttered helplessly. It was a long time later
before he remembered he was back there. Zhenia quickly opened the
backseat door. Taek joo quickly crawled into the car as it sped away at over
a hundred kilometers per hour. He narrowly escaped being crushed by the
swinging door. Before he had a chance to catch his breath, he aimed his gun
at the car's owner, who was sitting in the back seat. He didn't intend to kill
him. The moment Zhenia and Taek joo approached the car, the guards
stopped firing, which meant that Bogdanov's men probably couldn't take
any chances with the car's owner. They couldn't have asked for a better
shield. But the optimism was short-lived. After a brief pause, bullets started
flying again. This time they came from a shotgun. Taek joo looked back at
the rapidly disappearing mansion. He could see Vladimir Bogdanov leaning
out of an open window, shooting at the car with a hunting rifle. Fortunately,
they were far eough away that the fierce attack didn't even reach the back of
the car. The sedan carrying two men and a hostage quickly moved away
from the mansion. There was still one more obstacle. The main gate was

completely sealed, but the sight of the locked iron gate didn't even slow
Zhenia down Instead, he stomped on the pedal.

"EEEEEEKK!"

The owner of the car screamed at the top of his lungs when he saw the iron
gate approaching. A collision with the gate was inevitable, It was too late to
slam the brakes. Even the security team at the front gate scattered in panic
to avoid the sedan's reckless charge. Gears grinded. They were going to
crash. Taek joo reflexively lifted his arm and wrapped it around his head.

The next moment, the closed front gate swung open. The sedan crashed
through the half-open gates and sped away. The security team, watching the
scene were stunned silence, but were unable to stop the fleeing sedan.

"AHHHHH!"

The car's owner continued to scream. Taek joo considered knocking him out
for a while. A single gunshot rang out, followed immediately by an
eardrum-splitting scream. In an instant the owner of the car, who had been
sho through the center of his forehead, slumped his head back against the
headrest. His eyes and mouth were wide open. Stained with blood, Taek joo
glared at Zhenia. He could've blown Zhenia's head off right now. Zhenia
murmured nonchalantly, as if he had just killed a mosquito.

"So loud."

A torrent of water poured out of the shower. Water that didn't make it down
the drain in time began to pool. A light hum escaped the man's lips as he
tugged at his tie. Piece by piece, his clothing fell to the floor. Soon, his solid
body that was hidden beneath his clothes was revealed. The man lightly
ruffled his damp hair and stepped under the shower. His ivory hair took on a
darker sheen as wetted. A trickle of water ran down his jaw.

As his chest soaked, the bird-shaped tattoo became clearer. Taut muscles
flexed languidly in the warmth of the water. The fingers that swept through
his wet hair were long and slender. But his eyes, staring into the steam-
blurred mirror, were monstrous. The corners of his mouth, stiff and dull,
soundlessly drew a long arc.

Ice spilled into a bucket. Cheap vodka was poured in. Taek joo casually
shoved his right hand into it. A few ice cubes slid onto the table as the
vodka spilled over. Only then did the burning sensation in his wrist subside.

His previous dislocation was causing trouble for his hand. Sighing softly, he
tilted his head back. The cushions on the worn couch flattened out kicking
up a cloud of dust. He closed his ignoring it.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom, it wasn't a bathtub's.

Zhenia was in the shower. Despite not having been given permission to use
it, he had taken over the bathroom. After escaping from the Bogdanov
family's mansion, they returned to the dilapidated hostel where Taek joo
had stayed. The hostel owner was away, so they were able to get in without
too much trouble. But they couldn't stay for long. He'd paid for the room
with Zhenia's card. It was only a matter of time before they would be found.

Outside the window, it was noisy. Unexpected inspections were carried out
throughout the road. and barricades were set up on every driveway. Dozens
of patrol cars roamed the city center, sirens blaring nonstop. With a gunshot
fatality at a gathering of Russia's most important figures, it was no surprise
that the city would remain on high alert for the foreseeable future. At times
like this, it was better to wait for a lull in surveillance rather than make a
rash move. But their situation was not so favorable. Soon the water stopped
running.

Zhenia had finally gotten out of the shower. He turned his head at the sound
of the door opening and saw Zhenia coming out. He was fully dressed? His
clothes clung to him because of the moisture on his body. Wasn't he
uncomfortable? Although the facilities were poor and there were no robes,

every man looked the same down there. It was funny to see him refuse to
wander around naked, pretending to be modest.

"What are you looking at?"

Zhenia said. Undaunted, Taek joo just stared at him even harder.

"Who are you?"

The Nuclear Man (5)

Zhenia was about to down a bottle of vodka when Taek joo asked him an
unexpected question.

"No matter how I look at it, you're not a normal agent like me. Just look at
what happened at the Bogdanov mansion. You had a formal invitation to the
party, you fit right in, and you clearly weren't acting or bluffing. That's not
all. You knew the layout of the mansion, down to the emergency passages.

Besides, partners are supposed to know where the other is and what the
other is doing, but I never did. You popped up everywhere, but other than
that, I had no idea where you were or what you were up to. You've never
even told me. It seems to me that you have a different agenda than I do,
don't you think?"

"I guess your boss didn't tell you the whole story?"

"I barely know anything. Tell me."

"Are you intergating me?"

"Call it an introduction"

"You obviously Russian, with an accent and pronunciation liek that you'd
expect from someone like to have been born and raised here. But you have
private access to a helicopter, get in shoot outs in the middle of the streets
and still aren't wanted by the police?"

"So?"

"I just don't understand why a 100% Russian, privileged member of this
country, is helping me."

that question had alwavs been on his mind. Zhenia was Russian. Enough to
partially undermine the authorities. He didn't operate under orders from
above, like Taek joo, so there was no reason for him to cooperate with this

operation. It seemed incomprehensible unless there were very special and

extraordinary circumstances. Zhenia shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm a businessman before I'm a Russian man"

Taek joo looked even more confused.

"You would sell your country?"

"It would be my honour."

this was absurd, but he didn't expect much from him in the first place. Taek
joos patriotism was also unique. He'd never thought about giving his life for
his country, because it was just his job. But to compromise the country
because of personal interests was a whole different matter.

"You. Do you have any idea what the purpose of this operation is?"

"Of course. You're trying to find out whether we've developed a weapon
that can make two countries, Korea and the United States crumble. You
want to find it, destroy it, and if you don't, get the blueprints atleast. Isn't
that right?"

"What are you getting out of this?"

"To me, it doesn't matter if the weapon is successfully developed or not.

What matters is that the blueprints for the 'Anastasia' exist somewhere in
this country. If your goal is simply to find it, then mine is a little different.

I'm more interested in the blueprints than 'Anastasia'. If we complete this

operation safely, I will keep the blueprints."

"What?"

"That doesn't sound like such a bad deal, does it? Who else would get
involved in something like this? Think about it. 'Anastasia' is more
terrifying for its mere existence than for its actual firepower. Those who
possess 'Anastasia' are granted its corresponding power. Once I have the

blueprints, I'Il build my own 'Anastasia'. Even if i fail, so be it. I can build
on the blueprints to develop new weapons and sell them to special clients."

"Special clients?"

Zhenia smiled without answering. If a second 'Anastasia' was built, its

customers would be those would be those who understand the power of the
weapon. South Korea or the United States. Finally, the plan for this
operation seemed to be coming together. Though many of his questions
were answered, his psychological distance toward Zhenia grew. Zhenia's
strange behavior made sense. His superior level of information also
explained why he'd become Taek joos partner. He understood everything in
his head, but something still bugged him. Taek joo gave him a questioning
stare. Zhenia laughed as he stood up.

"Are you going to keep your guard up around me because I made a bad first
impression?"

"I dunno."
"Don't hate me too much, hm?"

Even as he spoke, he laughed at Zhenias ridiculousness. Taek joo looked

fed up as he pulled something out of his pocket and threw it. Zhenia easily
caught it. It was a voice recorder. Bogdanov's phone conversation with
someone in 'Sonchev' had been recorded.

"As you may have heard, there's a weapon being developed by the
Bogdanovs. It's most likely an intercontinental ballistic missile from the
way they're referring to it, but we'll have to see. I'm not sure if it's

'Anastasia'. However, the fact that it involves the foreign minister and the
defense minister, and that it involves North Korea. suggests that it is."

Zhenia nodded without replying, then watched Taek joo as if telling him to
continue.

"I'm going to program Bogdanov's voice on that recorder into a voice

conversion device and use it to pull out the 'Sonchev who spoke to

Bogdanov on the phone. If we meet him, we'll know who the North Korean
engineer is and where his destination is."

Zhenia, who had been silently listening, raised an evebrow.

"Those in the mafia have tattoos on their bodies."

"Okay? Why do I care?"

"You should listen when I talk to you"

"What are you talking about?"

"Their tattoos mean 'affiliation'. Strip down an old mobster and you'll see
his whole life story what groups he's been a part of, who he's sworn
allegiance to. If you harm someone from Sonchev, you turn all those with
the same tattoo as him into enemies. Does that matter to you?"

"No, I don't really care."

"It's important to understand who your affiliating with..."

Taek joo pulled his right hand out of the ice bucket. Then, with a light twist
of his numb wrist, he added.

"I know a pretty useful monster who could help me out ."

Zhenia immediately realized the monster was him. It wasn't a compliment,

but there was something about it that made him feel flattered.

"Well, then."

His tone was nonchalant, but he couldn't hide the fact that his shoulders
widened and his chin lifted. It was said that praise makes whales dance. but
watching a crocodile like him beaming with pride at a comment that wasn't
even a compliment made Taek joo feel a little embarrassed. Rather. Taek

joo decided to take advantage of his momentum. He smiled and handed

Zhenia his cell phone. The words he added were extremely friendly

"That's not so bad, right? Then make a call."

Several black sedans were parked outside, with a man who appeared to be a
low-level mobster seated within one of them. The others were already
inside. An old warehouse behind cars was their rendezvous for the day.

Taekjoo and Zhenia had been waiting nearby early on. They assessed when
to move in by scanning their surroundings. Although they waited a little
longer, just in case, there were late arrivals or sneak attacks.

Taekjoo checked his pistol's magazine. Zhenia flicked the cigar he was
smoking. It rolled across the ground. The moment it stopped moving, he
stepped forward.

Taekjoo strode forward and pulled the trigger. Two shots were fired from
his silenced pistol. But the sedan's bulletproof glass prevented the shots
from breaking through the window. The windshield was left with a huge
radial crack. The low-level mobster, who had been leisurely smoking a
cigarette, fumbled for his rifle.
The muzzle of his gun was pointed at Taekjoo. Suddenly, there was a
resounding thud, and the car shook. It was like a boulder had landed on the
hood. Before he could see what was going on, something smashed through
the cracked windshield. The mobster was grabbed by the collar and dragged
out. Taekjoo only saw that he was caught by zhenia before turning away. If
he watched watch he was about to do to him he'd have trouble sleeping
tonight.

It wasn't long before zhenia returned to Taekjoo. Taekjoo pulled out a

handkerchief and threw it at him. zhenia casually wiped his hands on it. The
white handkerchief quickly turned red.

In the meantime, Taekjoo scanned the old warehouse. Someone from

'Sonchev' was inside. He didn't know if the weapon they were meddling
with was the real 'Anastasia', but if he caught and questioned them, he could
get some clues.

Suddenly, he glanced at Zhenia. Their eyes locked. Taekjoo jerked his head
as if gesturing for him to enter. zhenia smiled without replying.

He opened the door and stepped inside. The dust kicked up and clouded his
vision. Brushing his hands through the dust, he looked around. Office
equipment and construction materials were strewn about haphazardly. The
brick walls all around were partially collapsed, and there was a huge hole in
the ceiling.

In the middle of the mess sat a middle-aged Russian. With one look,
Taekjoo recognized him as Boris, the leader of 'Sonchev'. Five or six burly
men sat behind him like a row of folding screens. There was an oppressive
atmosphere in the room, despite the briefness of their confrontation.

What was unexpected was Boris's reaction. He wasn't too flustered that it
wasn't Bogdanov who had summoned him. He looked a little surprised,
then smiled with interest.

"You're a little late, aren't you?"

Boris started the conversation.

"There was a great disturbance at the Bogdanov mansion the other night. I
heard a rumour that you were the one who caused all that trouble, though I
didn't believe it. But now that you're here, it must be true?"

Boris's gaze locked on zhenia, already aware of the events of the Bogdanov
mansion. Zhenia didn't deny or confirm anything. He just smiled and
shrugged. They seemed to know each other. Both of them were underworld
bigshots, so it was only natural.

Boris glanced at Taekjoo. He scanned him from head to toe and gave him a
cryptic look, turning back to Zhenia as if to ask for an explanation.

"Why are you doing this?"

"I thought it'd be fun."

Zhenya laughed quietly. His tone was too light for a man who had turned
the Bogdanov's, and by extension, Russia, into his enemy. Of course, if the
operation was successful, there would be enormous profits beyond
comprehension. However, there were countless obstacles that they would
have to overcome first. Boris dismissed the slim possibility with a single
word.

"Recklessness."

"Don't you usually call it boldness?"

Zhenia was still laughing and showed no signs of stopping. Shaking his
head, Boris turned his attention back to Taekjoo. The question, "Why?" was
evident in the way his eyes swept over him. Taekjoo didn't feel bad. If
anything, he would feel offended to be considered on the same level as
Zhenia.

Wasting no time, he jumped into the conversation.

"Enough chit-chat. Let's get to the point. Where is Anastasia?"

The Nuclear Man (6)

Was it unexpected, or was he caught off guard? Boris raised his eyebrows in
unspoken question.

"Anastasia? I don't know why you're asking me about it."

There was actually no evidence that 'SS-29' was 'Anastasia'. Besides,

Taekjoo didn't expect things to start off easy anyway.

"Then should I say 'SS-29'? There are a few things I'd like to know about
it."

"I was wondering why you rats wandered into the trap yourselves, but it's
all for that? I don't know whether you're brave or naive. You don't think I'm
going to give you an easy answer, do you?"

"Then I guess I have no choice. When words don't work, you have to
communicate with your body."

Before he could finish his sentence, a shot rang out. He ducked under a pile
of construction materials. The hail of bullets quickly raised a cloud of dust.

His vision blurred, and his ears rang. Still, the gunfire continued
relentlessly.

Waiting for the right moment to counterattack, he tossed a smoke bomb into
the warehouse. Black smoke quickly engulfed the area. He used the
moment to fire at the fluorescent lights in the warehouse. With the
distinctive shattering sound of glass, shards of fluorescent lights rained
down on the floor. It was a mess inside. Intermittent gunfire rang out here
and there, and someone screamed. There was the vivid sound of body parts
being torn apart.

Zhenia wasn't around, but Taekjoo wasn't worried about him. He would
survive no matter what. All he had to worry about was his own safety.

He pulled out a pair of special goggles and slipped them on. The motion
sensors kicked in, picking up the mobsters' movements. Unable to
distinguish between friend and foe, he weaved through the shambling
bodies and pulled trigger after trigger.

"Keuhak!"

"Heuook!"

One by one, the silhouettes collapsed before his eyes with single screams.

Taekjoo made his way to the front of Boris's chair.

But Boris wasn't there. Taekjoo looked everywhere for him, but his shadow
was nowhere to be seen. The same with Zhenia.

His eyes slowly scanned the area. Where did they go? Suddenly, he felt the
back of his head tighten. As he spun around, the shadow of a person lunged
at him. He reflexively dodged, but a sharp pain shot up his arm. His sleeve
began to feel wet, as if he had been cut by a weapon. He hastily retreated
backward, aiming for his opponent's head. He didn't pull the trigger,
because if it was Boris, then there would be no point in coming all this way.

As he hesitated, his opponent slashed at him with his weapon. The attack
was aimed squarely at his throat. Taekjoo leaned his upper body to avoid
the slashing blade. As he did so, a shadow near the doorway caught his eye.

Two meters tall, arms crossed arrogantly, leaning at an angle. A nonchalant

attitude as he watched a blade come within inches of his partner's neck. It
had to be Zhenia. At his feet was a pile of silhouettes, presumably mafia
members. Clearly, he had seen everything happen, but still didn't come over
to help.

In the blink of an eye, the blade came for Taekjoo's stomach. He slammed it
down with the barrel of his pistol and pulled the trigger on his opponent's
knee.

"...ACHH!"

With a clear shot, the other man went down. His groan sounded like Boris.
Taekjoo took a breath and removed his goggles. The blood from his arm
dripped onto his fingertips and fell to the floor. As the seconds passed, the
flow increased. He needed to stop the bleeding immediately.

As Taekjoo searched his pockets, he realized that he'd made a mistake. He

remembered tossing the handkerchief he'd brought to Zhenya. He had no
choice but to pull off his dusty jacket and unbutton his shirt. It was only
then that Zhenia leisurely approached.

"That was dangerous. If you got a hole in your stomach, you wouldn't be
able to fuck anyone for at least a month."

Okay?

Taekjoo shook his head and focused on unbuttoning his shirt. Perhaps
finding his one-handed fumbling bothersome, Zhenia, who was watching
with his arms crossed, slapped away Taekjoo's hand and began to undo the
buttons himself. He pretended to be oblivious when Taekjoo really needed
help, and then pretended to have unnecessary goodwill.

Taekjoo raised his left arm, dripping with blood, as if to mock him.

"Are you proud that I'm dying?"

"Of course."

He laughed naturally at Taekjoo's sarcasm. It didn't even come as a surprise

anymore.

With an unpleasant face, Taekjoo urged, "We still have a lot to do." Zhenia
didn't speak. He was so quiet that Taekjoo looked at him strangely and
found that Zhenia was putting his full concentration into unfastening a
single button. He was so focused that his eyes never left his fingertips as he
twisted the button to undo it.

"There you go."

Shaking off Zhenias pesky hand, Taekjoo yanked off his loose shirt. The
recoil knocked off the last fastened button. Unconcerned, he wrapped his
half-off shirt a couple of times over his bleeding left arm, then bit down on
the end of the sleeve to tie it into a tight knot. When carrying out missions
alone, things like this weren't uncommon.

After briefly stopping the bleeding, he approached Boris. Boris was

reaching for his gun, dragging along his abnormally twisted legs. Taekjoo
snatched him by the nape of his neck and sat him down in the same chair as
before. Pulling his arms behind the backrest and cuffing them tightly,
Taekjoo planted his foot against the leg of the chair and tipped it over
backward.

With a thud, the chair collapsed. A heavy groan came from Boris, who fell
with it. Taekjoo picked the chair back up, then repeated the same action
three or four times.

Despite being slammed to the ground over and over again, Boris wasn't
intimidated. In fact, he laughed. Suddenly, Taekjoo yanked him by the hair.

Even with his head completely tilted back, Boris smiled unpleasantly.

"You think I'm going to tell you anything?"

"We'll just have to wait and see."

He walked over to the computers against one wall and sifted through the
discarded gadgets to pull out an old keyboard, then slammed it against the
wall to dislodge the keys. Returning with a fistful of spilled keys, he forced
Boris's mouth open and shoved them in.

Boris's cheeks soon swelled. Taekjoo taped his lips tightly shut to prevent
the contents from spilling out. Zhenia stood a few steps away and watched
the scene with interest.

Ready, Taekjoo slowly circled around Boris.

"The North Korean engineer is coming to fix the problem with SS-29? I
heard he'll arrive sometime today or tomorrow, but where can we go to
meet him?"
"......."

Boris remained motionless. Taekjoo crouched down to make eye contact

with him. His pitch-black eyes showed no emotion. Boris glared back at
him; eyes bloodshot. Suddenly, Taekjoo slapped him across the cheek.

Boris's relaxed face contorted in pain. The keys in his mouth jangled
together, causing him intense agony.

But he remained stubbornly silent. He wasn't the leader of 'Sonchev' for

nothing. Taekjoo straightened up. Boris quietly took a breath. At that
moment, a fist slammed into his face. Boris's entire body shuddered at the
searing pain. A scream escaped his lips, even though his mouth was tightly
packed.

Taekjoo grabbed both of Boris's pained cheeks. Boris's face turned even
bluer. "Are you in the mood to talk now?" Taekjoo asked. Boris shook his
head stubbornly, eyes full of venom. By then, Taekjoo's face had grown
cold. Zhenia, who was watching, smirked.

Stone-like fists smashed into Boris relentlessly. Boris's head, which had
been holding out until the end, snapped back. Saliva and blood leaked from
his gagged mouth. When the tape was ripped away, his lips gaped open,
revealing bloodied plastic keys and teeth.

"I'll ask again. Who is the engineer coming to work on SS-29, and where is
he?"

Boris grinned at the persistent questioning. Then, out of nowhere, he

coughed and spat. Bloody saliva clung to the corners of Taekjoo's eyes.

Taekjoo didn't bother to wipe it away. Instead, he silently picked up Boris's

knife from the floor.

"Why don't you go outside?"

He offered a suggestion to Zhenia. It was a form of consideration and

advice.
"Just pretend I'm not here."

His eyes narrowed in anticipation of the fun to come.

"Whatever," Taekjoo said, and walked over to Boris. Boris drew in a ragged
breath and glared at him approaching. The look in his eyes alone could've
torn him apart ten times over, even though all the energy had drained from
his body.

"Native American warriors hunt down as many enemies as possible to

prove their valour. Their methods are notoriously cruel, inflicting terrible
pain before death. Compared to them, cutting off a head and separating it
from a body is rather humane. The pain is only momentary. I hear they even
skin their enemy's faces while they're still alive?"

He murmured sarcastically and swept back Boris's hair, revealing a smooth

forehead. Taekjoo slashed across it with the knife in his hand.

"MHHNNM!"

As he was cut, Boris writhed in his bonds. The pain wasn't unbearable, just
little trickles of blood from his wound.

"They make a small scratch on your forehead, about the size of two fingers,
and then slowly tear it open. Most people die of shock before their faces are
even fully skinned. They say it's a pain that can't compare to being shot,
stabbed, or breaking a bone."

An eerie smile spread across Taekjoo's lips. Zhenias interest was at its peak.

Boris was terrified for the first time in his life at the thought of what was to
come.

"GAHG!"

Soon, a tearing scream echoed through the building.

The closed warehouse door swung open. Unlike Taekjoo, who was in an
unpleasant mood, Zhenia seemed to be having fun. On the way to the car,
he followed annoyingly close behind.

"Were you really going to skin him?"

"...You must be dying to go back."

Ignoring Zhenias question, he rubbed his right hand against his pants. The
blood on his face earlier had been wiped off. Zhenia continued.

"You were kind of sexy. And oh so dangerous. I got hard down there."

"Next time that happens to you, why don't you tell me right away? I'd be
happy to skin your face anytime."

He clenched his teeth and growled, yanking Zhenias collar downwards.

Zhenias handsome face slid closer. Blue eyes scanned slowly, taking in
Taekjoo's eyes, and then his hand.

As Taekjoo furrowed his brow and stared, Zhenia snapped away the hand
that clenched his collar. Their hands only touched for a moment, but his
skin was as cold as ice. Taekjoo flinched unconsciously and jerked away.

Despite his own embarrassment at the blatant avoidance, Zhenia continued

on as if nothing had happened.

"Is that what we're doing next?"

Instead of answering, Taekjoo nodded. "Let's go, then," Zhenia said, and
strode ahead. His back swayed gently, as if he were humming. Taekjoo
stood there watching him.

Occasionally, he would have on a straight face, but if someone noticed, he

would pretend not to and laugh it off. Despite disguising himself as a
gentleman, at times he would suddenly reveal his true colours. He was a
destructive man. A dangerous monster with abnormal interests.

One step. For Zhenia, the distance between normal and abnormal was one
step apart. It was purely because of this that even if the relationship
between them was torn down, it could be built back up again just as
quickly.

His instincts, smarter than his mind, kept shaking their head.

Trans-Siberian Train (1 - nsfw) The train from Beijing headed for

Moscow. It was a quiet night, and the view outside the window was
shrouded in darkness. The initial bustle of boarding was nowhere to be
seen.

Beijing to Moscow was a long journey, taking nearly six days. Although
everyone was traveling to the same destination, the atmosphere in each
carriage was very different. The third-class passengers were in a silent war
for every little convenience. They jostled to get some sleep in the cramped
seats, which had no beds or even dividers. If the first and second-class
carriages were filled with the anticipation of adventure in a new world, the
third-class carriage reeked of life.

The air was stale in the poorly ventilated carriage. There was a musty,
unidentifiable Odor. A baby squirmed in discomfort, then burst into tears.

The exhausted parents tried to soothe the wailing baby in vain. Other
passengers tossed and turned with a frown at the incessant wailing. A group
of soldiers who had all but forgotten the night before shared cheap vodka
and chuckled. Merchants, shoving bags of goods into other people's seats.

blocked out all the commotion with earplugs. Years of experience had
taught them how to endure the long journey.

Travelers of all nationalities, genders, and ages huddled together in groups.

They talked all night long, sharing experiences, useful information, future
schedules, and small snacks. They never seemed to tire of being part of the
journey.

The only compartment on the train with a private bathroom was quiet. Few
people entered, day or night. At night, they slept soundly in their
comfortable beds, and whenever they got hungry, they visited the dining
car. The outrageously high prices of the food didn't bother them.

The only satisfactory thing about the support from headquarters was that
they were generous with transportation and lodging expenses. That was

what Kwon Taekjoo thought as he settled into his bed after looking around
all the other compartments. But it didn't take long for a complaint to
surface.

"Ah... hah... yes...!yes!"

His brow furrowed slightly. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but it was
no use. The sweet moans grew in intensity, piercing his ears.

"Ugh... yes, hah! Ah! Ahhhhh! Hah... ah!"

He buried his face deep in his pillow. Even with the blankets over his head,
he couldn't ignore the woman's moans. They grew sharper and sharper as
flesh slapped together. The sound of thrusting was so intense that his
eardrums began to splinter.

Ignore it. Ignore it.

Usually, Taekjoo never had trouble sleeping. After finishing a mission, he'd
often fall asleep like a corpse for several days, and even if he had to sleep in
pieces during a mission, he'd get a good night's sleep. There was nothing
more basic to self-care than eating and sleeping properly, so it was
ridiculous to skip sleep. It was a classic, but he decided to at least count
sheep.

One sheep. Two sheep. Three sheep. Four sheep...

"...Hah, ahhhhhhhhhh!"

Five sheep... damn it.

He sat up suddenly. The lights were off in the room, but a tangle of inky
shadows in the hallway filtered through the dim light. Zhenia eyes glowed
even in the darkness. For a moment, it felt like they made eye contact, but
he didn't seem the least bit embarrassed.

The woman on top of Zhenia had her skirt hanging around her thighs, lifted
to her waist. Her uniform top was undisturbed, giving her away. It was the

blonde cabin attendant who had shown Taekjoo to his seat. He glared at
him, but Zhenia kept thrusting up regardless. Each time, the woman let out
a piercing moan and her upper body slumped.

Every time the woman's body moved, Zhenias cock revealed its glory. Her
flesh, glistening with her juices, pulsed relentlessly. Watching the woman
sitting swallow it down, Taekjoo frowned as he realized that it must've been
quite an overwhelming sensation. His innocent perineum seemed to throb.

How could one handle such an ugly and large object without any
countermeasures?

He was once again amazed by the mystery of the human body.

Taekjoo sat with his arms crossed. He was going to see how shameless
Zhenia could get. If he wasn't mistaken, a smile appeared on Zhenias lips.

"Hah... you're so... ah! Ah... yes, hah!"

The woman's swaying upper body began to lean back. Her white thighs
twitched with every thrust as he gripped her body. Saliva and gurgling
sounds of death poured from her gaping lips.

Zhenia didn't let the woman go. He pinned her soft body in place, searching
for a more pleasurable sensation, and kept thrusting.

Slap, slap, slap, slap, slap. A series of furious sounds rang out, like a fist
striking leather. The woman's face contorted in painful pleasure. Her once-
white skin flushed red.

The woman's head snapped back completely as she shook powerlessly. Her
legs, now fully spread, trembled, unable to fight the burning sensation that
penetrated her body. Her breath rasped in her throat, as if it could stop at
any moment.

"Hah, hah...AH!"

Soon the woman writhed her limbs and gave a shrill scream. At the same
time, Zhenia tensed his massive body, brow furrowed. Taekjoo's gaze fell
on Zhenias face. It wasn't intentional. But it was strange to see a man who

was usually so calm under any circumstances suffer. Taekjoo was a little
surprised to find his heart racing.

After finishing, the heavy cock slid out with a squelch. Thick semen
dripped from its tip. The sight of the white cum soaking the bed and
dripping onto the floor made Taekjoo grimace. There was no man in the
world who would take kindly to a fellow species shamelessly marking its
territory in his own space.

He opened the window for ventilation. A gust of wind blew in as fast as the
train was traveling. As he stood in the chilling wind, Zhenia emerged from
the shower. In the bathroom, barely large enough to hold a single person, he
had managed to dress. It was less of a strange obsession and more of an
acrobatic feat.

He looked at Taekjoo, huddled in the cold, with a puzzled expression on his

face.

"You look like you're about to freeze to death. What are you doing?"

It was obvious who did this to him, but Zhenia pretended not to know.

Taekjoo glared at his loathsome face and slammed the window shut. Only
then did the fishy odor seem to fade away.

He didn't feel well in the morning because he hadn't slept. He had no

appetite and didn't even feel like eating. Zhenia couldn't help but laugh
when he saw Taekjoo's sullen face.
"I can't believe you watched so openly. Don't people usually get
embarrassed?"

His laugh was ridiculous. Wasn't sex 'usually' something enjoyed in private?

He was blabbing about being embarrassed with a look that said he wasn't
embarrassed at all. He was trying to make fun of Taekjoo, so Taekjoo
responded brazenly.

"Why should I? There's quality porn being shown for free."

"Well... of course it was good quality."

Zhenia nodded as if he understood. It wasn't a compliment. It was an

unmistakable accusation. Nevertheless, he squared his shoulders and lifted
his chin. Did he really have to be so proud of himself?

"You say some pretty pleasant things, don't you?"

It was clear to Taekjoo that there was something firmly wrong with Zhenias
thought process and social skills. How else could he take sarcastic
comments so well and feel so proud of it? Taekjoo gave up trying to make
him think otherwise.

There was no point in discouraging such a stubbornly positive human

being. Besides, if he continued to be sarcastic and it didn't affect the other
person, it would only make his mouth hurt.

Yesterday morning, the two travelled to Beijing. From Boris of 'Sonchev',

they had received information that a North Korean engineer, Hong
Yeowook, would be boarding the Trans-Siberian train disguised as a
Chinese tourist. Before reaching Moscow, Boris was told that Bogdanov
would make contact with Hong Yeowook, but he didn't know when or how.

He was also told that 'SS-29' was being moved to a secure location, but he
didn't know where it would end up.

There was a great deal of uncertainties in his information, but it didn't

matter. If they went after Hong Yeowook, they would naturally end up
where 'SS-29' was.

Last night, they confirmed that Hong Yeowook had boarded. Disguised as a
Chinese man, as Boris had said, he had entered the second-class carriage.

He appeared to be unaccompanied, but that remained uncertain. Perhaps

Bogdanov's people were already on the train, watching him. That was why
Zhenia and Taekjoo hadn't ambushed him right away.

If Bogdanov realized that Hong Yeowook was being followed, he could

abandon all contact with him. Then all their plans would come to nothing.

They had to be careful.

"By the way, what happened to Boris? You said you'd deal with him."

" I did."

"When you said deal with him, you didn't mean you would kill him, right?"

"I thought about it for a second..."

Zhenia smiled, trailing off. "What did you do?" Taek joo urged. The way he
looked at him was both guarded and fierce. Zhenia deliberately circled
around the topic for a little longer before curving his lips up and answering.

"I just locked him up. He may be of use later."

"And what if he escapes?"

"You wanted to kill him too, didn't you? How cold-blooded."

"I didn't mean that. I meant that if he runs his mouth, everything will be
ruined."

"That won't happen, so rest easy."

"I can trust you, right?"

"Of course. He's not getting out of there unless I give a command."

Taekjoo was sceptical, but secretly trusting. It was paradoxical, but that was
how it was. Now, he only had to worry about Hong Yeowook.

He unconsciously looked out the window and saw a vast plain passing by.

The winter landscape was always bleak, no matter the country or the road.

He could see the occasional grazing four-legged animal. Standing alone on

the endless expanse of land, he felt an inexplicable sense of loneliness.

Trans-Siberian Train (2)

The scenery was the same no matter where they went. The long ridges
seemed to go on forever. It didn't take long for Taekjoo to get bored. The
sleepiness he'd barely managed to shake off crept back in.

With a long yawn, he glanced at his watch, frowned, and hurriedly grabbed
a bag off a rack. Although it looked like a briefcase at first glance, it was
actually a device that could temporarily tap into satellite networks. If
necessary, it could even fake a call from South Korea.

After turning on the power, Taekjoo tapped the keyboard to enter a specific
command, which activated the radio antenna inside the device, picking up a
satellite signal. He plugged his cell phone earbuds into the side port and
entered a phone number.

Zhenia stood with his arms crossed, watching. He was about to go get
breakfast soon, and while he was doing that, it would've been nice to see
Hong Yeowook's movements. He wasn't planning to go with Taekjoo but
seeing him scrambling around out of character made him curious. He
wondered who the stone-like man was trying to talk to so urgently.

"Yes, mother. It's me."

Taekjoo's mother answered the call as if she had been waiting for hours. As
he was a little late, he tried to calm her down as she poured out her worries.
He couldn't even care that Zhenia was listening.

A strange language flowed from Taekjoo's mouth. Zhenia had met North
Koreans a few times for business, and recognized the language as Korean,
but wasn't fluent enough to understand who Taekjoo was talking to or what
was being said. He could only guess based on the fact that Taekjoo's tone of
voice was unusually gentle and that he was using a soothing voice to ease
the other person's worries. The voice streaming out of the earbuds was

definitely a woman's voice. Not just a one-night stand, but a woman whom
he had a long and deep relationship with.

Zhenia suddenly whipped out his phone and opened a translation app. As
expected, Taekjoo was speaking Korean, and the characteristically recurring
word meant 'mother.' Zhenia snorted out loud as he studied the translation.

The woman Taekjoo was being unusually gentle to be a young lady, but his
mother.

Taekjoo's call ended quickly. As soon as he pressed the end call button, he
let out a long sigh. He tiredly packed away his communication device, then
suddenly looked up. Immediately, he locked eyes with Zhenia.

Zhenia was looking down at Taekjoo and smirking. It was too obvious what
he was trying to say. Taekjoo pretended not to notice and put his bag away,
then sat back down. Zhenia mocked as if he'd been waiting.

"I was wondering what a mama's boy looked like, but it turns out one was
right in front of me."

"Why are you acting like you know anything?"

Taekjoo shook his head and grumbled. Other people's personal problems
were none of Zhenias business, so he wasn't interested. But seeing a man
who was like stone suddenly go from gentle to blunt, as if nothing had
happened, made him curious about the inside situation. Why did he call
himself a 'tired' mama's boy?
"Continue."

"How could a bastard like you know what it's like..."

Taekjoo, who had been muttering casually, suddenly shut up. Zhenia
must've been listening, because he looked doubtful.

"Why'd you stop talking?"

"There's no reason to continue."

Taekjoo sat back, biting his lip, and remained silent. Picking up a thick
book, he seemed unwilling to talk anymore. But zhenia stretched out his
arm and snapped shut the cover he'd just flipped open. Their gazes locked
once again.

"We've got plenty of time to chat."

"Well, aren't you bored listening to boring family stuff? I brought a lot of
books."

Taekjoo showed him the inside of his bag. It was certainly enough for six
days.

Zhenia laughed quietly and openly scanned Taekjoo. His gaze was
intrigued, as if he'd found a new interest. Kwon Taekjoo tried to ignore his
scrutiny. He even went a step further, holding out a random book and asking
if he wanted to borrow it.

"No thanks. I'm not interested in a one-sided conversation. If I'm bored, I'll
just go get a woman."

No surprise there.

Taekjoo shook his head and kept his eyes fixed on the book. At that point,
Zhenia stopped pushing. He walked out of the compartment without saying
a word.
Even though they were partners in crime, he never said where he was going
or why.

The door slammed shut. Taekjoo's gaze turned from his book to the
doorway. His tense shoulders relaxed. Whenever he watched Zhenia, he
became nervous.

Inevitably, in rare instances, he saw in him a sinister monster, floating on

the surface of the water with its fierce and savage nature hidden deep in its
belly. He was a skilful predator, one who knew how to release its prey to
enjoy its last supper. Taekjoo's instincts rejected him. No matter how many
times he reminded himself that they were partners, he couldn't let his guard
down around Zhenia.

After twelve hours, the train reached the border between China and
Mongolia. Even before arriving at the stop, there was a sense of chaos in
the carriages. It was time to go through immigration.

Although the process paled in comparison to the Russian border, it still took
an average of three hours. During peak times, it could take even longer,
leaving passengers stuck on the train.

When the train came to a complete stop, the waiting examiners stepped
inside. Each group of immigration officers, customs officials, and a couple
of public security officers scanned their assigned areas. Passengers' faces
were closely compared to passport photos as well as various declarations.

Luggage inspections and pat downs followed. Most of the time, it was a
simple matter of common sense, but some screeners were a little more
demanding than others. They would unload your luggage and search every
single item, check under the bed, on the shelves, and in the trash. Access
outside of the compartments had been banned. You couldn't even sleep
peacefully before the screening.

It was no different for Taekjoo and Zhenia. They were sitting across from
each other in a narrow compartment but weren't chatting. Taekjoo had just
woken up, so he hadn't bothered to pull out a book. He just half-dozed and
waited for their turn.
Technically, they had the most to be nervous about. They were carrying
guns, small bombs, and other high-tech devices. Although they'd concealed
their weapons beforehand, they faced tough examiners. If his pistol was
discovered, Taekjoo would be in trouble. He couldn't relax even for a
second.

But there was something that bothered him more than the screening.

Zhenias knee was between his legs. As they sat facing each other in their
respective seats, their long legs naturally intertwined. But while Taekjoo's
knee bent at Zhenias thigh, Zhenias leg, which was longer than his, dug in
uncomfortably deep. His knee was almost touching his crotch.

Taekjoo stared down unkindly at the man's knee, which was threatening his
groin. It was the kind of naked stare that would bite you if you had any
sense. However, Zhenia just looked back at Taekjoo, refusing to budge.

"Why don't you move that away?"

Taekjoo demanded after a long, patient wait.

"It's not my fault I have long legs."

Zhenia shrugged smugly. He didn't even bother to move. Taekjoo could've

moved away first, but he didn't want to play along. Ignoring someone who
liked to make fun of others was the best punishment.

Taekjoo glanced out the window and showed no reaction. He even yawned
a few times from his overwhelming sleepiness. This was met with a
disapproving response from Zhenia, who said, "That's not cute." Taekjoo
just tweaked his ears and pretended he hadn't heard him.

Just then, it became noisy outside the compartment. He sensed the presence
of people, and the examiners entered shortly thereafter.

First, he turned in his passport. Taekjoo was still posing as a Japanese

citizen, but was using a different name than Hiro Sakamoto, who had been
declared missing after the hotel explosion. After checking his declaration,
the examiner returned his passport without much suspicion.

Next came the rigorous luggage inspection. Zhenia remained relaxed and
unconcerned. Taekjoo also tried to keep as calm as possible.

"......?"

Suddenly, he felt a certain gaze on him and glanced to the side. A public
security officer was staring at Taekjoo. Had he noticed anything strange?

The back of Taekjoo's head tingled.

He looked away as casually as he could. But the officer's gaze lingered for a
long time afterward. He didn't look away, even for a second.Taekjoo felt
uncomfortable.

The examiners' scrutiny extended even into the bathroom. They pulled the
shower off the wall and disassembled the head. They inspected the floor,
bedding, and pillows before leaving the compartment without a word.

Taekjoo let out a long sigh.

The next moment, the door swung open again to reveal a public security
officer. It was the same man who had been watching Taekjoo intently
earlier. Zhenia and Taekjoo looked at each other in puzzlement.

The officer ordered them to stand against the wall. It was abrupt, but there
was no point in making a fuss about it. They obeyed his orders. The officer
searched Zhenias body first, lightly scanning his shoulders, chest, waist,
and ankles. He finished by looking at each of his hands.

Then it was Taekjoo's turn. He put his hands against the wall. He could
once again feel the officer's insistent gaze behind him, but he pretended not
to notice. Bending down on one knee, the officer groped his ankles.

Working his way around his ankles, he swept up his calves and shins, then
moved on to his knees, thighs, and groin. The officer's hand fluttered, but
his touch was persistent.
As he moved up, their contact became more and more explicit. The officer
kneaded Taekjoo's ass, then slid his hands down his lower body. Then he
reached forward and traced a tickling path across his toned abdomen, and
finally cupped his firm chest in his hands.

Taekjoo drew in a breath and stared into space. Thinking he'd gotten
excited; the officer's hand grew bolder. Taekjoo thought he heard Zhenias
laughter in the background.

"Hands..."

He murmured with his head lowered. Because the word was so quiet and in
Korean, neither the police nor Zhenia understood what he meant. Taekjoo's
hands were clenched into tight fists against the wall.

"Get your hands off me, you homo!"

In a fit of rage, he grabbed the officer by the scruff of the neck. His elbow
was drawn to the limit, ready to drive a fist into his face at any moment.

The officer squeezed his eyes shut and hunched his shoulders. However,
time passed, and the violence he feared didn't occur.

Slowly opening his eyes, the officer gulped. Taekjoo's white-knuckled fist
was trembling right under his nose. The untimely sexual harassment had
made his face turn fierce. He looked like he could tear a man apart with his
eyes alone. Creasing his forehead and pushing down his anger, Taekjoo let
him go with a shove. The dazed officer stumbled away.

"Looks like you liked that a lot?"

Zhenia smirking comment provoked the heavily breathing Taekjoo. He

retaliated by throwing a random book at him. Zhenia easily caught it and set
it down on a seat. As their eyes met, he teased him again.

"That guy's got a slender waist, too, and his body is pretty nice. Why didn't
you just pretend you couldn't fight back and fuck him? Aren't you pent up?"

"That's not something a bastard who's no less delicate looking should say."
"Oh? Am I your type?"

"Don't say stupid shit"

He gritted his teeth. Zhenias smile was reaching the limits of

obnoxiousness. Taekjoo glared at him, then sorted out the mess around
them.

Trans-Siberian Train (3 - nsfw) After a while, the train was back on track.
Taekjoo finished straightening up and took his seat, opening the first book
he could get his hands on.

(might start changing his name back to Zhenya from now on) How long had
it been? A familiar vibration sounded. It was Zhenias cell phone. After
checking the caller, Zhenya grabbed his phone and headed out the door.

In fact, this wasn't the first time. Whenever Zhenya's phone rang, he was
quick to duck out of the room. His phone calls were strictly private unless
they were related to the operation, but even then, he would be extremely
cautious. He only shared what was necessary with Taekjoo, and never
mentioned anything about himself.

If he had been a normal person, Kwon Taekjoo would've stopped paying

attention long ago. But he couldn't do that at all.

"......."

He put down the book he was reading and stood up. Nudging the closed
door open, he peered out through the crack. Zhenya was visible in the
corner of his vision, though he couldn't make out the details of his
conversation. the expression on his face as he stared out the window was
serious.

When he was alone, he boldly revealed himself. No matter who was on the
other end of the phone, he no longer pretended to be a 'cheerful partner' like
he did with Taekjoo. His voice was flat, and his face was stern. There was
no sign of his trademark smile.
Taekjoo didn't want to get close. He wasn't the type to get too deeply
entangled, and now he just wanted the operation to be over soon so that
their relationship could be cleanly broken.

"......!"

Zhenya was turning around. Just as Taekjoo was about to close the door,
Zhenya glanced over and noticed his gaze. Startled, Taekjoo didn't have
time to react. As Zhenya stared at Taekjoo, his lips suddenly drew up a long
arc. It was a fake smile. Taekjoo looked at him distrustfully before quickly
turning away.

It wasn't long before Zhenya returned to the compartment. Taekjoo was

trying to think of an excuse, but Zhenya didn't ask him why he had been
spying. Instead, he acted as if nothing had happened.

It was strange. Why did he keep on feeling like he was playing a game
where his opponent wasn't really trying?

It had been a full day since he'd boarded the train, but Hong Yeowook had
barely moved. He'd gotten up from his seat three or four times at most, and
even then, only for five to ten minutes.

When Hong Yeowook went to the restroom, Zhenya installed a surveillance

camera. No matter where and how he hid it, Hong Yeowook didn't notice it
at all. This saved them the trouble of following him around day and night.

However, whenever one problem was solved, another was bound to arise.

"...Ah, yes... yes."

Zhenya's libido had a habit of erupting whenever and wherever it pleased. It

wasn't even the same cabin attendant as yesterday. The face of the woman
being impaled by him was quite familiar. It was the same cabin attendant
he'd often encountered when he went to and from the second-class carriage
to keep an eye on Hong Yeowook. Last night Zhenya had captured the
attendant from the VIP-class carriage, and today he had captured the
attendant from the second-class carriage. Was he going to fuck every cabin
attendant before getting off the train?

It was past 3pm at most. Taekjoo opened his book and focused all his
attention on it. It was useless. The surroundings were so bright that he could
clearly sense distant movements without even looking up. Even though
Zhenya wasn't normally aware of other people's gazes, he seemed to have
thrown away embarrassment entirely.

The more he thought about it, the more Taekjoo gritted his teeth. Doing it in
this cramped compartment was like a provocation. Perhaps the panicked
stares of others, flustered in bewilderment, only fuelled Zhenya's
excitement. Either way, he had no intention of being swept along.

He collected himself. Luckily, the book was interesting, so it wasn't that

hard to ignore his surroundings.

"Hah... ah, ah, yes..."

But these two pleasure-driven beasts wouldn't leave innocent bystanders

alone. Clawing at a pillow, the woman's flailing hands hit a table, causing a
bottle to fall and shatter. The vodka inside soaked the floor, and some of it
splashed onto Taekjoo. He looked up from his wet pants and immediately
locked eyes with Zhenya.

"......."

He didn't expect an apology, but Zhenya went a step further and curled up
the corner of his mouth. His brow furrowed, and he stuck out his tongue to
lazily lick his upper lip. Taekjoo's eyes darted to the crimson flesh. Perhaps
Zhenya noticed because a satisfied smirk spread across his face.

The next moment, the woman's body collapsed onto the table. As she
whimpered and tried to raise her upper body, Zhenya grabbed her by the
nape of her neck. Then, fitting his body against hers, he lifted the woman's
stomach. The woman's lower body, barely supported on her tiptoes, lifted
completely. The blond hair dangling over the edge of the table was
centimetres away from Taekjoo. With nowhere to escape, Zhenya resumed
his fierce thrusts.

A harsh slapping sound echoed through the air. It was difficult to think that
it was a pounding sound between people. The table the woman leaned her
upper body upon rattled as if it would break. Every once in a while, Zhenya

would thrust in especially deep, and the woman would writhe as if she was
about to fall apart.

Taekjoo was getting fed up. He opened his mouth to say something.

"Hey..."

"AHHH...!"

His protest was left unfinished. Everything he tried to say was drowned out
by the woman's moans. Zhenya pounded away at the woman's quivering
body, thrusting endlessly into her in a frenzy of excruciating pleasure. She
could barely breathe, helplessly pinned between him and the table. It was
more than she could take.

Suddenly, Zhenya swiped at the woman's upper body. Her loose top gaped
wide open. Taekjoo turned his head away, but the image was still fresh in
his mind. Closing his eyes tightly, he suppressed his raging instincts.

"Ah, ah, ah... hah."

Soon there was a squelching sound and the woman's body stiffened. The
smell of cum filled the air. After looking away the entire time, Taekjoo
straightened his head, only to see Zhenya's face, relaxed after his climax.

The next moment, Zhenya suddenly yanked the swaying woman out of the
way by her lower body. The recoil bounced both of her plump breasts.

Good god.

"...Shit."
Taekjoo leaned against the shower wall and caught his breath. The heat was
rushing to one place. As much as he tried to ignore it, he was a man in his
prime. He wouldn't remain unaffected by the sight of a woman's bare
breasts in front of him.

His head was spinning. There was no time to spare as the woman's body

flashed through his mind. His jaw clenched. His teeth grit together. His
penis, poking out from its sheath, was dripping with precum.

He rubbed the slit, and the precum spread, soaking his entire shaft. As his
stiffened penis rubbed against his fingers, his entire body tingled. His mind
was a tangled mess, blocking out any thoughts. All that remained was the
unrelenting heat and heightened lust.

He turned on the shower in frustration. The cold water poured over his
head, but even after cooling off for a while, the heat wouldn't go away. His
black hair darkened as it soaked. His shirt clung tightly to him, revealing
the curves of his body. His smooth muscles flexed in response to the
stimulation. As arousal coursed through his body, the nipples beneath his
shirt stood erect.

"Hah... hah..."

He clenched his teeth again. A groan that he couldn't swallow escaped. The
cold water relentlessly hitting his body raised goosebumps. His bloodless
lips trembled as he drew in a cold breath.

But the heat was still building. Just holding it in his hand and stroking it
gave a burning, tickling sensation. His knees shook uncontrollably. His jaw,
which he had been clenching, was sore, and his fierce eyes had long since
become blurry.

He shook his head nervously, struggling to shake off the insistent lust. His
hand clenched into a tight fist against the wall. As he gritted his teeth in
silence, he felt a sudden jealousy. Gone were the days when he could get
hard effortlessly. His sexual desire would occasionally spike, but it wouldn't
leave him as helpless as he was now.
His neck was heating up. His knees kept buckling from the tingling in the
pit of his stomach. He could barely stand without leaning against the wall.

The blood coursing through his body boiled. Heat surged through every
vein in his body, rushing to his head. His vision flashed as the pressure in

his head temporarily increased. A hot and cold sensation swept up and
down his spine.

"Hah, ah..!"

Immediately, his abdominal muscles flexed. His cock, swollen to the limit,
released a stream of thick cum. His broad shoulders and lower back shook.

He gritted his teeth to muffle the sound, but it was no use. The roar of his
climax echoed through the shower, betraying his will. His vision blurred.

Every muscle in his body contracted, and for a moment, he even stopped
breathing.

The breath he'd been holding came out all at once. His shoulders and chest
heaved, and he gasped for air. A chill settled over his feverish body. His
head felt like he'd been doused in sparkling water. He felt lightheaded and
dizzy.

After he ejaculated, he felt cold and uncomfortable in his wet, clinging

clothes. He tore off his stubborn clothes and stepped into the shower,
rinsing the last traces of lust from his body. Gradually, his eyes regained
their original clarity. The excruciating heat was gone. By the time he
finished showering, Taekjoo was back to being himself.

He dried off and turned to leave but stopped dead in his tracks. For some
reason, Zhenya was standing right in front of the bathroom. Had he heard
everything? It was embarrassing, but that was it. Compared to what Zhenya
had done, masturbation was perfectly natural and healthy. Nothing to be
ashamed of, nothing to be embarrassed about.

Taekjoo firmly headed back to his seat, despite Zhenya's taunting eyes.
Then Zhenya suddenly stood in his way. When Taekjoo tried to ignore him
and move around, he would slip away and block him again. He was doing it
deliberately. Taekjoo looked up at him sceptically. He smiled as if he had
been waiting.

"I'm sorry?"

He didn't have an apologetic look on his face at all. Taekjoo shrugged his
shoulders nonchalantly.

"I'm the one who's sorry. Because I'm always the one who has to deal with
you every time?"

He returned the blow, but it didn't land. He pushed past the quietly laughing
Zhenya to his bed, then pulled his underwear and clothes out of his bag. Up
until then, Taekjoo had been naked without a single thread of clothing on.

They were both men, so he figured it didn't matter. If anything, he found it

odd that Zhenya kept his clothes on so tightly, even after showering and
during sex.

He was putting his ankles through his briefs when he suddenly looked back.

It was because he had felt a keen gaze. Sure enough, Zhenya was watching.

He'd thought it was an interesting sight, so he had been watching the entire
time, and yet he didn't seem to mind being caught. Keeping his eyes on the
shameless bastard, Taekjoo pulled his shirt over his head.

"How about doing it with a man?"

Zhenya asked, his gaze lingering on Taekjoo's chest. Hatefully, Taekjoo

pulled down his shirt, which was rolled up under his arms.

"I don't want to think about it."

"Hm. I suppose you'd just ruin the mood, wouldn't you? It wouldn't be cute
if a dark-skinned guy cried."
Wasn't the question whether or not he could get it to happen before then?

Taekjoo was imagining things without realizing it, and suddenly snapped
out of his thoughts. He shook his head to clear his mind. If he went any
further, his stomach would turn.

"Stop being gross. It's not funny."

He sat back in his seat with a straight face, ran a hand through his hair, and
watched Hong Yeowook over the monitor. He was still in place. He'd been
reading the same book for two days now, and just in case, Taekjoo had
looked into the contents of the book, but there was nothing of note.

There had been no contact detected from Bogdanov yet. There were a few
people who occasionally spoke to Hong Yeowook, but they were brief,
unsuspicious conversations. Hong Yeowook never left his seat for long
periods of time, never contacted the outside world, and never used a
communication device. When and how did they intend to contact each
other?

Trans-Siberian Train (4)

Taekjoo was concentrating on the monitor when there was suddenly a

thump on the table. When he looked up, Zhenya had set down two bottles
of vodka, tequila, and cognac. He placed empty glasses without ice in front
of himself Taekjoo as if he intended to drink them straight.

He also took out one of his trademark hand-rolled cigars. It was said to be a
40th-anniversary limited item, and it indeed looked very expensive.

First, he poured himself a cognac and dipped the tip of his Cohiba into it.

Then he lit the cigar with a special torch and bit down on it in a series of
fluid motions. With a light inhale, the tip of the cigar burned gently. The
distinctive aroma of the Cohiba Behike rose.

"The flavour's much better when it's smoked

like this."
Zhenya handed him the cigar he was smoking. Taekjoo didn't bother to
decline. Without hesitation, he took the cigar and slid it between his lips.

The heavy flavour spread in his mouth. The smoke swirled around and slid
slowly down his throat. Instantly, his eyes and head burned.

Zhenya watched Taekjoo, immersed in the unfamiliar experience, and took

out another cigar. He poured cognac into Taekjoo's empty glass.

"I thought you might swing that way."

"What way?"

"You saw a naked woman and didn't get excited, so I thought you didn't like
women."

He laughed annoyingly. Taekjoo glared at Zhenya and downed the cognac

in front of him, then took another drag from the cigar and twisted the
corners of his mouth in disbelief.

"How did you get that impression, you bastard? I like women. Even if the
world was ending i'd rather die than stick it in there."

He clearly drew a line in the sand. The mere thought of it made him
shudder. Zhenya smirked and refilled his empty glass. Setting other people
up is difficult sometimes, he murmured to himself. When Taekjoo asked
him what he meant, he just changed the subject like it was nothing.

"So, What kind of girls do you like?"

"What, you're going to introduce me to someone? That seems a little out of

character."

"Well, it's for the sake of keeping order. Wouldn't it be a problem if I

seduced a girl who was your type?"

"A problem? Only an animal would feel that way."

Zhenya laughed off the sarcasm. Shaking his head, Taekjoo downed his
cognac. He was starting to feel warm, and he wanted another glass. He
reached for a bottle, but Zhenya suddenly grabbed it and stopped him. Their
eyes met. "Tell me," he said, demanding an answer to his previous question.

Annoyed, Kwon Taekjoo gave him a curt answer.

"A woman with a big chest and big hips? I'd rather she be chubby than
skinny."

"Your taste is predictable."

"It's better than no taste, isn't it?"

"Saying you don't have a taste would be rude. Even like this, you've trying
to conceal yourself."

"A bastard like you trying to analyse my words is rude. Or is it better?"

He repeated his sarcasm and snatched the bottle away from Zhenya. While
he filled his glass, Zhenya chattered on about things no one had asked
about.

"I don't like fucking. It's only fun one time, and if you do it more than once
with the same person, it gets old."

No surprise there. There was no such thing as fidelity for a bastard who
switched out his partners on a daily basis. Although quite a few people
preferred casual relationships, such as one-night stands or sex partners, and
didn't want to impose heavy and archaic standards of responsibility on sex,
which was meant to be mutually enjoyable, they still had a sense of dignity.

They didn't reveal their sex life as casually as he did.

Even though he knew it was a meaningless question, Taekjoo asked just in

case.

"But if you met someone regularly, then naturally..."

"I've never."

Zhenya's answer came immediately. It meant he had never been in a proper

relationship. Of course, it was hard to imagine him having feelings for
anyone or craving affection. Even forcibly recalling his past behaviour was
horrifying. The thought of a woman being the recipient of his attention and
love was pitiful just to imagine.

"You probably don't understand. If they're fierce and rebellious. If they don't
break when you handle them, that's even better. It's fun to suppress them
with force."

The more he listened, the more he realized how noble Zhenya's tastes were.

It wasn't surprising. In the first place, it was impossible that a man like him
could commit himself to one person, much less to a family. Such a normal,
conventional life didn't suit him at all. If it did, he wouldn't be here in the
first place.

Taekjoo's own situation was no different. What kind of woman would want
a husband who didn't tell her what he was doing, rarely took days off, and
traveled away on business trips three times a day? It seemed that his
mother's wish would never be granted. He was already struggling through a
dangerous career. Building a harmonious family seemed unattainable.

"I heard that Koreans don't leave their parents' nests even when they're all
grown up. Is that true?"

The topic suddenly changed. Though they had been talking about the
opposite sex, Zhenya seemed to have lost interest due to Taekjoo's lack of a
reaction. But even so, the question was a little random. When Taekjoo
looked at him strangely, Zhenya lightly gestured.

"You call your mother regularly and report your every move."

"What can I say? Why do you want to know so badly?"

"If you admit you're a mama's boy, I won't have any reason to question
further."

"My mother just worries."

He sighed in resignation. He had never confided in anyone about his family

affairs. Even Director Lim could only guess about his family situation.

But why did he feel the need to vent now, to Zhenya? It wasn't the alcohol.

Perhaps it was because they'd never see each other again after the operation,
so it was okay, even if he secretly felt irresponsible.

"My maternal grandfather, my father, my brother. All the men in my

mother's life were soldiers. As if they had made some sort of covenant, all
three of them were killed in action. I'm the only blood relative left by her
side, so she's worried. She told me I shouldn't even think about getting
behind the wheel because Korea has a high rate of car accidents. It's been
like that since my father died, and it's gotten worse every year. After my
brother died, I haven't even been able to go out alone at night."

At the sound of his laughter, Zhenya's expression turned serious.

"Every human being dies at some point anyway."

Was he trying to be comforting? He didn't know how Zhenya came to be,

but there was nothing ordinary about him. Taekjoo couldn't tell his mother
that she didn't have to worry about her son because everyone would die at
some point anyway. Watching this man who thought, acted, and felt

differently made him wonder about Zhenya's family. He wondered what

kind of parents could've raised him to be so lacking in humanity.

Taekjoo's glass was empty. He waited for a while, but Zhenya just sat there.

Taekjoo could have served himself like before, but he didn't. He simply
tapped the table with his empty glass. Zhenya said, "Ah," and poured him a
shot of tequila. He downed it in one gulp and wiped his mouth with his
hand. The unpleasant aftertaste made his mouth water.
"It's a shame there's no lemon."

"Oh, so you're the kind of person who enjoys that kind of thing. If I'd
known, I'd have gotten a woman and some lemon wedges."

Taekjoo laughed at Zhenya's strange thoughts. He even soundlessly fidgeted

with his collarbone.

"Forget it. Tell me about yourself."

"About what?"

"The obvious things. Family relationships, hobbies, things like that."

"Hm. If you want. I have a lot of brothers. Thanks to them, I don't have to
cater to my eccentric parents. When I'm bored, I find a woman. I'm not into
things like spying on other people and masturbating."

He taunted Taekjoo with a satisfied expression. Taekjoo flashed him an

unnatural smile.

"Do your parents know you're running around like this?"

"Like what?"

"Killing everyone who offends you."

"I think there's a misunderstanding. I don't just go around beating up

innocent people. Haven't I told you before? I don't act unless it's in self-

defence."

"Why don't you just say it straight? What you do is over-defence."

"It's self-defence because they were trying to do me actual harm or intended

to. If I were any weaker than I am, I would be the one dead, not them."

Despicably, he claimed to be a victim, as if he had no choice but to defend

himself. It was ridiculous to say he was justified to kill someone for being a
little noisy or following him. At this rate, if someone so much as stepped on
his shadow, he'd kill them.

Taekjoo clicked his tongue furiously, but he had no intention of wasting his
time with a sermon that wouldn't work. It didn't matter where Zhenya was
or what he was doing, as long as he wasn't hurting Taekjoo himself.

Nagging at him would require affection.

Now that the mood was set, it was time for a more authentic conversation.

"You. Why are you doing this, when you don't even need more money?"

"I've told you before."

"You did. You're in this purely for the blueprints. If you get them, you'll be
able to develop an unprecedented weapon, and you'll be sitting on a fortune.

But the more I think about it, the more I don't understand. Because even
without the blueprints, you already have so much money."

"There's no such thing as too much money."

"When you die, that'll be it. So, are you trying to become immortal? Or are
you so crazy about money that you don't care even if you sell out and
endanger your country?"

"I didn't realize you were so interested in me."

"Because you're a type of person I've never met before. Normally, I'd have a
clue as to why someone does this or why someone does that, but I just can't
figure you out. I mean, why would a psycho with all the money in the world
and nothing to lose... Oh, excuse me. My true thoughts came out."

He was called a 'rich psycho', but instead of looking serious, Zhenya just
laughed. He answered Kwon Taekjoo's question unconcernedly.

"Because it seems fun. If something's interesting, I'll do it. The only

problem is that such things rarely happen."
It wasn't like they were participating in some kind of extreme sport. He was
interested in a situation where he could lose his life in the blink of an eye. It
would've been more humanizing to think that he was in it for the money,
purely for the money. Not exactly what you'd expect from a man who could
tear people apart so casually.

Zhenya shifted slightly in his seat. His hair shone in the light. It was too
bright to be blonde, too yellow to be white, glistening with the slightest
movement. Taekjoo's eyes were drawn to it.

"Surprisingly, there aren't many blondes among Russians. Is your hair

colour genetic? Or dyed?"

He asked, staring without realizing. Zhenya leaned forward. His natural

platinum hair filled Taekjoo's vision.

"None of my blood relatives have this hair colour. It's a mutation. Would
you like to touch it?"

"No thanks."

Taekjoo flatly refused. Zhenya laughed, moving away again.

It didn't feel like they'd been talking for long, but it was starting to get dark
outside the window. In his experience, days in a confined space seem to last
many times longer than normal, but today was an exception. A lot had
happened since the morning, and the alcohol probably was a factor. The
more he drank, the calmer his consciousness became, and the more his body
relaxed.

Trans-Siberian Train (5)

In the meantime, Zhenya filled Taekjoo's empty glass. For some time now,
it hadn't run dry.

"Can you drink well?"

"Well... I've never been drunk before, so I don't know the exact amount of
alcohol I can take. But this much is easy to handle."
"Hmm?"

Zhenya taunted Taekjoo by feigning suspicion, but Taekjoo didn't fall for it.

He continued to drink at his own pace despite Zhenya's provoking gaze. He

didn't want to be drunk and defenceless. It was just a vague feeling, but he
didn't want to get drunk before Zhenya did. Perhaps there was nothing to be
wary of. Perhaps it was just his nerves. Even so, he didn't want to stick his
neck out in front of someone he wasn't sure about.

There was no meaningful conversation between the two, just the repetition
of emptying and refilling each other's glasses. It was like playing a tedious
game that only ended when someone was knocked out. He could've stopped
drinking, but he wanted to get Zhenya drunk and resolve his long-standing
frustration.

Gradually, as his tongue became dull, he couldn't detect the bitter taste of
alcohol anymore. There was no distinctive aroma or flavour; it was like
drinking water. The burning sensation in his stomach made him crave more
water, so he drank more than he could tell. His consciousness was not easily
disturbed. Taekjoo could handle his alcohol well. The problem was, so
could his opponent.

At some point, his vision blurred. Zhenya wasn't in his usual state, either, or
the two of them occasionally poured drinks into places that weren't their
glasses. The table, the carpet, and their clothes were soaked. Empty bottles
rolled haphazardly on the floor. This was their fifth straight bottle. As they

became properly drunk, their moods swung wildly. They cracked bad jokes
competitively, pounded the table, and giggled like maniacs. At one point,
Taekjoo threw open a window and screamed at the top of his lungs. Actions
he never would have done sober spiralled out of control, unfolding without
hesitation.

"Director Lim would be furious if he saw this."

He muttered and laughed. He refilled his glass, then tilted his head. His
surroundings had gone silent. The sound of train wheels rolling on the
tracks was the only constant. It seemed like he was the only one talking. It
wasn't until his drink overflowed and soaked into his lap that he realized
Zhenya had fallen silent.

He looked up. Zhenya's arms were crossed, and his eyes were closed. His
slow breathing, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and his unmoving
eyelids proved he was asleep. Taekjoo stretched out his arm as if to poke
him in the eye, but there was no reaction. Hah. A satisfied smile tugged at
the corners of Taekjoo's mouth.

"Could only take this much... you're a young man, an inexperienced young
man."

He shook his head and taunted. Even though it wasn't a drinking

competition, the thought of having defeated Zhenya naturally made him feel
triumphant. It was probably because he was drunk.

Taekjoo held his vodka-filled glass high in celebration. About half of the
liquor spilled out with a splash. His right arm, holding the glass, was
soaked. He lowered his shaky arm and just managed to put his mouth to the
glass. The half-remaining vodka filled his mouth.

Taekjoo's swaying body fell flat. With a bang, his upper body fell onto the
table. The hand holding the glass drooped helplessly.

For a moment, there was no movement in the room. Then Taekjoo's soft
breaths sounded. He hadn't slept for a day, and the alcohol had taken its toll.

His back rose and fell slowly.

"......."

Some time passed. Zhenya, who had been asleep in his seat, opened his
eyes. Somehow, his eyelids lifted without any effort. As if he had never
fallen asleep, as if he had never been drunk. Taekjoo was captured in his
emotionless pupils. His gaze was calm and serene.

He picked up a smoking hand-rolled cigar. The tip of the cigar was charred.
With a special cutter, he snipped off the end, then ignited a torch to light its
smooth-cut body. Soon the cigar burned and produced a thick smoke. The
whole time, Zhenya's eyes were fixed on Taekjoo. Or more precisely, on his
outstretched hand.

Out of habit, he snapped the cigar cutter shut. The two blades interlocked
with each other, making a metallic sound. Long, white fingers traced
Taekjoo's hand, the contours of the bends and the straight fingers. Taekjoo
turned his head slightly in his sleep. All the while, the cigar cutter made an
eerie click, click noise in Zhenya's other hand. His index finger gently
caught Taekjoo's ring finger. A faint smile spread across his face.

Taekjoo lifted his heavy eyelids. Through his slanted vision, a familiar
scene came into focus. The doorway in front of him, the noise of the train,
the feel of the table pressed against his cheek. One by one, his senses
awakened. His cheeks were unusually damp, and he could smell an
unrecognizable cognac.

He groaned and pushed himself up. The table he was sprawled on was
soaked with alcohol. Needless to say, he was in a similar state.

He wiped his wet face and looked around. Zhenya was gone. He tried to
move, but an abandoned bottle caught his foot. Glaring at it in frustration,
he quickly kicked it away. If Zhenya woke up first, he should've cleaned up.

But his complaint quickly disappeared. It was ridiculous to expect

humanity, or at least common courtesy, from Zhenya.

As he headed to the bathroom, he pushed the empty bottles and glasses

aside. From inside, he heard the unfamiliar sound of water. Was it Zhenya?

Maybe he'd just woken up.

He had wanted to take a shower first because his body was so heavy. He
laid down on the bed in frustration. Perhaps it was because he hadn't drunk
in a long time, but he felt sluggish, as if his body had been beaten. His
entire body seemed to meld with the bed, disappearing endlessly.
The sound of the water never ceased the steady trickle of it hitting the
ground like a lullaby. Taekjoo's eyelids fluttered shut, not yet able to shake
off sleep. At the same time, the sound in his ears gradually dulled. He was
falling asleep again. He knew he couldn't be negligent of his duties, but his
consciousness kept drifting. He couldn't endure the terrible sleepiness.

Soon the bathroom door opened. Strangely, the sound of the water didn't
stop. Taekjoo's consciousness was sinking deeper and deeper. At the same
time, his body seemed to float into the air. It was a strange feeling.

Damp footsteps drew closer. In an instant, a huge shadow enveloped the

sleeping Taekjoo. Oh, he had to get up. He tried to strain his body, but his
eyebrows only furrowed.

Against his will, his right arm was lifted. Slender fingers, cool to the touch,
traced the back of his hand and between his fingers. It was eerie, like a
snake flicking its tongue.

'Foolish Zaika.'

An unsettling voice rang in his ears. It was Zhenya's voice. There was a hint
of laughter in his breath, but the atmosphere felt eerily frozen rather than
warm. The touch that had been caressing his entire hand now only stroked
his ring finger. The oppression was so strong that Taekjoo didn't dare fight
back. No, his entire body was frozen, as if he was having a nightmare. His
instincts kicked in, warning him of danger.

Click. Click. A familiar noise rang in his ears, his grasped ring finger being
caught into something as close as the sound itself. He tried to pull away, but
Zhenya wouldn't let him go easily. His eyes, which had been staring down
at Taekjoo, suddenly curved. At the same time, the cigar cutter biting his
ring finger snapped, interlocking once more.

No.

"...Ah!"
He jerked upright. His vision suddenly clearing caused him to be blinded by
an overwhelming amount of light. He closed his eyelids to avoid hurting his
eyes. Dizzy, he held his head and caught his breath. His vision, scattered by
the light, gradually returned to normal.

He lifted his trembling hands. Both sides, all ten fingers, were still attached.

Even the ring finger Zhenya had targeted was intact.

But where had he gone? Taekjoo looked at the time and realized it was
almost time for breakfast. Perhaps he went to the restaurant alone, as usual,
or perhaps he was keeping an eye on Hong Yeowook.

He stood up, trying to guess, but there was a strange heaviness from his
waist down. He looked down, trying to figure out why. He felt his body go
weak.

"This..."

His centre was strained and swollen. He was too old to have wet dreams,
and he didn't know what had gotten him so excited this morning. The only
dream he'd had last night was of his fingers being chopped off. He'd heard
that in addition to sexual pleasure, one could get an erection from extreme
fear or tension, but he'd never thought he'd experience it firsthand. It was
only yesterday that he'd masturbated, but this morning he was going to have
to do it again.

The sight of his immature alter ego reminded him of his nightmare.

Although he didn't believe in silly superstitions like dreaming of the future,

he was only human, and it didn't feel good to have disturbing dreams. It was
probably better to take a step back and clear his head in the shower, Taekjoo

thought. If Zhenya caught him like this again, he'd be laughed at for the rest
of his life.

It was then. Suddenly, he heard the sound of water from the quiet bathroom.

"......!"
He flinched and looked toward the bathroom. Was it Zhenya? Thinking
about it, his heart couldn't help but jump unsteadily. There was a deep sense
of Deja vu. The whole scene resembled his dream.

He calmed himself down. A dream was just a dream. A delusion, a

manifestation of the human unconscious. With that thought, he stood up
without a sound. He silently picked up his pistol. There was no harm in
playing it safe.

Holding the gun with both hands, he slowly made his way to the bathroom.

The water was still running, and tensions remained high.

His eyes never left the bathroom doorknob. At the thought of opening it, his
stomach churned. A partner barging in on Zhenya, barely out of bed, in his
most personal space, with a gun pointed at him. He felt like he was going to
be the butt of jokes for the rest of his life. Why did he put himself in such a
ridiculous position? He stood at the door for a while in agony.

Without warning, the door swung open. He spun around, startled, to find
Zhenya stepping inside. Their gazes locked. For a moment, time seemed to
stand still.

"What are you doing?"

Zhenya's eyes narrowed as he questioned Taekjoo. It was obvious that he'd

been misunderstood, but there was no way to explain. He'd had a strange
dream, and it seemed to have come true, and he was trying to deal with it?

That was a better excuse than nothing.

But if Zhenya was standing in front of him, who was in the bathroom?

Instead of explaining his frustration, Taekjoo gestured towards the

bathroom. He moved his lips and said, "There's someone in there." Just
then, the sound of the water stopped. Taekjoo backed away from the
bathroom door and straightened his arms. The muzzle of his pistol pointed
at the closed door.
Zhenya watched the scene from afar. Then, without a word, he strode
towards the bathroom. There was no hesitation as he flung open the closed
door.

"......!"

Taekjoo reflexively pulled the trigger halfway, but ultimately didn't fire.

"Oh, you scared me. You're here? Sorry I was just showering."

A naked woman emerged from the bathroom. Zhenya pressed against

Taekjoo's pistol as he hugged her around the waist. The woman didn't
hesitate to embrace him back. At first glance, she looked like a European
tourist. It seemed that Zhenya had used the lack of showers as bait again.

Zhenya gently pushed the woman into the bathroom. The door closed with a
click.

Taekjoo was the only one left in the room. Soon, the small bathroom began
to rattle. The woman's moans were muffled by the humidity.

Standing far away, Taekjoo tossed his pistol onto the bed. The sandwich
Zhenya had brought with him caught his eye, and he chewed on it, staring
longingly out the window. Having to room with someone like Zhenya made
his blood run dry.

"Ah."

Suddenly, he leaned over and stared at his groin, which was now lying
dead. But the tingling sensation was still there. It would probably stand up
again at the slightest prompting.

He stared at it like it was an ugly slob and then squashed it with a pillow.

Purposely, he left the train window wide open. The loud sound of wheels

cut through the indecent noises.

The woman's name was Louise. She said she was French, about to get
married, and traveling alone to enjoy her last bit of freedom. She'd already
visited countries in Africa and Asia that were the furthest away from her,
and her goal was to find herself by traveling through Russia and then the
more familiar parts of Europe. If all went well, she'd be back in France in
just a week. She said that she and her fiancé had already reached an
agreement. Perhaps he was enjoying his final solo escapade as much as she
was.

Louise didn't leave after breakfast. She slept in Zhenya's bed all morning.

When she woke up in the late afternoon, she put her arm around Zhenya
and asked him to go to the restaurant with her. For some reason, he
complied. He had said that he never slept with the same person more than
once, but for some reason, he seemed to like Louise. When they returned
from an early dinner, Louise sipped her beer and told them her story. The
information about her was what he had learned then.

Whenever Zhenya was away, Louise paid attention to Taekjoo. Whenever

he looked up, her eyes met his. She was always the first to speak, smiling.

"You've been reading your book this entire time. What kind of book is it?"

"It's just a generic mystery novel."

"Do you like that kind of thing?"

"There's a certain beauty in finding out how flimsily and vapidly a writer
lies."

Louise laughed softly at his indifferent reply. Then she gave him another
lingering look.

"If it's boring for you, can you lend it to me?"

Without hesitation, Taekjoo held out the book he was reading. He drew a
line in the sand, refusing to play with Louise's flirtation. With their current
situation, they could play around with each other all they wanted. He
wondered how many men would walk away from that. Probably very few.

"Women are more attracted to men who are indifferent to the opposite sex.

How strange is that?"

He looked at Louise without answering. For a moment, their gazes deeply

intertwined.

Some time passed. The door burst open, and Zhenya walked inside. Even
after all that drinking last night, he had another bottle in his hand. Louise
hugged him and kissed his neck as if she hadn't even noticed Taekjoo.
Taekjoo smiled and turned back to his book.

"How about together?"

Zhenya made the suggestion, out of the blue. Taekjoo furrowed his brow
and looked at him. He nodded as if Taekjoo had guessed right. A naked
Louise peeked out from underneath him. Her cheeks were flushed with
alcohol.

"I don't mind. I've always wanted to try it."

She laid her hand on Taekjoo's arm, subtly encouraging him. What they
were asking him to do wasn't anything complicated. It was to expose
himself and join their bodies together, just like they had. Did these two take
drugs together without him knowing? Why were they trying to get an
innocent person involved?

His eyes clashed with Zhenya's.

"Who knows if you can restrain yourself?"

He didn't like Zhenya's smirking face. During the confrontation, Louise's

hand slipped ticklishly into Taekjoo's sleeve. She was the one flirting, but
Taekjoo's eyes were on Zhenya the entire time. The bastard was smiling
again. It was obvious he was taunting him, knowing he would refuse. Once
or twice, he could put up with it, but there was a limit to his patience.
He quickly made up his mind. After all, he'd been suffering from
frustrations lately, and it wouldn't hurt to solve them now.

Taekjoo immediately unbuttoned his shirt and declared.

"Then I'll go first."

Trans-Siberian Train (6 - nsfw)

"Oh?"

Zhenya shot him a surprised look, then stepped aside. Louise looked up at
Taekjoo with a flushed face. It was her first-time having sex with two men
at the same time. She would never have the opportunity again with two
handsome men whose physical attributes were far above average and whose
personalities were completely different. She didn't know why Taekjoo, who
had remained stony-faced no matter how many times she flirted with him,
had suddenly agreed, but she was thrilled to think that this blunt man had
finally succumbed.

When he took off his shirt, Louise wrapped her arms around his neck as if
she'd been waiting. Taekjoo picked her up and carried her to his bed. He
placed Louise down gently, pushing the clutter of books to the floor.

Zhenya sat across from them, arms crossed, and watched.

Louise kissed Taekjoo's ear and stroked his strong shoulders. She slid her
fingers down to his smoothly curved collarbone and chest. His body was
toned without a hint of fat anywhere, yet his limbs were long and slender.

Louise, scanning over Taekjoo, suddenly nuzzled his neck. A sweet gasp
burst from her lips. Taekjoo took a moment to smell the sweet scent on the
tip of his nose, then wrapped his arms around Louise's waist to press her
close to him. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and lightly
nipped her soft earlobe. Louise let out a sweet moan, already half-melted.

He pressed his lips against her heated ear and whispered softly.

"You'll regret dragging me into this. I have bad manners in the bedroom."
"...Ah!"

Louise's heated body flipped over in an instant. Her face buried in the fluffy
pillow, her lower body lifting. Taekjoo rubbed his hardened cock against the
softness beneath. His cock, which had always been satisfied by

masturbation, was visibly aroused by the taste of real sex. Louise's spine
arched. She gripped Taekjoo's thighs in nervous anticipation.

"Wait, ah..."

But before she could say anything, the stiff cock slammed in, crushing her
underneath. Louise gasped at the merciless penetration, with little foreplay.

The thick shaft pressed against her quivering white body, driving all the
way to the root. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh echoed through
the room.

Zhenya's lips twisted upward. Even he hadn't been so reckless. If he needed

to, he'd suck on the woman's breasts, loosen her up, and wait for her to get
wet. That was patience for the pleasure that would follow. Human
intercourse was different from animal mating.

But Taekjoo had skipped the entire process, focusing only on the insertion
itself. The woman who dreamed of an unconventional romance with casual
sex was crushed without any preparation.

Taekjoo rammed into Louise forcefully. A piercing moan of pain and

pleasure erupted from Louise. The faster Taekjoo thrusted, the more ragged
his breathing became. His brow was already furrowed. Soon, his entire
body was drenched in sweat. His muscles shone.

Zhenya watched, sipping his drink. His gaze never left Taekjoo's ass, which
tensed with each press of his lower half. It was a beautiful sight, and the
alcohol went down well.

Taekjoo's teeth gritted. His head hung low, his hips thrusting again and
again. He couldn't hold back his groans or his ragged breaths even if he bit
his lips tightly. His drenched body trembled and contracted with every
thrust. Every little tremble of his muscles was visible. At first glance, it
looked more like a sport than sex. Maybe that was why, halfway through,
Zhenya forgot about his drink and became immersed in the act in front of
him.

Dark droplets of sweat dripped from Taekjoo's tilted chin. If he were to lick
it, it would likely taste richly salty. His pupils, endlessly dark, were
feverish. There was a hint of red in his eyes.

Zhenya leaned forward and watched him. Taekjoo's thighs clenched at the
tingling sensations that rushed through him. They looked so full and pliable
that they would overflow when held in one hand. Broad shoulders, a
smooth waist, and long limbs. From the back, it was hard to find any
curves. Perhaps that was why Zhenya's gaze naturally slid to the dip below
Taekjoo's slim waist. His buttocks, raised above his waist, glistened with
sweat. What would happen if he squeezed them as hard as he could? His
eyes lingered on the darkly shaded valley.

"Ugh, hah..."

Taekjoo lowered his head again, clenching his teeth. A thick vein stood out
on his smooth forehead. Perhaps because of the sweat, his eyebrows and
eyelashes seemed to be darker than usual. The movements of his lower
body, which had been relentless, slowed noticeably. Instead, the downward
thrusts of his waist became deeper and smoother. As Zhenya watched his
ass sway every time he thrusted in with a squelching sound, his jaw
suddenly began to ache.

Even when he realized his glass was empty, he couldn't take his eyes off
Taekjoo. The anxiously furrowed brow, the trembling fingertips, the tightly
pressed lips, and the painful groans. He didn't let them slip away but kept
them in his mind one by one. If he had used his tongue instead of his eyes,
Taekjoo would've been drowning in his saliva.

"Yes, ugh, ah, hah, hah...!"

"...Ah!"
The next moment, Taekjoo pressed right into her centre. The groan he'd
been holding back erupted into an animal roar. His throbbing dick exploded
at breaking point, and his buttocks clenched.

Zhenya's eyes glittered as he watched. He reached for Taekjoo's ass in front

of him. It was an act of pure instinct, something he didn't even register.

As soon as his fingertips touched the firm flesh, his arm was grabbed. When
he lifted his eyes blankly, he saw Taekjoo breathing heavily.

It wasn't until he saw Taekjoo wrinkling his nose in displeasure that Zhenya
realized what was happening. Bewildered, he looked down at his hand. He'd
wanted to grab a man's ass. He nearly laughed out loud at the absurdity of it
all. His mouth went dry, and his throat burned from witnessing something
so amazing.

"If you try anything else, I'll kill you."

Taekjoo openly growled. His grasping hand was violently flung away.

Zhenya could only let out a self-deprecating laugh.

After finishing, Taekjoo released Louise without any regret. Louise

remained motionless for a while, exhausted. Taekjoo grabbed a bottle of
vodka to quench his thirst. Despite the fact that it wouldn't help him at all,
he gulped it down. Some of it ran down his chin and soaked his throat and
chest.

Taking a breath, Taekjoo sat with his back against the wall. Louise sidled up
to him and laid her head on his thigh. Taekjoo wordlessly handed her the
vodka.

Louise had just reached for the bottle when her body was dragged away.

Zhenya had pulled her ankle.

"Ah... just ten minutes. A ten-minute break."

Louise squeezed out in a hoarse voice. She tried to sound pleading and
complaining at the same time, but Zhenya only pulled her closer with a
mischievous smile.

Ten minutes, she repeated, but gave in, laughing as he nipped at her heated
breasts. He licked up the semen that had pooled on her side. Louise giggled,

tickled, but Taekjoo frowned as he watched. When their eyes met, a

mocking smile spread across Zhenya's face.

Taekjoo ignored him, deliberately showing no reaction. Should he take a

shower while the two of them were rolling around? It would refresh his
mind and body. After that, no matter if the two of them fucked or did
gymnastics all night long, he would be able to get a good night's sleep. He
had contributed plenty to their crazy entertainment.

That was what he thought as he rose from the floor.

"...Kyaak!"

Louise fell over Taekjoo with a small scream. It was almost like she'd been
thrown. Unconsciously, he cradled her. It wasn't until a moment later that he
realized what had happened.

Out of nowhere, Zhenya, who had pushed Louise over, lifted her leg. The
weight of Louise's body pressed down on Taekjoo, pinning him to the bed.

Zhenya half-folded Louise's body and shoved his hideous penis straight in.

As it plowed in and out of her, it put pressure on Taekjoo beneath. What in

the world was this bastard thinking?

"Aeung... ah... hah... ah, hah!"

Muffled moans ripped through his ears. Every time Louise squirmed, the
vibrations were carried over to Taekjoo. When Zhenya's thighs pressed
against Louise as she crawled closer, Taekjoo's shoulders tensed. His breath
caught in his throat as Zhenya impaled his cock at its base. Perhaps because
of the angle, his shoulders looked enormous.
He couldn't be serious. Taekjoo's eyes widened at an ominous premonition.

Almost simultaneously, a smile of confirmation crossed Zhenya's lips.

Panickedly, Taekjoo tried to pull away, but Zhenya didn't allow him a
moment's escape. In one swift motion, he drew his body back and snapped
it forward again, slamming it into Louise's flesh. With each thrust, Louise's
body was crushed down deeper and deeper. Taekjoo was pressed up and
knocked the back of his head against the wall.

"Ah... hah... it's too, hah, ah...!"

Louise collapsed, senseless. She let out a screaming moan of pleasure, her
whole-body shuddering in a blinding rush. Without knowing where the
strength came from, her lust-driven body slammed down on Taekjoo.

Zhenya didn't stop but continued to pound away at Louise's insides. She
was the one who was being fucked, but Taekjoo himself felt like he was
being violated.

The closer Zhenya got to him, the more he felt like he was being pierced
deep inside his stomach. His groin ached with an indescribable burning
sensation.

Taekjoo pushed Zhenya away to get out of the strange situation. No, he
tried to. But Zhenya grabbed his wrists first, tightly immobilizing both of
his furious arms.

Taekjoo tried to shake him off, but he couldn't beat the grip of a monster.

His struggling wrists were pinned against the wall. With Taekjoo
suppressed, Zhenya brazenly toyed with his waist.

"This crazy...!"

"Oh, yes... ah!"

As soon as he started swearing, Louise began to feel like she was about to
die. She clutched at Taekjoo's thighs to steady her sliding body. Taekjoo
was helplessly pinned down by a man and a woman as they raced towards
ultimate pleasure. Taekjoo glared at Zhenya in irritation. The bastard's gaze
had always been harassing him.

Crazy son of a bitch. What the hell did he want?

Even if he turned his head, Zhenya's gaze still didn't leave him. His
eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he felt a burning sensation that
paralyzed all reason, yet he refused to stop watching Taekjoo. His huge
body pressed so tightly against Taekjoo that he could hardly breathe, even

though they were both men. Vaguely, he felt as if he was about to crumble
into nothingness.

Louise's soaking wet bottom and Zhenya's cock rubbed against each other
in a steady squelching sound. His ears were ringing.

A series of plunging, deep penetrations drove all the way in and out, with
just the tip remaining inside. His cock slid in and out like a maniac,
occasionally getting dislodged.

Several times, he rammed into Taekjoo's knees and thighs. The force of his
thrusts was so strong that they seemed to punch holes where there were
none. At one point, he even deliberately rubbed his reddened head against
Taekjoo's thigh. When Taekjoo tried to protest, Zhenya just pretended not to
notice.

Taekjoo was losing. Zhenya seemed to know how to violate him without
touching him at all. Louise was present, but it was Taekjoo's pride, not hers,
that he was ravaging. To bend to Zhenya's will was more humiliating than
being stabbed in the back.

"Ah, ah, ah, hah, haaah!'"

A gasp escaped Louise's lips. Before long, with a pop, Zhenya dropped her
to the ground. Louise, who had been suddenly thrown away, shuddered like
she'd been electrocuted. Immediately, Zhenya grabbed his throbbing cock
and pulled it out. His cock twitched unhappily as it was pulled out before he
could taste his climax. Zhenya rubbed it heavily against Taekjoo's thigh. His
cock, which had been throbbing as if it were an independent organism,
suddenly exploded. Zhenya's grip on Taekjoo's bound arms tightened.

"Hah..."

A thick stream of cum shot into the air. Taekjoo reflexively jerked his head
away, but he couldn't avoid it splattering onto his eyelids. The thick semen
slowly dripped down the side of his face. Zhenya still hadn't let go of his
wrists.

"Ah... my fault."

He laughed as he claimed it was an accident. Taekjoo glared at Zhenya as if

he was going to tear him apart. Because the semen had splattered into his
eyes, the corners of his eyes were red. His jaw clenched as he rose to his
feet. His tightly clenched fists trembled.

One day, I will surely kill you with my own two hands.

Trans-Siberian Train (7)

Another day dawned. As Taekjoo washed his face, an announcement came

on that they would soon be arriving in Irkutsk. It was only then that he
realized why the carriage was so busy. Irkutsk, a city by Lake Baikal, the
world's largest freshwater lake, was the crown jewel of the Trans-Siberian
train journey. Most travellers got off there. Louise was no exception.

Zhenya hadn't been seen since morning. Taekjoo didn't know what he was
doing all by himself that kept him so busy. He called himself Taekjoo's
partner, but never announced when he was going anywhere. How was this
any different than being on a solo mission? It felt like he was wasting time
on something unnecessary.

Naturally, the events of last night came to mind. His mood suddenly sank.

He washed his face any time he thought of it, but the discomfort didn't go
away. He could still feel the distinctive feeling of semen on his cheeks.
Zhenya had called it a mistake, but it was a clear insult, and an intentional
one at that. His mind churned with even more unpleasant thoughts.

Taekjoo gritted his teeth and shook his head. Getting carried away with
Zhenya's antics would be playing right into his hands.

Wasteful preoccupation only made things go wrong. Even when a psycho,

whether a colleague or a disrupter, was raging in his mind and dirtying his
eyes, he had to remain calm.

He unclenched his fingers and glanced at the surveillance monitor.

"......!"

Hong Yeowook's seat was empty. Maybe he'd gone to use to use the
restroom. For the past few days, he'd leave once or twice in the morning to
use it, so if Taekjoo waited a while, he'd probably be back soon.

But Hong Yeowook didn't reappear for a long time. There was no reason for
the delay. Taekjoo hurriedly grabbed his pistol and headed out of the room.

The corridor was quiet. He'd thought Zhenya was on the phone outside, but
he was nowhere to be seen. He was always disappearing when it mattered.

As Taekjoo walked down the corridor, he put earbuds in both ears. A

volume control appeared on the screen of his connected phone. He didn't
mean to relax and listen to music, but instead carefully maneuverer the
touch wheel and held his phone close to each closed door of the VIP and
first-class cabins. When the volume was raised to the maximum, the
dynamics on the other side of the doors were vividly transmitted through
the earbuds. In one room, deep breathing was heard, and in another room, a
voice offered to a travelling companion. However, nothing significant was
detected.

It would be better to go straight to the second-class cabin to find Hong

Yeowook. He crossed the cabin with his earbuds still in.
The entire second-class cabin was buzzing with excitement at the endless
snowy landscape outside the window, perhaps because the majority of the
passengers were travellers. Even a lone tree was greeted with unusual
exclamations, and people were busy taking pictures. As a result, it was
difficult to move through the crowds.

Taekjoo took a step forward and a step back, checking every seat closely.

Perhaps Hong Yeowook had hid after noticing he was being monitored, but
the train had been traveling non-stop since last night, so there was no way
he could've suddenly disappeared. As long as Taekjoo searched carefully, he
would find him.

In spite of this, he grew restless. If Zhenya had been a more cooperative

partner, he wouldn't have taken his eyes off the twelve-hour shift. No. He
was who he was, so Taek-joo himself should've kept an eye on him. He
regretted giving in to Zhenya's temptations. He moved on, pursued by his
urgent feelings.

After passing through the second-class cabin, which was overrun by

luggage and people, he was exhausted. The third-class cabin now stood in
front of him. It was as cramped and swarming as usual. Because the train
was about to reach a stop, it was like a cattle market.

He took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Wahhhhhhh...!"

The piercing cries of a child rushed at him first. It was hard to find even a
place to step on the floor. The stale air was filled with a musty smell and
people were either chattering frantically or sprawled out with complete
exhaustion. Merchants stiffly unloaded and organized their enormous
packages. It was hard enough to walk through the place, let alone search for
Hong Yeowook.

As Taekjoo pushed his way through the luggage, he scanned around. He

checked people's faces and scanned every nook and cranny of the seats and
piles of luggage, but Hong Yeowook was nowhere to be seen. He must have
gone to either the restroom or the dining car. Kwon Taekjoo moved to the
dining car, brushing off his crumpled clothes.

When he opened the door, he was greeted by the aroma of coffee. There
weren't many people there in the morning, which made the search easier.

The only Asian passenger was a woman sitting alone, and there was little
suspicion that she was Hong Yeowook in disguise. The size difference was
obvious. Hong Yeowook wouldn't have time to disguise himself as a
Westerner, either. In the end, Taekjoo left the carriage without success.

At the same time, he tilted his head in response to a new question. Aside
from Hong Yeowook, he hadn't run into Zhenya yet. He'd looked around
everywhere, but Zhenya's large body and presence were nowhere to be
seen. Where the hell was, he?

As Taekjoo continued to question, he looked out the cabin window in the

corridor. For miles and miles, there was nothing but snow. The sparse old
trees seemed to be covered in a thick layer of snow. Wherever the sun hit,
they glistened as if sprinkled with gold dust. He stared blankly, trying to
organize his thoughts.

It was then.

"......?"

He whipped his head around. There was a restroom in front of him. It was
mainly used by second and third-class passengers. A second ago, he had

detected the sudden presence of a person there.

He slowly approached the door. He put his ear to it but couldn't hear
anything. Reaching into his pocket for his phone, he pressed it against the
door. Through the earbuds, he could just make out the brush of someone's
collar. Was it Hong Yeowook? Or was it Zhenya?

Without hesitation, he turned the doorknob. But it was firmly locked from
the inside. It was strange. On transcontinental trains, the restroom would be
closed for as little as 10 minutes or as long as 30 minutes as each stop
approached. Larger stations like Irkutsk usually kept the restrooms locked
for half an hour and restricted their use. When Kwon Taekjoo left his cabin,
they were about 40 minutes away from arrival, so by now there would've
been less than 20 minutes. Who had gone into the restroom that should've
been locked? It could have been a train attendant, but even so, he had to
check it out.

He took a couple of steps back, then drew his pistol from his side and aimed
it at the door.

Suddenly, he felt the back of his head tighten. It was an instinctive signal. In
one swift motion, he spun around and looked back. In his fast-moving
vision, he saw a man in a jersey. Because he was wearing a mask and a
hood, Taekjoo couldn't see his face. Without hesitation, he pointed his pistol
at the man, and almost simultaneously, the man aimed his weapon at
Taekjoo. Their outstretched arms crossed in midair.

Who was it? Was it Hong Yeowook?

With his finger halfway down on the trigger, Taekjoo was about to confirm
his opponent's identity. But the next moment, he felt a heavy blow to the
back of his head.

"...Keuk!"

His vision blurred and shattered like shards of glass. It was an unexpected
ambush. There had been no signs at all, let alone the sound of a restroom
door opening.

Taekjoo staggered, clutching his head. The place where he'd been hit
throbbed, and something hot trickled down the nape of his neck. The bitter
scent of blood filled the air. Despite the spinning in his head, he kept his
guard up. He alternated between aiming the muzzle of his pistol at the man
in the jersey and the bathroom door.

However, after a moment, his knees shook and helplessly buckled. His
body, barely holding on, collapsed. He struggled to get to his feet, but it was
a futile effort. His body remained limp and unmoving.

The silhouettes of his attackers loomed closer in his increasingly blurring

vision. His vision was already failing, and he couldn't tell which of them
was wearing the black jersey. But why did he have such a deep sense of
Deja vu?

Amidst his fading consciousness, he thought he saw Zhenya.

Twilight (1)

'Take good care of your mother. I'm trusting you, my sons.'

That was what his father always said before leaving the house. To the young
Taekjoo, these words seemed very strange. For some reason, he didn't think
it would come as a surprise if his father never returned. And in reality, his
father's goodbye every morning became his final wish.

His mother wailed distraughtly in front of his father's portrait. Taekjoo

backed away from the piercing cries and the unintelligible screams. He
seemed to be frightened. At the time, the unfamiliar sight of his mother was
more shocking to him than the despair of never seeing his father again.

His brother was different. He wasn't an adult, but he was more determined
than anyone else there. Resolutely, he played the role of chief mourner at
the funeral. He was the one who comforted his mother and got her to eat.

He was unwavering in the face of the expectations, concerns, and

responsibilities that fell upon him.

He was an upright man. He became a reliable presence for his mother and a
comforting shade for his younger brother, Taekjoo. Thanks to him, his
father's absence was never felt.

There was not much interaction between them, in part because of the six-
year age gap and in part because his brother's work often took him away
from home. They were neither particularly close nor particularly estranged.

They were just two brothers.

They rarely contacted each other unless there was something special going
on, so it was surprising when Taekjoo suddenly received a call from him
one day. He immediately assumed something was wrong, but his brother
said he was just calling to say hello. They didn't talk about anything
meaningful during the entire call.

'When I leave this time, I won't be back for two months. Take good care of
Mother for me.'

Their last conversation was no different than any other, but Taekjoo still felt
strangely uncomfortable. Even he didn't know why. For some time
afterwards, nothing happened to his brother or his family. So, Kwon
Taekjoo quickly shook off the anxiety in his mind.

Accidents always unfolded without warning. They hit you in the back of the
head when you least expected it. That was what happened on that day.

The call came late at night, and even after listening clearly to what the other
side was saying, Kwon Taekjoo couldn't believe it. He thought he was
having a nightmare. How he got to the place he was told to go, he didn't
know. Neither Taekjoo nor his mother were in their right minds.

When they finally arrived, there was already a crowd gathered. It was a sea
of military personnel, bereaved families, journalists, and onlookers. Kwon
Taekjoo's memory of what happened afterwards was unclear. He only
remembered that he stood there, dazed, in a dizzying mix of despair,
sadness, and anger.

While guarding the funeral, he slept in pieces. Neither sleeping nor waking
was of his own volition. In between, he dreamed. His father and brother
appeared. They repeated the same words. He grew tired of the repetition.

When he plugged his ears, they began to yell, 'Hurry up and answer.' They
were both completely lost in the moment of death.

When he awoke with a start, his mother was sitting next to him. Despite her
fainting after seeing her brother's body, she was her usual self. On the
surface, at least. She clutched the hand of Kwon Taekjoo, who was
nightmare-ridden, and stroked his sweaty hair gently.

'Mom only has you now.'

A look of determination flashed across her eyes.

Drawing in a sharp breath, Taekjoo opened his eyes. He could see his
eyelashes fluttering in his wide-open vision. A constant vibration was
ringing in his head. He felt dizzy. The surface of something against his skin
was cold and hard. It seemed to be a glass pane. Blinking back and forth, he
watched the scenery outside the car window as it flashed by.

The tall buildings abandoned cars on the side of the road, and dense trees
were all white. It was like a city made of snow.

Was he still on the train. He didn't remember transferring to another mode

of transportation along the way.

"Awake?"

As he was trying to figure out what was going on, he heard a familiar voice.

In the rearview mirror, he locked eyes with the man behind the wheel.

Kwon Taekjoo could tell who he was by the way his eyes curved. It was
Zhenya.

"What happened... ugh!"

He groaned at the dull ache that rattled through his backbone.

When he inadvertently touched his hand to the back of his head, he felt a
bandage. In a blur, a memory flashed through his mind.

While searching for the missing Hong Yeowook, he was attacked by two
men. Had he been unconscious since then? How much time had passed,
how did he get off the train, what car was he in, and where was he going
now? He had no idea.
He stared into the rearview mirror as if seeking an explanation.

"A lot happened while you were out cold."

Zhenya's eyes curved again. He looked like he was about to hum. Taekjoo
glared at the man, who seemed to be enjoying himself, but didn't make a
move to confront him. He was so curious about what had happened while
he was unconscious that he couldn't care less.

But Zhenya didn't give Taekjoo a straight answer to his questions.

"You don't remember anything?"

"Nothing at all."

"Alright. It's better that way. You'd be embarrassed if you remembered

everything clearly."

"Stop beating around the bush and tell me."

"Well, if you want to humiliate yourself, I won't refuse. I went to your room
and you weren't there. The bathroom was empty. I waited for a few minutes,
but you didn't come back, and I couldn't reach you, so I went looking. Sure
enough, there you were, stretched out in the restroom."

"...Hong Yeowook suddenly disappeared, so I went looking for him and got
beaten up. Those two guys seemed to be working together. Did you see
their faces?"

"Well. Should I say that I saw one?"

"You either saw it or you didn't. What are you trying to be vague for?"

"I should've taken the time to get a proper look. It was crushed."

For some reason, Taekjoo was pretty sure Zhenya had a lot to do with that.

He wouldn't have been swayed when he saw his fallen partner. You couldn't
expect such a sense of justice and camaraderie from him. He just finally had
a reason to have fun. Taekjoo sent Zhenya a mocking look.

"It was self-defence, self-defence."

Zhenya explained in his characteristically languid tone. Kwon Taekjoo had

had enough of the bastard's shameless rationalizations.

"You must've found out who they were and dealt with them, right? Were
they sent by Bogdanov?

He expected it to be so, but Zhenya immediately said, "No." The answer

that followed was quite unexpected.

"I thought they were skinheads, you know? Those guys who want to create
a white man's world."

"...What?"

"You were attacked by those thugs."

Impossible. Surely one of them had to be Hong Yeowook, Kwon Taekjoo

thought. He hadn't found him either, even after scouring the train. He was
certain he had been followed because he had attacked as soon as he'd come
face to face with them. And the black jerseys were armed with state-of-the-
art firearms, no doubt.

But they were simply skinheads, and Taekjoo just happened to be there at
the time? This was Russia, so it wasn't completely implausible, but the
timing was too suspicious.

Even assuming that Zhenya's words were 100% true, doubts remained. If
Hong Yeowook wasn't one of the two, where on earth had he evaporated to?

From the night before to the morning, the train hadn't stopped for a second.

They hadn't even arrived in Irkutsk when Kwon Taekjoo started looking
around the train for Hong Yeowook. The only place he could hide was in
the restroom, which was off-limits.
That wasn't the only strange thing. While searching for Hong Yeowook, he
hadn't seen Zhenya either. If they weren't part of the group that attacked
Taekjoo, where could they have been during that time? Were they hanging
from the floor or ceiling of a moving train?

Taekjoo's eyes sharpened as he stared into the rearview mirror.

"Where were you at the time?"

"Are you doubting me? Or just sulking because I wasn't there when you
were getting beaten up?"

"I searched the entire train for Hong Yeowook. He wasn't there, and neither
were you."

"You searched the entire train... really? You never showed up where I was."

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't come to the conductor's office."

"Conductor's... office?"

For a moment, Taekjoo was stunned. He felt like he'd been caught off
guard. Of course, he didn't go to the conductor's office. He hadn't suspected
it in the first place. Unless the conductor was a woman, there was no reason
for Zhenya to be there. But if he had been there, it would explain why he
hadn't run into him while searching the entire train. Yet it didn't completely
clear up his suspicions.

"Why were you there?"

"I watched Hong Yeowook all night long, unlike someone who forgot about
their mission and completely fell asleep. Halfway through, he suddenly left,
at a time when he would normally be reading a book. I was suspicious, so I
went to his carriage and met the woman in charge of it. I asked her if she
hadn't seen him, and she told me that he wanted to change his final
destination from Irkutsk to Moscow and asked what he should do. She told
him to see the conductor, as is customary."

If you wanted to change your itinerary while on a transcontinental train, you

could do so with the conductor. This was usually done if you wanted to go
further than your original stop. But Hong Yeowook had bought a ticket to
Moscow from the beginning. Even if there was a mistake, there was no
reason to see the conductor unless he wanted to extend his trip. He could
simply get off wherever he wanted and get refunded for the rest of the trip
at the station, and that would be it.

What was even more strange was that he was lying about his identity but
was obsessing over the price of a ticket.

Unless.

A hunch crossed his mind. He stared straight into the rearview mirror,
checking if his guess was correct. Zhenya nodded obediently.

"Yes. He was in the conductor's office. The conductor was Bogdanov's

contact."

Twilight (2)

It felt like a hit to the back of the head. Perhaps that's what was meant when
it was said that Hong Yeowook would be contacted halfway through.

Taekjoo had assumed they were going to bring a contact on board

separately.

Of course, he also considered the possibility that the contact was posing as
an ordinary traveler from the beginning. It wasn't that he didn't suspect they
were a train attendant. But no matter how powerful Bogdanov was, he
didn't think that he could manipulate public personnel to his convenience.

There was always somebody one step ahead. His tensed shoulders slumped.

"So, what happened to him? Did he slip away?"

"If he did, then yes. If he didn't, then no."

Zhenya remained serious but smiled ambiguously. Taekjoo lost all his
patience.

"Say it straight."

"The bottom line is, Hong Yeowook didn't get off in Irkutsk."
"And?"

"After making contact with the conductor, he flew away in a prepared

helicopter. He evaporated off a moving train."

"Is that even possible?"

"There's nothing you can't do if you give away half your life."

Certainly, it wasn't physically impossible. It was just baffling in a way

Taekjoo hadn't thought of.

Hong Yeowook went to the conductor's office with an excuse to change his
itinerary. The conductor, who was the contact, called the awaiting helicopter
just in time. It would've been impossible to adjust the train's speed to allow
Hong Yeowook to board safely. The train was approaching Irkutsk at the
time, and any passenger would have been suspicious of the slower-than-
usual movement. Including Taekjoo himself.

Hong Yeowook took off by helicopter, and the train continued to Irkutsk.

By the time his pursuers noticed, he would be long gone. His contact, the
conductor, continued to Moscow as if nothing had happened.

It all happened while Taekjoo was pacing in front of the bathroom. His eyes
were distant. He thought he might lose Hong Yeowook. But not like this.

There was no way he could let Hong Yeowook go like this. Frustrated, he
scolded Zhenya.

"And you just stood there and watched?"

"What else would I do? Do you want me to grab a flying helicopter and
force it to land?"

It was ridiculous, but for some reason, it seemed possible for Zhenya.

Taekjoo could easily picture him snatching the helicopter as effortlessly like
catching a dragonfly. It was even harder to believe that he let Hong
Yeowook escape, right in front of his eyes.

He wasn't the kind if person to let his prey escape. Unless he intentionally
let them go. At least, that was the Zhenya Taekjoo had seen so far. There
was no mistake. Zhenya admitted that he chose to release Hong Yeowook.

"I let him go because I don't think there's a need to catch him right away.

We don't need to alert him to the fact that he's being pursued."

"Let go of your pride"

Zhenya suddenly threw something at him. He picked it up and realized it

was a location tracker. A red dot was blinking over the coordinates on the
screen.

"What's this?"

"My pride."

"Did you put a tracking device on Hong Yeowook?"

"He would notice something so simple."

"Then?"

"I fed it to him."

"...Fed it?"

"I've been observing what he's been eating for the past few days, and he's
only been eating a little bit of bread. I guess Russian food doesn't suit his
tastes. But he's been quite interested in the Chinese instant noodles that the
other Asians around him have been enjoying, so I asked the woman who
sells the snacks for a favour."

Had he slipped a tiny location tracker to Hong Yeowook through a package

of instant noodles? After eating only dry bread for a few days, the soup
must've hit him hard. If it was spicy enough, it would be easy to get his
guard down. Taekjoo, a fellow Korean, understood.

As much as he hated to admit it, Zhenya was right this time. Stopping Hong
Yeowook by force would alert Bogdanov to their presence. That would
force him to change his original plan to maintain confidentiality.

It would have been far more productive to let Hong Yeowook leave on
schedule and track him down. The primary goal of this operation was to
determine the identity of 'SS-29,' not to disrupt the contact between Hong
Yeowook and Bogdanov.

Zhenya suddenly said, "There's a one-day limit." They only had one day. By
the time Hong Yeowook expelled all the food he'd eaten, the location
tracker would be useless. They could only hope that he reached 'SS-29'

before then.

The target continued to move southeast. Looking at a sign outside the

window, it was toward Lake Baikal. Kwon Taekjoo couldn't tell if that was
his real destination or if he was going to change course again, but
fortunately, their distance from Hong Yeowook was narrowing little by
little.

The two-man car raced across a vast expanse of land. There was not a
single human being on the road, let alone a passing vehicle. Perhaps it was
the temporary lack of circulation in his head, but Taekjoo felt dazed even
though he had no reason to be.

The road was lined with dense cypresses on both sides. A light dusting of
snow covered the parched branches, making the tranquil landscape seem
even more desolate. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but pure
white snow and trees.

Once they left the cypress forest, the snowfields became endless. The
boundaries of the road were unclear due to the heavy snow. Their
surroundings opened up, and he felt both exhilarated and anxious at the
same time. A sense of hopelessness washed over him, as if they would
never arrive anywhere.

He scanned around, searching for signs of life. Soon he spotted a flock of

sheep. Their wool was unusually long and shaggy in this cold region. The
occasional wooden houses had steep roofs to withstand heavy snowfall.

As they raced nonstop across the vast snowfields, it began to feel more and
more real. They were now in the middle of Siberia.

"Is your head, okay? They stitched it up."

Zhenya asked out of the blue. Taekjoo looked in the room mirror and their
eyes met. He unconsciously tugged at the bandage on his head.

He didn't know what had hit him, but the impact was such that he wouldn't
be surprised if his skull was fractured. Yet there was hardly any blood on
the bandage.

He didn't know, but the stitching must've been pretty good. The only thing
that made him shudder was the ambiguity of the person with the medical

stapler.

It must've been a doctor. Of course, it was. Was there even medical staff on
the train? He must've been taken to the hospital as soon as he arrived in
Irkutsk. The more he rationalized it, the more his foreboding grew.

"Who did it?"

"I did."

That dreadful answer came. Completely unconscious and in Zhenya's grasp.

Taekjoo felt his hair stand on end. He could see the expression on Zhenya's
face as he drove each staple in. Somehow, the bastard had said he wasn't
worried about others.
Zhenya continued to spew out the answers to unasked questions. The state
of Taekjoo's head when he was found, how much blood he had lost, the
nature of the weapon that had struck him in the back of the head, and what
it felt like to drive a stapler into his flesh. Each word he spoke seemed to
reawaken the pain Taekjoo had been trying to suppress. He had to change
the subject somehow.

"Did you at least give Louise a proper goodbye?"

"Who's that?"

"Who? The Frenchwoman who said she was getting married soon. You
were quite fond of her, weren't you?"

"Me?"

Zhenya made an unfamiliar face. He even pointed at himself with his index
finger. Why was he being foolish now?

"You said you'd never sleep twice with someone. And you slept with her
three times."

Why did Taekjoo himself have to explain that? His expression of discontent
was caught on his face. Zhenya, who was staring into the rearview mirror,

smiled. What was wrong with what he'd said? The tone of his murmur was
very light.

"If anything, she was your type."

"What?"

"You said you liked chubby girls with big breasts? I thought that she would
be enough to satisfy you."

So, he was saying that was the only reason he lured Louise in? Because she
matched the ideal type of Taekjoo talked about?
Suddenly, the past flashed by. The last night on the transcontinental train,
giving in to Zhenya and Louise's seduction and getting tangled up together.

The image of Zhenya's smiling face as he smeared semen onto him was still
fresh in Taekjoo's mind.

He hastily rolled down the backseat window. A merciless wind whipped

through the opening. His hair, bandages, and collar fluttered wildly as he
stared into the distance, trying to contain his anger. His eyes closed tightly
then slowly opened, and a fighting spirit ignited in them like never before.

"You've been covering yourself up so well that I've never seen your body.

Do you have abs?"

He clenched his teeth and squeezed out these words. Zhenya glanced at the
rearview mirror, surprised.

"What?"

"I'll personally mince them up as soon as were done with the mission."

A declaration of war, fuelled by evil. After a moment of silence, Zhenya

burst into hearty laughter. The other man was serious, but he didn't take it as
a threat at all. After a long time, he stopped laughing and rolled up the
backseat window.

"I look forward to it."

The corners of his mouth were still drawn into an arc.

Twilight (3)

The heart of Siberia, had a rich history spanning 25 million years. It

covered an area of 31500 square kilometres, had a diameter of 636

kilometres, and a circumference of 2200 kilometres. There were twenty-two

islands in this huge lake, the largest and only inhabited one being Olkhon
Island.
To get to Olkhon Island, the timing had to be just right. The only time
crossing was permitted was in the winter, when the huge lake was frozen
solid, or in midsummer, when it was completely thawed. During the
summer, you could cross by ferry, but now, during winter, you were able to
drive directly across the ice.

Zhenya raced relentlessly across the pathless surface of the lake. The
uneven ice was easy to avoid, but he stuck to a straight line. Thanks to that,
the car's body rattled constantly. But Taekjoo remained silent and didn't
complain. Although it looked like an extension of the road, they were
technically on immeasurably deep water. Even though the ice was so thick,
he couldn't help but feel nervous.

Luckily, they didn't have the accident he feared as they approached the
Olkhon Island dock. Even the mighty Lake Baikal was not immune to the
bitter cold of temperatures below negative 50 degrees Celsius.

Stepping out of the car, he glanced back at the road. The world, buried in
snow, was dead and silent. Everything seemed to stand still. For a moment,
no thoughts or feelings entered his mind, perhaps because he was
overwhelmed by the vast and spectacular scenery in front of him.

From the dock, there was no road to speak of. There were only the tire
tracks of the cars that had gone before in every direction. Wherever they
went was the road. The two men's car carved a new route through the
untrodden snow.

For quite some time, the target had remained somewhere in the northwest of
Olkhon Island. As they followed the blinking red dot over a ridge, a lone
mansion came into view. It was small compared to the Bogdanov mansion,
but given the size of the island, it stood out.

They pulled to a stop near the mansion. The red dot on the location tracker
matched up perfectly. It was clear that Hong Yeowook was there.

Taekjoo stuck his face out between the driver's and passenger's seats and
eyed the mansion.
"Is that it?"

"I guess so."

He checked the security cameras installed everywhere. He couldn't see any

blind spots.

"We can't just barge in."

"Why not?"

Taekjoo looked at Zhenya with a puzzled look on his face. Did he really not
know why they couldn't?

The mansion was high up on Olkhon Island, with a jagged cliff below. The
winds that swirled around the island kept whipping up the cliffs on which
the mansion sat, meaning it was impossible to breach from above. From the
outside, there were no gas pipes or vents to sneak through. The gates and
walls were lined with security cameras, sometimes with fully automatic,
wirelessly controlled firearms mounted underneath them.

"How can you look at that and say that? Do you have nine lives?"

It was meant to be sarcastic, but Zhenya's chin lifted out of nowhere. His
expression become as smug as possible. Well, it wasn't a compliment. Taek
tried to protest with his face, but to no avail. He turned his eyes away from
the guy who spread his shoulders wide. Just watching made him feel

embarrassed.

"We know Hong Yeowook's inside, and that's enough. It would be crazy to
just blindly charge in. Maybe we should hang around for a while to see
what's going on."

Zhenya obediently agreed. He turned the wheel and started to drive away.

There was no mention of a destination. He didn't use navigation and didn't

hesitate to drive down a road with no signs. He seemed quite familiar with
the geography.
As Taekjoo watched the red dot get further and further away, the car
suddenly lurched heavily to the side. They had come to a sharp stop on a
steep slope. He wondered if an animal had jumped out in front of the car,
but as he tried to straighten up, Zhenya jerked open the car door.

"Get out."

He couldn't help but feel confused by the command. Was Zhenya

suggesting that they set up camp in a place like this? He looked around but
couldn't see anything special. Taekjoo hugged the passenger seat and stared
up at Zhenya. Zhenya, who was about to close the door and head for the
trunk, stopped for a moment as Taekjoo watched for an explanation. Then,
as he bent down to look at Taekjoo, he mocked.

"I'm not going to ditch you, so get out."

He easily made fun of Taekjoo. Taekjoo couldn't bear to listen to his voice
and shuffled out sulkily. The cold wind, which he hadn't felt when he was
inside the car, rushed in from all directions. The only clothes he had on
were a loose shirt and jacket, so his shoulders naturally curled inwards. He
clenched his molars harder, thinking his teeth would snap together the
moment he opened his mouth. He was surprised his heart hadn't frozen yet.

Meanwhile, Zhenya took his fur coat from the trunk and put it on. Even if
Taekjoo hunted and skinned a living beast, it would be no match for that fur
coat. While he remained rooted to the door, Zhenya walked past him and
strolled away. When he realized Taekjoo wasn't following, he glanced back.

At the unspoken urging, Taekjoo ran after him, keeping his footing.

The climb up the snowy hill was not pleasant.

It meant facing the gusting winds that came over the top of the ridge. At
best, he would slip on the snow and be knocked back. Out of breath, he
repeatedly inhaled, only to fill his lungs with cold air and ice particles.

Recalling his time in the special forces, he climbed the hill with a do-or-die
spirit. It wasn't long before he realized what Zhenya had in mind. There was
a guesthouse just down the hill. It didn't seem to have many rooms, but at
this point, he was already thankful enough.

In the meantime, the wind picked up again. Following Zhenya like a cow
being dragged to a slaughterhouse, Taekjoo quickly outpaced him and
entered the guesthouse. Just in time, the host sat at the front desk. He was a
bit taken aback by the arrival of a stranger wearing a thin shirt and even a
bandage on his head in this bitter cold.

"How may I help you?"

"R, room..."

"Do you have a reservation?"

Taekjoo, whose mouth was frozen, looked like a ghost. He shivered and
barely managed to answer.

"No. We don't. Do you have any rooms left?"

"Because it's the winter season, there are still vacancies, but it's 100%

reservation based. You only need one room, right?"

"No. Two. We need two."

He emphasized. He even held up his index and middle fingers in case the
host couldn't understand his pronunciation. He didn't want to be in the same
space as Zhenya anymore. Perhaps it was unavoidable in the middle of an
operation, but he wanted to be comfortable while resting.

However, the host's reaction was less than enthusiastic. "Oh," he said, and
let out a weak sigh. There was a sadness in his eyes as he looked at Taekjoo.

No. It had to be. Every fibre of his being moved to the host's lips.

The door opened and Zhenya walked in, his fur coat swaying as if it were
alive. Moments afterward, a despairing reply came from the host.
"There's only one room left."

The room they were assigned was too small. There was a table for two right
in front of the door and a bed next to it, but that was all. There was no
fridge, closet, shelves, or space for luggage. The only saving grace was that
the bed was a bunk bed.

The two men sat facing each other for a long moment without speaking.

Taekjoo's gaze drifted diagonally, lingering meaninglessly somewhere in

the corner of the room.

He thought that as long as he got off the train, he wouldn't have to share a
room with Zhenya anymore. Just a separate room was enough, and they'd
never get on a transcontinental train again, so he'd just have to be patient.

But here they were, spending a few more days together like this. Taekjoo
was exhausted and wanted to get some sleep, but that was impossible with
Zhenya in the room.

Warmth had completely deserted the room. No word passed between the
two. The atmosphere, awkward at first, grew even heavier.

Taekjoo knew how to put himself at ease. He just had to trust Zhenya. It
was because his words and thoughts were strange, and although he never
knew where Zhenya was going, he wouldn't betray him. Taekjoo shook his
head as he rationalized. It wasn't hard to say it wasn't a big deal.

But his instincts were on high alert. He'd find himself spying on Zhenya's

every move, looking for flaws. It was because of this that he was always
exhausted, even though he knew they were on the same side now.

Was it because Taekjoo had never been overpowered before? Every time
Zhenya made a move, his heart rattled. Even though they were colleagues
now, Taekjoo didn't know when or how Zhenya would take off his mask.

Throughout his career as an agent, he'd met people from all walks of life.
Many were enemies with complex interests, but he could only categorize a
few as absolutely evil. Everyone had their own beliefs and acted
accordingly. It was just that their justice was someone else's injustice.

But that wasn't Zhenya. All he wanted, he said, was to profit from

'Anastasia'. But in reality, he didn't seem to be driven by money or power.

Even under a hail of live ammunition, even amid a tedious chase with no
rest and no results, he seemed to be enjoying himself. He was like a child
absorbed in a game of espionage. He didn't care how much it cost him to
play, or how many people died. A man of pure interest was what he was.

He would be relentless once his interest waned. He wouldn't even hesitate

to point a gun at Taekjoo to end things neatly. That was why every day,
hour, and minute spent with him was like walking on thin ice.

"I can hear your mind spinning even from here."

Taekjoo felt a little guilty but didn't let it show.

"I was trying to organize my thoughts. This and that...."

He feigned ignorance and made a weak excuse. Zhenya nodded with a

perfunctory ah-ha. There was still a mocking smile at the corner of his
mouth. He had a pretty face, but it felt strange to lock eyes with him. It was
because of his probing eyes. His pupils tightened like a reptile, and he
scrutinized his opponent's every expression, glance, and action. If Taekjoo
continued to be observed, he felt like everything he was thinking would be
revealed.

He changed the subject so as not to get trapped.

"The mansion where Hong Yeowook is staying—do you know who owns
it?"

"Roughly. I saw the symbol engraved on the front door."

A symbol. Taekjoo racked his brain to recall the mansion's exterior. As
Zhenya had said, there had been something engraved in the centre of the
front door.

"Every Russian can recognize it. It's the symbol of the Bogdanov family."

If that was true, they'd come to the right place. They'd been flying blind,
unable to identify 'SS-29', let alone 'Anastasia', but now they'd finally taken
a step in the correct direction. All they had to do was infiltrate the mansion
and they would know if 'SS-29' was 'Anastasia' or not.

It was comforting to get results, however small. The hardships of the past
seemed like minor setbacks. Kwon Taekjoo laid out future plans in a good
mood for the first time in a long while.

"Alright. Then let's start watching morning, noon, and night to see if we can
find a way in."

This time, Zhenya nodded. "Are you done?" he asked. When Taekjoo
nodded, he stood up as if he'd been waiting. Taekjoo watched him calmly as
he headed for the door. He wondered if his steady gaze bothered him.

Zhenya turned to leave but then looked back.

"I heard there's banya here. Do you want to join me?"

Banya was a Russian wet sauna. Out of habit, Taekjoo was about to say no,
but then he thought about it. His body ached from being crammed into a
small room for days on end. His blood didn't seem to be circulating
properly due to his injury, and he was craving a hot bath because of the
bitter cold. It was a tempting offer.

The problem was that Zhenya would be with him.

He didn't want to be trapped in a small space with him. Besides, it wouldn't

matter if Zhenya used the banya first, and then he used it later. But a
nagging doubt in the back of his mind kept Taekjoo from rejecting the offer.
To this day, he had never seen Zhenya naked. Even when he was having
sex, only his partner took off her clothes, and he would only undo his
buckle and zipper. What was he trying so hard to hide? Taekjoo wasn't the
type of person to gloss over questions once they were raised.

"Sure."

Twilight (4)

Taekjoo poured water on the pechka. The heated stone spewed hot steam.

The air heated up quickly, making it difficult to breathe for a moment, but it
soon passed.

His frozen body began to warm up. He broke out in a sweat as his
accumulated fatigue seemed to drain away. A relaxing sauna in the middle
of an operation was a luxury.

Slowly, he scanned the interior of the banya. It wasn't as large as the host
had boasted, barely big enough to fit two or three men. It was spacious
enough for now, with just Taekjoo inside, but that would change when
Zhenya entered.

He glared at the doorway. He was waiting for Zhenya, who had told him
that a Russian couldn't imagine a banya without vodka and that he would
stop by the kitchen. This time, he wouldn't be able to avoid taking his
clothes off. For a moment, Taekjoo celebrated, but then he lamented,
wondering why he was so obsessed with a man's body. Zhenya was the
problem in the first place. It wasn't like one would wear out from a little
public exposure, so he didn't know what the big deal was.

As he grumbled to himself, the door suddenly opened. Zhenya, who had

been waiting outside, stepped in. Instead of focusing on his face, Taekjoo's
gaze locked on the centre of his body. Zhenya was so tall that he'd come
face to face with his alter ego first. He frowned unconsciously. Zhenya's
penis was a weapon. It wasn't even hard, but with its size, he could
understand why those who entangled bodies with him had suffered so
much.
Taekjoo lifted his head. Zhenya gave him a strange smile as if he'd read his
mind again. Taekjoo feigned nonchalance, and pretending to be fooled,
Zhenya slid into the seat across from him. Taekjoo could see the reddish
flesh between his knees and feel its texture and weight at a glance. He was

about to turn his head to ignore it when the scrotum dropped under the
chair. Taekjoo's eyes instinctively followed the moving object. Zhenya was
unperturbed by Taekjoo's gaze, which was blatantly focused on his crotch.

It wasn't until he handed him a glass that he said Taekjoo had better stop.

"Once it gets hard i'll stick it anywhere."

Taekjoo's eyes snapped up. Zhenya laughed as he poured vodka. Again and
again, he filled his glass and quenched his thirst. Tilting his glass, Taekjoo
scanned every inch of Zhenya's body.

It was a very unreal-looking body. Slim and toned, it was as if someone had
carefully sculpted it to perfection. Every muscle was positioned like a work
of art, in the most pleasing shape and size possible. His straight collarbones
fitted neatly into his broad shoulders, and his sharp shoulder blades, elbows,
and pronounced wrist bones formed a strong yet elegant line. The shark fin-
like pectorals and sharply defined abdomen were as perfect as if they had
been there since birth. His skin was white and smooth, and his entire body
looked so firm that it seemed like a needle would break if you poked him
with it.

There was no scars or injuries anywhere on his body. It was hard to imagine
why he'd kept himself hidden so far. Taekjoo grumbled in disappointment.

"What? I thought you were hiding something. Keeping on your clothes after
all this time."

"Did you want to see my body that much? How sinister."

He had no verbal filter at all. Taekjoo mechanically lifted the corners of his
lips and poured a mouthful of water into the pechka. With a hiss, white
steam rose. Zhenya's glistening face was momentarily obscured.
As the excess steam rose, sweat began to flow like rain. Zhenya's body
became slick and damp. With each inhale, his shoulders broadened and the
muscles in his body twitched, each of them intertwined with the others as if
they were separate organisms. Taekjoo couldn't help but stare, even though
it didn't look much different from his own body.

Zhenya tilted his head back, eyes closed. Sweat slid from his jaw and slid
down his long neck. Clear beads of moisture pooled on his collarbone and
soon rolled over the ridge. What was it that made Taekjoo feel so nervous?

Had he stared too much? Zhenya suddenly opened his eyes. Their gazes
immediately locked. No, he wasn't looking at Taekjoo's face, but at his
body. Blue eyes scanned lazily under damp lashes. Taekjoo's entire body
tingled. It felt like a snake's tongue was licking its way across his skin.

Taekjoo pulled the towel around his neck over his head. He also leaned his
upper body forward to block the prying gaze.

Meanwhile, Zhenya poured himself another glass of vodka. Taekjoo's lips

were visible beneath his towel. Perhaps because of the temperature, his lips
were redder than usual, and he was breathing heavily. Zhenya tilted his
glass, focusing on Taekjoo's tongue, which seemed to be peeking out of his
mouth. He downed the vodka in one swallow and licked his lower lip,
looking like a hungry predator.

"It makes a little more sense, now...."

At the sound of the voice, Taekjoo looked up. This time, their eyes met.

There was no avoiding it now. As they confronted each other, Zhenya

suddenly leaned forward. Their faces were only half a foot apart. Looking
into Taekjoo's pupils, which contracted, he snickered vulgarly.

"Your ass, it's a waste for it to be on a man's body."

That damned mouth of his was too polite. Taekjoo smacked Zhenya across
the face with a birch branch from the banya. The water splashed off the
branch. Zhenya didn't react to his harsh retaliation, but just stared at him,
eyes fixed. The water droplets that had been glistening in his hair fell to the
floor. His mouth, which had been parted only a moment before, was now
firmly set in a grim line. Belatedly, Taekjoo regretted his actions.

Zhenya's eyes darted. The moment Taekjoo sensed the danger, he was
grabbed by the wrist. He didn't even have time to react. In an instant, his
arm was bent backward, and his face slammed into the wall. His bones

rattled with a thud, and his vision spun. Zhenya pressed his heavy body
against Taekjoo and breathed softly into his ear. The towel fluttered away in
the struggle.

It was a mistake. The image of Zhenya's face, which had rapidly turned
cold, remained a vivid afterimage. Taekjoo tried to twist his arm away but
was no match for Zhenya's immense strength.

For a moment, Zhenya didn't say anything and just stared down at Taekjoo
as he steadied his breathing. His eyes darted back and forth between the
straight nape of his neck and the stiffness of his wrists as if he were trying
to figure out where to crush him.

Then, out of nowhere, he twisted Taekjoo's wrist harder. The instinct to

protect his arm caused Taekjoo's entire body to tense up. Naturally, his
thighs and buttocks also clenched. Zhenya's gaze slid lazily along Taekjoo's
damp spine and settled on his ass. The smooth waistline made the rounded
mounds stand out even more. The plump flesh glistened with sweat. Soon,
the madness in Zhenya's eyes faded, replaced by a subtle desire.

He reached for Taekjoo's ass without hesitation. It was a straightforward

movement, but for some reason, his hand moved slowly. His fingertips were
just about to touch Taekjoo's butt when Taekjoo suddenly threw his weight
back, knocking Zhenya off of him, and grabbed his wrists in a firm grip.

Zhenya was caught off guard by the sudden attack. Perhaps the momentary
lapse in strength was what allowed Taekjoo to escape. The man who had
been thrown to the ground in an instant was already back to being a
magnanimous colleague. Taekjoo picked up the towel that had fallen to the
side and hung it around his neck again.
"Are you going to call your mommy?"

He was about to leave the banya when Zhenya made this sarcastic remark.

Taekjoo responded in kind.

"Yes. I'm going to tell her to give you a beating."

His middle finger appeared to be raised as well. As he left the banya and
closed the door, he heard a cheerful laugh from inside. Psycho. What the
hell was so funny? He shook his head and headed for the dressing room.

But after a few steps, he paused. He lifted his hand and put it to his chest.

His heart was pounding so hard he could barely breathe. Goosebumps were
forming on his skin.

This time it really had been dangerous. If Zhenya hadn't been distracted
halfway through, Taekjoo would've ended up breaking something. Zhenya
wasn't the type of person who would be lenient on his partner. If he was
offended, he'd destroy anyone without hesitation.

Taekjoo clenched his trembling hands into tight fists. An emotion he'd
never experienced before surfaced. It was said that you didn't know the
meaning of fear until you faced it. That was the case now.

He needed to finish this operation as soon as possible, he thought.

Completing the operation and parting ways with Zhenya would be the only
way to free himself from this unfamiliar feeling.

Twilight (5)

It was crazy, no matter how Taekjoo looked at it. It was early in the
morning on a snowy lakeside. The weather wasn't good, his surroundings
were buried in snow, and he couldn't even tell where he was, but here he
was, riding a bike before he'd even had breakfast. If he made a wrong move,
he'd be stuck in snow up to his knees. Skiing would be much easier. At least
he wouldn't look like a crazy person.
After some grumbling, a huge hill appeared in front of him, which he had to
climb to get a view of Hong Yeowook's mansion.

Impatiently, he pedalled harder, crawling up the steep slope. His spokes

spun and he slipped again and again before reaching the top. Taking a
breath, he scanned the mansion for movement. There was no sign anyone
had gone in or come out. Perhaps the overnight snow had erased it.

He tilted the bridge of his goggles outward once. It made a slight

mechanical sound as his view became three-dimensional. It was a
specialized device for seeing through buildings and structures. He pulled
the adjuster a little further out to maximize the zoom.

The mansion resembled a fortress. The chimneys were designed to lead

underground, not to the roof, so that the steam would blow out through the
earth. The tightly spaced windows, while numerous, were too small for
anyone to enter through. The water and sewer pipes also ran up the side of
the cliff, and to break in would have meant climbing the steep cliffs upside
down against the fierce winds. It was suicidal. In conclusion, the only way
in was through the front door.

He suddenly pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and bit down on it. The tip
of the cigarette glowed red, even though he hadn't lit it, and soon the
goggles displayed the annual, quarterly, monthly, and daily wind direction
and speed at the spot where Taekjoo was standing. He was getting

frustrated, but he realized that infiltrating the roof by helicopter or

parachute would be impossible.

All the methods he had in mind came to nothing. But spying was not
without its rewards, and after seeing the fortifications of the old mansion
firsthand, he was left with a question that bordered on conviction. What
could they be hiding, to have built such shields?

A smile of satisfaction spread across Taekjoo's face. The more carefully

hidden something was, the higher its value would be. He watched the
mansion for a while longer, then quickly descended the hill.
"I'm sick of this, sick of this."

Taekjoo ate breakfast as soon as he got back to the guesthouse. He gnawed

on the pelmeni like he was chewing rubber. Even though he had been
shivering outside for hours, all he got in return was a bowl of pelmeni. At
least it was warm. Even if the menu changed, it would probably still be the
same old lamb, herring, cabbage, and potatoes. Everything was new and
delicious only if you ate it occasionally, but if you ate it every day, you
were bound to get bored. He felt like he'd already eaten it just by smelling
it. The problem was that he was constantly hungry.

A hot, spicy soup was very tempting. He searched the spice cabinet for
anything resembling chili powder but couldn't find anything. His strength
was gone. He was so hungry that his stomach hurt, but he didn't want to eat
anything.

He sighed heavily, resting his chin on his arm. He'd just gotten out of a hot
shower. His hair was fluffy, and he was naked, wearing only a pair of
boxers. Covered with a blanket, he was arguing with the innocent pelmeni.

Zhenya walked into the kitchen. Taekjoo didn't look back at him but
continued to poke at the pelmeni.

"It's still quiet. No one's coming or going."

He gave an obligatory report. Zhenya didn't say anything, just rustled

something in front of the fire. Taekjoo glanced over, and his eyes widened.

It was spicy Korean noodles. Just looking at the packaging made him
salivate.

He was unable to take his eyes off the noodles. Zhenya gently lifted it.

Taekjoo's eyes darted upward. When he tossed it with his other hand and
caught it, a nervous glance followed. Zhenya's lips drew into a long arc.

"I heard Koreans would die for this. It seems to be true?"

"Where'd you get it?"

"The host gave it to me. Maybe a Korean who stayed here before gave it to
him."

In the eyes of the host, did Zhenya look more Korean than Taekjoo himself?

Why had he handed over such a precious thing to him without saying
anything? He stared at the ramen, resenting the host.

He reached out unthinkingly. His fingertips rustled against the corner of the
bag, and as if that was a sign, he suddenly stretched out his arm to grab for
the ramen. He didn't care that the blanket was sliding off his shoulders.

It would've been nice if Zhenya pretended he couldn't win, but he dodged,

lifting the ramen noodles higher. Taekjoo jumped up and down
unhesitatingly. His hand flailed as if to block a ball.

However, he fell short of Zhenya, who raised his arm and avoided it. But
Taekjoo didn't give up. He jumped again and again, trying to snatch the
ramen out of the air. As Zhenya dodged, he snickered.

"It seems that you really would die for it."

At that point, Taekjoo stopped attacking. He calmly brushed back his

dishevelled hair, drew in a ragged breath, and made his demand.

"Give it to me."

"I can't just give it to you."

There was no doubt that Zhenya was smiling. He was the devil. Taekjoo
couldn't resist and asked.

"What do you want?"

"Nothing big. It'll depend on what comes to mind."

Zhenya smirked enviously, and with his phone in one hand and the bag of
ramen noodles in the other, he read the instructions. He seemed to be using
a translator app to interpret the Korean.
Soon, a small pot of water was placed on the fire. The man who had fine-
tuned the fire stood before it, arms crossed.

Taekjoo's eyes were now glued to the pot. Saliva pooled at the corners of
his mouth. He was about to start salivating like a dog. But he couldn't take
Zhenya's bait. He didn't know what Zhenya was going to ask for. As he
hesitated, the water began to boil over.

The powdered soup dissolved in boiling water. The strong smell stimulated
his nose.

Taekjoo feigned disinterest and returned to his seat, searching for the cooled
pelmeni. Maybe his brain would create a temporary illusion. Maybe the
smell would trick his tongue. He took an optimistic bite of the pelmeni, but
the greasy flavour only spread like a mockery of his expectations.

Meanwhile, Zhenya set the finished ramen down on the table. Taekjoo's
eyes scanned it silently. He was entranced. With just one chopstick, he felt
as if the noodles would burst open. The moment the spicy Korean flavour
touched the tip of his tongue, his fatigue would melt away.

He gingerly placed his fork on the edge of the pot, but Zhenya quickly
pulled the pot away, knocking it off. He tried again, but to no avail. Zhenya
kept pushing the pot away as he approached. Impatient, Taekjoo gave him a
ridiculous warning.

"If you don't eat it right away, it'll go cold and dry."

"I don't care."

"......"

Of course, he didn't care. That son of a bitch. Taekjoo's fist clenched around
his fork. Everything blurred as a sudden ravenous hunger took over.

Rationality faded. If he didn't taste it now, he didn't know when he would

taste it again.
Perhaps he himself had been overthinking things, and Zhenya's request was
simpler than he thought. He could at least hear him out.

While he was thinking about it, the ramen broth was getting lower and
lower. He felt like he had to eat it to survive. His thinning threads of reason
snapped.

Jumping to his feet, Taekjoo picked up the pot and gulped down the soup as
if it were life-giving water.

As soon as the spicy broth touched his tongue, his eyes sharpened, his nose
cleared, and his ears opened. It was as if his butter-filled stomach had found
release.

Zhenya walked leisurely behind Taekjoo, who was too busy inhaling ramen
to notice his approach. Lowering his eyes, he slowly scanned Taekjoo's
neck and shoulders. His gaze licked its way down the straight back, smooth
waist, firm ass, and outstretched legs before he commanded in a low voice.

"Don't move."

Zhenya's fingertips touched the back of his thigh. It was a light touch, like
dust clinging to the skin. His deep gaze followed his fingertips. His blue

eyes never blinked, as if he didn't want to miss anything. His breath was
controlled.

The next moment, Taekjoo's thigh was tightly squeezed. Zhenya, who had
been gently stroking his skin, had suddenly grabbed his thigh. Taekjoo
looked on with annoyance but soon concentrated on eating his ramen again.

He was expecting some pretty mischievous demands, but this was nothing.

But that thought proved too optimistic. Zhenya's fingers slid up his boxers
and dug in. The hand that had been roaming Taekjoo's thighs now stealthily
traced the lines of his cheeks. Zhenya's eyes, once as cold as ice crystals,
were drenched in heat.
His fingers squeezed the plump flesh until it bounced off his fingers. As if
that wasn't enough, he made a shameless demand.

"Clench."

What?

Taekjoo frowned and was about to retort when a shrill alarm suddenly
sounded from the positioning monitor. He set the pot down and checked the
target's status. Sure enough, the red dot had disappeared from the
coordinates. That meant the tracker in Hong's stomach had somehow been
expelled.

He dropped the device he was looking at onto Zhenya's chest.

"You look scared shitless."

Zhenya didn't respond. Without accepting the device, he just looked down
at Taekjoo's hand. He had a wistful look on his face. Like a dog chasing a
chicken.

Taekjoo patted him on the shoulder with a smile.

"Thanks for the food."

He didn't forget to be polite, as if he was mocking Zhenya. Wrapping his

shoulders again with the blanket that had fallen to the floor, Taekjoo left the

kitchen, the pot now empty.

Zhenya, who had been standing there blankly, let out a dejected laugh.

Twilight (6)

In the evening, Zhenya went to scout out the mansion, and with him gone,
Taekjoo was finally able to breathe easier. He sprawled on his bed and
enjoyed the rest he'd been granted. His body and mind were at ease. After
all, he was better suited for solo missions. Although, in retrospect, he did
get some help from Zhenya. But it was better not to have a partner who did
more harm than good.

Suddenly, a vibration sounded. He reached for his phone out of habit, but it
was silent. It was a device that Zhenya had been saved in, so there was no
one else to contact except him. If it wasn't Taekjoo's cell phone, maybe
Zhenya had left his behind. It probably wasn't a very important call. He
could have mistaken the sound of the wind for a vibration.

Even as he considered other possibilities, he climbed out of the bunk bed to

find the source of the vibration. He peeked into Zhenya's bunk. Zhenya's
cell phone was under his pillow. Presumably, a new message had been sent.

When he opened it, the lock activated. Figuring he had nothing to lose, he
punched in the password Zhenya had entered into the weapons room.

Surely enough, it unlocked.

"......."

But then he inexplicably hesitated. Looking at other people's cell phones

wasn't anything good. It was Taekjoo's principle not to interfere with others
and not to be interfered with. Should he violate that principle and check the
message? It could be a very private communication that had nothing to do
with him. No, that was why he had to. It was a chance to see what Zhenya
was really like. His two ideas clashed sharply.

Finally, he turned on his laptop and plugged in the phone. It would be a

while before Zhenya returned. He didn't like doing this, but he needed to be
sure of Zhenya. He needed to know exactly what he was doing, if he just
joined this operation to get the blueprints, and who his connections were. If

Taekjoo could set any one of those questions straight, he could reverse the
suspicion and wariness he had towards Zhenya.

He plugged his USB into the laptop port. It was one of the few things he'd
had on him since the hotel explosion. It was specially designed to withstand
most shocks and moisture, but he didn't know if it would still work.
Nervously, he scanned the list of files on the storage device. Luckily, the
hacking program was still intact.

Once the program was running, it retrieved all the files on Zhenya's phone.

When a specific command was entered, all the information was output at
once. Taekjoo immediately removed the phone from his laptop and put it
back in its place. The phone still had an unidentified message icon on the
screen. There was no sign of the hacking,

On his laptop, he checked the most recent message. It was a long text.

[Finally fixed the error in SS-29. We are currently checking for other
defects. The final results will be announced in two days, with everyone
present. Please come share the occasion with us.]

It was unexpected. SS-29. Taekjoo knew that there had been problems with
the weapon and that the problems had been solved recently. However, he
didn't know why the message had been sent to Zhenya. Based on the
content of the message, the recipients were all involved in the development
of 'SS-29'. Surely Zhenya wasn't involved in that?

"How stupid."

"......!"

He jumped at the sudden voice. Zhenya was standing in the doorway. A

chill ran down Taekjoo's spine and the back of his head tensed. When had
Zhenya come back? He hadn't sensed any sign of him at all. It wasn't that
Taekjoo's senses were dull, it was just that Zhenya moved like a ghost. As a
result, he was caught in the act.

"If you had asked me to show you, I would've shown you."

Zhenya's nonchalant tone surprised Taekjoo. He was a shameless bastard by

nature, but he was in no position to be so now.

"How did this happen?"

"I stole it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Remember when I was at the Bogdanov mansion, and I met this girl
named Olga? Before we parted ways, she asked me for my number. While I
was typing it in, I installed a nifty little app. It's not your typical hacking
program or virus. You'd never know it was there, and it spreads like wildfire
through messages to other recipients. Thankfully, Olga must have been in
frequent contact with her family, because I can see all the messages coming
in and out of the Bogdanovs' phone."

Zhenya explained as he pulled out his cell phone. He unlocked it by hand

and tossed it to Taekjoo. Taek joo looked at it cautiously, then moved his
full attention to it. As Zhenya had claimed, all the messages the Bogdanovs
had sent and received from other people had been saved, along with folders
and folders of information about each person, from past call logs to
contacts, photo albums, notepads, and calendars. It was clear he really had
hacked the Bogdanovs.

"Those things are weaponing these days. They sell better than big, heavy
hunks of gold."

The era of armed warfare was over. Countries around the world continued
to develop weapons to increase their firepower, but it was mostly a
pretence.

Espionage had been replaced as the primary means of a power struggle

between nations. In a world were staying on top of the latest information
and secrets was paramount, Zhenya's hacking program was a welcome
addition. The fact that the Bogdanovs were his first test subjects was also
commendable. Still, questions remained.

"Good. That's all well and good. But why did you keep this hidden? Were
you going to pretend you didn't know about it until the end if I didn't find it
first?"
"I'm not about to share my business skills just because we've partnered for a
while."

Zhenya sneered, drawing a line in the sand. The words that followed
sounded particularly mocking.

"Did you ever consider me a colleague in the first place?"

There was nothing to be said for being accused in such a way. Zhenya was
entirely right. It was ridiculous to accuse him of betrayal for not sharing
advanced information, because Taekjoo didn't even consider him a
colleague.

Zhenya had a keen sense of judgment. There was no way he didn't know
that Taekjoo distrusted him. Even so, Taekjoo didn't expect Zhenya to be so
blunt about it. The point was made, and he lost the momentum to push
further.

He handed the phone back with a frown. He started to close his laptop, but
Zhenya stopped him. Then, he leaned forward and stared at the screen. His
head hovered near Taekjoo's shoulder. Taekjoo felt unnecessarily nervous as
if he were sticking his neck out in front of a flying beast. He turned his head
slightly to the side. Zhenya laughed as he checked the copied files. His
tickling breath brushed against Taekjoo's neck.

"Even if it's temporary, I'm still a colleague. But you hacked me? Am I that
untrustworthy?"

He mocked as he saw fit. His blatant gaze burned into Taekjoo's cheeks, or
rather, his temples. Taekjoo didn't bother to make excuses or offer an
apology. He simply terminated the hacking program and shut down his
laptop.

Zhenya's complaints continued.

"If you treat me coldly, I'll get hurt."

Wow.
There were limits to bullshitting, but his ridiculousness couldn't even begin
to be described.

Taekjoo gave up trying to react in any way. It was time to focus on work.

Luckily, they were informed that the problem with 'SS-29' had been
resolved, so it was time to get moving. The problem was that they still
hadn't found a way to break into the mansion.

"Since people are about to come, isn't it easier to break in before they do?"

"I suppose so."

Zhenya nodded dryly.

"When would you like to do it? Tonight? Tomorrow morning? Or maybe in

the afternoon, once we've taken a break?"

Anyone would think he was planning a walk. Taekjoo was so frustrated that
he asked.

"You bastard, why are you saying it like it's easy? There's nowhere to
enter."

"That's because you're a rat pondering over how to sneak in. You can just
walk in through the front door."

Taekjoo didn't even laugh. If he went and rang the doorbell, would they
welcome him home?

"You say it casually enough. But what's your plan?"

" We can flip my scheme."

"Flip your scheme?"

"The hacking app you saw earlier isn't even on the market yet. Not many
people know it exists. The weapons traded in these parts are mostly hunks
of iron specialized for punching and smashing. We need to raise the bar.
Think about it. Like a virus, it lodges itself in a specific carrier and then
spreads naturally and without trace through that carrier, sucking all the
information out of its victim in real-time. Who wouldn't be tempted by such
a product?"

So, they were going to try to make a fake deal with the hacking app and
make a formal visit to the mansion as arms dealers? There was definitely a
chance it could work. The owner of the mansion would be interested in
weapons, given that they were in charge of maintaining 'SS-29.'

"But what if they don't respond to our offer? I'm sure they're busy getting
ready for guests by now."

"Maybe, but if you tell them, it's a joint development between the U.S. and
South Korea, they'll give it a look."

"How can, you be sure? It's not like they're going to take our word for it.

Trust is everything in the arms trade."

"If I'm here, what's the problem?"

Zhenya looked confident.

"In case you've forgotten, I'm a businessman myself. No one doubts my

goods."

"Since you're so confident, you must have the credibility of an ant's eyeball.

Are you sure about this? You're going to lose money, and you'll be releasing
a product that you never intended to release."

"There's no worse loss than not getting Anastasia."

If that was what he thought, there was no reason to refuse. With all avenues
of entry blocked, it was hard to think of a better way.

Zhenya, who had a hand in the arms smuggling business, would introduce
Taekjoo, a former South Korean intelligence officer. He would show off the
hacking app from earlier, claiming it was a joint U.S.-South Korean
development. If they could catch attention, they would easily get into the
fortress-like mansion. There might be unexpected problems inside, but they
could be dealt with as they arose.

"Sergei Ilyich Bogdanov. The owner of the mansion. Distantly related to

Vissarion."

Zhenya showed Taekjoo a picture of a middle-aged man. He seemed to be

quite famous in Russia if he could be found on the internet.

"He's got a thing for weapons, especially if they're American-made. His

eyeballs roll around and start burning."

He was an appreciative weapons enthusiast. The signs were good.

Late at night, Taekjoo quietly got out of bed. He cautiously descended the
ladder, not wanting to wake Zhenya on the bottom bunk. He didn't stir, still
in a deep sleep. Taekjoo glanced at his face, just in case, but the inside of
his closed eyelids was still. His breathing was even and calm. Only after
confirming several times that he was asleep did Taekjoo leave the room.

He kept his footsteps quiet and made his way through the darkened hallway.

Soon he arrived at the host's room. It was late, so he tried knocking first.

There was a faint creak from inside the door, and then it opened. The
sleeping host stuck his head out quickly. Taekjoo lifted his head and
apologized.

"Sorry for being out so late . Can I make an international call?"

He added the excuse that he dropped his phone in the toilet. Of course, it
wasn't true. He tried to convince the host that his single mom's birthday was
today in Korea. That was also a lie.

With an annoyed look on his face, the host reluctantly let Taekjoo into the
room. He offered him the phone and explained how to make an
international call. After carefully explaining how to calculate the fee, he
walked out.

As soon as the door closed, Taekjoo picked up the phone. He rarely called
the people he wanted to talk to privately. He used radios during operations
and texts for everything else, so he had a hard time remembering contacts.

The phone rang for a long time with one long beep. Perhaps the person on
the other end had fallen asleep, but they didn't pick up right away.

Eventually, he heard a voice saying that the customer was unavailable.

Undeterred, he pressed redial. The beeping started again. Just as he was

about to give up, he heard the voice he'd been waiting for.

"Hello?"

"Yoo Jongwoo."

– Sun, sunbae?

Twilight (7)

When Yoo Jongwoo realized it was Taekjoo, he seemed surprised. He

stuttered, "What's up," but his voice was devoid of any joy or longing. In
fact, it seemed like he was pulling at his hair because he wished he hadn't
answered.

"I need to ask you for a favour."

– To ask... me? Like this? Suddenly? Where are you right now? What's with
your number?

"None of that matters, just listen to me."

He couldn't explain the details to Yoon Jongwoo. It was strictly forbidden to

divulge the details of the operation, even to colleagues in the same
organization. That was why Yoon Jongwoo didn't know where Taekjoo was
or what he was doing right now. So, Taekjoo asked him as quickly as he
could. In fact, it was more of an order than a request.

"I sent you a picture in your email, so find out what he's doing."

– Who is it?

"I must've called you already knowing that, huh?"

– Oh, right. You don't know, so you're telling me to look him up Yoon
Jongwoo chuckled awkwardly. Taekjoo had sent a picture of Zhenya to his
email earlier. He told him about how they happened to be traveling together
and gave him some direction for his investigation. Yoon Jongwoo would be
able to find out the profile of the person in the photo, as well as any
unofficial information.

Taekjoo repeatedly emphasized, looking around his surroundings warily.

"Can you figure it out quickly? You'll have to call me on the number I'm
calling you with now."

– Did you change your phone number?

"Well, something happened."

Memories of the day his phone blew away flashed through his mind. It had
been a moment of desperation. He almost touched the back of his head. He
was lucky to be alive to think about it again. Talking to Yoon Jongwoo on
the phone seemed unreal.

Yoon Jongwoo hung up the phone, saying he would find out as soon as
possible. Except for that genius hacking ability of his, he was a clumsy
junior. He missed the days when he would come and go. Humans were so
treacherous. Only after seeing the uglier and dirtier side would they realize
what was better.

He ended the call and headed out the door. As he walked down the hall, he
could see light coming from the kitchen. The host's voice drifted over
intermittently. It seemed that he was chatting with a guest who hadn't been
able to sleep. Kwon Taekjoo stopped by the kitchen for a while because he
couldn't go back after interrupting his sleep.

"Thank you. for your help...."

He spoke casually but stopped dead in his tracks. As soon as he entered the
kitchen, he saw a familiar figure. Sure enough, Zhenya glanced back. In
front of him was a glass and a bottle of vodka. He must have been the one
talking to the host earlier. Taekjoo felt a pit in his stomach, like he'd done
something unspeakable.

Zhenya asked, sounding like he already knew the answer.

"Who were you calling?"

"My mother."

"...Ah."

Taekjoo thought he would get made fun of, but Zhenya didn't give much
reaction. It was better to leave before things got any more awkward, he
thought. He hurriedly apologized to the host for his rudeness and spoke to
Zhenya.

He closed the door and climbed into his bunk bed, pulling the covers up to
his neck. His mind raced. If he got too nervous, he would be exhausted
tomorrow. There was nothing like sleep to improve his condition. He tried
to force himself to sleep.

As Taekjoo's tossing and turning slowed, the surroundings grew quiet.

Outside the window, it was snowing again. There was the occasional noise
from the kitchen not far away. At first, it was disturbing, but then the noise
grew into a lullaby. His entire body felt drowsy, and his eyelids drooped
heavily. He lay facing the wall and drifted off to sleep.

Snow fell, piled up, blew away, and piled up again. A long time passed. It
was almost dawn, and the sun was about to rise.
Suddenly, the door that had been closed the entire time opened. Zhenya
stepped in. He walked straight to the bed. He had emptied a bottle of vodka
all by himself, so he was in good shape for a good night's sleep. But instead
of getting into bed, he reached out and grabbed the railing of the second
bunk.

"......."

Being a tall man, he could see the back of Taekjoo's head and his straight
back rising and falling with his breathing. He watched the peaceful scene
for a while. For the briefest moment, his blue eyes glistened with a strange
lustre.

He stood and watched for a long time. He forgot to blink, and only when he
had had enough did, he lean over and lie down. The air, stirred by his
movement, quickly settled. The room grew eerily quiet again.

It was right after that.

"......."

Taekjoo's tightly closed eyelids fluttered open. He stared at the dark wall,
lost in thought.

"Shall we go?"

Zhenya asked, standing in the doorway. Taekjoo adjusted his tie and
nodded. He was in the process of putting on a suit. He usually wore a semi-
formal suit, but today he took extra care. It had been a long time since he'd
buttoned his shirt all the way up. He felt uncomfortable with the tightness
of the tie around his neck.

As he put on his vest and jacket, buttoning them up, Zhenya walked up
behind him. When Kwon Taekjoo looked at him curiously, Zhenya
suddenly put his fur coat over his shoulders. He must've looked shabby for
a guest.
The natural fur felt soft against his skin. It weighed more than he expected,
making him feel like he was wearing an Armor of steel. While enjoying the
feel of the fur, Taekjoo glanced at himself in the mirror and was stunned.

He had never been called short in his life, but in the mirror, he looked like
an adolescent boy who had stolen his father's clothes. The arms were fine, if
a bit large, but the length was the problem. The hem of the coat, which had
flapped around Zhenya's ankles, was dragging on the floor.

"This... no thanks."

He took off the fur coat and handed it back to Zhenya. His expression was
bitter.

Zhenya, on the other hand, looked triumphant. His eyes twisted mockingly,
and Taekjoo could tell he did it on purpose. For some reason, he was acting
kind, but it was just a ploy to make fun of others.

He glared at Zhenya, then took the lead, and left the guesthouse. The host
met them at the door and saw them off.

He was going to sit in the back seat but then moved to the passenger seat.

Since he was Zhenya's invited guest, it didn't matter if he sat in the back.

But if Sergei Ilyich saw him, he would be suspicious. He would know that
Zhenya wasn't the kind of person who would drive someone else around.

There was no room for even the slightest suspicion.

Zhenya soon took the driver's seat. Taekjoo straightened up unconsciously.

When Zhenya reached out his arms, Taekjoo stiffened. They'd been together
for a few days now, but he had hardly let his guard down.

The car drove away from the guesthouse. The wind had blown the snow
overnight, erasing all traces, leaving one long trail as the car wheels rolled
over the roadless ridge.
It seemed far when he was cycling in the freezing cold, but they soon
arrived in front of the mansion. Zhenya stopped the car just outside the
front door. He glanced at Taekjoo, as if asking for permission to go straight
in. Taekjoo took a deep breath and nodded.

"Let's go."

"As you wish."

A smirking Zhenya pressed the gas pedal without warning. The car bounced
through the driveway and up to the front gate in a flash. Cameras mounted
on either side of the thick steel gates locked onto the car. As they scanned
the occupants, guns mounted underneath pointed at their temples. If they
moved, their heads would be blown off.

The cameras then panned back to their original positions and the steel gate
opened. An SUV appeared through the slowly opening gate. It seemed to be
a greeting to the unexpected visitors. The SUV's windows rolled down, and
a group of suited guards stepped out, rifles drawn. Kwon Taekjoo raised his
arms obediently, having expected that kind of welcome.

The guards nodded for the two men to follow, satisfied that they had no
intention of resisting. The SUV that had been blocking their path, still
facing the car, slowly backed up. Zhenya maneuverer the car the distance
the SUV had backed up. When the car was fully inside the gates, the heavy
iron gates slammed shut. They were completely trapped. Taekjoo's and
Zhenya's gazes met, then broke apart.

Despite the exterior, the interior was unassuming, even crude. The small
garden in front of the building was a wasteland. The lack of greenery wasn't
just because it was the middle of winter. Either Sergei Ilyich didn't care
about maintaining the building, or he had a taste for antiques. The building
was cracked and weathered, like an ancient ruin.

The two were led to the front steps of the building. The SUV pulled up first,
and armed men poured out of it. They circled the wagon, then roughly
opened the driver's and passenger's doors, and pushed them in at gunpoint.
Zhenya and Taekjoo's eyes met again. One of the guards took advantage of
the moment to pull Taekjoo away, shoving him against the body of the car
and searching him. All of his firearms were confiscated, including the Colt
in his waistband and the Glock 26 in his jacket. He also had to surrender a
small knife he used to cut fruit.

Zhenya wasn't spared, either. A man searched every inch of his body for a
long time before reaching his groin. The man tilted his head, wondering if it
was even a human body part. It looked like a penis, but he suspected it was
something else. The outline also looked vaguely like a gun. Zhenya smirked
as the man contemplated, and then his penis twitched. The stern man
coughed and quickly retreated.

At that moment, a hearty-looking Russian descended. It was Sergei Ilyich, a

distant relative of Vissarion, the head of the Bogdanov family. He had once

been a member of the Duma, but his glory days were long past. Scandals
and rumours had driven him out of politics, and he had retreated into
hiding. It was then that he turned his attention from the world of politics to
the underworld.

The dilapidated mansion in Siberia seemed to speak of his plight. It also

seemed to explain why 'SS-29', painstakingly developed, was hidden here.

No one would suspect that the Bogdanovs, Russia's most powerful family,
would entrust such an important object to a distant relative in the middle of
nowhere.

Sergei Ilyich stood with his hands clasped together on his cane. He was a
fat man, but he didn't seem to have particularly bad legs. A cane with a
large jewel would've been nothing more than an ornament. He paused in the
middle of the staircase, staring down at Taekjoo with a stern look. Taekjoo
faced him calmly. Their gazes locked in a tense struggle.

Sergei soon gave a sly smile.

"Why'd you come here?"

"I got a good product, so I thought I'd show it to you."

It was Zhenya who answered the question. Sergei's gaze slid from Taekjoo
to him.

"A good product?"

"Let's go inside and talk about it. I don't think this is the kind of product
you'd want to show off in a place like this."

"Well, my house is a mess right now...."

He stalled with a lame excuse. Zhenya encouraged him with a confident

tone.

"I'm sure you'll like it."

It was a voice anyone would be tempted by. That's why Zhenya was a
businessman. There was a strong sense of certainty, confidence, and even a
hint of coldness that this was the only chance. Sergei's expression turned
serious.

Taekjoo couldn't help but worry. The mansion was currently housing Hong
Yeowook, and 'SS-29' was hidden inside. It would be embarrassing for
Sergei if he were to invite a guest in, only to have secrets leaked or trouble
arise. But he wasn't about to give up the package without checking it out.

Sergei smiled and looked back and forth between Zhenya and Taekjoo, then
made up his mind and nodded simply. As he turned and walked up the
stairs, his thugs released their hold on the two. Taekjoo brushed off his
wrinkled clothes and followed Zhenya as he walked ahead. For now, they
had succeeded in piquing Sergei's interest. It was a good start.

Soon, they were escorted to Sergei's private study. Sitting at the head of the
table, Sergei stuck out his hand for a handshake.

"It's been a long time."

Zhenya nodded slightly and clasped his hand. Sergei glanced in Kwon
Taekjoo's direction, as if seeking an explanation.

"This is a South Korean intelligence agent..."

"I'm Lim Daehyung."

Taek-joo was the first to extend his hand. Without hesitation, he

impersonated Director Lim. In any case, Director Lim would be doing well
in Korea, so he wouldn't be falsely accused of anything. He might have to
suffer a bit, but that was the price he paid for pushing Taekjoo into this
operation.

Sergei casually clasped Taekjoo's hand.

"I see. Nice to meet you."

There was a ring on every one of his thick fingers. If there was ever a ten-
fingered dog-like doleful-looking man, it would be him. When Taekjoo let
go of his hand, Sergei's fingers gently tickled the centre of his palm before
pulling away. He flinched. Zhenya must've been watching because he
laughed.

"I don't have a lot of time, so let's cut to the chase. You brought some
goodies?"

Sergei directly asked. Zhenya launched into a prepared explanation.

"There's a program that's still unknown to the industry, but it was created
about three months ago as a joint South Korean-American effort. The two
countries, recognizing the importance of information superiority early on,
came up with a way to spy on the enemy like a ghost. With this program,
you don't have to send out elite agents to steal information directly or break
through solid security. It's technically hacking, but it never leaves a trace.

You don't even have to risk direct contact with the enemy. All you have to
do is borrow a communication device from one of their acquaintances, and
the moment they send a call, message, text, email, etc. to the enemy, the
malware takes over, giving you real-time visibility into everything that goes
in and out of their phone. They'll never know that their information is being
stolen. How's that for interesting?"

"Hmm? Sounds like something out of a spy movie."

"It's a reality now."

Zhenya held out his cell phone. Sergei took it, half-heartedly. The first thing
he checked was the messages menu. His cheeks twitched intermittently as
he sifted through the thousands of messages. His face took on a strange
expression that seemed to be both smiling and not. What would it be like to
find a message you only sent to a specific person on a third party's phone?

Sergei soon put down the phone and rubbed his hands together.

"This is... difficult."

"You don't have to answer right away. I can wait a day if you want."

He gave until the end of the day. Sergei looked at Zhenya meaningfully and
smiled. Still, as if he were worried, he tapped his forehead in thoughtful
contemplation and glanced between Zhenya and Taekjoo from time to time.

The product itself was so coveted, he seemed suspicious about why they
had chosen to bring it to him.

Sergei paused for a moment longer, then finally nodded.

"Alright. I'll think about it and make a decision. It's going to cost a lot, but
it's too tempting to pass up. In the meantime, could you stay here?"

It would be at least a day before the men associated with 'SS-29' arrived.

Until then, Sergei only had to decide. If it was interesting, he'd take it. If he
was still hesitant to buy it, he'd send the two men away. The only thing he
had to be careful of was not to expose the presence of 'SS-29'.
In other words, they had one day to find 'SS-29' before Sergei made his
decision.

Taekjoo smiled, naturally accepting the offer.

"Of course."

Twilight (8)

As soon as Taekjoo walked into the room, he got busy. Standing with his
back to the door, he scanned the room's overall layout. He walked along the
walls and looked at the windows. After carefully checking the shape of the
window frames and the material of the glass, he tried pulling them in and
pushing them out.

The fixed ones didn't budge. Outside, there was nothing but a black cliff. It
was all as he'd expected. There's no way they'd give a stranger a nice room.

It seemed unlikely that he could get anywhere in the mansion without

traveling through the guarded corridors.

He pulled a lighter out of his pocket. It was a small device that used high
heat to pierce glass or thin sheets of steel. He'd used it at the Bogdanovs'

mansion before. He bent it into a starter and rolled the wheel of the flint.

There were a few flashes at the tip, and soon there was a hot flame. With it,
he drilled a large hole in the cliff-side window.

Setting the neatly cut piece on the windowsill, he stuck his left wrist
through the opening. He pressed his head against the glass and pointed his
wristwatch at the sky. Pressing down firmly on the time-adjusting
mechanism on the side, the watch face opened, and something shot upward.

The object shot in a straight line and quickly disappeared from view. Soon
after, a click echoed through the air.

Taking off his wristwatch, Taekjoo opened the inner cover and pulled out a
tiny memory chip. He plugged it into his cell phone and called up the stored
file. Soon, a cross-sectional view of the mansion appeared on his phone
screen. It was as if he was looking through a bird's eye view, and he could
see the structure of the building at a glance. Even the hidden spaces in the
walls and floors were clearly visible.

Taekjoo sent the cross-section to Zhenya and tried to guess where 'SS-29'

was stored. He had three or four guesses. In the basement, the spire attic,

behind the second bookcase in the study, and in Sergei's bedroom.

He pressed in an earpiece to communicate with Zhenya.

"We have no choice but to search room by room."

– I'll take the study. The security is tight, and it seems like fun.

"Don't kill innocent people. It's a pain in the ass to clean up after you."

– I've never hurt an innocent person before. I'm just legitimately trying to
protect myself.

'Legitimately' wasn't a word that was for him to use, that bastard. Taekjoo
clicked his tongue and ended the meaningless conversation.

"Then I'll start with the basement. Good luck."

As soon as he finished, he looked back and forth between the door and the
bathroom. He quickly made up his mind and headed for the bathroom.

Given the mansion's purpose, he was sure there were surveillance cameras
hidden in the hallways and stairwells, as well as in mundane places like fire
extinguishers, picture frames, and potted plants. With an unwelcome visitor,
security would be extra tight, and with no way of knowing where 'SS-29'

was, he couldn't recklessly attack head-on. When outnumbered, it was best

to avoid confrontation.
The cross-section showed that the bathroom ceiling had a vent. The vents in
all the rooms were connected and led up to the spire to release air. The
basement was no exception.

The cross-section showed that the bathroom ceiling had a vent. The vents in
all the rooms were connected and led up to the spire to release air. The
basement was no exception.

After completing the series of tasks, he stepped up on the toilet and

removed the vent cover. He poked his head through the half-opened vent
and saw a dark passage. There wasn't much space, but it seemed
manageable.

He climbed up effortlessly. The low ceiling of the vent pressed against his
back. The slightest movement raised a cloud of dust that tickled his nose
and throat. He buried his nose in his arms and coughed for a long time.

He turned on his headlamp and looked ahead. He could make out about a
meter in front of him. He took a short, deep breath, crossed his elbows, and
started crawling. He was careful because he knew the ceiling would echo.

As he passed the room and approached the corridor, he heard the sound of
conversation from below. It seemed to be coming from guards in front of
Taekjoo's room. He pushed past the chatter and advanced with bated breath.

It wasn't long before he came to a fork in the road. Taekjoo took a moment
to turn on his phone and double-check the cross-section. He had to turn left
to reach the basement. As he turned and moved to the left, a slope appeared.

It looked like a path downstairs. As before, he put half his weight on one
elbow and stretched his upper body out. But at that moment, the floor gave
way.

"......!"

He'd fallen on the bottom of an aging ventilation shaft. He quickly grabbed

the wall to keep his balance. The impact made quite a noise, and a guard
walking by stopped in his tracks. Taekjoo could see his head peeking out
from beneath the netted vents. The guard glanced back at something behind
him, then tilted his head again. His companion ahead of him asked, "What's
going on?"

"Didn't you just hear something just now?"

"What'd you hear?"

"I thought I heard something rattling..."

He looked left and right again, then suddenly looked up at the ceiling. He
spotted a crooked ventilation hole that had been there for a while but hadn't
been repaired. The owner, Sergei, had been putting it off for a while, saying
he'd do a major renovation after he was done with the important work.

Did a rat pass by? The sound was too heavy for that. Unable to let go of his
doubts, the guard rapped the ceiling with his rifle. It would make a hollow
sound unless there was something up there. The vent rattled loudly at the
slightest tap. Impatient, he checked everywhere else. He didn't detect the
presence of anything anywhere. His coworker criticized, "Why's my
colleague so nervous?"

"There's nothing."

"That's right."

"Never mind. How many days has it been since we've seen a rat?"

The guard stared at the vent with a shudder, then was pulled away by his
companion.

Taekjoo was struggling in the dust-filled passage. His head, back, hips, and
arms were pressed against the ceiling of the ventilation shaft, with only his
toes touching the floor. He was sweating and his hands were slipping. If he
fell, the ceiling would rattle again, and he could only hope that the two
guards would disappear down the hallway before then.

Once they might think it was a mistake, but they wouldn't let it happen
again. There was no way out if the guards decided to search the passage.
The problem was there was nothing he could do to fix his uncomfortable
position right now. Sweat beaded on his forehead and dripped to the floor.

His wet hands were dripping. He didn't think he could hold on much longer.

This was his limit.

With a thud, his body crashed to the ground. The ceiling shook loudly. With
bated breath, he scanned the dynamics below. His heart was pounding fast.

Every minute and second seemed like an eternity. He waited for another
minute, but there was no sign of anyone running after the noise. The guards
must have left the hallway entirely. He released the breath he'd been
holding.

"Hah, hah..."

He took a moment to catch his breath and moved again. He circled down a
passageway that seemed to go on forever. Slowly, the stale smell of dust
and moss rose. At last, it seemed, he had reached the basement. The
basement's vents were vertical, like chimneys, and looked to be at least four
meters high at the long end and two meters at the short end. He struggled to
turn around, not wanting to fall headfirst, and plunged down.

The speed of his fall and his weight worked together to smash the vent
cover. He rolled for a moment to break the impact of his fall. As soon as he
hit the ground, a cloud of dust rose.

His vision blurred. He pressed the back of his hand against a cough that
threatened to break out. He waved away the dust and looked around at his
surroundings. The basement was piled high with miscellaneous items, but
what caught Taekjoo's eye was something wrapped in thick paper. It was
quite large.

He rushed over and cleared the area. In one swift motion, he lifted the
covering. Again, the dust kicked up. This time, he couldn't help but sneeze.
When he opened his reflexively closed eyes, his shoulders slumped. It
wasn't the weapon he'd expected to see. It was an antique piano, and when
he opened the lid, a pack of red-eyed rats scurried out.

He sighed heavily. He had come all this way, but he had wasted his time. He
wanted to deny the reality in front of him. In a futile effort, he searched
through the piano and all the boxes and crates in the room, but he couldn't
find any firearms or anything resembling them. He pushed and knocked on
the walls, but there was no second room.

Worse, he realized he'd have to go back the same way he came. He stared
helplessly at the ceiling. There had been a glimmer of hope on the way
down, but now it was just a struggle. He was faced with a three- to four-
meter vertical passage. How was he going to get up there?

In his anguish, Taekjoo pulled out a special device that looked like a
camera, which he had brought with him just in case. He aimed the lens at
the ceiling vent and pressed the shutter button. A long cord, along with the

lens cap, went into the vent. It didn't fall back down, so it must have stuck
somewhere on the ceiling. He tugged on it to make sure, but it was firmly in
place and only made the cord tighter.

He climbed onto the old piano and connected the cord to his belt. Then, he
grabbed the cord with both hands, kicked his legs out, and climbed on the
cord. He was familiar with this because it was a drill from his judo training.

Once Taekjoo was safely in the vent, he crawled back to his room. He
would pause whenever he sensed a human presence beneath him before
continuing to move again. Slowly, as he got closer to his room, he became
exhausted. He just wanted to go back and lie down.

He had just passed the point from the hallway to his room. Suddenly, there
was a knock on the door. It had to be Sergei or one of his underlings since
Zhenya never knocked. He froze for a moment, then hurried down the
passage.
The knock sounded again. By the time Taekjoo reached the bathroom vent,
the door was slowly opening. There was no time.

Sergei, who had burst into Kwon Taekjoo's room, looked around at the
mess. The sound of running water was coming from the bathroom. Perhaps
he hadn't realized that someone was here because he was washing up.

Sergei debated over what to do but decided to come back later. Taekjoo was
a guest, after all, and it was only polite.

As he turned and headed for the door, he suddenly stopped dead in his
tracks. Then, for some reason, he strode to the bathroom. There was even a
sense of urgency in his stern face.

He grabbed the door handle and pulled it down, but it was already locked
from the inside. Usually, the door was locked, not the bathroom. He had a
bad feeling. Sergei immediately pulled a packet of keys from his pocket. He
sifted through the many keys until he found the right one.

Just then, the bathroom door swung open. The steam that had been filling
the bathroom billowed out through the opening. The man who opened the
door was none other than Taekjoo. Perhaps he had just gotten out of the
shower because his black hair was drenched in moisture. His toned body

was also dripping wet. His body looked like it had been shaped with
painstaking care.

Sergei stared blankly at Taekjoo. It was Taekjoo who broke the long silence.

"Is something the matter?"

"Oh, it's almost time for dinner... why don't we have a meal together...."

Sergei's stuttering eyes slid slowly from Taekjoo's face to his chest, to his
abdomen, and further down. His thick lips were parted. Taekjoo unfolded a
bath towel and wrapped it around his waist. It was only then that Sergei
suddenly came to his senses. He looked as if he regretted never being able
to savour such a sight again.
"You came to the bathroom to ask for a meal together?"

"Ah, I'm sorry if I offended you. I was afraid something was going on in
there because no matter how many times I knocked, you didn't answer."

Sergei gave a lame excuse. He asked Taekjoo to join him in the dining room
on the first floor, then hurried out of the room. The door slammed shut
behind him. The sound of footsteps lingered for a moment but soon faded
away.

Taekjoo slipped a robe on and let out a deep sigh of relief as he sat down.

He'd almost come face to face with Sergei, covered in dust. His chest
heaved, heart racing. He ran an annoyed hand through his wet hair.

Twilight (9)

When Yoo Jongwoo realized it was Taekjoo, he seemed surprised. He

stuttered, "What's up," but his voice was devoid of any joy or longing. In
fact, it seemed like he was pulling at his hair because he wished he hadn't
answered.

"I need to ask you for a favour."

– To ask... me? Like this? Suddenly? Where are you right now? What's with
your number?

"None of that matters, just listen to me."

He couldn't explain the details to Yoon Jongwoo. It was strictly forbidden to

divulge the details of the operation, even to colleagues in the same
organization. That was why Yoon Jongwoo didn't know where Taekjoo was
or what he was doing right now. So, Taekjoo asked him as quickly as he
could. In fact, it was more of an order than a request.

"I sent you a picture in your email, so find out what he's doing."

– Who is it?
"I must've called you already knowing that, huh?"

– Oh, right. You don't know, so you're telling me to look him up Yoon
Jongwoo chuckled awkwardly. Taekjoo had sent a picture of Zhenya to his
email earlier. He told him about how they happened to be traveling together
and gave him some direction for his investigation. Yoon Jongwoo would be
able to find out the profile of the person in the photo, as well as any
unofficial information.

Taekjoo repeatedly emphasized, looking around his surroundings warily.

"Can you figure it out quickly? You'll have to call me on the number I'm
calling you with now."

– Did you change your phone number?

"Well, something happened."

Memories of the day his phone blew away flashed through his mind. It had
been a moment of desperation. He almost touched the back of his head. He
was lucky to be alive to think about it again. Talking to Yoon Jongwoo on
the phone seemed unreal.

Yoon Jongwoo hung up the phone, saying he would find out as soon as
possible. Except for that genius hacking ability of his, he was a clumsy
junior. He missed the days when he would come and go. Humans were so
treacherous. Only after seeing the uglier and dirtier side would they realize
what was better.

He ended the call and headed out the door. As he walked down the hall, he
could see light coming from the kitchen. The host's voice drifted over
intermittently. It seemed that he was chatting with a guest who hadn't been
able to sleep. Kwon Taekjoo stopped by the kitchen for a while because he
couldn't go back after interrupting his sleep.

"Thank you. for your help...."

He spoke casually but stopped dead in his tracks. As soon as he entered the
kitchen, he saw a familiar figure. Sure enough, Zhenya glanced back. In
front of him was a glass and a bottle of vodka. He must have been the one
talking to the host earlier. Taekjoo felt a pit in his stomach, like he'd done
something unspeakable.

Zhenya asked, sounding like he already knew the answer.

"Who were you calling?"

"My mother."

"...Ah."

Taekjoo thought he would get made fun of, but Zhenya didn't give much
reaction. It was better to leave before things got any more awkward, he
thought. He hurriedly apologized to the host for his rudeness and spoke to
Zhenya.

He closed the door and climbed into his bunk bed, pulling the covers up to
his neck. His mind raced. If he got too nervous, he would be exhausted
tomorrow. There was nothing like sleep to improve his condition. He tried
to force himself to sleep.

As Taekjoo's tossing and turning slowed, the surroundings grew quiet.

Outside the window, it was snowing again. There was the occasional noise
from the kitchen not far away. At first, it was disturbing, but then the noise
grew into a lullaby. His entire body felt drowsy, and his eyelids drooped
heavily. He lay facing the wall and drifted off to sleep.

Snow fell, piled up, blew away, and piled up again. A long time passed. It
was almost dawn, and the sun was about to rise.

Suddenly, the door that had been closed the entire time opened. Zhenya
stepped in. He walked straight to the bed. He had emptied a bottle of vodka
all by himself, so he was in good shape for a good night's sleep. But instead
of getting into bed, he reached out and grabbed the railing of the second
bunk.

"......."

Being a tall man, he could see the back of Taekjoo's head and his straight
back rising and falling with his breathing. He watched the peaceful scene
for a while. For the briefest moment, his blue eyes glistened with a strange
lustre.

He stood and watched for a long time. He forgot to blink, and only when he
had had enough did, he lean over and lie down. The air, stirred by his
movement, quickly settled. The room grew eerily quiet again.

It was right after that.

"......."

Taekjoo's tightly closed eyelids fluttered open. He stared at the dark wall,
lost in thought.

"Shall we go?"

Zhenya asked, standing in the doorway. Taekjoo adjusted his tie and
nodded. He was in the process of putting on a suit. He usually wore a semi-
formal suit, but today he took extra care. It had been a long time since he'd
buttoned his shirt all the way up. He felt uncomfortable with the tightness
of the tie around his neck.

As he put on his vest and jacket, buttoning them up, Zhenya walked up
behind him. When Kwon Taekjoo looked at him curiously, Zhenya
suddenly put his fur coat over his shoulders. He must've looked shabby for
a guest.

The natural fur felt soft against his skin. It weighed more than he expected,
making him feel like he was wearing an Armor of steel. While enjoying the
feel of the fur, Taekjoo glanced at himself in the mirror and was stunned.
He had never been called short in his life, but in the mirror, he looked like
an adolescent boy who had stolen his father's clothes. The arms were fine, if
a bit large, but the length was the problem. The hem of the coat, which had
flapped around Zhenya's ankles, was dragging on the floor.

"This... no thanks."

He took off the fur coat and handed it back to Zhenya. His expression was
bitter.

Zhenya, on the other hand, looked triumphant. His eyes twisted mockingly,
and Taekjoo could tell he did it on purpose. For some reason, he was acting
kind, but it was just a ploy to make fun of others.

He glared at Zhenya, then took the lead, and left the guesthouse. The host
met them at the door and saw them off.

He was going to sit in the back seat but then moved to the passenger seat.

Since he was Zhenya's invited guest, it didn't matter if he sat in the back.

But if Sergei Ilyich saw him, he would be suspicious. He would know that
Zhenya wasn't the kind of person who would drive someone else around.

There was no room for even the slightest suspicion.

Zhenya soon took the driver's seat. Taekjoo straightened up unconsciously.

When Zhenya reached out his arms, Taekjoo stiffened. They'd been together
for a few days now, but he had hardly let his guard down.

The car drove away from the guesthouse. The wind had blown the snow
overnight, erasing all traces, leaving one long trail as the car wheels rolled
over the roadless ridge.

It seemed far when he was cycling in the freezing cold, but they soon
arrived in front of the mansion. Zhenya stopped the car just outside the
front door. He glanced at Taekjoo, as if asking for permission to go straight
in. Taekjoo took a deep breath and nodded.
"Let's go."

"As you wish."

A smirking Zhenya pressed the gas pedal without warning. The car bounced
through the driveway and up to the front gate in a flash. Cameras mounted
on either side of the thick steel gates locked onto the car. As they scanned
the occupants, guns mounted underneath pointed at their temples. If they
moved, their heads would be blown off.

The cameras then panned back to their original positions and the steel gate
opened. An SUV appeared through the slowly opening gate. It seemed to be
a greeting to the unexpected visitors. The SUV's windows rolled down, and
a group of suited guards stepped out, rifles drawn. Kwon Taekjoo raised his
arms obediently, having expected that kind of welcome.

The guards nodded for the two men to follow, satisfied that they had no
intention of resisting. The SUV that had been blocking their path, still
facing the car, slowly backed up. Zhenya maneuverer the car the distance
the SUV had backed up. When the car was fully inside the gates, the heavy
iron gates slammed shut. They were completely trapped. Taekjoo's and
Zhenya's gazes met, then broke apart.

Despite the exterior, the interior was unassuming, even crude. The small
garden in front of the building was a wasteland. The lack of greenery wasn't
just because it was the middle of winter. Either Sergei Ilyich didn't care
about maintaining the building, or he had a taste for antiques. The building
was cracked and weathered, like an ancient ruin.

The two were led to the front steps of the building. The SUV pulled up first,
and armed men poured out of it. They circled the wagon, then roughly
opened the driver's and passenger's doors, and pushed them in at gunpoint.

Zhenya and Taekjoo's eyes met again. One of the guards took advantage of
the moment to pull Taekjoo away, shoving him against the body of the car
and searching him. All of his firearms were confiscated, including the Colt
in his waistband and the Glock 26 in his jacket. He also had to surrender a
small knife he used to cut fruit.
Zhenya wasn't spared, either. A man searched every inch of his body for a
long time before reaching his groin. The man tilted his head, wondering if it
was even a human body part. It looked like a penis, but he suspected it was
something else. The outline also looked vaguely like a gun. Zhenya smirked
as the man contemplated, and then his penis twitched. The stern man
coughed and quickly retreated.

At that moment, a hearty-looking Russian descended. It was Sergei Ilyich, a

distant relative of Vissarion, the head of the Bogdanov family. He had once

been a member of the Duma, but his glory days were long past. Scandals
and rumours had driven him out of politics, and he had retreated into
hiding. It was then that he turned his attention from the world of politics to
the underworld.

The dilapidated mansion in Siberia seemed to speak of his plight. It also

seemed to explain why 'SS-29', painstakingly developed, was hidden here.

No one would suspect that the Bogdanovs, Russia's most powerful family,
would entrust such an important object to a distant relative in the middle of
nowhere.

Sergei Ilyich stood with his hands clasped together on his cane. He was a
fat man, but he didn't seem to have particularly bad legs. A cane with a
large jewel would've been nothing more than an ornament. He paused in the
middle of the staircase, staring down at Taekjoo with a stern look. Taekjoo
faced him calmly. Their gazes locked in a tense struggle.

Sergei soon gave a sly smile.

"Why'd you come here?"

"I got a good product, so I thought I'd show it to you."

It was Zhenya who answered the question. Sergei's gaze slid from Taekjoo
to him.

"A good product?"

"Let's go inside and talk about it. I don't think this is the kind of product
you'd want to show off in a place like this."

"Well, my house is a mess right now...."

He stalled with a lame excuse. Zhenya encouraged him with a confident

tone.

"I'm sure you'll like it."

It was a voice anyone would be tempted by. That's why Zhenya was a
businessman. There was a strong sense of certainty, confidence, and even a
hint of coldness that this was the only chance. Sergei's expression turned
serious.

Taekjoo couldn't help but worry. The mansion was currently housing Hong
Yeowook, and 'SS-29' was hidden inside. It would be embarrassing for
Sergei if he were to invite a guest in, only to have secrets leaked or trouble
arise. But he wasn't about to give up the package without checking it out.

Sergei smiled and looked back and forth between Zhenya and Taekjoo, then
made up his mind and nodded simply. As he turned and walked up the
stairs, his thugs released their hold on the two. Taekjoo brushed off his
wrinkled clothes and followed Zhenya as he walked ahead. For now, they
had succeeded in piquing Sergei's interest. It was a good start.

Soon, they were escorted to Sergei's private study. Sitting at the head of the
table, Sergei stuck out his hand for a handshake.

"It's been a long time."

Zhenya nodded slightly and clasped his hand. Sergei glanced in Kwon
Taekjoo's direction, as if seeking an explanation.

"This is a South Korean intelligence agent..."

"I'm Lim Daehyung."

Taek-joo was the first to extend his hand. Without hesitation, he
impersonated Director Lim. In any case, Director Lim would be doing well
in Korea, so he wouldn't be falsely accused of anything. He might have to
suffer a bit, but that was the price he paid for pushing Taekjoo into this
operation.

Sergei casually clasped Taekjoo's hand.

"I see. Nice to meet you."

There was a ring on every one of his thick fingers. If there was ever a ten-
fingered dog-like doleful-looking man, it would be him. When Taekjoo let
go of his hand, Sergei's fingers gently tickled the centre of his palm before
pulling away. He flinched. Zhenya must've been watching because he
laughed.

"I don't have a lot of time, so let's cut to the chase. You brought some
goodies?"

Sergei directly asked. Zhenya launched into a prepared explanation.

"There's a program that's still unknown to the industry, but it was created
about three months ago as a joint South Korean-American effort. The two
countries, recognizing the importance of information superiority early on,
came up with a way to spy on the enemy like a ghost. With this program,
you don't have to send out elite agents to steal information directly or break
through solid security. It's technically hacking, but it never leaves a trace.

You don't even have to risk direct contact with the enemy. All you have to
do is borrow a communication device from one of their acquaintances, and
the moment they send a call, message, text, email, etc. to the enemy, the
malware takes over, giving you real-time visibility into everything that goes
in and out of their phone. They'll never know that their information is being
stolen. How's that for interesting?"

"Hmm? Sounds like something out of a spy movie."

"It's a reality now."

Zhenya held out his cell phone. Sergei took it, half-heartedly. The first thing
he checked was the messages menu. His cheeks twitched intermittently as
he sifted through the thousands of messages. His face took on a strange
expression that seemed to be both smiling and not. What would it be like to
find a message you only sent to a specific person on a third party's phone?

Sergei soon put down the phone and rubbed his hands together.

"This is... difficult."

"You don't have to answer right away. I can wait a day if you want."

He gave until the end of the day. Sergei looked at Zhenya meaningfully and
smiled. Still, as if he were worried, he tapped his forehead in thoughtful
contemplation and glanced between Zhenya and Taekjoo from time to time.

The product itself was so coveted, he seemed suspicious about why they
had chosen to bring it to him.

Sergei paused for a moment longer, then finally nodded.

"Alright. I'll think about it and make a decision. It's going to cost a lot, but
it's too tempting to pass up. In the meantime, could you stay here?"

It would be at least a day before the men associated with 'SS-29' arrived.

Until then, Sergei only had to decide. If it was interesting, he'd take it. If he
was still hesitant to buy it, he'd send the two men away. The only thing he
had to be careful of was not to expose the presence of 'SS-29'.

In other words, they had one day to find 'SS-29' before Sergei made his
decision.

Taekjoo smiled, naturally accepting the offer.

"Of course."

Twilight (10 - nsfw)

"How's the progress on that? It must be a pain to fix something that's
completely broken, but seeing it succeed where everyone else has given up
must be quite the experience."

"We're still in the blueprinting phase."

"It took a long time to design, which makes it all the more valuable. But
you don't betray a thing you've worked hard for, just like how you don't
betray a lover you've worked hard for."

Sergei chuckled heartily at his own joke. Then he whispered, leaning

toward Zhenya.

"So, when are you going to reveal it to the industry? I'm very excited."

"I'll have to be careful about it. Over a few years..."

As Zhenya answered unhesitatingly, he suddenly stopped talking. He had

just made eye contact with Taekjoo, who was entering the dining room.

Sergei also raised his head and looked toward the entrance. He raised his
hand to greet Taekjoo, who was now completely cleaned up.

"This way."

The dining room had a long table that could easily accommodate forty
people. But the only people there were Sergei, Zhenya, and Hong Yeowook.

It was Taekjoo's first official face-to-face meeting with Hong Yeowook.

Their gazes met and he nodded. Hong Yeowook, who had been eating in
silence, also responded with a silent nod.

It seemed that Taekjoo's seat was already assigned. It was right next to
Sergei's. It was the only place where the silverware was set, so there was no
mistaking it. A waiter soon arrived and set down Taekjoo's share of the
appetizer.
Sergei nodded at him to join them. Taekjoo was reluctant but had no reason
to refuse. He took his seat and stared at Zhenya, who sat across from him,
leisurely slicing his meat without looking up. He didn't make eye contact
but shook his head slightly. He, too, had been unsuccessful in his first
search.

His eyes shifted from Zhenya to Hong Yeowook. He didn't join in the
conversation, just ate his fill, quickly emptied his plate, and quietly left. As
he walked away from the table, his gaze lingered for a moment on the back
of Zhenya's head before falling away. It was only a fleeting glance, but it
was quite fierce. Had they been caught? Taekjoo felt a twinge of unease.

Sergei hinted that he was only a guest staying for a while. As if he was
waiting for Hong Yeowook to disappear, he changed the topic immediately.

"Is the hacking program you mentioned commercially available in the two
countries?"

He seemed to have mastered the art of concealing a sinister undertone

behind a slick demeanour. To hide a lie, it was better to be silent than to
speak out.

Kwon Taekjoo wiped his hands on a napkin and dismissed the idea.

"I'd prefer to refrain from commenting on anything other than weapons-

related information."

"Ah, you're right. I was being flippant."

Sergei apologized more profusely than necessary. Perhaps he thought it

would be a good idea to make small talk, but he then proceeded to ask
Taekjoo very personal questions about his hobbies and interests. Taekjoo
couldn't figure out why Sergei wanted to know so much about him.

As he searched for something to say in response, he made eye contact with

Zhenya. Zhenya had his arms crossed and chin up like he was watching an
amusing spectacle. He made no effort to change the subject or help Taekjoo.
When Taekjoo made an unspoken request, he just laughed quietly and stood
up.

"I'll leave first. I've travelled a long way and I'm tired. Why don't you two
finish your conversation?"

He breezed out, leaving Sergei and Taekjoo together alone. It was clear
from the way he was smiling at Taekjoo that his actions were deliberate.

Taekjoo's teeth clenched, but there was nothing he could do. He could only
glare at Zhenya's back as he walked away, and he missed Sergei's question.

"...Do you?"

"What? What did you just say...."

"I asked if you were married. Do you have a lover?"

Sergei asked again, trying to look friendly.

"What does it matter if I have a lover or not. Will that have any impact on
your purchasing decision?"

He smiled and asked back. It was a rather cheerful smile. His tone,
expression, and body language were all relaxed.

Sergei's thick lips curled at the unexpected provocation. His ringed hand
gently brushed the back of Taekjoos hand. The slow movement of his
fingers were too much.

"Well, it might."

He trailed off slyly. His hand crept into Taekjoo's sleeve. Taekjoo, enduring
the naked groping, jumped to his feet. Sergei's hand fell away at once. The
shameless look on his face, as if nothing had happened, was abhorrent.

"Excuse me. I have something to do."

Taekjoo smiled fakely, showing his even teeth, and left the dining room.
Left alone, Sergei watched in a daze.

Soon, the waiter served him dessert. It was a brownie topped with chocolate
mousse. Sergei looked down at the brownie with trepidation but finally put
down his fork to taste it.

Taekjoo walked into his room and stopped dead in his tracks. It was because
Zhenya was occupying his bed. He made the invitation as casually as he
had in past hotels.

"Come on in."

Taekjoo stared disapprovingly at him, then closed the door behind him and
entered. He kept his voice low and asked, "What happened?"

"What?"

"About what you went to find out. You said you were going to take a look
around the study."

"Ah, I was there. I was personally curious as to why it was double, and
triple defended. There was a safe there. I didn't open it, but I did inspect
what was inside. Gold bars, cash, and documents."

"Anything else?"

Zhenya shook his head. If it wasn't the study, then there were only two
places left to look. The spire's attic and the secret compartment inside
Sergei's bedroom. If they found no trace of 'SS-29' in either of these places,
the operation was effectively a failure.

A day from now, visitors for 'SS-29' would come, and once it was clear that
the defects had been corrected, 'SS-29' would quickly be moved to another
location. If Psikh Bogdanov was among the visitors, it was only a matter of
time before his identity was discovered.

Of course, before that, there was still the scenario that Sergei would spit out
the bait and kick the two of them out before then, so they had to get
everything done before he changed his mind, preferably tonight. If they
didn't capitalize on this opportunity, it would be difficult to even reveal the
identity of 'SS-29'. They had to move fast. But they had to be careful.

But the other two sites were no easier to reach. There was only one route to
the spire. The same vent he'd used to access the basement led up to it, but it

narrowed dramatically as it went up, making it difficult for anyone but a

small child to get through. Climbing the outside walls of the building was
an option, but it was suicidal to climb up the steep cliffs with the bitter wind
at your back. It seemed impossible to escape the surveillance of the CCTV

cameras and guards inside and out. Ultimately, the only way to reach the
spire would be by the staircase, which was unacceptable when even the
entrance to the room was guarded, especially if 'SS-29' was stored there.

Sergei's bedroom was no better. The sun had already set, and Sergei would
soon be spending time in his bedroom and falling asleep. It was obvious
that the security would be stricter. It was a bedroom, after all, and there
were no security sensors or surveillance cameras. The longer they waited,
the more restrictions they faced.

Taekjoo spoke freely in his frustration.

"Why don't we just grab Sergei and beat him until he blows?"

"We would be killed before then. We don't even know how much security
there is here yet, do we?"

Zhenya was entirely right about that. The only information they had was the
size and layout of the mansion. They had no idea how many people were
inside or what security measures were in place. Luring Boris out of his shell
allowed them to make a bold frontal assault. But now that they were in the
enemy's lair, it was different.

No matter how hard Taekjoo tried, he couldn't come up with a solution. If

they circled around the outside of the mansion, the only problem was
getting inside, but once inside, another challenge awaited.
"Sometimes, soft power beats the bayonet."

Zhenya suddenly spoke. Taekjoo looked at him in surprise. 'Soft power'

referred to the power of women, often distinguished from brute force.

It included wisdom in problem-solving, persuasiveness, rich sensitivity, and

deep empathy. And of course, beauty. History had proven that even a man
of steel could fall to a woman in an instant.

But what good was that now? Taekjoo quickly argued back.

"I'm sure that slick old man will go crazy for that, but how are supposed to
get reinforcements now that we're on this island? The only woman I've met
is the guesthouse owner."

Zhenya, who was listening, smiled strangely. He rose to his feet and closed
the distance between the two with slow steps. Taekjoo stood silently as he
approached, but when Zhenya suddenly reached out his hand, he jerked his
head away. Despite his demeanour, he was still wary.

Zhenya didn't hesitate for a moment. His outstretched hand finally reached
Taekjoo's ear. It was only a light touch, but it made the hairs on the back of
his head stand up. The darkness of his skin made it clearer. Gently dropping
his eyes, Zhenya brushed a strand of hair behind Taekjoo's ear.

"There's nothing to worry about. Sergei Ilyich, according to the scandals,

enjoys sodomy. In fact, he prefers dark skin."

"What...."

"Wasn't the way he looked at you unusual?"

Taekjoo shoved the teasing Zhenya away. He glared at him as if to warn

him not to continue.

"Are you crazy? I dont like that kinda stuff."

"Don't look so serious and think about it. You can get into Sergei's bedroom
without running, crawling, or bouncing. You know what? Maybe he'll get
drunk with the atmosphere and start talking about 'SS-29' on his own. All
I'm asking is that you get escorted to his bed, and from there, it doesn't
matter if you beat the shit out of him or actually get in bed with him. That's
a strictly private matter between the two of you. Isn't that, right?"

Zhenya's persuasion continued. It's easy.

Taekjoo stubbornly refused as he walked to the window.

"Don't keep suggesting stuff like that. I'd never do it."

Something flew out of nowhere and hit him in the back. Reflexively, he
spun around and caught it. It was a positioning indicator. A red dot
representing the target was blinking near the origin of the coordinates. It
wasn't completely overlapping. That meant that the target was hovering
close to the tracker.

He stared at Zhenya as if demanding an explanation. Zhenya smirked, and

then asked,

"Who's messing around outside your room?"

Apparently, he'd put a location tracker on Sergei at some point.

Taekjoo shook his head again. He threw the device he was holding onto the
bed.

"I'm not going to...."

"Do you know? The more competitors a male has, the more eager he is to
conquer."

Taekjoo was going to firmly refuse, but Zhenya suddenly said these words
and strode over. Unconsciously, he took a step back, but by then Zhenya
had completely narrowed the distance. His waist touched the window
frame. There was nowhere to run.
For a moment, their gazes locked. Zhenya stared at Taekjoo with a strange
heat in his eyes. It was unfamiliar.

"The more someone covets something, the more valuable it becomes."

"What...."

There was a sudden knock. Then came Sergei's voice, saying,

"Are you sleeping?"

"No."

Taekjoo answered hastily. Frequent or prolonged absences created more

room for suspicion.

He started to head for the door, but Zhenya grabbed him by the wrist.

Taekjoo was almost thrown back to the window by the sheer force of the
pull. He tried to push Zhenya out of the way, but he stood his ground and
wouldn't budge. He pinned Taekjoo to the windowsill with his arms. It felt
like a huge, solid wall standing in his way.

What was he doing?

His teeth clenched. Zhenya's lips curved up in a long arc. It was clear he
was scheming something. It wasn't long before the sound of a click reached
Taekjoo's ears. The sound was so familiar that for a moment, he was
stunned.

Zhenya's hand reached through his open zipper.

"......!"

He hurriedly grabbed Zhenya's arm. Even with his stubborn resistance, the
bastard unhesitatingly slid his hand into his briefs. He quickly wrapped his
hand around Taekjoo's cock. The pressure was so intense that it made
Taekjoo dizzy for a moment.
He stroked the still-soft flesh as if milking it, admiring Taekjoo's twisted
face. He rubbed up and down the penis that was soft in his hand. When he
squeezed it, Taekjoo would frown in pain, but when he stroked it gently, he
would only flinch a little.

"You- Cra..crazy fuck..."

Taekjoo gritted his teeth. Because their bodies were so close, he couldn't
kick or fling Zhenya away. If he were any closer, Taekjoo could bite the
bridge of his nose, but he couldn't even do that right now. All he could do
was clutch at Zhenya's collar like he was going to rip it off.

Nervously, he pushed against Zhenya's chin. Even as Zhenya was

obediently pushed away, he continued to stroke Taekjoo's increasingly
heated penis more insistently. He tugged the skin downward. When the ripe
red flesh revealed itself, he stared intently. A trickle of precum pooled at the
tip. Taekjoo's breathing, which had been harsh as he tried to shake Zhenya
off, was now ragged in a different way. The eyes that had been glaring at
him, ready to tear him apart, flickered dangerously as they threatened to
close.

Zhenya lowered his own zipper as he gently stroked around Taekjoo's tip.

His cock sprang free, hanging out of the front. He rubbed the flesh, which
was much too big for one hand, against Taekjoo's cock. Taekjoo drew in a
new breath, stunned.

"......!"

At that moment, there was another knock on the door.

"Mr. Lim?"

(Mr.Lim is a code name Taek joo used when around Sergei) Sergei sounded
suspicious. Taekjoo suddenly came to his senses and pushed Zhenya away.
But the more he did so, the more Zhenya pressed against him, not even
allowing him to struggle. Taekjoo was crushed between him and the locked
window.
Zhenya rubbed his rapidly hardening cock against Taekjoo's hips and erect
penis. The bristling hairs brushed against pale flesh, triggering subtle
tingles. Taekjoo's hips twitched.

"Ugh... ah..."

His upper body slowly slumped, and his head kept drooping. But Zhenya
wouldn't even let him do that. He squeezed Taek joos chin and forced him
to meet his eyes. As Zhenya watched him struggle and frown, he even
licked his lips quietly. His cock stood erect in all its majesty. The curved
shaft looked hard enough to penetrate anything.

The flesh slowly slid along his ass. Taekjoo groaned lowly at the unfamiliar
sensation and furrowed his brow. A satisfied smile spread across Zhenya's
lips. His hot tongue ran a long lick down the side of Taekjoo's face, blue
eyes full of lust.

By this point, he'd forgotten he was holding Taekjoo down. Taekjoo's penis
throbbed with each press against Zhenya's cock. Zhenya squeezed them
together even harder, grinding against him. His hands quickly became
slippery from the overflowing precum. A squelching wet sound rang out as
he moved his hand up and down.

Taekjoo's entire body stiffened as he felt himself approaching climax. He

pressed his lips together to keep any sound from escaping. His vision
shifted repeatedly, triggering a wave of dizziness. The heat in his body
quickly rushed to his centre.

Something that had been roaring through his body exploded white at the tip
of his cock.

"...Ugh."

Taekjoo's eyes squeezed shut. His brow creased. Both a muffled groan and a
ragged exhalation poured from his double-clamped mouth into his palms.

Zhenya stared into Taekjoo's face as he pressed his cock against the inside
of his firm thigh. The smooth flesh burned like it was going to peel away,
but there was nothing he could do to counteract the terrible feeling of
exhaustion that followed his ejaculation.

It was then.

"Are you alright? I'm coming in."

Sergei pushed the door open. Entering without hesitation, he faltered at the
bizarre sight before him. Taekjoo was half-sitting on the windowsill.

Zhenya stood in front of him, smoothing out his clothes. Heat and a fishy
odour hung in the air, unable to escape due to the windowless nature of the
room. There was a strange atmosphere between the two of them.

Zhenya looked back at Sergei and gave him a businesslike smile.

"Come on in. I was just here to borrow a book."

He gave an excuse and grabbed a random book off the bed. Then, with that,
he left the room. Just before the door slammed shut, Taekjoo's and Zhenya's
eyes met. Zhenya smiled meaningfully at him. Taekjoo wanted to punch
him right in the face.

He stared at the closing door for a long time, until Sergei coughed, a
reminder of his presence Taekjoo came down from the windowsill and
walked over to him.

"What can I do for you?"

"Oh, actually..."

Sergei opened his mouth to say something but then closed it again. His eyes
were now fixed on Taekjoo's centre. Taekjoo's eyes widened as he lowered
his head as well. His pants had been left unzipped.

Damn it. He'd assumed that Zhenya would have straightened his clothes for
him, but he'd been complacent. His face grew grim as he walked out of the
room. He cursed under his breath and zipped up his zipper in frustration.
But Sergei suddenly grabbed his hand. When Taekjoo looked at him in
disbelief, he whispered meaningfully.

"Actually, I have something under my care. Everybody in Russia is

interested in it these days, and they say it'll fetch a fortune if I put it on the
market. I'd like to get your opinion, Mr. Lim, on whether that lump of iron
is worth that much. What do you think? It's not something you see every
day."

Twilight (11 - nsfw)

Sergei's bedroom had a total of three doors. The first door was at the end of
the hallway, the second door was down a long hallway lined with paintings,
and the third was a pair of sliding doors that separated the sleeping area
from the living room. Each door required fingerprint and iris recognition.

Security cameras were spaced every few feet to keep an eye on every move.

Kwon Taekjoo wondered what in the world was being hidden.

Sergei personally pushed the last sliding door open on both sides. The room
inside was quite spacious. The circular bed in the centre was large enough
for ten people. Leopard skin stretched over purple silk sheets. The pelt
must've been nearly four meters long. Every inch of it seemed alive. Its
yellow eyes shone brightly. How could anyone sleep with something like
that underneath them? Perhaps it was just the taste of the rich.

The room even had a spacious bathroom. Its structure made Sergei's
intentions clear.

Kwon Taekjoo hovered near the bed, aware of the secret chamber behind it.

According to the cross-section, it was a fairly spacious chamber.

"Would you like a drink? I have some good Scotch whisky."

Sergei offered him a drink. His tone changed as they entered the bedroom.
The way he looked at Kwon Taekjoo became more explicit. Obediently,
Kwon Taekjoo took the glass Sergei offered. He could see white powder
around the ice cubes that hadn't melted. Aware of the obvious scheme, he
only pretended to take a sip.

Sergei walked past Kwon Taekjoo and went to his bed. He sat down,
relaxed, and began to examine Kwon Taekjoo piece by piece. It was almost
like he was a window display. The way his eyes lingered from head to toe
was unpleasant. Kwon Taekjoo set his glass down on a nearby table.

"Where's the thing you mentioned?"

"Don't be impatient. It's never too late to take it slow, isn't it? The night is
still young."

Sergei's eyes narrowed sinisterly. A drop of whiskey trickled down the

surface of his glass, and he lapped it up with his thick tongue. Kwon
Taekjoo turned his head away, uncomfortable at the sight. Meanwhile,
Sergei drained the rest of his drink and stood up, facing Kwon Taekjoo as
he began to undress, piece by piece.

He took one step forward and tossed off his shirt, then took another step
forward as he slid off his pants. Soon he was naked except for a pair of
boxers. The distance between them had narrowed, and his panting breath
almost touched Kwon Taekjoo's neck.

Kwon Taekjoo gritted his teeth in silence and endured. Sergei walked
behind him, stroking his waist, then suddenly pulled him into a tight
embrace. He squeezed Kwon Taekjoo's prominent chest so tightly it
threatened to burst through his shirt, then let go and swept his hands down
to his smooth abs.

Kwon Taekjoo stared into the distance and held his breath. It was said a
person could get away with murder three times. As he struggled to hold on,
something hard touched his thigh. He could feel the heat through his
clothes.

For a moment, he felt like he was thrown to the floor. His jaw tightened.
Without realizing it, Sergei rubbed his bulging front against Kwon
Taekjoo's thighs and breathed hot air on the nape of his straight neck. It felt
as if tiny worms were crawling along his veins. A pig in heat seemed to be
riding on his back, panting.

Kwon Taekjoo, who had been staring meaninglessly into space, suddenly
spoke up.

"I can't possibly..."

"Ha, hah? What did you say?"

(tw: Sergei being creepy asf and forcing himself on Taek joo) Sergei, now
completely naked, pressed himself tightly against Kwon Taekjoo and
panted. A fat hand dug into his side and moved roughly to his groin.
Taekjoo gripped Sergei's hand. Sergei must have mistaken the action for
consent, because he ran his tongue along the nape of his neck. It was right
after that.

Sergei's body sprang up. His vision flipped in an instant. It was because
Taekjoo had thrown him over his shoulder in one swift motion.

Sergei found himself upside down, headfirst, and realized what had
happened. He was dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events.

"You're so filthy that I can't even pretend. You perverts should know your
place."

Taekjoo muttered as he smoothed down his wrinkled shirt. He irritably

wiped away the saliva on the back of his neck.

At that moment, his cell phone rang. An unregistered caller ID popped up

on the screen. Somehow, he recognized the combination. It was Yoon
Jongwoo's number.

Come to think of it, there was something he'd asked him to do. Taekjoo
answered the phone without hesitation. Before he could say hello, Yoon
Jongwoo shouted first.
– Sunbae-nim!

His eardrums rang from the unexpected yell. He took the phone away from
his ear for a moment. Nevertheless, Yoon Jongwoo continued to shout
unintelligible words.

" What are you talking about? What happened to what I told you to find
out?"

– Who the hell are you with right now? He's... you know!

" What do you mean?"

He dropped the phone from his ear again. He wasn't in a no-call zone, but
the connection was terrible. Perhaps it was the regional influence. It seemed
that the cold in Siberia could freeze all radio waves and sound.

More importantly, who was he with? Was Yoon Jongwoo hacking into the
CCTV or something? Taekjoo glanced back at the bed and was stunned.

Sergei, who had been sprawled there, was nowhere to be seen.

As he scanned his surroundings, Sergei lunged at him. Kwon Taekjoo let go

of his phone and grabbed Sergei's wrist, managing to stop the attack, but his
speed and weight knocked him to the bed.

Sergei crushed Taekjoo with his body. In his bound hands, he held a
syringe. The cylinder was empty. It didn't look like it had been in the
beginning, judging by the clear liquid at the tip of the needle.

Taekjoo struck Sergei with a knee that threatened to crush him, then pressed
hard on a vital point. Sergei struggled but quickly went limp.

"Damn it."

As he was pinned under the gigantic body, his organs were crushed under
the weight, and he couldn't even breathe. With an annoyed frown, he
pushed Sergei's body off of him. The heavy body fell off the bed with a
thud.
After a moment's pause, he leapt to his feet and searched the bottom of the
bed, inside the bridge, behind the headboard, and under the leopard skin. It
was to search for the key to the hidden chamber. But there was no key, or
anything resembling one.

He was sure it was here somewhere. Where was it, where?

As he continued to consider, Taekjoo looked back at the fallen Sergei. If it

was important, he would have carried it on his person. But now that he

wasn't wearing a single stitch of clothing, it would be better to look at the

clothes he took off.

He picked up the clothes on the floor and shook them one by one. His
fingers caught Sergei's belt. It had a square decoration which had what
looked like a button on it. He pressed on it. The cover flipped open, and a
remote control appeared.

"Found it."

A smile spread across Taekjoo's lips. He picked up the belt and stood up.

He was excited to see the secret chamber he had been searching for all
along.

"Ugh..."

But it didn't last long. Suddenly, his head throbbed. He thought it was
temporary, but then his vision blurred. He staggered and fell to the side of
the bed. His mind quickly became fuzzy. His thinking circuits slowed down
dramatically. Kwon Taekjoo had no idea why he was here, or even what his
purpose was. He shook his head and tried to steady himself.

Suddenly, he recalled the syringe Sergei was holding. The cylinder was
empty, but he hadn't given it much thought. He'd just assumed the contents
might've spilled during the scuffle. Was he right? The back of his neck felt
stiff, perhaps because he was conscious of it. The signs were not good. It
was worse because he didn't know what had been injected with.
Suddenly, his mind started to falter. He rubbed his temples but to no avail.

As he leaned his increasingly heavy head back against the bed, the world
began to spin.

How long had it been? A person's leg appeared in his slanted vision. Since
when had it been there? Was it a hallucination? Taekjoo wanted to lift his
head to see the person's face, but his body wouldn't follow his mind's
instructions.

Using only his unfocused eyes, he made his way up his opponent's legs,
thighs, waist, chest, and shoulders. Finally, he reached the face. At the same

time, Yoon Jongwoo's voice rang out from his phone.

– ...It's him! Are you listening, Sunbae?

What did he mean? Before l Taekjoo could ask, the phone was in the hands
of his opponent. The call was cut off. The legs made their way slowly
towards the bed. Taekjoo's instincts kicked into high gear as his entire body
tingled with weakness from the drug.

He had to run away.

"Oh, dear."

The voice was familiar. It was Zhenya. His long shadow cast over Kwon
Taekjoo's head. He clicked his tongue, but there was no pity, compassion, or
sympathy. There was only a light interest in the current situation.

Zhenya stepped over the fainted Sergei. Taekjoo's breath caught in his
throat as he looked at his smiling face. The man before him was no longer a
cheerful colleague. Nothing had changed from a moment ago, but he wasn't
quite the same person as before.

Taekjoo stepped as far back as could. No, he tried. In reality, he could only
manage to lift a finger or two. At that moment, Zhenya came within inches
of him. He tilted his upper body to stare down at Taekjoo. Taekjoo's jet-
black eyes struggled to take him in. Zhenya's lips formed a long curve, and
soon he slipped his hands under both of Taekjoo's armpits and lifted him up.

He was thrown onto the bed. His bones rang loudly from the bouncing
mattress.

"I came because I was worried, but this is what I find."

Zhenya climbed up and stared at Kwon Taekjoo, who was soaked in sweat.

It was unclear whether he was worried about Kwon Taekjoo or Sergei.

Kwon Taekjoo had no idea what was going on, but he also felt like he did.

Contradictory feelings and thoughts constantly collided and crossed paths.

The only thing he knew for sure was that if he stayed like this, he was going
to die.

Zhenya picked up the belt that had fallen on the bed. He pressed the buttons
with familiarity. A huge mechanical noise sounded from somewhere in the
wall. One after another, sections of the opposite wall slowly began to turn.

As the wall disappeared, what emerged was neither a vault nor an armoury,
but a large, framed photograph. It was a group photo of about twenty men.

Kwon Taekjoo recognized several familiar faces. Vissarion and his sons
from the Bogdanov mansion. Sergei, lying on the floor, also occupied a
seat.

But somehow Psikh Bogdanov wasn't there. There was only a man who
looked eerily like Zhenya standing right behind Vissarion. No, it was
definitely Zhenya.

When Taekjoo looked at him, the bastard's lips curled into a smile. He had
to check. He lifted his trembling hand and crumpled Zhenya's shirt. Zhenya
silently watched Taekjoo clutching his collar. A dark gleam of amusement
appeared in his icy eyes.
He yanked the shirt open. The buttons popped off and pelted him in the
face. And yet, without blinking, Kwon Taekjoo saw the truth before him.

There was a clear tattoo in the centre of Zhenya's chest. It was a symbol he
had seen many times before. At the Bogdanov mansion, on the back of
Boris's hand, on the front door of this mansion, and on the forehead of the
dead Agent Morgan.

"...Oh, this? I hope you didn't mistakenly think you were the only one who
could use that kind of camouflage technique."

Zhenya's ridicule deepened.

It was him. Zhenya, that bastard, was Psikh Bogdanov.

Twilight (12 - nsfw)

"Hah... ugh..."

Taekjoo was short of breath. He could see himself gasping helplessly in the
ceiling mirror. His vision swam and his stomach churned as his body
burned hotter and hotter. His brain reached boiling point in a matter of
seconds, and scalding blood rushed through his veins to his toes and
fingertips. The heat that engulfed his entire body refused to abate and
continued to rise. His head felt heavy and clammy. The slightest movement
against the sheets sent shivers down his spine, awakening each of his
senses.

Many thoughts rushed through his mind all at once. The first time he
received his mission, the moment he met Zhenya, the memory of reuniting
with the man he never wanted to see again in a hotel bathroom, and the
news he received right after that. Zhenya had gone back and forth between
an arrogant, shallow partner and a silent, brutal killer, and yet Taekjoo had
trusted him, simply because he was a partner assigned by headquarters.

Whenever Taekjoo's wariness reached its peak, Zhenya always made sure
that he was considered an ally. It was he who guided Taekjoo through the
intricacies of the Bogdanov mansion, and it was through his wiretaps that
Taekjoo learned of SS-29's existence. When necessary, he'd even divulge
information that was only shared in hushed tones among business
associates. His assistance in tracking down 'SS-29' and bringing Taekjoo
here was not something to be taken lightly. It would be absurd to assume
that it was all merely to keep Taekjoo deceived.

Where and how did it all get so twisted? Was it when headquarters had
designated Zhenya as a partner? Perhaps he wasn't even a colleague in the
first place. Could the operation itself be flawed? Taekjoo didn't know. All
he knew was that somehow, everything had tangled itself to this point.

He faltered, staring at Zhenya. His appearance was both familiar and

unfamiliar. There was an irony in recognizing a partner as something to be
avoided. Taekjoo's instincts, his reasoning, his current situation, and
Zhenya's behaviour all pointed to the same truth. And yet there were still
many things he didn't understand.

"...Why have you spared my life all this time?"

"I spared your life?"

Zhenya openly mocked.

"How delusional could you be?"

Taekjoo was stunned by the blatant ridicule.

After he introduced himself as a partner, the hotel where Taekjoo was

staying was bombed. His entire room was blown up, and none of his
belongings were saved. He lost contact with headquarters as well. If he
hadn't been trained against such attacks, he wouldn't have gotten out of
there alive.

And when he was being chased by the man, he mistook for Psikh
Bogdanov, Zhenya showed up in a helicopter and fired a machine gun at
random. It was fortunate that the car Taekjoo was in plunged into the cold
river, or else all of the passengers, including him, would've become bullet
ridden. Zhenya didn't stop shooting when his colleague fell into the water.
He didn't even try to save his drowning partner.

Was that it? In the Bogdanov mansion, the communicator he gave Kwon
Taekjoo made an abnormal noise. On the Trans-Siberian train, Taekjoo was
attacked while searching for a missing man.

Looking back, it was ridiculous. He'd been targeting Taekjoo every

moment, but Taekjoo had mistaken it for help.

But new doubts arose. If Zhenya had truly been determined, Taekjoo
would've already been dead. Yet he was still alive. It wasn't just a matter of

luck. Zhenya just hadn't tried to kill him with all his might. The reason for
this, he easily dismissed.

"It was quite the spectacle, the way you scrambled to stay alive."

Zhenya's eyes curved gently. It had always been like that. When he
disappeared, there was trouble, and after Taekjoo escaped the crisis by
himself, he'd find Zhenya watching from afar. Even when Taekjoo's life was
on the line, he was as relaxed as ever. For him, Taekjoo's life and death
were nothing more than a game.

"Son of a bitch...."

Taekjoo's teeth gritted. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into
his flesh. He wouldn't be able to let go of his anger if he didn't crush that
smirking face right away. He'd make Zhenya's face into one big bruise, so
he'd never look this condescending again. He swung his fist, determined.

But Zhenya parried the blow with a single palm. Taekjoo's fist trembled in
his grasp. He gathered all his strength into his fist, but the bastard's hand
didn't budge. Zhenya was no longer smiling. The hidden side of him that
Taekjoo had faced before was revealed. At the slightest hint of resistance,
he dropped his mask without hesitation.

"hmnn stupid rabbit"

(tw: Zhenya strangling Taekjoo / eventual forceful sex) Taekjoo's face
turned from the slap. The blow to his left cheek was staggering. For a
moment, his vision flashed red, and stars appeared. He couldn't even groan.
The left side of his face burned, swelling to the point of pain. Something
snapped deep inside his nose. Soon, a stream of red blood trickled down.
There was a metallic taste in his mouth, as if his gums were torn. He
could've sworn his skull was fractured.

At this rate, he'd die at Zhenya's hands. Survival instincts overcame his own
rage and took over his entire body. He struggled in pain, but Zhenya pressed
one hand around his throat, subduing him.

"...Geurg."

Zhenya's fingers tightened around his windpipe. Taekjoo grimaced in pain

and clawed at the back of his hand. But Zhenya didn't budge. He just
squeezed down with the intention of breaking Taekjoo's neck. By his
constricted pupils, it was clear that he had lost all sense of reason.

Trying to break free,Taekjoo hit his elbow. It was futile. The outstretched
arm didn't even flinch. But the price of his fruitless attack was harsh. The
edge of Zhenya's hand sank into Taekjoo's collarbone. His stomach churned
as violently as if it were about to rip open. His vision blurred for a moment,
and he broke out in cold sweat. He lost the will to fight the lung-crushing
pain.

Was he really going to die here, in this place, just like this?

During his missions, his life had been threatened countless times. He'd been
in many situations where he was far more helpless than he was now. And
yet, he'd persevered. Whether in a crashing plane, an exploding
compartment, or hundreds of meters underwater, he never gave up. But now
he was thinking about the end of his life. There was no escape. It was both a
strong conviction and an obvious fact.

His weak, trembling eyes barely captured Zhenya. There was no expression
on the bastard's cold face. Could this really be Psikh Bogdanov, or was he
falling for Zhenya's shallow tricks again? Taekjoo asked himself in vain.
A taut vein appeared on his forehead. His eyelids fluttered incessantly.

Alarm sirens rang out in his head as if anticipating the end. He squeezed his
eyes shut tightly against the mounting pressure before opening them again.

His lips trembled and moved slightly. His choked voice strained as if it
were about to break.

"You fucking... bastard, you really are..."

"That's right."

Zhenya drove the point home. Taekjoo felt like laughing. It wasn't
unbelievable. Zhenya had mingled effortlessly with the ruling families and
went wherever he pleased. Like Psikh Bogdanov, he was familiar with the
military industry. The sight of his arsenal of high-tech weaponry alone
should've given Taekjoo pause. There were countless other moments when
he doubted Zhenya's identity. The root of his mistake was trusting the
information from headquarters too much.

A self-deprecating smile spread across Taekjoo's lips. Even though he was

suffocating, he burst into laughter. His bloodshot eyes curved and the
corners of his mouth, trembling in pain, arched up. The sound of his
laughter caught in his throat and turned into a strangled rasp.

Zhenya's impassive face suddenly cracked. An inexplicable smile flickered

across his face. The change was so fleeting that it went unnoticed. He
abruptly removed his hand from Taekjoo's throat.

"Hah, hah, hah, hah... cough, cough..."

Suddenly, Taekjoo could breathe again. His heart fluttered and savored a
deep breath. He sucked in oxygen hastily out of sheer survival instinct,
coughing harshly in the aftermath. The blood rushed to his face as he
coughed. Watching Taekjoo struggle, Zhenya lifted the cuff of his pants and
pulled out the blade that was secured to his ankle.
The sharp blade slowly turned upside down over Taekjoo's eye. It was a
threatening movement, as if it could easily take out an eyeball at any
moment. Holding the dagger vertically, Zhenya brought the tip of the blade
to just above Taekjoo's pupil. The tip of the blade brushed against his
eyeball. All the while, Zhenya never blinked.

Taekjoo's coughing stopped. Instinct had completely taken over his body.

Zhenya smiled at the completely frozen Taekjoo.

He held the knife in his mouth for a moment, then shoved his knee under
Taekjoo's waist. Taekjoo's lower body naturally lifted against Zhenya's
strong thighs. Then Zhenya used the blade he was holding to tear apart the
fabric of Taekjoo's clothes. His relentless hands cut Taekjoo's pants, briefs,

and even his skin. But Taekjoo's mind, filled with panic, didn't even
recognize the pain.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of a zipper being pulled down. Something

heavy fell onto his thigh. It was Zhenya's cock. His already-hard dick
pressed against Taekjoo's thigh. The force of it pushing against the dense
flesh was overwhelming. Zhenya ran his fingers over Taekjoo, positioning
him properly, and slid it along his ass. It twitched its red, ripe head, ready to
pierce through anything. Breathless, Taekjoo's hole twitched with agitation.

It wasn't until he felt the head being crushed against his hole that he realized
Zhenya's intentions.

Zhenya pressed down on Taekjoo's flailing limbs and mercilessly thrust his
cock into him. The taut flesh of his shaft squeezed helplessly against the dry
hole, unable to fit in fully. He pushed his saliva-covered index finger into
the struggling hole to loosen it, then pushed himself in again. Finally, the
tight folds parted to reveal his bulging head.

Withdrawing his fingers, he grasped Taekjoo's shoulders with both arms.

Then, he lifted his hips up and drove his cock into him.
"......!"

An indescribable pain flooded in. Taekjoo's eyes widened as he was

touched for the first time down there, but he soon grimaced. His as
twitched. It felt like an iron stake had been driven into the centre of his
body. There was a burning sensation deep inside his stomach, and
something flowed down.

His hole hadn't even been properly loosened, and his surprised muscles
contracted automatically, tightening up. Zhenya furrowed his brow and
clicked his tongue. His cock was crushed by the hole that clenched him. A
thick vein stood out on his smooth forehead. If it really bothered him, he
should've taken it out, but it seemed he had no intention of doing so.

Instead, he leaned over and whispered mockingly.

"If you've figured out the situation by now, shake your ass. I might be
inclined to let you live."

Taekjoo's eyes trembled with humiliation. Deep inside, an uncontrollable

rage surged. He could've torn Zhenya to pieces at the moment.

Zhenya smiled a satisfied smile as he watched Taekjoo's teeth clench in

indignation. Then, with one swift motion, he braced Taekjoo's legs against
his chest and shoulders. As Taekjoo's waist lifted, his tightly interlocked
underside was visible. The hole that held Zhenya's throbbing penis pulsed
intermittently. The sight of it made Zhenya's spine tingle. He lazily licked
his lower lip and pulled his lower half back. As his thick cock dragged
against his walls, Taekjoo clamped his mouth shut and turned his head
away. The next moment, Zhenya slammed his lower half forward, ramming
his entire cock back in.

"...Ah!"

Taekjoo's entire body shuddered. As his ass and thighs were hit, the fierce
sound of a collision rang out. As if that wasn't enough, Zhenya drove his
full weight into him. Taekjoo's knees were pushed up, pressing into his
chest, until their faces were only inches apart.
Taekjoo's face contorted. His eyes squeezed shut, and his teeth clenched
tightly to contain his anger. His face turned white with embarrassment and
anger, then reddened again and again.

Taking in every shift of his expression, Zhenya thrust downward

relentlessly. His cock, swollen to its fullest extent, crushed Taekjoo's
stretching hole and entered, mercilessly grinding, and devouring his insides.

The tight entrance gradually loosened and began to wrap around him.

It felt like his body was going to split in two as Zhenya thrust deeper and
deeper. Taekjoo struggled to escape the downpour of pain. The more he did,
the more relentless Zhenya became. Whenever he tried to twist his waist
and escape, Zhenya would immediately tighten his grip on his lower body,
pressing him down and preventing all movement. Limbs bound; he was
exposed to the terrible violence. He couldn't fight back or escape.

A squelching wet sound leaked from his repeatedly interlocked hole. His
cheeks were bright red and visibly swollen where they had collided with
Zhenya's hard thighs. As if he didn't want to miss any changes in Taekjoo's
expression, Zhenya grinded inside without changing the position. Every
now and then, he changed his angle to stimulate the tender inner walls and
relax the still-tight hole.

Despite his terrible sense of defeat and humiliation, a heat rose in Taekjoo's
groin. If he were to relax for a moment, it seemed as if he would lose
control of his body. He braced his shoulders and curled up his entire body.

Still, his head kept tilting and his toes kept curling. His breath rasped as if
he were about to pass out.

"Hah- ahh!"

He shook his head in agitation. But the tingling sensation that shot through
his body didn't go away. His head grew increasingly fuzzy and dizzy. At
some point, the pain from the penetration had disappeared. All he could feel
was a dull burning sensation. It felt like his body was no longer his own.
"...Hah."

Zhenya straightened up, catching his breath. He leisurely swept his hair out
of his face and languidly moved his lower half. His chest and abs flexed in
response to the sweetness of his flesh wrapped in the warm walls. Sweat
broke out from the intense pleasure, glistening on his toned body.

Zhenya soon tore open Taekjoo's shirt as well. It ripped open, revealing his
solid body. Slowly, he ran his eyes over his naked body. He couldn't figure
out why his mouth was watering at the sight of a man's body.

Despite his nonstop desire, his thirst was unquenchable. His head pounded
until he was light-headed, but something was missing. He wanted more.

More.

As Zhenya thrust in, the mirror on the ceiling reflected the situation below
Taekjoo's waist. Taekjoo turned his head away in shame. But it was useless.

Zhenya seized Taekjoo's chin and pinned his head in place. Taekjoo tried to

shake his head and push Zhenya's hand away, but Zhenya didn't budge.

Taekjoo squeezed his eyes shut instead. But with a deep thrust of Zhenya's
cock, his eyes flew open again.

"Open your eyes. Think about all the hard work that went into putting that
mirror on the ceiling."

Ridicule spread across Zhenya's face. Unable to bear the humiliation,

Taekjoo gritted his teeth again and closed his eyes. Zhenya slammed
downward without hesitation. To deepen the penetration, he pressed against
Taekjoo's body and crushed him underneath. Taekjoo felt like the organs in
his stomach were being squeezed and pushed up to the base of his throat.

His stomach flipped and his breath caught.

It didn't end there. Zhenya raised Taekjoo's knees and lifted his waist to fold
him in half. As his waist completely folded, his ass revealed itself. The
mirror on the ceiling reflected the unfiltered image. His sweaty, glistening
cheeks and the huge, thick flesh completely interlocked into the flexing
crevice were visible. Zhenya slowed his movements, emphasizing the way
his penis slid in and out of Taekjoo's hole.

The opening for his cock gaped. The normally tight opening was stretched
so wide it looked like it would tear at a touch. Taekjoo witnessed the
endless flesh being pulled out, a sudden nausea welled up within him.

"You son of a... ah!"

Before he could spit out his curse, Zhenya's entire cock rammed in. His
stomach felt like it was being battered to pieces. He couldn't think straight
as the nausea and dull pleasure overtook one another.

"Ah, ah, hah..!"

"It's far better than I expected... not bad."

Zhenya's voice was strangely excited. His curved eyes shone brilliantly.

They were tinged with excitement and madness, as if he had just finished a
hunt.

"I thought it'd be dry and tasteless."

(it is 💀)

Twilight (13 - nsfw)

(tw: same warnings as last time)

Zhenya leaned down as he rammed his cock into Taekjoo. When Taekjoo
tried to defend himself, Zhenya easily caught his arm and turned him
sideways by the chin. His fluttering Adam's apple was revealed. As if he
had seen a plum, Zhenya's mouth tugged open to bite down on the
prominent ridge. Taekjoo's arm trembled in his grip as his sharp teeth
gnawed at the sensitive flesh. Zhenya smirked and sucked on the bite.
"...Ah."

Taekjoo's face contorted. His neck arched, his breathing was unsteady, and
his entire body winced uncontrollably at the sensation of his skin brushing
against and being sucked by a smooth tongue.

Zhenya licked his way up the exposed neck for a long moment, then
suddenly used his teeth. Taekjoo's limbs fluttered again. The bite left a clear
mark. Soon, blood welled up within the indents of the mark. Taekjoo's jaw
clenched. "Fuck," he muttered, clearly resentful.

Zhenya accelerated his languid pace. The hole began to clench violently
once more. The swollen entrance swallowed the cock with difficulty before
spitting it back out in a soft mess.

With his arms bound, Taekjoo's chest bounced with every thrust. His
nipples rose to attention. Zhenya unhesitatingly squeezed Taekjoo's chest.

The flesh was firm yet plump in his hand, and as he kneaded it, a flat nipple
stood up between his fingers. He laughed at the sight and said,

"How vulgar."

"Your nipples are so big, it's like they're begging me to suck on them."

Taekjoo's ears burned with shame. Raising his shoulders, he slapped

Zhenya, trying to shake him off. But his body went weak against his will. It
was the drug. Zhenya easily held him still as he struggled, tongue flicking
across his nipple.

"...Crazy bastard!"

A vein rose on Taekjoo's neck. Curses curled up in his throat before he

could get them out. His head turned as Zhenya pressed the tip of his tongue
against the sensitive flesh and his walls wrapped tightly around him. His
abs tightened.

Enjoying Taekjoo's disgusted reaction, Zhenya gnawed at his nipple.

Taekjoo's back arched at the subtle pleasure. The more he struggled and
rebelled, the more insistent Zhenya became, squeezing and sucking on his
nipple. Soon, even the other nipple that hadn't been bitten hardened.

Taekjoo's eyes gradually glazed over at the unfamiliar stimulation in an area

that had never been touched before.

"Ah... hah.. ah!"

He lifted Taekjoo's chin, which was slowly sinking, and pressed into his
drooping shoulder. He licked at the areola with the tip of his tongue, then
bit the nipple, which was taut with tension. Taekjoo pressed his knees and
shoulders together at the sharp pain as Zhenya squeezed his tingling
nipples. The saliva-soaked nipples swept helplessly against the light teasing
of his tongue. Their hard texture softened, and the sensations it triggered
travelled down to Taekjoo's groin.

"Ngh, ah, ah."

Zhenya, who had been teasing Taekjoo's nipples, suddenly looked down.

Something hard pressed against his waist. Taekjoo's hard penis revealed its
presence. The corners of Zhenya's mouth twisted upward.

"Look at how hard you are."

Taekjoo's face flushed at the naked mockery. Gritting his teeth, he churned
out curses and vowed to kill him in a language that Zhenya couldn't even
understand. All the while, with a look of satisfaction on his face, Zhenya
paused his waist and teased him. With a squelching sound, he rubbed
himself against Taekjoo's ass and thighs until they ached. The long, thick
penis slammed in and out of his hole. It seemed to puncture the skin of his
swelling stomach with each thrust.

Zhenya, who kept thrusting like he was sprinting in a race, suddenly pulled
out. Then the soft flesh around the hole, as well as the inside walls, were
pulled away from his cock. Zhenya's lips curled into an arc as he watched
the pink slickness around his cock. He slowly fingered Taek joos soft hole,
and without warning, plunged back into Taekjoo again.

"...Ah!"

A strained groan escaped from Taekjoo. Even though his mind was still
clouded, he trashed about furiously, trying to get away from Zhenya.

Without thinking about the situation, he grabbed hold of Zhenya to stop him
from moving around in his stomach. It was a futile gesture.

Taekjoo's knees were spread wide as he clenched tightly. Zhenya supported

his balance with both arms and pushed his upper body closer to Taekjoo.

His penis slid into a place it had never reached before. Taekjoo's back
spasmed as he floated in midair. He grimaced, and a trickle of blood ran
down his face. He couldn't breathe because of the fullness.

"Struggle any harder. I have no interest in sparing you at all."

Zhenya whispered, suddenly thrusting upward. Taekjoo's head was dizzy

with the sensations that spread throughout his stomach. Zhenya's cock
showed no sign of release.

Several times, he drifted in and out of consciousness. Sometimes it seemed

like hours had passed, but sometimes time seemed to stand still. He couldn't
tell if he was dreaming or not. Whenever his vision cleared, Zhenya was
always on top of him, restraining his limbs. Then horrible pain flooded in,
and he would scream and faint, again and again.

His body never moved of its own volition. He was impaled on Zhenya and
thoroughly moved up and down by him. His throat was so hoarse that it was
difficult to swallow. There was no sensation in his groin and ass. He
couldn't even move his legs. Thick fluid spread around his hips and his
hole. His entire pelvis was slippery, and if he moved too quickly, it seemed
it would flow down his legs.
Before long, the bed jolted. Zhenya had climbed back up. In his hand was a
thick, hand-rolled cigar. Taking a long drag from the lit cigar, he leaned
next to Taekjoo.

"Now, let's answer your questions one by one."

How sweet. The corners of Taekjoo's eyes twitched at the sight. His hands
clenched into tight fists. Zhenya watched him with amusement, then
suddenly reached out. Taekjoo's shoulders tensed. Regardless, Zhenya
reached out and ruffled his dishevelled hair.

"Let's start with the Anastasia you were searching for."

Taekjoo's clouded eyes became clearer. Zhenya laughed at his

unwillingness to let go of his duty, even in this situation.

"There is no Anastasia. There never was."

Taekjoo's brow furrowed. That was impossible. Zhenya was obviously

teasing him again.

"Don't bullshit me. What about SS-29, then!"

"SS-29... I don't know how you mistook it for Anastasia, but Anastasia is
far too precious to be compared to a ballistic missile."

Taekjoo's facade faltered at the laidback answer. Was 'SS-29' really just a
ballistic missile? He knew that the Russian serial numbering system of 'SS-
No.' was used for intercontinental ballistic missiles, but the information he'd
received at the Bogdanov mansion about 'SS-29' reminded him of

'Anastasia,' so he thought the two were the same. Though lauded for its

unprecedented firepower, he assumed that it would be similar to a

conventional nuclear weapon.

But they were completely different? There was no Anastasia to begin with,
and Taekjoo had fallen for Zhenya's tricks and had been under the wrong
impression? Doubt crept into his mind.
"The Anastasia project failed long ago. It was flawed by design. We wasted
an incalculable amount of money, time, and manpower trying to develop it.

It wasn't exactly a negative investment, though, because the mere rumour

that it existed, or that it was about to be completed, was enough to send the
world into a frenzy. The fact that South Korea and the U.S. sent you and
your colleague is proof of that, isn't it?"

He laughed, then grabbed Taekjoo's body and spun him around. Taekjoo's
weakened body turned over effortlessly. The hand that had been stroking his
calves gradually moved upward and slipped between his thighs. His soft
penis caught in Zhenya's hand, and he rubbed it playfully, saying, "No need
to be too disappointed."

"Do you know? Much is still said about Anastasia, the last princess of
Russia. That's because the imperial family's deaths were shrouded in
mystery and her body was never found. After being gunned down in a
cellar, the entire family was abandoned in a mine shaft... That's the widely
known story of her, or the Romanovs', misery. Of course, widely known
doesn't necessarily mean true, and what's not true can always be faked. In
fact, after Anastasia's death, many women claimed to be her. Anna
Anderson was one of them. At first, she was dismissed as an impostor
seeking the imperial family's fortune, but then evidence and testimony
began to surface that she might've been the real princess. And guess what?"

In the middle of speaking, he stopped and asked. When Taekjoo didn't

respond, Zhenya squeezed his penis and said, "Hm?" as if to demand an
answer.

"...Ah! Damn it, I don't fucking care!"

Zhenya laughed as if he found such a violent reaction amusing. Then he

gently stroked Taekjoo's shaft, which was swollen from the earlier pressure.

His rounded balls were crushed and molded in the pale white hands. It was
an affectionate gesture for the moment, but there was no telling when he
might snap again. Zhenya continued his explanation as he slipped his hand
deeper between Taekjoo's legs.
"Decades of tedious courtroom battles ensued. People were divided in half:
those who believed in Anastasia's return and those who did not. Time
passed, and Anna Anderson died. Her life was wasted, but she left
something behind. For decades, she had led countless people to think that
Anastasia might've really been alive."

What the hell was he trying to say? Taekjoo couldn't figure out what the
point of the story was.

"In Russian folktales, there is a character who always appears. Koschei the
Immortal. As his name suggests, he is strong, and nothing can kill him. He
is the obstacle the hero must overcome, the epitome of adversity. In every
story, Koschei kidnaps a beauty, and the hero enters his castle to rescue her.

But he always fails. Of course, Koschei has a weakness, but only he himself
knows it. In the end, he is killed by the hero. He falls for the beauty's
charms and foolishly reveals his weakness."

Taekjoo was listening quietly to understand Zhenya's intentions, but then he

frowned. His thighs were suddenly crushed. Zhenya, who had been fiddling
with Taekjoo's cock, climbed on top of him again. His legs were pinned
under the bastard.

Zhenya's gaze remained fixed on Taekjoo's back. A straight line fell from
his broad shoulders to his lean waist. The muscles of his sweaty back flexed
at the slightest movement. His ass, just below his waist, had the smooth
curve of a ripe fruit. Zhenya's eyes, which took it all in serenely, deepened
in colour.

He leaned over and pressed his lips to the nape of Taekjoo's neck. It was a
gentle touch, quite different from before. The tip of his nose caught
Taekjoo's scent. Unable to resist his growing appetite, Zhenya bit down on

the hot skin. Taekjoo craned his neck in disgust. Zhenya laughed softly and
whispered in his ear.

"You're not a beauty by any means, but I'll tell you. Koschei's weakness."
Twilight (14 - nsfw)

Taekjoo wondered if he was dreaming. Perhaps he was, because the stories

Zhenya told were interlocked without any connection, making him feel like
he was having one dream after another.

But the sensations in his body were unmistakably vivid. Zhenya's voice
reached him clearly, too, neither muffled nor slurred. It wasn't a dream, that
was for sure. But Zhenya continued to speak in riddles that Taekjoo couldn't
understand.

"In a vast land, there is an uninhabited castle. It's impossible to reach it by

flying, riding, or walking, or without turning into a fish, a bug, or a flying
beast. In the castle is a very large, very old tree, the same age as Koschei.

To the south of the tree is a large jewellery box, filled with many smaller
jewellery boxes. Among them, there is one jewellery box that no one looks
for, one that is neither overflowing nor lacking in comparison to the others.

Koschei's heart may or may not be inside. But if you find it, Koschei's life
will be in your hands. You may become Koschei yourself."

Zhenya leaned down a little more, his broad chest pressing against
Taekjoo's shoulder blades. Their sweaty bodies clung together, temperatures
overlapping. Taekjoo rolled his shoulders in irritation.

"You've done enough. Please fuck off."

It was almost a growl. But Zhenya laughed it off.

He slipped his hand under Taekjoo's stomach and squeezed his cock. Gently
sliding off the skin, the head was revealed. He teased the tip. Taekjoo's back
arched. His mouth, which had been furiously retorting, clamped shut.

His cock twitched in Zhenya's grasp with a mixture of subtle anticipation

and fear. Zhenya stroked him, lowering his lips to Taekjoo's shoulder blade.

He kissed his way along Taekjoo's straight spine, and when his lips reached
the mound, Taekjoo's body stiffened. Zhenya lightly nuzzled his firm ass
once, then let go.

"I'd like to live up to your expectations."

Then, Taekjoo's cheeks parted to either side. His cum-stained hole was
exposed. Just the mere contact with the outside air made him flinch. The
cum that had filled his belly to the brim overflowed past his entrance. With
the slightest turn, some of it dripped out in a long trickle. The
overwhelming sensation caused Taekjoo to bury his head deep into the
pillow.

Zhenya placed the hand-rolled cigar back in his mouth, then slid one finger
into the hole. A thick stream of cum flowed out. He raised his finger to
probe and scrape the walls. The cum that had clung to the walls was forced
out. Taekjoo's groin quickly became a mess.

After exploring the hole as deeply as he could, Zhenya suddenly lifted

Taekjoo's face. With his long fingers, he parted Taekjoo's mouth and
pressed on his tongue. He put the cigar he was smoking in Taekjoo's mouth.

Unable to suck the cigar in or spit it out, Taekjoo suddenly groaned deeply
and clenched his fists. Expletives escaped from his clenched teeth.

"Hah... fuck."

It was because Zhenya had spread his ass open and licked it clean. Again
and again, his tongue brushed against the pink hole. The unfamiliar
stimulation heightened Taekjoo's senses until he could feel every touch. The
tip of Zhenya's tongue traced the folds of his entrance. His hardened tongue
pressed against the hole, sending shivers down Taekjoo's spine with each
shallow penetration.

The cigar he'd barely held onto fell from his mouth early.

A terrible pleasure beyond the tickling sensation rose in him. His legs
stretched out from beneath Zhenya, pushing away the sheets.
Zhenya's grip on Taekjoo's sides was crushing, pinning him down as he
tried to break free. Taekjoo's lower abdomen pressed against the bed,

rubbing against it, even as he squirmed at the dull pleasure rising from his
rear. His penis quickly became hard.

He was going crazy. It felt like his brain was being ripped open and stripped
away by the humiliation of being violated, of being invaded to depths that
had never been touched. The blood coursing through his veins seemed to
boil over and become as thick as semen. Saliva leaked from his mouth as he
bit down on the pillowcase to stifle his moans.

As time went on, Taekjoo seemed to become more sensitive rather than less.

As Zhenya continued sucking on the thin skin around the hole, the pressure
in his lower abdomen intensified. Squirming from the stimulation from the
front and back, Taekjoo suddenly wrapped his arms around his head and
clenched his teeth. The next moment, his spine stiffened. His thighs tensed.

"......!"

Zhenya suddenly looked up. He glanced down at his hand, which was
covered in something. There was cum between his fingers. He glanced back
and forth between his wet hand and the gasping Taekjoo, as if surprised,
and then laughed, the corners of his mouth twisting.

"Did you come just because I sucked your hole?"

Taekjoo trembled as he mumbled profanities. Zhenya thought he'd fight

back at least once, but he didn't. He seemed like he'd been completely
drugged, the way he reacted to even the lightest touch was like he was on
fire. At first, he'd assumed it was a muscle relaxant, but now he realized it
was an aphrodisiac. It was obviously Sergei's doing. He'd wanted to fuck
Taekjoo from the start, so he must've planned it out well.

Zhenya laughed at Sergei, who was still on the floor, and spread Taekjoo's
legs apart a little further.
"Let me go one more time. Just the back."

Without warning, Zhenya's cock slammed into him, stretching his inner
walls. The slippery entrance swallowed his cock at once. It was impossible

to get used to the pressure on the spine.

"...Ah!"

He tried to hold it in, but a groan burst out that was more like a scream.

This time, Zhenya drove his penis all the way down his stomach. He
examined the connection. The gaping hole was like a tiny creature,
clenching on him. The walls inside clung tightly to his shaft, creating a
subtle suction. He traced the point where the two parts met, distinctly
different in colour. Even such a movement made Taekjoo's spine tremble.

He was usually very blunt, so every little reaction was interesting.

He straightened out his arms to support his upper body. Underneath him,
Taekjoo simply spread his legs wide to receive Zhenya.

Perhaps he was exhausted, but he wasn't as furious as before. Instead, he

seemed to be waiting for the terrible moment to pass quickly. That was why
it wasn't fun anymore.

After enjoying the tightness for a while, Zhenya grabbed Taekjoo by the
hair. Taekjoo suddenly tightened. As Zhenya's hips rose and fell, the
penetration deepened. When he pressed down with all his weight, a groan
escaped Taekjoo. Zhenya began to thrust harder.

Zhenya's cock pounded again and again, threatening to pierce his stomach.

Taekjoo clawed recklessly at the sheets. The pillow fell to the floor.

A different light crept into Zhenya's eyes. He felt an unfamiliar rush of

excitement at the sight of a man writhing helplessly beneath him, not unlike
the exhilaration of reeling in a flailing tuna with his bare hands, or the thrill
of slitting a caribou's throat as it struggled for its life. The heat radiating
from his centre quickly surged to the nape of his neck, then to his head.

Soon, Zhenya's face relaxed. He concentrated on thrusting with a furrow in

his brow. A squelching sound echoed every time he pulled out. Stagnant
fluids whitened and spread like spiderwebs across Taekjoo's hips and pelvis.

As Zhenya plunged into him, he ran his nose over the nape of Taekjoo's

neck and around his ears. The strong scent of his body fuelled his carnal
desires.

Taekjoo's compressed intestines felt like they were going to burst. His
stomach churned with each thrust. A bitter, tingling burning sensation made
his breathing ragged. The sheets ripped away beneath his clawed hands.

Every moment, a red-hot feeling consumed his mind. Zhenya made no

secret of his unbridled lust. He would bite Taekjoo's ear or bury his face in
his jet-black hair whenever he wanted. His body was covered in sweat and
his spine chilled as he tried to dissipate the simmering heat.

"If you want to get out of here, you'd better whine and shake your ass or
howl like a dog in heat. I get even more turned on when I see fearless
defiance. It takes a good stomping on a cute little thing to get me off. Sergei
even gave you the excuse that you're drugged and out of your mind. Hm?"

"Bullshit... ah!"

A second cry erupted from the furious Taekjoo. It was because Zhenya had
pressed his lower body firmly against his naturally excited waist. His thick
cock rammed mercilessly into the abused hole. He thrust so deeply that he
sometimes veered off course and slammed into his thighs. It was as hot and
hard as a molten iron rod, and it seemed like it could bore a hole in
Taekjoo's thighs. The cock, which had been hovering on the edge of the
hole, found its place and pierced through in one swift motion. There was a
squelching sound as they joined deeply.

"......!"
Taekjoo's eyes opened wide. For a moment, the pit of his stomach churned,
and he jerked upright in panic. But Zhenya stifled the almost seizure-like
gesture and pressed his chest against Taekjoo's back. Their sweaty flesh
pressed together. Zhenya's cock pushed into more intimate places.

Holding on to Taekjoo's trembling waist, he pressed harder. His cock

pushed open the tight inner walls and suddenly pressed against a place that

had never been touched before. Instantly, Taekjoo's entire body shuddered
as he was pinned down by Zhenya.

"...AH!"

"......?"

Zhenya froze at the unexpected reaction. He slid his upper body away from
Taekjoo and stared down at the back of his head. Taekjoo had completely
buried his head in the pillow, but he couldn't hide the redness behind his
ears or the nape of his neck. His body was shaking from the indescribable
heat of what he had just encountered. He clamped down on Zhenya's cock,
not letting it slip away.

Zhenya's lips curled into a long arc. He pulled his penis out of Taekjoo.

Taekjoo's body shuddered as his tight inner walls suddenly loosened. The
muscles that had been tensing up suddenly relaxed, leaving him in an
inexplicable state of emptiness. Even his shoulders began to slacken.

Watching all the changes, Zhenya's spread Taekjoo's ass open to both sides.

The swollen, crushed hole barely opened. His cock, eager to enter, rubbed
against his ass. Every time their hot flesh met, Taekjoo's head buried itself
deeper. His hands gripping the sheets turned white.

Zhenya's throat bobbed, but he remained patient. Taekjoo's hole continued

to quiver in the wake of the intense stimulation.

"Come to think of it, there's something I've been curious about for a
while...."
As he trailed off, he slammed his penis into Taekjoo without warning.

Taekjoo's body, which had been trembling impatiently, stiffened.

Zhenya's cock throbbed as if savouring the encounter with the sweet inner
walls. Then he thrust upward, hitting the spot that had made Taekjoo feel so
embarrassed just moments before. Instantly, a subtle tingle ran down
Taekjoo's spine.

"Ah...!"

Taekjoo was flipped over again. His whole body flailed, and he groaned
helplessly. The sensation of electricity coursed through every cell in his
body. Just as his tightly contracted muscles were about to unwind into a
mess, Zhenya suddenly pulled his penis out. His insides suddenly felt
empty.

Just as Taekjoo began to puzzle, Zhenya rubbed his penis against Taekjoo's
hip. As the fever rose, the heated flesh shouted for him to enter. His
patience was wearing thin, and he began to burn.

He tried to tease a bit more, but his lower abdomen and groin were so stiff
that he couldn't hold out for long.

Again, he thrust his penis into Taekjoo's hole. He held down the squirming
Taekjoo and pounded downward. The heat of their friction seemed to melt
skin.

A tight breath poured in. His lungs ached and his upper body half collapsed.

He grimaced bitterly as he pulled his penis out again, ready to burst at any
moment. His entire groin stiffened. His head was dizzy. But he endured it
anyway. It was for the ultimate pleasure.

The anxious hole bit down on what was left of his penis as he continued to
pull out. Taekjoo's cock was drenched with precum.

(tw? zhenia says weird asf like idk how to feel about this 😕)
"Can you kill a person just by raping them?"

Zhenya muttered, exhaling a long breath. He stared at Taekjoo's body as he

pulled out, his own tongue burning.

There was no response from Taekjoo. Slowly, Zhenya pressed down on his
waist and pushed a little further into the hole. Like a lie, the inner walls
tightened and wrapped around his flesh. He resisted the temptation and
pulled back, then repeated the action a couple of times.

Out of nowhere, Taekjoo's body rocked toward Zhenya. It was a purely

instinctual move. Zhenya watched in surprise. Of his own volition,
Taekjoo's body opened and swallowed the fierce cock. He took it all the
way.

A satisfied smile spread across Zhenya's face. Taekjoo trembled in

humiliation and self-loathing.

"Fuck, you..."

Zhenya grabbed Taekjoo by the hair, lifting the face buried deep in the
pillow. Taekjoo's entire distorted face was flushed red. His expression was a
mixture of arrogance and other emotions, but his pupils had long since
melted into the aphrodisiac and became hazy.

It was clear that he was feeling it, because his ass clung to Zhenya even
though he was flinching.

Zhenya feasted on Taekjoo's throbbing hole to his heart's content. His cock,
red with heat, exploded in and out of the tight entrance.

"Ah.... ah, hah!"

"Hah, hah, hah..."

The two men's groans mingled. Zhenya continued to tease Taekjoo's waist,
then grabbed his shoulders and spun him around. His body spun halfway
around, impaled on Zhenya. Taekjoo shook his head vigorously as their
meshed bodies jerked together. His legs were swung over Zhenya's
shoulders. The lump of flesh embedded in his inner walls stirred inside him,
giving a new kind of stimulation. Zhenya squeezed Taekjoo's chest as he
pulsed with pleasure.

The thrusts gradually picked up speed. Their breathing became erratic and
unsteady. The moans that erupted collapsed. Taekjoo's toes curled with the
burning sensation that dominated his entire body.

What had been a rapidly rising tide toward a way out was about to burst.

Zhenya's situation was not much different. He raised the speed and
slammed in and out of Taekjoo, but suddenly locked in place. It was like an
electric shock.

"Fuck...!"

"MPH-!"

Without even knowing who came first, he roared, releasing the remnants of
his desire. An unusually thick stream of cum spurted onto Taekjoo's chest.

At the same time, something stuck deep inside him.

Taekjoo was so exhausted that he could barely breathe. That alone made his
whole body go numb. He didn't have the strength to lift a finger, much less
stroke his penis, which was still throbbing from the afterglow.

Zhenya slammed his lower body a few times, determined to release

whatever was left. His cock, which hadn't eased off even after he'd
ejaculated, spurted generously, revelling in its Vigor. The last of his cum
overflowed along Taekjoo's ass.

After finishing, he shook off Taekjoo's legs that were draped over his
shoulders. The long legs fell with a thud. Taekjoo was still weak and could

only catch his breath.

Zhenya lifted the cigar that had been lying on the sheet to his mouth. The
bitter smoke burned down his throat and warmed his stomach. After
enjoying the cigar for a while, Zhenya slowly scanned Taekjoo's body. If
they were both men, why did he get so turned on? If he repeated the
question until it was solved, perhaps the answer would emerge by itself.

"It might be worth experimenting to see if that alone can kill someone.

You'll die here, today, regardless."

As soon as he said it, he already felt that it was a waste.

Since then, they did it at least three more times. It could have been more
because Taekjoo was barely conscious the whole time. Since some time
ago, he couldn't feel anything below his waist. The drug had worn off, and
his euphoria had subsided. All that remained was excruciating pain.

He lifted his eyelids as he felt the bed shake. In his blurred vision, he saw
Zhenya walking away. He walked straight to the chamber behind the bed. It
was the same wall where the photograph of the Bogdanov family hung.

Standing in front of the picture frame, he casually pushed it aside. Then

another door appeared behind it. With a familiar touch, he entered in the
password. The door made a distinctive mechanical sound and opened with
ridiculous ease. Inside was a display of unidentifiable glass jars. Zhenya
took one of them and walked back to the bed.

"Do you know what this is?"

He gently shook the bottle in his hand. Taekjoo didn't answer. He didn't
even have the energy to part his lips. Zhenya was unfazed by his silence.

"It's polonium-210. Shall we call it a relic left behind by the failed

'Anastasia'?"

Taekjoo's eyes opened wide at the words 'polonium-210.' It was a

radioactive substance with thousands of times more alpha particles than
radium. The world produced only about 100 grams of it per year, but it was
so toxic that even tiny doses administered to the human body were deadly.
Zhenya leisurely lifted Taekjoo's hand, pinching each straight finger as he
murmured, tone almost like a hum.

"What do you want me to do? Shall I cut off your fingers first? A dead body
found in Lake Baikal. Not bad. I'll let your colleague take care of your
frozen corpse. He's been trying to contact you."

Who did he mean when he said colleague? Taekjoo couldn't think of

anyone.

Zhenya didn't give Taekjoo much time to think. Before his eyes, he injected
the 'polonium-210' into a syringe. The piston was pulled, and a clear liquid
filled the cylinder.

"By the way, I guess you're hated on that side, too? A place called the
National Intelligence Service accidentally sent you a photo of me... That
can't be right."

Taekjoo was confused. Too much information was coming at him all at
once in a situation where death was imminent. His heart was racing, and it
wasn't just because he foresaw the end. An unexplained, ominous hunch
stuck in his mind and couldn't be shaken off. There was something he'd
missed. What was it?

Zhenya tapped the syringe to release the air bubbles.

"Perhaps you uncovered some dirt on your superior that wasn't meant to be
found out."

Giving a guess, he pressed the piston. The drug seeped from the sharp
needle. Zhenya lifted Taekjoo's arm.

Taekjoo's entire body strained. Was he going to die? It couldn't be. He

couldn't die like this, not knowing what was going on. But he didn't even
have the strength left in his body to struggle one last time. The sharp needle
was about to reach him.
At that moment, Taekjoo, who had been silent the entire time, shoved
Zhenya's shoulder. He didn't know where that strength came from. Zhenya
seemed surprised by the sudden counterattack, but he didn't panic. He
overpowered the desperately struggling Taekjoo in a single movement, and
then unhesitantly plunged the needle into his neck.

"KEUK...!"

Taekjoo's brow furrowed in sharp pain. The stabbing was so brutal that
blood flowed from the needle's point. Red blood spread like ink inside the
syringe's cylinder. With a smile on his face, Zhenya pushed the piston all
the way down to inject the drug. The liquid inside the syringe was pushed
into Taekjoo's body.

His head spun for a moment. His arms dropped from against Zhenya. His
vision splintered, then scattered. Was this how it ended? He could hear the
click, click of something opening and closing. It sounded familiar. A cigar
cutter.

A pleasant hum sounded not far away. His ring finger was grabbed. The
sound of the cigar cutter came closer and closer. Then, a searing pain shot
through his ring finger.

"Foolish Zaika."

A dark laugh rang in his ears. As if it had been cut off, a terrible pain shot
up his ring finger. What would happen now? Asking a futile question,
Taekjoo's consciousness sank into a deep abyss.

Counter attack (1)

There was a faint hum. Rhythmic shadows slithered across his eyelids.

Fingers were sliced off. His limbs and torso were ripped in half, flesh cut
like fish, quickly turning cold. The blood that once coursed through his
body drained away, leaving behind a bleached, bloody mass of meat.

He didn't feel any pain. His mind was still foggy. He was going to die now.
Only vague thoughts lingered in his mind.

His limbs were frozen solid. His body felt like it was both suspended in a
vacuum and sinking into deep water. A heavy alcoholic odour brushed past
his nose, followed by a stark darkness. Cold water rushed into every pore of
his body. There was a metallic odour.

From the darkness, pitch-black snakeheads appeared. One, two, three... they
kept swarming, eyes flashing. They whirled around, searching for prey.

Then one lunged at him, and they all began to tear into pieces of his pale,
swollen flesh.

A black phantom flickered in his blurred vision, but he couldn't see its face
or hear its voice. As he moved closer to get a better look, it retreated just as
quickly. The distance between them remained constant. The black figure
circled around him. Slowly at first, then so fast that he couldn't follow its
movements. His eyeballs seemed to whirl. His breathing became ragged.

When its spinning reached its peak, the black figure scattered into bubbles
and dispersed.

Don't forget your promise to your father.

A voice echoed from the disappearing bubbles. It wasn't a human voice. He

hurriedly turned towards the direction from which the sound came, but the
black figure had scattered and did not appear again. Had he run out of
breath? Was that why he could see the souls of the dead and hear their
voices? Why hadn't his consciousness evaporated yet?

As he floated dazedly, a giant, sudden bubble quickly swept past him. He

turned quickly. The retreating bubble quickly formed into a figure, more
massive and savagely animated than the one he'd seen earlier.

It was him. The moment he realized the figure's identity, he reflexively took
a step back. As he did, it grew larger and larger.

Don't come closer.

A soundless cry shook the space.

The next moment, the massive figure slammed into him. His entire body
was sucked into the dense inky liquid. He was choking. The pain he'd
forgotten came flooding back. Every joint and bone in his body felt like it
was being sliced apart. His skin burned unbearably as his flesh fell away.

The black figure that had consumed his body in an instant soon shattered
into white and laughed coldly.

Foolish Zaika.

"......!"

Taekjoo's eyes flew open. His blurry vision gradually cleared. Everything in
front of him was white. Was there a problem with his eyes?

He closed his eyes tightly and opened them again. There was no change.

Still white ceilings, a humidifier quiet enough to be unobtrusive, the

familiar smell of disinfectant, and the feel of hard bedding against his back.

Putting the pieces together, it seemed that he was in a hospital.

He lifted his hand. An IV needle was stuck in the back of it. Two IV drips
hung nearby. There was even an oxygen tank, just in case. He must've come
back from the dead.

What was reality and what was his imagination? He couldn't remember
anything, as if it had all been washed away. It was difficult to tell whether
the lingering memories in his mind were real or not. All that he could be
certain about were the events just before he got off the Trans-Siberian train.

When he tried to recall what happened after that, his head throbbed as if it
were about to crack. He groaned as he held his bandaged head.

"You're awake now?"

An unfamiliar voice interrupted. Taekjoo flinched away in surprise. His
hand flew to his waist out of habit. But the gun that should've been there
was gone.

Once he saw his opponent, Taekjoo quickly let his guard down. His
opponent's condition wasn't good. A cast started at his shoulder and
wrapped around his wrist. The only reason his head stayed upright was
because of the brace around his neck. His eyes were painfully bruised and
swollen, and his lips were raw and chapped. His head was bandaged, and
his forehead and cheeks were covered in bandages. Judging from the
crutches, his legs weren't in good shape, either. It seemed he'd need at least
12 weeks for a full recovery.

But somehow, the man looked familiar. Perhaps Taekjoo was mistaken, but
he couldn't shake off a deep sense of Deja vu. It didn't take long for the
man's identity to dawn on him. He wasn't able to recognize the man right
away because of his miserable appearance.

It was Psikh Bogdanov. No, it was the man he'd mistaken for Psikh
Bogdanov. On the day of the hotel attack, a man disguised as a paramedic
chased after Taekjoo. At the time, he had no doubt the man was Psikh
Bogdanov, but he now knew that he wasn't. But what the hell was going on?

As soon as the man had encountered Zhenya, he didn't hesitate to open fire,
so it didn't seem like they had a close relationship.

"Who are you?"

"You're quick to ask."

"When else would I ask."

Director Lim had told him that he'd been randomly assigned a partner.

Considering the stoplight on him, his partner would approach him naturally,
and he would be sent a photo at the appropriate time. The next day, he
received two images. One was Zhenya, and the other was of the man in
front of him now. Zhenya spoke to him at the right time, so he though
Zhenya was his partner. He seemed to have the qualifications, and he's
helped on the first day, so Taek joo didn't question it.

How the hell could things go so wrong? It was the combination of

headquarters' mistake in forcing Taekjoo to work with a partner he didn't
want and sending him the wrong photo, and his timing in running into
Zhenya.

But something was still confusing.

"Why didn't you tell me who you were sooner? "

"Did I have time to tell you? If I had the time, why wouldn't I tell you? How
the hell was I supposed to approach you, with Bogdanov right there with
you? I waited until you were alone, and when I approached you, you acted
like you'd seen a ghost, and I almost died while trying to explain by moving
to a quieter place. Have you already forgotten how you beat me until I
passed out after I grabbed you underwater? "

He openly ridiculed, obviously angry at Taekjoo. After all, it was all

because of him that they were in such misery. Kwon Taekjoo couldn't lift
his head in embarrassment at what he'd done.

"I know this sounds like an excuse, but I had a lot going on... hah, that
really does sound like an excuse. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. I
definitely apologize for that. "
"I feel like I'm being mocked when you admit it so readily. This is all I get
for all those days of struggling."

"I've had several near-death moments because I misidentified my colleague.

If that doesn't comfort you, you can hit me a few times."

Taekjoo stuck out his left cheek. It wasn't an empty gesture. If the man
wanted to, he could do it. The man's fists clenched in response. But he soon
loosened his grip. He even scolded Taekjoo for being ridiculous.

"As much as I want to, I'll let you off. I won't do it while you look like
that."

The man clicked his tongue disapprovingly. It was no different than a return
receipt, but Kwon Taekjoo felt his sympathy. Only then did Taekjoo finally
lift his hand to inspect his face and body, which was enough to give him a
clear idea of his condition. bandages covered his forehead, cheeks, earlobes,
nape, neck, and around his collarbone. Just a slight twist of his body gave
him intense pain in his lower back.

But what about his fingers? Remembering, Taekjoo opened his hands and
examined them. His ring finger, which was in excruciating pain, was
bandaged. As expected, that was what happened.

"My finger..."

"It's fractured."

"Yes, as expected, it was... huh?"

Taekjoo nodded, then stared at the man blankly.

"...What?"

"Have your ears gone bad, too? I just said it's fractured. First time in a
finger cast?"
"Wasn't it cut off?"

"Why would it be? You've watched too many mafia movies. "

Taekjoo shook his head in disbelief. Before he lost consciousness, he'd felt
a strong shock on the first knuckle of his ring finger. He clearly heard the
snap of the cigar cutter. He thought for sure he was going to lose his finger,

but it was just a simple fracture. What's more, all his fingers were fine
except for his ring finger. He couldn't believe it. He turned his hand over.

"But didn't Morgan's body have all ten fingers cut off? "

"Yeah, but you're alive. He's dead. So, you don't have to feel bad about
having all your fingers intact. "

Taekjoo was puzzled. He thought that just as Zhenya killed Morgan, he

would do the same to him. How on earth was he still alive?

"How did I get here?"

"You were dumped on the riverside near Olkhon Island. Just in time, the
Bogdanov bastard moved away, and our agents following him found you.

The doctor says your heart would've stopped if we'd been any longer."

Then that must've been it. Zhenya hadn't saved Taekjoo. He simply wasn't
interested in weather or not he loved or died. He might've just been toying
with Kwon Taekjoo so that he would be able to drag out his feeble existence
a little longer, if he was lucky enough to be rescued.

No, was that really so? He remembered the injection he'd been given before
he'd lost consciousness. He felt around his neck and found a bandage on it.

If it'd indeed been 'polonium-210', he wouldn't have been able to open his
eyes.

"I was injected with polonium-210?"

"Who said that?'

"Back when I passed out, that's definitely what Zhenya said, that bastard..."

"Zhenya, the psycho? Yevgeny Vissarionovich Bogdanov. Your best

friend."

The man sarcastically called him Taekjoo's best friend. "Zhenya, Zhenya..."

He then repeated the name several times.

"How can you call a guy like that by a nickname? Even his own family
wouldn't call him that."

Taekjoo clicked his tongue with a frustrated look on his face. A nickname.

He opened his mouth to protest but shut it again. It was because something
vaguely came to mind. From the beginning, he'd introduced himself as
Zhenya. Of course, Taekjoo didn't think that was his real name because it
wasn't a popular Russian name. So, he assumed it was just an alias. Since he
was in the arms trade, it would make sense if he hid his identity out of
habit. In some ways, he seemed similar to Taekjoo himself.

He also knew that 'Psikh Bogdanov' was notorious for his reputation, but
he'd forgotten that Psikh had a real name, and that the nickname for

'Yevgeny' was 'Zhenya'. While learning Russian, Taekjoo was also educated
about ethnic composition, history, society, life, and culture. But he didn't
think much about nicknames, because at that time he didn't know he'd be
coming to Russia or that he'd be calling Russians by their nicknames.

What had he been thinking when he told Taekjoo his nickname? When
Taekjoo called him by a nickname without question? How much fun it
must've been to watch an idiot think he was a colleague, when he was
openly hinting at his identity. To complete the mission, Taekjoo had
climbed walls upside down, cycled in Siberia in the dead of winter, crawled
through dust-filled vents, and laughed and chatted with assholes.
The devilish grin on Zhenya's face grew wide. Taekjoo's teeth gritted. His
clenched fists shook.

"ZHENYAAAAAAA!"

His pent-up rage exploded. The man watching tensed his shoulders. Taekjoo
raged and stormed. The bandages on his head were halfway unwound, and
the tray toppled over from the rattling IV drip. The pillow and quilt on the
bed slid to the floor. He continued for a while to see if it would help relieve
his anger.

"Calm down. You didn't even get the Po of polonium-210 if that's what
you're worried about. It was just a simple aesthetic. Although they say it
was so potent that no amount of shock would've woken you up."

The man, slightly startled, dissuaded Taekjoo. Taekjoo lowered his head
and caught his breath. His dishevelled bangs obscured his eyes, making it
impossible to read his expression. After a long time, he suddenly asked,

"What does he do?"

"What?"

"Yevgeny, that son of a bitch... what the hell does he do?"

The man snapped his head up. His already sharp eyes were sharpened even
more. He shrugged and said, "You've heard of the FSB, right?" Instead of
answering, Taekjoo nodded. 'FSB' was Russia's Federal Security Service. Its
predecessor in the former Soviet Union was the KGB, which was notorious
for its 'once you're in, you're never out' reputation. They could investigate
any organization without a warrant, and often sent spies abroad or set up
companies under false pretences to gather the information they needed.

They even had the privilege of not being monitored by other agencies.

Officially, they performed counterintelligence and counterterrorism

missions like the National Security Agency, but unofficially, they were
rumoured to kidnap and assassinate their enemies.
Was Zhenya in the 'FSB'? Perhaps Taekjoo was making assumptions, but he
felt a sense of foreboding that was close to conviction. If Zhenya worked
for them, strictly speaking, he was technically a civil servant. Though
Taekjoo doubted any country would entrust its affairs to such a lunatic.

Taekjoo's expression rapidly grew unnatural. The man didn't seem to care
and continued his explanation.

"There are two special units under the FSB, Spetsgruppa Alfa and Vympel.

Spetsgruppa Alfa, also known as Alpha, is made up of the most elite agents.

Most of their troops are stationed in Moscow. It's called a unit, but it's
independent enough to conduct its own investigations. It's organized into
five divisions, each of which has at least 150 to 250 members. What's next
is important. One of those five divisions has only one member"

(if u don't get it he's basically saying there are only 2 special units and one
of those only consists of Zhenya. In turn he's doing the job of 250 people all

by himself)

The fact that they had a hundred or so elite operatives was a testament to
the difficulty and complexity of their tasks. But what if there was one
person doing the work that should've been shared by all those people?

No way. In the midst of his ominous doubts, the man placed the final blow.

"That's who he is."

Taekjoo laughed. Was that even possible? Or was it just nonsense to make
fun of him? He would have to be at that level to be called 'Psikh Bogdanov'

by everyone.

However, it was still too far from common sense.

Did the Russian government or the 'FSB' approve of such a staffing

arrangement? The man dismissed Taekjoo's question with a simple one of
his own.

"Would you want to be teamed up with him?"

No way. He didn't like Zhenya from the start. Taekjoo never would've run
into him if the damn headquarters hadn't sent the wrong photo. Even if he
had, he would've avoided Zhenya out of sheer instinct. He didn't remember
a single night sleeping comfortably with him.

"They don't call him 'nuclear' for nothing. If you mess with him, you'll lose
your hand, so what kind of fool would stay by his side? I've heard that if
you step out of line, he'll kill all your allies."

"And he'll claim that it's self-defence."

Taekjoo added familiarly. The man gestured that he was right.

It all made sense now. Why Zhenya had saved his life the day he entered the
country disguised as Hiro Sakamoto. Why Kwon Taekjoo ran into him
again at the hotel where a luncheon with the Russian representative was
being held. He was on the phone with someone at the time.

'...No. I came, but I figured it'd be boring.'

His tone was excusatory. Maybe he was trying to cool off his boiling
opponent. The Gazprom representative Kwon Taekjoo saw on his way to
the restroom was fidgeting with his cell phone. Didn't he say that no
representative had shown up for the luncheon?

'Let me be clear. I already cleaned up your mess last time.'

Zhenya had said that, too.

In the end, he saved Taek joo, or Hiro Sakamoto, because he was the third
son of the Bogdanov family. He had come to the hotel to 'clean up' at the
behest of his father and brother as a representative of Gazprom, only to be
confronted by Taekjoo himself.
He'd pushed around a bit and, unexpectedly, discovered something
interesting. Hiro Sakamoto looking meaningfully at his photo. This must
not have been unusual for someone belonging to the 'FSB'. That was why
Gazprom's representative didn't appear at the luncheon that day.

The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and the strange behaviour Zhenya
sometimes displayed was explained. As he had said, Taekjoo had survived
on pure luck. There were many times when his life was threatened.

Taekjoo, who was organizing his thoughts, suddenly let out a long sigh.

Lifting his head and facing the man, he regained his natural calm.

"So, what's your name?"

"What's the point of introductions right now?"

"Taekjoo."

He asked for a handshake, unperturbed. The man clasped Taekjoo's hand

with a disapproving look on his face.

"Salman. Salman Basayev."

The muscles in Taekjoo's body shrieked as he twisted slightly to shake

hands. Particularly, his lower back was unbearably sore. Salman shook his

head as Taekjoo frowned.

What more could he say to a patient who has just woken up from a near-
death experience? He said, "Take a rest," as he stood up. Taekjoo gave him
a puzzled look.

"You're just going to leave?"

"What would I do if I didn't?"

"We need to plan our next move."

Salman made a face of incredulity. He burst into laughter. How could
Taekjoo even mention a plan while looking like a zombie? Even if he was
in top condition, it wouldn't make a difference. Having barely escaped with
his life from Psikh Bogdanov, he wondered if he should try again. His head
injury might've prevented him from thinking clearly.

Salman clicked his tongue.

"Can't you see? This operation's a failure."

"No..."

"I know you want to deny it, and I know you want to make amends. But we
don't have any more chances. Your support from headquarters will end with
your medical expenses, so behave yourself and return to your homeland."

Taekjoo immediately started to protest, but Salman raised his hand as if to

say he wouldn't listen to anything more. He limped to the door, opened it,
and started to walk out, then paused. As if he thought of something, he
looked back at Taekjoo and smiled sarcastically.

"He must've really liked your ass, judging from the tearing."

What?

Before Taekjoo could ask, the door slammed shut. He stared at the closed
door in confusion. Salman's laughter was clearly a mix of mockery and

derision.

He paused to consider Salman's words. In no time, his face turned pale. His
forgotten, shameful memories returned quickly. He pounded the bed with
his fists. It didn't make him feel any better. A furious roar echoed through
the hospital.

"You crazy bastard, I'm going to kill you...!"

Counter attack (2)

2

"Why?"

Vladimir Vissarionovich raised a questioning eyebrow. The future CEO of

Gazprom had been at FSB headquarters since early morning. It was an
annual tradition for him to meet up with his blood relative. The man in
question nonchalantly picked at his ears.

"I feel like someone's talking about me."

He'd listened to everything that was said, but still replied blandly. Vladimir
rubbed his throbbing forehead. His normally wrinkled brow furrowed even
more.

"Father is very disappointed in you."

"It's only been a day or two."

Didn't he know that he was being scolded? How could he keep such an
immature smile on his face? How many years had he spent cleaning up
Zhenya's messes? For decades Vladimir had persevered with the optimism
that Zhenya would grow out of it, that he'd be fine once he hit puberty, that
he'd get better as an adult, that he'd grow out of it someday. It didn't matter
what the hell he did outside, as long as he didn't drag the family in. But
Zhenya had no limits.

Vladimir could clearly remember the first time Zhenya had laughed. It had
been many years ago. The youngest's prized white peacock, a precious bird
that had been kept in an artificial environment in the garden, had gone
missing. It wasn't long before it was found in the garden, naked with its
feathers plucked. Next to the peacock, which was staggering around
helplessly, was Zhenya, surrounded by white feathers.

'Look at it, brother. It pretends to be graceful, but it's just ugly underneath.'

(literally him)
He was no more than ten years old. Zhenya laughed brightly as if he was
enjoying himself, as if he couldn't bear how amusing it was. Whenever he
found something exciting, he set about destroying it, and when it was
completely ruined, he would quickly move on to something else.

When Zhenya's destructive instincts emerged among humans, his father,

Vissarion, made a decision. He sent Zhenya to the FSB and stuck him there.

There, his violent disposition was not as much of a problem. Though

sometimes his work couldn't cover it up.

Such was the situation in this case. As Gazprom became the biggest winner
of the Russian Japanese deal, disgruntled forces arose. Since sabotage had
been frequent in the past, there were concerns that the Japanese guests
would be affected as well. Vladimir had his secretary meet a Japanese
employee arriving in the country a day ahead of the visiting delegation.

It wasn't until arriving at the hotel that he realized the escort had been paid
off by the disgruntled forces. He immediately sent Zhenya to the airport.

That was a mistake. He shouldn't have brought Zhenya to the luncheon,

even if it was unavoidable that one time. Things went awry that morning
when Vissarion collapsed from a chronic illness.

He left after barely managing to coax Zhenya, but Zhenya didn't attend the
luncheon and instead played a game of espionage with a Korean
intelligence agent. He showed up at an event where only important people
were invited and leaked confidential information about 'SS-29'. That wasn't
all. He even staged a shootout and hostage situation at the party.

Even thinking about it made him dizzy. A deep sigh escaped Vladimir's
lips.

"Your disturbance also caused trouble for Vadim. What the hell were you
thinking, doing such a thing in front of the president and his ministers? The
man you kidnapped and killed that night..."

"Oh, I remember him now. How'd you handle the situation?"

"...The Korean agent took both of you hostage and killed him while
fleeing."

Zhenya burst into laughter. "Who took who hostage?" he asked again to
reluctant Vladimir.

Anyone who knew Zhenya wouldn't believe such as obvious lie. And yet
they let it slide. In present-day Russia, money was power, and power was a
corporation. The Bogdanov family was proof of that.

"When you found out the Korean agent was a spy, why didn't you eliminate
him immediately?"

Vladimir asked flatly. Personally, he was curious. Why did Zhenya keep
him alive when he could've hunted him down to his heart's content? No one
would find it strange if Taekjoo, the spy, was found dismembered. Not even
South Korea, the country he had been sent from, would raise the subject.

That was the fate of a spy, and the practice of most intelligence agencies.

Zhenya shrugged casually.

"I thought about it, but he seemed to trust me very much. I figured it
wouldn't hurt to play along."

"Such light-heartedness causing this much trouble..."

"It was more fun to watch him struggle to live. Killing him in one blow
would be a waste, and boring, too."

"...Alright, we'll leave it at that. I found out he's being treated at a small
hospital in Irkutsk. If you'd had enough of playing around, you should've
cleaned up your mess. Why did you let him live?"

"I didn't try to keep him alive. If he was found any later, he would've died."

"He was still breathing when he left your hands, in any case. Branding,
dismembering, then throwing them away—isn't that what you do? It's
always been that way, hasn't it?"
Zhenya smiled at the persistent Vladimir.

"What are you so worried about? You think he'll fight back when he's barely
breathing? Forget it. He won't be able to do anything that cute."

He drew a clear line in the sand. Vladimir opened his mouth to say
something more but closed it. What was done was done. There was no point
in arguing now. Some secrets may have been leaked to South Korea, but
their operation had already been compromised. No doubt their vigilance
would be heightened.

"You came here to say that?" Zhenya said, with a bored look on his face. In
truth, Vladimir had many reasons for wanting to see him. As the eldest son
of the Bogdanovs, he tried to discipline the three sons, the troublemakers of
the family. But he had a real purpose this time.

"Is 'Anastasia' still incomplete?"

Zhenya smirked at the straightforward question. There was a hint of

mockery in his curved eyes. This was how their relationship was supposed
to be. After such a long time apart, they were more curious about the
progress of work rather than each other's well-being. It was nothing new.

Zhenya smiled and didn't answer the question.

"Who's so curious? Father? The president? Or some other bigshot?"

Vladimir didn't answer. In fact, everyone was curious. The '2nd Anastasia',
to be built from the blueprints of the failed 'Anastasia'.

Several months ago, North Korea and Russia agreed to destroy all evidence
related to the 'Anastasia' project. The blueprints, created over several years
by leading weapons developers, were prioritized for destruction. Everyone
involved was killed, and the weapons systems, arsenals, and blueprints
under development were destroyed. Of course, only the Bogdanov family
survived the brutal destruction of evidence. It was their reward for
completing the destruction and forever remaining silent about it all.
Rumour had it that, like the unpurged Bogdanov family, the blueprints were
still out there somewhere. The Bogdanovs remained silent. Ironically, their

unclear stance only heightened the outside reverence.

Vladimir was also curious. The question was not whether the blueprints
existed, but whether they could be rearranged to create the real 'Anastasia'.

There was only one person, Zhenya, who knew the answer. For now,
Anastasia's blueprints existed in a form that only he could interpret.

Whenever he had a chance, he'd ask Zhenya when he was going to release
the completed 'Anastasia'. Zhenya was always reserved, saying he would
think about it when he felt like it. Vladimir had reminded him of their
conversation to reaffirm his intentions.

"Still unwilling?"

"I was thinking I'd play around with it a bit after this was over."

"But?"

"Judging from today, don't you think it'd be better to leave it alone? It's
quite amusing to see everyone so desperate. Not long ago, one of them
came running at me, claiming to be avenging his father's death. Oblivious to
the fact that his limbs were being torn off one by one, he was barking that
he was going to kill me, flailing his remaining neck... I wish you could've
seen it, Volodya."

Vladimir turned his head away from Zhenya, who was genuinely amused.

He sighed and pressed a hand to his aching temple.

"...So you killed Hong Yeowook?"

Zhenya didn't reply, smiling vaguely. Beyond his cheerful expression, his
gaze was piercing. For some reason, Vladimir felt as if he were being
stripped of his clothes. The layers that surrounded the man named Vladimir
were being cast away one by one. How unpleasant.
Vladimir fiddled with his collar. Zhenya, who had been watching lazily,
suddenly asked, "Do you regret it?"

"What?"

"Do you regret sending me there?"

It was a meaningful question, but not difficult to answer.

"I regret trusting you. I regret being so optimistic that you would do as you
were told. Me and father, both."

Even as his family voiced their disappointment and frustration, Zhenya still
laughed.

"Regret it to your heart's content, but don't drool over other people's things.

It's mine now, and I'm not going to use it for anyone else's benefit. I'll keep
it until I'm tired of it, and then I'll break it myself. So, stop bothering me.

I've cut you some slack out of brotherly love, but if this continues, I'll won't
be able to stay still."

"......."

Vladimir watched Zhenya wordlessly. An impassive exchange passed

between the two brothers. A stony silence followed.

How long had it been? Vladimir's phone rang. It was followed by another
vibration from somewhere else. Vladimir was about to answer the call when
he stopped and looked around. Soon, Zhenya's vibrating phone came into
his field of vision. An ominous premonition flashed through his mind. His
eyes locked on it, and he pressed the call button. Both phones went silent at
the same time.

Convinced, Vladimir walked over to Zhenya's desk and grabbed his phone.

Untouched, the phone was connected to a call. The caller ID on the screen
was the same as his.
"Are you spying on your family now?"

It was absurd. Zhenya made no excuses. He simply stood up and calmly

opened the door.

"Go ahead."

Vladimir left the room with an empty threat to sue if he didn't stop hacking.

As soon as he left, the door slammed shut.

As the noise disappeared, peace came. Zhenya went to the window and
watched Vladimir trudge to his car. His playful laughter quickly faded
away.

He slowly turned around and looked around the empty office. The clock on
the wall showed that it was still morning.

"It's boring, so boring."

He muttered to himself. Strangely, time seemed to pass slowly.

Counter attack (3)

The window, rattling nonstop, burst open. The curtains billowed wildly in
the rushing wind. In the bed, Taekjoo pulled the blanket up to his neck and
hunched his shoulders. But he couldn't fight the bone-piercing cold. He
knew that if he fell asleep, he'd be found as a frozen corpse in the morning.

Eventually, he dragged himself out of bed.

The moment his feet hit the floor; his entire body ached. He'd thought his
tenacity was pretty good, but he must've been mistaken. His physical
strength had dropped while he was unconscious, and it had taken him quite
a while to recover to this point. He trudged over to the battered window and
closed it all the way. Only then did the bitter wind stop blowing. His
shoulders shivered.
Groggily, he stumbled back to bed. The mattress was hard, the blanket too
short, and he had to curl up as much as he could to cover himself. It was a
single-occupancy room, but the facilities were too poor. He vowed to
complain to headquarters when he returned safely.

He got up, took a sip of water, and laid back down. For the time being, he
just wanted to relax and not think about anything. He closed his eyes and
began to drift off to sleep, but suddenly his hair whipped around. At first, he
thought it was just because of the steam from the humidifier, but then
everything from his hair to his hospital gown to his IV lines to his blanket
started fluttering wildly.

He was sure he closed the window. He opened his eyes, puzzled.

"......!"

He sat up straight, startled. The window, which he'd closed tightly, was
suddenly open again. A silhouette was visible through the fluttering
curtains. Even though he couldn't see the face, he knew who it was. His
heart lurched in his chest. His pulse pounded furiously.

"Is this your burrow?"

The bastard smiled. His long legs swung over the windowsill. Taekjoo's
room was on the fourth floor, but that didn't seem to be a problem to him.

He pushed open the curtains and strode in, his smile unnerving. Taekjoo
instinctively backed away. But soon a cold, hard wall pressed against his
back. There was nowhere to escape.

"How... are you here, keueuk!"

His voice was smothered. It was because the bastard had reached out and
strangled him. Somehow, he seemed to have grown several times his size.

The strength of his grip was monstrous. Taekjoo's eyes bulged from the
pressure, and his mouth felt open. He struggled to break free. The bastard
didn't move. He only spoke in a gentle, easy-going tone.
"Wouldn't it be boring to throw a toy away? I don't think there's any
downside to keeping you."

He licked his dry lips and looked down at Taekjoo. His serene, gleaming
pupils were like those of a giant reptile. Taekjoo's breathing was laboured,
and he barely managed to keep his eyelids open. There was a red glow
spreading in the bastard's eyes. It was lust. A crimson sign of lust.

"Now that you've heard enough, I think it's time to say goodbye."

As soon as Taekjoo realized the danger, his body was spun around. The
hand that had been strangling his throat slammed down the back of his
neck. His head buried itself in the pillow. Before he knew it, his pants were
loose. Something hot and hard pressed against his ass. His heart thumped
frantically.

"GET OFF! I've had enough of you raping me, you son of a bitch!"

He shouted at the top of his lungs, but the bastard just tilted his head. He
rubbed his fevered flesh against Taekjoo's hipbone and ridiculed.

"You call that rape? You liked it, too, didn't you? What a hypocrite."

(SJEJAHEHSH SHUTT YPP KYSS)

With a cold sneer, a tremendous pressure crushed his spine. His lungs and
intestines were compressed. He screamed in agony, knowing it was futile.

But the harder he shouted, the more his voice was muffled, like he was
drowning in deep water or a thick swamp. No one heard him. No one came
to help. There was an eerie sense of disconnection.

"...Ah!"

With a sharp intake of breath, he opened his eyes. He could see the now-
familiar ceiling. Immediately, he was awake, and the hairs on his body
stood on end. With trembling hands, he groped beneath him. It felt familiar.
He was still on the hospital bed. He hastily glanced at the window, which
was firmly shut.

It was a dream. He lay there in a daze, examining every inch of his body.

There was no pain, except for a stiff sensation. It didn't feel like he had been
strangled.

He sighed, wiping his sweaty face. Even if he had a dream, it had to be a

nightmare.

After a long time, he sat up. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. His
throat was parched from all the gasping for air. His mood quickly sank. His
head felt heavy. He felt like he needed a shower.

Taekjoo, who was about to get out of bed, faltered. The centre of the
blanket stood upright. No way. He quickly lifted the blanket. Sure enough,
the thin fabric bulged.

Fuck. Fuck, fuck.

(oh. 😦)

He leaped out of the bed and into the bathroom, turning on the shower
without taking off his clothes. The water poured down, cooling him down.

It was insane. He had to be crazy. Was it possible to get hard from such a
nightmare? Not just once or twice either. If it was just today, he could
rationalize it as his body reacting out of fear. But when it happened again
and again, there was no excuse.

He buried his head in his hands in despair. Before he passed out, it was
clear that the drug Zhenya had injected him with wasn't just a sleeping pill.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be getting erections without even trying.

Zhenya's face flashed through his mind. The face he saw in his dreams, the
cold smile, was vividly replayed. Taekjoo's fists clenched in the cold water.
Just as Salman said, he was lucky to be alive. He knew he was no match for
Zhenya. Wealth and power aside, he was outmatched by Zhenya's absolute
strength. Knowing this was no consolation. At this rate, he was going to die
of anger.

Despite his anger, a frontal assault seemed reckless. There was no way he
was going to walk up to Zhenya and start a fistfight. The hotter he got, the
cooler his head had to be. Rushing to a decision would only make things
worse.

Wasn't there any way to screw him over? A way to beat the crap out of a
guy who was both strong and smart.

Taekjoo, racking his brain, suddenly grew dazed. As he continued to think,

a feeling of Deja vu washed over him and memories of the past were
summoned.

"...Strong, and nothing can kill him."

He'd heard it recently. Who'd brought it up?

'In Russian folktales, there is a character who always appears. Koschei the

Immortal.'

It was Zhenya. It was definitely a story he'd told.

He shook his head to clear his mind and tried to recall what Zhenya had
said.

"Of course, Koschei has a weakness, but only he himself knows it."

What else did he say?

"In the end, he is killed by the hero. He falls for the beauty's charms and
foolishly reveals his weakness."

He also added that.

"You're not a beauty by any means, but I'll tell you. Koschei's weakness."

The weakness of an immortal.

Taekjoo traced the topic back a bit further. Before he brought up Koschei,
Zhenya had talked about Anastasia, the Russian princess. And before that,
he had told Taekjoo that the 'Anastasia' he'd been looking for failed to be
developed.

The non-existent Anastasia, Anna Anderson, the impersonator of the last

princess, and the weakness of the immortal Koschei. Each of these stories,
which he'd thought had no particular connection, began to connect in his
mind.

After the production of 'Anastasia' failed, everyone involved in its

development was murdered. Only the Bogdanovs were spared. Why weren't
they purged, and was 'Anastasia', hailed as the ultimate weapon of mass
destruction, really lost forever, without a trace? Or, like the surviving
Bogdanovs, was it out there somewhere, in some form or another?

"Anastasia? I don't know why you're asking me about it."

When he met Boris from 'Sonchev,' he said he had nothing to say. He'd
glanced at Zhenya with a strange smile on his face. They exchanged some

meaningful glances. What had he been missing all along? It was as if

something had dawned on him.

He shut off the noisy shower, and memories of the past flooded back to fill
his now-silent mind.

"Psikh Bogdanov. In Russia, he's like a nuclear man."

'They don't call him 'nuclear' for nothing.'

Nuclear.

A man like a nucleus.

A man who was nothing short of a nuclear weapon himself.

Thinking step by step, Taekjoo's eyes glazed over. There was something
that struck him like a ton of bricks. Why hadn't he thought of that?

Often, things you were looking for would be right under your nose. Maybe,
just maybe, this truth would work this time. As soon as his thoughts reached
that point, he dashed out of the bathroom.

Taekjoo found himself in a library in Irkutsk. The stares directed at the

stranger in a hospital gown were stinging. He was worried that the
dilapidated facility would have too few books or only a few sections, but to
his surprise, it was well-stocked.

He accessed the Internet via a computer to search for information. The

speed wasn't as fast as he had hoped, so he had to be patient. On the portal
that finally appeared, he clicked on the satellite image. The next address he
typed into the top search bar was the Bogdanov mansion in Moscow.

After waiting for a while, a photo appeared. It was a picture of the

Bogdanov mansion and the surrounding streets. He zoomed in all the way.

The image quality made it difficult to make out the details, but he could
make out the main building, the outer gardens, the central garden, and the
main entrance. As he studied the blurry photo, he muttered to himself.

"An uninhabited castle, a tree the same age as Koschei, a jewellery box in
the south, with smaller jewellery boxes in it...."

Suddenly, his eyes widened even more. His heart thumped. Perhaps he was
wrong. It was all just speculation. It had to be an accident, a terrible
coincidence. He needed to be more certain.

He stepped away from the computer and headed for the bookshelves,
strolling past a few shelves and stopping at the architecture section. He
pulled out everything he could find on house styles, starting with the basics.
He checked the indexes of the selected books and kept only those that
mentioned the Bogdanov mansion.

He was down to about five or six books. He flipped to the page pointed to
by the index. There were photographs of the Bogdanov mansion, along with
details about the architecture, designers, and materials used in its
construction.

The photographs of the mansion varied. Some had lush greenery in the
background, while others were winter scenes with bare branches. One book
even had a photo that appeared to be taken at night, explaining the localized
lighting that surrounded the building.

"......!"

Taekjoo looked at the photos over and over again and froze. He thought he
was mistaken, but when he looked again, there was no mistaking it. No
matter when the photos were taken or from what angle, the lights were
always on in one of the mansion's countless rooms. Its curtains were always
open.

Found it. Koschei's heart.

Counter attack (4)

When Taekjoo arrived, Salman had just taken his cast off. The doctor in
charge emphasized that he had yet to recover fully and shouldn't push
himself too hard. After receiving a promise from Salman that he wouldn't,
the doctor left. Salman looked at Kwon Taekjoo and awkwardly tried to
move his arm.

"The nurse said she hadn't seen you since dawn. Where have you been?"

"Are you really going to let things end like this?"

Taekjoo didn't answer the question but pressed him instead. Salman stared
at Taekjoo and shrugged.

"And if I don't?"
"What did you gain by completing this mission?"

"Don't be unpredictable. What good would telling you that now do?"

"Tell me. I think it might be useful."

Salman didn't know what he was getting at. He wouldn't answer but
continued to probe. For some reason, he seemed very agitated. Had
something happened overnight?

He figured if he ignored Taekjoo, things would get even more annoying, so

he complied.

"Funding for independence."

"Are you Chechen?"

He nodded at the next question. Zhenya said he'd joined the operation to get

the blueprints for Anastasia, but it was hard to believe him. It was
dangerous enough that he'd be putting his life on the line, and even if he
completed the mission, he'd still be a traitor. Salman's story was much more
convincing than his.

It made sense that Zhenya and Salman knew each other. His organization,
the 'FSB', regularly monitored developments in Chechnya. Some Alpha
units were even stationed in Chechnya to prevent unrest. The extent of
Salman's influence was evident in the fact that the U.S. and South Korea
reached out to him and brought him into the operation. He must have been a
thorn in the side of the Russian government, no different from Zhenya's
natural enemy.

But once Salman's identity was known, one question remained. Director
Lim had instructed Taekjoo to secure the blueprints for Anastasia, if
possible. The same request would've gone out to Salman. So, if the
blueprints fell into their hands, who would they belong to? South Korea,
which sent Kwon Taekjoo, or the United States, which did business with
Salman?
"If we get our hands on Anastasia, what happens next?"

Salman suddenly pulled out a gun. He pointed the muzzle at Taekjoo.

"I had one more mission."

Salman's face hardened. His clear eyes fixed on Taekjoo, straight arm
unwavering. He had the look of a sniper. As Kwon Taekjoo stared at the
cold face that looked like it could pull the trigger at any moment, more
words came to mind.

'By the way, I guess you're hated on that side, too? A place called the
National Intelligence Service accidentally sent you a photo of me... That
can't be right.'

Back then, he took it lightly. He didn't have time to think about it.

'Perhaps you uncovered some dirt on your superior that wasn't meant to be

found out.'

It was all just Zhenya's guess. He didn't know anything in particular. But
now that this was happening, it made sense to test the idea.

"Is that an order from the U.S.? Or South Korea?"

"I can't tell you."

"Can't you grant the wish of someone who's about to die?"

He tried to coax. Salman, who looked like he wouldn't flinch even if poked
with a needle, lowered his gun, and smiled.

"Why bother asking when it's already over?"

"I'm only asking because it's already over."

"If you really want to know, it was a South Korean order. It was the U.S.
that funded our independence. Come to think of it, I'm quite curious. What
the hell did you do in your home country? What did you do to come here
and almost get killed?"

"I'd like to know, too."

Salman looked puzzled. Taekjoo couldn't figure out why he'd been targeted
for elimination, either. He planned to go back to Korea and ask for answers.

But other things mattered right now. He reminded himself what he came to
Salman for. He hadn't finished tying up his thoughts yet. Because of that, he
wasn't quite sure what to say.

"Zhenya... no, Psikh shot and killed a politician who was attending a party
at the Bogdanov mansion. I thought he'd be wanted right away, but nothing
happened. Aren't those formally invited to the mansion pretty powerful?

How could that have happened?"

"I heard the news too. It's incredible, but that's who he is."

"Then what about him leaking state secrets knowing full well I was a spy
for another country? Is it because he's a 'Bogdanov'?"

"It's a state secret. It depends on its importance."

"Russia's been working on a new ballistic missile. 'SS-29', it's called? A

major flaw was discovered, and a North Korean technician came in recently
to fix it. I thought it was 'Anastasia', which is why I chased it to Olkhon
Island."

Salman listened in silence; his expression puzzled. Zhenya took his partner
to a party even though he knew he was an intelligence agent for another
country, leaked secrets about the latest weaponry, and even murdered a
leading politician. He didn't hesitate to act against the state, just because he
was pretending to be Kwon Taekjoo's colleague.

But Salman hadn't heard that Zhenya had been disciplined or embarrassed.
Even if he was part of the Bogdanov family, how could he be going around
unpunished? As Salman's doubts grew, Kwon Taekjoo raised a possibility.

"Isn't there a reason they can't do anything to him?"

"A reason they can't do anything to him?"

"For instance, the fact that he has 'Anastasia."

Salman was stunned by the unexpected reasoning. But he soon strongly

refuted it, dismissing it as nonsense.

Kwon Taekjoo handed over the files he brought to Salman. It was a

collection of articles about various events, accidents, and incidents.

"The deceased listed there, all involved in the development of 'Anastasia,'

coincidentally died on the same day. Either in an unavoidable accident or in

an undetermined way."

"So you're saying they were all murdered?"

"What if everything Psikh said was true? Think about it. What would have
happened if Anastasia failed? Russia and North Korea would've never
wanted the news to ever get out. An unprecedented weapon of mass
destruction. That title alone would've made the world tremble. The fact that
you and I are looking at each other right now is proof of that. Conversely, if
Anastasia was never completed, the repercussions wouldn't be limited to the
fact that it failed. It would've tarnished the power it once had. Even if it
were to be redeveloped, it wouldn't be able to command the same level of
reverence. So, they would've had to cover up the results of their research
and the fact that they were even working on it. To do that, they would've
had to lock up everyone who knew what Anastasia was or what it had
accomplished."

Salman's brow creased. When Kwon Taekjoo saw the surprise in his eyes,
he nodded and concluded.
"They were all killed so that they could never reveal Anastasia's failure. No
one, anywhere, will develop such a weapon again."

A low sigh escaped Salman's lips. It might've been possible for the two
countries. No, he was sure it was.

"They must've had to deal with dozens of people in a short period of time.

Without any noise, too. Who would've been in charge of that?"

"If that's the case, then of course, the FSB's..."

"They couldn't have sent just anyone. It was such a special situation."

When Kwon Taekjoo mentioned that there was only one name that came to
Salman's mind. The sole member of Alpha Unit 3, a special unit of the FSB,
and the third son of the Bogdanov family, which had funded Anastasia's
development. There was no one better suited for the final phase of its
research— extermination.

Perhaps the government planned to wipe Zhenya and his family off the face
of the earth when he completed his task, but they never did. The Bogdanovs
remained strong. In fact, their influence seemed to be even stronger than
before. But why on earth would the Kremlin be carrying such a ticking time
bomb?

Perhaps Zhenya was the reason. Say, for example, that he didn't fully listen
to the instructions to slaughter all the developers and destroy the blueprints.

Assuming the failed blueprints fell into his hands, and assuming he'd used
his weapons knowledge to find the flaw within them, there was an answer.

A weapon powerful enough to rebalance global power dynamics. If it was

in his hands, the Kremlin would be helpless to stop him. No matter what he
did, they would have no choice but to turn a blind eye.

"But that's only your guess..."

Salman was about to retort, but Kwon Taekjoo held out something else. It
was a local newspaper from Irkutsk, published a day ago. On the front page
was an article about a mysterious dead body found in Lake Baikal. The
article was short, but it was accompanied by a photo. The unidentified man,
believed to be Asian, was found with his limbs torn off. There were no
signs of blades being used to mutilate the body, leading to the tentative
conclusion that he had been attacked by a wild animal.

When Salman finished reading the article, he looked confused.

"What's this?"

"It's Hong Yeowook. A North Korean engineer who was brought in to fix
the flaw in 'SS-29'. I saw him at the Bogdanov mansion. And..."

"And?"

"His father was also on Anastasia's developer list."

"What do you mean?"

"Hong Yeowook came here to meet Psikh, not just to fix 'SS-29'. Sergei said
he would call in the Bogdanov family and the government officials once the
flaw was solved. And he did. Maybe Hong Yeowook recognized Psikh ever
since the Trans-Siberian train. He just pretended not to know. Eventually,
they met again at Sergei's villa on Olkhon Island. I wonder if he was trying
to avenge his dead father and got caught. Looking back, Hong Yeowook
seemed to be very conscious of Psikh."

If there was no other reason for Hong Yeowook to attack Zhenya, his death
would validate Kwon Taekjoo's speculations so far. His thoughts grew
tangled as things became clearer.

Kwon Taekjoo confronted Salman, who was reading the newspaper.

"Cooperate. Then I'll make sure you get the money you're promised."

His tone and expression were full of confidence. Was there a corner of
Salman that believed in it? After a moment of anticipation, he shook his
head when he saw Kwon Taekjoo's appearance. He let out a soft sigh and
reminded Kwon Taekjoo of their situation.

"I told you. Headquarters' support ends with the hospital bill."

"I don't need any support from headquarters."

"What are you talking about? What are you going to do with a broken body
and no support?"

"Well, I'm up and about now, aren't I? And not having a weapon is an easy
fix."

"That's not the point. What you're about to do is an off-operational solo

mission. If you fail, you're done, and if you're unlucky, you're dead. You
think headquarters is going to recover your dead body?"

"I thought you were prepared for that when you came here."

"Yeah. But things were a lot more hopeful back then than they are now.

Why don't you face reality? They already know who we are. As soon as

we're seen, we'll be under surveillance. And we don't even know where the
damned 'Anastasia' is."

"Well, Psikh has already revealed how to defeat the immortal Koschei."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I think I know where the blueprints are."

He flipped open the satellite image he'd been clutching the entire time. It
was the Bogdanov mansion. He'd seen it once before, so he knew what it
was. But Salman's expression grew even more confused.

Kwon Taekjoo pointed to the photo and told an indecipherable story.

"Psikh said there was a castle on a vast land, uninhabited, that you couldn't
reach by flying, riding, or walking, or without becoming a fish, a worm, or
a beast. I think he meant the Bogdanovs' estate by the vast land and the
mansion by the uninhabited castle. Psikh told me something like that once.

Their mansion is double- and triple-secured, heavily guarded, and

inaccessible without an official visit."

On the night of the party at the Bogdanov mansion, Zhenya had said.

'Isn't this a strange place? It's all so crowded, but there are no real people.'

At the time, Kwon Taekjoo had dismissed it as nonsense, but he didn't

realize it would be such a subtle hint. Of course, he still wasn't 100% sure.

He was just trying to put the pieces together like a puzzle.

"And there's a very large, very old tree growing in the castle, said to be the
same age as the Koschei. The Bogdanov estate is decorated with many
ornamental trees, but there are only four birch trees planted at the edge of
the garden. In ancient times, the Slavic people planted birch trees whenever
a child was born, right? Since there are only four of them, and the mansion
is south of those trees, the 'large jewellery box' on the south side of the trees
must refer to the mansion itself, and each of the rooms within it must be

'smaller jewellery boxes."

By drawing intersecting straight lines over the satellite image, he divided

the mansion into a set of smaller squares, each representing a room.

"Psikh said that there was a jewellery box that no one was looking for, one
that was neither overflowing nor lacking in comparison to the others. If
there were blueprints somewhere in the mansion, that's where they would
be. Koschei's heart may or may not be inside. Doesn't that mean that even if
you find the room, you won't find the blueprints right away? The room has
to be specially configured or meet certain conditions."

"So that's how Psikh taught you where the blueprints are?"
Salman still looked doubtful. Instead of answering, Kwon Taekjoo nodded.

A sigh escaped Salman's lips.

"Hey, wake up. What could've been wrong with him, for him to leak so
much information?"

"I don't know, but he's never lied to me before. He's too full of himself."

Salman's heartfelt advice didn't deter Kwon Taekjoo. He made a proposal

that Salman couldn't ignore.

"I'm not going to force you to join me. If you're not interested, or unwilling,
just leave now. I don't have much time, so make a decision quickly. If there
are really blueprints there, I'll give them to you."

Salman clamped his mouth shut. It was dangerous. It was reckless. But he
couldn't give up right now. He couldn't go home empty-handed after such a
failure.

"Are you sure there are blueprints in that room?"

Salman remained doubtful until the end. Kwon Taekjoo shrugged.

"When I broke into the Bogdanov mansion, I saw that room. There was a
party going on, so all the lights were on, and all the curtains were drawn.

But the curtains of that room were wide open. There was no furniture in the

room, and no one was in the room. It could've just been a coincidence, of
course. So, I looked up more photos of the mansion. You see, no matter
what time of year, day, or night, that room is always lit. The curtains are
always open, no matter the weather. I started to think back on my memories
of that room, and I realized something was off. I snuck around in front of
the window of that room. My shadow fell on the floor, and for a second,
there was a flicker of something. I thought it was just the moonlight, but it
doesn't seem to be so. There's something in that room."

The conversation he had with Zhenya at the time also clearly came to mind.
'What the hell are you still doing there?'

Watching the struggling Kwon Taekjoo, he'd said something like that. Had
it bothered him that Kwon Taekjoo was in front of that room?

Kwon Taekjoo stared at Salman as if he'd said all he had to say. Salman,
who had been hesitating, suddenly stood up and grabbed his gun.

"I must be going crazy, too."

Counter attack (5)

"What's in a place like this?"

Scanning his surroundings, Salman grumbled. They'd travelled from Irkutsk

to Moscow and from Moscow to the outskirts of the city, in search of the
armoury that Kwon Taekjoo had promised. But when they got off, nothing
was there. There were dirt roads all around, and not a single streetlight in
sight. Without explanation, Kwon Taekjoo simply told Salman to follow.

Soon, the two arrived in front of a dilapidated building. Salman looked at it

in disbelief and laughed.

"This isn't the place, is it?"

Kwon Taekjoo opened the shutter, destroying Salman's hopes. As soon as

he took a step inside, the dust kicked up. He couldn't help but cough.

Leaving Salman sneezing incessantly, Kwon Taekjoo scanned the floor. The
flickering light of the lantern quickly found a small groove. He grasped the
groove, just as Zhenya had done, and slowly pried it open. Another cloud of
dust rose, then slowly settled, revealing a staircase underneath.

The downhill slope was both dark and steep. Kwon Taekjoo took the lead.

Salman followed cautiously, looking left and right. Perhaps because he was
moving carefully, the stairs seemed to go on forever. It was a long time
before his feet touched flat floor. His surroundings were still dark.
Kwon Taekjoo, who was nearby, suddenly moved away. As Salman was
about to follow him, the interior light turned on with a click. His vision
suddenly cleared, and he saw an empty bookshelf. There wasn't a single
book on it, only a dial-type phone. His heart sank.

"What, we came all this way just for this?"

Kwon Taekjoo pushed past a dumbfounded Salman and stood in front of the
phone. It was not easy to forget something you paid close attention to. The
same was true of the password Zhenya had entered. Of course, it would've
been useless if Zhenya had returned here again and been conscious enough
of Kwon Taekjoo to change his password. But for some reason, Kwon
Taekjoo had a hunch that Zhenya hadn't.

3, 9, 1, 6.

He turned the dial again and again. Finally, the dial caught on '5', spun, and
stopped moving. Immediately afterward, a familiar beeping sounded.

Salman stood there, panickily drawing his gun. His eyes darted around the
room, wary.

Soon, the empty bookshelves spun around. Unlike Salman's panic, Kwon
Taekjoo's expression didn't change. No, his face was even more determined
than before.

"Don't judge a book by its cover."

Muttering to himself, he inspected the high-tech weapons in front of him.

He picked up rifles and pistols at random and tossed them to Salman. TNT

and other explosives were swept into a bag.

That was when he saw something flicker. Turning his head, Kwon Taekjoo
caught sight of a surveillance camera flashing red. Without hesitation, he
raised his middle finger towards it, then pulled the trigger at it smoothly
reflective lens.
"There are two approaches to try. We can either work backward through the
mansion's drainage pipes, which are connected to the river, or infiltrate
from above."

The former had the best chance of survival. If they tried to infiltrate from
above, their bodies would be honeycomb before they even set foot in the
mansion.

The drainage pipes of the Bogdanov mansion were connected to the river
that ran through the centre of Moscow. The water was quite deep, so diving
gear would be necessary. From a bird's eye view, there didn't seem to be
much to worry about, but Salman seemed to think differently.

"First of all, getting close to the mansion will be a challenge. Propellers will
be spinning to vortex the river at the mouth of the drainage pipe. Even if
we're lucky enough to slip through, I doubt the passage inside will be wide
enough for us to get through with our diving gear."

They both looked down at the winding river at the same time. The swift
current seemed to be able to swallow them up in the blink of an eye.

"...Wouldn't there be another way?"

Kwon Taekjoo asked, expression grim. Salman shook his head coldly.

Kwon Taekjoo let out a long sigh and pulled on his diving gear. Then,
without warning, he jumped into the river.

His heavy body sank and rose. Without pause, he nodded to Salman to
follow and headed out through the river. In between strokes, he checked the
device on his wrist. The red dot indicating their current position was
gradually getting closer to the drainage pipe of the Bogdanov mansion. The
closer they got to their target, the choppier the water became, meaning there
were devices nearby that increased the flow rate. They were the propellers
that Salman had mentioned.

The machines in front of his eyes were truly massive. Two propellers spun,
one in front and one behind. Kwon Taekjoo was growing fatigued, but
calmly analysed the speed of their rotations. If he timed things right, he
could pass through safely. Otherwise, he'd be torn to shreds.

Once again, Kwon Taekjoo took the lead. He kept his distance from the
propeller and carefully observed its movement. He had to make good use of
the moment. He steadied his breathing, then, unexpectedly, kicked out his
leg and moved closer to the propeller.

The powerful force of the rotations caused the water around him to swirl
rapidly. Holding on for dear life, he pulled out his underwater gun. He
hoped to temporarily disable the constantly rotating propellers by driving a
high-strength iron harpoon between them.

Kwon Taekjoo calmly took aim. The propellers seemed to slow for a
moment as he focused all his attention on one spot. Without hesitation, he
squeezed the trigger. The harpoon shot from the gun, cut through the water,
and lodged itself between the propellers. After a moment of violent
resistance, the propellers slowed slightly, then stopped completely.

It was a success.

"......!"

As if to punish him for his hasty judgment, the propellers began to spin
again. The line attached to the harpoon whipped around quickly, pulling
Kwon Taekjoo's body in. He quickly let go of the barrel of his gun, but it
was no use. His body was swept up by an overwhelming force and sucked
into the giant propeller. Iron blades, shredding the water, emerged in front
of him. He squeezed his eyes shut. As he realized the end was near, he
heard a thudding sound of friction. A searing pain shot through his body.

When he opened his tightly clenched eyes, he was met with a bizarre sight.

His body, which he thought was going to be torn apart by the propellers,

was floating motionless, tethered somewhere. The churning water around

him had calmed down. The propellers continued to make mechanical
noises, like a whale's roar, but they didn't turn. He suddenly felt suffocated
and turned his head to see his oxygen tank wedged between the two
propellers.

He felt as if his life had been shortened by ten years. His muscles, which
had been tense, relaxed in an instant. But there was no time for relief. Kwon
Taekjoo hurriedly removed his oxygen mask. He signalled to Salman on the
other side to come over. Salman immediately swam toward Kwon Taekjoo.

Salman had just arrived across from Kwon Taekjoo when suddenly, the
propeller lurched and began to crush the jammed oxygen tank. Salman was
in danger.

Hurriedly, Kwon Taekjoo pressed the reset button on his watch. A long line
shot out and wrapped around Salman's arm. Just before the propeller blades
touched his body, the line reeled back in. Salman narrowly escaped the
propeller. He was so tense that his limbs were drained of energy.

Salman, who barely survived, handed his oxygen mask to Kwon Taekjoo.

Kwon Taekjoo breathed in as much oxygen as he could and continued

swimming.

Eventually, they reached their destination, the drainage pipe. The pipe,
splitting into several branches, led to the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage,
and the garden. When Kwon Taekjoo had escaped the mansion once before
with Zhenya's assistance, he realized that there was a secret passageway
inside. If he could find its starting point, the road to their destination would
be smooth sailing.

Considering the best course of action, they headed for the drainage pipes in
the garage. Soon, a long passage appeared overhead, the end of which
connected to a manhole outside the garage. Salman took off his heavy
wetsuit as he retrieved the device he'd prepared.

After exchanging an unspoken signal, Kwon Taekjoo alone climbed the

ladder attached to the wall. He pushed the lid just in case, but it was
securely fastened and wouldn't budge. As expected, he pulled out a card and
shoved it through the lid.
The card swelled up quickly and lifted the heavy lid with ease. Through the
gap, Kwon Taekjoo could see bodyguards coming and going from the

garden.

The distance from Kwon Taekjoo's position to the garage was only two or
three meters. With luck, he might not be seen, but he had to be careful. He
needed to distract the bodyguards for a moment.

He rolled something across the grass of the garden. The circular, bead-like
object travelled quickly to a bodyguard's feet. Something clicked against the
bodyguard's shoe, and he looked down in surprise. Suddenly, a blinding
flash of light emanated from the bead. The bodyguards around him covered
their eyes in unison. When they opened their eyes again, their vision was
washed white, and they couldn't make out a thing.

In the meantime, Kwon Taekjoo pulled the manhole cover off and stepped
out. Within a minute, he was in front of the garage, backed up against the
wall. He pressed the opener button on the outside, and the garage shutters
slid open smoothly.

"Ah...!"

But there was a bodyguard in the garage, too. He seemed quite surprised by
the unexpected intrusion. Kwon Taekjoo kicked the bodyguard's rifle as he
floundered. The long barrel slammed into the bodyguard's face. Grabbing
him by the nose, Kwon Taekjoo punched him repeatedly in the nape of his
neck. The blows were so swift that the bodyguard couldn't even groan
before he collapsed. Kwon Taekjoo grabbed his communicator and headed
inside.

Perhaps because it was a weekday afternoon, the mansion seemed unusually

quiet. He could hear the occasional clink of utensils in the kitchen, but there
was little else going on. This allowed him to climb the stairs with little
effort.

As soon as he reached the third floor, he pressed his back against the
hallway wall and lowered the tiny device to the floor. The bug-like device
was a spying device that used a built-in camera to send a panoramic view of
the area to a connected account. Salman, checking the footage under the
manhole, suddenly warned him.

—Wait.

Kwon Taekjoo stood even closer to the wall. He stopped breathing and
strained to hear the shuffling of feet across the hall. A moment later, he
heard the sound of a door opening and closing. A series of footsteps. There
were at least two people, all females. The women chatted animatedly in the

hallway but soon scattered in different directions.

—Now.

He moved quickly, following Salman's instructions. He dodged the cleaning

supplies in the hallway and slipped through the nearest door. As soon as it
was safe, he started tapping on the floor. He was trying to find the secret
passage.

A hollow sound came from under the couch. But there was no doorway
from the room to the passageway. None of the doors were locked, and as
they were easy to access, they seemed to be designed only for passersby.

—Hurry up. The maids are coming.

He was already in a hurry, but Salman was urging him even more. He had
no choice. He knelt down on the floor and used a specialized tool with a
silencer to cut the flooring in half. He gently lifted the neatly cut flooring.

As expected, a secret passageway appeared. He jumped in and replaced the

flooring, each section fully interlocking and hiding the cut.

He rushed through the passageway with a grimace. A moment later, the

guards' communicators crackled with activity. They seemed to have
recognized the presence of an intruder. Kwon Taekjoo quickened his pace to
a half-run.
A dead end appeared. He searched the dark walls on all sides. An
inconspicuous hook snagged in his busy hands. With a hard tug, the wall on
the side he was blocked from slowly lowered, revealing a narrow staircase.

At the top of the stairs, a hand-operated handle that looked like something
out of a bank vault awaited Kwon Taekjoo. He grabbed the handle and
turned it as hard as he could. The seemingly immovable metal wound
stiffly, splitting the wall in front of him on both sides. The bookshelves that
lined the wall opened, and an emergency door appeared through the gap.

The room at the end of the third floor was still as he had first seen it. The
curtains were still open, and even in the middle of the day, all the lights
were on. As expected, there was a deep sense of incongruity.

First, he locked the door securely and closed all the curtains. Then, he tried
to turn off the interior lights, but he didn't know where the switch was. In
the meantime, the bodyguards burst into the hallway. He had no choice. He
pulled out his pistol and fired at the lights. The next moment, an incredible

sight unfolded before his eyes.

"This is..."

With every light turned off, a hidden existence was exposed. Kwon
Taekjoo's mouth dropped open as he realized why the lights were always on
in this room and why the curtains were never closed. And even why the
heart of the immortal 'Koschei' may or may not be in the jewellery box.

In the room, a long line of fluorescent material ran uninterrupted,

completing a single shape. The room itself was the blueprint for 'Anastasia'.

Counter attack (6 - nsfw)

In the corner of the 2nd floor of the FSB, there is a sign that says 'Alfa Unit
3 Command Headquarters'. In fact, it is no different from Zhenyas own
office. The only furniture inside was a table and sofa.
Zhenya sat on a chair and looked out the window. The view outside was
boring and nothing special ever happened. Occasionally there were people
and vehicles passing by. Outside the hallway door, the sound of someone's
footsteps and words grew closer and then disappeared quickly. The phone
on the table has been ringing loudly for a while now. However, Zhenya still
casually moved from one side of the chair to the other as if he didn't hear it.

Just a day that was no different from usual. But for some reason, he felt
increasingly bored and depressed. It's been a long time since Zhenya has
felt like this.

"...Whatever."

Suddenly, Zhenya started to ponder something and smiled in satisfaction.

At that moment, there was suddenly an unexpected presence outside the

door. The movement was so light that it seemed like they were trying to
sneak around. However, Zhenya saw someone hesitating whether to knock
on the door or not. He just waited to see what the others outside the door
were doing.

It took a while for the knock on the door to be heard. But when no one
answered, the knock on the door sounded again. This time Zhenya didn't
answer either. A hesitant voice, 'I'm coming in.' that so softly echoed
through the door. And after a while, the door finally opened.

The person who came to the office was a junior employee who was carrying
a parcel in his hand. When their eyes met, Zhenya could see that the person

was very worried. Zhenya suspected that this person's plan was to leave
something in that package and run away. The sight of him reluctantly
walking in front of the sofa was like a cow being led to slaughter.

Zhenya looked at the man without saying anything. He placed the package
on the edge of the table like he was giving food to a wild animal. Zhenya
thought he was watching a slow motion movie.

"Then I'll excuse myself."

This man was cowardly, just trying to find the right opportunity to escape.

A moment later, Zhenya stood up from his seat. The man was suddenly
shocked and stood still.

The best advice from the young man's elders was to stay away from
Zhenya. His throat suddenly felt hot and his stomach hurt for no apparent
reason.

"Did you hear that I was in here? why are you so tense?"

"Uh it's not-!"

"Mn yeah really? Why not try dancing for me then."

The man was stunned by the unexpected request. He couldn't have misheard
those nonsensical words. The man's face turned pale in shock. He couldn't
refuse.

Even though just walking through the hallway felt suffocating, once the two
of them were alone in this narrow space, the hair on the back of his neck
immediately stood up. The man regretted his actions of closing the door
when entering. Zhenya urged him to come closer. His eyes seemed to show
a plea for his life if the man was willing to do what Zhenya asked.

Zhenya smiled lightly and sat at the table with his arms crossed. He was
curious to see what the man was up to. His clear eyes looked at the
employee meaningfully. The man swallowed his saliva and closed his eyes
tightly. All he had to do was do what Zhenya wishes.

The man made up his mind and shook his body in despair. His arms and
legs became stiff from the tension, so that his every movement was wonky.

Even though he was technically dancing it wasn't really.

Zhenya looked dazed and said stop.

"This is pathetic. Why don't you take off your clothes and dance? Mn
actually just get on the table."
The man looked like he was about to cry at the strange request. Even
considering the time it would take to run full speed towards the door and
the time it took Zhenya to grab him and twist his neck. If he is lucky he
might manage to escape. The man immediately took off his clothes gently,
looking like he was desperate to escape. Zhenya looked at his naked self
without interest.

The man's body was ordinary. His arms and shoulders looked quite strong,
but he must have often drunk alcohol considering his fat stomach. His
thighs were quite large but not all that muscular. His skin was pale white
with a little redness.

How was Zhenya expected to desire a man like that?

While thinking again, the man climbed onto the table. His erection shrank
from the strain of his legs. There were unusual wrinkles on both sides of his
hips.

Without warning, the man's head hit the sofa. It was because Zhenya
grabbed him by the neck in an instant. Zhenya bent his arm back roughly
and inhaled his scent.

He wasn't aroused.

The man became cold and stayed limp in Zhenyas arms.

"Hey, aren't you gonna fight back?"

He said in an annoyed tone. The man just trembled. It seemed like the man
was just waiting for this moment to pass peacefully.

"Go."

The man's head was pushed away. He suddenly regained consciousness and
immediately grabbed his clothes and ran away. With hasty hands, the door
slammed shut and made a loud noise. Meanwhile, the parcels on his desk
fell. Zhenya would just ignore it, but for some reason, Zhenya actually
picked one up now.
He opened each one. Usaully they were invoices for damage claims, fines,
lawsuits, expense reports. While looking through them expressionlessly, his
hand suddenly stopped. there was an envelope that didn't have any writing
on it.

After thinking for a moment, he opened the envelope and looked at what
was inside. A piece of paper fell.

[Tik Tock Tik Tock. BOOM]

As soon as he realized, the sound of the clock's hands suddenly became

louder. And right after that there was a loud explosion. Before he realized
what was happening, his home phone and cell phone rang at the same time.

Zhenya immediately picked up the phone. On the other end of the phone,
Vladimir's urgent voice came through. He listened in silence for a
momment then hung up the phone.

The man was quick to act.

His mouth curved. A large amount of adrenaline surged into him. He threw
his phone aside and quickly left the office. His blue eyes shone brightly,
filled with joy of their own.

Counter attack (7)

The whole city was in an uproar. It all started right after a mysterious
explosion occurred in Bogdanov's house. Only firefighters were allowed to
line the blocked roads.

Explosions occurred in two places. One was near the garage and the other
was on the 3rd floor of the mansion. The damage was limited to the room
being destroyed without a trace and several guards being injured. Based on
testimony there were traces of an intruder entering the house, police
blocked off surrounding roads and began a massive search. Reporters and
curious people flocked to the scene of a terrorist attack at the mansion of
the famous influential family in the center of Moscow. Soon the entire area
turned into a dense sea of people.
The bomb disposal team was the first to arrive at the scene, followed by the
fire brigade. Given the scale of the mansion, they needed to check every
corner thoroughly to see if there were any remaining flames. That's why
firefighters were deployed in each assigned area.

Firefighter Dmitry also followed the captain's orders and entered a nearby
room. The room did not appear to have been affected by the explosion.

However, they still had to carefully check every corner.

At that moment, Dmitry's gaze was focused on the cracked window when
suddenly the floor where he was standing suddenly collapsed.

"UAAKHH!!"

His body that was floating in the air landed heavily. The scream was
muffled and couldn't come out. Dmitry who was screaming in pain
suddenly felt dizzy in the back of his head and quickly lost consciousness.

A moment later, it was Taek Joo who came out of the room, not Dmitry.

Taking advantage of the chaos, he quietly left the building. Thanks to the
firefighting equipment he stole, no one suspected him.

Just in time two fire trucks pulled into the park and he climbed into the seat
next to the driver of one of them.

"Dmitry? Why are you lazing around here? Not working?"

The person sitting in the driver's seat was Dmitry's superior. The man
scolded him. However, it wasn't long before the man noticed his strange
appearance. Taek Joo immediately threw a punch that hit his weak point.

The firefighter fell onto the wheel without having time to fight back.

Taek Joo quickly changed his seat to the driver's seat. He had to get out of
here as quickly as possible. He Immediately started the engine and turned
the vehicle around. A police officer nearby suddenly approached and asked
with a suspicious expression.
"Where are you going!?"

"There was a problem with the hydrant. I need to get a replacement as soon
as possible"

Taek Joo cunningly made excuses. The policeman confirmed the size of the
fire with the naked eye and then calmly nodded. Then let Taek Joo go and
opened the way. Thanks to that, Taek Joo was able to escape from the scene
smoothly.

A police officer in charge of road control signaled for the fire truck to stop.

Taek Joo looked around the car and suddenly asked a question.

"What is your name and affiliated unit?"

Who knows about that? Seeing Taek Joo hesitate, his eyes became
suspicious. The scene of exchanging walkie-talkies and being alert with
Taek Joo seemed unusual. Gradually, the remaining police attention was
drawn to Taek Joo. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before his
identity was discovered.

After making a decision, Taek Joo stepped on the gas pedal. During sudden
acceleration, the wheels that had just been stationary suddenly spun rapidly

and made a sound as if they were about to be torn apart. Several police
slowly approached to stop the car. However, when the vehicle passed
through they had no choice but to move out of the way. The fire truck drove
as fast as an angry cow. Sharp flames also shot out from the rear of the car.

The hail of bullets shattered the rearview mirror and the car window
shattered into pieces. Taek Joo pressed his chest against the steering wheel
and continued driving. The giant fire truck rushed forward with the power
to repel everything in its path.

Taek Joo planed to go to the embassy. It's not a matter of sharp intelligence
or hope of protection there. That place was just a means to buy time. No
matter how powerful the Russian Investigation Bureau is, they can't just
break into foreign embassies. Because it could cause other diplomatic
problems. Taek Joo only needs to hide there for a while and then find a way
to return to his country.

Taek Joo continued to speed up. Not long after, a sharp bend appeared right
before his eyes. He should have stepped on the brakes, but he chose to
speed up suddenly. The car couldnt maintain too much inertia and started to
skid. Taek Joo held the steering wheel tightly and tried to turn against the
sharp corner. The body of the vehicle spun wildly until it made a screeching
sound, hitting the fence but still not being thrown off the road. However, the
police car following closely, unable to withstand the huge inertia, was
pushed away and fell into the river.

However, there was no time to feel relieved. Not long after, dozens of
police cars quickly appeared on the other side, speeding away without
hesitation.

Taek Joo was thinking when he suddenly turned the wheel and turned into a
narrow alley. The road was so narrow that the fire truck got stuck between
buildings.

However, sparks started flying from the side of the car, which repeatedly hit
the wall. The cars body bounced non-stop.

Continuous gunfire rang out from the pursuing police car. Water gushed out
of the leaking water tank. Not long after, roads in all directions were
flooded.

Suddenly, Taek Joo returned to the bigger road. This time the police car also
followed blindly. He drove like that for a while then braked suddenly.

Because the fire engine stopped suddenly, the police car was forced to stop
again. However, the road surface was splashed with water from the previous
fire engine's path, causing the road to become slippery. When they tried to
brake, the wheels spun out of control. The cars in front continued to collide.

The police car coming from behind hit the back of another car first and was
thrown into the air. After seeing several cars collide, Taek joo continued to
rush off.

Not long after, the familiar sound of helicopter blades reached his ears. It
seemed that helicopters had also been deployed. The helicopter circled
nearby and warned that they would open fire if he didn't surrender.

Taek Joo ignored the warning and continued across the bridge. If he just had
a few more minutes he'd finally reach the Korean Embassy.

Finally, the impatient helicopter launched an attack. Taek Joo quickly

turned the wheel. The continuous bullets rained down, tearing the passenger
seat and water tank, causing black smoke to come out of the engine. Next,
Taek joo continued to focus on maintaining the shaky car body. He didn't
even notice the blood dripping from his arm. The car lost its direction and
drove aimlessly. While stunned, the Embassy building appeared in sight.

Just a little more... just a little more...

Taek Joo gritted his teeth and stepped on the accelerator. The engine let out
its final roar.

"FUCK"

It was actually the Indonesian Embassy. The sirens from behind grew
louder. The helicopter continued to circle overhead like a hawk waiting for
its prey to breathe.

Serously! There's no way!

Taek Joo turned the wheel again while closing his eyes. He couldn't take his
foot off the accelerator pedal for even a second! The fire truck drove
straight through the main gate of the Embassy and went inside. The thin
walls and guard posts were blown away with a thunderous sound akin to a
loud explosion. The shock was very strong, as if throwing oneself into a
storm.

Brownish dust filled the air. The surroundings fell into complete silence.
Police sirens and the sound of helicopter propellers could still be heard but
Taek Joo couldn't hear anything.

"Fucksake... "

Finally Taek Joo let go of the wheel. His upper back hurt beyond belief.

Sighing slowly, he looked around. The fire engine driven by Taek Joo
crashed into the main gate of the Embassy and got stuck in the outer wall.

Through the rearview mirror, he saw the police rushing out of their cars.

Taek Joo used his Colt to destroy the fragile spider web-like glass in front
of him. After cleaning up the broken glass, he crawled out.

It was very difficult to get there, but inside the Embassy it was very quiet.

Today was a work day. But Taek Joo couldn't see anyone anywhere. Now
which way should he go?

Taek Joo stood in a daze in the middle of an empty hallway and then
decided to head to the embassy. With every step he took, drops of red blood
continued to fall to the ground. His legs also hurt.

It took a while to get to the office. Taek Joo hesitantly knocked on the
closed door. Strangely, there was no response from inside.

Taek Joo carefully lowered the door handle. The door wasn't locked.

Behind the door were a total of four tables divided into two. Judging from
the layout, it looked like a secretary's office, but there was no one there.

There was a coffee cup that was half empty and a computer screen that was
still lit up.

Taek Joo continued to come closer. Two sliding doors appeared. Taek Joo
suspected it lead to the Embassy office. As he was about to knock, the door
opened automatically as soon as his hand touched it.
It looks like it wasn't closed properly in the first place.

A large executive desk appeared in front of him. High-backed chairs faced

the window. There was someone sitting there. With a feeling of relief,
Taekjoo took another step forward.

At that moment, a muffled groan, as if suppressed, reached Taek Joo's ears.

It sounded like someone was choking and screaming for help. they were
clearly Korean. He turned towards the voice and saw a locked cupboard.

Taek Joo didn't know whether he was hearing things or not, but there was a
continuous roar from there. The locked cupboard door also vibrated. His
head was spinning at the strange sight.

But his legs still couldn't move and were stuck to the floor. His whole body
was stiff. A feeling of insecurity ran down his spine.

At that moment, the chair slowly turned around as if it met his expectations.

The breath that was about to come out was blocked. It felt like the floor
beneath his feet completely collapsed right then and there.

The one sitting in that chair was not the Ambassador.

It was Zhenya

The same cruel smile appeared on his lips as he faced Taek Joo.

Contrabass solo - Taken (nsfw)

"Is this it?"

Zhenia was still filled with relaxation and slowly looked around the office.

That calmness surpassed Taek Joo. His fingertips were shaking, the blood
flowing in his body was also boiling.

"You should have dug a little deeper. Deep enough that I couldn't reach it."

Zhenia whispered then lifted himself up. Taek Joo's stiff body suddenly
shrank. His eyes opened wide without blinking for a second. The instinctive
siren of danger rang loudly in his ears.

Zhenia was also in no hurry. He coldly laughed at Taek Joo and then
gradually approached him.

It's not too late to run away now. If Taek Joo ran away at full speed, he
would have had a chance. Of course there are still a lot of police outside the
fence but it might be better to be caught by them.

Zhenia took another step forward. Perhaps fear makes Taek Joo's hearing
more sensitive, so his presence is especially clearer. His heart seemed to
have stopped beating for a moment and was now beating wildly again. Taek
Joo couldn't keep calm.

That was the moment when Zhenia was about to take another step. Gunfire
suddenly rang out. Smoke rose from the tip of Taek Joo's gun. There's no
way the threat to shoot him if he moves is going to work. If Taek Joo didn't
kill him, he would die today.

But the bullet aimed at Zhenia went straight into the wall. He turned his
head to avoid the bullet and smiled slightly. Taek Joo tightly grasped the
trembling gun and gave a useless warning.

"Fuck off."

Zhenia took another step as if to tease him, his face glossy and mocking.

Taek Joo took the phone out of his pocket and held it up in front of him.

"If you come one step further, I will send this photo."

zhenias gaze shifted to the phone screen. There was an image inside a rather
familiar room. It appears to be a photo taken before Anastasia was blown
up.

It's a photo with only half of the design, the rest belongs to Salman. Taek
Joo decided to send the part he was keeping as soon as he got on the plane
to Korea. For Taek Joo, it was the price of his life. He didn't know that he
would have to use it here, like this.

Are threats effective? Zhenia didnt approach any further but just blankly
looked at the worried Taek Joo. Then, as if it were a very funny story, he
curled his mouth and spoke.

"And how can you prove that's anastasia's blueprint?"

Taek Joo frowned at the unexpected question. The photo itself is the design
of 'Anastasia', so what more proof is needed?

"Who knew that the room you blew up was by anastasia? At most, me and
my family members knew. Do you think they would be willing to admit that

'Anastasia' was stolen?Those bastards aren't that naive. Of course your

runaway partner could make a fuss about getting 'Anastasia'. The problem is
that no one would believe him. Aren't they a group of traitors? Is this
movement threatening a peace of Russia? This will be considered a plot to
weaken my power. Then there is only one person left who can reveal this
secret... But no need to worry about them... they won't be able to walk out
of here on their own."
Sparkling blue eyes. The hand holding the Colt had more strength.

"If the blueprints leaking and anastasia exploding aren't important issues,
you wouldn't have come running here like this. The fact that no one knows
where the blueprints are means no one can confirm that does it exist or not?

The whole world was scared just because of the rumor that this country was
holding Anastasia but what would happen if a rumor spread that the
blueprint had disappeared? No one would believe you."

Taek Joo moved his finger to the bullet, his black eyes glowing with
fighting spirit.

Zhenia burst out laughing again but the feeling was completely different
from a moment ago. He snapped his long fingers. Taek Joo didn't answer
and pulled his feet back. The two pairs of eyes stared at each other, the
tension was unbearable.

Suddenly Zhenias finger stopped. His originally smiling face suddenly

turned cold, a large vein appeared on his forehead.

The next moment, zhenia strode forward ignoring Taek Joo's warning. The
distance between the two quickly decreased even as he retreated in despair.

Taek Joo stepped back and hit his back against the wall, his finger
accidentally pulled the trigger. zhenia stopped and looked at the confused
Taek Joo.

The surrounding noise suddenly completely disappeared. A dark silence

prevailed. The corner of zhenias mouth pulled up.

Then he immediately rushed forward, just strides but the feeling was no
different than a tiger about to attack. If Taek Joo stood still, his neck would
probably be bitten off by him. He did not hesitate to pull the trigger, but
zhenia easily avoided the flying bullets no matter how many times he fired.

"I don't know how many more shots your have left but you better hurry up."
Taek Joo fired again before Zhenia could give his arrogant advice, but the
bullet didn't even graze the monster's hair or collar. Taek Joo's injured arm
made it difficult for him to aim accurately. The distance between him and
Zhenia rapidly decreased again. He finally filled Taek Joo's field of vision.

He gritted his teeth and pulled the trigger again, but before the bullet could
be fired, the gun barrel was kicked away. Just like that, the Colt fell from
Taek Joo's hand and flew into the air.

While Taek Joo was still trying to figure out what was going on, zhenias
shadow covered him, his hand grabbed his neck and squeezed him tightly.

A distinctive body odor wafted into Taek Joo's nose, making him suffocate
even more.

Blue eyes filled with anticipation. Taek Joo was thrown into a nearby
cabinet before he could regain his composure. The pile of files stacked on
top of the cabinet also fell down.

"...Ugh."

His back hit the cabinet handle as if it was about to split in two. His head
was also pounding. The shock was so sudden that Taek Joo didn't have a
second to stand up on his painfully sprained legs. He tried to lean his back
against the cabinet and try to stand up straight, but Zhenia was right in front
of him before he realized it. He used his shoe to stomp on Taek Joo's right
shoulder.

He was pushed back into the closet. As if a large spear was stabbed into his
shoulder, Taek Joo tried to push zhenias leg to escape but it only increased
the pressure on his shoulder. His shoulder bone felt like it was about to
break, Taek Joo gritted his teeth.

Taek Joo grimaced in pain. His joints ached, his forehead was drenched in
sweat, and the grinding sound continuously came from his teeth clenched
together.
Just before Taek Joo felt like his shoulder would break, the cruel shoe came
off. But the relief didn't last long as he was stepped on between his legs.

The toe of the shoe is reminiscent of a crocodile's snout, squeezing Taek

Joo's crotch tightly. His upper body tilted strongly forward.

"Ahh..."

"mn mn mn what am I going to do with you."

With every word he uttered, the pressure from the shoe increased and Taek
Joo's body also collapsed. He quickly grabbed Zhenias shoe with both
hands but to no avail. His genitals were about to be crushed out of shape,
his nerves stretched with intense pain. Taek Joo couldn't even breathe.

Zhenia carefully stepped on Taek Joo's groin. He knew that if he still

wanted to live, if he still wanted to keep his life, he shouldnt provoke him,
but Taek Joo couldnt bear it any longer.

He used his fist to hit Zhenias shin hard. The blow must have caused
considerable pain, but he didnt move. His face was completely
expressionless.

Right after that, Taek Joo's face turned away with intense shock. The fishy
smell of blood mixed with exhaled breath. His whole body lost all strength,
even the will to fight against violence was broken.

After a moment of lifting the shoe, it fell onto Taek Joo's lower abdomen,
his shirt flap was lifted up by the sharp tip of the shoe. Zhenais eyes stared
at his curled toes then he moved his foot a little higher. The deeper the
shoes go, the more the shirt swells.

"Spying, breaking into people's houses, assault, terrorism, theft,

impersonating public officials, destroying public property... You've really
done a lot."

As if looking closely at Taek Joo's every action, zhenia listed each crime.
His eyes slowly looked down. Just like that, the first button flew off of his
shirt, revealing his flat lower abdomen.

Zhenia moved his feet without stopping. The toe of the shoe went over his
abs and then reached his ribs. The shirt was ripped again.

"That's fine anyway. But you'd better sit down and listen every once and a
while. Just don't touch my things. Is it that difficult?"

Another button popped out and hit Taek Joo on the chin. He angrily rolled
his eyes and stared at Zhenia. But right after that, Taek Joo bowed his head
and groaned, because Zhenias shoe was stepping on his chest. His lungs
were compressed so he couldn't breathe.

Two other buttons popped out one after another as the shoe slowly moved
forward. If he continued to step down, Taek Joo's ribs would definitely
break and pierce his lungs.

Taek Joo held his breath and lay still as if waiting for a full stomached tiger
to give up interest and obediently retreat. Zhenias eyes looked down at him
extremely calmly. Taek Joo couldn't read any of his emotions.

The last button tightened and trembled, Taek Joo's eyelashes also shook
slightly. Zhenias pupils immediately tightened.

The last button fell out, causing the shirt to open completely. The sharp tip
of the shoe touched Taek Joo's chin. His chin was lifted, his eyes froze.

Zhenia looked into the dark eyes that trembled in unease, and he clicked his
tongue in pity.

"From now on you have to learn to think hard to keep your little life."

Taek Joo was pushed through the table and fell down. All office supplies
fell to the ground. His right cheek and bare chest along with his stomach hit
the cold tabletop. Before he could get used to the shock, his lower body was
empty and his pants flew off. Taek Joo struggled reflexively, but Zhenias
weight quickly overwhelmed him. Then, a burning and heavy pain cut
through his lower body.

(tw: zhenia forcing himself on taek joo)

"AAHHH...!"

Taek Joo screamed like he was about to cry. Zhenia had pulled down his
own pants and stuffed himself into Taek joo. without hesitation he plunged
its head between his legs. His hole, which was hardening with tension, was
forced to open.

Taek Joo angrily raised his head and then pushed it down again. His lungs
were pressed down so much that he couldn't even take a single breath.

"Ugh, ha ha..."

His jaw clenched, his fingertips continuously scratched the table, Taek Joo's
stomach was full. He was about to vomit.

Zhenias chin rested on Taek Joo's stiff shoulders. The temperature on his
skin suddenly dropped, giving Taek Joo goosebumps. zhenias long fingers
lifted Taek Joo's chin, his jaw trembling even though he tried to clench his
teeth.

Zhenias cock that was enjoying the tightness suddenly twisted its head.

Taek Joo closed his eyes at that terrible feeling.

"Do you cry often?"

Zhenias whispered softly. Taek Joo's butt stiffened. He gave a low smile and
pulled away. Immediately after that, his cock was pulled out and Zhenia
then used all his strength to thrust back into Taek joo.

"GAAAHHH...!"

A horrifying scream rang out. Even Taek Joo's fingertips that were
scratching the table surface turned white and clenched tightly, the large
blood vessels on his neck also stood out, and his hole was in terrible pain.

The calmness on Zhenias face also gradually disappeared, a grinding sound

came from his clenched teeth. It seemed he was in pain too.

Zhenia pulled his penis all the way out and then thrust it back in hard. Taek
Joo's entire body trembled at the feeling. Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's cheeks,
spread them wide and thrust them underneath. his tight hole began to loosen

little by little with rough thrusts.Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's arm as he was
trying to struggle away from him, pulled him back and lifted his back up.

The table was pushed away by zhenias hip thrusts causing scratches on the
floor. Taek Joo's body was stuck between the table and zhenia gradually
helplessly opened it. He shook his head angrily because he couldn't
overcome the overwhelming strength even when he struggled fiercely.

Suffering groans continuously rang out.

"Ahh Argh..GUH...!"

The sound kept coming out of his open mouth, Taek Joo couldn't bear it
without screaming. But no matter how much he screamed, the pain didnt
subside even a little. It's not like the time he got high on drugs. There was
no place for pleasure, only excruciating pain.

"Ahhaaaa...!"

He pushed deeper, Taek Joo lowered his head to the table. His legs
struggled helplessly in the air. Zhenia pressed his chest against his hot back
and kissed Taek Joo's jet black hair.

"Why did you decide to come back?"

Huh? He said as he thrust his hips continuously. Every time he pushed in,
his stomach bulged, the feeling of nausea made saliva ooze out at the tip of
his chin.
Zhenia took a deep breath of Taek Joo's body scent. The stimulation from
his nose rushed straight to his brain, the blood running through his body
also boiled.

Suddenly, Zhenia bit the back of Taek Joo's neck. He grabbed his thighs,
which were burning and felt like they were being crushed, and moved in
and out quickly.

When Taek Joo felt like he was about to go numb from the feeling of his
stomach being brutally stabbed, a strong force landed on his ass. Taek Joo

was startled, he hit his butt again. Intense pain rose from the same place.

"Fuck... stop, you bastard! Ah...!!"

There was no doubt that he was administering physical punishment. Zhenia

seemed to ride in and out of Taek Joo and continuously slapped his ass at
the same time. His ass cheeks quickly swelled to the shape of his palm.

Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's arm as he struggled to block the brutal blows,
then he pulled out and hit his butt again. Taek Joo was both in pain and
embarrassed he banged his head on the table. Zhenia looked at the arm
holding his hand tightly, as his small hole tried to swallow his exploding
load a strange feeling of pleasure ran through his body.

His cum made Taek joos insides unbarebly hot.

The table shook more violently, causing Taek Joo's vision to shake. He
closed his eyes, but the feeling of his flesh being deeply penetrated inside
him.

He clenched his fists to endure it, but Zhenias suddenly grabbed his
shoulder and turned him around. The dick inside him also shifted. Taek Joo
opened his mouth and gasped at the uncomfortable burning feeling. Zhenia
lifted his sweaty thighs and placed them on his chest. The two people's eyes
met between their widely opened legs.
Taek Joo's eyes were filled with fatigue. Zhenia grinned down and licked
his exhausted face.

"I don't know if you're worth replacing Anastasia..."

Zhenia slapped taek joos ass again.

The muscles under Taek Joo's skin were screaming, his knees twitching
uncontrollably from the pain.

"If you've caused trouble for others, you should receive a suitable
punishment, right?"

Zhenia smiled. His blue eyes shined strangely. Taek Joo was like a frog
thrown into the hands of a child. The frog's limbs were tied and its white
belly was exposed. There was a sense of crisis that he was really going to
die here.

Zhenia continued to spank Taek Joo's swollen butt as if telling him to relax.

His muscles twitched from shock and sharp pain. Taek Joo kicked Zhenias
leg and cried out.

"Damn, it hurts!..."

Zhenia didn't leave him alone, he put his hand firmly on the butt that was
jerking in pain. Taek Joo held his breath nervously, there was still a groan
even though he tried to clench his teeth.

Zhenia raised the corners of his mouth and continued to push into the lower
part and dig inside, causing Taek Joo's hips to also be pushed up.

Zhenia pushed his hips and pressed Taek Joo's thighs down further.

"Ha ugh...!"

He bit his lip but couldn't stop the moans. His body's reaction surprised
Taek Joo even more.
"Aaaa...!"

Zhenia followed his every move and then suddenly leaned his upper body
towards Taek Joo. He thrusted even further. When Taek Joo met his
naturally curved eyes, his stomach tightened.

"Fuck....!"

Taek Joo bit his lip and tried to endure it but couldnt stop the moans that
flowed out.

"GAHH- ahhh-."

His eyes flashed. If this continued, Taek Joo might just die. He struggled to
escape this unbearable feeling but Zhenia used his entire body weight to
stop him. His whole body pressed down on him, making Taek Joo unable to
move. Even in the midst of that, Zhenia still persistently pounded into Taek
joo without tiring. Taek Joo's saliva seemed to boil in his mouth.

Beads of sweat formed on Zhenias chin, his forehead wrinkled in sweet

pleasure.

He just wanted to break and destroy Taek Joo completely. Red-hot

excitement took over his consciousness. Just like that, Zhenia pulled
himself away and grabbed Taek joos shooders, he shifted up lining them
both up with one another. Suddenly he used all his force and slammed right
into taek joo.

"AHHHHH!."

"Fu- fuck taek joo- just a little... little wider"

Zhenia firmly fixed Taek Joo's thighs. His cock swelled for a moment and
spurted out thick cum. He lifted Taek Joo's waist even higher so as to not let
a single drop out.

Zhenia still didn't stop, he jerked his cock a few more times. The remaining
cum fell on teak joos stomach. Zhenia leant back and observed the scene
with satisfaction and vaguely declared.
"You'll cry a lot today dear."

Contrabass solo - Something new (nsfw)

Even when he woke up, Taek Joo couldn't tell if he was dreaming or
properly awake. He suddenly felt a cool feeling on his skin. Then a
completely different scene flashed across his gradually expanding vision.

The surrounding scenery was completely different from what he last

remembered.

A long time later, Taek Joo fully woke up, his body was covered in a layer
of soft fur. There was something warm nearby. There was a pungent smell
of burning firewood.

A shadow passed in front of Taek Joo. The movement was leisurely. Soon, a
heavy object pressed on his leg. The body odour from earlier became more
intense. There was smoke coming from somewhere that stung his nose as if
Taek Joo had just smoked a cigar.

Taek Joo took a deep breath. The strong scent faded a bit and then quickly
became rich again. The cigar soon approached Taek Joo's lips. He turned
his head away to avoid it. A mocking laugh rang out from the head of the
bed.

Zhenias hands slid past him, over his upper body and slolwy down. Taek
Joo's eyes showed discomfort. As if sensing something bad, he looked
down. A cigar was wandering over his soft dick.

The burning red cigar swayed gently back and forth. Taek Joo's thighs
tensed up and he leant up. Zhenias lips drew a long arc.

"Don't move, you'll hit it."

Zhenia pressed down Taek joos shoulders. He naturally bent down Taek
Joo's upturned chest and placed his lips on his nipple. zhenia gently sucked

on his large breasts. He used his tongue to flatten his stiff nipples.
"mph..."

His body became excited. Taek Joo shook his head and struggled, but his
arms and legs were locked tightly, unable to move, he could gradually feel
his crotch heat up. The tingling sensation from his waist crawled upright his
stomach, Zhenia smoothly ran his knee along his crotch, causing taek joo to
flutter.

Every time zhenia sucked hard on his nipple, something tingled inside of
him. That intense feeling ran down between his legs. Taek Joo worriedly
examined the situation below him, his cock was only half an inch away
from the cigar. He couldnt breathe, his nipples were being chewed on and
seemed like they were about to rip off.

"Ah...!"

The veins on Taek Joo's neck and forehead stood out from the persistent
pain, at the same time his cock also raised its head. The heat form the cigar
was threatening his boner.

Zhenia licked Taek Joo's lower lip with a happy look on his face. There was
a faint taste of blood on the tip of his tongue. A small drop of blood on Taek
Joo's nipple glistened along with his saliva. Zhenia pretended not to notice
and continued licking around his chest.

"Ugh... Ah...!"

The feeling of tingling pain mixed with pleasure rose up through his whole
body. Taek Joo's legs couldnt stand the stimulation and were slipping down.

He tried to lift his wrist that zhenia was holding so tightly that it turned
white. The more he tried, the more zhenias perseverance increased.

"Yeah, ugh... ugh, stop it... damn it, ugh...!"

No matter how hard he tried to shake him off, he couldn't beat him . Zhenia
bit his nipple and sucked it again. His lungs tightened as the pleasure gently
spread through his body with a sigh, that unbearable pain returning to his
groin.

Curses mixed with resignation came from Taek Joo. The next moment, his
trembling limbs clenched tightly.

"GAH.."

Taek Joo's lower abdomen convulsed as he came. Zhenia stopped after that
and listened to his moaning. watching as Taek joos hips thrusted in the air
and as cum ran down his stomach.

"You like it when I suck on them, don't you?"

Zhenia raised the corners of his mouth and smiled widely. The fist Taek Joo
swung out in anger was grabbed and twisted back immediately. Zhenia bent
down and licked the inside of his trembling arm. Goosebumps appeared on
Taek Joo's skin.

Zhenia lifted Taek Joo's arms up, tied them tightly with his belt, then waved
something at him. Taek Joo stared at him both scared and angry. That small
object was made of gold and had a ring attached to a long thin bar that just
looking at it made Taek Joo feel uncomfortable.

(i know what time it is TT)

Zhenia held Taek Joo's slit still for a moment and then opened it slightly on
both sides.

"Since the new leader of the FSB was introduced last month. the FSB has
been training agents in sex. It can penetrate a target's deepest recesses
without bloodshed. There's town called Klin, about 80 km, where they
taught sexual techniques for three weeks. I served as an instructor there for
a while."

(bye what 💀)

"Uh... Ah!"
Suddenly Taek Joo's upper body shook, because zhenia had pressed the rod
into his urethra. The metal bar pushed through his hole and barely scratched
it. Taek Joo's abdominal muscles tightened before the unfamiliar stimuli.

The cum left inside acted like lubricant and swallowed the metal rod
smoothly. Soon the tool was deep inside him.

Taek Joo's chest raised as he stiffly held his breath. He couldn't move, only
his eyelashes were shaking slightly. If Taek Joo moved hastily, he would
only hurt himself. Zhenia looked at him pitifully and then affectionately
lifted his flowing hair.

"They had a pretty good course on how to make someone cry."

Zhenias knee crashed into Taek Joo's thigh right after he said that. He
quickly lifted his stiff legs and immediately slid his giant cock into his hole.

Taek Joo's entire body was pushed up by his thrust. Zhenia used his hand to
cover Taek Joo's naturally opened mouth and slowly leaned down to look at
his face. Taek Joo's eyes widened from the heavy feeling in his stomach
then frowned.

zhenia looked into his eyes filled with his silhouette and pulled away. He
quickly pulled out. Taek Joo's insides, which were already hot, now started
burning.

Taek Joo shook his head angrily. The scream he couldn't let out choked in
his throat. Zhenia remembered exactly where Taek Joo's sweet spot was, he
thrusted back inside, grabbed taek joo tightly and deliberately pushed
against his prostate.

"Ugh! hmm, ahhh... Ah, Hmmm!"

Taek Joo's insides were constantly being kneaded and dug into. Other than
his wriggling legs, the walls inside his stomach yearned for intense pleasure
and tightened its hold on Zhenias cock.
zhenias eyes sparkled, the corners of his lips also drew clearer lines. He
didnt hesitate to lick Taek Joo's armpit and then sucked even harder on the
sensitive skin as he gritted his teeth and shivered. zhenia moved his lips and

then bit into his strong chest muscles until he left teeth marks and then held
his nipples tightly. Taek Joo's toned waist also began to vibrate. Zhenia held
his waist tightly and continuously sucked on his nipples, Taek Joo's lower
body also automatically raised accordingly.

"Aww, uhm, ha... ah, ugh!"

Taek Joo tilted his head and kept looking down. His exposed chest clearly
rose and fell with difficulty.

Taek Joo swallowed his breath in vain when Zhenia suddenly pulled out.

Zhenia looked at his helpless face and then gently rubbed his cock against
Taek Joo's thigh. His soft skin quickly became hot.

Then Zhenia squeezed his ass open and slid back into Taek joo.

Taek Joo couldn't stop moaning, his knees kept rubbing together, blood
rushed to his groin and he was about to go crazy. Because the sounding rod
stuffed in his front and his back being full too the sirens in his head went
off. If he couldn't cum properly, his balls would explode. Taek Joo quickly
pushed zhenia but he remained as stubborn as a rock without moving. On
the contrary, he only clung to him even more and continuously licked the
veins on Taek Joo's neck.

The two sweaty bodies overlapped each other. Taek Joo couldn't bear it
anymore, his toes curled white but zhenia continued to thrust inside.

Zhenia hit him hard underneath and lifted him up. Taek Joo's frantically
waving limbs were instantly shaken violently.

"Ahhhhhh... Ughh....."

Even when he tried to run away, his legs were held tightly by Zhenia
wouldn't budge. Taek Joo gritted his teeth and endured, his hands clenched
tightly with his breath panting in his throat.

Zhenia gently caressed him stomach. Taek Joo's eyelids twitched, veins
bulging on his sweaty forehead. He couldn't breathe and stared at Zhenia

then suddenly his body jumped.

"GAH-...!"

An explosive groan flew out of his throat. A layer of saliva flowed down
Taek Joo's trembling chin. His chest raised wide and his shoulders stiffened.

His eyes seemed to melt, his heated brain turned into mush. Wet tears
gathered in the corners of his eyes. When zhenia lifted Taek Joo's waist
again, the mess started to flow down.

Zhenia lips curled up. He licked the drops of water flowing down Taek
Joo's face and gently pulled out tue rod that was stuffed in his front. The
wet metal rod easily slid out.

The next moment, Taek Joo's cock, which up until then couldnt cum,
twitched and spurted out semen. The liquid that had accumulated inside
spewed out little by little. The inside of Taek Joo's stiff thighs also trembled
at the same time. He covered his eyes in fear with both his tightly tied
hands.

"Nghh"

"Mn you came quick."

Zhenia used his fingertips to touch Taek Joo's trembling dick and then he
smeared his cum over his own stomach.

Zhenia smiled and lifted Taek Joo's legs, which were stretched out and
placed them on his shoulders.

"Mn your even crying already."

Taek Joo would rather be sentenced to death than have to go another round.
Taek Joo could barely lift his heavy eyelids. It was dark all around. He
didn't know what day it was or what time it was.

His back hurt so much that he couldn't move. His spine must have been
misaligned. Taek Joo thought he was sure but he soon realized that he was
wrong, because his stomach that was already full suddenly became loose
and then immediately became full again. Zhenia was still bothering him.

Taek Joo's eyebrows frowned, a soft curse echoed in his throat,

consciousness had returned.

Suddenly Taek Joo heard something, it seemed like the clanging of iron
furniture. His shadow swayed on Taek Joo's back.

Not long after, Zhenias hand touched his waisr. zhenia gently groped around
and then suddenly put strength into his fingertips. Right after that,
something sharp cut into Taek Joo's flesh.

"mmmnhhpp..."

The sharp feeling of stabbing into his skin made Taek Joo's senses tense. A
sharp needle pierced his skin. Zhenia squeezed Taek Joo's body that was
trying to escape the pain and carefully carved a pattern.

"Some people say this is a symbol of desire."

Zhenia dipped the tip of the needle again and began carving, his eyes
opened wide with an unprecedented sharpness. He even held his breath.

"What are you doing, you bastard!"

Taek Joo shouted in anger and then quickly put his head down on the bed,
because zhenia lifted his waist as if to respond to that crazy protest. A
heavy burning feeling pressed down on his spine and spread throughout his
body, his fists trembled white.

"Now you'll clearly know who owns your body."

Zhenia looked down at the tattoo and smiled with satisfaction. He turned to
bite Taek Joo's nape and slowly lifted his waist.

"Ha ha... Ah... Ah... Ah...!"

Taek Joo couldn't lift a finger, trembling, moaning and squirming to let
zhenia tear him apart. His back was pushed violently but his mind was
gradually fading.

Contrabass solo - Somewhere I dont know

Taek Joo gently lifted his eyelids and closed them again. The sun poured
down on his face, not hot but very bright. Taek Joo raised his hand to cover
his eyes and looked around.

The first thing he saw was the fireplace. The fire was almost extinguished
but the embers were still there. A large fur blanket was spread out in front
of it. The feeling of the fur blanket was quite familiar.

Did he just fall asleep like that? Maybe Taek Joo fainted. He groped
through his past memories and looked around him. Zhenia was nowhere to
be seen.

Taek Joo lifted himself up. A dull pain came from his back. Every part of
his body, down to his knuckles, ached.

Zhenias mocking smile in his dream reappeared every day. Taek Joo's teeth
naturally grinded together. Not only that, he also slept very well and
comfortably. If only he had been injected with drugs like last time or even
drunk, his memory woupd have been worse. Taek Joo scratched his head in
embarrassment.

He sat up. Something slowly flowed from the side of his thigh as he stood
up. Taek Joo bit his dry lower lip because of that terrible feeling, his
forehead wrinkled bitterly. After a while of regaining consciousness, Taek
Joo realized what had happened. He pressed down on his lower stomach
and surley enough more liquid ran down his thigh.
"...Fucking Bastard."

With his hands clenched into fists trembling with anger, Taek Joo angrily
punched the rigid wall in front of him.

Taek Joo slumped his shoulders and let out a long breath then raised his
head. He turned back to look at the unfamiliar space in front of him. This
wasnt the Korean embassy. Taek Joo turned pale and got goosebumps, not
just because he was naked.

He strode hastily toward the window. Taek Joo walked slowly so his thighs
wouldn't rub against each other then suddenly ran to press his forehead
against the window. He could believe his eyes

Everywhere, from all four directions, there was only snow, snow, snow. He
couldn't even see a single tree.

Taek Joo surely enough didnt remember getting here, atleast he didnt come
here himslef. His consciousness had been unclear since meeting Zhenia at
the embassy. Where the hell was he? How many days had he been here?

Taek Joo was vaguely aware of what was going on but he was barley
awake. A cool scent flew past him. He reflexively turned his head and met
those blue eyes.

Zhenia had just come out of the shower with wet hair that was thicker than
usual. His was naked, revealing that ugly thing between his legs. Taek Joo's
stomach felt tense when he faced that giant thing. He didn't really use that
thing right? Taek Joo's butt suddenly cramped in pain.

The marks left on Taek Joo's body proved that everything he thought
happened last night really did happen, but Zhenias extremely calm face and
clean appearance was ugly, it was like he was making fun of Taek joo.

Taek Joo took a step back and frowned angrily. Suddenly the cold window
sill touched his back. With no room to retreat, he clenched his hands into
defensive fists and glared at Zhenia as if he were about to tear him apart.
Zhenia spoke up indifferently.

"Why don't you go take a shower, your dripping that shit all over my
floors."

He nodded toward the bathroom. Taek Joo's whole body was wet and
sticky, he really did need to take a shower.

However, Taek Joo's vigilance didnt calm down. He walked around the
room cautiously. But Zhenia didnt hesitate and reached out his hand, which
was violently thrown away before it could Kwon Taek Joo. The scratch on
the back of his hand appeared squiggly and then turned red and hot.

"Dont touch me."

Taek Joo wrinkled his nose and growled. zhenia quietly looked at the back
of his red hand and shrugged, his face remaining calm and unchanged.

zhenia gently turned around to get out of the way.

Taek Joo's mood suddenly calmed down, he pushed zhenia with his
shoulder and walked past. This time he obediently moved aside. With eyes
watching behind him, Taek Joo slammed the bathroom door shut.

He leaned his back against the closed door and sighed, ruffling his falling
black hair. From special gestures to smiles and zhenia appearing naked like
that, it made him uncomfortable.

Taek joo just wanted to wash Zhenias marks off him. He turned on the
shower and stood still for a long time under the hot water. His body and
mind gradually calmed down.

He had to go back. If Taek Joo could somehow escape Zhenias clutches and
reach Korea, he would be fine and could continue with his life.

Taek Joo looked around the bathroom. There might be a key to escape
somewhere. The first thing that caught his eye was the window on one side
of the wall. However, its width was too narrow for a person to fit through,
and it was even blocked by thick and strong. There was sunlight shining
through it from outside.

He stepped out of the shower, dried himself and the soles of his feet, then
put on a thick bathrobe and tied it tightly around his waist.

Taek Joo still didnt know where he was, but if it was a cull like resort, there
must be other houses. Maybe he could figure something out, hire a car, take
a train? So all Taek Joo had to do right now was get out of the villa.

He made up his mind and stood under the window. Taek Joo tried sweeping
the wall, but the bathroom tiles were too slippery. Climbing up the window
with his bare hands was a stupid idea.

He immediately rummaged through the closet looking for a solution, but all
he found were a few towels, facial cleansing products, and cleaning
supplies. Taek Joo scratched his head and suddenly threw a towel on the
floor. He used a razor to tear the long scarf that was left on the sink and tied
both ends of a piece of scarf cut to the right width to form an unbreakable
knot.

Taek Joo connected a dusting clip to the rope. The end of the rope had
become quite heavy. He looked up at the window, estimated the distance
and height, then threw the clip with all his might like a dart. The clamp hit
the metal bars with a prolonged sound and then fell uselessly. Taek Joo had
to try again before Zhenia noticed, but he couldnt make it.

Taek Joo couldn't escape, what would his life be like and how would he
die? Taek Joo couldn't sit still and wait for that moment to come.

He made up his mind again. Taek Joo grabbed the towel under the clamp
and rotated the clamp in the air to obtain some force. When the thrust
reached a certain level, Taek Joo threw it like a spear towards the high
window. The clamp flew quickly and slid between two iron bars. He took a

deep breath and yanked the attached rope, the clip lying on its side and
clamped tightly between the bars. Alright.
Taek Joo used a towel string to quickly clean the slippery tiles on the wall
and then thoroughly wiped the soles of his feet again. After a series of
preparations, he was ready to grab the rope with both hands. Taek Joo
slowly pressed the soles of his feet against the wall and put his body weight
on the rope. He kept falling down in vain, but after a while of perseverance,
Taek Joo was able to climb up proficiently. He quickly crossed his legs and
hung himself under the window frame, then quickly grabbed the iron bars.

Taek Joo's left leg slipped but he stretched out his right arm. His chest hit
the wall hard as he tried to hold on to the iron bar. He endured the pain and
supported his whole body with one arm, then he raised his other arm to
grasp the iron bar. And then Taek Joo was certain that the iron bars on the
window couldnt be cut with any tools he had. He tried to shake it as hard as
he could but to no avail. The cold iron bars didnt budge. Taek Joo pulled it
until he was exhausted and then gave up and let it go.

"BASTARD...!"

His butt hit the floor. After a while of groaning, Taek Joo slowly stood up
and frantically searched for another escape tool. He saw the drain pipe in
the sink. Taek Joo recklessly pulled it out and used all his strength to smash
it against the wall.

"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK...!"

Every time he hit the drain pipe, he swore. Zhenia must have noticed the
commotion in the bathroom, but Taek Joo couldn't back down. He gathered
all his strength and hit the wall, the solid bricks began to crack. In
desperation, Taek Joo grabbed the cracked brick with his bare hands and
tore it apart.

But it didn't take long for Taek Joo to stop, because another wall appeared
where the brick fell. It's not just a simple concrete wall, it was like a rock
that has been smoothed and polished, perhaps even an excavator wouldn't
be able to drill through it.

Taek Joo tiredly trudged out but suddenly stopped, because zhenia had been
standing in front of the door. He stared at Taek Joo's haggard face and then
looked inside the bathroom, then he smiled.

"Are you having fun yet?"

Taek Joo glared at him without bothering to speak. He didn't even have
enough energy left to speak. zhenia looked at him with amusement and
ridicule, then suddenly reached out his hand. Taek Joo was startled
unconsciously. His hand suddenly paused in the air for a moment and then
grabbed Taek joos robe. Then without saying a word, zhenia pulled him
away somewhere. Taek Joo instinctively tried his best to hold his body
back, but he was still dragged away.

He was worried about what he was going to do to torture him, but the place
zhenia took Taek Joo to was a dining room. He was looking confusedly at
the strange room with a table large enough to seat ten people when he was
pushed into a chair. A piercing pain emanated from his ass. Taek Joo was
clenched his fist hissing in pain when suddenly a plate was slid to him acrid
the table. It's Blini, a Russian-style pancake that by just looking at the
image on the packaging was enough make Taek Joo sick.

He moved the plate aside and asked.

"Where the fuck am I?"

"Even if I told you, you wouldn't know."

"Where am I Zhenia?"

"Ajinoki Island."

Where the fuck is that? Taek Joo's face darkened. Zhenia smirked.

"See, I told you you wouldn't know. This is an uninhabited island 60

kilometers from Murmansk."

Murmansk is Russia's northernmost region, 200 km from the Arctic Circle.

But an island 60km away? And is it an uninhabited island?

"Why the fuck do you live here?"

Taek Joo muttered denying reality.

But Zhenias assertion that followed cruelly extinguished even that faint
glimmer of hope Taek joo had.

"There's nothing here but this house."

Taek Joo stared blankly at Zhenia, it was hard to believe that no one else
was here. Zhenia again pushed the plate of Blini from before in front of
Taek Joo.

"I brought it, so you should eat it, unless you want to starve to death."

What he said didn't sound like a joke at all. Taek Joo's stomach was empty
and rumbling. But Taek Joo rarely ate Russian food, and he didn't want
anything else of Zhenias in his stomach.

Taek Joo glanced at the cold plate of blini, his stomach growled again. He
reached for a piece of blini with a shy expression and put it in his mouth.

His stomach was excitedly preparing to receive food after a long time, but
Taek Joo's jaw moved extremely slowly. Zhenia kept looking at his face as
if admiring an interesting scene. Taek Joo turned away to avoid his eyes and
continued digging through innocent pieces of blini.

"Are you just gonna stand there?"

"I'm not too busy."

"Why aren't you busy? Don't you have to clean up that mess?"

"Cleaning up the mess? Ah, you mean the blueprint? It seemed like you
were excited to blow it up, but unfortunately it didn't cost me that much."

"..What are you talking about?"

"What do you think you can do with the blueprints that you and your
colleagues took away? Are you going to use it to develop a new weapon
that can be compared to 'Anastasia'? No, you can't do that....I'm the only
person in this world who can analyze and read the design."

There was actually no way to prove that the blueprints were lost. The only
people who knew that the room exploded was, at most only Zhenia and his
relatives. Would one of them risk their privilege and his life to reveal the
truth? Salman was a target of surveillance by the Russian government, so
there is no reason for him to stand out and attract attention.

Depressed. Taek Joo thought he had dealt zhenia a fatal blow.

Zhenia looked at Taek Joo's stiff and sulky face.

"I told you. From now on you have to deal with things yourself."

Contrabass solo - Caught in your wave

Zhenia placed his shapka on the table, the slightest movement causing his
fur coat to flutter, as if a living animal were riding on his shoulders.

Taek Joo sat sideways on the sofa to watch him get ready. He didn't ask
where he was going. Zhenia also said nothing. A while later, Taek Joo
walked up the stairs.

The sound of propellers rang out immediately afterward. Perhaps it was an

illusion, but it seemed like the window were shaking slightly. Taek Joo was
shocked and quickly ran to the window. A helicopter was flying right above
him and into space, inside seemed to be that bastard.

'I brought it, you should eat it, unless you want to starve to death.'

The helicopter quickly became a dot in his vision and disappeared. Zhenia
probably wasnt flying out just to go grocery shopping.

He looked down at his hands. His wrists wernt tied with rope, let alone
handcuffs. Taek Joo was free as a bird. Not only that. Both the windows and
doors were unlocked.
Taek Joo quickly turned around with a skeptical expression in his face. He
went into the living room and checked the condition of the fireplace. Only
piles of ashes remained after burning. Not lighting the fire meant Zhenia
would probably be out for a while.

Was Zhenia this careless? A smile appeared on Taek Joo's lips. Whatever
the reason, this was a golden opportunity. Maybe he was angry but he had
to take the chance to get out.

Taek Joo was about to rush out when he suddenly remembered how he was
dressed. He couldn't freeze to death our there, Taek Joo went straight to

zhenias dressing room. Hundreds of decent clothes were hung in the narrow
and deep room but he couldn't even think of what to wear. He took out a
jacket that seemed to fit him and put it on. Both the length and width were
absurdly large.

Taek Joo folded his sleeves up and tied his belt just right then went out. The
heavy door pushed the pile of snow on the floor and slowly opened.

Breathing outside air for the first time, a stream of cold, clear air flew
through his lungs. It was cold enough to make his throat constrict.

He pulled back his collar and strode forward. The snowfields stretched on
endlessly, with no signs of life anywhere. He was confused and didn't know
which direction to go.

A snowy mountain in the distance looked like something you'd see on tva
screen, It was hard to tell if it was even real.

Taek Joo turned his back on the snowy mountains and moved towards the
blowing sea-smelling winds. His lips were a bit salty His feet sank with
each step and quickly became soaked to the knees, his skin was numb and
itchy, the cold wind blew like it was cutting his skin. Taek Joo hurriedly
walked through the fluttering snow.

A moment later he reached the beach with gentle waves lapping at his feet.
Zhenia said that this place was 60 km from Murmansk. Taek Joo couldn't
see a small island or a coral reef nearby. Everything became distant again.

But that didn't mean Taek Joo would give up. He was going to die, one way
or another, and whatever it was on this island or not was up to him.

Taek Joo returned to the path he came from. Swimming 60 km with in

weather like this was impossible, so he had to find some other way, if not,
he planned to cut a birch tree to make a boat.

Taek Joo returned to the villa after walking non-stop. He lit a fire in the
fireplace and sat in front of it to thaw his whole body and then went down
to the basement. As expected, all kinds of household items were piled up in
the basement warehouse. He boldly stepped into it. A thick layer of dust
flew up blindly.

"Found it."

With his dusty face shining brightly, Taek Joo found a kayak after half a day
of looking around.

He put the kayak on his back and left the villa. The boat was made of much
heavier wood than he thought. Considering the heavy snowfall, Taek Joo
was more prepared than before but his feet still sank deeper because of the
kayak. It wasnt easy to take even one step, his toes were gradually
becoming numb.

Taek Joo was willing to endure frostbite. Compared to the difficulties he

had already went through on this island, this was nothing. The fierce
snowstorm that had lasted until this morning had subsided, the heavy
snowfall had gone away, and the sea that he had come to with great
difficulty had calmed down.

"Alright."

Taek Joo immediately placed the kayak on the water. He carefully pressed
each place on the boat's hull and checked to see if it was leaking water.
Contrary to his concerns, none of the corners were worn or damaged, and
the weight balance is also quite well adjusted so it won't tip over easily.

Taek Joo held the oar for a while and waited for the boat's body to shake
less. The kayak, which was shaking violently, gradually regained stability.

He took a deep breath and then used all his strength to hit the water surface.

While in the special forces, Kwon Taek Joo once went on a 20 km round
trip on a rubber inflatable boat. He will have to travel three times that
distance to reach the mainland but with the help of the weather, there was
nothing that Taek Joo couldnt do. This was no longer training but real
combat, desperation that pushes human potential to the maximum.

Taek Joo gritted his teeth and rowed even harder. The force of the water hit
the boat hard and was pushed out. The kayak continued to turn the water
and move forward.

But the real ambush was the ocean weather. Just because the coast is quiet
doesn't mean the ocean is the same. The kayak, which had been moving
forward strongly for a while, suddenly began to spin. Rising waves quickly
pushed the boat's hull to shore.Taek Joo could no longer control the boat
even when he tried to row. If he keept being swept away like this, his fragile
kayak would sink.

Taek Joo kept his oars steady and moved forward. The strong wind blew
with high waves, the kayak lost momentum and swayed violenty, fierce
waves continuously hit the boat's hull, the kayak swayed precariously as if
it would capsize immediately. Taek Joo managed to keep his balance by
moving the oar to the opposite side but he could barely control the small
boat against the big waves.

The waves pounded relentlessly against the boat. The second wave was
larger and more ferocious than the first wave. Taek Joo's whole body was
soaked in the fierce water.

"GAHH...!"
He faced the wave with all his might, but even as he pushed the oar
desperately, the boat's hull still moved only slowly. The deep sea swallowed
the strength he had worked so hard to build, but Taek Joo still tried his best
to row the boat in place because if he sat still, the boat would be swept
away in an instant.

"FUCKKK!"

Taek Joo shouted in shock. As if realizing his efforts, the bow of the boat
was moving forward little by little.

But unfortunately, that hopeful situation didnt last long. Suddenly Taek Joo
heard a very loud noise, he looked ahead in bewilderment. A dark blue wall
was approaching from afar. It was a wave the size of a house.

Before his head could give an order, his arms and legs moved automatically,
but the continuous ripples kept wrapping around Taek Joo's ankles.

The wave crashed before his eyes while he couldnt move. Taek Joo was
helplessly sucked deep into the water in the blink of an eye before he even
realized it. The strong force of the water pushed his whole body deeper.

Taek Joo choked.

A moment later, the water that was pushed in continuously flowed back and
burst white, taking Taek Joo with it. He raised his legs above the water to
avoid being swept into the sea again. Underwater is terrifyingly quiet, but
above was still a battlefield. Waves came from all directions, leaving Taek
Joo unable to breathe.

He stretched out his cramped arms and leaned against the water, his legs
also stretched out. Every time he turned his neck to breathe, the salty
seawater rose. His lungs tightened, making Taek Joo gasp. Despite all his
efforts to separate the water and move forward, his body, which had no
strength left, was immediately pushed back.

Taek Joo's whole body relaxed from exhaustion. He kept being pushed up
and then swept in, then pushed up again and swept back. He couldn't
imagine where he was drifting or how much further he had to go. He also
didn't know if he would even be able to return to Ajinoki Island. His arm
felt like it weighed a thousand pounds and no longer listened to him. Will
Taek Joo die like this?

"........?"

Something caught Taek Joo's eyes just when he was about to give up. That
was the remains of the previously broken kayak floating on the sea surface

swept away by the waves. His survival instinct that had been extinguished
flared up again, he had to chase after it.

Taek Joo grabbed the board. He leaned back for a moment and took a heavy
breath. Taek Joo wandered aimlessly at sea. The sunset was setting behind
him.

The sound of waves gently lapping in his ears. Taek Joo's body was still
being supported by something.

The remains of a kayak? It was so much tougher than that. It didn't move?

The water current was so violent though. Taek Joo could feel the roughness
touching his cheeks. His fingers wiggled, the wet sand in his hand.

Taek Joo tried to lift his drooping eyelids. It was pitch black all around and
he couldn't see anything. He lay on his stomach like that for a while after
waking up. He also didn't dare stand up.

The waves still crashed into Taek Joo's wet body. His limbs trembled as his
senses awakened. He tried to move at all but his body was frozen. The most
reassuring thing was That Taek Joo was no longer floating at sea.

He tried to lift his upper body. Sea water flowed from Taek Joo's hair and
clothes. He drank so much cold and salty sea water that his stomach was
churning and his head felt strange. Taek Joo slowly looked around.

There was the sound of someone stepping on the sand and approaching.
Taek Joo tried to call for help but no sound came out. Looked like his vocal
cords were damaged. Taek Joo squeezed his neck as hard as possible and
screamed.

"Here...!"

The voice was hoarse and broken. The sound of footsteps gradually
approached and stopped in the distance. Taek Joo's arm that was happily

raised suddenly stopped. Because his savior who appeared in the darkness
was none other than Zhenia.

"Swimming in the ocean at night? Invite me next time."

Zhenia was still wearing the same clothes he went out in. How?. Had he
returned to Ajinoki Island? Taek Joo quickly glanced around but the
darkness made it impossible for him to distinguish the terrain.

"Get up if you don't want to freeze to death."

He staggered for a moment to stand up and then sat down again. He tried to
stand up again but this time even the arm supporting his upper body lost its
strength and slid and Taek Joo fell down helplessly.

Zhenia stood watching and then openly clicked his tongue. Then with a
reluctant expression, he grabbed Taek Joo's elbow. Only the arm was pulled
up, while his heavy body hung down. Zhenia shook his head and sighed
then suddenly bent down. Taek Joo's arm reflexively tried to throw him
away but was quickly grabbed by him and he immediately slung him over
his shoulder.

"You're so hard to catch."

Every time he took a step, Taek Joo's body shook. Sea water trapped in his
body also spewed out of his mouth and wet his clothes. Zhenia didn't pay
attention and just quietly walked towards the villa.

Taek Joo instinctively pressed his body into Zhenia's soft fur coat, deeply
burying his face that had lost all feeling due to the cold. The black waves
winding behind the two people were gradually getting farther away.

Contrabass solo - Simple Bet.

(nsfw)

Hot water poured down, Taek Joo was thrown into the bathtub with his wet
clothes intact. Warm energy quickly spread throughout his body. His lower
jaw trembled even as he curled up tightly. His lips also turned pale.

Zhenia sat down in the bathtub and roughly pulled at Taek Joo's clothes.

The wet shirt that stuck uncomfortably to his body was torn into pieces. He
nonchalantly took off his pants. The zipper was ripped off, then he grabbed
his ass and turned him over. Taek Joo's lower body was lifted up in an
instant and his upper body fell into the bathtub. A large amount of water
rushed into his nose and ears. Taek Joo struggled but he could barely keep
his upper body steady. coughs broke out intermittently.

"...Cough cough..."

The inside of his nose and throat quickly became irritated. As if that wasn't
enough, Zhenia turned on the shower head hanging on the wall and sprayed
water so that Taek Joo couldn't open his eyes.

"Are you stupid or just this persistent?"

Zhenia muttered in an unintelligible voice.

"Sorry but your not strong enough to leave this island. The coastal current
that pushes everything towards this island is too strong."

Around the islands there are often strong belt currents. If he can't penetrate
that current, he'll just be swept away by waves and pushed back to the
coast.

"Now don't pull that shit again. If i have to drag your sorry ass out of the
ocean one more time Taek joo"
Zhenia demanded with disdain and stood up. The showerhead he was
holding fell into the bathtub, causing water to splash. Taek Joo turned his
head away to avoid the water. The bathroom door made a loud noise and
slammed shut.

Left alone, Taek Joo slowly stroked his face. His shaking fingers and toes
still tingled from the numbness. The sudden change in temperature made
his head dizzy.

Taek Joo's whole body became tired, his mind and body were so exhausted
that all his will was gone. He just wanted to lie down in front of a warm
fire.

Taek Joo lifted himself up, but even that alone made him stagger. Taek Joo
limped out wearing only a robe and untied belt.

All that was on his mind was the fireplace. Taek Joo was about to go into
the living room but Zhenia suddenly blocked his path.

"...What?"

The fatigue was evident in his weak voice. Zhenia calmly spoke up.

"Are you going to skip dinner?"

It's not that Taek Joo meant to be rude, but he really didn't have the strength
to even lift a spoon. He waved his hands with an annoyed expression.

"Don't worry about it."

Zhenia suddenly let go of Taek Joo. He left him behind and disappeared
into the kitchen alone. Taek Joo was about to continue walking when a
scent entered his nose.

His legs moved automatically, the closer he got to the kitchen, the clearer
the scent became. An unprecedented craving for food made Taek Joo's jaw

stiffen. His eyes looked straight at the pot in Zhenias hand. Looking at the
packaging still lying next to the kitchen counter, Taek Joo knew for sure
what it was it.

Zhenia carried the pot from the stove to the sink and as if emptying out
everything inside, he tilted the pot without hesitation. The moment the
ramen broth dripped into the sink,

Taek Joo ran over and grabbed his hand.

"I'll eat the broth!"

"........?"

"Leave the water."

Taek Joo conveyed his intention again and took the pot away. He reached
for any fork that was within reach and hurriedly scooped up the ramen. A
few noodles hung from the fork, but before they could reach the tip of his
tongue, they slid into the pot. Losing patience, he used scissors to cut the
noodles into small pieces, then placed his mouth on the pot and drank the
broth at the same time as the noodles.

Zhenia crossed his arms and observed Taek Joo, who was still limp like a
corpse, then he turned his eyes to the ramen package. He picked it up and
looked at it for a moment then tilted his head.

"...Are there drugs in these things?"

Taek Joo lay down on the fur blanket and lit the fire. The rolling heat started
from his back and slowly warmed his entire tired body. He was full and felt
comfortable. Taek Joo even yawned peacefully.

Taek Joo didn't even try to open his drooping eyelids, he used his arm as a
pillow and fell into a deep sleep. His back slowly bulged and then deflated,
making a loud breathing sound. Consciousness vaguely entered the world of
the unconscious.

Soon Zhenia appeared. His unique scent made it impossible for Taek Joo to
recognize it. His shadow hovered in front of the fireplace. Then, a naked
gaze landed on Taek Joo's face. He wondered if he had something to say,
but once he closed his eyes, Taek Joo couldn't lift them anymore. He just
wanted to be buried in this sweet, body-melting feeling.

He pretended not to know but his pants were suddenly slipped down,
because the robe had been raised above his waist.

"...go somewhere else, kid."

(This is in korean)

Taek Joo still closed his eyes and muttered. He waved his hands as if
annoying, but Zhenia didn't mind and continued to grope his waist area
right above his butt. No, it feels thicker and softer to the touch than a finger.

Before Taek Joo had time to realize what it was, Zhenia climbed on his
back.

"I told you I was tired."

Taek Joo pushed him away again with an annoyed look. Now you can sleep
soundly without being disturbed. A satisfied smile spread across Taek Joo's
lips.

Suddenly his shoulders jerked up while he was falling asleep, because

something hard was being pushed between his legs. Taek Joo closed his
eyes and turned around, but Zhenia still stubbornly followed and rubbed his
boner between Taek joos thighs.

(can bro have a single second to rest wtf Zhenia fuxk off)

"Sleep well."

Zhenias voice gently reached his ears while Taek Joo's whole body faded
into sleep.

(Tw: Zhenia touching taek joo while he's alseep / NO consent) Zhenia
opened spread his cheeks and slowly pushed himslef in. Even in his sleep,
the tingling pain still penetrated throughout Taek Joo's body.
"Uhmmmm...hmmm..."

A soft groan came out, his body began to tremble slowly...

When he opened his eyes, the sun had already reached the middle of the
sky. The sudden movements hurt his lower back and butt, but not enough to
make him groan.

Taek Joo looked around bewilderedly and then suddenly stared at his
crotch. His crotch was pitching a tent at the wrong time. He tried to deny it
and lifted the blanket. He wasnt wrong.

Taek Joo didn't dream anything last night, nor did he have any reason to get
an erection while sleeping. He was startled and thought back to last night.

Taek Joo remembered he talked to Zhenia until going to bed.

Every time Taek Joo woke up halfway, that bastard was still on top of him.

It seems that one time he clamped it on his thigh and pushed his hips. Taek
Joo hesitantly checked the inside of his thighs, the bruises appeared clearly
as if they were not an illusion. How much did he rub that disgusting thing to
make it like this?

No, that doesn't matter now. Taek Joo did it again with Zhenia last night.

His erect penis must have been the result of him, but other than that, he
couldn't find any other reason. Taek Joo was so embarrassed that just
becuase of that ramen he bought he let Zhenia fuck him.

"...FUCK...I'm going fucking crazy!"

Taek Joo screamed and scratched his hair that was falling in front of his
face. He didn't want to admit it. He couldnt admit it. But he couldn't pretend
that nothing had happened. On the contrary, the more he denied it, the more
clearly he would remember what happened last night. Even the feeling of
zhenias lips touching his skin came back vividly.
Taek Joo immediately left his seat and stood up. He wandered around the
mansion without the slightest concern about putting his almost-off robe
back on. Zhenia was nowhere to be seen, it seemed he had boarded the
helicopter again and left.

He didnt know what the hell that guy was thinking, when facing him at the
embassy, Taek Joo had a premonition of his doom. Zhenia had no reason to
keep him alive. But he was still breathing, and since that day, he didn't try
to hurt Taek Joo anymore.

Taek Joo was still repeating the doubts in his head when something soggy
flowed down his thigh. Taek Joo looked down and gritted his teeth. No
matter what his intentions were, he had to go take a shower first.

He rushed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Taek Joo stood
under the water looking into the mirror, a tattoo on the back of his waist
caught his eye at first sight. Zhenia was marking him like a cow or a pig.

No, there wasnt much of a difference. He was imprisoned in a cage

surrounded by the sea on all four sides and only ate the food he gave him.

Taek Joo placed his forehead against the wall and bowed his head slightly.

He grabbed his hot cock and started stroking it roughly. The tingling
sensation in his groin increased, the normally flat muscles became visibly
twisted in pleasure.

"Fuck...."

Taek Joo lowered his head more and more. His teeth clenched tightly,
creating a grinding sound that made the veins in his lower jaw stand out. He
stroked it so fast it almost felt like he was about to tare it off. Taek Joo's
body was engulfed in hot arousal and kept clinging to his moving hand.

Taek Joo's fingertips dug hard into the wall. Not long after, the lower part of
his body bounced violently.

"Ahh- Haaa..."
Taek Joo roared like an animal and spewed cum. His body temperature
quickly dropped, making him shiver. Taek Joo gradually regained his
composure, a sudden feeling of loss of strength overtook him.

He looked at the cum scattered on the wall and laughed to himself. Was
Taek Joo becoming gay?

He shook his head. Taek Joo didn't want to have to think about a problem
that he had never even thought about once in his life. He finished washing
his dirty body and left the bathroom. Masturbation was also hard work, and
his stomach was immediately churning. he needed something to eat.

Taek Joo went into the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets but
couldn't find the package of ramen he ate yesterday. All that could be found
was Russian-style pre-cooked food. Frustrated, he put one of them in the
microwave.

How long will he take? Taek Joo estimated the time Zhenia would return
while waiting for the food to be heated. If he intended to come back during
the day, he wouldn't have gone at noon like this, so at least Zhenia wouldn't
come back today. During that time, Taek Joo had to escape.

Ever since he got stuck on Ajinoki Island, all he could think about was
running away. Taek Joo couldnt live like this forever.

There are only two ways to get off this remote island with no boats or
passersby. Ride a helicopter or use a boat equipped with a powerful engine.

Taek Joo searched the mansion a few days ago and only found a kayak, and
even that was destroyed. The only hope left is to fly.

The problem is where and how to get the raw materials. Taek Joo was
immersed in thought. The wind blew from the open window for ventilation,
the curtains fluttered gently. He looked at the scene meaninglessly and then
opened his eyes wide. Suddenly a thought flashed through Taek Joo's mind.

Parasailing. Right. If he jumps far enough and is supported by the wind, he

can fly a distance of atleast 100 km. If the thrust is doubled thanks to skis in
the snowy highlands, Taek Joo could easily reach Murmansk, that's only 60

km away.

The microwave announced that it had finished cooking, but Taek Joo didnt
take the food out and went straight to the basement. The parachute fabric
was still intact in the position he saw. A bundle of acrylic fibers was also
found in a nearby toolbox. This is a good omen.

Taek Joo immediately squatted down and cut the parachute fabric out.

Zhenia returned the next morning. He returned earlier than expected, so

Taek Joo stopped sewing and hurried upstairs. He went into the bathroom,
threw away his dusty clothes and quickly washed himself before Zhenia
came down from the roof.

Taek Joo wrapped himself in a towel and walked out, but Zhenia was
standing right in front of the door.

"Ah, did you just come back?"

Taek Joo was embarrassed, he even raised his hand to say hello. Zhenia
looked down at Taek Joo with a strange expression. He bit his hand in
embarrassment because of zhenias suspicious expression as if he had eaten
something by mistake.

Why did he come back so early? he had a lot of work to do today. After
sewing the fabric, Taek Joo had to find something that could be used as a

belt to connect it. And if he had time, he planed to look around the island to
calculate wind speed and direction.

While worrying about this and that, Taek Joo accidentally followed Zhenia.

He pulled off his fur coat as he entered the living room. The coat slid over
his back and fell to the floor. Then shirt buttons and collars were also
continuously removed. He didnt know if he was going crazy, but every time
he took off something, his body odor seemed to become more intense.
Zhenia quickly sat down on the armchair in front of the fireplace. Taek Joo,
who was following him, also stopped, looking hesitant as if he had
something to say.

"What's up?"

"When are you leaving again?"

Zhenia just stared at Taek Joo without answering. He felt that Taek Joo was
acting a bit strange. He pretended not to know and fixed his eyes on
Zhenias lips. It was a look of worry and expectation.

"I won't go for a while. Going out is too annoying."

"Whats so annoying?"

"Headquarters is asking for you to be taken out. My brothers are also

scolding you that you must be punished to set an example for the family's
pride."

Zhenia grinned. Taek Joo was speechless so he kept his mouth shut. It
wouldn't be strange if zhenia immediately dragged him to FSB

headquarters. The FSB knew that Taek Joo was a secret Korean agent and
that he had entered Russia in disguise for intelligence activities. Somehow,
he even discovered the existence of the new weapon 'SS-29' and he was
involved in the murder of a government official and even committed a
terrorist act against his family. Bogdanov. Clearly his capture would be of
the highest order and he would be lucky if there was not an immediate kill
order upon discovery.

If caught, Taek Joo will at least be imprisoned for life and if necessary, he
can be eliminated without anyone knowing. That is the situation of an
intelligence officer caught in the process of carrying out an action. If he is
lucky, Taek Joo may be released thanks to the exchange of spies between
the two countries, but such a chance is not much because as far as he
knows, there are no Russian spies detained in Korea.
The problem facing him was more complicated than he thought. Even if he
got off this island somehow, another difficulty was waiting for him. Without
support from headquarters, can Taek Joo escape all pursuit and return home
safely? He suddenly felt doubtful.

But Taek Joo has no intention of giving up. As difficult as it was, there was
still more hope than being locked up here waiting for zhenia to get fed up
with him and then be dragged to the FSB, or ending his life at the hands of
that bastard sooner than that.

Taek Joo secretly looked at zhenias face. He was closing his eyes but it
seemed like he wasn't sleeping yet. He thought about secretly leaving while
he was sleeping like that but then quickly gave up the idea.

"I'm so bored staying in the house, can we go fishing?"

Zhenia opened his closed eyes wide at the unexpected suggestion and then
he didn't say a word but just stared at Taek Joo. It seemed like zhenia was
trying to see through his intentions, but even if it wasn't intentional, Taek
Joo's face was still full of boredom. Being locked in the house with nothing
to do was something he couldn't bear.

"The water is so clear that there probably won't be any fish."

"You betting me?"

"...You could say that."

"What do you have to bet?"

At times like this Taek Joo feels that zhenia is truly just a businessman. If
he didn't have money to bet, he probably wouldn't agree. But Taek Joo
really has nothing to bet on.

"Right now I don't have anything to bet on, how about granting the winner's
wish?"

"Wish?"
"Instead, no matter what you wish for, I won't complain."

"Can you afford to take that risk?"

Zhenia raised the corner of his mouth and asked again. Before starting, Taek
Joo was sure that he would win. He always looked down on others like that,
which made his desire to defeat this bastard even more boiling.

"We'll see, kid."

Contrabass solo - Easy (nsfw) The two stood side by side on a rock on the
west side of the island and lowered their fishing rods. It was a relatively
windy area. Buckets were placed right their feet.

Taek Joo's bucket was full of salmon, pollock and herring, but for some
reason, Zhenias bucket remained empty, and his fishing rod was also
motionless.

Taek Joo put the newly caught pollock in the bucket and checked the wind
direction. A gentle west wind blew through most of the morning, and the
weather was no different from any other day. The sun was up but not too
hot and the amount of clouds was not too much. It is perfect for fishing but
not suitable for paragliding.

Meanwhile, the fishing rod jerked up again.

"Just now, you took the bait again."

Taek Joo muttered to himself as if for zhenia to hear and then pulled the
fishing line. A cod as big as a forearm appeared. When he threw it into the
bucket, the other fish that were dying were suddenly startled and jumped
away. There's no more room in the bucket. When Taek Joo was thinking
about what to do, it seemed like a look was staring at him. He turned his
head and met Zhenias eyes.

"What's wrong? If your rod is messed up I can help you?"

He pretended to look pitiful and chuckled. Zhenias pride must have been
deeply hurt because he turned his head away without answering. Then he
quietly glared at his fishing rod that was lying still. Taek Joo couldn't hide
his bright smile.

He threw the fishing rod again. The conversation was interrupted for such a
long time. There was only a breeze between the two of them and they

quietly watched the sea.

It's getting cold. Taek Joo wanted to go back because he had already
visualized the terrain and wind direction on the west side of the island. But
it seemed that Zhenia didnt think so. Should he wait until he catches a fish
as big as a human? Taek Joo estimated the time again. The fishing line was
pulled down again.

The severity this time is significantly different. His body leaned forward on
its own. Taek Joo quickly shifted his weight back and began to hold tightly
to his prey that was trying to escape. The caught fish struggled violently.

The winding water stream also breaks into pure white. Obviously it was a
big fish. Taek Joo struggled for a while and then, without knowing when,
Zhenia rolled his eyes and watched.

He smirked and reeled in the fishing line as hard as he could. Midway, Taek
Joo loosened the fishing line a bit and then rolled it up to flexibly pull the
prey. Then a moment later, he used the elasticity of his belt to lift the fishing
rod.

Soon the stubborn fish appeared. Looking back now, it wasnt just one but
two fish. Taek Joo happily sang and said, "Kill two birds with one stone."

As soon as Taek Joo made eye contact with Zhenia, he also appeared openly
arrogant.

"See, my bucket is full so can I pour some into yours?"

This time Zhenia didn't say anything. Taek Joo looked serious while
humming a song and separated the fish from the fishing rod. Knowing this,
he wouldn't have had to work so hard on sewing. If he wins the bet, Taek
Joo will make his wish and it's nothing fancy, all Zhenia has to do is give
him the keys to the helicopter. Just the thought of leaving Zhenia on this
island and going out alone made him overcome with emotion.

The guy's fishing rod that was glancing at was still silent, while he himself
was also intently looking at his fishing rod that had no news. That sincerity
is pitiful.

"Hey, now slowly..."

"Shhh"

"No way. Do you know how many kilograms of fish you have to catch at
once to win?"

Zhenia signaled Taek Joo to be quiet, his eyes still facing the sea water. Is
there something there? He looked at his fishing rod without expecting
anything. Not sure at first, Taek Joo quickly noticed a dark shadow floating
below. Is it a coral reef? Because of its unrealistic size, that was the first
thing he could think of. It leisurely hovered near the fishing rod and then
suddenly stopped moving. At the same time Zhenias fishing rod began to
bend down without hesitation.

The force to hold and the force to pull need to be compatible with each
other. The water surface, which was calm a moment ago, suddenly curved
and then broke into a white light. The fishing line looked like it would
break at any moment. No, it looks like the fishing rod might break. Taek
Joo was able to loosen the rope a bit but Zhenia couldnt. Faced with the
unknown existence opposing him, Zhenia resolutely pulled the rope.

The next moment, the fishing rod's float quickly returned. When the tight
rope suddenly slackens, the bait that is swinging wildly from side to side
slides out. Zhenia didnt miss his chance when the reins were released and
wrapped around the rope immediately. Then he pulled the fish that was
biting the hook using only the strength from his belt.

The water splashed and something huge emerged. Taek Joo couldn't even
wipe the water off his face and could only look blankly. The fish that was
confronting Zhenia made a loud noise and fell down. Even then it continued
to bang its tail against the stone floor.

Zhenia without hesitation stabbed the knife into its gills. Red blood flowed
out. He didn't stop there, he turned the fish over. The big fish struggled for a
while longer and then gradually shrouded itself. That moment the shape of
the fish caught Taek Joo's eyes. It is about 150 cm long and weighs at least
40 kg.

Zhenia threw the big fish that was about to suffocate at Taek Joo. He caught
it but it was too heavy so he dropped it. Even though he saw it with both
eyes and even if he was touched for a moment, he still couldn't believe it.

Zhenia looked at the bewildered Taek Joo and then smiled apologetically.

"Now I have a wish to make."

Taek Joo took off his cloak with a confused expression on his face. The
shirt slipped off his body and fell to the floor. Zhenia sat on the other side of
the bed watching him. His upturned mouth seemed to foretell the hardships
to come.

His wish was too clear. All Taek Joo has is a healthy body, and that's the
only thing he's interested in.

Taek Joo sat still on the bed facing Zhenia. Now being naked in front of him
was nothing to be ashamed of, but he wasn't sure if he would still be like
that after hearing his request. In an uneasy mood, Taek Joo planned to place
another bet.

"You said you wouldn't fuck the same person more than twice."

"It used to be like that."

"Well we've fucked three times already, no?"

"There's no other way, because right now I have no one else to sleep with."

"Lie down on all fours."

"What?"

"Cant you hear me? Bend down like an animal."

"Hey, that..."

"You said you wouldn't complain."

He looked at Zhenia with eyes asking if that was really a wish but he
showed no signs of backing down. This bastards such a freak.

Taek Joo still hesitated, Zhenia lowered his chin and looked at him urging
him to do it. He scratched his head and said, "This is crazy," then
reluctantly turned over. Taek Joo just lay down on his stomach but didnt
dare to stretch out his arms and legs. His clenched fists trembled with
shame.

"Don't like it? Can I wish for something else?"

He silently urged. For some reason, Taek Joo had a premonition that his
other wish might be worse than what was happening right now. He clenched
his molars and slowly lifted his feet. His arms stretched out and he arched
his back. Zhenia stared at him from behind then tilted his head.

"You should spread your legs. I can't see anything."

Damn it, what does this bastard want to see?

The sound of grinding teeth rang out. There's no good in holding back, it's
better to just get it over with. Taek Joo tried to separate his legs.

Zhenia rested his chin on his arm, enjoying the sight. He slowly swept his
hand down the plump ass infront of him, then to the firm thigh muscles, and
moved to the smooth butt bone and the hanging flesh below. Taek Joo's
shaking limbs further stimulated his desire to conquer. Soon, blue eyes were
filled with burning desire.

Zhenia slowly stood up from his seat. The cloak on his shoulders also
slowly fell off.
He covered Taek Joo's prone body while biting his neck hard. Taek Joo was
startled and puffed out his chest, but Zhenia still didn't move.

"..Mph-."

He bit harder on his neck as if to punish his useless resistance. Taek Joo's
body twisted, his lungs were heavy and he was constantly out of breath, his
whole body tilted forward. At that moment, Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's arm
and yanked it towards him.

Zhenias pelvis hit Taek Joo's butt, making a loud noise. Taek Joo's thighs
clenched at the horrible feeling of Zhenia slamming into him. He still wasn't
used to that terrible feeling even though he had experienced it several times.

Taek Joo lowered his head with a choked groan.

With his dick stuffed tightly in his hole, Taek Joo's ears turned red. Zhenia
licked vigorously at his ear where the fluff stood up. His ears quickly
become hot and clammy.

Taek Joo turned his head away to avoid that itchy and embarrassing
skinship scene while muttering "Don't do that".

"...Ahh right... Foreplay is a luxury in intercourse, isn't it."

Immediately after that, he pulled out Taek Joo's body was pushed up at the
same time.

"Ah... Ah..."

Taek Joo felt like his stomach was being torn open. Zhenia didnt let go of
him, but he pulled his waist away and pushed hard inside. His body
trembled as if there was an electric shock running through him. Before that
shiver disappeared, Zhenia let go of Taek Joo and then quickly poked him
below as if he were riding a horse. The naked rubbing sound clearly came
from the skin that was continuously being hit. The echo seemed to resonate
deep within Taek joo. If he continued stabbing him like that...
Taek Joo's limbs seemed to freeze in an attempt to escape the cruelty
pouring into his senses like a waterfall. The heat immediately spread to the
back of his ears and neck and all over his back. Zhenia pressed harder on
Taek Joo and licked his dry lips.

"Cry, rabbit."

Taek Joo lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.

This time it was almost consensual, clearly not rape. Taek Joo knew he
would lose the bet. What Zhenia called a 'wish' was obviously not going to
be anything good. However, determined to escape, he stuck his head into
his muzzle.

It's frustrating and embarrassing. It's a shame that Taek Joo was so arrogant
and in the end was crushed by zhenia.

He was clearing his troubled mind when a sound that Taek Joo couldnt
recognize rang out. It's a pretty familiar tune. It's not a strong enough tone
to immediately immerse yourself in it. It's simple rather than flashy, and it's
quiet and gentle but has heavy power.

Taek Joo felt a deep sense of deja vu. When did he last hear it? He recalled
the memory and realized that the first time Taek Joo came into contact with
a melody like this was also in this house. It seemed that what he thought
was a dream was actually reality.

Taek Joo raised himself up and listened. This is clearly a stringed

instrument, but not a violin.

Taek Joo got out of bed as if he was being pulled by something. It was dark.

He pulled the blanket over his naked body and didn't turn on the light but
just moved his steps.

The show was continuing upstairs. Taek Joo swept his hand on the wall and
then walked up the dark stairs, the melody becoming more vivid with each
step he passed.
His vision widened in an instant. The moonlight through the large window
shined onto the sound of the contrabass. The vibrations echoing from the
huge body of the instrument touched his heart.

The long white fingers played on the strings and the signature platinum
blonde hair shone brighter than ever, but the expression of the person who
was breaking the low chords suddenly looked extremely lonely. Taek Joo
was so enchanted and immersed in the illusion created by the light that he
forgot who was performing.

He leaned his heavy head against the wall and sat down. Taek Joo wasn't
too familiar with music, but he knew people rarely played contrabass solos.

It is a musical instrument that is often optimized in ensemble to create

harmony rather than performed alone. The stubbornness and slow melody
emanating from that giant body looked so strong and masculine, except for
a feeling of deep sadness creeping in somewhere.

Taek Joo closed his eyes, immersing himself in emotions. A monster

without emotions knows how to make such beautiful sounds? The melody
is neither harsh nor intense. Taek Joo's eyelids gradually became heavy, he
gently fell into a comfortable sleep like on his mother's back on a sunny
spring day.

The music stopped not long after, but Taek Joo didn't notice it at all. A huge
shadow covered his head after Taek Joo fell asleep.

Zhenia stretched out his long arms to brush Taek Joo's hair. His face, which
had always been stiff, was now relaxed. He looked down at that strange
face for a long moment.

Not long after, the loose bangs fell down to cover Taek Joo's eyes. Zhenia
returned to perform with the contrabass.

A low, gentle melody echoed in space.

Contrabass solo - Run for your life (nsfw)

"What's over there?"

Taek Joo asked while eating breakfast. Zhenia was drinking coffee and
turned his head to look at Taek Joo's arm. He could see a few trees in the
distance outside the window and beyond that a birch forest.

zhenia shrugged as if he didn't care. Really hard. Taek Joo had to check the
terrain of that place to find the optimal spot for skydiving.

But Zhenia showed no signs of wanting to go out. If Taek Joo said he was
going to go walking alone, he would definitely be suspicious. There's no
other way.

"There's nothing to do, how about we go hunting together?"

Zhenia raised his eyes again at the unexpected proposal and looked at Taek
Joo. As if trying to guess what his real intentions were, Zhenia stared
intently at Taek Joo.

"If there's nothing to do Ill die of fucking boredom."

Only that is sincere. There wasn't a single book in the house. There is no
sound, let alone an internet-connected computer or TV. One day felt like a
year. No prison could be more desolate than that.

Despite his best efforts, Zhenia didnt show much interest. He is someone
who likes to be alone.

Taek Joo decided to change his strategy. To deal with an insolent animal,
you must gently scratch its belly.

"Tiger skins are everywhere in the house. Don't tell me you caught them
all."

The compliment was a bit vague, but it was enough to make Zhenias chin
quietly tilt up. Those words could be understood as a compliment even
though Taek Joo didnt meant it lowk that. Zhenia tilted his head as if
wanting him to say more. "How many are there?Why dont you catch
more?" His chest opened up, his silent mouth drawing an arc.
"Do you want me to play with you that bad?"

What?!

Taek Joo's face immediately turned red at that cheeky tone. If Taek Joo
really wanted to, all he had to do was ask.

"Is this also a bet?"

Zhenia asked again before leaving the kitchen. Last night's embarrassment
suddenly came back to Taek Joo's mind. He swallowed his tears and
nodded. Instead of being angry, you will win. Even if Taek Joo can't defeat
zhenia with strength, he is still very confident that he will not lose to him in
accuracy and speed.

Gunshots rang out across the quiet snowfield. The birds flew away in
surprise. Even small animals quickly disappeared. Snow accumulated on
tree branches then fell to the ground as if the sleeping forest suddenly woke
up.

Taek Joo ran through the forest. He was chasing a reindeer that was peeling
and eating tree bark. That was also the first time he saw one in real life.

Taek Joo knew that the reindeer's size was huge, but he was still stunned by
its over two meter tall body. The reindeer galloped and kicked the ground

with its long, strong legs in a risky way as if its giant horns were about to
get caught in the branches.

The forest hadnt been affected by human hands so it was still pristine, with
only animal footprints across the snowfields. Trees naturally fall down and
then grow back up on their own. If you carelessly place your foot on the
wrong foot in a place like this, it's easy to get injured by tripping over gaps
in wood that have been buried under snow. It's not easy to climb over a
fallen tree, the wild forest seems to be wary of strangers and places traps
everywhere.
The reindeer disappeared among the dense forest and occasionally jumped
up to show off its presence. Just when it seemed like it would soon be
caught, it quickly got out of range. Those flickering movements made Taek
Joo impatient. He recklessly ran after it for a while then suddenly bent one
knee and sat down, it seemed faster to shoot it from a distance than to
continue the never-ending pursuit.

With the gun pointed forward, Taek Joo held his breath and waited for the
reindeer to jump again. He focused his attention on the target, the noise
around him seemed to temporarily subside. Taek Joo narrowed his eyes and
pulled the trigger halfway.

The reindeer that had disappeared behind the tree suddenly appeared. Taek
Joo without hesitation aimed at its head and pulled the trigger.

The bullets returned with a bang, but the reindeer quickly changed direction
and Taek Joo only hit one horn.

"...FUCK!"

He sighed. Meanwhile, Zhenia overtook Taek Joo and chased the reindeer.

Taek Joo was about to run after him when he suddenly stopped. Meanwhile,
the distance between him and Zhenia became increasingly distant. He
suddenly remembered the mission he had forgotten because he was
engrossed in hunting. This was not simply to kill time, but he also had to

learn about the terrain characteristics and wind direction of the forest to
escape.

But now it seems that is not necessary. The two of them were quite far away
from the villa. Zhenia was excited about the hunt and was busy chasing the
reindeer, leaving Taek Joo alone. In terms of distance, he is closer to the
villa than he is.

What will happen if Taek Joo comes back like this? If only he could return
to the villa before Zhenia caught up with him and boarded his helicopter
like that.
Taek Joo raised his head again to check Zhenia's position. He had run so far
away that his figure had faded away. If he runs at full speed, Taek Joo
wonders if he has a chance to win.

Taek Joo opened his eyes wide and ran away even before he was sure. He
desperately flailed his limbs while cutting through the rising wind as fast as
he was running. Just the fact that Kwon Taek Joo turned his back on Zhenia
was enough to make his vision waver uneasily and his heart beat even
faster, his legs felt like they would twist and fall at any moment. Taek Joo is
now no different from a reindeer being chased.

He ran away unconsciously. Taek Joo really didn't think and just ran blindly.

The back of his thighs and calves quickly ached, but he didn't have time to
stop. He must escape after failing once. Taek Joo must run farther, faster,
before Zhenia can notice his absence.

The next moment, a gunshot rang out in the distance. Taek Joo suddenly
stopped in surprise. He turned to look, but Zhenia was nowhere to be seen.

However, he was certain that the reindeer was killed by that shot.

Taek Joo hesitantly took a step back, then gritted his teeth and ran away
faster. Now the person who just finished hunting will notice your absence.

Just imagining Zhenia coming to him was enough to send chills down Taek
Joo's spine.

Soon a snowfield opened before him. Its both an entrance to the forest and
an escape route. Taek Joo ran for a long time but he still had to cross that
distance. The trees have protected his body until now, but now Taek Joo
will have nowhere to hide. No matter how fast he ran, it would be difficult
to avoid flying bullets, so he had to quickly get out of range.

Just a little more, just a little more.

Taek Joo cheered himself on non-stop. Suddenly a sign reached his ears.
Maybe it was the sound of the wind, but it was different. Something was
penetrating and damaging the dense birch trees. Is it a reindeer? No, it's
bigger and more agile than that.

Taek Joo felt a deep sense of deja vu. It seems like a similar situation
happened in the past. Immediately, the first day he arrived in Russia
appeared in his mind, similar feelings when he wandered through dark
alleys after being kidnapped by strangers.

It's him.

Taek Joo could clearly hear Zhenias collar rubbing against the bushes. It
was even scarier than the previous gunfire. The trees swayed gently,
warning of his approach. Damn it, he was quickly leaving the forest.

The snow field reflected sunlight, making it impossible for Taek Joo to
open his eyes. All he could hear with his ears was his own panting. His
heart raced and nausea rose to his throat. Even when his feet sank into the
snow, Taek Joo still ran as if he was crawling on all fours.

Even when he was in the special forces, Taek Joo never ran that hard in the
special forces physical test, or even when chasing enemies or being chased
back. Because your life isn't threatened in those situations.

But the situation is different now. Taek Joo doesn't know how the days will
pass if he continues to be detained by Zhenia. His whole body exerted
superhuman strength like never before, stirring up the freezing air and
trampling on the slippery snow surface.

Even so, the back of his head kept tensing up. Taek Joo didnt dare look
back, the thick snow secretly hid the presence of the pursuer.

His right foot accidentally stepped deeper than expected, causing him to
stagger. In that moment, something passed over his shoulder and ear with
an explosion.

Taek Joo's whole body froze. If he had staggered a beat later, his ears would
have blown off and his head would have exploded.
"Next time, don't slip..."

A warning from someone running towards him sounded. Zhenia must have
run a considerable distance without stopping but his cold voice didnt waver
in the slightest.

What should I do. What should I do.

Taek Joo still couldn't hear his footsteps, so he couldn't feel how far away
he was. He couldn't move in a hurry. The arm holding the shotgun
tightened, sweat formed on his palm, his heart beat so fast it made him
dizzy. Taek Joo didn't have the confidence to try anything, however he
couldnt just let Zhenia stand there watching over him.

Ignoring Zhenias warning, he ran away again. It was a risky decision. His
limbs instantly went numb, cold sweat poured from his pores, he gritted his
teeth with desperation to become whatever he wanted to be.

Soon, three or four gunshots rang out from behind. Taek Joo closed his eyes
tightly because he thought he was going to die. But he didn't feel any pain
for a while, Taek Joo ran with both feet again with eyes wide open. Did he
aim off on purpose? An unusual sound rang out somewhere while Taek Joo
was still skeptical. The ground seemed to be shaking slightly as well.

Taek Joo unconsciously stopped and turned his head towards the direction
where the booming was coming from. He was immediately startled by the
snow peaks lined up like partially separated screens sliding down the slope.

It was an avalanche.

Taek Joo had to run away. His mind was filled with that idea but his legs
didn't move. He couldn't even think of raising his arms and covering his
eyes. Then a wave of white snow hit Taek Joo.

The surrounding area was silent again after a period of commotion. All
traces on the snowfield were completely erased. Zhenia walked over it.
Bright red blood oozed from the neck of the reindeer that was draped over
his shoulder. Drops of blood embroidered on the pure white snow field
create a vivid color contrast.

Zhenia nonchalantly passed the point where Taek Joo disappeared and then
he stopped for a while in a quite far place. How long has he been waiting?

Suddenly a hand poked out through the snow. That hand was clawing at the
thick snow, desperate to survive. Zhenia stood watching for a moment then
reached out his hand, and the desperate hand grabbed his. Zhenia pulled
with force. Soon, Taek Joo, who was covered in snow, was pulled up onto
the snowfield.

"ARGHH- GAH!"

Taek Joo exhaled the breath that had been choking for a while and his
whole body trembled. He felt nauseous because he inhaled too much. Taek
Joo shook his head and brushed the snow off his body. His head throbbed.

This time he really almost died.

"Looks like I won again."

Zhenia whispered looking down at Taek Joo who was panting. His face
suddenly stiffened.

Taek Joo's hand uncomfortably pushed his chin away and he fell onto the
bed. Zhenia stopped moving and looked down at his grim face. There were
dried tear stains on his wet eyes, deep wrinkles formed between his
eyebrows, and even thick veins appeared on his forehead. Taek Joo's dry

lips opened helplessly and let out a shallow breath. He relaxed his hand on
his neck. His chest, shiny with sweat, moved hard and slowly, and his
normally grim face relaxed slightly.

He slowly tilted his upper body towards Taek Joo. As he pushed in deeper,
Taek Joo's body twisted slightly. Chest to chest, shoulder to shoulder tightly.
His body temperature and pulse could be clearly felt through the skin
touching each other.

He quietly licked Taek Joo's wet eyes and then used the tip of his tongue to
trace his sharp eyelashes. Tastes salty. Then he gently licked Taek Joo's
lower lip.

What if he did this? If he did it differently, what would happen? This is just
an object of curiosity, he will not regret throwing it away when he runs out
of inspiration.

The moment Taek Joo reappeared, he became an exception. As soon as he

received the call that 'Anastasia' had been blown away by his hand, Zhenia
got goosebumps. An uncontrollable shiver erupted from his head and spread
throughout his body. He laughed because he was thinking about hunting
him down.

He never lets go of his prey. He will chase it endlessly and slowly suffocate
it. The object he is interested in will be conquered by any means and will be
eliminated without hesitation if it does not submit. That's his way.

He put aside what he was thinking and moved his waist where it had
stopped. Taek Joo's drooping body also swayed. A strong and sharp jawline,
a prominent neckline, a straight collarbone with a busty chest underneath
and abdominal muscles that vibrated with each breath. There wasn't a single
body part on him that wasn't masculine, but for some reason, his mouth
kept watering.

He placed his knees under Taek Joo's thighs and lifted him up and pulled
him closer to the end of the bed. He stretched his body and pushed himself
into Taek Joo's weak body. As he thrusted deeper, his body felt like it was

crumpled. His cock was wrapped sweetly and warmly inside, writhing
violently.

"...Haa."
Zhenia enjoyed the tightness and then let out a long breath, everything
before his eyes seemed to spin for a moment. He rubbed hard where their
bodies interlocked and dug deeper into it, Taek Joo groaned. He grabbed his
arm, which was still reflexively waving chaotically.

Unable to control his own excitement, he pressed his lips to Taek Joo's face,
ear, and chin. His mind was so chaotic that he couldn't bear to do nothing.

His body, which was so hard that it caused him pain, now became tight and
mesmerizingly soft. He reveled in having expanded and tamed a body that
no one had ever touched.

He pushed his waist and devoured Taek Joo.

"It would be a shame to have to kill him."

Zhenia lit a cigar. The spicy scent spread into the quiet space. Taek Joo
suddenly opened his eyes. His eyelids felt heavy as if a stone had been
placed on them. His throat was so dry it hurt. Taek Joo screamed until he
passed out so it's not surprising.

He tried to stand up but his body refused to obey. Taek Joo rolled his eyes
and saw Zhenia sitting on the bed with his back turned. He tried calling him
but no sound came out.
"........?"

Zhenia, who was lighting a cigar, suddenly glanced back, because Taek Joo
had patted him on the back. His hand swayed in the air as if he was longing
for something. He looked intently at Taek Joo's still moving hand and then
handed over the half-smoked cigar. Taek Joo let out a shallow breath as if

that wasn't what he wanted when Zhenia hesitantly stuffed the cigar
between his lips. Taek Joo wasnt satisfied, but he also didnt throw away the
cigar from his lips.

He slowly raised his body while pressing the acupressure point on his
throbbing head. Zhenia lit a new cigar. The bedroom was quickly filled with
acrid cigarette smoke. A violent cough erupted from Taek Joo's dry throat.

Taek Joo couldn't forget Zhenias face when he pulled him out of the snow, a
cold face he had never seen. He could even feel the anger in the hand
gripping the back of his neck. Was he angry because he was lied to?

Taek Joo's still sleepy throat suddenly ached. There was no feeling from his
waist down, but he knew he was still alive. Zhenias rough and harsh
gestures made Taek Joo realize the extent of his perception of people. It was
clear that he considered people other than himself to be creatures to be
subjugated.

Taek Joo's lower back hurt just because he turned a little. Can you get
bruises during sex? He groaned for a long time before sitting up straight,
leaning his back against the headboard and letting out a sigh.

"I saw a lot of slopes yesterday so it would be great to go skiing."

Zhenia looked confused. Skiing looking pale and haggard like this? Right
now, even walking on his own two feet seemed impossible.

"Surely it's still worth living, right?

It's better than staying here and going crazy."

"Prison is better than here" Taek Joo muttered. Once again, Zhenias eyes
were still looking straight at him.

"Don't pretend to be upset, kid. I'm enjoying myself too."

"You did the best you could?"

Zhenia laughed and provoked. The consecutive losses in the previous two
bets were due to the impact of variables. This time will be different. It must

be different.

"Just keep showing off. Looking at it like this, I still get dozens of business
cards asking if I want to try becoming a skier."

"Ah ha?"

Zhenia seemed completely in disbelief, he really always looked down on

others.

"This is a bet. Understand?"

Taek Joo seduced him again with his indifferent reaction. Zhenia let out a
mischievous laugh.

"Do you keep begging because you want me to fuck you?"

"Get your ass ready."

Taek Joo growled and raised his middle finger. After successfully
provoking, Zhenia appeared satisfied. The back of him going to get ski
equipment looked quite happy. For some reason, his gait seemed lighter
than usual and his shoulders seemed to move comfortably. It must be just an
illusion.

Contrabass solo - Loosing game (nsfw)

Taek Joo rubbed his eyes and ran as hard as he could. The wide and short
Siberian ski runs slide smoothly even on snow-covered fields. He rushed
through the tall trees as if he was attacking it head-on. After a long slide, a
feeling of suspense spread every time Taek Joo jumped up.

The two of them glided along the mountainside, one in front and the other
behind. The faster he accelerated, the more difficult it became for Taek Joo
to breathe. A sharp pain rose from his chest but even that felt good. All
toxins in the body seem to be eliminated just by breathing this clear air.

He carefully considered which ridge to use so that he could gain as much

speed as he could.

Taek Joo continued to accelerate while flexibly dodging trees and rocks that
were no different from obstacles. Zhenia was nowhere to be seen. He
looked around for a moment to search for him and then quickly gave up.

Not having him around was an advantage. Taek Joo carefully checked the
areas he could take advantage of that he might have missed.

Of course, if Taek Joo wins this bet, paragliding will be useless. He tried to
endure any of Zhenias demands to win one day. Taek Joo had accepted
everything so far so he wouldn't be able to ignore his request.

Just imagining Zhenia reluctantly handing back the helicopter keys made
Taek Joo feel excited. This time he will definitely win. With that strong
confidence, Taek Joo rushed forward.

Victory or defeat will end when either person reaches the pre-determined
point. Taek Joo dares to ensure his victory. He had never lost a ski bet,
unless there were unreasonable variables, otherwise even a monster like
Zhenia would have a hard time beating him.

Taek Joo increased his speed and ran down the steep slope. Still no sign of
Zhenia, he must have tripped on a rock and fainted.

Now just turn the corner. Taek Joo used his stick to hit the snow hard and
speed up the pace.

Hes won.
Just as Taek Joo confidently turned the corner, something flew above his
head. When Taek Joo accidentally raised his head, a dark shadow fell over
his face. That's Zhenia.

"Ah......"

Taek Joo unconsciously exclaimed softly. The snowballs created by his

dash were gradually increasing in size and rolling down. He had to avoid it
but if he flinched even for a moment then Taek Joo would lose to Zhenia.

He gritted his teeth and endured it.

A snowball suddenly fell on Taek Joo, turning him into a living snowman.

Zhenia had landed safely and was accelerating forward. Taek Joo belatedly
tried to chase him, but the collision with the snowball caused his speed to
decrease. Taek Joo couldnt close the gap.

Zhenia smoothly turned into the rendezvous point and easily pulled out the
pole planted there. Taek Joo arrived a little later. He ran and shook his head
to brush off the snow, but his whole body was still covered in snow. Taek
Joo angrily threw the stick like a polar bear fishing for salmon. That's why
Zhenia suddenly burst out laughing.

"Ahahahaha!"

Taek Joo's eyes widened. This was the first time he saw Zhenia smile so
brightly. Taek Joo was so surprised. He gently rubbed his chest, which didnt
calm down easily. his heart was throbbing.

The snow all over Taek Joo's body was melting and the coldness pulled him
back to reality. He sat down on his skates and began to brush away the

snow that was sticking to him. He shook his head to brush away the snow
from his eyes and ears, but Zhenia came closer and continued.

"Winning all the time is so boring."

Taek Joo's heart ached but he didnt show it. Even if he didn't win the bet
and didn't win the helicopter, Taek Joo had completed his last goal. And at
least he was enjoying himself....

Taek Joo unconsciously reached out his hand to the lucky bastard. It was a
habitual action. A habit that Taek Joo previously only did with people who
went skiing with him. He suddenly realized his mistake but Taek Joo didnt
withdraw his hand.

Zhenia just blankly looked at Taek Joo's outstretched hand. The hand
reached out shyly. "Hey help me up bastard," he urged, then twitched his
fingers. Zhenia looked at him like he was looking at a strange creature and
then after a moment, he reached out his hand.

No, Taek Joo thought so. The moment he tried to stand up by leaning on
Zhenia, he fell backwards. As soon as Taek Joo fell, Zhenias body fell on
top of his. He reflexively raised his hand, but Zhenia skillfully grabbed his
arm and pressed it down. Soon, Zhenias face was placed within the distance
of their noses touching each other.

zhenia quietly looked at Taek Joo. Facing each other so close made him
able to see what was in his eyes. Taek Joo's thick eyebrows, dark eyes,
straight nose and rather thick lips were being slowly scanned. Zhenia then
lowered his head and pressed his lips to the corner of Taek Joo's eyes and
the inside of his neck.

Perhaps because of the cold, his lips that gently touched and then parted
were warmer than ever. The man kissed Taek Joo's neck for a moment, then
let go, then lowered his head a bit and bit the zipper of his jacket in his
mouth. Zhenia then slowly pulled it down.

Taek Joo's bare skin was soon exposed. Zhenia leisurely moved his lips
from Taek Joo's neck to his collarbone and then to his chest. It was an
unusually gentle touch. Taek Joo got goosebumps, not sure if it was because
of the cold or because of that itchy action.

"...Was this your wish?"

Taek Joo waited patiently and asked. zhenia hesitantly raised his head. His
face was blank as if he had just woken up from a dream. All childlike
emotions in his eyes disappeared like a ghost. zhenia seemed quite
confused.

"Ah, that's right. I wish...."

The man muttered and suddenly stood up. Taek Joo also quickly sat up and
pulled back the zipper that had been pulled down to his navel. He brushed
off the snow again.

Zhenia stood with his back to him for a moment. Taek Joo looked at where
his gaze fell, but there was nothing outstanding there. Not long after, Zhenia
said he would go ahead and crossed the snowfield alone.

Taek Joo blankly watched the boy leave and then struggled to stand up
alone. He picked up the sliding stick that was lying around. Taek Joo was
quite far away from Zhenia but he had absolutely no thought of running
away.

Even if he fled, Taek Joo would still be on the island and he wasnt confident
enough to deal with the consequences of being captured. Taek Joo rubbed
his eyes and went straight home.

He tilted his head to listen to his irregular heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Even
if he took a deep breath and continued to stroke his chest, Taek Joo still
couldn't calm down.

Taek Joo finished showering and went out. Zhenia was soon sitting in front
of the fireplace. As soon as their eyes met, Taek Joo sighed and turned
around. He unbuckled himself and took off his loose robe. The remaining
underwear was also slowly pulled down. If there was anything to wish for,
he would have done it yesterday so today Taek Joo hoped to end it quickly
in one go.

"What are you doing?"

Taek Joo turned around at the sudden question with his underwear hanging
between his thighs. Zhenias surprised expression was brazen. Wasn't it
obvious this would be Zhenias wish?

"I never said that was my wish."

Taek Joo frowned, his face felt like it was about to explode. Every time he
wins a bet, Zhenia only asks for one thing. Taek Joo undressed himself
because hearing those words from him made him feel embarrassed every
time, but now he really doesn't understand. Taek Joo cursed and put his
underwear back on.

The man smiled and snapped his fingers, like he was calling a dog. When
Taek Joo didn't answer, he immediately stiffened his face. He's such a cunt.

He approached Zhenia with a reluctant expression. He suddenly reached out

towards Taek Joo. He hesitantly put his hand on top of the other hand.

Zhenia used his thumb to rub the back of his hand and then he immediately
pulled Taek Joo down in front of him. His knee hit the floor in unbearable
pain.

"...ugh! Fuck."

Zhenia grabbed his angry chin. Taek Joo tilted his head back and shook off
his hand, but that effort only made his jaw clench tighter. He unzipped his
pants and pulled his hateful dick out through that gap. The mass of flesh
that wasn't even hard yet swayed proudly in front of his huge body. Zhenia
gently rubbed its head against Taek Joo's lower jaw.

"Suck it."

"What- No...!"

He grabbed the hair from his dodging head and rubbed his flesh against
Taek Joo's pursed lips. He gritted his teeth and held his lips tightly, but
Zhenia pulled his head back. "Ah", just as Taek Joo let out an unpleasant
groan, the thick piece of meat was stuffed into his mouth.
Both of his cheeks were tense and his mouth was full. The dick pressed
against his mouth and then hit his tongue. Taek joo was about to vomit. His
upper body shuddered in horror, Zhenia gripped his struggling chin and
silently looked down at his grimacing face.

Taek Joo tried not to bite his dick, which only caused his gaping jaw to tire.

The saliva he couldn't swallow continued to pool in his mouth. The dick
shoved halfway down his throat, made Taek Joo's breathing even more
rapid.

Taek Joo closed his eyes tightly and held the cock in his mouth. That alone
made Zhenias lower stomach clench in satisfaction. The hand holding Taek
Joo's chin gradually relaxed as he slowly moved his head.

This was the first time he sucked dick. It wasn't originally what he wanted
to do, but Taek Joo also wanted to do it well so that the bastard would be
obedient, but he didn't know what to do.

While Taek Joo was still confused, Zhenia grabbed his head and pulled him
back. Taek Joo frowned dissatisfiedly and looked at Zhenia then opened his
mouth again. Zhenias abdominal muscles visibly twitched as he bit and
sucked on that hot skin. He tilted his head slightly and slowly looked down
at Taek Joo.

Soon something came out. It was slippery and fishy. The cock in his mouth
also increased in size when rubbed against his soft mouth. Taek Joo's mouth
became fuller and his jaw opened wider, he didn't know what to do next.

Zhenia inserted his finger into Taek Joo's mouth and pressed down on his
confused tongue before he thrusted into his mouth. Taek Joo's eyes opened
wide. The corners of his mouth stretched.

"Ugh!"

Taek Joo leant back trying to escape the pain. Zhenia pressed his lower
abdomen to his face, enjoying the sweet warm feeling from inside Taek
Joo's mouth. The image of Taek Joo bowing his head into his core evoked
an unprecedented feeling of conquest. A dull heat spread through his spine.

Zhenia couldn't take it anymore.

Taek Joo opened his mouth helplessly. He gasped for breath in his throat,
his tongue rolling away.

"Wook... Ha -ah... hmm... uh... cough"

Saliva ran down his chin. Zhenias cock rushed in, causing his neck to swell,
putting pressure on his airway. Taek Joo surely would die of suffocation.

Angrily, he bit his teeth down on his cock. Right then.

A hard Colt touched Taek Joo's temple. Zhenia looked down at him as if
wanting to try something. He observed Taek Joo's reaction while gently
pushing him back. He stared at him with disgust as if he was about to bite
off his dick. But his instincts were still more inclined towards survival than
self-respect.

(I looked around and couldn't find what colt means all I could find was it's
some kinda revolver)

Zhenia looked at Taek Joo who had calmed down now and raised the corner
of his mouth. From that moment on, he calmly trampled Taek Joo's mouth.

Zhenia rubbed his cock vigorously against the inside of his mouth.

As if that wasn't enough, Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's shoulders and changed
positions. The chair he was sitting in touched the back of his neck, both
arms were still tightly held by him.

Zhenia tied Taek Joo's wrists and mercilessly pressed his penis inside his
throat.

Zhenias thigh touched the side of Taek Joo's face and began to convulse
violently. His abdominal muscles were also extremely stimulated from the
pleasure running from head to toe, while Taek Joo just waited for the
current pain to pass.

Immediately afterwards, Zhenia's lower abdomen pressed against his nose

and was completely pushed against his face. Taek Joo felt like he was about
to suffocate. The cock in his mouth vibrated violently, and something thick
splashed down his throat.

"...Uh, uh."

Zhenia gritted his teeth, his composure completely disappearing from his
excited face. Taek Joo wanted to spit it out quickly but his cock was still
stuck firmly in his mouth not allowing it.

Taek Joo tilted his head back and raised his back a little more, the cum
suspended in his mouth then flowed down his throat. Taek Joo's eyes were
filled with surprise, strength poured into his arms that were tightly held by
Zhenia.

Taek Joo's neck moved up and down to swallow the semen. Immediately
after that. At the same time as the breath was released, nausea struck, Taek
Joo collapsed and gasped for air. His trembling lips were wet with bodily
fluids and saliva.

Zhenia silently observed the scene and then extended his hand again. He
lifted Taek Joo's chin. His black eyes were puffy and wet with tears. Zhenia
looked at him with wide, surprised eyes. Taek Joo turned his head away to
avoid his hand.

At that moment. There was a vibration somewhere. Zhenias eyes, which

were looking at Taek Joo as if about to pierce his face, moved according to
the vibration. A phone lying on the floor caught Taek Joo's eye.

Zhenia slowly stood up and picked up the phone. He didn't pick up the
phone right away but still hesitated to check the caller's identity. Even when
receiving the phone call, Zhenia didnt say hello but just listened to what the
other person was saying. He listened and looked back at Taek Joo. His face
showed signs of disapproval, but Taek Joo didn't know why or what the
meaning was.

Taek Joo followed Zhenia to the roof with an unhappy face, his mood was
still uncomfortable because of last night's events. Zhenia stood there staring
at him instead of immediately climbing into the helicopter. He also didn't
say anything. For a long moment, there were only glances back and forth
between the two.

"Go quickly."

At first it sounded like a greeting to wish him a good trip, but it was more
like asking him to go away quickly. But Zhenia still looked at Taek Joo with
a strange look.

Zhenia climbed into the helicopter without saying anything. The engine
started and the propeller began to rotate afterwards. A strong wind seemed
to shake Taek Joo's whole body, blowing his hair and collar fluttering. He
remained standing there until the helicopter took off overhead, then
nonchalantly waved goodbye. The two of them would soon no longer see
each other again, so he wondered if there would still be any difficulties. The
bet with Zhenia that Taek Joo nevers wanted and felt shameful about will
end here.

Zhenia looked out the window for a long moment before slowly turning
towards the sea. Taek Joo watched until the helicopter completely
disappeared from sight and then descended from the roof. The place he
immediately headed to was the basement, a place he hadn't been able to set
foot in for many days.

When Taek Joo opened the door, the paraglider was still left on the floor.

He was very worried that Zhenia would find out during the time he was

here. Taek Joo immediately squatted down and finished sewing the
unfinished part. The location for the paragliding launch has been chosen.
The wind speed and direction he had just checked on the roof were also just
right.

Today Taek Joo will leave this place.

Contrabass solo - Bad plan

The helicopter landed in a meadow near Moscow. The day was quite warm,
although there was still a little snow left in places where the sun didn't
reach. The ground where the snow had begun to melt was covered with
mud as if ready to cling to his clean shoes. Zhenia looked at his feet and
immediately gave up trying to cross the mud. He decided to wait for the
appointed person at a nearby stable.

Dozens of horses were tied inside. Thanks to high-quality food and regular
care, they all have shiny, shiny coats. When Zhenia appeared, the normally
polite horses became visibly agitated. It is unknown whether it is because
they are wary of strangers because of their sensitive temperament or
because that visitor is zhenia. As zhenia slowly moved through the central
aisle, nearby horses scratched their hooves against the floor in surprise
while some raised their front legs in excitement.

The innermost position is a horse with dark brown fur whose ransom alone
is equivalent to a supercar. zhenia held the fence with both hands and
looked at it. It didn't buck up like other horses but just hesitated and backed
away a bit.

"Is that it?"

Suddenly someone was approaching the entrance. It was his brother, Bazim,
who summoned zhenia to this place. Bazim calmed the aggressive horses
and approached. His hands became more serious as he stroked the brown
horse that zhenia was observing.

"It won't eat anything. It's been several days..."

Normally Zhenia wouldn't care but for some reason today he suddenly came
up with a solution.
"Because it always eats delicious food, it is full. You let it eat things it
doesn't like and then occasionally throw something it likes, it will be

obedient and run after you."

It's absurd. He gave advice to a horse lover when he himself had never even
raised a blade of grass. And that method is not breeding but abuse.

"Are you raising tigers?"

"Well, you could say that."

Another vague answer. Zhenia smiled strangely as if thinking about

something. Bazim didn't know what he was doing or where he was. He
asked again.

"Where have you been living lately? I heard you didn't even go to
headquarters."

"That's not what I'm really curious about."

He avoided the answer and smirked, his eyes curling up as if mocking.

Bazim looked towards the entrance for a moment and sighed. He opened his
mouth again, his voice low.

"What did you do to him? Don't tell me you took care of him yourself?"

"Let's see."

"In that case, bring the body here."

Bazim added. In fact, that seemed to be the real purpose of summoning

zhenia to this place.

"Can we announce Anastasia now?"

One person or another is just because of Anastasia. Zhenia burst out

laughing as if it were silly.
"Suddenly you told me to give up my life?"

"I'm asking you to give it to me. There are rumors that the Americans have
obtained the blueprints of 'Anastasia'. I don't know if it's true, but of course
the Kremlin is very worried. And because you're still keeping the name He
was a Korean spy, so I lost face. The senators also agreed that we should
punish him as an example. The president also wants to reaffirm your
loyalty. This may be generosity. The end of the Kremlin."

Zhenia smirked at the warnings that threatened his life. Then with a smile
on his face, he took a step closer to Bazim. He blinked nervously even
though he was his blood relative.

"Go and tell them. Don't pay any attention to the Korean spies or

'Anastasia'. If you continue to covet my things, I'll throw 'Anastasia' into the
Kremlin."

The smile disappeared from Zhenias face. He wrinkled his nose

threateningly and walked past Bazim.

"Yevgeny!"

He harshly called Zhenia. He walked away without looking back. Left

alone, Bazim angrily kicked the fence.

"What are you doing there?"

Zhenia looked up at the tall birch tree with a silly expression where Taek
Joo was hanging from a branch. On the way back by helicopter, he saw a
dark parachute fluttering. Zhenia came to check and found it like this.

Taek Joo remained silent and didnt answer. Zhenia looked at the knife
sticking straight into the ground right below his feet. It was flapping
helplessly every time the wind blew. His rudimentary paraglider became

entangled in a tree, and Taek Joo must have dropped the knife while trying
to escape by cutting the tether.
Seeing through the entire situation, Zhenia smiled. Taek Joo impatiently
shouted not to laugh, but in a situation like this, he couldn't threaten him.

"Don't move."

Zhenia took a knife out of his pocket and warned. Taek Joo grasped his
intention after a while, then Zhenia without hesitation threw a knife at him.

The blade quickly flew around Taek Joo's head and cut the puppet string.

He fell freely and hit his butt violently on the ground. If the accumulated
snow hadn't been as thick as a mattress, somewhere on his body would have
broken.

Taek Joo couldn't believe that Zhenia was just watching him fall. He
groaned and stood up. zhenia immediately grabbed the parachute and
dragged him away. The boy didn't ask anything but just told Taek Joo why
he failed.

"If you want to grasp the wind direction of this place, it'll tkae you 20 years
to learn."

Taek Joo thought he had fully grasped the island's terrain and wind
direction for a few days, but all of that seemed to be temporary. He
successfully slid down the snow and glided powerfully, but he was
helplessly swept away by a sudden strong wind. It was like that for half a
day.

As soon as she returned to the villa, Taek Joo didn't even take off his clothes
but sat down right in front of the fireplace. His whole body trembled from
the cold wind all day, as if the wind had penetrated his bones. I didn't expect
he could be so unlucky. Even the sky resents him?

Zhenia went straight to the kitchen to cook ramen but after a while he
turned back to look curiously. Taek Joo should have smelled the scent and
appeared, but he was still nowhere to be seen.

Zhenia reduced the heat on the stove and approached Taek Joo.
"Don't you eat ramen?"

"No."

Taek Joo refused without any hesitation. Right now, his stomach was
bloated, his limbs were weak and Taek Joo just wanted to lie down and rest.

Zhenia didn't ask any more questions but just shrugged and returned to the
kitchen.

"Then I guess I'll have to get rid of this stinky thing."

What is that stinky thing? Taek Joo slowly turned his head. Just then, he
saw Zhenia thumb and index finger holding a red bag. Taek Joo doubted his
eyes for a moment. He rubbed his eyes. The shape of what was about to be
thrown into the trash became clearer.

Taek Joo ran to Zhenia in an instant. He caught the bag of kimchi on its way
to the trash. He didn't even know where that speed came from when just a
moment ago Taek Joo didn't even have the strength to lift a finger.

He took out an empty bowl and carefully put kimchi in it. Then, Taek Joo
added it to newly cooked ramen noodles and ate it.

Taek Joo looked satisfied after quickly eating all the ramen. He rubbed his
belly then leaned back in his chair and met Zhenias eyes. Suddenly he felt
embarrassed even though he hadn't done anything wrong, he coughed and
looked away. Zhenia smiled faintly.

"You... are really interesting."

"Just get sick of me already, please."

Taek Joo responded as if begging. zhenia didn't pay attention and just stared
at Taek Joo.

"Have you eaten yet?"

Zhenias smiling face suddenly turned bewildered. He didn't seem
uncomfortable, instead he had a strange expression.

Just as Taek Joo tried to get his attention by saying "Hey!". Zhenia suddenly
said

"...Anastasia, do you want it?"

"What?"

"Do you want it?"

Taek Joo didn't know what he was talking about. He was frowning in
confusion when Zhenia turned away and left the kitchen.

"What is this crazy guy talking about?"

Taek Joo scratched his neck in confusion.

Zhenia didnt come to bed until later that night. Thanks to that, Taek Joo
could sleep comfortably on a spacious bed. It seemed like there was a
contrabass sound echoing in his faint consciousness. The flowing melody
was still as quiet and peaceful as before, but somewhere there was a hint of
sadness.

Contrabass solo - Troublemaker (nsfw)

Bazim is the president's political partner in both name and reality. The two
enjoy riding together once a week. On the way back from horse racing as if
they were competing, the two often had normal conversations like this and
that. From general government affairs to popular rumors in society, to
extremely personal stories. Today is no different.

"Okay, so what are you going to do about that troublemaker?"

The president often calls Zhenia a 'troublemaker'. The implied question

wasnt simply asking about his situation. Not long ago, Bazim received
instructions to hand over Anastasia to the government. It was for that reason
that he urgently summoned Zhenia.
Bazim silently swallowed his dry saliva. He couldn't convey his young
brother's answer to the president, who was secretly expecting it.

"I still haven't received an exact answer."

Bazim gave a disappointing answer. The president's face did not harden, but
the coldness of the ruler could be seen in his calm eyes looking into the
distance.

"I've been following him all this time because he's your blood and because
of the trust that the Bogdanov family and the Kremlin have built, but I can't
continue anymore. If that troublemaker doesn't end up Given 'Anastasia' I
have no choice. I have no choice but to sacrifice a cow for a great cause."

Bazim just listened silently. Even if Zegna was his younger brother, it
would be difficult for him to oppose the government.

"I heard that he often visits that private land recently?"

"Are you talking about Ajinoki Island?"

"I don't know the name, but I heard that it is an uninhabited island."

"Yes. It's the island his father gave him for his 10th birthday. It's on the
coast of the Arctic Ocean and no one can reach it without using a helicopter.

Zhenia has always been there and never now go out. He hates being
bothered."

"Even so, traveling back and forth so often isn't easy. Don't you think so?"

"I don't know, but it seems like he's raising some kind of animal. That guy
who's as dry as a cactus recently even taught me how to tame animals. No
matter how busy work is, it's impossible." I'm starving my pets so I have to
feed them sometimes, right?"

"No, it's not like that."

"What...."
"How could that troublemaker be interested in something like that? No way.

On the contrary, I don't know if he's interested in new metal accessories or

not. For example, 'The Second Anastasia' for example ."

"Anastasia, I don't even know how far the development has progressed
because Zhenia never mentioned it. But if 'Anastasia' is finished then there's
only one place to hide it."

"I'll have to come look for you when he leaves."

The next words were like a declaration of war. Bazim soon realized these
were not empty words. The FSB director and the defense minister had been
called by the president and were waiting for them in front of the stables.

***

"Do what?"

He asked again as if he heard wrong. Rock, paper, scissors, Taek Joo

happily repeated. The chessboard and the pieces scattered on the table were
pushed aside.

How silly, Zhenia burst out laughing. After spending some time burying
himself in the warehouse, Taek Joo found a chess board and as soon as he
lost, he immediately proposed another entertainment. It's 'rock, paper,
scissors'.

"This time it's a one-shot match. Either you win or you lose."

Taek Joo gently held and shook his fist while agitating zhenia who wasnt
moving at all. He rolled his eyes and shouted to quickly prepare. zhenia
shook his head and reluctantly raised his hand. Taek Joo quickly shouted

'rock, paper, scissors'. A voice like a powerful scream rang out.

Both of them made fists. After confirming the draw, Taek Joo let out the
breath he had been holding. He had exerted so much force that his arms
were tingling. Catching the bored Zhenia off guard, he quickly shouted the
slogan again.

"Once again, rock, paper, scissors!"

This time, fist and fist met again. Taek Joo stood up after drawing once
again. He turned back and took a deep breath. Winning or losing depends
entirely on luck and you are wasting more energy than necessary.

Zhenia watched Taek Joo bite his lips and rub his hands together. Right
after that, Taek Joo returned.

"Rock, paper, scissors...!"

He closed his eyes tightly, not daring to look. Zhenia could only
indifferently watch the results unfold before his eyes.

Taek Joo let out a long breath and slightly raised his eyelids. His eyes
alternately looked at the two hands facing each other extremely cautiously.

Zhenia has never changed hands from the beginning until now.

Did he win? Really?

Taek Joo couldn't believe it even when he looked closely. He pinched

himself and winced in pain.

"I won."

He clenched his hands in joy. Zhenia also laughed when he saw him happy
as if he had the world in his hands after winning just one round of rock,
paper, scissors.

"Okay, what's your wish?"

"I want to leave this island."

Taek Joo answered without hesitation. He thought he would be a bit
surprised, but Zhenia calmly nodded unexpectedly.

"Are there any other conditions?"

"Alone, strong on 2 legs."

"And?"

"I need a change of clothes, a passport, a Colt... and I think I should have
some cash."

Zhenia bowed his head as if he would give anything. It went so smoothly

that Taek Joo was a little worried. He set a limit.

"Instead, you can only go while it's still light."

"...What are you planning?"

"I lost the chess game, so even if I go, I have to pay up."

Zhenia threw something at Taek Joo when he still looked at him with
suspicious eyes. He caught it and realized it was the helicopter key.

Everything became confused. Taek Joo could escape so easily, why did he
have to go through so much trouble? The futile efforts and endeavors of the
past flashed through his mind like a kaleidoscope. It's all quite unrealistic
but it's good that what he wanted was met. Taek Joo thought about the
prospect of returning home safely and lay down on the bed in his room.

But the ecstasy didn't last long, because Zhenia suddenly stood up and
quickly approached him.

"Huh?"

He took a wary step back. Zhenia didnt respond and gradually closed the
distance between them both. Taek Joo was hesitantly backing away when he
suddenly tripped over the bed and fell down. Zhenia naturally climbed onto
his fallen body. Taek Joo was about to protest, but the hand that was trying
to push him away was easily grabbed.

"I'll let you go while it's still light out."

Along with that sly whisper, Taek Joo's shirt was immediately removed on
both sides. The buttons popped out violently. Zhenia pressed his lips to his
exposed neck and took off his pants in one go. Taek Joo's body immediately
became naked and covered with traces of previous lovemaking. There was
no place left to carve another kiss mark, but Zhenia stubbornly bit into the
mottled skin and pulled down his underwear. He straightened his knees then
grabbed and lifted Taek joos legs.

"Hey!..."

The focus quickly shifted to his head and shoulders, blood rushed to Taek
Joo's face, which turned red, his eyes closed tightly. As he struggled in an
uncomfortable position, Zhenia pushed Taek Joo's legs towards his
shoulders. The back of his thighs touched Zhenia's chest and his body was
completely folded in half. He put his hands on the bed and pressed his
lower abdomen against Taek Joo's exposed ass.

His already throbbing boner rubbed against his ass. Taek Joo clutched the
bed sheet tightly. What the fuck is happening?

Zhenia licked Taek Joo's calves while pulling his waist back.

"Ahh..."

A groan of pain came from his clenched teeth. The two of them did a lot
last night but he was still too tight. Zhenia didnt take his eyes off Taek Joo's
face even when he was frowning in pain. Then he leant down further and
licked his eyelashes that were trembling in pain. The kiss gently glided
across his face.

His hole, which had been loosened by the constant fucking, kept opening
up. Each time Zhenia pushed in, his weight and pressure increased on his
body. Taek Joo's stomach felt like there was a hole in it.
"Ah, wait..."

He unconsciously grabbed Zhenias arm, his pleading tone made him stop
for a moment and look at him. He had no intention of asking him gently.

Taek Joo opened his mouth and then closed it tightly. He turned his head to
the side.

Zhenia used the tip of his tongue to draw on his ears, then suddenly pushed
the tip of his tongue into his ear and continued to thrust. Intense friction
sounds came from their thighs and ass being rubbed together.

Taek Joo's insides had been stimulated all night, so even a light brush
caused so much pleasure. He aimed at Taek Joo's weak point and stabbed it
violently. His toes curled at every hit, his vision blurred and turned white.

"Ah, ha, ah... ah! Ah... Ah, uhm...!"

Crazy moans came out. Zhenia was pushed to the limit continuously
pounding inside. Then he tilted his head while rubbing his groin against
Taek Joo's butt and placed his face right on Taek Joo's face.

"Uhm..."

"If you don't fucking pull out i'll kill you."

The corner of his mouth curled up.

Shock spread throughout his body. An indescribable feeling of pain rose

from inside his ass as if something serious had happened there. Taek Joo
grabbed his back again and waited for the pain to subside. Not only his face
but his whole body was quickly drenched in sweat. Taek Joo glared at
Zhenia with heavy breathing, then grabbed the bed and stood up.

His knees were shaking. As soon as he took a step, the cum accumulated in
his abdomen spilled out onto his thighs and flowed down onto the bed. Taek
Joo tightly closed his mouth to endure that terrible feeling.
He placed his hand on the wall and moved step by step.. Taek Jop doesn't
have time to shower. With the current situation, there is not much time left
to get to the rooftop.

With great difficulty he reached the front of the stairs. His heart was in a
hurry, but as soon as he took the first step, he fell to his knees. Taek Joo was
so exhausted that he couldn't even groan. He clung to the railing to hold his
breath, his chest and shoulders heaving with difficulty.

Zhenia followed and crossed his arms to observe before he realized it. Even
though Taek Joo tried to stand and hold on to the railing, his knees still
buckled.

"It's less than 30 minutes until sunset."

How kind of Zhenia to remind him. But Taek Joo no longer had the energy
to talk so he just ignored him.

He decided to change his method because his legs kept shaking. Would it be
better to crawl with both arms? As expected, it's much easier. Taek Joo's
elbow was injured due to rubbing, but at least he didn't bend his knees or

fall halfway. Zhenia continued to follow Taek Joo, his shadow from behind
inciting even more anxiety.

Taek Joo adjusted his breathing as he walked up the stairs to the second
floor. His lungs were compressed and he was panting, his head still dizzy.

The fragmented vision could not grasp even the key in his hand. Taek Joo
has never been in such pain before, but this time it seemed he had a serious
problem.

"haha......"

He shook his head angrily and climbed the stairs again. Every time his body
moved, moans echoed out. Finally, his eyes were spinning.

Taek Joo wanted to climb to the rooftop but the sun had already begun to
set. The red sunset fell on his sweaty body. He really didnt have much time
left.

Zhenia silently looked at Taek Joo who was desperately trying to escape
from him. If it was normal, he would happily watch but for some reason his
face turned stiff.

Taek Joo managed to reach the rooftop door. He felt the cool air outside
from the iron door his hand touched.

His distorted face relaxed, Taek Joo quickly reached out and turned the
doorknob. But Zhenia was one step ahead of him. He looked at him holding
the door handle and wondered what he was doing? That's because it's
getting dark outside the window.

"Time's up, Rabbit."

Koshchei - Whos Olga?

Zhenia was busy preparing to go out early in the morning. Taek Joo slept all
day and just lay in bed without any energy left. He put on his fur coat and
was about to leave when he suddenly turned back to look at him.

"It will take about two days."

Zhenia suddenly reported the schedule. Since when did he say those things
to Taek Joo? He just turned over without reacting.

A moment later there was the sound of a propeller spinning. The noise
echoed from above and then gradually disappeared. Once again, Zhenia left
and only Taek Joo was left alone on the island. How long will he have to
repeat this boring life? By the end of yesterday Zhenia had brought Taek
joo back inside stolen the keys to the helicopter and now he's taken off with
it. What was this bastard doing?

So boring. Taek Joo isn't used to killing time but he also has nothing to do.

He seemed to be becoming a useless piece of meat day by day, for the first
time in his life he felt helpless like this.
Taek Joo nervously pulled the blanket up to his head.

He left the villa late in the afternoon to get some fresh air. He kept walking
without a destination until the blue sea appeared before his eyes. Taek Joo
chose a relatively dry rock, sat down and quietly looked at the distant
horizon.

He seemed to fall into a completely different world with no way of knowing

what was happening outside or how things were going. He could never

imagine that Taek Joo himself would live such a desolate and jobless life.

He sighed and stood up. Taek Joo decided to take a walk on the white sand
beach to relieve his still stiff body. The sea breeze brought harsh cold but
was quite familiar to him.

After walking for a while, Taek Joo saw a tree branch swaying on the ocean
waves. He quickly picked it up because it was a disposable chopstick.

Where does it come from? Is it China? Could also be Korea. It seems that
his mental condition is worse than what Taek Joo thought.

He used his chopsticks to scribble large letters on the sand. The complete
script is a distress signal 'S.O.S'. If you're lucky, ships or planes passing
nearby will see it. If not, then that's it.

Taek Joo lay down on the ground as soon as he finished. The thick layer of
snow covered him like a blanket. He closed his eyes, only the sound of
waves and wind remained in endless silence as if even if he disappeared
into nothingness, nothing would change. His consciousness gradually sank
into the immense abyss.

How long has it been? A sudden sound rang in Taek Joo's ears.

Taek Joo jumped up. He couldn't help but panic and suddenly looked
everywhere. A helicopter approaching from afar fell into his sight. It's not
the same as zhenias. Could it be that they saw his distress signal? With that
thought, Taek Joo desperately waved both hands.
"Here! Look, here!"

He even jumped up and down on the spot, but the helicopter just passed by
without seeing Taek Joo. He couldn't give up like that so he ran to the villa.

If he waved with his shirt from a higher place, they would definitely notice.

In an instant, Taek Joo climbed onto the roof and waved with his shirt. He
yelled as loud as he could trying to get attention. The helicopter made a big
turn and approached the villa. Joy spread across Taek Joo's face.

He stepped aside to let the helicopter land safely. It crashed down on the
roof with a strong wind, the roaring fan blades slowly stopped. Only then
could Taek Joo open his eyes.

He quickly ran closer to the helicopter. The door opened and a man in a
black suit appeared. While he stretched out his arms to block Taek Joo's
approach, a young girl followed behind.

"...What is it, this?"

It was a somewhat disappointing reaction. The woman then continued to

carefully walk around Taek Joo and observe him little by little.

"Ohh. I thought it must be better since he hid it and said he was the only
one who could see it."

Taek Joo didnt know what she's talking about. Who the hell is this woman
anyway? She looks much younger than Taek Joo. Her facial features are
exceptionally clear. She was beautiful but quite pale, maybe she was tired
after a long flight.

Taek Joo stood with his arms crossed in front of the woman who was
looking at him as if evaluating him. The woman also stopped walking and
returned his gaze. The eyes are very bold.

"Who are you?"

She rolled her eyes and smiled even with that disapproving tone. She even
reached out her hand without hesitation.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Olga."

Olga. Where has he heard that before? Taek Joo felt a strange sense of deja
vu.

"Olga Vissarionovna Bogdanov."

Taek Joo and Olga sat facing each other for a long time. He invited her
down for tea, but neither of them could drink a sip of water.

Olga sat on the chair that Taek Joo gave her and stared at him as if she was
about to pierce him. She is even shameless as to assert she is Zhenias sister.

Taek Joo sat with his arms crossed in front of that attentive gaze.

Nothing is known about Vissarion's illustrious daughter, Olga. only photos,

Taek Joo also doesn't know when she was born, what school she went to, or
where she did what she did. He didn't know if she was different from her
brothers just because she was a woman.

"Are you and Zhenia similar?"

Olga was the first to speak, her tone quite blunt. It was so difficult to grasp
her intentions that Taek Joo doubted whether he had heard correctly.

Waiting for a while without an answer, Olga shrugged and added.

"I don't understand at all. Up until now i've never met anyone who's ever
wanted to stay with my brother."

"What is it that you like so much?" It seems like she thought that Taek Joo
himslef liked him so he voluntarily got attached to him.

"It's not like that."

"mn what's it like then?"

"It's not like I'm stuck in a place like this because I like it."

"So what?"

Taek Joo intended to answer immediately, but then closed his mouth. He
didn't know where to start or how to explain. There was no reason for him
to reveal his situation to someone he had never met. No matter what, she is
also an accomplice of that guy.

Taek Joo shook his head as if he didn't want to speak. Even so, Olga made
her own guess and then exclaimed in surprise.

"Were you kidnapped?"

"Huh...."

Taek Joo was speechless. She wasnt really wrong. Although it was a bit
ambiguous to say that he was really kidnapped, Olga took Taek Joo's
silence as a confirmation and couldn't help but sigh. She muttered, "That
crazy guy is really...".

Olga's eyes, which were wary of Taek Joo, suddenly softened. She held
Taek Joo's hand and apologized for her rudeness.

"I was rude. I thought you had your eye on my brother... That person ran
away with a terrorist who blew up the house so I thought it was like
sleeping with the enemy. Anyway, sorry for the misunderstanding. I just
couldn't believe an idiot fell in love with that bastard. I didn't know
anything and so i came all the way here."

The last sentence is almost a monologue. It seems like Olga came here to
see the monkey in the zoo. According to her words, she came here to find

'the idiot who ran away in love with zhenia'. How silly.

"So why did you come here..."

"I came here to recover."

Then Olga changed the subject while ignoring Taek Joo's objections with
her eyes.

"But are you going to use those stupid signals like before and continue
waiting to be rescued?"

Are all people who have never paid attention to others since birth like that?

There's really no way to talk to that bastard or his sister.

"Who knows? Maybe someone will come to save the poor idiot."

"...Ummm, I'm not saying you're an idiot."

Olga quickly changed her question.

"So what did that person call you?"

"Th..."

Taek Joo was about to answer but then fell silent. He couldn't bring himself
to say the name 'Rabbit'. I don't know if it was because he wanted to
embarrass him even more, zhenia kept using this name. It was like that from
the beginning with words like "Dig a hole and hide well", "Prick up your
ears"...

Olga showed her utmost concern with shining eyes. Her upper body tilted
towards Taek Joo. It's so annoying.

"Which room can I use?"

"You can use any room."

"Well, is it nice?"

Olga walked past Taek Joo, through the living room with the fireplace, and
into the innermost bedroom. Taek Joo looked bewildered and then suddenly
jumped up. In an instant, he caught up with Olga and blocked her path.
Olga looked at him suspiciously.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"There are already people-."

Taek Joo had no other valid reason. Olga looked into the bedroom between
Taek Joo's arms and nodded.

"It looks like someone's room."

If you don't look closely, you won't know that this is a bedroom for two
people. Taek Joo tried to rationalize it but his pounding heart still couldn't

calm down. He was worried that somewhere in the room there might be
something that reminded Olga of his relationship with zhenia. His body was
suddenly drenched in sweat.

While Taek Joo stopped her, Olga gave a strange smile and looked around
the room. She said "Ah" with a long, naked breath.

"Even though we don't have feelings for each other, our bodies are still very
compatible."

She giggled mockingly and moved to another room before Taek Joo could
take back what he had said.

Koshchei - Get me out

(please make sure not to miss the warning when it comes up ^^) Taek Joo
ate breakfast. His stomach was distending and starting to reflux with just
the slightest movement. He had to lie still all afternoon waiting for the food
to be digested, but it was also hard work for Taek Joo. Is this a new type of
torture from Zhenia?

Taek Joo's mood suddenly calmed down. It seemed that he had learned the
reason for his discomfort during his time here. That's because he was
always controlled by Zhenia. Taek Joo had no choice of what to eat, what to
do, where to sleep or how to sleep. Even going to the bathroom was
monitored by him. Moreover, on his waist there is also a tattoo with the
meaning of depending on him.

"Ahh..."

Looking back at his situation, Taek Joo burst out laughing. Even though he
once denied it, he was no different from a dog or pig raised by him, and
having sex with him was no different. The more he resisted, the more
Zhenia enjoyed it. In his eyes, Taek Joo could see the joy of taming a wild
animal.

"What are you doing alone?"

Olga's voice suddenly rang out.

"What do you think I'm doing?"

"Playing dead?"

"Close."

Taek Joo replied nonchalantly and lifted himself up. He didn't even ask
Olga to sit down, but she sat down on the chair next to him.

"You must be very bored. How are you doing these days?"

"Lie, sit, eat, bathe, sleep..."

"...I'll let you borrow my book. Read it. It's an unprecedented masterpiece."

The book presented with a compassionate expression was at first glance a

romance novel. It would be more interesting to read Buddhist scriptures.

Taek Joo absentmindedly turned the page.

"The main character is a bit unsophisticated, doesn't have money and

doesn't know how to play around, but since childhood she has had a burning
dream. Her advantage is that she honestly and positively believes that if she
has faith and effort she will achieve that dream even in reality, that is also a
drawback and it soon defeats her. She meets a man in a small place and
loves unconditionally. Later on, we found out that the man was one of the
famous athletes, a lawyer and a second-generation tycoon. Because he was
a workaholic, he had no interest in anything all his life. woman, but he was
fascinated by the main character's innocent and pure appearance and loved
only her until the end of his life. Thanks to that man's support, the main
character's dream came true . Isn't that right?"

Olga's eyes opened wide.

"Have you read this?"

"Even if I'm not reading, I still feel like I'm reading."

Taek Joo returned the book with a confused face. It seemed very interesting
because Olga was engrossed in reading again as if she was immersed in the
book.

"... does he like raising animals?"

"Sure. I love birds, dogs and cats."

"...No. not you."

"If not me then who..."

Olga raised her head. His eyes were filled with surprise.

"Ah you mean him?"

"Mn."

" I've never even seen him raise a plant ."

Olga grumbled while looking over Taek Joo's shoulder. He turned his head
and saw Zhenia walking down the aisle.

He stood tall in front of Taek Joo. Zhenia didn't even look at Olga, who was
worried whether she would be sent away or not. A look that could not be
ignored fell. Taek Joo had a bad feeling.

"What's up...."

As soon as he opened his mouth, Zhenias arm approached. Taek Joo

clutched his arm with no chance to escape. He lifted him up and dragged
him somewhere. Was he planning on going straight to bed like this? It
wasn't like Taek joo ever got to choose the time and place, but his sister was
still watching.

Taek Joo begged but Zhenia unbuttoned his shirt in the blink of an eye. It
was as if it had been ripped apart. He panicked then suddenly doubled over
and cried out.

"OW!."

"...What's up."

Only then did Zhenia stop and look back, seemingly annoyed at being
suddenly stopped. Taek Joo pretended to moan.

"My stomach hurts so much. It was that shit i ate this morning arghh...."

Zhenias hand that was clenched tightly on his arm suddenly became loose.

Taek Joo took advantage of that and ran into the bathroom. As soon as he

stepped inside, he locked the door. He closed the toilet lid and sat on it, a
sigh escaping him.

Taek Joo was fed up with life on the island just the two of them, he wished
for anyone to show up. But this is not what he wants. The situation is
getting worse and worse. He ruffled his messy hair and sighed again.

Zhenias eyebrows furrowed, dissatisfaction clearly visible on his bloodless

face. Taek Joo stared at him with a dissatisfied face. Two sharp eyes faced
each other. Suddenly Zhenia reached out and grabbed Taek Joo's chin,
breaking the tension for a moment.
"Don't do that."

He angrily threw his hand away. Immediately after that, Taek Joo was
roughly grabbed by the collar and pushed down on the sofa. He waved his
arms and legs angrily trying to get away from him. He desperately pushed
his chin and kicked Zhenia in the stomach but the more he did that, the
harder his face became. The terrible strength in his arms also doubled and
his whole body felt like it was about to be crushed.

Zhenia violently flipped up his shirt, his body was exposed. He immediately
used his teeth to sink into Taek Joo's exposed lower abdomen.

"What are you doing...!"

He groaned and kicked both legs. Was he planning to strip Taek joo in the
open like this?

(their in the lounge room)

At that moment there seemed to be an unexpected presence on the second

floor. Olga seemed to have woken up. Taek Joo was startled and looked at
Zhenia. He also raised his head and faced Taek Joo. But in just a moment,
he licked again from his lower abdomen to his right hip as if to provoke
him. The restraint slipped away. Taek joo can't be seen by her like this

He gritted his teeth and pushed him fiercely, but Zhenia persisted. He slid
his hands under his shirt and grabbed his chest, then used his thumb to
gently rub his nipples. Taek Joo raised his body in shock, both his eyes
opened wide in surprise.

"Good morning?"

Olga said hello and stood tall right after bumping into two people wrapped
around each other on the tiny sofa. She lowered her voice and avoided him.

Taek Joo was embarrassed and covered his eyes with his hand, his molars
clenched. Zhenia stared at Taek Joo and then twisted his nipples.

"AH!"
He shouted worriedly and glared at him. Zhenia expression became even
colder from that moment on.

"You better not be naughty."

Taek Joo even skipped breakfast the next day and cleaned the empty room.

If he couldn't leave this island immediately, he needed to have a room of his

own, and absolutely couldn't let a situation like this morning happen again.

He couldn't sleep in the same bed as Zhenia.

There were plenty of rooms available in the villa but bed linen was very
thin. Sleeping without a blanket was dangerous, Taek Joo reluctantly
decided to bring the one he was using from Zhenias bedroom.

Zhenia was resting on a chair in the bedroom. He tilted his head back and
closed his eyes. Taek Joo didn't want him to wake up so he took each step
carefully. But without knowing, Zhenia opened his eyes and followed Taek

Joo. He tried not to notice that calm and naked gaze and picked up a pillow.

He also took an extra blanket from the closet.

"What are you doing?"

"I can't stay in here."

Taek Joo opened the drawer and took out some underwear. All are brand
new, unopened packaging. He went into the bathroom to get his own
toothbrush and razor. He was busy moving back and forth and dropped the
pillow he was wearing at his waist. Taek Joo tried to bend down to pick it
up, but Zhenia stepped closer and stepped on it with his shoe. He slowly
raised his head. Zhenias stiff face turned grim.

"Says who?"

"Says me! Piss off."

Taek Joo growled in a low voice, the emotions he had suppressed for so
long seemed to burst out immediately.

"Don't get excited just because I let you loose a little. Know your place
rabbit."

Taek Joo, who was sleeping, suddenly opened his eyes wide because a
shadow was covering his whole body. Zhenia was standing above his head
the whole time he was asleep. He lifted himself up and said, "What are you
doing?". Accidentally, the hard dry floor touched his feet. It seems like Taek
Joo fell asleep on the sofa while going in and out of the bathroom with the
excuse of a stomach ache.

He slowly rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and sat up straight. His neck
was stiff because he had been curled up. Taek Joo turned his head away and
stretched to avoid Zhenias eyes.

"Why are you sleeping here?"

"I fell asleep going in and out of the bathroom."

Taek Joo made an excuse in a shy voice. A glare fell on the side of his face.

"It's all your fault."

"Are you better now?"

Taek Joo stopped grumbling and looked at him. A bewildered expression

appeared on his face. Taek Joo didnt expect Zhenia to ask such a humane
question. He nodded awkwardly and then suddenly Zhenia held out his
hand. Taek Joo reflexively jumped back in surprise. The approaching hand
also stopped.

He slowly glanced at his hand and then looked at Taek Joo's face. His eyes
moved silently as if suffocating his breath.

The man, who had not said anything until now, smirked.

"Nothing to praise, right?"

"I didn't ask you for a compliment."

Zhenia immediately reached out his hand again. Just as his hand was about
to touch Taek Joo's face, he turned his head away.

"Dont."

Taek Joo clenched his molars, his hands clenched into fists.

He stood up straight and patted Zhenia on the shoulder.

Zhenia stared at his shoulder then turned his head to look at Taek Joo with
cold eyes.

While he was arranging his thoughts, Zhenia strode forward. Taek Joo
reflexively stepped back and tossed the blanket he was holding in his hand.

The fluttering blanket obscured Zhenia's vision. He swung his fist at the
loser. However the attack ended in vain as he raised his hand to block it. His
clenched fist was grabbed and twisted back. Taek Joo's knuckles seemed to
be twisted by merciless force. He seemed to be fading away but suddenly
turned around halfway and kicked Zhenia in the shin. The unexpected
counterattack caused Zhenia to fall to his knees. Taek Joo, who was being
held by him, also fell down.

".Mn!..."

The sound of his head hitting the floor rang out. If it weren't for the carpet,
Taek Joo would have suffered a concussion. His lungs were compressed,
making him short of breath. He wanted to stand up but Zhenia pressed on
him, making Taek Joo unable to move. Looking back at the situation at that
moment, it seemed that he had intentionally fallen.

The next moment, Zhenia suddenly grabbed his pants. Taek Joo grabbed
that arm and pushed him away, but he was motionless. The hand-to-hand
fight went on in silence for a long time, with only the sounds of panting and
fierce gestures going back and forth countless times. Suddenly a knock on
the door signaled its end.
(HUGE WARNING: Zhenia almost kills Taek joo please skip if your
sensitive to physical violence particularly strangulation) The movement of
the two people stopped. But in a moment, Zhenia without hesitation
grabbed Taek Joo's ankle, then he tore off his shirt and scrunched it up.
Taek Joo quickly pushed his chin away and tried to hold the shirt tightly
with one hand. His shocked eyes and Zhenias blind eyes were intertwined.

Just then, Olga raised her voice and said, "Let's go outside and talk for a
bit.". At that moment, Taek Joo picked up a pillow that fell to the floor and

hit Zhenia in the face. He was hit in the face unconsciously, his head turned
half way and he was motionless. Even the sound of breathing stopped.

In that gap, Taek Joo stepped back and escaped from Zhenia. Then he
hurriedly left the bedroom.

"...."

Zhenia didn't move for a long time. It seemed like a bright red fire was
spreading before his eyes, his chin trembled, and the water from his whole
body seemed to evaporate. He himself didn't know why he was suddenly so
angry.

Zhenia stood up. No rush. The slow movement increased the pressure as if
the warmth that was lacking on the white winter day had completely
disappeared.

He intended to chase after Taek Joo but Olga suddenly stopped him in front.

"Stay away."

Zhenia ordered in a voice that was neither high nor low. When Olga shook
her head and stood still, he shoved her shoulder hard. Olga helplessly fell
down, then stood up again and ran in front of Zhenia. His cold eyes fell
again. Faced with those crazy sparkling eyes, no matter how hard she tried,
her shoulders would shrink.

"I want to talk to you."

zhenia ignored that request and walked past Olga. Olga couldn't hold him
back. All she could do was scream at his indifferent back.

"Bazim is home. He was with dad. He might actually kill you this time. Just
give them what they want!"

(Zhenyas father wants anastasia back)

The real purpose of the surprise visit. But Olga's worries couldn't reach
Zhenia. He strode up the stairs as if he hadn't heard anything.

"Aren't you tired of being isolated and alone?"

Olga called to the end. Again still no answer. Zhenias figure also quickly
disappeared from her sight.

Even talking to the wall wouldn't be so helpless, Olga slumped her

shoulders and let out a choking sigh.

Boom. The shock was strong enough to bend the closed door. But inside the
door remained silent. Once again Zhenia banged on the door. The fist
pounding on the door was filled with rage, but the voice that followed was
low and dry.

"Open the door."

Zhenias face became colder. He lifted his foot and kicked the door without
hesitation.

The door broke in half with a violent crash. Zhenia quickly opened the
tattered door and stepped inside. Taek Joo stood next to the window,
frowning in surprise. Zhenia strode closer and grabbed his chin.

For a moment, his legs were lifted into the air. Zhenia clenched his jaw as if
he was about to crush him. Zhenia held Taek Joo with one hand and stared
at him, his eyes expressionless as if he was enjoying things and not people.

Taek Joo's face immediately turned red, his eyes closed tightly.
It seemed like he was about to die in his hands. His feet were struggling to
hold on to life and kicked him in the stomach. Immediately, Zhenia pinned
Taek Joo against the opposite wall.

He hit his head against the wall and fell onto the table. Taek Joo groaned
with shaking limbs. Meanwhile, zhenia looked down at the spot where he
had just been kicked, then tilted his head back and took a breath.

Taek Joo quickly lifted himself up. He threw a wooden stool that was lying
right at his feet. Zhenia raised his hand and gently blocked it. The old stool
shattered as soon as it hit his hand.

Zhenia lightly brushed wood chips and sawdust off his arm. Immediately
after that, the two people's eyes met.

Just as Taek Joo was startled, Zhenia rushed at him in an instant. There was
no time to dodge, his entire face was grabbed. Taek Joo was pushed against
the wall from behind his head. While he was still dazed with shock, his
throat was tightened, his body was lifted up. Taek Joo tried to swing his fist
out of survival instinct, but to no avail.

When Zhenia raised his hand, Taek Joo's feet were lifted off the floor. His
body had no support and struggled desperately to breathe. Zhenia
attentively watched Taek Joo in severe pain. His blue eyes held no
sympathy or any hesitation.

"If a dog stands up to its owner, there is no reason to let it live."

His fingertips tightened the neck more and more, the skin stretched as if it
was about to be punctured by his fingers. Pressure was on his eyes and
saliva flowed from his lips that were panting with difficulty.

Taek Joo was too exhausted to continue walking on such a precarious rope.

Living in a place without hope and having to be in harmony with Zhenia.

Taek Joo opened his eyes with difficulty and saw Zhenia. A vein appeared
on his smooth forehead. No matter how he strangled him, only his eyelids
trembled but he definitely didnt close his eyes.

Zhenias eyebrows furrowed. Taek Joo muttered intermittently, looking

down at him.

"Fucking kill me."

His expressionless face was permeated with discomfort. Zhenia strangled

Taek Joo mercilessly. The force was so great that it seemed to crush all the

veins in his neck. Taek Joo's head tilted back on its own.

He just looked at Zhenias horribly distorted face, his limbs had no strength
left. zhenia wrinkled his nose. He didn't even realize why he was so angry
and he was immersed in punishing Taek Joo.

Taek Joo gasped and then smiled. He was ready for death.

"...I feel sorry for you too."

Taek Joo whispered in a voice as weak as his breath. Perhaps it was just an
illusion, but it seemed like Zhenias hand that was strangling him also lost
its strength for a moment. But that was just for a moment. Taek Joo soon
lost consciousness. The black eyes that once contained Zhenia closed
heavily. Taek Joo's pulse, which was beating violently, could no longer be
felt on his hand.

Zhenia withdrew his hand. Taek Joo's floating body fell to the floor. When
he opened his wet hand, his fingertips were covered in blood. Zhenia
looked at Taek Joo who had collapsed at his feet and then looked at his own
hand in dismay.

He dealt with the person who made him unhappy, but why is he in such a
bad mood? Nothing could bother him anymore, but why was his heart,
which he couldn't even feel the beat of normally, beating so fast and
heavily.

Zhenia observed Taek Joo motionless body from afar and then suddenly
grabbed his arm. But only his arms were pulled up while Taek Joo's body
still sagged. He grabbed Taek Joo's collar and shook him wildly. His eyes
trembled as he looked around.

There was no reaction from Taek Joo at all. zhenia slapped his cheek. After
only two times, his cheeks were red and swollen and the corners of his
mouth were also filled with blood. However, there was still no significant
response.

zhenia pulled Taek Joo's face closer and continuously placed his ear on his
nose and mouth to check his breathing. He could feel the breath, but it was
hard to tell if it was Taek Joo's or zhenias own.

He put Taek Joo on the ground and tore his shirt. He placed his ear on his
bare chest again and listened for his heartbeat. There was a light pulse from
inside his skin, but it was so weak that it seemed like it would die at any
moment.

zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's chin and opened it. He inserted his finger and
pressed it on his tongue and fixed his airway. At that moment, something
fell from his face and landed on Taek Joo's forehead. It was sweat.

(the translation was confusing so it might have been a tear which explains
why he just straight up leaves)

Zhenia immediately stood up. He walked to the broken door. He then threw
debris and furniture around. The room that Taek Joo diligently cleaned was
quickly devastated. However, he still couldn't relieve his mood, Zhenia
curled his shoulders and breathed heavily.

He tilted his head for a moment and adjusted his breathing. An unnamed
feeling of loss spread throughout his body. Frustrating. His heart was still
beating fast for no reason. Why? After all, why? Why was he so unhappy?

Zhenia left his seat and walked away. Olga was running towards him when
she saw the strange sign, she looked at Zhenia with a surprised expression.

Olga asked what was going on, but he just walked up the stairs without
answering.
That was the first time Olga saw that expression on Zhenia. Having an
unfortunate feeling, she quickly entered the room.

Olga checked his breathing first then lifted his eyelids and looked into Taek
Joo's pupils. Luckily, he was still breathing. There was blood on his neck
where the fingerprints were. It wasn't too much, but it seemed like she had
to stop the bleeding first.

Olga was about to go get the medicine box when the sound of spinning
blades rang out. The helicopter took off and quickly left the villa.

Koshchei - Caught. (nsfw)

FSB Director Oleg Khizinsky left his office and went to the command
headquarters of the Alpha 3 unit. He was on his way straight after receiving
news that Zegna had gone to work. He was always absent and only
answered calls when he felt like it, so he had to go find him personally.

Two armed elite agents followed the director. It is to prepare for any
possible armed conflict. Like a reptile whose body temperature changes
every hour, even Zhenias temperament is so sensitive that it is difficult to
please him.

Just as the director's group had just reached the second floor, someone was
suddenly thrown out the door. The man collided with the opposite wall and
then collapsed. The room he had just rushed out of was the group's
destination, 'Alpha 3 Unit Command Headquarters'. The two agents quietly
pulled out their guns.

The inside of the room was more messy than expected. The so-called
window was smashed and the iron desk was overturned. Office supplies
such as papers and phones were scattered on the floor.

zhenia turned his head at the presence at the door, the director's eyes
observing the group of people looked very unusual. What happened to him
today?
The director signaled the agents telling them to put their guns away. He
then sent those two people on high alert out. He closed the door himself and
sat on the sofa that had long been pushed out of place. zhenia stood in place
and observed his every move. His stinging glare made him uncomfortable.

"I heard you're keeping that Korean spy, right? Is he dead?"

"If not, then hand him over now, what do you think? We should also think
about the face of the FSB."

The answer is silence. zhenia didn't even show any thought for a second. If
he had that intention from the beginning, he wouldn't have gone too far with
the spy. Heavy silence followed.

Finally, the director shook his head and sighed. As if he had given up, he
threw out the pile of papers he was carrying.

"If you don't like it then take charge of this and deal with it. Something has
to be achieved to restore the lost image, right?"

No matter how you look at it, it doesn't look like a superior is giving
instructions to a subordinate. It's more like a conditional agreement.

Zhenia glanced at the pile of papers at his feet and then looked back at the
director. The director briefly explained what he would have to do.

"Not long ago, a military intelligence officer was murdered. It was right
after he was seen entering the hotel with a woman. According to the crime
scene investigation team, it appears that he was killed by a suicide bomber
while having sex. The rebels now seemed ready to resort to beautification.

A group of about 20 rebels disguised their identities, including the woman.

dead woman, entered Moscow. So this is probably the beginning."

The director paused for a moment and then gave an order.

"Find and deal with them all."

Late night. The two men and women wrapped their arms around each other
and left an upscale bar in downtown Moscow. The man is a high-ranking
government official in the Ministry of National Defense. He climbed into a
sedan provided by the bar, not an official vehicle. The man's partner is a
woman whose overflowing sensuality cannot be hidden.

As soon as she arrived at the hotel, the man impatiently pulled her wrist.

After entering the elevator, the two were extremely entwined with each
other. The excited man hugged the woman and sat her on the handrail inside
the elevator, then rolled her skirt up to her waist. The woman also opened
her legs and hugged the man tightly.

He bit into the garter belt that wrapped around the woman's smooth thighs.

When the belt was thrown off, the woman trembled slightly at the waist and
groaned softly. The man touched his lips and greedily sucked his tongue as
if ready to swallow her excited breath.

The elevator quickly went up. They were both half-naked when they
stepped out. He threw the woman onto the bed. The girl smiled and rubbed
her round breasts. It was a provocative gesture. The naked man rushed at
the woman immediately.

He touched her lips again and pulled the rest of her clothes off. When the
bra was pulled up, her plump breasts rose elastically. He buried his face in it
and spread the woman's legs wide and wrapped them around his waist while
rubbing furiously. The shirt, neatly ironed by his wife, was crumpled in the
hands of an unknown woman.

He took off her underwear while frantically kissing the woman's neck. The
girl was very anxious but insisted on keeping her knees together. The
enthusiastic man with a restless body moved around and tickled her butt.

"Ha, ha... Should I lift my ass, huh?"

"Ah..."
He pulled out his penis that was about to explode. He sucked at her nipple.

She tilted her head and arched her body.

"Ahhh..."

"Ahhh... huh?"

After enjoying the feeling of tight compression for a while, the man let out
a questioning voice. His head was buried in the girl's chest, looking up. A
hard object touched the tip of his penis. It seemed like there was something
inside of the woman.

He looked bewildered at the still smiling girl hugging his neck, a somewhat
forced smile. The man belatedly tried to run away, but the woman hugged
him tightly and refused to let go. To prevent the man from easily escaping,
her legs were also tightly wrapped around his waist.

"I said I would kill you."

The girl whispered sweetly into the bewildered man's ear. The man
panicked at the feeling of danger, but for some reason he could not escape
the woman's arms.

Suddenly a loud noise rang out. At the same time, the tightly closed door
was almost torn apart. The man and woman looked back at the door in
surprise at the same time. An uninvited guest walked in front of the two.

The one person who didn't have a trace of shame when he saw the two of
them entwined with each other was none other than Zhenia. He burst in
with a rifle.

zhenia suddenly grabbed the man who couldn't move because the woman
grabbed him and threw him to the floor without hesitation. In an unexpected
situation, the woman quickly pulled out the detonator. However, before she
could press the detonation button, her arm was grabbed. In an instant, the
detonator fell from the woman's twisted arm.

"Ah...!"
The woman screamed in pain. zhenia didnt hesitate to point the gun at her
head. He didnt hesitate for even a second until he pulled the trigger.

The woman's body shook and drooped down. Fresh blood splattered all
over Zhenias face and body. The man who had witnessed the entire scene
hastily ran away.

Part of the wall was blown away with consecutive loud explosions, and the
ceiling also fell helplessly. The impact of the explosion shattered all the
windows at the front and all the lights in the building went out. Vision was
suddenly blocked.

Zhenia blocked debris and dirt with the flap of his jacket. Even he didn't
understand what was going on, his ears were ringing as if something was
wrong with his eardrums.

Not long after, a laser beam shined through the broken windows. The
groping light in the hotel room, which was full of broken glass and stone
dust, quickly reached Zhenias mouth. Immediately after, the laser light
moved down around his left chest area. Without saying a word, zhenia
looked down at the red dot on his chest.

In the next moment, dozens of laser beams flew from many directions and
stuck in one place. Instantly, zhenias chest and head were dyed red. Now, if
he moves just one step, his entire body will be torn apart.

A moment later, there was the familiar sound of propellers approaching.

The helicopter hovered in the dark sky and aimed its lights at Zhenia. For
some reason, its appearance looks quite familiar. And of course, the FSB

symbol emblazoned on the bottom of the helicopter appeared. He didn't ask

for help, so of course he didn't come to help voluntarily.

this was a double trap.

Even though it was late, the president still stayed in the Oval Office. Bazim
also sat on his chair with a restless look on his face. The two just silently
waited for some news. Occasionally he pulled up his sleeve to check the
time.

Just then, he felt a presence outside the door, and there was a knock on the
door. The person who appeared when invited in was FSB director Oleg
Khizinsky.

The eyes of the President and Bazim turned to him at the same time. The
director politely bowed and reported progress.

"A combat team has been brought into the scene. We have blocked all of the
target's escape routes and completely surrounded them."

It's a vague expression but it's not difficult to understand its meaning. The
President nodded silently. Bazim's expression was not much different, there
was no concern or sympathy for his blood relative on his face.

The president looked at the FSB director again. There was another piece of
news that he had been waiting for more than the previous report. Oleg
Khizinsky did not keep him waiting long.

"Half an hour ago, nine members of the Vimpel special forces were also
dispatched to the location. They are elite agents that you can trust, so please
don't worry."

Faced with the director's boasts, the president finally smiled with
satisfaction. He nodded and praised, "Good job.". Important instructions
were given one after another.

"If the 'watchman' resists to the end, then just eliminate him."

All that could be seen was thick darkness. No, maybe it's snow. Even
though he couldn't see anything, Taek Joo could feel the coldness. Not a
single wind passed through that place. There was no way out, and he felt
trapped in a space with nothing passing through. It's so stuffy.

A child suddenly appeared while he was looking at the dark surroundings.

A boy who looked about 6 or 7 years old. The child stood alone in the
distance so he couldn't see his face. Taek Joo tried to talk but for some
reason he couldn't raise his voice.

A moment later, someone approached the child. He couldn't tell if it was a

man or a woman. That figure hovered around the child for a while then
suddenly disappeared somewhere. Another person approached the
bewildered child. But then that person quickly disappeared. The boy was
once again left behind.

Countless silhouettes passed by the child. Sometimes one or two people,

sometimes a whole group. But in the end no one remained. The boy
attracted many passersby but quickly became a loner.

After a while, the child turned around. The pale face first approached Taek
Joo. He didn't hesitate to step forward and quickly approached the boy.

Even at close range, he could not see the child's face. A white hand slowly
reached out. Taek Joo was absentmindedly looking away when suddenly
that hand grabbed his finger. The boy's ice-cold body temperature sent
chills down his spine.

The child suddenly clenched his hands, so tight that his fingers throbbed in
pain. That's unparalleled power for such a small body. Taek Joo wondered if
the boy was afraid of losing the hand he had just held?

The child dragged Taek Joo somewhere. For some reason, he had a
premonition that if he was dragged along, he would never be able to escape.

He is not confident in raising children. With the thought of being

responsible for a child he didn't even know who he was, Taek Joo quickly
twisted his hand away from that small hand. With empty hands, the child
looked at Taek Joo in bewilderment.

The child held out his hand again.Taek Joo unconsciously stepped back. Its
white face was confused with shock. Unlucky premonition. The child
immediately burst into tears. The fresh air of space quickly froze. With
every breath he took, sharp ice crystals also filled his lungs.
Ignoring the tears that continued to flow, the child cried loudly until his
voice was hoarse. With that echo, the vast space around began to collapse
helplessly. The floor shook as if an earthquake had occurred, and the ceiling
and walls crumbled.

It's dangerous. Taek Joo tried to cling to the child and protect him, but it
was not easy to catch him. The more he reached out, the more it wiped
away its tears and moved away.

A completely collapsed world suddenly swallowed Taek Joo.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. His vision widened rapidly,
making him dizzy. The rotating ceiling looks quite familiar. Taek Joo
moved his hand and felt the floor. It's stiff. Taek Joo was left on the floor,
not on the bed nor in front of the fireplace. He closed his eyes and recalled
his last memories before losing consciousness. A sigh came out, I don't
know if it was from relief or helplessness. This time he thought he was
going to die.

"Are you awake?"

Taek Joo noticed Olga's presence when he heard the question. He lifted
himself up and as if he was waiting, a sharp pain shot through his body.

Taek Joo swallowed back the moan that was about to come out and looked
around again. The look of the room was unbelievable, even the post-war
ruins didn't seem that bad.

Meanwhile, only the area around Taek Joo was tidied up. His body was
covered with a blanket and had a pillow for his head. Not only that, there
were bandages wrapped around his neck and arms. Olga couldn't move
Kwon Taek Joo so it seemed like she took care of him that way.

"What happened yesterday? Why did Zhenia go crazy?"

Olga was curious. He shook his head. Even Taek Joo couldn't understand
why zhenia was so angry.
"He left yesterday."

Olga informed about Zhenia whereabouts when Taek Joo still didnt ask, and
also classified the drugs she used. Then she said "Let's eat" and left the
room first.

Taek Joo awkwardly touched the bandage. He had no intention of

remembering, but Zhenias cold expression appeared clearly. He had never
been a rational person, but at that moment, it seemed like a fuse in his head
had blown.

Then suddenly he remembered the strange dream he had just now. The
person he saw in his dream was a child, but why did he suddenly think of
him? The only similarities are the transparent white skin and unusual ivory
hair. Taek Joo shook his head again to clear his thoughts. He hurriedly left
the room before any more strange thoughts appeared in his mind.

"Hey! What's wrong?"

"...medicine, get the medicine."

Taek Joo licked his dry lips vigorously. His whole body trembled. He
looked around in shock. Soon he found a bottle of medicine rolling under
the table. Taek Joo didn't even have time to check what kind of medicine it
was, he opened the lid and gave it to Olga.

"I have congenital angina."

(from what i could find it's a type of heart disease)

Olga confessed while rubbing her aching heart. It seemed like her coming
here to recuperate wasn't just an empty talk. Taek Joo helped Olga
unsteadily sit down on the chair. He boiled water and brought her another
cup of warm water. Olga smiled lightly and said thank you.

That was when Olga had just received the glass of water. A slight wave
rippled on the surface of the water in the glass. Is it an illusion? The sound
of helicopters rang out continuously. zhenia is back? No, this sound is
different from his helicopter. At this level, it is likely that this military
helicopter has auxiliary rotors.

Taek Joo reached out and placed his index finger between his lips. Olga, not
understanding what was going on, nodded silently. He left her in the kitchen
and moved to the front window. Taek Joo pressed his back against the wall
and observed the movement outside the window. Not long after, military
helicopters crossing the sea appeared in his sight.

As if planning to land on the island, they gradually lowered their altitude. It

doesn't feel very good. At least they weren't here to patrol an uninhabited
island owned by zhenia. Taek Joo hurried back to the kitchen.

"What's up?"

"Military helicopters are approaching."

"Military helicopters!?"

Olga raised her hand to cover her mouth. It seemed like something was
choked up. Before coming here, she overheard a conversation between her
father Vissarion and Bazim. They said that if Zhenia didnt finally hand over

'Anastasia' they would seize it by force. He said it was the Kremlin's will.

She couldn't tell if those unwanted guests were simply looking for
Anastasia or if they were trying to harm Zhenia. Now that he's not here, I
wonder what the situation will be like? Above all, she worried about Taek
Joo's safety.

"I don't know why they came here, but we should get away first. For now,
just do what I say."

Olga nodded silently. No one in the family knew she was here. There was
no way Vissarion or Bazim would allow her to meet zhenia before a major
event that needed to be kept secret. So nothing good would come of her
encountering the government army.
Taek Joo went down to the basement and took out the gun that he and
Zhenia used to hunt with. He also put the bullets in his pocket. Even if the
accuracy of the shot is a little lower, it is still better than hitting with bare
hands. When he returned to the kitchen, Olga immediately lifted up the hem
of her dress, then she took the Colt off the gun rack on her lap and gave it to
him.

"I'll give you this."

After all, she is a blood relative of the Bogdanov family. Taek Joo smiled
and returned the Colt to her.

"If you don't have to wear it as jewelry, you know how to shoot, right?

Keep it and shoot it in case you have to."

"But you're more dangerous than me."

"Who are you worried about?"

At about that time, the noise of the propeller subsided. Taek Joo quickly led
Olga through the back door. As expected, a military helicopter landed on
the snowy field. As soon as the engine stopped, the door opened and armed
agents poured out. A total of 9 people including the pilot. The difference in
the number of people and the inferiority in weapons were too great, it was
better for Taek Joo to avoid a direct collision and hide somewhere.

"Do you know how to ski?"

He asked while wearing Olga's umbrella. Olga said "Is that a question" as if
it was unreasonable. What a blessing in disguise. Taek Joo showed her a

place far away on the horizon.

"See that birch forest over there? When I give the signal, run in that
direction. Even if a shot rings out or there's some noise behind you, don't
look back and keep running."
Olga nodded eagerly. There was no sign of fear in her eyes. That's thanks to
the courage honed for decades in the Bogdanov family.

After quickly checking Olga's ski equipment, Taek Joo signaled by patting
her on the back. Olga slammed the pole on the floor and slid on the snow.

He had to attract attention until she reached the safety of the forest. Taek
Joo looked at the girl who was sliding away expertly and then returned to
the villa.

Immediately afterwards, the agents were divided into two special teams and
rushed in. Following the commander's signal, one team went upstairs, the
other team stayed on the first floor and began searching. As if they were
looking for something, they kept knocking on the walls and floors, and they
even carried metal detectors.

Soon, one of the group members found the stairs leading to the basement.

They turned on the lights on their helmets and carefully got off.

The moment they confirmed that there was no presence and took another
step, a hand reached out from between the steps and grabbed their ankles.

The attack was so sudden that they fell forward without a chance to react.

"...Gulp!"

A painful groan came from the fallen man. Meanwhile, he was busy
searching for the rifle he had lost in his hand. But nothing came within
reach. He raised his head curiously. Soon, someone's long legs filled his
vision. That's Taek Joo. The rifle the man was looking for was turned over
to him.

He hit the man in the head with the butt of the gun in his hand. The man
could not fight back and fell limp. Taek Joo dragged him down the stairs

and rummaged through his clothes. On the back of the bulletproof vest is
embroidered the emblem of 'Vimpel', a special unit affiliated with the FSB.
Did the FSB send them with the purpose of arresting Taek Joo? There are a
lot of angles that aren't very clear. The same goes for using a metal detector
to search inside the mansion and not being too vigilant to find someone
hiding. It was as if they already knew that the homeowner was not here.

While Taek Joo was developing his thoughts, a bullet flew out of nowhere.

Another group member seemed aware of the commotion in the basement

and ran over. He quickly dodged it. Other agents heard the gunshots and ran
to the front of the basement one by one.

Taek Joo went to the door leading outside and mounted the skateboard. It
will be difficult to avoid being chased as long as your presence is detected.

The forest was the safest place to hide, but he couldn't drag them there with
Olga. Taek Joo walked in the opposite direction from which she had fled.

It was still daytime and the surface of the snowfield had melted moderately,
Taek Joo slid quickly across it. The wind was as fierce as the speed of
running, making his eyes sting. He frowned and walked away because he
didn't have goggles with him. Not long after, the agents found Taek Joo and
called each other.

Gunshots rang out continuously. The bullets flew from behind through the
snow just one step ahead or behind Taek Joo. He gritted his teeth and
rubbed his eyes harder. When he suddenly ran out of range, the agents
equipped special skateboards and chased him. Helicopters also followed
above his head.

It was difficult to aim at a target running in an S-shape, but even if he ran

until his limbs became weak, the distance would gradually narrow. With a
numerical inferiority Taek Joo couldnt stop or confront them. It seemed like
he had to use the geographical features he had learned up to this point to cut
them off.

Soon after, multiple shots were fired from the helicopter. Taek Joo turned
around and hid under a cliff covered with white snow. Three or four agents
kept up. Then the helicopters began providing cover fire. As if he had been
waiting, Taek Joo rushed out. Bullets rained down continuously and stuck
to the steep cliff. Not long after, a loud roar rang out.

Taek Joo pushed the pole as hard as he could and increased his speed. The
moment he left the cliff, the separated layer of sediment collapsed. The
agents chasing him were startled and changed direction but could not avoid
an avalanche that occurred immediately.

Taek Joo didn't look back and sped through the snowy field. The helicopter
kept rushing and shooting. Bullets rained down, tearing apart the normally
quiet snowfield. Kwon Taek Joo narrowly passed through the crossfire on a
white snow-covered field.

He made up his mind and flew up without hesitation. The wind blew from
all directions supporting his body. Taek Joo reduced a drag by tilting his
upper body at an angle. The agents couldn't react in time, so they could only
watch Taek Joo's daring and reckless jump. The bottom of the cliff is
quickly being approached. That's the falling point. Taek Joo grabbed the
rope so he could open the parachute at any time.

Just then, a gunshot rang in his ears. his body that was falling straight down
suddenly lost strength.

Koshchei - I just want you to be okay

He flew through the erratic air currents. When the speed was increased to
maximum, the helicopter couldnt bear to shake violently. The winding
black surface of the sea seemed like it could swallow a dangerous
helicopter in an instant. He was reckless with a flight that could crash at any
time. The only thought in his mind was to return to the island.

His heart was pounding uncomfortably. The speed got worse. Nameless
frustration continuously tightened around his neck. He doesn't even know
why he is doing these things. He only vaguely thought that if he set foot on
the island, this unpleasant feeling would disappear.
Despite the bad weather, he arrived on the island earlier than usual. The first
thing that caught sight was a military helicopter turning near the cliff. He
immediately turned around and flew straight there. When Zhenias
helicopter approached, the military helicopters opened fire without
hesitation.

Zhenia couldnt avoid the flying bullets. The bullets went through the
windows, propellers and the front of the fuselage. Black smoke billowed
out from the tail. However, he still stubbornly rushed into the military
helicopter. That reckless action hides the will to not be afraid of collision.

Sensing danger, the military helicopter stopped firing and hastily increased
altitude but in the end it was still impossible to avoid a collision. The fan
blades rub against each other creating sparks. The air around it temporarily
condensed and then exploded violently.

A terrible explosion shattered the air. Black smoke rose, the two planes
became piles of scrap metal and fell helplessly. One step before, Zhenia
jumped into the sea. Debris from the helicopter fell menacingly. He avoided
it and dived deep into the water, then kicked the water and emerged.

The agents ran to the battlefield and pulled the trigger randomly. The target
once again dives and disappears from their sight. The agents targeted all
over the sea and waited for zhenia to reappear. But he never appeared on the
water.

Was he injured? It was during this time that the agents faced each other in
bewilderment, a chill somewhere behind them. The agent quickly turned the
barrel of the gun, but his head was bowed first. The last bullet he fired took
away the breath of his poor comrade. Dreamy red blood spread across the
pure white snow field.

Zhenia rushed to the cliff where the military helicopter hovered. Even
though his eyes were wide open, there was nothing strange there. He
reached the edge of the cliff and looked down. Blood streaks gradually
spread across the prominent snowfield, but Taek Joo was still nowhere to be
seen.
Zhenia without hesitation attached his body to the ice wall and slid down.

The snow was so dense that it softened the shock. He clenched his molars
and lifted his throbbing body. Zhenia looked around in all directions,
searching for Taek Joo.

He chased after the sparse blood stains. That trace was interrupted dozens
of meters from where he stood. And there, he saw a small cave that even
Zhenia didnt know about. It's called a cave, but it's just a groove narrow
enough for people to enter.

Taek Joo, the person he had been looking for, sat hunched inside. He didnt
know how long he's been like this, his face was pale without a drop of
blood, even his cold breath of white smoke is weak. Zhenia ran over and
grabbed his arm. It's not an illusion. Only then did the breath he had been
holding come out chaotically.

"Ha, ha......"

Zhenia urgently checked Taek Joo's breathing and pulse. It was difficult to
tell how much Taek Joo's body temperature had dropped because his body
seemed to freeze.

Taek Joo's cold hand was pulling Zhenias shirt. His hands were weak, as if
they could break just by touching them. But why did he feel that hand was
so heavy? He couldn't take his eyes off the collar he was holding.

He helplessly looked at Taek Joo and supported his back. His whole body
immediately collapsed without any strength and fell into his chest.

"Is this how you came up with it..."

He muttered as he stared endlessly at Taek Joo's pale, bloodless face. It was

a voice that contained a strange aftertaste.

Zhenia then gently hugged him and slowly walked back to the villa. Steps
leave much deeper footprints than steps taken alone. That step also left a
deep mark on Zhenias chest.
Taek Joo blinked his eyes open. It felt like his head was being weighed
down. His body seemed to be boiling. The high temperature caused the eyes
to melt and vision became confused. He could feel someone's presence next
to him, but he didn't have the strength to open his eyes and see that face.

A cold towel was placed on his forehead. A grumble was also heard.

Something cool flickered outside the closed eyelids. He reached out and
grabbed it. Surprised by Taek Joo's sudden action, that existence was
startled.

"Are you awake?"

That was Olga's voice. He tried to open his eyes. Olga was sitting next to
the bed with a worried look on her face. What happened? Taek Joo doesn't
remember anything from the middle of it.

The FSB's special unit 'Vimpel' suddenly entered, and while fleeing from
them, he jumped off a cliff. Right after that, he even remembered that a
sharp pain had passed through his body. It seems like Taek Joo exhausted
his remaining strength and took refuge in a cave. Perhaps because of the
bullet wound, his body temperature dropped rapidly and he gradually lost
strength.

It's been a while and no one has come. There is no way to escape on your
own. The wind blew stronger and stronger and visibility became
increasingly blurry. It seemed that even if someone died there, the body
would not be discovered unless someone made an effort to search. For the
first time, Taek Joo faced complete loneliness. He thought he was used to
living alone, but the thought that he might be abandoned forever made him
feel helpless and scared. It is said that when the body is weak, the mind is
also weak. Seeing him alive and healthy like this, it seemed like he was
discovered before his death.

Taek Joo tried to lift his upper body, but half of his body was stiff. When he
stopped with a groan, Olga quickly put Taek Joo down. His condition got
worse so he lay down again. It appeared he had been hit in the side.
"You were unconscious for quite a while, you know that?"

Olga sighed and asked. Taek Joo shook his head. After losing
consciousness, all his senses became dull and he could not even notice the
passage of time. He didn't even know how Taek Joo was brought to this
place. It's impossible with Olga's power alone, so someone else must have
helped.

Olga didnt explain in detail what had happened. It is important for

physically and mentally exhausted patients to get absolute rest. She soaked
a towel in water and wrung it dry.

"You're sweating a lot and have a high fever, so you might need to clean
yourself up a bit. Are you okay?"

Taek Joo nodded and said, "Thank you". It was uncomfortable because his
whole body was drenched in sweat, and the gunshot wound made it difficult

to bathe for the time being.

Olga carefully lifted the blanket that Taek Joo was covering. At that
moment, someone grabbed her arm. He also snatched the towel she was
holding in her hand. That's Zhenia.

He signaled Olga, who was staring at him, to stop and go out. Olga
hesitated with worried eyes. If a duel breaks out between the two of them
again, this time Taek Joo won't be able to survive. Zhenia spoke up while
she was still hesitant.

"Get out."

The voice was calm but enough to feel the pressure. Olga reluctantly got up
and left the bedroom, leaving the door ajar in case of emergency.

"..."

"..."
Two eyes met. This was actually the first face-to-face meeting after
thequarrel, but the hostility, resentment and antipathy towards each other
had subsided. After all the fuss, that's a good thing. However, Taek Joo
looked quite tired. He didn't even have the energy to compete with Zhenia.

Zhenia pulled the blanket away without saying a word. Cool air rushed onto
Taek Joo's hot body. He shivered coldly. Zhenia looked intently at Taek Joo
and then raised one hand. He was suddenly startled and reached out his
hand. thier eyes met again. The usual Zhenia would completely change his
expression, but today he showed patience and withdrew his hand. Then he
gently wiped his sweaty skin with a damp cloth.

At first, just touching the towel gave Taek Joo goosebumps, but after a
while he got used to it. Furthermore, Zhenia only focused on wiping his
body and remained silent. The guy delicately wiped each finger and then all
the way to the inside of his armpit. Taek Joo quickly felt comfortable and
refreshed, but he also felt embarrassed because every corner of his body

was being scrutinized so intently. Just because you're a patient and you're
being cared for, it seems like your private parts are being exposed.

Zhenia moistened the towel again and placed it on his neck. Taek Joo
frowned at the sudden temperature difference. After waiting for a while,
Zhenia gently wiped his bandaged neck and chin.

His aching body immediately felt refreshed. Taek Joo freely entrusted
himself as if forgetting that the other person was Zhenia. Finally, he pulled
the blanket covering his back. Taek Joo was completely naked. The fact that
he wasn't even wearing underwear made him cringe, but he didn't show it.

There was no reason to be ashamed as Zhenia had seen everything he could

see.

Zhenia wiped Taek Joo's abdomen and thighs in turn, then thoroughly
cleaned his groin, genitals and his shaft. His testicles shrank when they
were touched the cold towel. Zhenia, who was often sarcastic and said
vulgar things, remained silent. He kept his mouth shut and just focused on
what he was doing. It's embarrassing. For some reason, this guy doesn't
seem like the person Taek Joo knew.

Finally, Zhenia lifted Taek Joo's knees and let the soles of his feet touch his
chest. Taek Joo's legs bent and he stretched out his hand deeply to gently
wipe the back of his thighs and his butt.

".. Why do you keep running away? I didn't intend to kill you."

A moment later, Zhenia opened his mouth. That tone seemed to secretly
reveal the concerns that had been cherished for so long. Taek Joo didnt
answer immediately.

He just stared at the guy's face. It was strange that he suddenly asked such a
question. Did he really ask because he didn't know?

Zhenia immediately faced Taek Joo. To the boy who was silently waiting
for an answer, he replied indifferently.

"Because there's no reason for me to stay here."

His voice was calm, not agitated. From the beginning, he did not come to
this place voluntarily. From that moment on, this island was like a prison
for Taek Joo. Trying to escape was not simply about Zhenia, he just had no
desire to stay here.

Is he not satisfied with the answer? Zhenia stopped and silently looked at
Taek Joo. He didnt frown, nor did he have any obvious change in
expression.

But for some reason, that face resembles the face of the hurt child that Taek
Joo saw in his dream. It seemed like he did something really bad. He
couldn't help but feel heavy at the gaze of the boy in front of him who
couldn't avoid it even for a moment. Taek Joo turned his face away,
avoiding gazes, then lowered his feet.

The conversation was interrupted and a persistent silence prevailed. The

two of them don't talk often, so there's no reason to be awkward even now.
But the longer the silence lasted, the more uncomfortable Taek Joo felt.

A moment later, Zhenia stood up. Taek Joo was unconsciously tense but he
didnt pose any danger. All he did was put the towel he was holding on the
table. The man who was just about to leave suddenly spoke.

"Let's do it then."

Koshchei - What we had

Taek Joo woke up after a long sleep. He had been moaning non-stop so not
only his mouth but also his throat was dry. He didn't know how much time
had passed, but it seemed very late.

Taek Joo got out of bed and went out. The pain in his hip was still
excruciating but he endured it. He went into the kitchen and soothed his dry
throat. The gentle water seemed to flow through every corner of his body.

He took a moment to catch his breath and looked out the window. His eyes
looked around superficially and then accidentally fixed themselves on one
place. He thought it was just reflected light, but zhenia was sitting outside
the mansion. What is he doing there this late at night?

Taek Joo took a sip of water and approached the window. Then he openly
admired Zhenia. Surprisingly, the guy didn't do anything. He just sat there.

Taek Joo shook his head and was about to turn away but he suddenly looked
back. The two eyes inevitably met. Does that kid have eyes in the back of
his head? His heart beat wildly with surprise.

Contrary to expectations, zhenia didnt take any action. He just quietly

looked at Taek Joo who was confused. Those eyes were so straightforward
and intense that he didn't know what he was embarrassed about. Unable to
just stand still like that, Taek Joo turned away.

The place Taek Joo headed to wasnt the bedroom but the dressing room.

Taek Joo took out his jacket and put it on while grumbling. He found a
bottle of Macallan in the kitchen and took it out with him.
Zhenia turned his head at the sound of the door opening. He seemed
surprised to see Taek Joo.

"I brought some delicious food."

He waved the bottle towards Zhenia, who had been looking at him blankly
all this time. Then he walked over and sat down next to him with a soft
groan. His hip injury was still very painful. Zhenia still didn't say anything
until then, and Taek Joo's stare that seemed like it was about to pierce
through didn't stop either.

Without a glass, he opened the bottle of Macallan and drank the wine from
the bottle. Alcohol isnt good for gunshot wounds, but it seems that drinking
alcohol eases the pain. After taking a sip, he handed the bottle to Zhenia.

Without hesitation, he put his lips to the glossy mouth of the bottle.

After giving and receiving two more times, Taek Joo was the one to start
the conversation.

"I ask this because I'm really curious, why did you buy an island like this?"

"It's nice. Quiet and nothings here."

Is that so? Taek Joo grabbed the bottle with a disapproving look on his face.

"don't you have any friends?"

Zhenia stared at Taek Joo without answering the next question. Taek Joo
shook his head confidently.

"Hah nah...What about you?"

"Mn... I only really have my mother"

The words made him feel a little guilty. However, not much has changed on
Zhenias face. Of course. He licked his lips again and asked again.
He looked into Zhenias face for a moment. Surely many people have told
him to keep his mouth shut and be quiet like now. When he is assertive and
acts cocky, his words are quite eloquent, like when he brags about the
technology that worked on the Trans-Siberian Train.

He suddenly reached out his hand. Zhenia looked at Taek Joo's hand that
was suddenly approaching him. Just then, his finger touched the side of
Zhenias forehead. A mischievous smile spread across his always
straightforward face.

"Your smooth little rabbit"

Zhenia grabbed his hand and brought it to his mouth to bite it. Taek Joo's
body was pushed continuously and fell backwards on the soft thick snow
behind him.

The black night sky filled his vision. The countless stars embroidered on it
seemed to be about to fall. This is the first time Taek Joo has seen the stars
even though he has been here for many days.

"Ah......"

Taek Joo bewilderedly looked up into the air and then pointed into the void.

A curtain of blue-violet light fluttered like a curtain. It's Aurora. He was

completely fascinated by the wonderful scene that the vast nature brought.

No matter which art museum you go to, no work will surpass the current
sky.

How long has it been? zhenia climbed on top of him and blocked his view.

The two people's eyes were close. Maybe he was drunk, or he still hadn't
regained his composure, but Taek Joo just stared at zhenia. Taek Joo's blue
eyes filled with images expressed pure desire.

Zhenias face slowly approached before he realized it. His lips first touched
his chin, then pressed against the bridge of his nose and then pressed
against his forehead. He accidentally closed his eyes. The man removed his
lips and looked down at Taek Joo. Zhenia gently ran his thumb on his neck,
Taek Joo's eyelashes trembled because of the tickle. That must be the reason
why his breathing was shaky and unstable.

Then Zhenias face returned as Taek Joo didn't even think about avoiding it,
but the moment his breath touched his eyelashes, Taek Joo suddenly came
to his senses, their lips touched each other.

He turned his head to the side so Zhenias lips fell on his pointed chin.

Zhenia no longer forcibly held Taek Joo's face like before, he just didn't say
a word but looked straight at one side of that indifferent face. Taek Joo's
mood became uncomfortable, he quickly pushed his chest and sat up.

"Let's not..."

He drew clear boundaries and left before the atmosphere became more
ambiguous.

As soon as he entered the villa, he ripped at his hair and threw his jacket in
the floor. He almost got carried away. Even the excuse that it was due to
being drunk, or to see what would happen, didnt comfort him one bit.

The man who had raped, assaulted and attempted to kill him so many times.

He had really gone crazy.

Taek Joo needs to leave this place before the situation gets worse.

"Go home now."

Zhenia often gives Olga one-sided orders during breakfast.

"Just a few more days, okay? Just two days."

"No."

Zhenia refused immediately. A tough face showed there is no room for

compromise. Olga reluctantly nodded, her face sullenly digging her spoon
into the bowl of fish soup.

If Olga leaves, only Taek Joo and Zhenia will remain on the island. He
sighed deeply. Then Olga looked at him slyly, saying "Would you be sorry
if I went?" Zhenias eyes followed.

"It's fine."

Olga pouted again indifferently and grumbled that she took care of Taek Joo
in vain. Even after that, Zhenias persistent gaze didnt leave. Taek Joo
ignored him and silently ate his food.

He went up to Olga's room after dinner. There was nothing to do, so Taek
Joo intended to follow her to borrow the book, but she ordered him to do
one thing after another before he realized it. Olga used the excuse that the
helicopter was coming and threw the things to Taek Joo as soon as she
picked them up.

While trying to stuff the outer clothes into the bag, something suddenly
caught Taek Joo's eyes. He secretly observed Olga's eyes. She busied
herself with arranging the clothes she was supposed to wear. Taek Joo hid
the things in his hand in his pocket.

"Is it all packed?"

Olga suddenly looked back. "Yes," she said and closed her bag.

"What time will the helicopter arrive?"

"Um, about thirty minutes."

"Is that so? Then I'll take this out."

Taek Joo picked up a suitcase that looked like it was about to explode and
placed it in front of the stairs. Then he went straight to the basement. Cans
of benzene used for trimming fur are piled up in the warehouse. He grabbed
one of them and went into the bathroom.
He locked the door tightly. His heart began to beat violently. Taek Joo tried
to escape countless times, but failed every time. But maybe this time will be
different. At least it's more hopeful than other times. His fingertips tingled
with excitement and anticipation.

He put the benzene on the floor and took out a small bottle from his pocket.

It was taken from Olga's bag. The main ingredient in prescription

medications for angina is nitroglycerin, which helps dilate blood vessels.

Nitroglycerin can explode even when dissolved in ethanol or benzene. For

that reason, it is also a popular drug used by homemade bomb makers.

Taek Joo took all the pills out of the bottle and crushed them finely, then
carefully poured the powder into the glass bottle containing benzene. He
gently stirred with the handle of the toothbrush and waited for the powder
to completely dissolve. The finished homemade bomb was placed at the
entrance to the roof.

When Taek Joo finished all the work, he heard the sound of the propeller
spinning. A helicopter was also seen approaching in the distance. As if
nothing had happened, he went down to the second floor and ran into Olga.

"It seems like it's almost here."

To avoid suspicion, Taek Joo spoke first. Olga nodded and got down from
the suitcase she was sitting on.

"It seems like that person didn't send him off."

"What do you expect from that bastard? Let's go."

Taek Joo walked up the stairs carrying Olga's suitcase. She went down the
stairs where Zhenia was and shouted, "I'm leaving" and followed Taek Joo.

Just as the two reached the entrance to the roof, Taek Joo, who was walking
in front, suddenly stopped walking. He bent down as if to see if anything
had fallen to the floor.
"What's going on?"

"I owe you this time."

"Huh? What...."

Olga gasped in confusion. At the same time, her trunk fell down the stairs.

Zhenia was adjusting the contrabass when he suddenly raised his head
because of a sudden noise from upstairs. Apparently Olga dropped
something while walking around. There couldn't be a second of quiet even
when she was about to leave.

He stood up and went to the window. Looking outside, he saw a helicopter

hovering in the air. It seemed like it had been here for a while but somehow
it still hadn't landed and continued to wander in the sky.

Zhenia looked at it without any doubt then suddenly frowned. An ominous

feeling ran down his spine, he immediately grabbed the shotgun hanging on
the wall and ran up the stairs.

Olga's suitcase fell to the second floor. Something is rattling inside.

"Taek Joo..."

Zhenia mumbled like a groan and rushed to the roof. When he threw open
the door, Taek Joo was holding Olga hostage, in his hand was a large bottle
of benzene.

"Don't come close!"

Taek Joo shouted with high alert.

zhenia ignored it and approached, he lifted the benzene bottle.

"Stop. If you take another step I'll blow it up."

Taek Joo wrinkled his nose in warning again. Even so, what he was holding
was just benzene used for fur care, what kind of threat was that? After a
moment, a quick calculation was made in Zhenias head. Olga had angina
and a large dose of benzene. These facts were combined to arrive at the
conclusion that it was a 'nitroglycerin bomb'. If it falls and breaks, the entire
roof will be blown off. Not only Zhenia and Olga, but also Taek Joo's life
and death can't be guaranteed.

Zhenia quietly took a breath. He gritted his molars to try to control the
emotions rising in his heart and then reached out towards Taek Joo.

"Come here."

Taek Joo shook his head and took a step back. As if wanting to show his
determination, he put all his strength into making the hand holding the
benzene bottle turn white.

What the hell? Zhenias eyebrows furrowed. He closed the distance as if he

was going to test it. Immediately after that, Taek Joo retreated and didnt
hesitate to raise the bottle. Looking at his resolute expression, the words he
just said did not seem like a useless show off. Regardless of whether anyone
was injured or not, it was enough if he could overpower Taek Joo, but
zhenia couldn't get any closer. He stopped again. Boiling anger welled up.

"Damn it, come here before I blow your head off!"

Even when urged, Taek Joo still shook his head firmly. Soon the ladder
descended from the helicopter. Zhenia eyes wavered. The moment Taek Joo
grabbed the ladder, something was cut off in his head. His body temperature
dropped in an instant. As if forgetting Taek Joo's warning, Zhenia didnt
hesitate to rush straight into the helicopter. A bottle of benzene flew in. At
that moment, it seemed as if the air around him had been sucked in and
condensed.

An explosion occurred immediately afterward. The entire floor shook and

every corner of the building cracked. One side of the wall was completely
destroyed. Zhenia also couldn't stand the pressure and fell down. His back
hit the wall and felt like it was about to break. His skin was also scratched
from debris flying from all directions. A beeping, ringing sound rang in his
ears. Blood flowed from his head, dyeing Zhenias vision red.
He lifted his tattered body up and through the smoke and dust. The front of
the roof has collapsed to the point that its original shape is unrecognizable.

When Zhenia hurriedly looked around, the helicopter was flying in the
distance, Olga and Taek Joo holding her standing on the hanging ladder.

Zhenia looked around with the thought of chasing after him, but he didn't
have any suitable means. His helicopter sank deep into the sea a few days
ago. He could call another helicopter, but Taek Joo wouldn't wait until then.

Even as he stood there helpless, Taek Joo continued to drift far into the sky,
never once looking back.

"TAEKJOOOOOOOOOOO!"

A desperate roar rang out in the distance.

The helicopter carrying Olga and Taek Joo arrived in the suburbs of
Moscow. The two walked down with calm expressions as if nothing had
happened.

"What will you do when you return to Korea?"

"There's still a lot to do. The mission must be completed, and I personally
have some things to figure out. I'll be busy for a while."

Olga nodded and asked to shake hands first. A bit of regret appeared on her
face.

Taek Joo gently held her hand that was reaching out in front of her. Olga
shook hands and then looked back at the helicopter. The pilot brought a
small bag and gave it to Taek Joo.

"...What's up?"

"I think you'll need it to return home. Thank you for saving my life twice."

In the bag was cash, a neat new shirt and a Colt. Taek Joo needs a fake
passport and money to leave Russia. Olga's support was happily accepted.
"Thank you. For helping me earlier."

"I didn't help you. I just sat still because I didn't want to get hurt."

"If you want to run away, you can. You have a gun, just shoot one shot and
you're done."

"It's not impossible, but if I do that then I'll really die with that person."

Olga smiled mischievously. A plane was descending in front of the runway

and passed over the two people's heads. Olga looked up at the plane and
suddenly said to herself.

"As a result, everything ended up just like Koshichei's story."

The situation of Taek Joo, who finally ran away from Zhenia, is like the
beauty who found and destroyed Koshichei's heart and escaped from his
castle. Koshichei's story always ends there.

(The story is based on the Russian legend of Koschei the Deathless, an evil
spirit who can take multiple forms, including a man, monster, snake, and
tornado. Koschei is not truly immortal but rather prolongs his own life by
hiding his soul inside of animals or eggs.)

When the plane's shadow disappeared, she said, "Let's go now." Taek Joo
looked at Olga for a moment then turned away without hesitation. Olga's
face looked a little bitter as she watched him stride away. She thought of
Zhenia, who still called Taek Joo's name even though his head was injured
and bleeding. It was as if he had lost everything. This is the first time zhenia
had made such a face. Even when Anastasia was lost, he didn't seem that
sad. Her shocked heart at that time still couldnt calm down.

If Taek Joo hadn't brought the bomb at that time, would the outcome have
been different if zhenia had dared to shoot him with a shotgun Olga
muttered, staring at Taek Joo who was walking far away.

"Koshichei's weakness is not his hidden heart."

Another plane passed over her head. Buried in the hum of the engine, the
added words faded without a trace.

"...But that's love, Taek Joo."

Hide and Seek - Im home

"Eh? What is this?"

Yoon Jong Woo was about to log into the game and suddenly frowned.

When he entered his ID and password and clicked the Log in button, an
error message appeared indicating that he had already logged in before. He
tried closing and reopening the window, but the result was still the same. If
it wasn't for a server error, his ID would definitely have been stolen by
someone else.

Yoon Jong Woo felt this a long time ago. Every time he logged in, his level
changed subtly and some items were no longer in stock. Yoon Jong Woo
simply thought that there might have been some event that he didn't know
about, but it seemed like today he caught that tail.

Dare to hack a national intelligence officer? I don't know whose name it is,
it's really big.

"You bastard, you messed with the wrong guy!"

Yoon Jong Woo entered a different ID to access the game. It was an ID he

created just to register for the event and just left it unused. That's why he
didn't have anything other than the basic items.

Yoon Jong Woo looked for the old ID in the user search window, and the
thief's location was immediately revealed. Entered the server. The thief is
there preparing for a game that is about to start. Yoon Jong Woo was talking
to him but other users urged him to quickly end the wait. Without
hesitation, Yoon Jong Woo pressed the fight button.

Soon the game started. A vivid desktop reminiscent of a real battlefield fills
before your eyes. The sound of gunfire echoed through the headphones as if
it were real. In the place where they became crazy to kill each other, Yoon
Jon Woo only chased the thief. The guy naturally got caught up in the game

and only chose high-level users who were immersed in the massacre of
civilians to shoot. It's magical, it's a hundred hits.

"Ahhh! I purposely didn't use it and saved it."

Yoon Jong Woo, who was aiming at him, shouted in surprise. The item that
the thief just threw out is a rare item that is difficult to obtain even with
cash. The treasure he had carefully stored without daring to use it even once
was being proudly squandered by that bastard. He couldn't sit still any
longer.

Yoon Jong Woo registered for the 1:1 match with a very serious expression.

Forgetting the fact that the ID the other person was using was his, he
decided to sacrifice the new cards.

Then the thief answered.

>> Don't play tricks, go out there and play.

Yoon Jong Woo was speechless so he gasped. He signed up to fight again.

Rejected again. He registered again. Rejected immediately again.

"...this bastard."

Yoon Jong Woo kept clinging to him until he accepted. Then the thief
suddenly agreed to the confrontation. Suddenly, he was confused again. As
soon as the match started, the two rushed at each other. However, there is
one thing that Yoon Jong Woo overlooked. The ID, which he had
accumulated experience by dividing his time with great difficulty, was no
longer his. Yoon Jong Woo is just an ordinary and powerless low-level user.

He used up all his flamboyant skills and launched all kinds of attacks, but
the thief didn't suffer a single wound. On the other hand, as soon as his
bullet passed by, his health meter dropped sharply. Yoon Jong Woo stood up
mid-sentence, pounding the keyboard and mouse angrily.

"Aaaaaaa! Die!"

Opponents are equipped with special armor so they will not take damage
from most attacks. The problem was that all of Yoon Jong Woo's firepower
was put into that attack. Even when he aimed straight and pulled the trigger,
his opponent did not receive a single scratch. He decided to step out of the
armor, but that only affected Yoon Jong Woo's life.

In a dilemma, the thief made the decisive blow. His vision was turned
upside down when Yoon Jong Woo was hit in the head by a bullet.

"No way, aaah...!"

"Eh? What is this?"

Yoon Jong Woo was about to log into the game and suddenly frowned.

When he entered his ID and password and clicked the Log in button, an
error message appeared indicating that he had already logged in before. He
tried closing and reopening the active window, but the result was still the
same. If it wasn't for a server error, his ID would definitely have been stolen
by someone else.

Yoon Jong Woo felt this a long time ago. Every time he logged in, his level
changed subtly and some items were no longer in stock. Yoon Jong Woo
simply thought that there might have been some event that he didn't know
about, but it seemed like today he caught that tail.

Dare to hack a national intelligence officer? I don't know whose name it is,
it's really big.

"You bastard, you touched the wrong person."

Yoon Jong Woo entered a different ID to access the game. It was an ID he

created just to register for the event and just left it unused. That's why he
didn't have anything other than the basic items.
Yoon Jong Woo looked for the old ID in the user search window, and the
thief's location was immediately revealed. Entered the server. The thief is
there preparing for a game that is about to start. Yoon Jong Woo was talking

to him but other users urged him to quickly end the wait. Without
hesitation, Yoon Jong Woo pressed the fight button.

Soon the game started. A vivid desktop reminiscent of a real battlefield fills
before your eyes. The sound of gunfire echoed through the headphones as if
it were real. In the place where they became crazy to kill each other, Yoon
Jon Woo only chased the thief. The guy naturally got caught up in the game
and only chose high-level users who were immersed in the massacre of
civilians to shoot. It's magical, it's a hundred hits.

"Ahhh! I purposely didn't use it and saved it."

Yoon Jong Woo, who was aiming at him, shouted in surprise. The item that
the thief just threw out is a rare item that is difficult to obtain even with
cash. The treasure he had carefully stored without daring to use it even once
was being proudly squandered by that bastard. He couldn't sit still any
longer.

Yoon Jong Woo registered for the 1:1 match with a very serious expression.

Forgetting the fact that the ID the other person was using was his, he
decided to sacrifice the new cards.

Then the thief answered.

>> Don't play tricks, go out there and play.

Yoon Jong Woo was speechless so he gasped. He signed up to fight again.

Rejected again. He registered again. Rejected immediately again.

"...this bastard."

Yoon Jong Woo kept clinging to him until he accepted. Then the thief
suddenly agreed to the confrontation. Suddenly, he was confused again. As
soon as the match started, the two rushed at each other. However, there is
one thing that Yoon Jong Woo overlooked. The ID, which he had
accumulated experience by dividing his time with great difficulty, was no
longer his. Yoon Jong Woo is just an ordinary and powerless low-level user.

He used up all his flamboyant skills and launched all kinds of attacks, but
the thief didn't suffer a single wound. On the other hand, as soon as his
bullet passed by, his health meter dropped sharply. Yoon Jong Woo stood up
mid-sentence, pounding the keyboard and mouse angrily.

"Aaaaaaa! Die!"

Opponents are equipped with special armor so they will not take damage
from most attacks. The problem was that all of Yoon Jong Woo's firepower
was put into that attack. Even when he aimed straight and pulled the trigger,
his opponent did not receive a single scratch. He decided to step out of the
armor, but that only affected Yoon Jong Woo's life.

In a dilemma, the thief made the decisive blow. His vision was turned
upside down when Yoon Jong Woo was hit in the head by a bullet.

"No way, aaah...!"

"What happened? I thought sir was dead!"

"Looking forward to it?"

"What are you talking about? I worry about you all day and night..."

"Playing games all day and night?"

"Yes. Playing games day and night... Ah, I told you that's not true, really!"

Yoon Jong Woo, who was unconsciously drawn, quickly corrected his
words. His face almost looked like he wanted to cry. Taek Joo smiled and
nodded telling him to follow and stood up first.

Yoon Jong Woo asked in a loud voice as he went down the narrow and
steep stairs.
"But was the thief just now you sir?"

"ID cherryboy, password pure1004@. Isn't it about time you change your
login?"

Taek Joo admitted frankly. It's shameless to openly steal someone else's ID.

Yoon Jong Woo was full of resentment and looked at the back of Taek Joo
who was walking in front, Yoon Jong wanted to scream.

"What if it's not a senior?"

"...What?"

Wondering if he accidentally mumbled what was on his mind, Yoon Jong

Woo was startled and covered his mouth.

"Don't you know? I know how to read minds."

Yoon Jong Woo innocently asked if it was true.Taek Joo just smiled without
answering. Obviously they're playing each other again. Why would Yoon
Jong Woo himself meet a sniper like Kwon Taek Joo? How could it have to
be him? Today you needlessly challenged God's will.

(didn't edit this much cuz it's not really important) Taek Joo's face reflected
in the streetlight couldnt be described in words to Zhenia it was the prettiest
sight he had ever seen. Everywhere anyone could see was covered in
bandages or band-aids. His physique was still the same, but it seemed like
he had lost 5kg because his facial features had sharpened.

he didn't sleep well, so he had dark circles under his eyes. He was so pitiful
that Yoon Jong Woo didn't even feel resentment toward him anymore.

Yoon Jong Woo had no way of knowing where Taek Joo was or what he
was doing, as he had to keep the mission a secret even from his NIS

colleagues. It was common for him to not be able to be contacted during

combat, but he also wondered what he had been doing in the past few
months without any news. However, Taek Joo is also the type of person
who will suddenly appear and invite him to dinner, as if he just met the day
before if he completes the mission safely.

Yoon Jong Woo has never worried about Kwon Taek Joo's safety, but this
time it's a little different. After Taek Joo called back from Russia, he felt

uncomfortable. 'Yevgeny Vissarionovich Bogdanov', with whom he was

traveling at the time, was a character for whom no official information
could be found. That in itself wasn't a good sign, but the more he knew, the
more dangerous he became. He tried to tell that truth to Kwon Taek Joo, but
the two lost contact. He also didn't call back. Yoon Jong Woo reported to
Chief Lim in vain but all he was told was not to worry because Taek Joo
was safe. Then he put aside his thoughts and shook off his worries like an
old woman.

However, Tae Joo, whom he met again after a long time, didnt seem to be
safe.

"Did you bring the car?"

"Yes, over there."

Yoon Jong Woo carefully opened the car door. Both sat in the driver's seat
and passenger seat respectively.

"Where are we going now?"

"Let's talk here."

Taek Joo turned off the car engine and pulled out the memory chip from the
black box. He also deleted the location information recorded on the locator.

The inside of the car was dark because the headlights and interior lights
were turned off. It seemed that from the outside, no one could know the
presence of the people sitting inside.

Taek Joo only opened his mouth after erasing all traces.

"Chief didn't say anything? About me."

"Last time I was talking on the phone with my senior, the phone was
disconnected and you didn't contact me after that. I was very worried at that
time, so I told the department head about the name you went with. He told
me not to worry because you're fine. Isn't that right?"

"I'm fine... I'm not saying it's wrong because I'm not dead yet. So how's the
atmosphere at headquarters these days?"

"Oh, stop talking. I really don't have time to breathe these days. As of
yesterday, I had to work nights for 3 days in a row. Why? Not long ago
there were rumors that there would be a large-scale personnel changes. The
Blue House decided that the next head of the intelligence agency will be
one of the current deputy directors at NIS."

Stories like that still spread regularly. There are rumors that the current head
of NIS has announced his intention to resign due to personal reasons. The
head of the NIS is appointed by the president and the position is usually
held by an outsider. Although it is the highest leader, to prevent excessive
power, that position has only symbolic meaning. Actually, it is not
irrelevant that it would be easier to manage if the position held was by
someone close to the Blue House.

For that reason, it is an extremely unusual move for one of the deputy
directors to become NIS director. If the rumors are true, then only the
employees below are tired, because each department will have to work
harder to accumulate another achievement.

Yoon Jong Woo's complaint afterward is proof of that.

"The department head is also very active and treats everyone like slaves."

"Is there nothing else besides that?"

"Let's see. Well, here's one. I was recently transferred to the information
support team."

Only then, Kwon Taek Joo, who was looking straight ahead, turned his head
towards Yoon Jong Woo. "Why?", the boy shrugged indifferently.
"I was originally not suitable for the investigation team. From the
beginning, I did not go in that direction. When I joined headquarters, the
department head promised that if the investigation team had enough people,
I would be transferred to the support team. So it's not bad at all. As

expected, the support team's job is to race against time, not take risks like in
the field. Life insurance used to cost 1 million won a month, now Now
there's no need to buy half. Everything is good but..."

"But what?"

Yoon Jong Woo vaguely missed what he was saying. He was silent for a
moment, wondering if he should continue speaking or not. He waited a
moment and then continued.

"I still find something strange. Our team hasn't been staffed yet and I
haven't heard that there will be staff from another team transferring in. It's
not like I made a big mistake or anything." What a great achievement.

Whether it's a punishment or a reward, there's no reason to transfer me to

the support team right now. Or is this just an act of personnel
management?"

From the sounds of the complaints, there doesn't seem to be any obvious
reason. Such personnel actions are more likely to be based on the needs of
superiors.

"Dude, what was the last mission you took on in the investigation team?

'Destroy Kim Young Hee's group in Busan'*. That one?"

*This is act 1 scene 1 of the rabbit in the manhwa. The first incident in the
story before he was sent to Russia.

"I can't reveal it."

"Relax. Do you want to lose your life before talking?"

"...That's right, that's the case."

Kwon Taek Joo heard the answer and fell into thought. Looking back, it all
started right there. Immediately after arresting Kim Yeong Hee and her
accomplices in Busan, Chief Lim called him over and he immediately left
for Russia. Then, Yoon Jong Woo, a partner in that mission, suddenly had

his personnel adjusted. There is definitely something unclear. It is

impossible to transfer a gunner's assistant without notifying the gunner.

'If taken seriously, you are not qualified for this campaign.'

'Since the beginning you were so confused, how can I feel secure in this far
away place? So I've already found someone to help you.'

Looking back, there were many strange points. Partners are usually attached
before going live. Kwon Taek Joo prefers to work alone and he will
definitely refuse to work in a group, so there must be a reason for the delay
in announcing the partner. Even if he had given in and they had a good
reason to, the swapping of Salman and Zegna's photos was not a mistake at
all.

'Do you think you're hated there anyway? Did a place called the National
Intelligence Service send me my photo by mistake? That never happened.'

"I have one more mission."

'That is an order from the Korean side. What the hell have you been doing
in your own country? What did you do to be sent here and almost killed?'

Zhenia and Salman's words flashed through Taek Joo's mind. At this point,
it seems like the situation isn't just that bad. You definitely need to dig
deeper into it.

"How are the guys arrested in Busan?"

"Ah, maybe sir still doesn't know. It's a bit noisy. It was the strategy to wipe
them out on our passenger ship but because there were so many hostages
and even witnesses on the ship, they They couldn't just let it go quietly.
Perhaps they were afraid of being held responsible later, so instead of
claiming that those people were arrested by agents, they claimed that those
people were armed drug smugglers and were arrested by Coast Guard."

That is normal. Civilians do not know that there are still agents in Korea
today, and the government also wants to avoid social unrest as much as

possible.

"And Kim Young Hee drank poison right before being arrested."

"Poison?"

A wrinkle formed in the middle of Taek Joo's forehead. Yoon Jong Woo
nodded and said that she was dead when the police arrived.

Kim Young Hee also attempted to commit suicide when she was captured
by Taek Joo at that time. However, immediately after that he tied her left
hand with handcuffs and hung it on the railing, and her right hand was hit
by a bullet. He even stuffed a handkerchief into her mouth so she couldn't
bite her tongue. How could Kim Young Hee harm herself?

"Tell me more clearly. Why is that so?"

"I don't know either. After that, the whole team was quickly mobilized. It
seems the department head wrote the report on your behalf because the
senior was not here."

If there is no doubt, there will be no doubt. Nothing is impossible if you try

to understand it by all means. And once he asked the question, Taek Joo felt
everything was suspicious. He knew the situation was quite unusual, but he
also didn't know the cause. He felt like he had missed an important clue.

It seems he has to reconsider from the beginning again. If so, it will take
time, so Kwon Taek Joo's return to Korea will have to be kept a secret for
the time being. Deep in thought, he softly called out "Jong Woo."

"Yes... Yes??"
"Don't tell anyone you saw me."

"Why not?"

"Because there might be an arrest warrant for me in the future. If they knew
you were meeting me today, you would be considered an accomplice."

"Yes? What the hell did you do?"

Yoon Jong Woo shouted in shock. Pupils seemed about to roll down from
wide open eyes. Taek Joo flicked his finger on his forehead. Yoon Jong
Woo rubbed the painful area as he spoke.

"If sir really caused trouble, you wouldn't come back here, right? You
would have run away."

"..Yeah, right? There's no way criminals can properly appear in front of NIS

officers. Don't you know what fear is?"

Yoon Jong Woo muttered to himself and then quickly understood. Taek Joo
turned his head and smiled. Yoon Jong Woo immediately understood the
meaning of that smile and blushed and said not to laugh at him. That's right,
if you look at the madness in shooting games, Yoon Jong Woo is honestly
the best agent in this field.

Yoon Jong Woo's phone suddenly rang. He said "Wait a minute," then
checked the message he had just received. Outside the window the sky
gradually brightened as dawn appeared. There were no passersby but they
were still alert.

"Spam is really tiring."

Yoon Jong Woo quickly put his phone in his pocket. He tried to pretend to
be calm, but his tone seemed to have stiffened a bit. Taek Joo just rolled his
eyes to scan him once. He nervously touched the gun on his belt, then threw
his gaze out the window and calmly warned.

"Don't act stupid. I don't want to knock you out."

"What, I don't understand what senior means."

"What, don't you understand? Don't be so obvious, kid."

Yoon Jong Woo sighed deeply after being scolded as if teasing him. His
shoulders, stiff with tension, also drooped.

"As sir said, an internal arrest warrant has just been issued. Please report to
your superiors as soon as you contact sir."

"What is the charge?"

"I heard you were suspected of being an insider with a Russian intelligence
agent? Didn't you mention that guy? It's Yevgeny Visarionovich
Bogdanov."

Laughter broke out. It's absurd. The entanglement with zhenia was
completely the headquarters' fault and Taek Joo himself went through all
the hardships when he reluctantly attached himself to him, and he came
back alive but they made it up like this. Of course, whether you like it or
not, accompanying him to the gathering place of important Russian figures
is also a fact, so just that situation alone can easily be forced into revealing
secrets. nation. He even impersonated Chief Lim to Sergei. Yoon Jong Woo
doesn't know what mission Taek Joo himself was on and there's no other
way to prove it, because zhenia blows up the hotel and all evidence about
him is destroyed. The same goes for Zhenia's mistakenly sent photo. If Taek
Joo is arrested by headquarters, all suspicions will be against him.

Someone is planning. Taek Joo himself is just a horse playing around on it.

When did the drama unfold? After Taek Joo was sent to Russia? Or after
you arrested Kim Young Hee and his accomplices in Busan? Perhaps
wiping them out was also included in the script.

There are clearly two goals in the Russian campaign. Anastasia and Taek
Joo himself.
"What's going on? The suspicion is an insider accusation, if this continues,
it will involve the crime of revealing national secrets. Unbelievable... There
is no way the senior would interact with That Russian bastard. If so, I
wouldn't have called to let you find out who he was. That would be like
publicly proving that I was in contact with him, right? I wouldn't have come
back if I knew. that the arrest warrant will fall in front of you..."

Yoon Jong Woo didn't know whether to laugh or cry. His trembling eyes
clearly showed insecurity. As an NIS employee, he had to follow

headquarters' orders, but he seemed confused by the questions about the

instructions he received.

Taek Joo had no choice but to briefly tell what happened in Russia. Yoon
Jong Woo listened carefully then shook his head at the truth about what
happened to Taek Joo and the headquarters. If identities are revealed during
normal operations, the NIS will cut off support to the agent to avoid
national surveillance. Even so, inside the headquarters there are still
carefully considered countermeasures.

However, Yoon Jong Woo had not felt such an atmosphere until now. To
him, who was always worried about Tae Joo's safety, Chief Lim still told
him to relax. Something is definitely not normal.

"What do you think, sir?"

"I don't know for sure. We'll have to find out from now on."

"You still don't have any proof, okay? If you keep moving on faith like this,
it's too dangerous. If it's true as you guess, someone at headquarters
arranged this, they definitely won't let you freedom of movement.

Assuming it's not simply an insider but revealing national secrets, they will
involve the prosecutor. At that time, if they are caught, their lives will be
over."

"I don't know if I'll be arrested if I keep going like this. Someone keeps
stepping on me, but I have to try until my last breath. First I will investigate
again from Kim Young Hee. No matter what I think, Looks like I missed
something there."

"We're done with that case, is there anything else we can investigate now?"

"Maybe we don't know. We just looked at a tree Kim Young Hee and forgot
that there was a whole forest. Maybe they threw Kim Young Hee as bait to
distract us. Looking back I caught her so easily back then."

"The situation is quite similar to now. There are many suspicious points but
I have no evidence. At that time, Kim Young Hee contacted Lee Cheol Jin."

"The arrest warrant alone is enough to make things difficult. If you're

careless, it's inevitable that you'll be arrested, and you'll be imprisoned on
all sorts of charges. However, if you're careful, it's still possible." some
hope."

Agents often compare their situation to that of a bloodhound. Despite their

dedication to the country, their often cruelly abandoned when faced with a
crisis. Taek Joo knew there was no other way, which was also what he was
ready for when he became a special agent. But this is not an inevitable
situation. It is impossible to a sacrifice work just for someone's needs.

Yoon Jong Woo groaned and put his head on the steering wheel. He dreams
of becoming the main character in superhero movies, action movies, and
shooting games. Applying to the National Intelligence Agency was also part
of that aspiration. However, he doesn't know what to do when he encounters
a situation like in the movie.

The arrest warrant for Taek Joo had been issued. If he helped him even a
little, he could be accused of agreeing to help. If you are more unlucky, you
will easily be accused of complicity.

The most miserable moment as a civil servant is wondering between finding

out the truth and silently ignoring it, and because he is human, Yoon Jong
Woo has no other choice but to be shaken.

However, when I think back, it was correct to obey the headquarters' orders.
There was no reason for him to put himself in danger by falling into the trap
of friendship or camaraderie. All Yoon Jong Woo has to do is follow his
beliefs to live a long and leisurely life. Living healthy in this world is
already too difficult.

Yoon Jong Woo, after continuously rationalizing his thoughts, finally spoke.

"Can I help you sir?"

Yoon Jong Woo betrayed his reason in pursuit of safety when his
conscience spoke up.

Hide and seek - Back

A while later, Taek Joo boarded the express bus bound for Taebaek. Before
entering the main stage of the journey, there was someone he wanted to
meet. He reviewed the information related to Kim Young Hee in the
investigation documents during the car trip.

Kim Young Hee left Korea for China and then Japan when she was 20 years
old. After a year, she went to New York and lived there for ten years to
clear her citizenship. By the time she entered Korea, her identity had
transformed into that of a perfect second-generation immigrant.

The investigation into Kim Young Hee began with the awareness of that
suspicion. Headquarters obtained intelligence about her and then decided to
assign the capture task to Taek Joo as usual. After monitoring media data
such as Kim Young Hee's SNS and emails, he determined that she had
received instructions from North Korea.

However, the results of eavesdropping or monitoring cannot be used as

evidence. Evidence obtained from direct interrogation is needed to prove
Kim Young Hee's crime of espionage. Even when the "fish" was caught,
appropriate evidence could not be found, so an arrest could not be made. At
that moment, Kim Young Hee herself revealed it herself. The investigation
became intense and Taek Joo chased her to Busan to attack the scene where
she came into contact with Lee Cheol Jin. Everything went smoothly.
But is that really the case? Taek Joo may have missed something important.

From the process of realizing the existence of a spy to the investigation and
arrest, it was so easy. On the other hand, the aftertaste of being captured is
not very pleasant. Kim Young Hee and a military officer committed suicide,
Taek Joo and Yoon Jong Woo who participated in the capture mission were
unable to follow the operation to the end. As a result, the case was handed
over to the prosecution with some evidence missing. Every time she
contemplates, Taek Joo feels more uncomfortable and confused.

He looked at the report that Chief Lim had submitted on his behalf,
everything looked very reasonable. The data that Kim Young Hee tried to
transfer to Lee Cheol Jin was related to military secrets and could only be
accessed by a few people. The military officer who committed suicide was
one of them, and he had a very close relationship with Kim Young Hee. He
maintained his innocence to the end, but in the report, they recorded that he
was a person of high social status so he committed suicide because he could
not overcome the psychological pressure. There's nothing to doubt, but
there's also no evidence to refute it. Even those who might have objected
disappeared. More and more, Taek Joo wondered if he had misunderstood
something.

The bus arrived three hours later. It was starting to get dark. The location
that Yoon Jong Woo wrote on the paper was quite far from the bus station
and there were only two buses a day, soTaek Joo decided to take a taxi.

After looking at the address, he agreed with the driver to add a little tip and
they departed. The taxi left the city center and drove for a long time on a
winding mountain road. The car drove non-stop, approaching the top of the
mountain.

When the navigation system ends the instructions, everything around is

completely submerged in darkness.

"According to the address, it seems to be somewhere nearby..."

The taxi driver looked out the window with suspicion. Of course. Because
there was no light around, not even a streetlight. A place in the middle of a
mountain seemed to show no signs of life, but Taek Joo still paid in full as
promised and got out of the car.

He confidently walked down the dark dirt road ahead. The taxi quickly
turned around and returned the way it came. The sound of the engine
quickly disappeared, but Taek Joo didn't pay attention. He was too used to
the dead silence while being held on a deserted island.

Taek Joo continued walking, the bumpy dirt road disappeared and a
mountain road with dense trees began. This is not a climbing path but just a

path leading into the forest. Is there a hermitage in the mountains? Or did
Taek Joo go the wrong way?

Taek Joo hesitantly stood at the beginning of the road. He walked back and
forth then suddenly heard the sound of a car door opening somewhere. He
turned around, a man stepped out of an old truck in the darkness. He looked
like a ranger wearing a large coat and hiking hat.

"There. Don't go in there. The climbing path-..."

The man tried to stop Taek Joo.

"... Huh? Who are you?"

"It's been a long time since I last saw you, Doctor."

Taek Joo recognized the man and greeted him. The man also recognized
him and gave him a familiar smile.

"What are you doing here? You're not climbing a mountain in the middle of
the night, are you?"

"I'm here to see the Doctor."

"What doctor? It's been a long time since anyone called me that."

Like Taek Joo, Dr. Jo was a member of the National Security Agency until
two years ago. His job is to produce high-tech equipment needed for
intelligence activities. Because Taek Joo performed so many missions, the
two naturally became close. But since Dr. Jo retired, Taek Joo hasnt seen
him since. Partly because of his busy work, but also because he did not
leave any contact information.

"Don't stay here, go home first."

Following Dr. Jo's advice, Taek Joo climbed into the old truck with him.

The engine starts making a noise like boiling water.

"Did you come empty-handed?"

"Of course not."

Taek Joo shook the bag he was holding. Inside, the bottles collided with
each other, making clear, clear sounds. Dr. Jo smiled contentedly.

"You're such a sneaky bastard."

He added, "I'll give you the chance to stay in the worst room in the
country."

The old truck staggered and crawled in the dark. After about 10 minutes,
the two arrived at a small village with only 5 or 6 houses, but enough for
shelter.

It seemed like there weren't many people living in this place, and it was
already late at night so there were no lights on anywhere.

Dr. Jo's residence was located in the farthest space. The front yard of the
house was full of scrap metal from unknown sources. If strangers saw it,
they would mistake it for a landfill rather than a place to live.

Inside the house is not much different. One side of the room is covered with
a blanket and a table with leftovers from the previous meal left intact.

"Sit down."
Taek Joo hung the clothes scattered on the floor on the wall and tidied up.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jo had set up a table of drinks. Dishes only include kimchi
and tuna. Even so, the two of them gulped down two bottles of soju in the
blink of an eye.

"You really didn't come here to see this wrinkled face, did you? Why did it
suddenly appear?"

"I need your help Doctor."

Taek Joo answered honestly. Dr. Jo smiled determinedly.

"You stopped your current work to come this old man... Are you planning to
work without letting headquarters know?"

"Yes."

"Then I also have to know a little about that situation. Retired state
employees should be able to live comfortably."

Sure. Taek Joo cant ask for help without explaining anything. He tried to
briefly summarize everything that happened recently.

Dr. Jo listened carefully and then suggested another approach.

"That, wouldn't it be more comfortable to pretend you don't know? If you're

worried about the situation later, you can face Chief Lim right now and
compromise if you're hated by your superiors and forced to Wrong crime.

You are no stranger to such things. You are still young now, so you need to
consider which side will benefit more. I think you are not the type of person
who will risk your life for justice, right? ?"

"I've considered it, but I can't accept defeat and just live quietly like that. If
there was room for compromise, headquarters wouldn't have issued an
arrest warrant so lightly. Now then." The only way is to play the chicken
game."
"Tsk tsk. When you're old, you'll regret it. When your bones dry up, you'll
regret what you did today."

"Because Dr. Jo doesn't know, that's why I say that. I was abandoned in
Russia and went through a lot of things that I will have to suffer from for
the rest of my life."

Taek Joo spoke as if he was about to kill someone, but his mind was still
completely clear. Dr. Jo poured him another glass.

"So you want me to be your accomplice?"

"If I get caught, I'll say it's my fault. Please Tell them you were threatened
by me."

"It's OK."

Both laughed loudly. Dr. Jo looked at Taek Joo with a look of mockery and
complaint.

"I just want to live a normal and small life when I retire, but bad people
have come here to cause trouble."

Dr. Jo crawled to the bed and just fell down. Not long after, a steady snoring
sound filled the room.

Taek Joo also lay down on the floor after cleaning up the messy wine table.

It's been a long time since he slept comfortably like this. Taek Joo looked
up at the low ceiling and slowly closed his eyes.

Taek Joo wandered aimlessly through the alleys of Moscow. Then he found
a small bar with no signs.

Strong cigarette smoke greeted Taek Joo as soon as he opened the door and
entered. There was no ventilation anywhere, making his vision blurry. Taek
Joo broke through the stuffy atmosphere and went deeper inside.
Taek Joo stood in front of the bar. The man who appeared to be the owner
of the shop handed out vodka as usual. He pushed the glass aside and
suddenly asked.

"I need a passport."

"Why are you looking for your passport here? You see, this is just a bar."

The man behaved as if he knew nothing. The others who were watching the
two of them laughed crudely. Several of them turned towards the bar and
swayed their giant bodies. Some threaten by cracking their knuckles.

"I'm busy, don't waste each other's time."

Despite Taek Joo's warning, the man continued to laugh. There was the
sound of a chair being pulled out from behind. Taek Joo lowered his head as
he felt the back of his neck tense. A huge fist cut through the air uselessly.

He immediately grabbed a wooden chair and hit him on the head. The giant
groaned and fell down.

The other men saw that scene and immediately rushed in without hesitation.

Taek Joo placed his back on the bar table and kicked both legs at the same
time. Two men who were trying to lift the table in the back were kicked in
the chest and collapsed.

Soon, the inside of the shop became chaotic. In another unexpected turn of
events, one of the two men pulled out a knife. He licked his thin lips and
gripped the handle of the knife tightly, his half-closed eyes shining
strangely.

But after a moment, he flinched and stopped, because Taek Joo took out the
Colt and aimed it at his forehead. For a moment, all movement and noise in
the bar was silent. The only thing that could be heard was the rapid
breathing of the excited man.

He rolled his eyes, looked into the void, then suddenly swung his knife.
Taek Joo easily dodged his attack and pulled the trigger.

'AHH!'

The knife fell with a clear gunshot. Its owner grabbed his right hand with
severed fingers and shouted "ILL KILL YOU". Taek Joo picked up the
fallen knife and stuck it on the bar. The knife was stuck firmly so it kept
swaying from side to side. The energetic bar owner reluctantly retracted his
hand and tilted his chin behind the bar. Taek Joo followed him.

As expected, the room was equipped with fake devices. From identification
cards such as passports to certificates and travel documents, the types of
transactions are indeed very diverse. taek Joo took passport photos on the
spot and paid half the cost in advance. He decided to hand over the rest
when he received his passport. Taek Joo gave him some more money and
asked him to buy a train ticket to Beijing.

That evening, Taek Joo received a third-class ticket for the train to Beijing
and a fake passport. The passport had a strange name and personal
information written on it in Japanese, and even in Taek Joo's eyes, it was
quite perfect. While he was paying the remaining amount, the bar owner
secretly asked.

"I heard someone is looking for an Asian who wants to fake a passport. Is it
you?"

"Who's that?"

"Psych Bogdanov."

For a split second, his heart skipped a beat. It's also not something that can
be predicted. Taek Joo thought that Zhenia would chase him as punishment
for the beating he suffered. Even so, his heart still pounded when he heard
that he was actually moving.

zhenia clearly predicted Taek Joo's next move. If he can find even a bar that
Taek Joo went to, it's only a matter of time before he gets caught again.
Taek Joo stepped on the train under the bar owner's watchful eyes. The shop
owner stood and watched until the train closed all the doors and left the
station before leaving. Taek Joo, who was looking for an opportunity inside
the train, immediately opened the window and jumped onto the tracks. He
avoided injury thanks to his speed.

Taek Joo just disappeared and moved to a local airport. He then bought a
one-way flight to Shanghai with cash. Immigration officers checked the
passport here and there and stamped it without any special problems. A sigh
of relief escaped his lips.

But Taek Joo still couldn't relax even after boarding the plane. He didn't
know why he was so restless during the short time before takeoff.

Immediately after that, the boarding gate closed and the crew headed to
their seats. After getting ready, the plane slowly began to move.

Finally, Taek Joo left Russia to die. Everything went smoothly, until the
plane, moving toward the runway, suddenly stopped.

The crew hurriedly gathered into the cockpit. Passengers also looked
around continuously in an unusual atmosphere.

A moment later, the announcement on the plane rang out.

"Please inform passengers. Departure will be delayed for a while due to an

emergency request from the airport police. We hope passengers will
understand and cooperate."

The passengers' eyes simultaneously turned to the window. Taek Joo saw an
official vehicle driving in the distance. The plane quickly moved off the
runway and landed on a separate stand.

The emergency stairs were quickly connected and someone was slowly
going up that way. Suddenly Taek Joo's heart was pounding, pounding
heavily. His mouth was dry with an ominous feelingl.
Taek Joo turned his head to the opposite window. There's no reason for that
to be the case, he's probably just worrying for nothing. Taek Joo denied the
thoughts that were dominating and constantly inflating in his head. Finally,
the person boarding the plane slowly walked down the aisle. All eyes were
on him so Taek Joo couldn't help but pay attention.

Finally, his steps suddenly stopped. Taek Joo still ignored him but he was
able to recognize his true identity immediately, because that unique scent
immediately entered his nose.

Taek Joo didn't dare turn his head to look at him at all, every cell in his
body seemed to be frozen.

"Do you think you can just run away like this?"

Every word he spit out was like a sharp needle. The conversation quickly
turned cold. Taek Joo's ears perked up as a beeping sound rang out in his
ears.

His cold hand tightened on Taek Joo's wrist like a handcuff. When Taek Joo
looked back in surprise, the passengers filling the plane had disappeared
and the surroundings were in darkness. All that's left is Taek Joo and the
guy holding him. He whispered under his breath and then tightened his grip
to the point where he could crush his bones.

"You can't go, Taek Joo."

"...Holy fuck!"

Taek Joo took a deep breath and opened his eyes. His vision was blurry and
spinning. The moldy wallpaper and the damp, undulating ceiling met his
eyes. Where is this? Taek Joo tried to calm down, think and finally
remembered that he had come to find Dr. Jo.

Drops of sweat formed on his delicate, trembling eyelashes. Taek Joo's

whole body had goosebumps, his heart was beating fast and heavily. He sat
up, cold sweat running down his spine, his eyebrows furrowed at the
terrible feeling. There was no time for quiet as an even more strange and
haunting feeling began to surface. Taek Joo clenched his fist and quickly
placed it on his mouth to suppress his emotions. The suspense has not yet
completely dissipated, the breathing and heartbeat become even more
intense.

It was just a dream. Taek Joo doesnt expect Zhenia to let him go lightly.

Zhenia isnt someone who can simply be ignored, and since when has his
attitude towards Taek Joo changed in such an incomprehensible way.

What happened in the nightmare was quite similar to reality when Taek Joo
fled Russia. He got off the train and boarded a plane to Shanghai at a local
airport, but he didn't run into zhenia.

Taek Joo faked his passport in Shanghai to enter Korea, he had to use a ship
with a relatively lower level of vigilance, because if Taek Joo himself was

falling into someone's plot, entering The scene from the beginning was a
difficult hurdle.

His subconscious still reminded him not to let his guard down around
zhenia.

Taek Joo shook his head to regain his composure. He looked around and
realized Dr. Jo was no longer in the room. He must have woken up very
early.

Taek Joo opened the creaky door and went outside, the cool morning air
rushing deep into his lungs. He walked to the faucet and turned on the
water. Ice-cold water gushed out. His hands were filled with water and then
splashed on his sweaty face. After washing his face, his mind also became
clearer, and the thinking circuit that had stopped working seemed to return.

"The sun is up and you're just waking up now?"

Taek Joo turned around when he heard the sound of clicking his tongue. Dr.

Jo is preparing the table. He quickly walked over to help lay out the food.
Breakfast is simple with two types of kimchi and soy bean soup cooked
with sliced onions, potatoes and zucchini.

Taek Joo didn't have an appetite, maybe because he drank last night or
because the nightmare made his stomach hurt, but he still sat down to eat a
little while thinking about Dr. Jo's sincerity.

"What did you dream about last night that made you gasp? I was wondering
if I needed to call an ambulance."

Taek Joo choked violently, almost spitting out what he was chewing. He
couldn't answer so he just quickly drank water. It wasn't even a dirty dream
at all but he suddenly felt embarrassed about being caught. Dr. Jo's eyes
widened in surprise at that unusual reaction. He smiled mischievously and
then seriously changed the subject.

"So what you'll just stay one night then head off?"

"Yes."

Taek Joo nodded without hesitation.

"There's no other way, right? Then let me know what you need, I'll prepare
it right away."

"Thanks."

"It will be quite difficult. Even if I help you, in the end youll have to fight
on your own."

Taek Joo nodded silently. Dr. Jo looked at him with some sympathy then he
stood up. The two got on an old truck and drove to a nearby hill. Dr. Jo
parked the car at the bottom of the hill and confidently started climbing the
mountain road. It was a long and narrow climbing path but there was no
trace of anyone passing by. Even the elk don't seem to be going that way.

After climbing for more than an hour, a small cabin appeared. Taek Joo
could tell intuitively, it was Dr. Jo's personal laboratory. The inside was just
like his home, with many miscellaneous objects scattered around. Pens,
lighters, ties, hats and other common items, but in this context, they take on
an unusual look that makes the space more unique.

Dr. Jo suddenly handed a pen to Taek Joo, who was engrossed in looking
around the cabin.

"It's a device that can deflect laser light or move it in a parallel direction. It
looks simple but is quite useful."

As if to demonstrate, Dr. Jo pulled down the curtain. Taek Joo also closed
the blackout curtain behind him. The inside of the cabin soon became dark.

As Dr. Jo operates the computer, dark blue lasers bounce off from
everywhere forming a grid. Looks like the security device has been
activated. Dr. Jo rotated the cap of the pen and held it toward the laser.

Then, like pieces of metal being attracted to a magnet, all the laser beams

began to move along with the pen. It seems that just having that pen makes
most security devices useless.

Dr. Jo said that it could be used in a different way and then picked up a
targeting device mounted on the gun. He turned on the laser and aimed it at
his heart. He then bent the laser beam again with the pen from before. The
red laser beams were strangely broken or stretched straight up.

After explaining, Dr. Jo gave the pen to Taek Joo and opened the curtains.

Kwon Taek Joo then personally prepared the necessary items that were
around.

"Here, this looks like a normal laptop, but it is a machine that can create
artificial skin, fingerprints, iris lenses, etc. Perfect practical implementation
is possible with just a simple scan. The stick here is as soft as clay, but if
pressed into the hole, it will quickly harden in that shape and can copy any
key. But how did you get here? So?"

Dr. Jo asked questions instead of happily introducing his inventions. He

looked at Taek Joo's surprised eyes and then pointed to the small screen
under the table.

"The detective dogs have already smelled the scent."

The screen showed troops and police climbing through dense trees. Looks
like the location has been leaked.

Dr. Jo took out his bag and gave it to Taek Joo. He also coordinated his
hands and feet and swept advanced equipment into it.

"If you are caught, I will declare that I was threatened by you and give all
my belongings to you."

Dr. Jo leads Taek Joo to the emergency exit. He nodded and patted his back,

"Go quickly." Taek Joo bowed and quickly exited through the emergency
exit. He lowered his body and quickly advanced between the dense bushes.

Dr. Jo watched for a moment then locked the door. The table that was
pushed aside was also moved back to its original position and the
emergency exit was completely obscured.

When everything was finished, there was a knock on the door from outside.

The newly arrived army and police were breathing heavily outside the door.

Dr. Jo opened the door without hesitation and fulfilled his duties as a park
ranger.

"Everyone must have had a hard time climbing up here, but we have to go
down now. This is a restricted area."

Hide and seek - I saw you

Professor Yoon Jin Ae's room, English department, Korean university.

A knock on the closed door gave permission to enter. The door opened and
Professor Yoon's eyes moved from the screen to the door. She had assumed
it was a student or a teaching assistant, but the visitor surprised her.
"Why did you come here?"

The middle-aged man bowed his head.

"I have a few questions regarding Professor Kim Young Hee. Can I come
in?"

Professor Yoon's face tightened.

"Hmm.. I don't know what you're expecting, but I also don't know much
about that person. Everything I know is not true so I have nothing more to
say. So I hope you Please go back."

She drew clear boundaries and expressed her discomfort, but the man
remained gentle and did not back down.

"Please. Just a moment."

"Who are you anyway? Are you a reporter?"

"Ah, I'm late for introductions."

The man pulled out his ID card and showed it to Professor Yoon, who was
wary.

"I am the prosecutor's investigator in charge of Kim Young Hee's case. I

came because there is a part that needs to be added in the trial."

The man who was explaining those things had a face similar to Chief Kim,
but in reality, it was Taek Joo disguised as him. His identity card and
appearance were so fake that even his family had a hard time telling the
difference.

Professor Yoon sighed as if disappointed.

"Honestly, I don't know anything. A few years ago I went to a conference

and knew her through the introduction of another professor. We exchanged
a few words right when our school decided to hire her. So we live close to
each other but don't know about each other's private lives. But it's all just a
disguise, what else can I say to the investigator?

Even after living in the same house for more than a decade, people often
cannot know that their spouse is a spy. Furthermore, there is no way she
could have been aware of Kim Young Hee's activities within the co-worker
relationship. What Taek Joo was trying to confirm is much more trivial.

"At the time of her arrest, Kim Young Hee was wearing a ring on the ring
finger of her left hand. That ring is almost unworn, professor, do you know
what ring it is?"

"I heard she's getting married. She's been dating a man. I don't know who it
is, but I've seen him several times on her phone."

Is that man the dead military officer? But he has a family. Social status and
self-image are important to spies. Based on that stance, it seems that she
will not publicly announce that she is about to marry a married man. If she
approached a military officer with the intention of stealing confidential
information, their date would have to be more discreet. At least my
colleagues couldn't notice.

If so, then there is definitely someone else. Taek Joo was quite confident
but he did not rush to make a decision. This time he must dig step by step.

"I wonder if you know where you bought that ring?"

"Normally I don't know because men are the ones buying the rings."

"But... you mean you know?"

"Yes. The person who designed the ring is the wife of a member of the same
academy."

Professor Yoon immediately took out a business card and gave it to Kwon
Taek Joo. "Let's try to find out," he felt a firm voice telling him to stop the
questioning.
Taek Joo immediately went to the jewelry store that Professor Yoon
mentioned. Seeing Taek Joo in a neat suit, the manager warmly greeted him
and guided him to the consultation desk.

"Excuse me, what are you looking for?"

"I want to see a ring."

"Ah, so that's it. Are you going to use it to propose?"

Taek Joo nodded. Thinking he was shy, the manager smiled and took out
the request form.

"Do you want any special design?"

"I'm not very familiar with this stuff... could you show me around?"

"Of course."

The manager happily took the tablet and opened up the catalogs. He
scrolled through each product photo and gave explanations that bordered on
praise. Taek Joo listened briefly and only carefully observed the photos.

"Don't you know what the bride-to-be likes? Some people like fancy things,
and some people like simple things... .".

Suddenly an image caugh Taek Joo's eyes. That is it. That is the ring that
Kim Young Hee wore.

"This ring..."

"Ah, you like that design?"

The manager, who was embarrassed by Taek Joo's sullen reaction from
beginning to end, suddenly became happy, but he was immediately
confused after checking the relevant information.

"Sorry, but that ring was specially designed for a teacher to give to an
acquaintance. It is not an ordinary product but a type of work created by
hand. It would be impossible to make another one like it, I can make a
similar one. What do you think?"

"When was this ring made?"

"Hmm. I don't know, but it probably has been half a year."

"This isn't a couple ring, right?"

"No it is. This is perfect for proposals and gifts."

"So the person who bought it must have been a man, right?"

"What?... Yes i suppose."

The manager's smile faded from the questions that continued to pour out
like flowing water, his eyes silently shining with suspicion. It seemed he
was slowly backing away.

"Sorry could you tell me where the bathroom is..."

"Ah, yes. Over there."

Taek Joo walked in the direction the manager pointed. He pretended not to
notice the prying eyes clearly following behind him and walked into the
bathroom aisle.

The phone bell suddenly rang. The manager finally looked away and went
to answer the phone. During that time, Taek Joo went out alone again. He

saw the surveillance camera mounted in the center of the ceiling as soon as
he entered. Cameras record the entire store's activities in real time because
the products on display are expensive items.

A moment later Taek Joo arrived in front of the office. He gently lowered
the door handle, but it was locked tightly. Taek Joo took the clay bar he
received from Dr. Jo and pushed it into the keyhole. He waited a few
seconds then tried turning it carefully, the locking device was immediately
removed. Taek Joo went inside, careful not to make any noise.
As expected, a computer was inside. He turned on the power and inserted
the USB into the slot. Immediately after that, an import window appears.
The hacking program is executed by entering a specific command.Taek Joo
specified the copy scope as the entire hard drive and pressed Enter. A
progress bar graph appeared on the screen.

Taek Joo waited and observed the movement outside the door. The manager
seemed to still be on the phone. He just kept apologizing over and over, so
pitiful.

The copy was quickly completed. Taek Joo took the USB back and turned
off the computer. He arranged the mouse back to its original position and
went out. Taek Joo also didnt forget to lock the door with a hard clay bar
and stop by the bathroom to wash his hands.

"I'm very sorry. When you have time, please come visit and we will be
more than happy to help you. No, that's not it. It's not that I intend to ignore
it, it's just that there are other customers here."

Taek Joo returned to his seat and pretended to take his coat and take a photo
of the ring in the catalog. He then approached the manager who was still
holding the phone. As soon as their eyes met, he stopped.

"It seems you're busy. I'll come back later."

"Yes? No, I..."

He didn't have time to stop Taek Joo because the voice on the other side of
the receiver continued to sound. The manager's face showed a tired look.

Taek Joo left the store after he asked him to stop by again next time.

Taek Joo quickly walked out, the phone in his pocket rang. The only person
who knows this phone number is Yoon Jong Woo. He took out his phone
and walked away while receiving the call.

- Sir did you manage to get it?

"Who do you think I am."

- haha of course

- The ring, have you checked it yet? Is it really there?

"Yes. I found the ring. Now I just need to find someone."

If there is a hidden truth, the clue is contained in the USB. "I will contact
you later," Taek Joo ended the call with Yoon Jong Woo and took longer
strides.

Taek Joo checked the sales records in the copied files. Quarterly revenue
data is organized in detail. According to the manager, Kim Young Hee's
ring was made about half a year ago. The search scope was set by Taek Joo
to the fourth quarter of last year and transaction details, deposit and
withdrawal records from bank accounts, and sales records were entered.

Taek Joo searched for the name of Kim Young Hee's ring model.

Two results soon emerged. Taek Joo clicked on the transaction statement.

The credit card information that paid for the ring is written on it. The owner

of the card is not the deceased military officer. However, there was a
strangely familiar name that caught Taek Joo's eyes.

"This...."

Suddenly a character with the same name appeared completely

unexpectedly in Taek Joo's mind. It's not a common name, but it's not a very
rare one either. Assuming that person is involved, the suspicions are mostly
resolved. But that's just an assumption. Caution is required.

He also opened the surveillance camera recording. To prepare for

unexpected situations, a whole year's worth of videos have been kept intact
by the store. Among them, Taek Joo replayed the video on the day that
coincided with the sales invoice.

Since early morning, there have been quite a few customers coming in and
out. Taek Joo also saw the manager and designer he just met. However,
there was no one in particular that attracted his attention. Taek Joo fast
forward the video at 4x speed. He looked at it for an hour and then stopped.

He rewinded the screen that had just passed and played it back at normal
speed.

A man and a woman visited after lunch. The designer personally came out
to welcome the two. The image quality of the video is not very good, but
the woman clearly looks like Kim Young Hee. However, the man hovering
around the corner of the screen could not be seen clearly. Suddenly Taek
Joo felt deja vu from that figure.

He sighed as he zoomed in on the screen like a habit. The place where Taek
Joo was sitting was a shabby computer room. Unable to enlarge the screen
and unable to improve image quality, it seemed he needed Yoon Jong Woo's
help.

Taek Joo carefully uploaded the video to a website and logged into Yoon
Jong Woo's favorite shooting game. He left his ID, password and requests
in a note, then deleted all usage records on his computer and left.

As soon as he left the computer room, Taek Joo entered a big street. He
naturally blended into the crowd and walked away.

"...."

How long have you been gone? Taek Joo became aware of an unusual sign
from behind. The road was filled with pedestrians. Some of them may had
the same destination. However, it was strange when a person followed Taek
Joo while looking at the back of his head. At that moment, the faces of the
people behind were reflected in the window of the car turning right. There
are three people in total. They all closely watched Taek Joo.

There was an entrance to the subway station nearby, Taek Joo pretended to
pass by, then suddenly turned around and walked into it.

"GO!"
The pursuers no longer pretended to be people on the road and hurriedly
gave chase. They pushed people climbing up the stairs like water at the
train station while fiercely chasing Taek Joo.

Taek Joo jumped through the ticket gate and avoided other passengers to
climb up the railing of a staircase. He didnt slow down and slid down the
steep railing.

When the pursuers arrived at the station, Taek Joo had disappeared. The
men exchanged signs in silence and then dispersed in various directions.

One of them walked around and checked the faces of the sparsely lined
passengers while those who remained continued to turn in other directions.

At that moment, the announcement that a train was about to arrive rang out.

He became more impatient.

The man's eyes looked around and then suddenly fixed on one place. There
was another man holding up a newspaper and covering his face. He gently
approached, one of his hands reached inside his jacket and grabbed the gun.

Soon the train arrived. In a split second, he tugged at the newspaper.

Contrary to expectations, the newspaper fell so easily but he did not have a

chance to wonder, because a strong shock fell on his neck.

"... ugh!"

He clutched his neck and staggered kicking the man. Passengers around
were panicked by the sudden violence. The other pursuers who noticed the
commotion also rushed over.

At that moment, the train doors opened and people poured out. The helpless
pursuers were carried away by that fierce crowd. Taek Joo looked around
then leisurely walked onto the subway. The pursuers pushed their way
through the crowd and tried to approach, but the train doors closed first.
Taek Joo stood leaning his tired body against the train for a while. The
movement of the subway train running on the tracks was transmitted to him
intact. By now the other men must have called for backup, so he had to get
off at the next stop. Kwon Taek Joo was calculating how to escape the siege
when his phone suddenly rang. The caller was definitely Yoon Jong Woo.

"Uh. Have you checked yet?"

- Sir... This is not a composite, right?

Yoon Jong Woo asked in a confused voice. Isn't the name found on the sales
invoice the same person?

"What's up?"

- If you watch it live, it will be clear. I just sent it to senior.

Taek Joo checked the image just sent. It appears to be an image taken and
edited from a video. The person in the picture is definitely someone that
Taek Joo knows. The person who promised Kim Young Hee a future was
not the dead military officer. He is just a ruse to hide the truth.

Taek Joo put the phone to his ear again.

"Fuck."

-.What are you going to do now? Should we send this to the prosecutor in
charge?

"No, not yet."

- What's up? What better evidence do we have?

The train has arrived at the next station. Taek Joo carefully looked around
and then quickly walked out.

"It's not enough. We've gotta have something better."

"I'll try to find it and get back to you, so until then, Jong Woo, be careful."
Taek Joo assigned the job. Before Yoon Jong Woo could say anything, he
said "I believe in you" and then hung up the phone.

Just like that, Taek Joo blended into the crowd once again. The phone
started ringing again. The text 'Couldn't display caller identity' appeared on
the screen. If it were Yoon Jong Woo, he wouldn't have to do that. But no
one else knows this phone number. Taek Joo was confused.

(istg if it's him...)

He ignored the call and stuffed his phone into his pocket. Not long after, the
shaking subsided. Taek Joo was about to try to ignore it and continue
walking, but before he could take another step, his pocket vibrated again.

This time, the caller is still 'Couldnt show caller identity'.

Who is this? Taek Joo stared at the phone that continued to vibrate and
touched the call button. He didn't speak, but just held his breath and put the
phone to his ear.

But for some reason, it had been a while and he still hadn't heard anything
from the other end. Taek Joo thought the phone might have been
disconnected, but the call connection time continued.

Taek Joo brought the phone to his ear again. As he gathered all his nerves,
Taek Joo could hear the sound of light breathing.

"Who's there?"

He growled. Although the tone was quite overwhelming, laughter came

from the other side of the phone. At the same time, Taek Joo's heart sank.

Impossible. The laughter that rang in his ears was quite familiar.

(back to edited)

Is that him?
Vague associations stirred up in Taek Joo's heart. His heart was beating
wildly. His pulse was beating frantically. His spine suddenly felt cold, his
hand holding the phone was sweating. Even in that situation, Taek Joo still
couldn't hang up the phone. He couldnt do anything.

The call ended immediately after that. Taek Joo quickly checked his phone
again, and the screen had turned to standby status.

Was it really that bastard? How the hell...

While in Irkutsk, he contacted Yoon Jong Woo using the phone Zhenia gave
him when he told him to feel free to learn about him. And he also owned a
program that easily infected with hacking viruses. If Zhenia succeeded in
spreading this program to Yoon Jong Woo's phone, a call like just now...

"...Fuck."

Taek Joo hugged his heaving chest tightly. The strong heart he was always
proud of was now trembling at the thought of zhenia. Is it because this is
the first time he has succumbed to such great power? Or because he was
afraid that he will take revenge?

During his time with Zhenia, everything always seemed to be under threat,
and in the moment he met Zhenia again, Taek Joo had the feeling that
everything would collapse. It hasn't even been a month since he ran away
from that deadlock.

The laughter from earlier still rang in his ears. Suddenly Taek Joo felt a
gaze looking at him. Taek Joo looked around again but there was only a
stream of people rushing back and forth, no one was paying attention to
him. Probably not zhenia.

He pulled his collar up to cover his face and quickly left that place.

Hide and seek - Follow

The sauna house was almost empty after work time, only Taek Joo and
about two elderly people were inside.
Thanks to that, he rented a private sauna. The hot air covered his tired body.

Taek Joo comfortably rested his neck and enjoyed the hard-won peace. It's a
luxury that he doesn't know when he'll be able to enjoy again. He looked up
at the ceiling with countless drops of water forming. Taek Joo
meaninglessly counted them and rearranged the complicated thoughts in his
head.

The key character in this case is not Kim Young Hee or Department Head
Lim but Deputy Department 1. The important thing is whether he only has a
pure love relationship with Kim Young Hee or something more. If Chief
Lim affirms that Deputy Chief 1 is also just a victim of Kim Young Hee,
then his crime is limited to neglecting the case. However, if he helped Kim
Young Hee despite knowing her identity, or if he acted on direct orders
from North Korea, the punishment would be much harsher. The nature of
the evidence that must be found to clarify the truth will also be different.

Taek Joo met Deputy Head 1 at headquarters before going to Russia. At that
time he appeared extremely calm. Surely you wouldn't act that way after
loosing your wife. If the relationship between them was so deep that it
promised a future, could he be so calm after hearing the news about the
other's true identity and death?

Kim Young Hee suddenly made a move after a period of silence at a time
when the NIS and the prosecutor's office were busy. It could have just been
a coincidence, or there could have been orders coming from North Korea at
the time. Maybe someone proactively revealed the incident between Kim
Young Hee and Lee Cheol Jin. One thing is for sure, if Deputy Director 1 is
interested in the NIS head position, he will definitely want to cut off all ties
with Kim Young Hee.

If Deputy Chief 1 went beyond the level of mere participation and

interfered in operational activities, there is a high possibility that he also
contacted Lee Cheol Jin. Lee Cheol Jin is the only survivor among the key
figures of the incident. First, it's best to meet him.

Taek Joo took a quick shower and then went out to the dressing room. He
took out his phone and turned it on. A pile of missed calls and texts, all
from Yoon Jong Woo. He must have gone to work so he must have heard
the news from headquarters. Taek Joo called the worried Yoon Jong Woo.

Before the call connection sound could be heard, Yoon Jong Woo picked up
the phone. He asked without stopping.

- Where are you sir? Are you OK? I heard you came here last night? The
stuff their talking about around here is no joke. Sir, you almost became a
terrorist."

"Oh?"

- Really? That's all you gotta say? how are you so calm! They said that you
tried to kill the head of the department. The arrest warrant for you has also
been strengthened. There will be a request to cooperate with the national
investigation agency.

Yoon Jong Woo seemed to be hiding somewhere talking on the phone. He

lowered his voice as much as possible and whispered very softly but his
mouth was moving non-stop. "Jong Woo", Taek Joo spoke while using his
teeth to tear the plastic layer of his underwear.

- Yes. What's that?

He spoke softly.

"Do you also think I shot Chief Lim?"

- That's it... I don't know anymore. If it wasn't the you, then who shot? It's
true that you came here last night and met the department head. Ah, really...

What are you planning to do next!

"The others don't know, but you have to trust me. There's no other way now.

Chief Lim must have realized that you were helping me."

- Yes? Oh, right...shit!

"There's no one else there but you who can help me. I forced you to be my
accomplice a long time ago. Although... I wonder if I can reduce your
sentence based on the condition that you leave the NIS. Who knows."

- It's gone! It's gone!

"That's why I said that if I get caught, it probably won't work, right? If you
don't want to get into trouble, then tell me what you have been doing.'

- ...He's deputy chief 1. Did you know he used to work at the Korean
Embassy in the US?

Yoon Jong Woo opened his mouth in a low voice as a start to more
complicated things.

- It seems he met Kim Young Hee around that time. Both are active in a
relief organization called 'POC', and also regularly participate in volunteer
activities abroad. It is possible that he contacted North Korea at times when
he used the excuse to go to a third country. It is highly likely that he
contacted Lee Cheol Jin, who took on a role related to communications and
transportation in Kim Young Hee's operations. Coincidentally, the time and
country Deputy Chief 1 participated in volunteer activities were almost
identical to Lee Cheol Jin's movements.

"As expected, we have to meet Lee Cheol Jin first. It's going to be difficult.

Jong Woo, please continue to dig deeper for information about Deputy
Department No. 1 and those close to him. If I'm not arrested, department
head Lim won't do anything to you so don't worry."

Taek Joo gave instructions and ended the call. He turned off the phone
immediately as usual.

A new guest entered the sauna. This time it was also a gray-haired old man.

Taek Joo started getting dressed as if nothing happened.

Suddenly a look was directed towards Taek Joo. That old man looked at his
belt and frowned. As soon as their eyes met, he clicked his tongue and
turned his head away.

Taek Joo looked at his back in the full-length mirror. A clear tattoo
appeared just above his butt. During this time, he didn't have time to look in
the mirror, so he completely forgot about it.

The existence of the tattoo caused embarrassing memories to come back.

The sharp feeling of the needles mercilessly piercing his skin, the painful
feeling of the ink smeared on the wound, even the fingertips gently pressing
down on the skin.

Taek Joo shook his head. He quickly took out his clothes and put them on.

"It'll fucking hurt."

Taek Joo nodded at the doctor's warning.

"...Hmm. Looks like it hasn't been long since the engraving."

The doctor muttered to himself as he touched the tattoo. A moment later,

the laser turned on with a clicking sound.

"Then I'll start."

Taek Joo closed his eyes tightly. Laser treatment began with a characteristic
mechanical sound. It felt like there was a flash of light on his tense skin.

Taek Joo suddenly shivered. The throbbing, burning pain continued to

spread, and the smell of burning raw meat also rose.

Laser beams were continuously fired into damaged areas causing sharp
pain. Taek Joo had made up his mind, but he still automatically groaned at

the repeated stimulation on the rough flesh.

"Fuc- gahh..."

The doctor was examining the burn site with a laser and clicked his tongue.
Treatment was paused for a while and then started again. Cold sweat
continuously poured out from the sharp pain, Taek Joo gritted his teeth.

When the laser light shined on the tattoo, the feeling of contempt that day
also suddenly arose.

'Some people say this is a symbol of lust.'

As if trampling him like that wasn't enough, he also marked him like cattle
or a slave. The burning sensation from the burning red needle was still
vivid. The feeling of ink seeping bitterly into the wound still hurts.

'This is just a contract connecting a leader and a servant.'

Taek Joo clearly remembers Zhenias sarcastic smile.

He frowned. He was determined to cut everything off, but the events in

Russia still replayed in his mind. The moment Taek Joo escaped from that
prison-like island, that bastard's meaninglessly painful face was still like a
dark afterimage in his heart. It gave him goosebumps. His chin was also
tense.

The reason Taek Joo was drawn to him in an instant was because that space
was isolated with only the two of them. Because Zhenia was the only
person he could talk to, in dire situations, he would turn to him as a place of
refuge. There is no room for emotion in temporary compromises for
survival. Therefore, nothing has changed in his nature and feelings towards
him. Just like that, rationalization was like a mantra that Taek Joo repeated
many times.

Taek Joo recalled unpleasant memories and then realized his heart started
pounding again. It was like having a terrible nightmare. A nightmare that he
never wanted to return to.

There's no reason to go back.

Incheon International Airport arrival hall. Large electronic billboards

continuously announced flight arrivals. People who came to welcome
family, relatives, customers, business partners... gathered in front of the
gate. Passengers passing through customs poured out endlessly. Because
everyone comes from different places, their appearances and outfits were
very diverse.

Among them, there was one man in particular who attracted attention. He is
so tall that he could easily be seen from afar.

(I wonder who it is....)

That's why the accompanying passengers and the surrounding receptionists

all glanced at him. Some people even stopped and looked back. It's
unknown whether this special attention comes from his unusually colorful
appearance or not.

The man slowly looked around the airport without paying attention to the
looks of the people around him. Around every corner were the faces and
voices of Koreans. A quiet smile appeared on his lips. His blue eyes
sparkled with a strange light.

"Fortunately, it was only a muscle rupture. If you slide down a little further,
the prognosis wont be good. But you should not overexert yourself. You
must rest absolutely until you completely recover, and Monitor
rehabilitation well."

Chief Lim just nodded vaguely at the request of the doctor in charge. After
completing the examination, the medical team went out, and Deputy Chief
1 walked in. Chief Lim tried to stand up as usual, but Deputy Chief 1 told
him to lie down and held him back. Chief Lim finally sat up, Deputy Chief
1 clicked his tongue.

"That person is also real."

In addition to the two people, plainclothes police were always on duty in

the hospital room. It's part of personal protection.

"Sorry, I have some personal business to attend to. Please step out for a
moment."
At Deputy Room 1's request, the policemen looked at each other. "Just a
little," Chief Lim added. There was no reason for them to follow orders
from someone other than their superiors, and they had no obligation to
follow the plans of the other two. However, they still left quietly.

As soon as the door closed, the friendly smile of Deputy Manager 1

immediately disappeared.

"Still don't know your friend's location?"

"This has already attracted the intervention of the police, so it won't be long
before there will be contact. After all, he is a notable talent at NIS, so he
won't be caught easily. That's why." I advised you to choose another friend
from the beginning, is that what I said?"

"You're so calm."

Deputy Head 1 expressed discomfort. Chief Lim smirked and changed the
subject.

"Isn't silencing Lee Cheol Jin more urgent?"

"If that's the case, then there's no need to worry. Since he failed to carry out
his orders, he will know clearly that all that remains for him is death. Even
if he is killed, everything Everyone will think it's North Korea's actions."

Deputy Chief 1 boasted while whispering another word.

"Maybe we won't make it through today."

The sound of an iron door opening could be heard from afar. The warden
passed through many doors one after another and stopped in front of a
room.

"No. 342. Talk to a lawyer."

He unlocked it and the door opened. However, Lee Cheol Jin sitting there
had no intention of getting up immediately. The warden pulled him out as if
he was used to it. He handcuffed Lee Cheol Jin's bony wrists and gently
pushed him in the back.

It took a long time just to get to the interview room. Lee Cheol Jin's lawyer,
who had been sitting there before, stood up. "Please sit down." The two sat
down at the warden's request.

"Long time no see."

The lawyer nodded in greeting afterwards. He observed Lee Cheol Jin's

absent-mindedness. It seems that the arduous life in prison was not the only
reason why Lee Cheol Jin's face was so ruined. There were clear marks of
self-injury on his neck and arms. It was said that last night he tied an
electric cable to his neck and strangled himself.

"Lee Cheo Jin-sshi, why do you keep trying to harm yourself?"

"Do you know what it's like to wait for death to come?"

The outcome of the trial in Korea did not seem to matter, it did not concern
him, and he seemed to believe that he would die somehow. Instead of
waiting to be eliminated, he chose to volunteer.

Even in that heavy situation, the lawyer still smiled, then he slowly leaned
back. The lawyer took off his glasses with one hand and placed them on the
table. There was something strange about the eyes that appeared, the feeling
of those eyes being so sharp that Lee Cheol Jin didn't know if it was
originally like that.

"I heard that Kim Young Hee already has a lover?"

The words were suddenly different. Even the lawyer's tone completely
changed, and he seemed to be a completely different person. However, that
voice was strangely familiar. Where did Lee Cheol Jin hear it?

"I saw it clearly on the boat, but it disappeared. It was the ring that Kim
Young Hee wore."
The lawyer raised his left hand and lightly moved his ring finger. Lee Cheol
Jin's eyes opened wide. It seemed he finally knew the cause of the
unpleasant feeling of deja vu. The man in front of Lee Cheol Jin was not a
lawyer, but that person, a Korean agent who fought with him at a vending
machine on the ferry. The person who caused Lee Cheol Jin to be
imprisoned here.

Lee Cheol Jin jumped up from his seat. Then, the lawyer, no, Taek Joo
disguised as a lawyer, quietly looked up at Lee Cheol Jin. Taek Joo looked
straight into the eyes of Lee Cheol Jin, who was trembling with panic, and
nodded for him to sit down again.

"I even covered her mouth so she wouldn't die easily. Even that
disappeared."

Lee Cheol Jin's face added to the chaos. He clearly understood the meaning
of the clues that Kwon Taek Joo had just thrown at him. The two people's
eyes were tense. Lee Cheol Jin's eyes were full of doubt.

"Sit down. I didn't come here to compromise with you."

"So what did you come here for?"

"I wonder if you know you were stabbed in the back?"

Lee Cheol Jin's eyebrows furrowed, his suspicion deepening. Both he and
Kim Young Hee seem to believe that they failed their mission simply
because of their own mistakes. Kim Young Hee's death is just self-
responsibility. Looking back at the situation at that time, there was nothing
suspicious. However, Taek Joo appeared again and is giving a completely
different story.

Kim Young Hee's death in a state of being unable to commit suicide, and
the ring's disappearance. Just with those two questionable points, there is
already a character associated with it. However, Lee Cheol Jin did not act
hastily, he kept his mouth shut and endured even though his eyes wanted to
inquire about many things.
"Anyway, that author might be the next head of NIS."

"You said director of National Intelligence?"

"Even if he is a great man who sells his country, he still has to covet that
position. Perhaps he can enter the political world starting from being the
head of the National Intelligence Agency, but there are two other
opponents. half a competitor and it was not a position that could be won
with just small achievements. Meanwhile, they were also constantly looking
for dishonesty in each other. Perhaps he was very worried. If Kim Young
Hee's identity is a secret, or their relationship is discovered, then even
maintaining the status quo will be difficult."

Lee Cheol Jin's face darkened even more, his eyes wavering, showing
confusion. Kwon Taek Joo sat up straight, looked intently at Lee Cheol Jin
and continued.

"If you have something to say, you better do it now. I won't come back here
anymore, no one will listen to you besides me. Not even your lawyer."

"Why are you trying to reveal the truth? Isn't this a very troublesome
matter?"

"Of course it's troublesome. But I've already been hit, so what can I do? I
have to return what I received."

Taek Joo smiled, revealing straight teeth. Lee Cheol Jin's expression
wavered slightly. They say you can't spit on a smiling face, but Taek Joo is
an exception. Every time he smiled, Lee Cheol Jin didn't feel comfortable at
all. It has been like that from the beginning.

The trial, which has been going on for several months, is about to end. Lee
Cheol Jin could guess his sentence just by the atmosphere in court. At least
10 years, if he's lucky not to be eliminated before then.

"There's no need to think complicatedly. He abandoned you first. Is there a

need to be loyal to someone like that?"
Taek Joo persuaded Lee Cheol Jin again, but he just kept his mouth shut
and bowed his head, not even moving.

It certainly didn't work, but it's very difficult to believe the words of the
person who personally arrested Lee Cheol Jin and put him in prison.

Furthermore, to prove the crime of Deputy Division 1, Lee Cheol Jin must
completely reveal himself, the organization, and the purpose of infiltration.

This is an act of neglect of duty and betrayal of the country.

Even after waiting for a long time, Lee Cheol Jin still had no reaction.

There is no sign of compromise. This was not a place to stay for long,
Kwon Taek Joo did not hesitate to stand up from his seat.

Until then, Lee Cheol Jin still did not move. However, there is something a
bit strange. Looking closely, his body was convulsing. Hey, Taek Joo
immediately grabbed his neck.

'Excited'

White foam poured out of Lee Cheol Jin's mouth and he collapsed on the
table. His eyelids were completely inverted and only the whites are visible.

"Hey! Is there anyone outside?"

Taek Joo shouted at the closed door. At that time, Lee Cheol Jin, who was
having a seizure, grabbed Taek Joo tightly. Then, he struggled and peeled
off the bandage from his lower abdomen, where there was a fresh wound
from the stab wound that had just been stitched.

"UH..."

Lee Cheol Jin ran his fingers through the wound. The area was stitched
open and blood flowed from the wound that had not yet fully healed. A
groan came from clenched teeth due to the unbearable pain. Just by looking
at it, it seemed like the pain was completely transferred away.
Right after that, a small chip was picked up from Lee Cheol Jin's bloody
hand. He gave it to Taek Joo without hesitation. When Kwon Taek Joo
frowned and just stared at him, Lee Cheol Jin even directly placed the chip
in Taek Joo's hand.

"What's up?"

Immediately the security guards came running. They took Taek Joo out of
the interview room and gave first aid to Lee Cheol Jin. The area around the
quiet interview room suddenly became noisy.

A prison guard approached Kwon Taek Joo.

"Did he try to harm himself again?"

"No. He had a sudden seizure during the interview. I wonder if he has any
problems with his diet or any illness?"

"That's not true... Things like that..."

The warden stammered and looked away. He did not know whether his
words would be caught red-handed by the prisoner's lawyer.

Taek Joo finally left the detention center as if he was being chased. The
prison said they will contact you again when the cause of the seizure is
determined. The last time Taek Joo checked, Lee Cheol Jin was completely
unconscious. His face was pale, not knowing whether he was alive or dead.

Perhaps Deputy Chief 1 is also trying to eliminate Lee Cheol Jin. If Taek
Joo is discovered to be a fake lawyer, his accusations will continue to be
added.

Taek Joo peeled off his artificial skin and threw it away as soon as he left
the prison. He had to move faster.

What Lee Cheol Jin gave was a memory card. What's in this? Just looking
at the tearing of flesh and hiding it deep inside, this is definitely not an
ordinary document.
Taek Joo was accidentally walking towards the avenue when he stopped,
because three or four patrol cars passed by one after another with sirens
blaring. He turned into the next alley and moved restlessly to the narrow
road that cars couldn't pass through.

Then Taek Joo found a photography studio. As soon as he stepped inside,

the photographer who was eating quickly stood up and said "Welcome".

Taek Joo immediately gave him the memory card.

"Here, thanks."

The photographer took the memory card and inserted it into the reader. Taek
Joo tried to wipe off the blood but it was still unreadable, so he took it out
several times and tried again. There are only photos and videos in the card.

"There's pretty much... all of these?"

The photographer turned to Taek Joo to ask for confirmation. Just as he

said, there were hundreds of photos saved. Inside, Taek Joo could see Lee

Cheol Jin, Kim Yeong Hee, and Deputy Chief 1. There was also a scene
where only Lee Cheol Jin and Deputy Chief 1 were taken. Given the
different appearance and background of the subjects, it seems that the place
and time the photos were taken are different. If Lee Cheol Jin did not serve
at 'POC', it is clear that he took these scenes to prepare for the possible
betrayal between his accomplices.

"How long will it take to print these photos?"

"There are so many that it will take several hours."

The photographer replied and then moved all the images to the print folder.

Then, the siren sounded outside again, this time not far away but right in the
next alley. Was Kwon Taek Joo's travel route recorded by CCTV?

"What's going on outside? It's been so noisy since just now."

The photographer glanced out of the store and returned the copied memory
card. Taek Joo silently wrote something on paper and then gave it to him.

"Can you send it to me as soon as you have the pictures?"

"To the prosecutor's office?"

On the paper were the words 'Prosecutor Seok Jae Hee's Office,
Prosecutor's Office 1, Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office'. Taek Joo
didn't explain the situation to the confused photographer but only took out
50,000 won bills.

"Then thank you."

The photographer nodded bewilderedly. Taek Joo bowed slightly, took the
memory card and left the photo room.

The photographer was left alone, looking at the money lying on the counter
in disbelief. Big profits always come with a corresponding price. Perhaps he
is involved in unpleasant matters. He was worried, but the place where the
customer had just asked to send the photo was not anywhere else but the

prosecutor's office. At least it doesn't seem like this is anything to do with

crime.

The photographer immediately put the money in his pocket and started
printing.

Hide and seek - Caught

At the hospital there were many police officers in plain clothes. Three or
four people stood in front of the main gate, two people stood guard around
the taxi stand and bus stop, and perhaps more personnel were placed inside.

It's true that you shouldn't go in there, but Taek Joo bravely walked into the
hospital. He had to check to see if his mother was safe. His cloak flutters
with each gentle step, inside the white cloak is a gray shirt and tie, his hair
is fixed by a moderate parting and black horn-rimmed glasses cover his
face. sharp eyes.
Plainclothes detectives glanced at him as he passed by, but no one came to
check his ID card, because anyone who looked at him could see that Taek
Joo looked exactly like an internal medicine doctor at this hospital.

The police not only camped at the reception desk and windows but also at
the cafe and restroom on the first floor. Taek Joo naturally walked forward
and sometimes comfortably answered greetings from medical staff.

Thanks to checking the location in advance, Taek Joo arrived at the

hospital's internal medicine department without getting lost. The police
were also wandering around. He took a deep breath and calmly continued
walking forward.

"Hello", the nurses who were taking care of the patient greeted him. Even
for a moment, the eyes of the detectives who had focused on Taek Joo also
stopped, but they did not suspect anything.

Taek Joo tried searching for his mother's name on the computer. He checked
the hospitalized patients, and the search results appeared instantly. His
mother was placed in a single room because she was the subject of special
surveillance.

He said, "Everyone has had a hard time." and left his seat just as a nurse
stepped out from behind the counter. As soon as he bowed, she tilted her

head.

"Oh, doctor. Isn't today your day off?"

"Ah..."

Hearing her voice, the inspectors turned their attention to the counter again.

"I changed it to tomorrow."

Taek Joo smiled and left the counter. He also nodded to the police officers
who were watching, then leisurely walked to the side and entered the
elevator, then he went to the 8th floor where his mother's hospital room was
located.
Because the place where his mother was staying was a one-person room, it
was difficult to access. The police's ability to concentrate human resources
is higher, so he must also approach more cautiously.

The elevator stopped at the 8th floor. The door opened but Taek Joo didnt
step out immediately. He checked the hallway first, but for some reason
there wasn't a single sound. Taek Joo waited a little longer and then went
out.

Immediately, he was bewildered because the hallway was unexpectedly

empty, not seeing a single person, let alone the police. Taek Joo was
suspicious as he walked through the hallway.

The feeling of insecurity reached its maximum when he was about to reach
the emergency exit. The door that should have been closed was slightly
open, and someone was sticking their hand out of the gap. Taek Joo was
about to close the door when, right then, he saw six or seven men fainting
on the emergency stairs, they appeared to be police and security guards.

Taek Joo looked around again but could not sense any other signs. He
carefully approached and examined the condition of those unconscious
people. They were still breathing but all their limbs were hanging down.

With hardly any visible injuries, it seemed like they had been restrained for

a short period of time targeting only weak points. Someone broke into this
place and didn't make any particular noise, the workmanship was unusual.

So what about your mother? Taek Joo's heart was pounding, a cold air
spread on the back of his neck. Immediately, Taek Joo stood up and opened
the hospital room door.

".....!"

He was about to rush into the hospital room but then stopped, because
someone was sitting in front of his mother's bed. an intruder? Taek Joo's
heart was pounding, pounding, and the beat was getting faster. It wasn't
simply the suspense of an intruder.
Taek Joo was used to that man sitting with his back turned. He also didnt
look back at Taek Joo but just sat there and expressionlessly looked down at
his unconscious mother. Apparently he also heard the door open.

Is it okay to run away now? Taek Joo definitely had to do that to maintain
his life, but leaving his mother in that guy's hands?

He made up his mind and went inside. Taek Joo approached the bed and
checked the amount of injections hanging from her. Taek Joo turned his
head and looked straight into those eyes. The person calmly sitting next to
his mother was Zhenia.

He pretended to check the needle while stroking the back of his skinny
mother's hand.

But the problem was Zhenia. He couldn't let him stay by his mother's side.

"Come out with me for a moment. I have something to say."

Taek Joo tilted his head toward the door at the man who didn't understand
what he was saying. First, he planned to drag him out of the hospital room
and wait for the right moment to run away. The police were everywhere, so
he couldn't just jump up and down arbitrarily. It wasn't a hopeful plan, but
Taek Joo had no choice but to bet everything on it.

He turned his head to go first. Zhenia also slowly lifted himself up. The
distance to the door was extremely far. His body odor seemed to fill the
hospital room, making Taek Joo unable to breathe comfortably. His heart
was pounding uncomfortably hard and constantly putting pressure on his
lungs, and his hands were numb from the tension.

Taek Joo pulled the door aside. The door opened for a moment and then
was immediately closed, because a hand reached out from behind and
grabbed the door. Zhenias shadow was swallowing Taek Joo and his unique
body scent was suffocating him.

His mind was blank, his body was completely stiff and unable to move.
Suddenly his hand reached into his pocket. Taek Joo also unconsciously
shrugged his shoulders. Zhenia gently took out his phone and held it
towards the door, right in front of Taek Joo. He was calling someone, a beep
sounded in Taek Joo's ear.

"Drrrr... drrr...."

Immediately after that, the ringing of another phone near the door also rang
loudly, and the words "Couldn't display caller's identity" appeared on the
screen.

Zhenias hair fluttered and he burst out laughing. The alarm siren in Taek
Joo's head continuously sounded.

Right after that, zheenias face approached Taek Joo's ear.

"Was it fun playing hide and seek with me?"

The whispering voice contained satisfaction. The floor beneath his feet felt
like it was collapsing.

Checkmate - Escape (nsfw)

Suddenly Taek Joo was grabbed by the shoulders, he was turned around to
face him. Blue eyes as cold as ice stared into his soul.

"Ah..."

Zhenia forcefully peeled off the mask on Taek Joo's face, Taek Joo felt like
he had been stripped bare. Zhenias Blue eyes sparkled wildly.

In a moment, he was grabbed by the neck and dragged behind Zhenia. He

stood on his tiptoes due to the height difference, and he unconsciously
grabbed Zhenia's hand. His arms were cold. Zhenia glanced down at the
hand holding his arm tightly and then stared at Taek Joo.

Taek Joo's eyes, filled with Zhenia's, dangerous image, slowly shifted aside.
He saw his mother over Zhenia's shoulder. If the situation continued to
escalate, it would be difficult to control, and that's something he never
wants to happen infront of his mother.

He shook off zhenias hand and used all his strength to push his shoulder.

While distracted, Zhenia was pushed back a little. Then he breathed softly
and tilted his head to look straight at Taek Joo, a thick vein appeared on his
smooth forehead.

For a momment everything stopped, Taek Joo was violently pushed. His
back hit the door hard, making a loud noise. His whole body ached from the
terrible beating. He saw Zhenia's hand raised in his wavering vision.

However, after a while, Taek Joo still didn't feel the hit.

He slowly opened his eyelids, the situation remained the same, as it was just
before he closed his eyes. Zhenia's hand was still raised as if he was going
to hit Taek Joo immediately, and the fierce aura also didnt change. The only
thing that changed was that distorted face.

Zhenia's hand trembled in hesitation, as if he couldn't understand why he

was doing this. Taek Joo was also quite confused.

Then Zhenia's frozen hand quickly rushed in.

Taek Joo turned his head away and thought this time he would really be hit.

But there was no pain like he had expected, just that he was once again
pushed back. Then he grabbed Taek Joo's neck. Once again, he pushed
Zhenias hand down, but it didn't budge. Taek Joo frowned and stared at
him.

"Dont make me kill you now."

Zhenia wrinkled the bridge of his nose and growled, but it didn't sound like
a threat. Not only that, the hand that was squeezing Taek Joo's neck also
seemed to loosen, and suddenly his face came closer to his. His eyes full of
all those mixed emotions radiated a strange heat. Taek Joo quickly raised
his hand and pushed his chin away.

"You bastard, what are you doing!?"

Zhenia looked down at him pushing his hand away uncomfortably. The
stubborn struggle between the two was like a fierce fight without any
sound, did Taek Joo really forget where he was and who was lying on the
bed?

"Let me go."

After pushing hard,Zhenia smirked, then he gently turned his head to look
towards Taek Joo's mother's bed.

"And what if I don't?"

"You crazy fuck!"

Taek Joo shouted in surprise and then quickly lowered his voice. He quickly
looked at his mother first, but she still didn't move. In the moment he was
relieved that the situation was defused, Zhenia suddenly pulled him into the
bathroom of the hospital room. If only two people were locked in there, he

would have to face something embarrassing. But even though Taek Joo
tried to resist, Zhenia forcefully pushed him inside.

(tw: zhenia forceably touching taek joo)

As soon as he was thrown hard against the wall, Taek Joo's back seemed to
break. His lungs writhed endlessly as the cold brick wall and his chest were
completely smashed together. He struggled to escape Zhenia's grasp, but the
more he struggled, the more intense the strength and pressure from his side
became.

Zhenia tugged on Taek Joo's pants. His zipper couldn't stand the impact of
the pulling force and flew off. He stopped for a momment. Zhenia was
staring at his waist, where the scar from the removed tattoo was left.
"...Good."

Zhenia muttered. Taek Joo's spine chilled.

The next moment, he grabbed his pants with a stronger grip than before.

Taek Joo tried to stop it by all means, but to no avail. His pants and
underwear were pulled down at the same time and his butt was clearly
exposed. He then heard the sound of pants being pulled down from behind
him.

Taek Joo struggled and shook his arms desperately. He used his foot to push
against the wall and tried to push him away, but couldn't overcome the
monster. He was pushed against the wall again and pinned from behind.

Taek Joo was suffocated between the wall and Zhenia Taek Joo was tired
but he still lifted his elbow and pushed him. Afraid that even a small sound
would leak out, Taek Joo tried to keep quiet. There was no sound, only
fierce movements back and forth, his whole body quickly drenched in
sweat.

"....."

Suddenly noise outside the door rang out. Police deployed everywhere in
the hospital seemed to have realised they were in there. They must have
discovered their unconscious colleagues at the emergency exit.

If arrested now, Taek Joo would be forced to accept all charges. Prosecutor
Seok hasnt yet received the photos, and the original that can be used as
evidence is still on Taek Joo. Furthermore, he is still involved with the
bastard he is suspected of colluding with.

"You choose."

A low mumble suddenly reached Taek Joo's ears. However, his heart beat
strongly with a completely different feeling than before.

He reached back and placed his hand on the back of Zhenia's hand that was
gripping his ass. Zhenia just stared at Taek Joo's hand overlapping his.
There is only one way out of the current situation. He didn't know if it
would work but they had to try.

Taek Joo let go of his tightly closed lips and begged.

"...Please"

The voice was mixed with a sigh, but Zhenia didn't react at all, only the
hand that was leaning against the wall was clenched into a fist.

Please.

Immediately after that, Taek Joo's body was turned upside down. Zhenia's
melancholy gaze was fixed on him. Even in such an urgent situation, the
wrinkles on his forehead and his concerned eyes still fell on him.

"Don't complain later. You held my hand."

Zhenia looked into his eyes suspiciously and pressed his hand firmly down
on Taek Joo's hand, waiting for an answer.

"Answer me."

There's no other way. Taek Joo nodded patiently as if agreeing with himself.

Then, the hand that was ready to break his arm finally let go.

The bathroom door handle was pushed down. It seemed that the police were
also monitoring the situation from outside. Zhenia grabbed the door handle
and without hesitation pulled the door open.

"ZHENIA?!"

The door opened without warning, they lost their balance and fell loudly.

One person was hit in the back of the neck, the other was kicked in the face
and lost consciousness. The last policeman who was pointing his gun
hastily had his wrist completely bent backwards.
Zhenia easily took care of all three of them and then turned to look at Taek
Joo, before he could even put on his pants. He nodded and left the bathroom
first. He followed behind while re-zipping his pants. Taek Joo looked back
once more. He didn't know if it's because of all the noose on or not, but his
mother's face was wrinkled. It looked like she was about to wake up, he had
to leave. Taek Joo took the gun out of his jacket and hurriedly left the
hospital room.

"Over there!"

"East, east of the ward!"

Noisy hallway. A group of police were running from the opposite side.

Zhenia didnt slow down, he moved away, took the gun out of his chest and
didn't hesitate to open fire. Taek Joo didn't even have time to stop him. The
police panicked and hid behind the wall during the sudden shooting.

Meanwhile, the two of them coordinated well and ran down the hallway
next to each other even though there was no specific plan discussed.

When someone appeared in front of him, Taek Joo tried to dissuade Zhenia
from shooting and ran away, wanting to avoid collision as much as possible.

Zhenia replied quite obediently while clicking his tongue in annoyance. He

was so strange. even though Taek Joo was in a dangerous situation, he still
just stood by and watched.

How long had they been running? The stairs below became noisy. Police
who received requests for assistance seemed to be rushing in. Taek Joo
couldnt continue to stay at the hospital like this because not only will he
soon become a rat, but he'll also harm innocent people.

"Where did you park your car?"

Zhenia tilted his chin toward the street corner. He ran after him around the
corner, and the police appeared. They threw a smoke bomb and warned that
they would shoot if the two continued to move. The entire area became
chaotic as smoke rose. Taking advantage of that chaos, the two ran to the
emergency exit.

The emergency radio, voices and footsteps mixed together so the stairs
vibrated loudly. The siege was constantly tightening from top to bottom, it
seemed there was no other way but to go through it. Taek Joo took a deep
breath and jumped down the stairs below. Immediately, he met the police
climbing up. The moment they were about to take out their guns, Taek Joo
rushed straight at them. A group of people were swept away by Taek Joo
and rolled down the stairs. Zhenia followed behind and helped Taek Joo
stand up. He then held his head, waist and legs tightly and then braced
himself to kick at those who tried to fight back.

The two finally went down the stairs. Taek Joo stood in front of the
emergency exit for a moment to observe the pursuit and then went into the
hallway. Immediately there was the sound of quick footsteps following, and
the two people's steps also became more hasty.

When the two of them ran to the end of the hallway, a window appeared
right in front of them. Tempered glass windows are no different than a
retaining wall. Taek Joo intended to turn back, but the special task force had
already been brought in and was blocking the front.

"Stop!"

"If you don't surrender, I'll shoot!".

The loaded rifles were simultaneously pointed at the two men. If they
moved even a little bit, they would probably be shredded to pieces.

Taek Joo slowly raised his hands and thought. At that moment, Zhenia
silently approached him. Even with that small movement, the gun muzzles
moved towards him simultaneously.

"Hold on tight."

Zhenia whispered so quiet that only Taek Joo could hear. He looked at
Zhenia in bewilderment, and his arm suddenly wrapped around his waist.
At the same time, he threw something into the front window. Taek Joo's
eyes along with the eyes of the opposing commando team chased that small
object. What is that? Nearly all had the same bewildered expression.

A crack appeared around the small object and suddenly the entire tempered
glass cracked into a radioactive form. Zhenia immediately dragged him
through the broken glass window. Taek Joo threw himself into the air as he
leaned over and hugged Zhenia. A long fire hose stretched out into his
chaotic vision.

The task force ran to the window immediately afterward. Meanwhile, two
people were hanging on the fire hydrant and swaying at the height of the
2nd floor. Without telling each other, they both jumped down to the grass.

The special task force, immediately after confirming that the two people
were clear, opened fire without hesitation.

Taek Joo ran through the bushes to avoid the bullets, the back door
appearing before his eyes. Zhenia arrived first and immediately threw
something to him. Taek Joo caught it and realized it was a motorcycle
helmet. He was surprised.

(IMAGINE THEM ON A MOTORCYCLE PLEASE okay back to the

story..)

"Didn't you drive here?"

"I never said I drove."

Zhenia suddenly started the engine. Taek Joo quickly put on his helmet and
sat in the back.

His unbalanced body stuck to Zhenia's back. The police following behind
quickly opened fire. Dozens of bullets flew but the motorbike still glided
comfortably and avoided everything. It ran straight towards the back door.

But nothing is easy. The patrol cars waiting outside the back door blocked
the front. The motorbike going downhill gradually accelerated.
Zhenia pulled the handlebars hard, the front wheel lifted up and the entire
motorbike immediately flew up. The moment of floating in the air took
place like a slow motion movie. Taek Joo even saw the officer in the patrol
car widen his eyes in surprise.

Immediately afterwards, the motorcycle crashed onto the roof of the patrol
car with a loud noise. The warning light must have been broken. Just like
that, the motorcycle weighed down on the ceiling and lowered to the road
surface. Taek Joo's hair and clothes fluttered due to the wind. The car glided
on the highway between fast-moving vehicles on the road.

If this keeps up, hell fall to the ground. He hugged Zhenia's waist tightly. At
that moment, the guy's eyes pointed towards his chest and fell on Taek Joo's
arm.

The peace didnt last long when the siren sounded again in the distance.

Taek Joo turned to face the siren, three or four police cars came from the
opposite lane. The vehicle of the commando team following from the
hospital is also tightening.

Taek Joo kept looking forward and back in worry, the motorbike following
closely to a truck. Even though it was as dangerous as being hit by a car
immediately, Zhenia still maintained the same speed, so the police couldn't
rush to get close.

The motorbike ran all the way down the highway and a large intersection
appeared ahead. The police cars running on the opposite side were
rearranging their ranks as if preparing to attack. If they stop now, their
retreat will be blocked by a commando vehicle chasing from behind. The
sidewalk starting from the end of the pedestrian street wasnt wide enough
for a motorbike to pass because there were too many trees. And if you just
ignore the signal and turn left, there is a very high risk of colliding with
another vehicle going straight ahead.

However, Zhenia's speed didnt decrease, on the contrary, the motorbike

accelerated to maximum speed. He ran out between the cars waiting for the
signal to go straight. The signal light ahead turned green and the cars
waiting at the stop line simultaneously accelerated. At the same time,
Zhenia's motorcycle passed in front of the cars going straight. Zhenia tilted
the motorcycle to avoid falling from the excessive rotational force and
immediately, the road surface and the two people's bodies seemed to touch.

Taek Joo closed his eyes tightly and hugged Zhenia tighter.

The cars intending to go straight suddenly braked and honked loudly. In a

moment, the intersection became so chaotic that even the police couldnt
move. Leaving that commotion behind, Zhenia didnt hesitate to launch into
the empty left lane.

Even after the moment of crisis had passed, Taek Joo's arms still hugged
Zhenia tightly. His limbs seemed paralyzed. In a life-threatening situation,
the hair on his whole body stood up and he got goosebumps. His fingertips
trembled.

Taek Joo gasped and then he heard a familiar sound above his head. That
was the sound of a helicopter's rotor blades. The helicopter flying from
behind quickly caught up with the motorbike. Not only that, police cars
were also crowded together at every intersection.

"Stop. If you don't stop, you'll be shot."

Warnings sounded several times from the following police car. Zhenia
ignored it and continued driving, all car windows rolled down. That was a
sign that they were all about to shoot

Suddenly Zhenia turned the steering wheel to the left, the motorbike
crossed the center line and started running in the opposite direction.

Cars running in the opposite direction honked loudly. While the police cars
hesitated, a road leading to an overpass appeared right in front of them, and
a median strip also appeared on the main road. Now, even police cars
couldnt get through there.

However, the two of them couldnt completely escape under the helicopter.
Even if they cut off one team, the support team would come from the other
side.

Rather than surrender, Taek Joo nervously stared at Zhenia. He still didn't
slow down. All he could do was hug him tightly, pressing his forehead
against his back and tightening the arms that were holding him, ignoring
what was happening even for just a moment.

As soon as their speed reached its peak, the motorbike crashed straight into
the edge of the fence. Taek Joo closed his eyes and foresaw the last thing.

Now all that's left is the collapse.

The fence seemed to be torn apart with a fierce friction sound. The
motorcycle jumped off the road and the two people were pushed into the air.

A sudden blockage occurred on a smooth traffic road. The helicopter

rotated in a large circle and observed the situation below. Smoke rising
from the accident scene obscured visibility, so it took a long time for the
police to grasp the situation with the remains of the motorbike and the fence
blocking the road. All vehicles traveling on 4 lanes were stuck on the road.

Checkmate - Get off. (nsfw)

The two of them entered the empty motel. Taek Joo was completely
exhausted. The moment it fell from above, the motorbike luckily landed on
a passing truck, otherwise if it hadn't the both of them would have been
arrested. Now, being able to still breathe was a blessing. The siren still
sounded in his ears.

The room was full of old things. Unknown stains were scattered all over the
wallpaper, the corners of the furniture were scuffed, and there was no way
to tell when the bed sheets had last been changed. But anyway, a hiding
place like this was good enough.

Taek Joo raised his hand to stroke his face, persistent fatigue came over
him, right now he just wanted to lie down and faint.
Taek Joo sighed and turned his head, immediately making eye contact with
Zhenia. The guy was sitting at the table next to the window. Taek Joo
thought that if it was just them two alone, he would definitely be beaten, but
unexpectedly, Zhenia just looked at him quietly.

Taek Joo stared at Zhenia for a moment then stood up. He rummaged
around in drawers and closets, and soon a dusty first aid box was found.

Inside there was an ointment box with the medicine inside spilling out,
bandages faded to yellow, disinfectant... He sighed. They weren't good
enough, but in this situation there was no other way. Taek Joo held them
and approached Zhenia.

Taek Joo pushed the table back a bit and sat on it. Zhenia just watched him
without saying a word. He returned that persistent gaze for a moment then
pulled his arm towards him. There was quite a bit of blood flowing out of
Zhenia's upper left arm, possibly from the bullet passing by or from impact
somewhere, but at first glance there seemed to be no bullets or debris
inside.

For proper treatment, Taek Joo unbuttoned Zhenia's shirt button by button.

Despite had having sex many times before, it was strange to see Zhenia
with his shirt off. His fingertips stiffened from the useless tension, and from
that persistent gaze.

The shirt opened to reveal his large body. Taek Joo clicked his tongue and
pulled his shirt back over his shoulders. Zhenia, who had been watching
since then, suddenly smiled softly.

Taek Joo examined the injured area. The wound was quite deep so stitching
was inevitable.

He poured disinfectant. The transparent medicine mixed with the flowing

blood caused bright red bubbles to appear on the wound. It would have
been very painful, but Zhenia didnt flinch.
Ignoring that passionate look on his face, Taek Joo found hemostatic
medicine in the first aid box. At that moment, Zhenia, who had been
obedient until now, suddenly stood up. The guy's shadow covered Taek
Joo's face. The moment he turned his head, his face came closer and his
warm lips touched Taek Joo's cheek, exactly above his chin.

"What are you doing?"

Taek Joo frowned and tilted his head to avoid it. Zhenia didn't pay any
attention and just put his hands on the table and moved closer. He pressed
his lips down around Taek Joo's chin and then gradually raised them above
his cheekbones. A gentle rubbing sound rang out, the hairs on his ears stood
up.

Taek Joo's head bowed in embarrassment, his upper body was pulled back.

Zhenia used his hand to support Taek Joo and held him tightly so he
couldn't dodge him, then moved his lips to his mouth.

Zhenia's hot lips touched the corner of his mouth and then pulled away. For
a moment, their eyes met.

The next moment, Zhenia attacked more fiercely, breaking the boundary
that Taek Joo had tried his best to build. He lost and tried pushing his
shoulder, but it had no effect. Zhenia used his whole body weight to press
Taek Joo down on the table. At first, his lips just randomly touched his lips,
but then Zhenia tilted his head so that the two lips met without a gap.

Taek Joo was shocked by the unexpected kiss. Although he had made love
many times with Zhenia, the two had never kissed.

Zhenia used his hand to cover Taek Joo's eyes, who was thinking
absentmindedly, then he pursed his lips. Zhenia rubbed his tongue against
his teeth and dug deep inside to lick Taek Joo's tounge. Even then, Taek Joo
still stubbornly refused. Zhenia suddenly bit his lower lip.

"Zhen..."
Taek Joo frowned and moaned. When Zhenia gently pressed his tongue
inside, the soft corners all over his body seemed to harden, making Taek
Joo excited.

Zhenia's hot breath even reached Taek Joo's throat. Breaths mixed together
and sounds came from his wet lips, his thick eyelashes brushing his cheeks
and his eyelids tickling. Zhenia's body odor took over his sense of smell.

"ha..ah.."

Taek Joo tilted his head and panted. Zhenia also tilted his head and
swallowed his lips again. The table carrying the weight of the two of them
shook dangerously as if it might collapse in an instant.

For a moment, it was just lips and tongues intertwined. It wasn't Taek Joo's
first kiss but for some reason his heart was beating like crazy. The breath he
couldn't exhale or swallow echoed in his throat, and his vision blurred for a
momment.

Zhenia's lips only parted from his when Taek Joo choked.

He coughed until his face turned red, and in the process his pants fell off.

Taek Joo shivered at the feeling of emptiness down there. The shaking table
suddenly turned over. The back of his neck rang. Taek Joo was dragged
away by Zhenia without having time to realize the pain, his vision was
reversed. That was because he was thrown hard onto the bed.

(ig when he coughs his pants just magically fall off?) The old mattress
creaked.

Zhenia pressed Taek Joo down and sat up. His hands groped his body
hastily like an animal that had been starving for a days.

Suddenly he was grabbed by the collar. Realizing something was wrong,

Taek Joo stopped his hand, but Zhenia ended up tearing his shirt. Suddenly
Taek Joo felt a chill. Not stopping there, Zhenia's hand moved down. The
wind blew onto the dick in Zhenia's hand.
The mass of flesh covered with unfamiliar body heat trembled. Taek Joo's
face was restless. Zhenia moved his thumb over the dick he held in his
hand.

Zhenia slowly bent down and pressed his lips along Taek Joo's chest bone
and toned abs. A moment later, he suddenly raised his head and looked into
Taek Joo's eyes. When Zhenia pressed his dick, Taek Joo's eyebrows
furrowed. Zhenia asked, looking straight into his dark eyes.

"Why did you run away? Didn't you rely on me to survive? You clung to me
first. Why?"

Here we go again.

"You want me, take the initiative."

"Ugh... What the hell are you on about?"

Taek Joo frowned as the pressure on Zhenia's hand increased. He couldn't

understand what he said.

However, Zhenia ignored Taek Joo's question and just continuously

massaged his crotch.

Taek Joo groaned and spread his legs, his hand that was being held tightly
by Zhenia was also pressed down on the bed. Zhenia stared at his clearly
exposed crotch then opened his mouth and lowered his head.

"hmm..."

His cock was tightly surrounded by his warm mouth, the feeling of sharp
teeth gliding vividly across sensitive skin made his leg kick. For a moment,
Taek Joo's whole body had goosebumps, but unlike his neck that
automatically twisted, his lower abdomen wanted more pleasure and just
stuck to Zhenia's face.

"ahhh..."
Taek Joo moaned at the feeling of both warmth and tightness from Zhenias
mouth.

Taek Joo's thighs continuously vibrated as if they were on fire. His lower
abdomen swayed with each movement as Zhenia's neck bent. Taek Joo
frowned at his body's too real reaction. Even though he wanted more
pleasure, he couldn't let go of his reason.

The head was taken in Zhenias mouth and sucked hard, Taek Joo's knees
once again shook from the strong feeling of absorption. His whole body
heated up and grinding sounds came from between his tightly clenched
teeth. Zhenia pressed down on his twitching thigh and he quickly moved his
head up and down.

"ah... ha... ahhh..."

Taek Joo shook his head repeatedly with moans he couldn't swallow.

Something inside him seemed to be sucked out every time Zhenia took him
further.

Just as his vision blurred from that strong pleasure, the stimulation between
his legs suddenly disappeared. The intense heat that was approaching its
climax suddenly disappeared. The continuous panting breath from the
throat suddenly disappeared in vain.

"......?"

Taek Joo had difficulty opening his tightly closed eyes. He saw his dick was
red and still hard. He moaned pitifully. Zhenia licked his lips covered in
saliva while looking at Taek Joo.

What was this bastard planning to do? The sexual desire coming form
Zhenia made Taek Joo's entire stomach twitch. He frowned in pain as he
stared at Zhenia. He reached out and opened the desk drawer next to the
bed, which contained the disposable gel usually provided in most motels.
Zhenia used his teeth to bite the wrapper, the clear liquid flowed into Taek
Joo's midsection, his body was startled by the cold feeling.

Taek Joo's entire lower abdomen, muscles and thighs were quickly
drenched, the wet and slippery feeling was extremely uncomfortable. Since
then, his hot dick had no chance to cool down, but on the contrary, it had
stood up strongly and defiantly.

Zhenia looked down at Taek Joo who was grumbling with unquenchable
lust and declared.

"If you beg, then I'll give it to you."

What? Taek Joo opened his eyes wide and gritted his teeth.

He reached out his hand, intending to relief himself. But Zhenia didn't even
allow that. The bastard grabbed both of his wrists tightly. Taek Joo wanted
to kick him away, but his legs had been pressed open by him.

He wanted to escape that cramped pain, but he couldn't do it alone. No

matter how many times he tried to escape Zhenia's grip, Taek Joo only lost
more strength.

Taek Joo rubbed his whole body trying to do something. Suddenly, there
was something strange on his thigh, something hard and hot was pounding
against his soft skin. In response, Zhenia's large body moved little by little,
his penis, already hard, was rubbing against his thigh.

Zhenia rubbed his cock hard and stubbornly looked down at Taek Joo's
face.

"Ugh... Ugh..."

Taek Joo's toes turned white and the dense blood vessels on his neck turned
red.

"Ahhaahhh..."
Zhenia's finger fidgeted and then slammed into his hole, but it didn't
penetrate with all its force, just slightly rotated at the entrance.

Zhenias situation seemed to be no better than Taek joos. The guy's body
temperature was clearly rising, his continuous panting was rough and dull,
his broad shoulders were moving up and down with difficulty, and Zhenia's
muscles were constantly tightening and relaxing. That was patience that
Taek Joo had never seen before.

Zhenias dick continuously slid against the gel. Taek Joo's hard lower body
shook violently.

Zhenia's intense gaze fell on Taek Joo. He seemed to be asking if he was

going to beg or not. The back of his neck was hot and angry. No, that wasn't
the only reason why he was suddenly upset. The urge of his heart to wonder
if it would be better to give up made his heart stir.

And at that moment, Taek Joo's lower stomach suddenly pushed lightly, it
was so light that he couldn't even notice it. Zhenia's cock was pressing

against his entrance. Every time his hard dick touched his soft hole, a moan
came out. Taek Joo's thighs trembled with joy, his eyes were dreamy and his
cheeks were wet and pink. Zhenia watched him with a satisfied smile
spreading across his lips.

Zhenia seemed not to care and left Taek Joo alone. And then Taek Joo's
movements became bolder. He didn't stop at lightly pushing on Zhenias
stomach, but turned around and rubbed Zhenias dick on his ass.

Zhenia licked his lower lip and observed, then pulled back slightly.

"Huh?"

Taek Joo stopped suspiciously, Zhenia pulled his cock back as if nothing
had happened. Right after that, Taek Joo's back arched further and tried to
push itself in. But this time Zhenia also backed away.
Taek Joo tilted his head in frustration. Slowly reaching its limit. His hands
were still tied tightly and he couldn't move and his dick was so painful that
he thought it would be better to cut it off. Because he couldn't breathe
comfortably, even his lungs were burning.

"Damn it... Do something, you bastard!"

Taek Joo couldn't bear it anymore and screamed. His face turned red with
anger. A triumphant smile spread across Zhenia's face at the same time the
cock slammed right into taek joos seething hole.

"AHH-...."

His prostate was penetrated all at once, his stomach was filled quickly and
Taek Joo's jaw clenched. His shoulders and chest also bulged, revealing a
strong feeling of rejection. Zhenia sucked on Taek Joo's nipples and stroked
his soft waist.

"Ha, ha... I'm gonna..."

Zhenia enjoyed the tightness for a moment then slowly thrusted his hips.

He pulled out and then immediately slammed back in. Nausea rose as all
parts of his stomach were pushed up at the same time. Taek Joo gritted his
teeth and endured it.

When he opened his eyes, he could see his legs spread open, Zhenias every
move was clearly imprinted on him. But when he closed his eyes, the
feeling of his cock moving in and out of his body only became more vivid.

"Ah, uhm..."

Taek Joo picked up a pillow to cover his face. If he didn't do that, the moans
he didn't want to hear would probably come out in disarray.

because he was constantly overstimulated, he naturally got used to it. Taek

Joo tried to justify but he couldn't lie to his body that was being honest
about its desires. Every time Zhenia's dick penetrated deep into his stomach,
he unconsciously trembled, the strong stimulation spreading as if the reins
were being removed.

Their bodies interlocked without rest, Zhenia bit Taek Joo's neck and
continued thrusting.

"Ha!"

Taek Joo's whole body trembled and for a moment, it seemed like all he
could see were stars, the tingling feeling originating from his stomach did
not dissipate immediately but spread throughout his body. He looked at
Zhenia with suspicion.

"Haugh, uhhh, ah, ahhh...!"

Taek Joo moaned like he was screaming and he trembled.

Zhenia suddenly lifted Taek Joo's legs to his shoulders, then raised his
knees and thrusted in and out faster.

Taek Joo's whole body convulsed and he came, his thighs stiffened, his
eyelids opened and closed continuously and his vision gradually became
white.

"AH- fuck...!"

His whole body tensed up and Taek Joo roared like an animal, his hair
standing on end. At the same time, the cum boiling inside him surged out.

"Haaa..."

Taek Joo's lips trembled and he panted, his sweaty chest and stomach
swayed as well, the exhilarating feeling of release and the feeling of
exhaustion coming at the same time. His whole body was sticky and
uncomfortably slippery.

His eyelids trembled tightly closed and then opened again, the blurry,
shaking scene was finally becoming clear. Taek Joo could see the ceiling of
the motel that he had never noticed before.
Is that why? Why Zhenia was heavier? Taek Joo's lungs were choked by the
man collapsed ontop of him. "get off!" He said and pushed Zhenia away.

But Zhenia didn't budge. He didnt move away, nor did he move his dick
still inside Taek Joo. Something was wrong, he looked at Zhenia curiously.

With the little strength he had left, he pushed zhenia away. His body fell to
the side. His eyelids were closed silently as if he passed out, his bloodless
face was streaked with sweat and his breathing was labored. "Hey," he
called, shaking zhenia. No reaction. He slapped zhenia cheek but he didn't
even lift his eyebrows. It seemed zhenia was in shock from losing so much
blood.

Even in that situation, his throbbing boner was still inside his body. Taek
Joo slowly pulled himself out. A small moan escaped him as he tried to
escape from his trapped body, goosebumps rising on the back of his neck as
his tight ass suddenly became loose.

Checkmate - Dont turn back

Taek Joo crawled slowly to the floor. The bed sheets were stained with
blood.

Taek Joo doesn't want anything to do with Zhenia anymore. He had no

intention of returning to such an abnormal relationship.

He was nothing more than an unconscious disaster. If he ran away now, he

could escape this guy. If Taek Joo returned to the hospital while Zhenia was
unconscious and ran away with his mother... Just thinking about it made his
heart beat faster.

Finally making a decision, he put on the clothes that were scattered on the
floor. Sorry Zhenia, but now you have to find your own way.

Zhenias injury itself wasnt too serious, just because of vigorous exercise
and no reasonable treatment, the amount of blood he lost was quite large.
So if Taek Joo escaped alone, there would be no danger to Zhenia. Even if
this is an uninhabited inn, there would definitely be a manager, so they
would definitely find out.

"Why so...."

That was the moment Taek Joo just turned away. Zhenias voice rang out
from behind. He was startled and turned his head back. The blue eyes were
still tightly closed and seemed to be muttering meaningless things.

Fortunately, he was still able to leave safely. But he couldnt move as if he

was stuck to the floor.

Taek Joo shook his head angrily at those meaningless feelings. He couldn't
even imagine or be confident about what would happen later. If you don't
intend to deal with it, it's better to shake it off early.

He quickly walked to the door, grabbed the doorknob and went out. And
once again, the small whisper reached his ears.

"...Taek Joo."

he don't understand why he was heartbroken. He didn't think Zhenia could

call him by such a sad name. Taek Joo's heart stirred.

His heart was beating wildly, he frowned in discomfort, even his naturally
curly hair was now more messy. A trace of regret rose in his impudent
conscience. Just try to ignore it and walk, but your feet won't move.

Why should he feel guilty about that monster?

Taek Joo stood in front of the door for a moment, confused. Then he tilted
his head angrily and shouted.

"Damn it, I'll be back!"

He slammed the door. Taek Joo was still inside though, not outside. Even
so, the question continuously echoed in his mind whether this was true.
Taek Joo took a hesitant step and walked to the table. A first aid kit was
overturned underneath him, and he rummaged through spilled medications
to find powdered hemostatic drugs.

Taek Joo picked it up and looked at the bed.

When Taek Joo's weight was placed on it, the mattress tilted to one side.

Zhenias face was covered in sweat, and he was even wheezing. He sprayed
a lot of hemostatic medicine while clicking his tongue. Then he put gauze
on it and fixed it with tape.

Even after finishing his work, Taek Joo still sat there. With his eyes quietly
closed, zhenia looked quite good. No, his face was beautiful to begin with.

It's also because of those unusual eyes and physique that made Taek Joo's
feelings even more ambiguous.

Even in the dark, his ivory golden hair still shimmered gently. He looked
bewildered and then unconsciously reached out his hand. Taek Joo looked
down at his hands in surprise.

He's crazy.

He couldnt turn away now. The reason why Zhenia, who should have been
in Russia, went to Korea, and the reason why he was shot and injured was
because of Taek Joo himself.

"There's nothing to worry about. It's safe for now. Oh, this cell phone? I just
borrowed it from someone else for a while."

In his hazy consciousness, Zhenia heard a familiar voice. Raising his heavy
eyelids, Taek Joo's back appeared dimly little by little. It looked like he was
talking to someone on the phone.

He must have been unconscious for quite a while, Zhenia couldn't

remember why he was lying there. Reviewing the memories of the previous
night, he remembered pushing Taek Joo to the limit. As he waited for him
to latch onto him first, Zhenia tried to suppress his rising lust. When he
finally got what he wanted, it felt like all the liquid in his body evaporated
instantly.

But after that, zhenia looked down at the bandage on his shoulder. He didn't
remember putting it himself, so it must have been Taek Joo's work.

Why didn't he run away? If he was determined, he probably could have run
away. But why was Taek Joo still here?

zhenia reached out to see if the man he saw now was an illusion. His
straight back touched his fingertips. He even glanced back when he felt
something touch his back.

The two looked at each other without saying anything. Taek Joo continued
the call in that state.

"Anyway, I wish you all the best. I'll be in touch later."

He quickly hung up and threw his cell phone aside. When checking the call
list, zhenia saw some numbers that looked quite familiar. Not knowing what
was going on, zhenia turned on the TV.

The news broadcast on TV is reporting what was reported last night. The
theme is nothing more than a chase that takes place in the middle of Seoul
during the day.

The content wasnt beyond Taek Joo's expectations. Charges of

impersonating a lawyer, charges of plotting to assassinate Lee Cheol-jin,
charges of obstruction of official duties and destruction of public property,
and charges of causing injury to police officers attempting to attempted
arrest was added to the existing charges.

While considering complex countermeasures, a metallic sound suddenly

rang out. When he turned his head, zhenia had sat up and was twisting his
handcuffed wrists, his eyes showing discomfort.

"Is this fun to you?"

"From now on, I will try to threaten you. I will release you if you
obediently obey."

"Listen to what I want first."

Tired of acting, Taek Joo made it clear that he had no other choice.

"You said you would agree with me first."

"Do you even know what your asking of me?"

"That wasn't a question, it was a threat, you bastard."

He frowned fiercely, it wasnt at all scary.

"Taek Joo. Don't you think you should make a better deal than threaten
me?"

He was clearly smiling, but it didn't look pleasant at all.

In fact, if it's not a threat, then what if it's an offer? Having only one thing to
say, Taek Joo shrugged and explained quite abstractly.

"It's not fair to have to throw away a car like this, so I'm thinking about
reorganizing the traffic, but I need your help. So, please help me."

Taek Joo raised his chin slightly. Confident eyes directed straight at zhenia.

The guy tilted his head as if he wanted to say something, but he was sure of
his suggestions.

"Kid, you should be nice to me."

Without a doubt, zhenias eyebrows furrowed. But just for a moment, he

smiled coldly and brushed it aside. He seemed to know exactly what he
wanted to say.

Taek Joo took out the memory card and placed it down in front of zhenia.
"This is the reason why I'm being chased. I want you to hand it over to the
prosecutor in charge of the case. It won't be easy. The police are
everywhere. Even the execution order has probably been issued."

The tone of the request was quite sincere, but the expression on zhenia's
face was quite dissatisfied. Taek Joo's plan couldn't even guarantee his
safety. But that was the only way, he asked zhenia once more.

"It's the original, so you have to take it with you. No matter how you think
about it, it's the only way. I don't know about others, but with a monster like
you, I have I can trust it and leave it to you."

There was nothing more to say but trust each other. It's not like he's
completely unaware of Taek Joo's situation or circumstances.

zhenia obediently held the memory card in his hand, then he waved it
gently and made a bid.

"In retrospect, doesn't hiring a prostitue also come at a proce?"

Taek Joo curled his mouth as if he had known zhenia was going to say that.

"Of course. If everything ends well, Ill think about taking us seriously. It
will be quite interesting to try tame someone like you."

"Whos taming who?"

zhenia frowned as if he had just been spat on. Taek Joo happily explained
further.

"You'll chase me wherever I go. I'm sick of running away now. And if I
don't want to run away then I'll have to compromise with reality to some
extent. So so, i'll stay with you. it'll be difficult to kill you straight away, but
it is what it is."

For a moment, zhenias face was blank, looking like he had been hit hard on
the head.
Blue eyes filled with images of Taek Joo. He rarely smiles at zhenia. Even
so, zhenia couldn't come to a conclusion on whether or not Taek joo was
trustable.

zhenia leant back and snapped his fingers at Taek Joo.

"1 star.. i'm not paying for any of the services i received. Now come here"

Truly a business man.

As requested, Taek Joo climbed onto the bed. Soon, he was within zhenia's
reach. He sat quietly observing Taek Joo then suddenly turned around.

Immediately afterwards, zhenias lips roughly intertwined with his. Looking

at zhenia coveting Taek Joo's lips with frowning eyebrows, he suddenly felt
something very affectionate. He looked at that strange face and slowly
closed his eyes, his whole body was pulled by a strong force, his heart
began to beat strongly again. Taek Joo felt like he was stuck in a trap.

Checkmate - End Game 1

NIS headquarters was in a state of emergency. The chase that took place in
the city center after Taek Joo invaded the hospital couldnt avoid the fierce
bullets of the media. Many voices criticized the incompetence of public
authorities when it became known that the wanted man had escaped, despite
traffic being paralyzed and civil damage having occurred.

Furthermore, when Lee Cheol Jin was arrested as a suspect in the case and
was mysteriously poisoned while awaiting trial, things became even more
noisy both inside and outside. That's why they had to capture Taek Joo.

Someone must be responsible for this.

When the situation became serious, Chief Lim, who was in the hospital,
also rushed to headquarters. He hadn't even left work since last night and
was continuously receiving status reports every hour. No one knew Taek
Joo's whereabouts.
Everything went according to plan, although it was a little noisy. Now, as
long as they had a proper ritual offering, everything would be arranged
smoothly. The only obstacle was is that Chief Lim doesn't have much time
left.

A knock sounded on the door and an employee entered the office. He was
assigned to monitor Yoon Jong Woo's phone usage. Deputy Chief 1

accompanying him could not hide his concern and asked what was going
on.

"A while ago, I received a call on Yoon Jong Woo's cell phone."

"Have you checked the sender yet?"

"Okay. This number is in the name of a Russian named Yevgeny

Vissarionovich Bogdanov."

"Where is the call from?"

"It is confirmed to be near Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do."

"Alright."

Deputy Chief 1 clenched his fist. Chief Lim also nodded. Now was the time
for him to complete what had been planned.

The employee was still waiting for further instructions. He sat politey.

"Immediately send a cooperation dispatch to the local police station. Let our
elite agents participate."

"How?"

"I will be directly in charge."

The employee who was listening to the order looked puzzled. Managers or
executives are often only informed about the situation in the control room
and give instructions, but do not work directly in the field.
Of course, this is not unreasonable as Chief Lim was also a special agent.

However, he wanted to make sure he hadn't heard wrong.

"Are you going to join?"

"I have to go. One way or another, he's my subordinate, so shouldn't I go

catch him myself?"

"Then I'll go too."

Deputy Chief 1 who was listening suddenly spoke up. The employee
wondered why, as this was truly an unusual situation.

"I will prepare as you said."

"One more thing. Yoon Jong Woo from the support team, is he at work
yet?"

"Not yet."

"Is he at home?

"Yes. He was spotted leaving early this morning."

Chief Lim rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. Immediately after
being contacted by Taek Joo, Yoon Jong Woo disappeared, he must have
received some instructions. Manager Lim knows Taek Joo well because the
time the two of them worked together wasnt short. Even when Taek Joo is
arrested, he is not a person who gives up easily. Taek Joo must have
prepared a plan to deal a blow to the person who tricked him. The visit to
Lee Cheol Jin before he disappeared also bothered Chief Lim.

"Then let's find out where Yoon Jong Woo is and hold him off until I'm
done."

"Yes."
The staff received polite instructions to leave. The two remaining men in
the room didnt say anything. Chief Lim only spoke after the footsteps had
completely subsided.

"Now we have to end this."

"For this to be done safely, it's all up to you. Make sure your pulling your
own weight."

"Are you sure you sent it yesterday?"

Yoon Jong Woo held the front door open and asked for confirmation.

Because of Yoon Jong Woo, his plan to sleep late was ruined. Yoon Jong
Woo left an emergency contact number at the photo studio, but he couldn't
understand how he knew his home address. He sighed and pulled the door
open.

"Ah, yes! They said that most of the pictures would be sent out the night
before the holiday. Did they not deliver them?"

"Please tell me about the express delivery service you used. Does it usually
arrive within a day?"

"I'm using Chunlima delivery service. And you shouldn't ask me about the
delivery date but should go check with the courier?" The owner of the
photo studio said, "Let's go" and pushed Yoon Jong Woo.

The front door slammed shut in front of Yoon Jong Woo while he couldn't
even find the delivery receipt number. He angrily wanted to ring the
doorbell again, but if he really did, he would call the police. Yoon Jong
Woo shuffled back and forth hesitantly.

He went down to the alley and took out his phone. There has been no
further contact from Taek Joo. Yoon Jong Woo heard about him on the news
last night. He was so shocked that he couldn't sleep, but then Taek Joo
called back. According to Taek Joo's instructions, Yoon Jong Woo shouldn't
go to work today.
A sigh came out. You've come this far and you can't go back. Yoon Jong
Woo can only do his part and hope everything goes well.

Yoon Jong Woo went online and searched for Chunlima express delivery.

He couldn't look up the delivery status because he didn't have the invoice
number, so Yoon Jong Woo had no other choice but to call the main
switchboard number. After a while, he was connected to an agent.

"Yes, Chunlima delivery? Thank you for your hard work. I want to ask
something. This is 1724 Seocho-dong. The package I was supposed to
receive yesterday still hasn't arrived..."

Yoon Jong Woo gave the address of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's
Office, and an expected response rang out.

"Oh really? Do you happen to know the invoice number?"

"Ah, like this... Today the shipping company coincidentally has a holiday. If
they don't answer the phone, will it be difficult to look up my information?"

"Please read more information."

This time, Yoon Jong Woo reread the sender and recipient information that
Taek Joo had tipped him off. "Thank you very much." He replied back.

"Dear customer, after looking up, I can confirm that the courier has already
arrived in this area. We will provide you with the contact information of the
driver in charge. Could you please try contacting us?" with them?"

Yoon Jong Woo quickly wrote down the contact number. Taek Joo said that
the photo would be convincing evidence. If that's true then it should be
safely sent to Prosecutor Seok. Due to the nature of the express delivery
service, Yoon Jong Woo was very worried because he could not be sure
exactly when the package would arrive or whether the package would be
delivered properly.

Yoon Jong Woo called the courier driver, the call connection rang. He
walked back and forth aimlessly and anxiously waited for the other end to
pick up the phone. However, there is only a voice notification that the
person on the other end of the line cannot answer the phone.

"Ah bastard. Why don't you answer the phone?"

Perhaps they were busy with work so they couldn't answer the phone, Yoon
Jong Woo's thoughts continued to spread in a bad direction. Because it was
something that had to be delivered, he couldn't help but worry about
whether it might get lost on the way or someone might take it midway.

Yoon Jong Woo was looking at his phone to see if anything was wrong
when another figure approached from behind.

"Yoon Jong Woo."

Yoon Jong Woo nervously looked back in the direction he heard the call.

Two men in black suits were standing there. Yoon Jong Woo could sense
their identities through intuition, they were agents sent by Chief Lim from
headquarters.

Yoon Jong Woo's phone fell to the ground. There, the message rang again
that the customer could not answer the phone.

Checkmate - End game 2

NIS headquarters was in a state of emergency. The chase that took place in
the city center after Taek Joo invaded the hospital couldnt avoid the fierce
bullets of the media. Many voices criticized the incompetence of public
authorities when it became known that the wanted man had escaped, despite
traffic being paralyzed and civil damage having occurred.

Furthermore, when Lee Cheol Jin was arrested as a suspect in the case and
was mysteriously poisoned while awaiting trial, things became even more
noisy both inside and outside. That's why they had to capture Taek Joo.

Someone must have beeen responsible for his death.

When the situation became serious, Chief Lim, who was in the hospital,
also rushed to headquarters. He hadn't even left work since last night and
was continuously receiving status reports every hour. No one knew Taek
Joo's whereabouts.

Everything went according to plan, although it was a little noisy. Now, as

long as they had a proper ritual offering, everything would be arranged
smoothly. The only obstacle was that Chief Lim didn't have much time left.

A knock sounded on the door and an employee entered the office. He was
assigned to monitor Yoon Jong Woo's phone usage. Deputy Chief 1

accompanying him could not hide his concern and asked what was going
on.

"A while ago, I received a call on Yoon Jong Woo's cell phone."

"Have you checked the sender yet?"

"Okay. This number is in the name of a Russian named Yevgeny

Vissarionovich Bogdanov."

"Where is the call from?"

"It is confirmed to be near Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do."

"Alright."

Deputy Chief 1 clenched his fist. Chief Lim also nodded. Now was the time
for him to complete what had been planned.

The employee was still waiting for further instructions. He sat politey.

"Immediately send a cooperation dispatch to the local police station. Let our
elite agents participate."

"How?"

"I will be directly in charge."

The employee who was listening to the order looked puzzled. Managers or
executives are often only informed about the situation in the control room
and give instructions, but do not work directly in the field.

Of course, this is not unreasonable as Chief Lim was also a special agent.

However, he wanted to make sure he hadn't heard wrong.

"Are you going to join?"

"I have to go. One way or another, he's my subordinate, so shouldn't I go

catch him myself?"

"Then I'll go too."

Deputy Chief 1 who was listening suddenly spoke up. The employee
wondered why, as this was truly an unusual situation.

"I will prepare as you said."

"One more thing. Yoon Jong Woo from the support team, is he at work
yet?"

"Not yet."

"Is he at home?

"Yes. He was spotted leaving early this morning."

Chief Lim rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. Immediately after
being contacted by Taek Joo, Yoon Jong Woo disappeared, he must have
received some instructions. Manager Lim knows Taek Joo well because the
time the two of them worked together wasnt short. Even when Taek Joo is
arrested, he is not a person who gives up easily. Taek Joo must have
prepared a plan to deal a blow to the person who tricked him. The visit to
Lee Cheol Jin before he disappeared also bothered Chief Lim.

"Then let's find out where Yoon Jong Woo is and hold him off until I'm
done."
"Yes."

The staff received polite instructions to leave. The two remaining men in
the room didnt say anything. Chief Lim only spoke after the footsteps had
completely subsided.

"Now we have to end this."

"For this to be done safely, it's all up to you. Make sure your pulling your
own weight."

"Are you sure you sent it yesterday?"

Yoon Jong Woo held the front door open and asked for confirmation.

Because of Yoon Jong Woo, his plan to sleep late was ruined. Yoon Jong
Woo left an emergency contact number at the photo studio, but he couldn't
understand how he knew his home address. He sighed and pulled the door
open.

"Ah, yes! They said that most of the pictures would be sent out the night
before the holiday. Did they not deliver them?"

"Please tell me about the express delivery service you used. Does it usually
arrive within a day?"

"I'm using Chunlima delivery service. And you shouldn't ask me about the
delivery date but should go check with the courier?" The owner of the
photo studio said, "Let's go" and pushed Yoon Jong Woo.

The front door slammed shut in front of Yoon Jong Woo while he couldn't
even find the delivery receipt number. He angrily wanted to ring the
doorbell again, but if he really did, he would call the police. Yoon Jong
Woo shuffled back and forth hesitantly.

He went down to the alley and took out his phone. There has been no
further contact from Taek Joo. Yoon Jong Woo heard about him on the news
last night. He was so shocked that he couldn't sleep, but then Taek Joo
called back. According to Taek Joo's instructions, Yoon Jong Woo shouldn't
go to work today.

A sigh came out. You've come this far and you can't go back. Yoon Jong
Woo can only do his part and hope everything goes well.

Yoon Jong Woo went online and searched for Chunlima express delivery.

He couldn't look up the delivery status because he didn't have the invoice
number, so Yoon Jong Woo had no other choice but to call the main
switchboard number. After a while, he was connected to an agent.

"Yes, Chunlima delivery? Thank you for your hard work. I want to ask
something. This is 1724 Seocho-dong. The package I was supposed to
receive yesterday still hasn't arrived..."

Yoon Jong Woo gave the address of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's
Office, and an expected response rang out.

"Oh really? Do you happen to know the invoice number?"

"Ah, like this... Today the shipping company coincidentally has a holiday. If
they don't answer the phone, will it be difficult to look up my information?"

"Please read more information."

This time, Yoon Jong Woo reread the sender and recipient information that
Taek Joo had tipped him off. "Thank you very much." He replied back.

"Dear customer, after looking up, I can confirm that the courier has already
arrived in this area. We will provide you with the contact information of the
driver in charge. Could you please try contacting us?" with them?"

Yoon Jong Woo quickly wrote down the contact number. Taek Joo said that
the photo would be convincing evidence. If that's true then it should be
safely sent to Prosecutor Seok. Due to the nature of the express delivery
service, Yoon Jong Woo was very worried because he could not be sure
exactly when the package would arrive or whether the package would be
delivered properly.
Yoon Jong Woo called the courier driver, the call connection rang. He
walked back and forth aimlessly and anxiously waited for the other end to
pick up the phone. However, there is only a voice notification that the
person on the other end of the line cannot answer the phone.

"Ah bastard. Why don't you answer the phone?"

Perhaps they were busy with work so they couldn't answer the phone, Yoon
Jong Woo's thoughts continued to spread in a bad direction. Because it was
something that had to be delivered, he couldn't help but worry about
whether it might get lost on the way or someone might take it midway.

Yoon Jong Woo was looking at his phone to see if anything was wrong
when another figure approached from behind.

"Yoon Jong Woo."

Yoon Jong Woo nervously looked back in the direction he heard the call.

Two men in black suits were standing there. Yoon Jong Woo could sense
their identities through intuition, they were agents sent by Chief Lim from
headquarters.

Yoon Jong Woo's phone fell to the ground. There, the message rang again
that the customer could not answer the phone.

Checkmate - End game 3

Court No. 426, Section 21 of the Criminal Agreement, Seoul Central

District Court. The trial of a case involving a senior NIS official has begun.

The defendant is accused of receiving orders from North Korea and

carrying out activities for decades. However, he gradually changed his
ideology, and when his name was mentioned as the next head of the NIS, he
tried to cover up and manipulate the activities in the process. my past to
wash away the past. Besides, there is another person in the plan, including
personnel at the NIS department head level, and even public power is drawn
into it. In addition, an innocent NIS employee was accused of stealing
national secrets and was chased, also attracting public attention.

However, because the first trial took place in a closed room, reporters as
well as onlookers were completely prohibited from entering. Due to strict
court control, even lawyers must prove their identity when entering and
exiting. It was an unprecedented scene.

"I am filing as a witness for an agent from the National Intelligence Service
who arrested the defendant at the time."

The judge accepted the prosecution's witnesses. After that, the courtroom
organizers brought office partitions to install them on the prosecutor's chair,
the defense attorney's chair, and the participants' chairs, respectively. This is
to protect the identity and take into account the professional characteristics
of the witness.

A moment later, the door opened and the witness entered the courtroom.

Hiding in a sheltered place, he swore to only tell the truth and answer
questions truthfully. Including him, a total of three agents now sit on the
witness stand. The fierce battle continued for more than two hours.

"We will rest for 30 minutes."

After a short break, the court announced that it would now switch to a
public trial. Immediately, the witness protection partition was removed and
the closed door was opened. The reporter waiting outside the courtroom
rushed over. They eased their regret at not being able to attend the first part
of the trial by taking photos of the partially covered facilities being cleaned.

Meanwhile, the witnesses secretly left through a hidden entrance.

Yoon Jong Woo took off his tight jacket and threw it over his shoulder.

Even the most fashionably styled hair gets messy.

"Ah, I didn't commit any crime, so I'm suddenly so scared. I came to court
and was completely stunned. If we were just a little bit unlucky, we would
both be sitting on the defendant's bench."

Taek Joo heard the conversation and loosened his tie, then he smiled. Like
Yoon Jong Woo said, there were obviously a lot of variables, but luckily
they all worked hard and led to the current results. He didn't know how
things would be different if either of them made a mistake. Much of the
truth is like that, but what should be revealed is often easily buried,
distorted and difficult to determine.

After the case ended, Taek Joo's life returned to normal. He was still
working as an NIS agent and his mother's concern for him remained
unchanged.

Taek Joo still couldn't honestly tell his mother everything. He argued that
the reason he was wanted was due to a computer error. The reason he hid it
from her was because of NIS's job regulations, and his job there was just a
simple support job. Of course, his mother's radar stopped as soon as she
heard the words 'National Intelligence Agency'. So Taek Joo was ready for
this incident, and lied and said not to worry because he would soon be
transferred to another agency.

It's not pleasant to lie to his mother, but Taek Joo also doesn't want her to
live a life of constant anxiety. The job of an intelligence officer suited him
well enough to be considered a vocation. Every time he goes to a work
scene, he feels like he is alive. Taek Joo is not sure if anything else can
replace the joy and feeling of fulfillment after completing a mission.

His mother recently began receiving counseling to overcome the lingering

psychological trauma. She was taking care of her life little by little. For
peace and happiness between mother and son, it seems like Taek Joo would
have to be willing to lie for the time being.

He decided to ask Zhenia for some help. Although he didn't know whether
it was acceptable to use a public agency for such a private matter, thinking
back, he didnt know why Zhenia would take such a position. Both he and
Russia silently listened to his request without taking any countermeasures.
It was an element that would only cause trouble if kept in the country, so
they must have thought it would be better to bring Zhenia to the far away
country of Korea.

"Anyway, I was very surprised when I heard the news a few days ago. Did
you know that sir? That Russian lunatic will become the next Russian
ambassador."

While Taek Joo was clicking his tongue, Yoon Jong Woo suddenly brought
up the matter. He felt so guilty as if he was the cause of the incident. As if
being a crazy person with a degree in Russia wasn't enough, now Zhenia
has also fled to Korea. It's crazy.

Taek Joo took a deep breath and then gently shook his head. Yoon Jong
Woo expressed concern, "Are you okay, sir?"

"Probably just for a while. Even if he ran here, he would get bored quickly."

Taek Joo sighed with that fragile hope. But he also did not intend to break
his promise. It's just that it's hard to immediately start dating a guy who
could have killed you and then saved you. The thought of being together
with Zhenia made him a little scared.

That's why he hoped that Zhenias strange feelings would naturally fade over
time. Until then, Taek Joo was determined to be by his side whenever
possible. As long as he still has a little affection for him, Zhenia wont act as
carelessly as before. His weapon-grade cock was still uncomfortable, but

Zhenia seemed like a suitable person to sleep with, so it wasn't a complete

loss.

"I need to go back to headquarters, what about you sir?"

"I'll enjoy the rest of my vacation..."

(mn i wonder how....*wink wink*)

That said, Taek Joo felt an ominous feeling flicker with the sudden
vibration from inside his jacket. He took out his phone from his pocket, and
sure enough, the headquarters phone number was displayed. Yoon Jong
Woo looked at his phone with an unusual reaction. The tired boy stared at
the constantly ringing phone and mumbled something.

"If you pick up the phone..."

"They called me and told me to find you. They know I'm with you."

Taek Joo was forced to receive the phone call. The call started and ended
unilaterally as usual. He couldn't even open his mouth once. The new
manager was a typical civil servant. The main characteristic of competent
people is that they have the knack of forcing subordinates to obey orders.

"What did they say?"

"What are you talking about? There's a new mission."

A sigh came out. The two put their arms around each other and immediately
smiled. It is a daily habit that cant be escaped while serving in NIS. Taek
Joo couldnt avoid it.

Taek Joo gave up and was about to leave when the phone rang again.

Somehow this time he felt like he knew who it was without having to
check. It's vague, but it's an almost certain intuition. If he didn't pick up the
phone it would ring for and enternity. Taek Joo pressed the answer button
and brought the phone to his ear. Before he could say anything, the other
end spoke up.

"Tell them you can't go."

The one who always says that is Zhenia. Looking at the timing of the call, it
seemed like he hacked Taek Joo's phone.

"Hey, hacking and eavesdropping is illigal in korea? Did you forget?"

"Maybe you forgot, but diplomats have immunity."

They didn't necessarily give that privilege to Zhenia. Where will Korea's
future go? Kwon Taek Joo suddenly felt worried and guilty.

He didn't know if Zhenia felt the same way he did, it wouldn't be easy
because he had never considered a man to ever be an object of love in his
life.

But there's one thing he's sure of, that Zhenia is the only person who makes
his heart skip a beat, regardless of whether he's with men or women.

Taek Joo only wondered how much Zhenia could change for him. Every
time he showed strange gestures or attitudes, a strange feeling of challenge
and excitement rose within him.

Taek Joo laughed and decided to follow his heart.

"I'm coming back."

"So, what are you waiting for?"

Honey trap - Catch me if you can (nsfw)

Taek Joo looked out the window from afar and muttered in resignation to
himself. The scenery outside was very familiar, but not quite the same.

Green lawns spread out around the villa instead of pure white snow fields,
and vegetation grew densely in the forest instead of bare trees. The sky was
cloudless, as if spring had come to this remote island.

It feels so new. This is where Taek Joo was detained for many months. The
space that once looked like a prison was now like a resort. The change in
his feelings towards Zhenia seemed to make everything around him look so
different. It was so quiet that there was almost nothing left. Just a feeling of
comfort and goodness. It seemed like these past terrible days were all just a
dream.

Just as he looked out the window, a large shadow passed behind him. Even
if he couldn't see him, he could still recognize Zhenia by that unique scent.
He rushed to bite Taek Joo's neck, who was still absentmindedly thinking
and not alert. Zhenia reached out and held Taek Joo's stomach tightly letting
him lean on him.

"Did you just wake up?

Taek joo whined in Zhenia's ear, but it was no use. Zhenia pretened not to
hear him and then continuously bit the back of his neck and undid each
button of his shirt. The front of his shirt quickly loosened, revealing his
solid body. Zhenia's other hand reached in and squeezed both of his full
breasts.

Zhenia took a deep breath, and smelled Taek Joo's body, then suddenly
grabbed his arm.

Zhenia threw him straight on the bed and tightened his grip on his body. His
loosely worn shirt was also pulled off. His smooth, curvey body was clearly
exposed and writhed. Zhenia slowly and gently ran his long fingers from
Taek Joo's neck down to his chest, then suddenly made a strange
suggestion.

"we can either do it once now or wait till we get back home, then well... you
know how I am, I could go all day"

Why did he have to choose just one? Of course, no questions asked, it was
definitely the first choice he wanted it now. Taek Joo decided they'd just do
it once and then he could sleep some more. Just as he was about to answer,
Zhenia added another condition.

"But, if you want it now, then you'd better do it yourself."

What? He wasnt seriosuly asking Taek joo to ride him...right? When he

looked at Zhenia confused, he just provoked him with a half-assed smile.

Until now, Taek Joo had managed to get by whenever Zhenia was
especially in the mood. Many times he fell asleep first or passed out from
exhaustion, but taek joo had never exactly done it himself.
Thinking back, Taek Joo found himself quite passive. His physical strength
was inherently far beyond normal standards, and he had never lost the
initiative in relationships with the opposite sex. So there's no reason to be
indifferent just because the other person was Zhenia.

"Then you you'd better listen to me, okay ?"

Zhenia silently nodded at the unexpected request then quickly lifted Taek
Joo up and placed him on top of him. Zhenia swept his hands across taek
joos smooth waist up to his chest and gently rubbed both his nipples. Taek
Joo grabbed his hand and pulled it away from him.

"Don't touch me while I'm doing this."

Knowing Zhenia something like that was easier said then done.

Zhenias blue eyes protested silently. For a moment, Taek Joo moved his
waist to rub between Zhenia's legs and asked "Do you like it?". Zhenia just
burst out laughing.

"Just do as you wish."

Taek Joo confidently put his hands behind him and leant on the bed to
support his upper body.

"Ahh...."

Taek Joo put his finger in his hole and stretched it the best he could. He
thought it would be better to do it himself instead of making zhenia do it,
but maybe he was wrong. He used a generous amount of lube but he was
still just as stiff and tight.

Taek Joo felt this strange softness in the deepest hidden place of his hole.

He clenched his teeth at the strange feeling of grazing against his prostrate.

"Put some on mine too. I don't wanna hurt you"

(okay! since everyone was fawning over how he cared and allat i went back
to the raws and had my friend who speaks korean go over this part of the
text and went through different versions (in languages like indonesian,
vietnamese, spanish etc) i couldn't find a clear meaning of what it really
meant but my friend said he did indeed say "i don't want to hurt you" but it
can also be read as "i don't wanna hear how it hurts" which makes a little
sense but form what i can tell he means "i don't want to hear how much it
hurts you, but in the translation i did it would come out as either i don't
want to hurt you or i dont want to hear it etc. so hopefully this clears stuff
up! none the less even when he said "i don't want to hurt you" it was in
informal language said in a rather rude way so he was indeed somewhat
mocking taek joo...so as much as i wanna believe he really cares it wasnt

really like that. SORRY FOR CRUSHING YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS

zhenya is still a bitch ^_^!!!!)

Zhenia leant back comfortably on the bed and gave his instructions. Taek
Joo glared at the obnoxious guy and squeezed out a lot of lube. The slippery
liquid slid down Zhenia's ass and then ran down the back of his thighs.

"You look like your covered in syrup."

Zhenia looked at Taek Joo's dick swinging in front of his face and then
gently licked his lower lip. His burning blue eyes narrowed slightly.

As soon as Taek Joo lowered his butt a little, something hard hit his thigh.

Before Taek Joo could do anything, Zhenias's cock stood up and throbbed.

Even when he tried to ignore it, it wriggled and rubbed against his ass.

"Fuck your disgusting."

He looked at his huge dick, with a displeased face, and pushed it away. He
glared at Zhenia and he just gently smiled to Taek joo.

Zhenia put his arms behind his head and jiggled his lower body some more
just to piss him off. Taek Joo's eyes automatically furrowed.
Just looking at that huge thing and thinking about trying to stuff it into his
stomach made him feel helpless. Taek Joo couldn't tell if riding Zhenia
would be any easier than just letting him pound into him relentlessly.

The remaining lube in the bottle was poured onto Zhenia's ugly dick. The
cold gel suddenly flowed down his lower body, causing him to suddenly
frown and then groan softly. The head of Zhenias dick trembled slightly
because of the strange cool feeling. Precum slowly began to build at the
head. Taek Joo optimistically held the base of Zhenias cock, which even
with his large hands was hard to grab.

He braced himself against Zhenia's wiggling stomach and then guided it to

his hole. Even though it just gently brushed over his hole, Zhenia's cock

spurted out, leaving a trail of cum running down Take joos leg.

Did he really just....

Taek Joo laughed surprisingly at Zhenia and just slowly sat down. His
lower abdomen naturally tightened and his abs became more prominent. His
hole sucked Zhenia in with difficulty. Zhenia's head tilted back, and his
curled eyelashes twitched slightly.

"...ah-"

Taek Joo gasped as his hole stretched as far as it could. He raised his knees
and adjusted his breathing. Taking Zhenia's huge dick wasn't easy.

Taek Joo groaned and put pressure on his lower body again. He thought he
had stretched himself out enough but taking Zhenia in so deep was no
simple task. Taek Joo was confused and didn't know what to do. No matter
what position he was in, he felt uncomfortable.

Zhenia looked at his struggling appearance with burning eyes. He liked it

when Taek Joo teased him like that. Zhenia just bit his lower lip.

Zhenia suddenly moved his hand to Taek Joo's waist. He intended to grab
his whole body and push it down. But Taek Joo was one step ahead of him.
He grabbed Zhenia's hand and looked at him with disapproving eyes, then
reminded him of his promise.

Zhenia reluctantly clicked his tongue and bit his hand. Taek Joo continued
to lower himself further down. His spine stiffened from exerting so much
strength in trying not to fall straight down on Zhenia, even his vision
became blurry for a moment.

"Haaa..."

Taek Joo's breath was intermittent as if something was stuck in his throat.

Zhenia was equally miserable. The two of them did it a few times last night,
so he thought things would go smoothly. Perhaps because Taek Joo was so

stressed, even putting it in wasnt easy. The feeling of the tightness below
made Zhenia's thighs twitch. Zhenia gritted his teeth and squinted one eye.

"ugh...."

Taek Joo looked at Zhenia curiously. It seemed like he had misheard a

moaning sound, but Zhenia was breathing heavily with red eyes and ears,
and his neck and abdominal muscles were constantly twisting from a
seemingly insatiable thirst. Seeing Zhenia suffer in lust, only made Taek joo
want it more.

At the moment Taek Joo looked away for a moment to reach for the lube
bottle, Zhenia's hips suddenly lifted.

"ACH- Zhenia...!"

Taek Joo shivered and his body bounced. His intruding dick was suddenly
pulled out again.

"Hey, don't move."

"Just rest and let me do it for you."

While he frowned in hesitation, Zhenia raised his back again.

"AAH-!"

This time, a real scream broke out. Taek Joo's knees that were supporting
his body lost their strength and he collapsed completely on top of Zhenia.

He didn't miss the opportunity to take over the situation.

Zhenia thrusted as deep as he could into Taek joo. Before Taek Joo could
straighten his slumped body, Zhenia greedily lifted his back.

Zhenia's thighs slammed against Taek Joo's ass, creating a naked friction
sound. His body suddenly flew into the air and then slammed straight back
down. It felt like all the organs in Taek Joo's stomach were being crushed.

Although he tried to suppress it, Taek Joo still kept moaning, his whole
body was burning with heat and sweat began to pour out all over his body.

Zhenia slowly looked at Taek Joo's sleek body and then reached out his
hand. But Taek Joo flicked his hand away again. Even while enjoying the
pleasure, he still didn't want Zhenia's hands on him.

Zhenia gasped. He became grumpy. He showed his displeasure by pushing

roughly on the lower half of his body. Taek Joo kept moaning, screaming
and eventually collapsed.

Not only Taek Joo's butt but also Zhenias thighs where he was bouncing,
became blood red.

Zhenia complacently looked at Taek Joo as he tore him apart and made him
shake. Every time his body fell, his strong dick and breasts swayed as well.

"Haaa- ah...mnh haa!"

Even when he tried to cling to Zhenia's legs or stomach to support himself,

it wasn't easy because of the lube. Taek Joo stretched out his hand and
grabbed the headboard, Zhenias's face was quickly buried in his leaning
upper body.

"...ughh..."
Taek Joo twisted his shoulders and moaned, because Zhenia suddenly stuck
out his tongue and licked the nipple he had been begging for. Looking back,
taek joo had always been sensitive there. He had thought that the reason
such a thing was attached to a man's body was simply because without it it
would look strange. Only after meeting Zhenia did Taek Joo realize that
men could feel it just like women.

"..Fuck I've always wanted to-"

Zhenia muttered while rubbing his nipples with the pointed tip of his nose.

He used the tip of his tongue to wrap around the soft flesh and suck it until

it Taek joo made a shrill sound. When the upper and lower parts of his body
were attacked at the same time, Taek Joo's body stiffened and trembled.

He gritted his teeth, bowed his head, groaned and listened to his excited
body.

Zhenia buried his head in Taek Joo's chest. He pushed Zhenia's shoulder,

"Don't do that.", but his upper body betrayed his reasoning and gradually
clung tightly to the man's face. His throbbing dick also rubbed its tip against
Zhenia's stomach.

"Hey- f..fuckk i said..not to touch me."

Taek Joo belatedly protested and took a deep breath

"Who said anything about touching you?"

Zhenia jokingly raised his hands and brazenly protested. Even in that
moment, Zhenia only went back to eating Taek joo up.

"Ha ha! Uh humm-uhm...!"

"Haha.."
Taek Joo hugged Zhenia's neck and let out a muffled moan in his ear as
Zhenia thrusted deep inside him. Every time Taek Joo's body moved, his
excited dick continuously rubbed against Zhenia's toned stomach. The
sudden change made him feel more dizzy and numb than happy.

His skin was wet with sweat. Excited breaths exploded in each other's ears,
causing their body temperatures to increase. His head felt like it was on fire,
his eyes felt like they were about to melt at any moment. Zhenia pushed his
hot tongue into Taek Joo's ear. He was excited as if he was about to reach
his climax.

Zhenia couldn't stand it anymore and changed positions. He immediately

turned them over and placed Taek Joo underneath him, pulled his legs up
and slammed into him.

"Aww...! Slow down... Ya! zhen- ZHENIA!"

Zhenias lower body pushed hard into him no matter how many times Taek
Joo pushed him away, no matter how much he twisted and struggled, it was
all in vain. As if the continuous thrusts weren't enough, Zhenia completely
crushed their bodies together. Zhenia slid his tongue into his mouth. "hm...,"

the moan was stuck in Taek Joo's mouth. With black eyelashes and wet eyes
Taek Joo's chest expanded, his shoulders shook and his hole was hotly
rubbed against.

The violent giant moved in and out of Taek Joo's crushed body. His toes
turned white from the persistent grinding against his prostrate. An intense
burning sensation rushed straight into his stomach, making him want to
cum. Taek Joo's breath was sucked right out of his lungs and into Zhenias.

His vision was reversed. Taek Joo turned his head away from the
unbearable burning feeling. A heavy breath broke out, and the moans that
only echoed in Zhenia's mouth flowed out chaotically.

"Ngh..mnph- mn..mm.mn"
His whole body shivered. Taek Joo's cock rubbed roughly against Zhenia's
abs, and then exploded. His thick cum spurted out and splashed all over
Zhenia's chest.

"...Ugh...."

A sound came from Zhenia. His lower abdomen moved closer. His sweaty
ass was completely pressed tightly and glued to his Zhenia's waist.

Something hot shot heavy in his stomach. Taek Joo squinted his eyes and
trembled from the heat inside.

Zhenia seemed to want to crush his entire body, collapsing and gasping for
air. He breathed heavily and was immersed in the deep aftertaste. Taek Joo
just wanted to collapse and fall asleep.

Zhenia raised his head. He closed his sweaty eyelids and quietly looked at
Taek Joo. Taek Joo's black eyelashes and wet eyes also looked at Zhenia
without saying a word.

Zhenia pulled. Taek Joo wondered if Zhenia would keep his promise?

What a joke. Zhenia picked up the lube bottle lying nearby and poured a
new amount of it onto Taek joos thighs.

"What are you doing? We already did it once..."

"Mnhm, once. Still gotta clean you out."

Taek Joo was about to try to argue further but had to stay silent. Suddenly
something cold was stabbed inside his butt. Gel-coated fingers dug in and
scooped up the liquid that filled his stomach.

Zhenia bit his lip and continued to clean him out.

Zhenia then teased Taek Joo, saying he was 'cleaning him out' but
thruthfully was just fingering his prostrate until he eventually lost
consciousness. An affectionate voice rang in his ear, "Taek Joo" the small
call echoed for a long time.
"uhmmm..."

Not knowing whether he was awake or dreaming, Taek Joo was immersed
in dreamy pleasure.

Honey trap - New ambassador

Russian Embassy in Korea.

The president's goodwill visit and the Royal Ballet's performance in Korea
were coming in a month. Of course, the embassy's work was also in a state
of emergency. The staff spent a busy day answering phone calls that rang
constantly, receiving and sorting incoming faxes one by one, sending
dispatches to relevant organizations and responding to Various questions
received via e-mail.

After the official event ended, the embassy planned to hold a 'Russian
Night' event for an almost cultural exchange between Korea and Russia.

That's why every department was in such a rush to get things together. In
addition to that, visa applications for students preparing to study abroad
piled up.

Unapproved documents continued to pile up on the ambassador's desk.

Assistant Pavel Menshikov sighed deeply as he placed another stack of

papers on it. There hasn't been a day without stress for the assistant since
the new ambassador was appointed.

(Remember Zhenia is indeed the ambassador)

It annoyed him to serve a young ambassador, but he also didn't want to be

judged and seen as a incompetent assistant.

Around the time he was pondering whether he should take over the overdue
work on Zhenia's behalf today, there was a knock on the door, and soon the
door opened. The Secretary of the Department of Culture and the Secretary
of the Politburo entered the room.
(Politburo: the principal policy making committee of a communist party)

"Where has the ambassador gone?"

"I wish I could tell you."

"Tsk, there are so many damn doccuments left."

"They should be done in a day or two."

All three of them sighed in unison and shook their heads.

"I wonder if the Kremlin knows where he's gone."

"How could they not know? They just pretended not to know. We all knew
this as bound to happen."

"I heard he personally requested for this position....but why the ambassador
for korea?"

"Who knows? Not even his family has an idea as to why."

Another sigh came from the three of them.

The assistant still tried to explain the current situation as optimistically as

possible.

"It's nice to see him in a good mood every once in a while. Have you heard
from Russia? They said he's quite a hot head. Maybe It's better to let him do
as he pleases."

The two scribes nodded in partial agreement. They were complaining about
the delay of work, but in reality, they were also happy not to have to see
Zhenia's face everyday. It was partically becuase of the rumors surrounding
him. There were even rumors that he was a single one-man unit of the FSB.

Everyone was understandably reluctant to join his unit. It was best not to
cause trouble with him, as he was very erratic.
(Federal Security Service (FSB), Russian internal security and
counterintelligence service created in 1994 as one of the successor agencies
of the Soviet-era KGB. It is responsible for counterintelligence,
antiterrorism, and surveillance of the military.)

Work as an ambassador never stopped. As a top-level diplomat, Zhenia

represents Russia itself, so he had many foreign affairs and tasks to deal
with.

Embassy staff have been drastically changed into competent diplomats, and
there's a reason for that. Apparently they had anticipated the consul
general's frequent absences and negligence from the moment he was
appointed. Even if they realize it now, nothing will change.

"Come to think of it, what is the identity of that Korean man in the
embassy?"

"That's what i was asking about earlier. My superiors said to contact the
ambassador if we wanted to know anything about that Korean man."

The two secretaries took turns asking questions. In fact, not only them but
all the employees at the embassy were curious about him, because no one
had ever seen a Korean proudly write their name on the staff list. They
didn't know what he did or what he looked like. It was just that the new
ambassador hired him, so he must be an acquaintance of his.

The Secretary of the General Department of Politics expressed his

dissatisfaction.

"Tsk tsk. A person appointed through an umbrella hires another person

under an umbrella."

"He's an atomic bomb, not just an umbrella. No, more like an nuclear
weapon."

Their words were full of metaphors but they all agreed he was indeed
similar to a bomb. They just laughed and continued on with their work.
Honey trap - New mission

The gates opened and a group of people poured into the arrival hall. Taek
Joo immersed himself in the crowd. His neat outfit reminded people of a
desk clerk who had just finished his business trip, but the bandages all over
his body showed that he was no ordinary civil servant.

It had been a long time since he set foot on Korean soil. Taek Joo stopped
for a moment and took a breath of air he longed for. When he left it was
early spring, but now everyone's clothes were now thinner and more
colorful. It seemed like summer was about to begin.

Taek Joo lifted his sleeve to check the time. It was past 7pm. He quickly
took out his phone and turned it on. Luckily, even though his flight was
only delayed 30 minutes, there was no call or text from his mother urging
him to return home. Before, she would have contacted her dozens of times
because she couldn't stand the anxiety of waiting for him. It was a good
sign, that his mother was gradually getting better.

But for some reason Zhenia hadn't messaged him. Until yesterday Taek Joo
was exhausted because Zhenia would call every second of the day waiting
for him to answer.

"...."

Did something happen to Zhenia? Taek Joo made an assumption and then
laughed. It's hard to imagine that something so serious would have
happened to Zhenia that he would let it happen in the first place.

Taek Joo glanced down at his phone. Should he take the initiative and call
first? He looked for Zhenia's name in his contact list. However, Taek Joo's
finger didnt immediately press the call button but just lingered on it for a
while.

He was imagined what face Zhenia would have made if he saw Taek joo
calling him. Just thinking about his face gleaming with joy. Ugh. Taek Joo

just put the phone down.

Suddenly Taek Joo felt a little itchy in his ears. It's probably because he was
so tired, he needed to go home and rest well.

Taek Joo walked out and took a taxi. He told the driver where to go and
immediately fell asleep.

He intended to close his eyes just for a minute, but the taxi quickly stopped.

To keep his mother from worrying, Taek Joo slapped his face to wake
himself up. The taxi driver gave him some anti-fatigue medicine. Taek Joo
thanked him and drank it all in one gulp.

(bro is he dumb why would he drink that)

He got out of the taxi and trudged along. The entire apartment complex and
Taek Joo's house were brightly lit at night. His mother usually came out and
waited for him at the entrance, but today she was nowhere to be seen.

Taek Joo intended to wait for the elevator but he went up the stairs. The
closer he got to the apartment, the neater his clothes got. He buttoned his
shirt up to his neck and tightened the tie that had been loosely slung around
him. When Taek Joo arrived through the front door, he removed the tape on
the back of his hand.

He unlocked the door and went inside. Taek Joo took off his shoes and
walked into the living room.

"I'm home."

His mother was sitting in the living room, smiling and welcoming him.

"Ah your back!"

Taek Joo was about to say hello when he froze, because a surprise guest had
arrived. Now he knew why his mother hadn't contacted him. She must have
been busy cutting fruit in stupid animal shapes to entertain this unexpected
guest.
None other than Zhenia, he looked up at Taek Joo while stabbing his fork
into an apple that had been cut into bite-sized pieces. Zhenia looked at Taek
Joo's face contorted in surprise and then raised the corner of his mouth.

While Taek Joo stood there staring at Zhenia in protest, his mother spoke
up:

"Him? He came to visit. The ambassador came all the way here from
Russia! Isn't that sweet."

His mother hit Taek Joo's back and urged him to say hello. Zhenia couldn't
understand Korean, but he got the jist.

His mother knew that Zhenia was the Russian ambassador to Korea. And
Taek Joo's mother believed that he would quit his job at the National
Intelligence Agency as promised and work as an office worker for him. His
mother was someone who had lived her entire life in a culture where you
were supposed to have respect for superiors, and because he was Taek Joo's
superior was Zhenia, his mother must have welcomed him with open arms.

"You're here already."

Taek Joo didn't want his mother to get angry so he greeted him in a brusque
manner, and he also nodded lightly. He showed a dissatisfied expression
when his mother turned her back. His mother smiled wryly and said, "You
must be tired," then suddenly grabbed him and pulled him out of the
loungeroom. Taek Joo was gently dragged away while continuing to silently
stare at Zhenia. Of course, he just took another bite of his apple and winked
back at Taek joo.

His mother cornered Taek Joo against the wall and lowered her voice to
scold him.

"Why are you being so rude to the ambassador?"

"It's nothing, mom. He's much younger than me. After all, he doesn't even
understand Korean. Plus he's a foreigner, he sees elders as superiors, it's
normal."
"What, him? Foreigner? Ya! Did I raise you like that!? If you're his
superior, you should show respect! Set an example!"

"Mom..."

Taek Joon replied jokingly and was hit on the head again.

"That young man helped out a lot. When you were on a business trip, he
came by every day so I wouldn't be alone."

His mother grumbled with a dissatisfied look on her face.

"I'm just tired mom."

"No matter how tired you are, you can't act like this. You'd better be
respectful if you want to keep your job you hear me?!"

"Okay, okay. Let's just eat. I'm so hungry."

"Eat the fruit I cut up first."

"Fruit first? Where's the rice?"

"I'm planning to go shopping. It would be nice if I knew in advance that the

ambassador was coming... speaking of go talk to the ambassador."

Mom pushed Taek Joo into the living room and quickly left the house to go
shopping. Why was she in such a hurry? The door opened and quickly
closed, and the door was locked carefully. The sound of his mother's
footsteps also quickly faded away.

Taek Joo shook his head, and returned to the living room. Zhenia still
leisurely ate the fruit.

"What brings you here, Mr. Ambassador?"

"You said you were scared and couldn't sleep because you were worried
about your mother being alone in a far away country. I couldn't just leave
her here like this could I?"
There was no way he just came over for that...

"How many times have you been over?"

"Why does that matter? Your mother seems to like me."

Zhenia shrugged.

Taek joo reached for his neck and loosened the tie around his neck, then
unbuttoned a few uncomfortable buttons on his shirt. Taek Joo had been
sitting on the plane for hours he was starving.

Taek Joo didnt hesitate to approach Zhenia. He sat close to the table, one
eye was watching him. Taek Joo ignored him and picked up the strawberry
on the plate. The fruit was perfectly ripe and delicious. Taek Joo quickly ate
it in one bite, then picked up an apple and asked about Zhenia's recent
situation.

"What about work at the embassy?"

"You don't have to worry. I already said I would appoint it to capable

assistant."

"Jee glad your looking out for my country..."

"Awh im doing my best mr. korea"

Zhenia muttered and slowly ran his fingers across Taek Joo's neck. The
unexpected touch gave him goosebumps. He was startled and dropped the
strawberry he was holding in his hand. The white shirt he had on was
stained light pink from the juice.

Aisss.. Taek Joo sighed and was about to take off his shirt but he stopped.

He really wanted to put it in the laundry basket and take a shower, but he
realised Zhenia was still right there. It had been a long time since Zhenia
had seen him like that, even if it was just his bare body, Zhenia would have
definitely gotten turned on and rush to him. His mother was only a few
blocks down and he couldn't let that happen.
Taek Joo regretfully glanced at the bathroom. Zhenia realised what was
going on and grinned.

"It's fine"

"What?"

"I'll stay here."

Taek Joo glared at Zhenia's shameless face and went to his room. He went
into the room and brought out a change of clothes. Zhenia was obediently
sat on the sofa. Taek Joo took off his wet shirt, threw it in the laundry
basket and went into the bathroom. Now just to lock the door.

For some reason the door wouldn't close properly, it felt like something was
stuck. Taek Joo turned around to look curiously. Zhenia had been standing
there all along, holding the door tightly with one hand.

"Ya! you said you'd stay."

Taek Joo frowned in protest, but there was no way it would work. Zhenias
pupils narrowed with excitement.

"I was gonna just sit but...."

"You crazy bastard. No."

Taek Joo used his whole body to push the door shut, but it didn't close. On
the contrary, the gap only widened. The wooden panel was bent by force
from both sides. if they continued the door would snap in half. If so, how
would Taek Joo explain to his mother?

The door bent up and began to creak, Taek Joo gave up and let go. In that
moment, the door opened wide and Zhenia rushed inside. He grabbed Taek
Joo's face with both hands and touched his lips. Zhenia's unstrapped lips fell
over his eyes, then his forehead, then slid down his nose and onto his own
lips. Then Zhenia happily licked his cheek and gently touched the corner of
his lips.
Taek Joo was about to try to argue not to wet his face, but Zhenia placed his
lips on his. Zhenia gently sucked on Taek Joo's upper lip and then smiled
softly.

"It's fine here."

Zhenia smirked. While Taek Joo still stood there dreamily, Zhenia quickly
kissed him. Hot breath filled his mouth and spread down his throat. His
head naturally tilted back. Just like that, Taek Joo was pushed back and his
thigh touched the sink. Zhenia didnt stop there but continued to pressure
Taek Joo. Just as he winced, Zhenia placed his lips on his and lifted Taek
Joo up and sat him on the sink.

Zhenia lifted his chin and bit his bottom lip, then released it, then bit it
again before suddenly sliding his tongue inside his mouth. Their tongues
mixed together and the sweet flavors of strawberries and apples filled their
mouths. Zhenia sucked hard on Taek Joo's tongue.

When Zhenia's lips gradually fell down his neck, Taek Joo quickly patted
his shoulder.

"Hey, wait. Hold on."

Zhenia paused silently and looked up at him. Taek Joo took advantage of
that momment to take a breath. Zhenia stared at him with a red face then
lowered his head to hug him. Taek Joo grabbed Zhenias face with both
hands and pulled his face away.

"Stop for a minute. If you behave i'll make it worth your while"

Taek Joo proposed a quite reasonable proposal. However, Zhenia just

looked into his eyes without much of a reaction. Zhenia's face was pushed
away.

"Your blueballing me here."

Zhenia didnt hide his true intentions. He grabbed Taek Joo's hands that were
covering his face and slowly pulled them down. Their eyes met through
Taek joos outstretched fingers.

"hmm..."

not long after, Taek Joo frowned and groaned, because Zhenia suddenly
sank his teeth into the inside of his wrist. Taek Joo tried to pull his arm back
but was bitten harder. There was a dark kiss mark left behind when Zhenia's
lips parted.

At that moment the sound of the front door unlocking rang throughout the
house, his mother had returned. Zhenia smiled happily.

"I'm looking forward to you making it worth my while"

Zhenia whispered softly then obediently closed the door behind him and left
the bathroom. Taek Joo heard his mother telling the boy to wait a minute as
she cooked him something. Of course it was in Korean which Zhenia
couldn't understand.

After Zhenia's brief answer, the two exchanged several different stories.

Taek joo put his ear on the door and eavesdropped on their conversation.

Taek Joo couldn't help but laugh. The way they talk was so different, there
was no answer to any question either of them asked. However, it was
miraculous that the atmosphere was still joyful and upbeat.

Taek Joo took off all the remaining clothes he was wearing and was about
to step in the shower. Suddenly a sentence from Zhenia from outside made
his heart sink.

"Oh and thanks for coming home when you did. Thanks to that i'm going to
have a lovely evening with your son"

That bastard.

Taek Joo grabbed the door handle and let go. He couldn't suddenly run out
naked and grab that bastard's neck. He was lucky that his mother didn't
understand at all.
Taek Joo finished showering and went out, his mother was still engrossed in
cooking. Zhenia stood tall in the kitchen. He just attentively watched his
mother prepare the meal while chattering happily.

Even the steam rising from the rice cooker made the atmosphere in the
kitchen warmer. The sound of dishes clinking together also added comfort.

Just standing still and looking at them two laugh together made Taek joos
heart warm.

Zhenia quickly lifted his head and turned towards Taek Joo. He stared back
at him. Taek Joo looking towards Zhenia with a rare friendly face. At that
time, Taek Joo's mother picked up the marinated bean sprouts and asked
him to taste it. Zhenia just stared at the bean sprouts presented in front of
him, as if he didn't understand what to do with them.

Taek Joo shook his head and approached the two. He hugged his mother's
shoulders from behind and suddenly ate the offered bean sprouts. Zhenia
looked at Taek Joo strangely as he chewed the unprepared food.

"Mm, it's delicious. The ambassadors a lucky man to be allowed to come

over for dinner."

"ah you're too sweet really...It's not that good"

His mother covered her mouth and laughed. she lightly punched Taek Joo's
hip. That was a signal for him to quickly prepare the table. Taek joo hadn't
been home in over two months but according to his mother superiors had
priority, so he did what he was told and set the table for them.

Taek Joo quietly took out spoons, chopsticks and side dishes. His mother
said to sit down and then personally pulled Zhenia's chair out a bit.

Zhenia sat down familiarly and looked at the wooden chopsticks placed on
the table. Only then did Taek Joo remember and took out the fork and put it
infront of Zhenia.
The dining table was quickly filled with food. Zhenia looked around at the
colorful dishes and muttered uninspiredly.

"It smells strange."

His mother's eyes lit up and asked, "What is it?." Taek Joo's mother couldn't
understand.

"It looks so delicious, i'll make sure to eat a lot."

"Oh, yes Ambassador, please eat a lot."

Taek Joo's mother pushed the side dishes forward and offered them to
Zhenia. He just looked at Taek Joo bewilderedly. He smiled fakely and
nibbled on the food. Zhenia glared at that sweet face that Taek Joo only
used when he was around his mother and picked up his fork. The hand
holding the fork was a bit hesitant, the fork was wandering on the table. Just
then, the fork stuck into the cutest looking piece of pickled cucumber and
zhenia popped it into his mouth.

Zhenias chin moved slowly and then suddenly stopped. Sure enough, for a
while, he said nothing, didn't move and covered his mouth with his fist. The
tip of the fork in the boy's hand also seemed to tremble slightly. His mother
seemed worried about that unusual reaction.

"Not to your taste?"

"No, he's very good at eating Korean food. It's probably so delicious that
he's touched."

His mother continued to pick up the dishes one by one and piled them into
Zhenias rice bowl. Taek Joo rested his chin on his hand and leaned forward
to Zhenia with a gentle smile on his face. His expression was quite friendly,
but his smile wasn't a single bit sincere. Under the dining table, Taek Joo
lightly kicked his leg.

Zhenia put strength into his chin and raised his head. He stared unsatisfiedly
at Taek Joo and then silently continued his meal as if nothing happened. A
smile appeared on the worried mother's face again. She explained the
effectiveness of the ingredients used and repeatedly asked everyone not to
be shy and eat a lot. When Zhenia's cup was empty, his mother immediately

poured him more water and enjoyed the sight of him eating contentedly. It
seemed that his mother wasn't pretending to flatter Taek Joo's superiors, but
was actually very pleased that Zhenia was here. Being alone in a house
without Taek Joo was also very difficult.

Taek Joo was often away from home because of work, and even when he
stoped by, he only slept.

"Eat slowly."

Taek Joo picked up a piece of fish and put it directly onto Zhenia's spoon.

He didn't eat it right away but just stared at the spoon.

"You guys can sleep over tonight don't worry."

The mother followed them to the front of the elevator to express her regret.

Taek Joo shrugged and translated deceitfully.

"Mom told us to piss off."

Zhenias eyes fell suspiciously. Taek Joo ignored him and stopped his
mother.

"Oh mom come on. You don't want him staying over he wants to sleep in
his own bed anyways"

Zhenia's expression didn't change at all, but Taek Joo said Zhenia would
feel awkward staying over.

"I'll take the ambassador home and come back after. I dont know how late
i'll be so make sure to go to bed.
His mother watched both of them get into the elevator before going back
inside.

As soon as the door closed, Zhenia stuck to him. "Hey", even if he

protested, Zhenia didn't mind and continued to bury his face in Taek joos
hair. At times like these, he felt like Zhenia was just a big puppy.

Zhenia's car was parked in the underground parking lot. Like its owner, it
flaunts itself with a beautiful design. The already narrow parking spot
looked more cramped becuase the car was so big.

"Are you driving?"

"I'll drive."

Zhenia started the engine and the car slid out of the parking lot.

Taek Joo leant his chair back as far as it could and leaned down
comfortably. There was no music in the car, only the engine noise. The city
center late at night was almost empty of cars and people.

Not long after, Zhenia's Bugatti arrived in front of the house. When the
sensor in the garage was activated, the rolling door opened. Zhenia drove
inside the garage and turned off the engine. At the same time, the lights in
the car also turned off.

"We're home."

Zhenia opened the door and was about to get out of the car, but he looked
back at Taek Joo who had been silent all this time. Zhenia leaned over to
take a look, Taek Joo had leant his seat all the way back and had fallen
asleep.. He had to wake Taek Joo up, what about the promise he had made
him?

Zhenia looked at Taek joo sleeping for a while longer and then got out of
the car. He then walked around the body of the car and opened the
passenger door. Taek Joo's body leaned halfway out the door and almost
fell. Zhenia grabbed him, then gently slung him over one shoulder and
leisurely walked into the house.

Taek joo was still asleep and was placed softly on the bed. The soft mattress
supported his body, Taek Joo instinctively rubbed his face and
unconsciously crawled into the blanket that was on the bed.

Zhenia stared at whilst unbuttoning his shirt. The corner of his mouth lifted
up to form a long curve. Taek Joo fell into a deep sleep, not knowing what
was about to happen to him.

"Hmm?"

Taek Joo's eyes opened wide. Whether it looked familiar or not, the ceiling
quickly filled his field of vision. How did he get here? Taek Joo recalled
some memories of last night. He remembered leaving the house and getting
into Zhenia's car, but he didn't remember getting out of the car himself. It
seemed like his consciousness was cut off midway. He had been awake for
over 48 hours.

Taek Joo rolled his eyes and looked around. The place where he was staying
seemed to be Zhenia's bedroom. He had only been here once before going
on a business trip, so he was still a bit confused. Zhenia was nowhere to be
seen, and Taek Joo couldn't feel his presence either. Zhenia's body odor was
still wafting onto the bed sheets. Regardless, he buried his head in it.

Suddenly the blanket slipped off him. Even though it was summer, he still
felt unusually cold, because Taek Joo didn't have a single piece of clothing
on.

Thinking back, his mind felt refreshed as if he had just experienced a deep
sleep, but his body felt stiff and sore as if he had struggled all night. And
that discomfort was especially stinging his crotch.

Taek Joo sat up and immediately grabbed his aching waist. He groaned and
checked the area between his legs. It was unexpectedly clean. However,
everywhere else on his body was covered in hickeys. The insides of his
thighs were covered in dark red bruises.
Taek Joo tried to stand up from the bed but his legs had completely lost all
strength. Just sitting down made the inside of his ass burn. Even without
checking himself he knew what happened.

"Seriously Zhenia"

Taek Joo muttered uselessly. And it didn't seem like Zhenia went just once
or twice.

Damn Zhenia, he's the only one who gets what he wants.

So thirsty. Taek Joo went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Inside
was empty, with only a few bottles of water lying around. Taek Joo opened
the bottle and took a sip.

Taek Joo wiped his wet lips with the back of his hand while looking around
the house. The bed, sofa and TV, the house was fully furnished but there
was no presence that anyone had been living here.

Taek Joo threw himself down on the sofa. Where did that guy go anyway?

It was a weekday, but he was sure that Zhenia wasnt at work.

Not knowing how long he would have to wait, Taek Joo turned on the TV.

The noon news was on. Taek Joo absentmindedly looked at the screen and
suddenly thought about his mother. Thinking back, he hadn't been able to
contact her until now after saying he would be home late.

Taek Joo went straight to the bedroom and found his phone. The battery
was on less than 10%. Surely enough, he received a missed call from his
mother, a text message asking where he slept and if he went to work. Taek
Joo pressed the call button. Not long after, "Hello" His mother picked up
the phone.

"Mom, it's me. I drank too much yesterday so I didn't go home. I went to
take a sauna and then went straight to headquarters."

"How much did you drink to make your voice so hoarse? Aren't you tired?"
There was a reason to why Taek Joo's voice was so hoarse, but he couldn't
say. He just blamed everything on the alcohol and reassured his mother that
he would be home soon.

When the call ended, Taek Joo heard the front door click. He looked
outside, Zhenia had just entered the house with a heavy plastic bag in his
hand, it looked like he had returned from the convenience store.

Zhenia placed his purchases on the table and stared at Taek Joo. For some
reason, his face seemed happier than yesterday. He put away his phone and
approached Zhenia.

"Did something happen last night?"

(Keeping in the unedited speech becuase it's funnier than if i edited it)

"Is it because it hasn't been plugged in for a while? It seems to fit tighter
than before. I intended to only do it twice, but because of that hole..."

Zhenia was shameless and kept that happy expression on his face. Taek Joo
immediately raised his hand to cover his mouth. Zhenia immediately licked
his palm, then grabbed his hips and grinded against Taek Joo's lower
abdomen.

"I'm sorry okay....I can go agian.. yknow to apologise"

"Fuck off."

Taek Joo tried to push away Zhenias chin. Zhenia gently lifted Taek Joo up
and placed him on the table. The things he bought at the convenience store
spilled out, some of them fell to the floor making loud sounds.

When Taek Joo reflexively turned to look at the falling stuff, Zhenia
grabbed his chin and turned him towards him. Every time he looked at that
gentle face, Taek Joo felt like he was in safe hands. He often got carried
away though.

This time was no different. His heart softened, and he also relaxed the hand
that was pushing Zhenia away. A sigh came out as their parted lips fell. At a
distance where the bridge of their noses were about to touch, Taek Joo
stared at Zhenia's lips, and he looked straight into Taek Joo's eyes, his thin,
broken breath trembling uncontrollably.

Zhenia continued to kiss him forcefully. Taek Joo bit his upper lip and
grabbed Zhenia's face. He naturally leant back as if he was clinging to
Zhenia. Mmh, nmh the sound was repeated over and over again by two lips
that met and gradually wrapped tightly around each other. His body also
gradually grew hotter.

It would be great if he could focus on what was going on, but the sound of
the loud TV kept ringing in his ear. It was news that the North was recently
conducting a missile test in the presence of the supreme leader, and when
the government expressed regret, public opinion poured out strong
criticism.

"...hm... Come on..."

Zhenia was kissing his chin and neck, finally looking up at the TV. On the
screen, North Korea's missile launch data was being broadcast. Zhenia went
straight to the TV unplugged it and threw the cord off the balcony.

At that moment, Taek Joo's phone vibrated. He awkwardly checked the

sender and then sighed.

Zhenia turned around and pulled Taek Joo's legs and placed him on the
table once again. He leant towards him then turned his head and tried to kiss
him again. His lips without hesitation fell down to meet Taek Joo's lips.

Taek Joo suddenly put the phone between his lips.

"Headquarters called."

Taek Joo announced with an annoyed expression on his face. He gently

pushed Zhenia's shoulder away then leant up and hopped off the table.

Zhenia's dissatisfied eyes followed him.

Taek Joo got dressed and answered the phone. When he buttoned up his
shirt, the call ended. Feeling Zhenia's gaze burning onto his back Taek Joo
turned his head. Zhenia had been standing in front of the door ever since he
got off the table.

"I have to go to headquarters. They called."

There's no way headquarters couldnt have known that Taek Joo just
returned yesterday. Yet they still called. So, either there was a problem with
his previous job, or another urgent task arose. Whatever it was he had to go.

Taek Joo left the house without looking back. The door made a loud noise
and then closed. Finally, only Zhenia was left alone in the large house.

Yoon Jong Woo was there to welcome Taek Joo when he entered
headquarters. The boy glanced at his frowning face. He calmly nodded and
put his arm around Yoon Jong Woo's shoulder. He shouted soundlessly as
he tensed his body and then grunted and groaned. He ignored Yoon Jong
Woo when he couldn't leave the overworked gunman alone and personally
took him to the manager's office.

Chief Kwak is the new person filling the vacancy of Chief Lim. Although
hes not an agent like Chief Lim, he is so knowledgeable about North Korea
that he is in turn rated as the Minister of Unification. If there is one thing he
has in common with Chief Lim, it is the harsh way he treats his
subordinates.

He arrived in front of Chief Kwak's office and prayed that he wouldn't be

assigned a new task.

Taek Joo took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

He regained his composure and went inside. When Taek Joo, who had been
waiting for a while, appeared, Chief Kwak glanced at the chair opposite
him. He then gently bowed his head and sat down.
First, Head of Department Kwak expressed his admiration for the
achievements he has achieved in recent times.

"It was a lot of work to get the final job done safely."

"Mn."

"I heard that you are very proud of your achievements."

He laughed and changed the subject, asking "Have you seen the news
today?"

"Is it because of the missile testing conducted in North Korea?"

"That's right. Recently, intelligence information obtained shows that the

locations of missile launchers in North Korea have changed a lot. Just
yesterday, it was reported that the launchers were pointing into the sky, and
before that then there was a missile test conducted under the supervision of
the supreme leader. I don't know if it has any connection, but I heard that a
high-ranking North Korean official will soon pay an unofficial visit. Go to
China. You go and find out what's going on."

"You mean right now?"

"I knew you were tired when you came back yesterday. But what if the
matter is urgent? You shouldn't lose the cow before building a barn."

Taek Joo raised his eyebrows looking sad, but he seemed to have no
intention of handing over the job to someone else.

"I left because you told me to, but I don't know what to say to my mother."

"If necessary, I'll even give you an official document in disguise. You can
also get help from the Russian embassy where you work."

"That..."

"What's wrong? You seem quite close to him, huh? You two often come and
go privately."
"You seem to know a lot."

"I'm just trying to be friendly with my subordinates."

Chief Kwak smiled sarcastically. It seemed like the raccoon had left and the
snake had arrived. He didn't want to talk too long so he quietly stood up and
nodded. Chief Kwak saw Taek Joo off as he left the office without making a
sound and said, "Let's go drink together when you get back."

Taek Joo sighed. He doesn't want anything but just wants to rest. Once this
mission is completed, it looks like he will have to take a leave of absence.

How will he explain this to his mother? What will he say to Zhenia. It's so
stuffy. If he confessed honestly, he might be tied up. Wouldn't it be better to
announce it after you've left?

Taek Joo considered many different reasons as to why he would be gone

and then went straight home. It was disappointing that his mother wasnt
home, it seemed like she had gone out to the market. It also didn't look like
Zhenia had come by. Was he quietly waiting for Taek Joo at his house?

He called a taxi and told the driver to go straight to the airport. Looking out
the window for a moment, he called his mother.

"Yes, son?"

"I stopped by the house but you wernt home, I'm gone now. I probably
won't be able to go home for a while because I'm busy with work. There is a
large-scale event organized by the embassy in a months time. This business
trip will be extremely busy because I have a lot of work to share with the
Russian department...Uh, you must be very tired. Mom, it's okay, don't stay
out late and eat well... I know it's a bit annoying but it's a job that has to be
done...Maybe make some side dishes for the Ambassador, he likes that...

Food will be served and I've got everything I need. I was just calling to say
not to worry if I can't reach you for a while. I hope you'll take good care of
yourself while i'm gone"
"You talk as if you'll be gone for a long time."

"Mom, I have to go. I'll message you later."

After the call ended, Taek Joo continued to look at the phone. Since he was
leaving right now, he should have contacted Zhenia. The problem was that
he couldn't think of an excuse. Normally, Zhenia would try to interfere by
forcing him to refuse the new mission.

After thinking for a while, Taek Joo tried calling Zhenia. However, for
some reason, there was only a continuous ringing sound.

Of course... that guy doesnt always have to wait for Taek Joo. He might not
answer the phone sometimes... it's fine. Taek Joo thought about leaving a
message, but decided against it.

The taxi quickly arrived at the airport. Taek Joo checked in early after
receiving pre-booked tickets at the headquarters.

Before entering the departure hall, he called Zhenia again. But this time, the
other end of the line was also silent. After going through security, he
continued trying to call him. even as he reached the boarding gates.

Finally, he touched the call button again but couldn't hear Zhenia's voice.

He gave up, but still couldn't take his eyes off his phone.

At the same time, a voice instruction came out asking everyone to board the
plane as soon as possible. And on the phone, there were still just indifferent
beeps that kept dropping.

Suddenly the beeping stopped. Then came the breathing sound of the man
he had been waiting for. Zhenia was outside and there was a lot of noise.

The other end of the line spoke before Taek Joo could open his mouth.

"I'm busy right now. Let's talk later."

"What?"
As soon as he asked again, the call ended. Taek Joo looked down at the
phone bewilderedly. The Call connection time was less than 3 seconds.

Needless to say, he felt quite embarrassed. Zhenia was busy, was he going
to the embassy? Luckily, there didn't seem to be any problems.

Taek Joo left a message saying he was going abroad for a while for work,
then turned off his phone and got on the plane.

The flight was about two hours to Beijing. Taek Joo joined the crowd and
went to the immigration checkpoint. An airport employee stood holding a
sign in the reception hall. Taek Joo's name was written on it.

"Mr. Kwon?"

He approached Taek Joo. He opened his cell phone, but there were no
messages on it other than the text message he sent when he landed.

After pondering, Taek Joo slowly nodded.

"Please follow me."

He goes first. Taek Joo followed silently and took out his prescription
glasses and put them on. If you break the stem of the glasses and pull it out,
a needle containing a powerful anesthetic will come out. Taek Joo can't

afford to assemble a gun right now, so he's trying to prepare for an

emergency with that.

Taek Joo left the crowded scanner table, and the surroundings became even
more deserted. The employee walked ahead of him to the elevator and
occasionally checked to see if Taek Joo was following him. Taek Joo
followed him up to a mezzanine, where there was a waiting room. It doesn't
even have a name so it seems like it's used by a designated few.

There was not even a single person around at this time. The staff member
guided Taek Joo to that place, knocked on the closed door, bowed politely
and left. After confirming that he had gone down, Taek Joo quietly took off
his glasses. Then he bent the glasses and held them tightly in his hands.
When he opened the door, the panoramic view of the runway outside the
window filled the view. And an unexpected person was sitting in front of
Taek Joo.

"Why don't you put them on?"

He folded his glasses and held them in his hand. He immediately realised
what Teak joo was doing and even laughed at him. That was Zhenia.

The man who should have been in Korea was sitting with his back facing
the runway of Beijing airport. Taek Joo couldn't understand.

"What the?"

Zhenia snapped his fingers signaling him to come closer. Taek Joo walked
over as requested and sat down on the opposite side of him.

"Why are you here?"

Zhenia threw a paper envelope at Taek Joo. He frowned. zhenia nodded

towards the envelope and told him to check what was inside, then poured
the wine beside him into a glass and enjoyed its aroma. Taek Joo looked at
him suspiciously for a moment then opened the envelope.

He took out the papers inside and flipped through them without thinking
much. But not long after, Taek Joo's eyes widened.

"This...."

He stared at Zhenia, as if he was trying to make sure he wasn't mistaken

about what was in front of him. Zhenia quietly raised the corners of his
mouth and took a sip of the sparkling wine in the glass.

No matter how many times Taek Joo reread it, it couldn't be a mistake. That
document was why he was here now. The inside story of North Korea's
recent moves fully written there in detail. Where the hell did Zhenia get this
from?
So, is this the reason why he couldn't contact Zhenia, why there was so
much noise around him when he picked up the phone and why Zhenia
asked to talk later because he was busy?

Taek Joo rechecked the report with confused eyes.

"...Can I take this?"

"Is there any reason why you can't?"

Zhenia calmly asked the question. Taek Joo wondered whether a Russian
ambassador like him could exchange information freely to korea.

Taek Joo couldn't shake his rampant anxiety. However, he couldn't ignore
the sincerity that Zhenia had worked hard to get this.

"Can I really take it? Don't take back what you said later..."

"Only you do things like that Taek joo"

When did he ever do something like that?

Anyway... what now? Taek Joo had no idea about how to inform
headquarters about this.

During tasks, intermediate situations need to be reported. This is to

minimize the possibility of missing information and prevent leaving the site
of operations. It seems like Taek Joo should contact them that he has arrived
safely.

"Wait a minute."

He apologized and stood up. At that moment, Zhenia reached out and
grabbed Taek Joo's phone. Then in the blink of an eye it was in the ice
bucket and wine was poured on it.

"What the fuck zhenia!?"

Shocked, Taek Joo began digging for his phone. Zhenia snatched his hand
from the bucket.

"It'll be troublesome if you call them."

"What'd you know? fucking bastard"

"You have no business ethics at all. I bought you all that time by getting the
information for you"

Since Taek joo technically had completed what he was sent to do, he could
now use his time as he wishes. Surely if he handed over these documents to
headquarters, he would only receive empty praise and then a new mission
would be assigned immediately. The hamster wheel would spin
continuously until the busy work is finished.

Taek Joo relaxed his body. After all, thanks to Zhenia, he was able to get
valuable information without having to lift a finger. It seemed like it would
be fine to comply with Zhenia's request this time. For that reason, he also
had a little desire to rest.

Taek Joo held Zhenia hand.

"So what now?"

A satisfied smile appeared on Zhenia's lips.

(RUNNING TO THE NEXT CH IKIK)

Honey Trap - I only see you (Story End)

Consciousness dimly returned. Taek joo enjoyed the feeling of the bed
gently supporting his body. His eyes were still closed because his body had
no strength left. A gentle breeze blew through the half-open window. It was
chilly outside, but where he was lying was still warm and the sun was
trickling along his back.

Taek joo could only dream of this, that feeling of utter peace. Couldn't he
just stay here a little longer? Taek joo rubbed his head on the soft pillow.
"...Yes."

A shadow flickered across his closed eyelids. He could tell it was Zhenia
just by his voice and the way the breeze wafting past felt like. Sounded like
someone was calling. Every time Zhenia stopped talking, the sound from
the other end of the phone leaked out somone softly chattering back.

Taek joo noticed Zhenias stare falling on his body. Was he really going to
continue talking with him asleep here? And why was Zhenia talking so
harshly the voice of the man babbling on the phone sounded gentler than
ever.

"Your son is still alive."

Zhenia drawled his voice as if he was enjoying the situation. The person on
the other end of the line scrambling for words. He wasn't sure why that
voice seemed familiar, but he was still half asleep after all.

Suddenly one side of the mattress shifted down, and the scent from beside
him became stronger. Taek joo's eyes were now staring up at zhenias wide
back. Zhenia spoke in a relaxed tone the same as earlier.

"Last night I even thought things had gotten worse. He went on about how
he hated me, hugged me and then just wouldn't let go. I almost had to stuff
his mouth just to make him shut up."

This bastard, what the hell was he talking about? Who was he talking to like
that?

Taek joos consciousness suddenly came back to him. He didn't open his
eyes right away but instead tried to listen in closer.

"I don't know what to do either. If I try to treat him like all my girls, he'll be
hurt. But its not necessarily easy, he's not some kinda trainable house pet.

What if he runs away again? Nah fuck that, im not chasing after him again.

Haha no I wont kill him. It's weird, the more I'm around him, the more of
him i want. Yeah it's the simplest solution.. But i don't want to do that."
A large, dark shadow then covered Taek joo's face. Zhenia's hand seemed
like it was about to touch his face. Even in that situation, Teak joo still
turned a blind eye. Zhenia saying such things in front of him made hin feel
out of place.

Thanks to zhenia, the bright sunlight running along Teak joo's face was
obscured. A calm, gentle voice echoed through the room, continuing his
conversation with the person on the phone.

"How could you give birth to someone like him? Huh? Ah no your too kind
I should be thanking you for this gift."

Taek joo was lucky that Zhenia's hand was covering his face, otherwise he
wouldn't have been able to lay still and pretend to sleep.

The phone call ended immediately after that. It seemed like the phone was
placed somewhere on the bed. After that, Taek joo's body temperature also
rose. Zhenia leaned in close and whispered softly into Taek joo's ear.

"Your mother says hello."

Why even pretend to sleep? Taek joo quickly pushed away the bastard's
hand that was now crawling down to his neck. In a blink of an eye, he saw
Zhenia's face completely switch. Zhenia knew that Taek joo had woken up a
long time ago.

Zhenia had really just talked to his mother on the phone. What Zhenia just
said replayed in Taek joo's mind. The skin on his face felt like it was about
to catch alight.

Of course, since Zhenia spoke in mostly Russian, the broken korean he was
using would make it impossible for his mother to understand.

"You bastard..."

Taek Joo reached out to grab Zhenia's collar, but he easily leaned back to
avoid it. From that useless attack, pain suddenly rushed back through Taek
joo's body, he groaned and hugged his waist tight. Zhenia sighed grabbing
his arm and pulled him out of bed.

"Now you're awake, take a shower and eat."

He wasn't wrong Taek joo could use a shower and the growling coming
from his stomach could be heard aloud. Zhenia smirked back at him and
walked out first.

Taek joo slowly rubbed his growling stomach and left the bedroom. He
couldn't tell how long he had been lying down, but the feeling of the soles
of his feet touching the floor was strange.

While walking past the kitchen and into the bathroom, Taek Joo smelled a
familiar smell. He glanced into the door way and saw Zhenia boiling
something on the stove. Come to think of it, Taek joo didn't even take that
much care in making his meals, nor did he even know how to use a stove.

Yet Zhenia didnt forget Taek Joo's 'favourite dish'.

Zhenia leant against the wall glaring at the pot while the water began to
boil, anyone just glancing by would think he was cooking a whole pot of
beef soup. Taek Joo laughed at him he was far to focused on just making

instant noodles. He looked stunning with the that look on his face and the
sun shining through onto his- Taek joo quickly snapped out of it and shook
his head hurrying into the bathroom down the hall.

He finished showering and went into the kitchen, the finished noodles were
sat waiting on the table. Taek Joo was about to go to the table and sit down
as usual, but Zhenia steppped right in front of him. He held out a
mysterious black box.
"What's this?"

Taek Joo reached out to take it. The box was heavier than it looked, and it
almost fell from his grasp.

"Anastasia."

Anastasia?

"...hm, what?"

Taek Joo tried to understand then suddenly jumped up. Zhenia continued
explaining as if there was no mistake.

"You mean the anastasia i've been looking for?"

Taek Joo knew very well that only Zhenia could analyze the blueprints of

'Anastasia' and that he was an expert when it came to weapons. The reason
why the Russian government couldn't do anything about the man was
because of the fear that Zhenia would then be able to make a 'second
Anastasia'. If there was a real 'Anastasia' in the world, its owner would
definitely be Zhenia.

But somehow on this uneventful morning, it was given to Taek Joo,

'Anastasia'.

"Taek Joo, I'll give it back to you."

Zhenia was talking nonsense again while Taek Joo still couldn't look awya
form the box. He was really pulling this shit this early in the morning?

Taek Joo considered placing it on the dining table. He was careful not to
move anything, yet Zhenia still gave his leisurely warning.

"You'll have to treat it very well. It's extremely sensitive."

What kind of bomb is this? Taek Joo just couldn't put the box down so he
just held it steadily in his arms.

"Take it back. I don't want this, I don't care anymore."

"You have to dream big dear. As long as you have that, you can get your
hands on anything you want, do you want power? Do you want money?

Just say it... She'll be ready to help you."

(The 'she' Zhenia is referring to is Anastasia)

"Wont I now become the target of those who want 'Anastasia', i'll always be
chased, and pryed upon...I-"

"Of course you'll be a target. That's why I'm giving it to you."

"What are you saying?"

"You come with a heafty price. You gave me something as precious as your
life, so isnt it only fair that you get something in return? But of course if
your unwilling to accept my gift, you'll once again have to repay me... So
quit hesitating, instead this time i want your body.."

Only about a meter away from Taek Joo Zhenia took a step closer. Taek joo
suddenly inched back. He couldn't get caught up in the atmosphere like this.

Mind you Zhenia always got his way, and it seemed as though the payment
would be as bad as the return.

Zhenia reiterated to Taek Joo that what he was holding in his hand could
explode at any second. Suddenly warning sirens in his head sounded. While
he hesitated because he thought it would actually explode, Zhenia closed
the distance between the two. Soon, his entire face was shaded in Zhenia's
enormous shadow.

"You know, I thrive off business, so I don't make any transactions that don't
benefit me."
"Haha funny... So what's this benefit your on about?"

Taek Joo objected, but Zhenia without hesitation brought thier faces closer
together. The feeling of a sudden change in the atmosphere was
uncomfortable it make Taek Joos skin crawl. Taek joo tried to retreat again
but suddenly stopped as the hand holding Anastasia suddenly shook when
his back suddenly hit the wall. As Zhenia had warned, it was extremely
sensitive, and he didn't want to end his life here like this.

Zhenias hand brushed against Taek Joo. Zhenia ran his long fingers down
Taek joo's chin and down his neck. Blue eyes slowly and quietly followed
his own fingertips. Not long after, Zhenia raised his eyes to look straight at
Taek Joo and then gently touched his protruding collar bones.

"It seems like there's no benefit now, but who knows. One day it will come
to be"

Even when Zhenia has his reasons to desire something either for wealth or
personal gain, in his blue eyes there was only Taek Joo. Those blue eyes no
longer showed the coldness of the reptile as usual, but today they carried
within them an inappropriate desire. Looking at Zhenia completely
immersed him. For some reason, he thought back to the first time he met
Zhenia, he was the first person to scare Taek Joo. Did Zhenia ever imagine
they'd be standing here like this?

Taek Joo shrugged slightly. It was as if he was struggling to keep himself

from being swept away in the rapids. But sometimes letting yourself go
with the flow isn't so bad..

"It's said that fond memories of places, times, and experiences with
someone can evoke positive feelings toward that person."

Now Taek Joo realizes that the real way to win Zhenias over may be just
that.

"Well then. Don't let me get bored around you, dear."

(tw: animal hunting and death of an animal)

The reindeer ran away quickly and crushed the bushes ahead. Taek Joo's
heart began to beat fast as the reindeer ran past. Thump, thump. His skin
also heated, a stuttle flush resting on his face.

After running non-stop, Taek Joo suddenly fell to one knee. He then aimed
the rifle at the escaping reindeer. Taek Joo moved the gun along the
swaying bushes following the reindeer through his scope, he held his breath
and looked ahead. Not long after, the reindeer suddenly appeared. Taek Joo
pulled the trigger without hesitation.

The bullet made a fierce explosion and passed through the forest. It passed
the Zhenia who was running ahead. The running reindeer fell down. Zhenia,
who was running after it, suddenly stopped. Did I win?

Taek Joo hurriedly ran towards it. When he got closer, he saw a reindeer
lying on its side. Zhenia held its thick horn in his hand and turned its head
from side to side. It was impossible to distinguish Zhenia's size from the
reindeer's size. Just like when he caught a big fish, a strange joy filled his
soul. It took a while for Taek Joo to realize his hand was trembling from the
recoil of the rifle.

Zhenia quickly pulled out a sharp knife from the sheath wrapped around his
leg. With that, the guy who was preparing to swiftly end the reindeer's life
stopped for a moment. Zhenia then quietly looked up at Taek Joo.

"What?"

"Aren't you going to do it?"

Zhenia happily held out his sharp blue knife. He spread both his shoulders
wide with a triumphant expression as if he was awarding Taek joo.

Who does he think he is Taek Joo doesnt want to cut raw meat and draw
blood, even if this was meant to be a punishment. While on missions, he
will shoot guns and sometimes use knives when necessary, but that is not
something he enjoys. The feeling when the blade draws through flesh and
cuts through skin has never been pleasant.
Taek Joo shakes his head with a confused expression.

"I'm sure you can handle it."

"There's no reason to refuse, come and do it."

It wasnt a refusal. Why was Zhenia so persistent on Taek joo cutting this
animals neck.

"No i-."

Taek Joo frowned and took a step back. Zhenia shrugged and immediately
plunged the blade into the reindeer's neck. The reindeer trembled and
quickly fell limp.

When Taek Joo came closer to observe the dead reindeer. Zhenia, who was
still sitting in front of it, suddenly grabbed his ankle.

"Fuck! ah-"

Right after screaming, Taek Joo fell over and slid down the small hill
behind them. Luckily the grass was overgrown, otherwise he would have
had a concussion.

Zhenia caught Taek Joo by his ankle before he was able to tumble down
into the river. He looked down at Taek Joo who was grumbling in pain as he
grazed his arm on a rock. Perhaps because of due to the sight of blood or
the shuttle whimpers of pain coming from Taek joo, Zhenias pupils sharply
shrank. He could see his crotch bulging with excitement.

If it were any other time, Zhenia would have tried to undress Taek Joo
immediately, but now he just silently bowed his head and parted his lips. A
soft breath from Zhenia's lips touched his skin. Taek Joo's eyes widened as

he looked at Zhenia, the space between his eyebrows furrowed and he

seemed impatient.

Although it wasn't the time, who would stop him.

Taek Joo clicked his tongue and slowly closed his eyes. When he opened
his mouth, Zhenia eagerly pushed his tounge in, causing taek joo to shutter
with the exchange of warmth and breath. The more their tongues inter
twined the more intense the warm feeling became. The gentleness from
before quickly turned into hasty passion, as if both of them were caught up
in an intense, uncontrollable momment.

The two men remained entwined as Taek Joo gradually lifted himself up.

He gently tugged on Zhenia's lower lip as, then gently let go. He opened his
eyes and stared at Zhenia.

Suddenly Taek Joo remembered a question Zhenia asked him a long time
ago. Even then, he had the same look in his eyes as now.

"Why do you stay here..."

There were so many thoughts flooding his mind. But in the end there was
only one left. In this moment, Taek Joo had no time to think about his
situation, the weight of Zhenia's existence, in the past the two of them had
gone through incredible things together, and the although difficulties lied
ahead. He only saw zhenia.

In Zhenia's blue eyes, his unfamiliar face appeared. Taek Joo felt awkward
and embarrassed. Rasing his hand he covered Zhenia's eyes. His thick
eyelashes tickling his palm.

"...depends on where this goes."

Taek Joo slowly lowered his head, his lips gently placed on Zhenia's lips.

There was a strong smell of blood. But it was okay, even though it's not
sweet, even though it's not good, the long winter is over and spring has
come. If so, is it still not enough?

Locked on the table (Side stories) 1

Las Vegas at night is more beautiful than during the day. As the sun sets, the
sleeping city begins to awaken. Luxury hotels line the main street, flaunting
their colorful lights and neon signs. Street lights, bridges, railings, signs,
palm trees and giant screens, and colour fyp lights as far as the eye can see.

Cars lined up on the street flashing their blinding headlights, and the huge
crowds of people pouring into the street. Colorful laser beams and streams
of water from the giant fountain decorate the pitch-black sky. People line up
to enjoy dinner, shop, and watch different shows while soaking up the
dazzling spectacle at a classy restaurant or bar.

A space where tens of millions of dollars evaporate and generate overnight.

Casinos open their mouths and swallow in the flow of customers. Some are
constantly looking for a little profit, while others dream of hitting the
biggest jackpot of their lives.

The bright lights and bustling tunes from hundreds of slot machines, the
stinging cigarette smoke, the strong smell of alcohol in the air, the strict
supervision of guards, the international languages mingling throughout the
tables and sounds of sharp chips flying around the room. The flood of
stimulation quickly numbs all conscience and dulls reason. Gradually, the
people here will lose control and become immersed in the game.

The casino side has taken full advantage of human psychology. The clock
and windows are simplified to reduce the feeling of reality, and the table
arrangement is also carefully considered, the higher the stake the deeper
inside.

Taek Joo begins shuffling cards on the table. He wears the name tag 'Philip'

on his chest, a 10-year veteran dealer and Chinese-American. Because he

wore a special disguise, his appearance was almost unidentifiable.

At the table he is in charge of, 'Blackjack' a simple if set simple card game
and incredibly complex if set complex. The basic rule is that the dealer and

players draw cards at random and the person whose total is closest to 21

wins. However, if your total number of cards exceeds 21 and becomes a

'Boom', you will lose regardless of your opponent's hand.

None of the four sitting customers were 'boomed'. The total of the cards
changes from 13 to 19. Now it's the dealer's turn, it's Taek Joo's turn to open
the cards. The number that was revealed in advance was '3'. The number is
small, so the possibility of 'booming' is very high. This is because only the
dealer must continue to receive more cards until the total number of cards
exceeds 17. Players pay attention to the face-down cards with weary eyes.

「Turn over the cards.」

The remaining card was turned over. A strange sigh came from the player
when the number '7' appeared. If the card about to be added is 'A', then the
blackjack will be completed and the dealer will collect all bets. Even if a

'10' card or a card with a letter like 'J', 'Q' or 'K' appears, the sum of the
cards is 20 and the dealer wins. 'Blackjack' is usually a 1:1 game between
the dealer and each player. However, everyone sitting at the table
unanimously hoped that a number of buttons less than '6' would be drawn.

Taek Joo according to the rules draws one more card. The card is revealed
immediately and placed next to the existing cards. That's card '5'. He will
still have to take one more card because the total is less than 16. The player
now clenches his fist and mutters whispers as if reciting a spell, staring at
Taek Joo's hand.

Drawing another card the tension reaches and all time high until the card is
turned over and placed down.

「Please」

Card 6 appears. 3, 7, 5, 6. Believable or not, a total of 21 appears.

「Blackjack.」

Declaring another victory, Taek Joo collects all the chips on the table. The
collapsed players grit their teeth helplessly.

「All the asians here are too good at this shit.」

The men at the table both smoke and openly complain. Their not social, and
even if they lose over and over, they dont know when to quit. Taek Joo has
heard that same thing over and over for three days now.

There is a common misconception that people who visit casinos have, If

you get friendly with the dealer, they'll be more leanent with you, and if you
win the psychological battle, the hand will turn in your favor. But
unfortunately, all card games are completely based on luck. As the number
of repetitions increase, the consecutive win rate decreases. Being close to
the dealer really doesn't change anything.

Players who blew a lot of money eventually leave one by one. An older
man who sat at the table until the end lost all his remaining chips. He said
he owned a large shipping company and always gave generous tips.

「Phillip, it seems you are actually winning right now, but eventually you'll
have to lose. If you keep winning, who will sit at your table?」

Like he said its not Taek joos issue he's winning. He wanted to respond, but
he restrained himself and nodded.

「I'll remember that. Please come back next time.」

The man laughed loudly.

「You tell me to come back after you wipe away everything I had.」

Even after saying that, he will probably visit Taek Joo's table again
tomorrow. People with greedy minds must win to be satisfied.

After the man left, the table was empty.

「Are you alone again? Did you finally win today?」

Taek Joo was cleaning up his set for a while when he heard the voice he
was waiting for. He looked up, a middle-aged woman was grinning up at
him.
「You should play with me too」, she said and sat down on the chair in the
middle.

Her name is Kiara Chang. She says she does fashion-related business in
Italy. She was born in China, but mostly lives in italy. While playing cards,
(she said) she married a local man who has been her husband for 10 years.

It was all a lie of course. Kiara Chang's nationality was North Korean, not
Chinese. Her real name is Choi Yeon Hwa, and she was in charge of North
Korea's European funds while living in Italy for nearly 20 years. It would
be impossible without the trust of the party leadership because the size of
the slush fund she alone manages is several trillion won.

However, like other North Korean elites, she appears to have undergone a
gradual facial change. As her knowledge and thinking expanded through
her long life abroad, she felt skeptical about the North Korean system,
which had been deadlocked for decades. Later, when a large-scale
hereditary purge of the leaders was carried out, and her relatives and
colleagues who followed the party were killed, she decided to ask for help.

refugee.

Italy, which is discussing and cooperating with South Korea and the United
States on this issue, did not provide any information about Choi Yeon Hwa
immediately after her deportation. It's for her safety. This was a few years
ago, not long after NIS started monitoring Choi Yeon Hwa. Recently,
intelligence information obtained shows that a social group with close ties
to domestic political forces has created a large amount of slush funds and
transferred them to North Korea. According to intelligence information, this
money was laundered in many European countries and transferred to North
Korea, so Choi Yeon Hwa must have known about the situation. If it was
simply the purchase of support funds from a pro-North Korea group, or if
the price was paid in advance to gain some advantage in the political world,
then it is necessary to find out in detail who is involved in the matter. Who
are they and what is their purpose?

North Korea also aggressively hunted for Choi Yeon Hwa. Not just because
of the trillions of won she swindled while in hiding, but because if she told
everything, everything from the secret accounts hidden throughout Europe

to the fundraising methods, The origin and methods of money laundering

will be exposed. As part of sanctions on North Korea, if secret accounts are
tied up, the North Korean government will have no way to raise dollars.

Did she have a premonition that she would be chased for the rest of her life?

Choi Yeon Hwa underwent a full body plastic surgery right after being
wanted. With the active support of the Italian government, her status was
also completely changed to 'Kiara Chang'. It's not a lie that she married a
local. I just don't know if that marriage is a limited relationship on paper or
a real relationship.

Choi Yeon Hwa, who ended her long secluded life in Italy, recently started
visiting casinos in Las Vegas. Is she trying to play the role of 'Kiara Chang',
a successful businesswoman who is bored with married life? Or maybe she
wants to let go of her true self in a place where everyone loses themselves.

One thing to note in this activity is that there must be no physical conflicts.

Choi Yeon Hwa is now Italian, so diplomatic friction must be minimized. If

the fact that she is in contact with South Korea is discovered, the North
Koreans will be even crazier to eliminate her. You can't alarm an important
source.

Kwon Taek Joo tried to find a way to approach her as naturally as possible.

The problem is that Choi Yeon Hwa's wariness towards strangers is very
high. The plainclothes bodyguards she hired were pretending to be
customers, hiding as quietly and neatly as possible throughout the casino.

This is why Taek Joo disguised himself as a dealer. To dispel Choi Yeon
Hwa's suspicions, it seemed more effective to let her approach first instead
of hastily approaching. So, four days ago, he disguised himself as 'Philip', a
dealer at the biggest casino in Las Vegas, and waited for her.
Due to the nature of the work, supervision is very strict and cannot be
neglected even for a moment. Even when the target doesn't appear, Taek
Joo still has to exhaust himself to deal with other guests. He wondered if
there had ever been an activity that made him so mentally tired.

Choi Yeon Hwa comes down to the lobby around 2 a.m. every day and
enjoys the game. Taek Joo didn't try to be polite, and he didn't even risk
starting a conversation. But she seemed interested.

「Do you want to lose today?」

"Good luck."

She pouted at his industrial answer. 「I will shuffle」he said and shuffled
the cards.

Shuffling is the rule at big tables. It is a measure to prevent suspicions of

card manipulation by machines. For that reason, Taek Joo put all his effort
into practicing, staying up all night to learn how to handle and follow

'Philip's' habits.

Soon, the waitress approached.

「Do you want something to drink?」

「No, I'm fine.」

Choi Yeon Hwa refused all services provided by the casino. It seemed that
caution was ingrained in her. In case something was suspicious, she didn't
even utter a word.

「Is this also a casino business secret? Are you going to make me bet
money on alcohol?」

"Impossible. It's a special service only for VIPs. If you don't like alcohol,
we have water and soft drinks.」

「Thank you for your concern, but I already have water.」

「I see」 Taek Joo said and put down the cards one by one. Choi Yeon Hwa
silently shrugged her shoulders in sarcasm. The way she touched the chips
was somewhat strange.

「But drinking with Philip is another matter.」

「I'm not allowed to drink alcohol while working.」

「It's not necessary to drink it right now.」

The saying is full of meaning. When their eyes met, she smiled and softly
closed her eyes. Is she seducing Kwon Taek Joo? He was a bit surprised
because the atmosphere was nothing special.

"What's up? Don't you like it?」

「This is the first time a customer invited me to drink alcohol.」

"Liar"

「Aren't you going to bet anymore? I'm about to turn over the cards.」

「Your so stiff.」

Choi Yeon Hwa grumbled openly. She had no companions, guests often
asked for her number, and even when eating, she was always alone. She
could have found a man to be with if she wanted but she didn't. Teak Joo
wondered why she suddenly expressed such an attitude.

Since learning that 'Philip' is Chinese-American, she has always shown

friendly feelings. Of course, he thought even that was just part of acting.

Or, if Choi Yeon Hwa was honest, he had no reason to refuse. Because you
don't have to bother waiting for her here anymore. Furthermore, there aren't
many disadvantages to approaching the target that way. All Taek Joo has to
do is create just the right atmosphere, then use confession triggers to extract
the necessary information. Taek Joo needs to be careful.
The total number of buttons on the cards that Choi Yeon Hwa received is
17. The card placed in front of Kwon Taek Joo is the '9' card. The card
facing down next to it has been turned over. When 'A' appeared, Choi Yeon
Hwa's shoulders sank.

「Oh, I lost. Didn't the beauty's plan succeed?」

「Because blackjack is not a psychological battle.」

「Aren't you gay?」

「Do I look it?」

She smiled and picked up the chips. Choi Yeon Hwa said, 「Wow」 and
suddenly tilted her upper body forward. She began to examine every piece
of Taek Joo's face. There was no way advanced camouflage techniques
could be seen through, but he couldn't help but feel nervous under that gaze.

「Looking at you like this, I can't really tell if your gay or not, but you seem
gentle. I like a man who listens and understands.」

"I got it."

「You can't be sure if you just look from the outside.」

Someone said suddenly interrupting their conversation Choi Yeon Hwa

turned her head with a confused expression. For a moment, Taek Joo's eyes
flinched, because the voice that flooded his ears was too familiar. A unique
body odor that he hadn't noticed until now because he was too focused on
Choi Yeon Hwa. He hoped his ears were deceiving him.

Zhenia was slowly walking closer to the table.

Why is he here?

His cheeks stiffened in shock.

(on his face??)

「What do you mean by gentle? He's perfect for the Chippendale show dont
you think?.」

*The Chippendale show is a striptease show at the casino Zhenia looked

Taek Joo up and down. Choi Yeon Hwa considered it a mischievous joke
and laughed reluctantly. Zhenia often attracts attention from both men and
women around the casino, weather or not its because of his height of over 2
meters and his unnecessarily dashing appearance or

because he is dressed a bit colorfully today. His appearance reminds Taek

joo of a white peacock, people around him can't help help but stare. Of
course, unwanted attention was down drawn on Taek Joo's table.

Without hesitation, Zhenia sat down next to Choi Yeon Hwa.

「Can I sit here?」

Choi Yeon Hwa nodded without reservation. Zhenia also squirmed

strangely towards Taek Joo. It seemed that his awkwardness was
completely because he was surprised at the guest appearance.

Without a doubt, 'Chippendale Show' is one of the attractions that represents

Las Vegas, and its a show where male strippers with beautiful bodies will
perform various performances for female audience. The problem is that

'Philip' has an extremely normal body. Telling a woman he would look good
if he were to strip is more likely to be considered sexual harassment than a
compliment. Is it different for men?

「You better be careful. Hes not one to lose.」

Responding to Choi Yeon Hwa's advice, Zhenia nodded indifferently and

stared at Taek Joo. The two of them made eye contact again. He wanted to
ask why someone who should be in Korea appeared here, but now was not
the time. Taek Joo had to regain his composure.

「Winning so easily is no fun. I can't wait to see how he plays.」

Zhenia laughed provocatively. Taek Joo tried his best to keep a cold
expression while feeling the artificial skin covering his face slowly peeling.

「I welcome you both-.」

「Phillip? Bad name.」

Taek joo continued to debate in his mind whether this kid was really
planning on ruining everything and interpreting or not. Teak Joo shuffled
the cards, ignoring Zhenia.

「China or Japan? Or...Are you Korean?」

Zhenia asked meaningfully. Taek Joo stopped for a moment and stared at
him. Zhenia muttered with a shameless face. Choi Yeon Hwa looked at the
two in and shrugged.

「Hmm. Do we all look the same to Westerners? They think that all Asians
are Chinese.」

"Really? Don't know why but you look like a Korean I know."

Taek joo really has to show this bastard his hand.

Taek Joo's strength is concentrated at both ends of his jaw. Zhenia just
raised his eyebrows as if he hadn't done anything wrong. When 'Philip'

looked agitated, Choi Yeon Hwa burst out laughing.

「Many people often see it wrong.」

As if she was ignoring Taek Joo, she gave advice to Zhenia.

「However, it is rude to say that Chinese people are Japanese or Korean.

There are many people who feel offended by the long and intertwined
history.」

「I'll have to remember that. I apologise i was being inappropriate.」

Casual teasing. If Taek joo could he would have snatched up Zhenia's
collar.

After settling in Korea, he often appeared at the places where Taek Joo
worked. Even after telling Zhenia not to follow him because his status could
lead to diplomatic friction, but it was useless. He is always present and
interrupts Taek Joo's activities. No, if only in terms of results, Zhenia
always targets Taek Joo.

Zhenia always walks around the scene as he pleases. He probably doesn't

know that he always stands out wherever he goes with his special

appearance and physical condition. Zhenia never disguises himself like

Taek Joo, it's like he's begging for everyone around them to notice him.

He suspected that Zhenia might have installed a listening or tracking device

somewhere on his body.

Of course so far there have been no major problems. But he couldn't help
but worry, because every time Zhenia got involved, he always had to pay a
pretty hefty price for him. The worry in Taek Joo's heart resounded again.

He was awakened by the sound of tapping on the table. When he realized,

Choi Yeon Hwa and Zhenia were staring at Taek Joo.

「Shouldn't you deal the cards to me?」

「Ah, sorry.」

He hurriedly shuffled the cards. While moving his hands out of habit, Taek
Joo thought over and over how to overcome this difficulty. His head was
pounding.

「Player Cards.」

He placed a card in front of Choi Yeon Hwa and Zhenia. Card '8' and card

'Q' are drawn one after another. He placed a card in front of him.
「These cards are for the dealer.」

The first card is 'A'. Choi Yeon Hwa lamented and said

「Look」.

"Insurance?"

If the dealer's opening card is 'A', the player is at a significant disadvantage

and is asked if they have purchased some form of insurance. With
insurance, even if you lose, you only pay half of your bet. Instead, if the
player wins, they will receive 1.5x back.

Choi Yeon Hwa and Zhenia shook their heads in unison. Taek Joo handed
out the cards one by one. Choi Yeon Hwa's card is '9' and Zhenia's card is

'A'. Blackjack was completed immediately.

「Wow? Is it true?」

Choi Yeon Hwa couldn't help but be surprised. Of course, it won't end there.

If the dealer, Taek Joo, also hits blackjack, they will not be able to receive
the money due to the tie. To prepare for this situation, Zhenia can get back
1x of the pre-stake amount.

「Do you get your money back?」

Zhenia shook his head again. Just like usual, even when gambling, Zhenia
was still very reckless. Taek Joo's face down card was turned over
immediately. It's a '6'. Zhenia wins.

After declaring zhenias victory, Taek Joo took a chip from the bank and
gave it to him. The corner of Zhenia's mouth curled up. Sometimes he won,
sometimes he lost, but for some reason this loss made his stomach turn.

Taek Joo shuffles the cards and starts a new game. Both of Zhenia's cards
are '9's. Taek Joo's face card is 'Q'. At this time, the dealer must check the
remaining cards with the reader and notify the player whether they have
achieved blackjack or not.

「No blackjack.」

Zhenia tapped his index and middle fingers on the table to signal 'split'. Is it
because his fingers are long, but that hand gesture is especially elegant, to
the point that Taek Joo unconsciously stared out blankly.

'split': is a rule of blackjack where (insert google answer) Split: If you hold
two cards that are the same number in your hand, like two eights or two
sixes, you can split them apart and play each one like two separate hands
instead of one.

「Call it.」

Choi Yeon Hwa's announcement of giving up suddenly brought Taek Joo

back to his senses. Once again faithful to his duty as a dealer, he split
Zhenia's '9' card in half and gave one more card. When the 'A' card and the

'3' card are dealt, the total is 20, 12. Zhenia gets 12 in total. With the
addition of the '7', the combination of cards created a total of 19.

Choi Yeon Hwa, who was watching, exclaimed,

「Oh my.」

Taek Joo and Zhenia's eyes met. He quietly narrowed his eyes and observed
Taek Joo's expression. Zhenia's eyes were full of mockery. To be honest, the
bet amount was not Taek Joo's personal money and it didn't matter how
much he lost, but clearly, he was angry at the loss.

「Will you bet more?」

「So boring. We have to do something something more fun, right?」

Zhenia slyly stacked the chips in his hand. At least $100,000 each. Choi
Yeon Hwa watched the betting guy with interest.
The face down card is turned over. A '6' is drawn. Since the total of the
cards is only 16, Zhenia draws one more card. An '8' card is drawn and the
sum of the three cards exceeds 21.

「Quack.」

「Oh, is that so?」

Zhenia smirked.

「It's not fun because I keep winning.」

Taek Joo was angry at the provocation but he did not show it. Zhenia
exhausted his patience to the maximum. Zhenia clearly knew what Taek Joo
was feeling yet continued to move forward.

A few more games were played, and Zhenia showed no signs of leaving.

More and more chips piled up in front of him. Zhenia won 6 or 7 games out
of 10 bets. The manager came around to observe the games. This is because
cheating often takes place or casino robbery occurs due to collusion
between players or between players and dealers. Taek Joo's mentality
became even heavier.

It was a game that depended on probability, but he had continuously lost to

him. How can Zhenia continuously win without cheating? Or was he born
that lucky?

Zhenia's consecutive victories once again attracted public attention. Even

Choi Yeon Hwa took her hands off the card game and watched him. Every
time they communicated with each other with their eyes, Taek Joo winked
fiercely and told him to go away, but he acted as if he didn't know anything.

He even nodded towards the door, but Zhenia pretended not to know and
just raised his eyebrows innocently.

「Oh, Philip. Damned. Ive met my match.」

"Mn i was worried you wouldn't realise.」

Taek Joo straightened his stiff face and grinned. Zhenia smiled back
sarcastically.

「Awh don't be rude now, you can't openly show that you're unhappy with
this little audience we've created.」

"I'm just a little tired.」

The corner of Taek Joo's mouth pulled out with difficulty, feeling like he
was about to spasm. Zhenia rolled a chip between his long fingers and
whispered lazily.

「If you're tired, rest a bit. I have a reservation near here.」

Either way, it doesn't sound like a joke. However, Choi Yeon Hwa thought
it was just a joke and said, "What? Are you really going to rest?" She

laughed. Taek Joo felt like his blood was about to boil for a moment.

Taek Joo is once again confused. The sum of the two cards Zhenia received
is 14. A rather ambiguous hand to discard or play and receive a new card.

On the other hand, Taek Joo's card is 'A'. Zhenia makes a bold shot without
insurance. Another card is dealt. A '6' was added to complete 20.

Immediately, Zhenia pushed all his chips in front of Taek Joo. Even the
onlookers around him were agitated by the sudden all-in.

(All in means to put all you have whether it be money or chips into a single
game)

A crazy man suddenly appeared from somewhere. Does he know how much
that's worth? Taek Joo has never worried about Zhenia's wallet, but he also
never thought he would throw money on the street like this. Choi Yeon Hwa
also expressed concern.

"Are you sure?"

「I'm not in the mood to take it little by little」

Everyone watching looked nervous as if they had bet their own money, but
that was all Zhenia's alone. Zhenia threw Taek Joo a meaningful look. He
sighed softly and continued playing cards.

「Check the face down card.」

Taek Joo turned the card face up. For a moment, the surrounding noise
seemed to stop. Everyone held their breath and just looked at Taek Joo's
hand.

Card 8 is turned over. Zhenia wins. It was an unbelievable result even

though Taek Joo himself was in charge. Cheers and applause rang out all
around.

「You're really good. I just keep losing. Do you have any tricks? 」

Choi Yeon Hwa was excited as if she had won. Zhenia leaned back deeply
in his chair and stared at Taek Joo's stunned face. Then he naturally turned

to look into Choi Yeon Hwa's eyes.

「Shall I teach you?」

The tone was gentle. Taek Joo's hand that was pulling out the chip suddenly
stopped. Choi Yeon Hwa shows deep curiosity.

「Is there really a way?」

"There may be. Maybe not.」

「What is it?」

「Why don't you try checking for yourself? I can't tell you.」

Once again, the half-hearted statement left room for flirtation with slightly
narrowed eyes.

What the fuck is he saying?

Perhaps because of the light, the long eyelashes seem to sparkle strangely.

Taek Joo's stomach turned. Choi Yeon Hwa just looked at Zhenia with
puzzled eyes at the unexpected suggestion. Immediately after, her smile
deepened.

「So shall we go get a drink together? I'm not here with anyone .」

"Okay."

Zhenia happily nodded. Choi Yeon Hwa immediately packed her clothes
and bags. When Zhenia stood up from his seat and met Taek Joo's eyes, he
said his goodbyes without hesitation.

「See you next time, Philip.」

He didn't know what to do with this unexpected situation. Zhenia threw

back a chip, saying it was a tip. When he received it, it turned out to be
$500,000. The man smiled at the speechless Taek Joo and then escorted

Choi Yeon Hwa out of the casino. He was dumbfounded as he watched the
two of them walk away.

How long has it been? Someone knocked on the table. Meanwhile, other
guests occupied the empty chairs and sat down.

「Aren't you dealing cards?」

"Oh yes. Sorry."

Taek Joo awkwardly shuffled the cards mechanically. The manager who
was watching from behind squeezed Taek Joo's shoulder and then stepped
back.

He shook his head to clear his mind. Right now Taek Joo must focus on

'Philip's' work. But even after pushing himself like that, all he could think
about was Zhenia and Choi Yeon Hwa. I don't understand what the hell
Zhenia is doing. He was just, vaguely, very worried. Damn, there's still an
hour left until the shift ends.

(please note choi yeon hwa is not a real person and all her connections and
illegal doings with different countries in this chapter are all fiction and not
based on real events what so ever!!!)

In the hotel room (2)

Finally, his shift ends. Teak Joo quickly changed clothes. 'Philip' and his
close friends cracked jokes, but he couldn't hang out like other times. He
refused the invitation to go out for a drink and hurriedly left the dressing
room.

At that moment, Annie, the concierge, came to visit. She gave Taek Joo an
envelope of unknown origin and said that it was an item delivered to 'Philip'

by a certain customer. It was an envelope with the logo of a famous hotel

nearby. Inside there is a card that is said to be the room key. Obviously from
Zhenia.

Taek Joo left behind his colleagues who were teasing him about whether he
was going to meet his lover and went to the employee parking lot. Taek Joo
drove an older SUV to a safe place. It's a large mechanical car wash. He
casually parked the SUV and went to the bathroom. When he reappeared,
he had completely transformed from 'Philip' to Taek Joo.

He went to the parking lot opposite and got into a brand new sedan. Taek
Joo immediately started the car and drove out, the destination was a luxury
hotel with a logo printed on the envelope.

That hotel is located in a prime location of Las Vegas. Here you can enjoy
panoramic views of Las Vegas from anywhere in the 3,000 guest rooms.

Just like that, cars and people came in and out continuously. Taek Joo was
also a part there, he left the valet parking and went inside.
When he arrived at the elevator reserved for the guest room, the receptionist
asked Taek Joo for the key card key. He obediently handed over the card
key that had been given to him before. The employee then asked to wait a
moment and called another employee. The new employee who appeared
soon greeted him warmly and then led Taek Joo to the other side.

The place he arrived at was in front of a separate elevator. It seemed that

only that side was particularly quiet, and it was reserved for the VIP room
only.

When Taek Joo entered the elevator and inserted the key card, the light on
the top floor button turned on. When he got there and looked out, there
were only a few doors in the hallway.

The room Taek Joo entered was likely 150 pyeong (about 500 square
meters). It appeared to be the Presidential Suite, which is said to cost
between 30 and 40 million won per night.

(40k aud - 26k usd)

Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, spacious living room, private bar, terrace
with comfortable sofa bed and private swimming pool. The interior in the
old Persian style disturbs the view. Taek Joo looked at its scale and splendor
and couldn't help but sigh.

The employee said to call them anytime if he needed anything and then
quietly withdrew themselves from the room. Taek Joo glanced around and
walked inside immediately without looking closely around the guest room.

He chose a bottle of whiskey and a glass and sat down on the sofa in the
living room. The seat cushions were gently turned to support his tired body
in the most comfortable way.

As soon as the glass was filled, it emptied in one go. The feeling of a empty
stomach immediately disappeared. But after just a little bit of comfort,
complicated things appeared in Taek Joo's mind. He poured and then drank
the whiskey in the glass, his eyes always directed towards the door.
Truly, there wasn't a day that went by that he wasn't seething over Zhenia.

Even if he asked him not to interfere in work matters, Zhenia wouldn't

listen. But that kid always surprises Taek Joo every time and everywhere.

He didn't know if Zhenia was trying to help or if he was trying to get in the
way.

That guy is a diplomat, but not careful at all. You won't be able to forget
that face once you see it, but Taek Joo has never seen him in disguise. It
seemed that in Zhenia's mind, there were no international problems that
could arise for himself. Knowing that he was also very reckless in Russia,
why should Taek Joo himself be more restless?

Even ten fingers cannot count all the troubles zhenia has gotten him into.

Taek Joo tries to stay home as much as possible during holidays but one
year on his mother's birthday, there was an emergency at headquarters and
there was nothing he could do. At that time, Zhenia visited her house while
Taek Joo was away. After that, he brought his mother's homemade rice cake
soup to Dubai where he was working. Taek joo never understood how his
mother and that boy could understand and talk to each other, while they
both speak in their own native language.

Because of the long flight, all the water in the soup leaked out. Just looking
at it made Taek joo feel choked up, so Taek Joo refused and said he didn't
need to eat, but it was useless. Zhenia immediately threatened him since the
target had fallen into his hands, Kwon Taek Joo had no choice but to
swallow the tteokguk that was as dry as a desert.

(The target being Anastasia-which is a bomb)

(tteokguk: rice cake without soup)

There was that time when Taek Joo had difficulty getting around because he
was Zhenia's date. That's when he took action in Iran, a traditional ally of
North Korea. The two countries illegally traded weapons and supported the
development of nuclear programs under the pretext of 'scientific and
technical cooperation' from a very early age. However, US intelligence
agencies determined that exchanges between the two countries gradually
decreased from 2013 onwards.

But intelligence obtained from a UN member state directly contradicts that

analysis. Until recently, the two countries actively traded arms and
technology. Taek Joo also heard that a North Korean trading company
called 'Cheongwoon' in Tehran was relaying this. It was even discovered

that parts related to ballistic missiles were transported through Air Koryo
and Iran Air, the national airlines of both countries.

To get clearer and more detailed information, Taek Joo approached the
commander of the Iranian army. However, somehow Zhenia appeared.

Because the target recognized him a long time ago, even Taek Joo had to
greet them. Zhenia blatantly introduced Taek Joo as his lover. When both
the commander and Taek Joo were shocked, Zhenia corrected himself
introducing Taek Joo as his subordinate, saying it was just a joke. Because
from the looks of it, Taek Joo is affiliated with the Russian embassy, so
there's no doubt about the target.

The risky campaign at that time was easily completed thanks to Russia and
Iran having a common enemy, the United States, and the long-term
cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security and
economics. Of course, only physical suffering is reduced, but mental
suffering is several times more than normal.

Zhenia always interfered like that, ruining all of Taek Joo's plans and very
actively boasting that the mission was completed entirely thanks to him. In
exchange, Taek Joo was taken to Ajinoki Island and forced to go on
vacation many times. Because he always stopped by Russia after
completing a mission, one time Chief Kwak asked about matters related to
Zhenia. Manager Kwak also could not easily understand Taek Joo's
explanation. If it were Taek Joo and it were him, he probably wouldn't be
able to understand.
He still doesn't know Zhenia's whereabouts. Even when they were together
all day, Taek Joo didn't know what he was thinking.

"...Anyway...where is this bastard and what is he doing?"

He glared dissatisfiedly at the silent door again. It was about time for
Zhenia to come back. Two hours after leaving the casino with Choi Yeon
Hwa there was still no text from Zhenia. Did something happen? Since
Taek Joo doesn't know where he is it's hard to guess what he's doing right
now. The two of them went out drinking together, but he wondered if that
was all.

Or roll around in bed again? Of course that is not surprising. Zhenia's lower
body is inherently promiscuous, and when it comes to women, he doesn't
care about age, nationality, or style. On the contrary, Choi Yeon Hwa is
what Taek Joo needs to worry about.

He tapped his watch, the ticking second hand made him more nervous.

Finally Taek Joo stood up from his chair with a sigh and strode towards the
door. He wasn't wearing camouflage or had any plans in mind, but he had to
find Zhenia quickly.

That was the moment he was about to grab the door handle, when suddenly
the lock was unlocked and the door opened from the outside. The person
who appeared in front of the hesitant Taek Joo was none other than Zhenia.

He slowly observed Taek Joo, who had a serious expression, from head to
toe.

(please remember all war important business blah blah stuff talked about in
this chapter between North korea, Iran and all of that is fiction and
completely made up and are not based on any real events!!!)

When are you coming back? (3 -

nsfw)
Zhenia spoke meaningfully. Taek Joo was uncomfortable but he tried to
calm down. The guy leisurely walked past Taek Joo and then sat on the
sofa, pouring whiskey from the bottle that Taek Joo had already drunk
nearly half of. He didn't immediately drink the rich amber liquid but shook
it in the glass.

"Why Choi Yeon Hwa, why'd you-?"

"What's wrong? Did you think I was going to kill her?"

Zhenia blinked and then slowly looked up. He even laughed at Taek Joo,
who was extremely confused.

"Your so oblivious"

"Oh shut up"

"What? Were you planning to do to seduce that woman? Are you really
planning to seduce this handsome man next?"

"and who would that handsome man be?"

"So you were planning on chasing me? Are you afraid that she and I would
of had fun together?"

"Don't get caught up with her"

"And who are you to tell me that?"

Taek Joo gasped with a pissed expression on his face.

Zhenia didn't mind, he just tilted his chin to the seat next to him, folded his
arms and said

"So I guess you won't be needing this?"

In his hand was a small microchip.

"What?"
"Information on North Korea's loan account in Europe. And the source of
funds deposited into each account"

Zhenia always so easily got what he wanted.

its always the same. Therefore, Taek Joo felt slightly uncomfortable
because he felt like he was losing.

He stared at Zhenia with a disapproving expression then reluctantly

approached. Taek Joo reached for the chip, but Zhenia suddenly retracted
his hand.

"Did you waste all that time running around with her just to get this?"

Taek Joo gritted his teeth and made a sarcastic comment. Zhenia looked at
him and quietly straightened his shoulders, his expression also seemed to
become more arrogant. It's obvious that this bastard has no learning ability.

"That's not a compliment, kid. Shouldn't you know that by now?"

"You're still so shy, Teak Joo it's embarrassing."

"That's not embarrassing... Haa... It's because of you that I'm embarrassed.

im embarrassed on your behalf, really."

"I didn't expect you to think so much about my ego."

His head was pounding. This was something that often happened when he
talked to Zhenia. Compared to continuing the conversation, it was just
better to give up.

Taek Joo took a deep breath and held out his hand.

"Just give it here"

However, Zhenia didnt hand over the microchip so easy. He just turned it
around as if to show off.
"Teak Joo, you never said you'd give me anything in return."

(here we go)

"What? I don't need it anyway if your just gonna ask for something!"

"That's true, but once it's in your hands, it's up to you to use anyway you'd
like."

"How'd you get it anyways, Is there gold on that thing of yours? As if she
could give up that chip for a quick 5 minutes on your dick"

"Ah? Is it that why you've been sulking all this time, what have you been
thinking about?"

"who...what no i didnt-?!"

"You're so naive. That woman stole 400 billion from the dictators' slush
fund. She would die if caught, but she still had the audacity to talk to me.

Could such a woman be so loose as to let her guard down with a dealer she
had only met for a few days? If you hadn't intervened, I would be
dismembered in her bed right now. She will try to use her body to ask for
the truth. Even though A woman only has money, that doesn't mean she
can't use her beauty."

When Choi Yeon Hwa suddenly seduced 'Philip', Taek Joo became
suspicious. Everyone's preferences are different, but 'Philip' is not a very
sexually attractive man. Choi Yeon Hwa said she likes a gentle man. The
problem was that he didn't know if it was true.

After all, had she always been suspicious of 'Philip'? Taek Joo didnt know
that she had planned a private meeting with the purpose of confirming his
identity.

While he was organizing his thoughts, Zhenia added.

"If it were you, it would be a totally different story."

"What do you mean?"

"Now seems like the right time to give you this, considering you owe me
for this chip"

He frowned at the ominous omen. Zhenia seemed to enjoy Taek Joo's

reaction and smiled slightly as he took a sip of whiskey.

"Try it on. I wanna see if it fits."

Just then, Zhenia took something from a nearby drawer and threw it at Taek
Joo. It was a small shopping bag. Part of the inside protruded from outside
the bag. At first glance, it resembled a bow.

"...What am i meant to do with this?"

Taek Joo looked at Zhenia with suspicious eyes. The corner of his mouth
drew a long arc.

"Put it on."

"Ha, this fucking bastard..."

Taek Joo sighed as he put on the clothes he received from Zhenia. No, it's
absurd to call it "clothes". The black pants he was wearing were so tight
against his body. a zipper ran along the crotch, and the shirt was only thin
lace which had a bow in the middle and fluffy cuffs on the sleeves. Looking
in the mirror, he chuckled realising he resembled a exclusive performer of
the Chippendale Show. Mind you wearing something so absurd from the get
go makes it less embarrassing to take off.

Taek Joo checked his face in the mirror and sighed praying the ground
under him would just collapse and eat him up. The feeling of his pants

rubbing against his bare skin was strange and hot. What was up with
Zhenias taste? He was reluctantly looking at himself in the mirror when
from outside, Zhenia urged him to come out. Taek Joo scratched the mirror
and then went out.
Being embarrassed in this situation will only make Zhenia happy. He
regained his composure before leaving the room and going to the living
room. The guy lying on the sofa grinned when he saw Taek Joo.

"Would you look at that. this is more like it"

Zhenia's body, which had been leaning completely backwards, now leant
forward. He couldn't tell if it was because he just took a shower, but his skin
looked smoother and his ivory hair looked thicker because of the humidity.

His eyes also became more transparent and rolled slowly as he glanced at
Taek Joo. His persistent gaze licked every corner of his body down to the
parts that were even covered.

"Come here."

After hesitating Zhenia waved his hand. The arrogant attitude was annoying
but Taek Joo had no other choice, he just bowed down dejectedly and
walked forward.

He came and stood in front of Zhenia. He reached out and grabbed the back
of Taek Joo's thigh. Long, slender fingers pressed firmly into his soft skin.

His pants were pulled up and they tightened around his crotch. Taek Joo
also unconsciously felt a twitch in his stomach. Zhenia raised the corner of
his mouth as if he also felt that slight twinge.

Disagreeing with the domance Zhenia was holding over him, Taek Joo took
the initiative first. He placed his knee between Zhenia's spread legs and
used one hand to grab the back of the sofa Zhenia was leaning on. As the
distance between them shrunk, Zhenia looked up at him with a satisfied
expression. Taek Joo looked into Zhenias eyes gently touching his ear and
silently and began rubbing his ear lobe as if he was massaging it. Zhenia
breathed slowly, his long eyelashes fluttering slightly. Taek Joo suddenly

felt a strange sense of accomplishment when seeing Zhenia in such a happy

and enjoying mood. It seemed like he had finally tamed that wild animal.
He lifted Zhenia's chin and passionately kissed him. The corners of Zhenia's
mouth twitched. When he stuck out his tongue to lick his upper lip, Zhenia's
hands grabbed Taek Joo's round butt. He silently pursed his upper lip and
let it go, then suddenly tilted his head and pushed his tongue in. As if he
had been waiting, Zhenia pulled Taek Joo's body back and bit his tongue.

Persistent red tongues mixed with touch and sound. Thump, chug...

Zhenias hand rubbed his butt and then gradually moved up his back, each
place his fingertips touched seemed to have a light electric current running
across it. As Taek Joo's back trembled Zhenia smiled more earnestly.

There was numbness between his legs as Zhenia's hand groped his straight
spine. Taek Joo held the hand that was tickling his back and held it tightly.

The lips that were tightly attached to each other parted.

Zhenia raised his head and kissed him again, he bit Taek Joo's lower lip and
pulled it down with his teeth. Even if he grabbed Zhenia's shoulder to push
him away, there would be no use, Taek Joo responded for a moment and
then turned his head. Zhenia licked his glossy lips with a delicious
expression.

"It's a pity to watch this striptease alone."

"If not you, who would want to see this?"

Zhenia smiled and pulled Taek Joo a little more. Then while caressing his
shoulder blades, Zhenia gently rubbed the tip of his nose against Taek joos
smooth nipple. Taek Joo's eyes narrowed slightly at the strange feeling. The
feeling between his legs only burnt hotter as he went on.

"Look at this this. If you don't touch yourself often, it won't get completely
hard. You don't even do it yourself? You're neglecting this poor guy too
much"

Zhenia brushed the tip of his nose and lips as if he were biting them, then
suddenly raised his head and buried himself deep into Taek Joo's neck.
Zhenia bit his neck and sucked on the thin skin there while continuously
kneading the elastic covering his ass with both hands. Taek Joo's body,
which was standing straight, collapsed little by little under the outpouring
of stimulation runnning through his whole body.

He tried to separate himself from Zhenia, who was nibbling on his neck. He
seemed dissatisfied with Taek Joo, who kept stepping on the brakes. Then,
as if to show his temper, he bit Taek Joo's chin.

"Uh, Choi Yeon Hwa... Is it true that she's safe?"

"Fuck is that all your can really think about right now?"

"Is it true that she is still alive?"

"Maybe."

Zhenia then promised he hadn't layed a single finger on her and continued.

This time, he licked Joo's ear lobe and stuck his tongue into Taek Joo's ear,
his middle finger rhythmically traced around Taek joos rim and thrust deep
inside. Taek Joo groaned and reached back to grab his wrist. Instead he
grabbed Zhenia by the back of his neck and pulled it away from him.

Interrupted once again, Zhenia sighed.

"Taek Joo, this is beginning to feel more like sexual tourture instead of
foreplay"

Taek Joo lifted the hem of Zhenia's robe and grabbed his now fully hard
dick that was hidden inside the robe.

"You're still more focused here than talking to me. Your finally learning"

"It been a while since i've..."

He kissed Zhenia a little and then stood up and knelt down. The huge mass
of muscle clenched in Taek Joo's hand trembled. Zhenia also gently rubbed
his body against Taek Joo's inner thighs. He was getting ready to take off
his pants.

Taek Joo's face suddenly became alert, remembering Zhenia's timely

presence at the casino. Once he starts, he won't have a chance to talk
properly, so before that, Taek Joo must definitely ask.

"How did you find out that the dealer was me? Hacking and eavesdropping
wouldn't be enough to tell so how?"

"It's impossible not to notice."

"So what? I was in disguise and Philip's colleagues were completely

unknowing."

"Id recognize you, Taek Joo, you arent Philip."

Taek Joo's face showed disapproval. Zhenia raised his head and pressed
their lips together. Their lips pressed tightly like a seal and then gently
parted. His eyes were also softer than usual at that time.

"It's a peice of cake"

(itzy refrence?)

He sighed in despair and then lowered his head to kiss Zhenia on the lips.

Looking satisfied, Zhenia hugged Taek Joo back tightly. each time they
separated, the corner of his mouth slightly raised. If Zhenia had a tail, it
would probably wag wildly.

Taek Joo gently sucked his lips then tilted his head and put his tongue in
Zhenia's mouth. He bowed his head moderately and didnt hesitate to receive
Taek Joo's tongue. Zhenia's sternum kept wiggling over and over as if it was
very aroused.

As if enjoying that tingling stimulation, he traced his finger on the dry back
of Taek Joo, who only focused on the kiss, slowly but clearly aroused. Even
while kissing, Zhenia also made sweet moaning sounds. Taek Joo felt a
strange joy hearing those noises coming from Zhenia.

"It's because of you im like this"

"Good dogs also need to be trained. You have to listen to me."

Just then, he heard a jig, and his zipper was unzipped. His hip bone was
also helplessly exposed. Taek Joo's back suddenly trembled because of the
cool air blowing on his body.

Zhenia only opened the zipper halfway. That wind caused his dick to harden
up while it was still tucked tightly into his pants.

"You must have loosened up while washing up, right? It's so soft."

Zhenia teased around his hole with both hands and looked at Taek Joo for
confirmation

"Considering how you give it to me. If i don't, i'd probably bleed out."

Taek Joo's breathing became clearly rough. Zhenia hugged him tighter as he
continued to try to push him away, saliva rubbing against the slippery flesh.

"Ugh, Uhm..."

"What?"

Where Zhenia was touching him, Taek Joo's cock trembled uncontrollably.

His dick remained stuck in pants, tight and stiff. He wanted to touch it with
his own hands, but he couldn't move because Zhenia was wrapped around
his body.

Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo and opened his mouth wide, taking a bite of his
chest, sucking on his plump skin and then moving his tongue to play with
his nipples. A newborn baby starved for days probably wouldn't be this
greedy.
While Taek Joo was still moaning, Zhenia snatched up the gel from the
table next to him. The gel suddenly gushed out as he slipped in his index
finger. Taek Joo was startled, his shoulders trembled. At that time, Zhenia
nibbled on Taek Joo's left breast and squeezed out a lot more gel. The bottle

quickly emptied out and was thrown to the floor where it was now
deformed to the point where its original shape was unrecognizable.

Zhenia kissed Taek Joo's collarbone and nape as he inserted a finger to

loosen him further. He easliy added another finger and spread his two
fingers wide and wiggled them around.

"Huh, ha ha..."

"Normally your body is resilient, but it's nothing compared to this."

"not so fast, ugh..hm.."

"Even if it was just a day or two after we fucked, you would be just as tight.

It's a hassle to have to loosen you up every day. it's still too tight inside."

"..Shut up...ugh.."

"Your doing it on purpose, right? Every time I go deeper you pull me in

tighter."

Zhenia babbled on and stretched out his fingers. Although it was nothing
compared to Zhenia's penis, three fingers were enough to make Taek Joo
writhe. He was almost numb from the bottom up. Every time Zhenia
thrusted back in and rubbed it, the gel inside still slid out.

Zhenia still calmly put his heart into stretching Taek joo out. The longest
finger on Zhenia's hand was shoved in with the rest. Taek Joo felt
uncomfortable as if he wanted to push Zhenia's hand away, his stomach was
tight and felt like it was full. "Stop it," he said, grabbing Zhenia's hair. His
soft ivory strands easily slipped through his fingers.
Taek joo was about to dive down and rip open his zipper, but Zhenia
grabbed Taek Joo's wrist.

"Come on Zhenia!"

"So so impatient. Are you that needy?"

"Fuck you"

"Taek Joo, I know you like it a little rougher than this but you better watch
your mouth"

Suddenly, Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's waist and gently lifted him up. The
situation took his body by surprise. Taek Joo's face was stunned for a
moment and then quickly grimaced as Zhenia dove deeper.

"You have to think about the position you put me in when I hear you
complain like this."

"Uh... uh huh...yeah.."

Even though he just sat down gently, Taek Joo's eyes still frowned. His
mouth automatically closed and his breathing stopped. His hands put all
their strength into holding Zhenia's shoulders.

Zhenia was immersed in pleasure when half of his length managed to slide
in. He exhaled a hot breath and pressed his lips to Taek Joo's neck, which
was covered in goosebumps.

"I'm the one who bribed you."

Zhenia mumbled into Taek Joo's neck. He clenched his molars and tried his
best to be strong until the end and grabbed Zhenias robe as if he wanted to
tear it off.

"Ah... cunt..."

"l told you so."

Zhenia scolded Taek Joo for swearing while kissing his ear. Taek Joo pulled
the string on Zhenia's robe and gasped. Taek Joo let out a breath and
relaxed. Zhenias cock stuck underneath them found its way inside and slid
in more than halfway this time. His lower abdomen quickly tensed and
bulged out.

"Ha ha, mngh..."

Why can't he just get used to putting it in? Taek Joo unconsciously groaned
and buried his head in Zhenia's neck. The strong smell of his body was
making Taek joos head spin. His body seemed to have memorized the
sensations engraved into him during each time they had sex. Unable to bear
the feeling, Taek Joo unconsciously knelt down. His hole tightly tensed.

The veins were clearly visible on Zhenia's smooth forehead.

"Haa... Taek Joo, are you trying to kill me?"

"ugh.., hmm.., ugh, stop talking."

He gritted his teeth and said to Zhenia. Taek Joo's body weight moved and
crushed Zhenia's lower body. Taek Joo helplessly tilted his head at the
penetrating feeling running down his spine and rising to his head.

"Ha...uh..."

He gritted his molars and swallowed down the groan that was about to
explode from his mouth, strength put into his fingertips gripping Zhenia's
shoulder tightly. If Zhenia were normal man, his collarbones would have
been broken. The mass of flesh trembled like a living fish inside him
stirring up sensation, texture and even body temperature. Taek Joo's body
had been trying its best but taking Zhenia never got any easier.

Zhenia softly touched Taek Joo's hole which was twitching as it spread
wider. His smooth bronze skin quickly became mottled with teeth marks
and hickeys. Taek Joo trembled and desperately waited for his climax to
come. He was a little impatient, he hastily tightened his grip on Zhenia's
dick.
Zhenias demonic laugh echoed through the hotel room.

(again choi yeon hwa is not a real person and all the stuff said about what
she has done in the past is all fiction and not based on real events!)

I want to stay in Korea (nsfw - 4) (ikik you all caught me lacking it's been
a day since i posted but don't worry i'll have another chapter up by tonight
and another 2 everyday until we hit the end of the story <33)

"Hooo"

Zhenia began thrusting into Taek Joo's lower body his low voice echoing
throughout the room. Teak joo tried to stable himself but his whole body
continued shaking because of zhenias excessive force. His body bounced up
and then fell down, swallowing in Zhenias length, his hole expanding
around him and clawing at him inside.

Taek Joo tried to push him away instinctively, but Zhenia tightly held his
waist. His firm thighs and round butt rubbing against Zhenia made him
even more eager. Screaming moans erupted from the strong thrusts Zhenia
gave him, Taek Joo's throat almost felt raw from the constant back and forth
moaning.

Taek Joo bent down and quickly rolled up Zhenia's robe grabbing it tightly,
he raised his knees and held Zhenia's thighs too make him stop.

"Hey...ugh, wait."

Zhenia appeared dissatisfied. His blue eyes burned holes in Taek Joo.

Looking into the eyes of a man completely consumed by lust made Taek joo
tremble, it was nothing short of a miracle that he stopped.

"Is this some stupid trick your playing on me. Taek Joo, this is in your
hands, what we're doing is under your control."

"Ahha, ah..."
Zhenia rubbed Taek Joo's nipples and nipped at them. His pelvis tingled
happily, he couldn't take it anymore and began rubbing Zhenia gently. As
Taek Joo grunted and collapsed under the repeated pounding, Zhenia placed
his lips on Taek joos chin and neck and continued thrusting.

Taek Joo couldn't hold back any longer and reached between his legs. He
hastily tried to open the zipper that was closing in tighter than ever on his
crotch, but every time he reached for it Zhenia stabbed him harder under
him as if on purpose. He continued kissing Taek Joo, who was more than
angry and was now panting. He uncomfortably grabbed Zhenia's hair and
pushed his tongue between his parted lips. Their two tongues merged
together, the inside of Zhenias mouth was so sweet.

Only then did Taek joos zipper held in Zhenia's hand fully rip open. Taek
Joo's dick, pushed its way out of his pants pressing harshly on his stomach.

Zhenia pulled it up with his hand and stroked it lightly. Taek Joo's body
shuddered every time his ass was thrown down, the feeling of rubbing up
against Zhenias abs was incredible. A feeling of excitement flooded through
his body to the point that the hair on his arms stood up, his eyes, ears, chest
and even shoulders flushed red. Zhenias stomach gushed with white warm
liquid.

For a moment, it felt like the only thing left in the entire hotel room was
them two. the sound of them both breathing heavily and rubbing on one
another.

"Ha..ha.. Taek Joo..."

"God- i...ff...f...fuck...."

Taek Joo trembled constantly. Zhenia placed Taek Joo's arm behind his
shoulder and hugged him tightly until every part of their bodies touched.

"I guess you wernt holding back so hard after all...look at all that cu-"

"fuck off...ngh"
Teasing mixed with sweet laughter Zhenia placed his lips on Taek Joo's
shoulder and moaned softly.

"hmmnn..."

Taek Joo bowed his head preparing himself for what was to come, his arms
that were wrapped around Zhenias neck also tighted.

Instantly, Zhenia arched his waist and thrusted deep inside. For a moment,
Taek Joo trembled, almost falling out of consciousness.

"ZHENI-"

Even though his cock only hit that one targeted spot, his whole body
trembled and his eyes began to fill with tears. Zhenia's whole body tensed
up as his dick was squeezed tight by Take joo, his lungs tightened to the
point where it was hard to breathe.

"hah do you like it there?"

Taek Joo didn't answer but just hugged Zhenia more desperately. Without
hesitation, Zhenia roughly stuffed Taek Joo full. He was basically floating,
his body couldn't move at all.

"Haah! mn mnm nghh... ughh!"

His desire for Zhenias dick only made him more and more impatient for
another release. The heat from both their lower bodies began to melt Taek
joos brain. Even so, Taek Joo couldn't stop, he needed more.

Zhenia suddenly grabbed Taek Joo's thigh and stood them both up. He
quickly grabbed onto Zhenia as his body half fell. With it he Zhenia sunk
deeper into Taek joo.

"Ah, ah...uh!"

Taek Joo groaned. He felt Zhenia's dick eat through him. Taek Joo scratched
at zhenias back wanting to be let down.
Regardless, Zhenia continued walking with him in his arm whilst kissing
his ear and face. With each step, Zhenias cock thrusted in deeper and
deeper, Taek joo felt as if he would die if they continued.

The original 💀

(With each step, the guy's hot iron thrust harder and harder, making him feel
like he was about to blow and die.)

Zhenia then pushed Taek Joo up against the bedroom wall. Taek Joo's face
contorted in both pain and pleasure, his eyes frowning at Zhenia with the
same pissed expression. Zhenia grinned and stuck out his tounge.

"Quit holding your moans back, you gotta breathe"

Zhenia whispered softly. But to Taek Joo, those words were like a
declaration of war, an ominous omen ahead.

Damn it, right after that, Zhenia started moving his lower body. He
stretched his back backwards then slammed downwards and dug deep into
Taek joo. It felt like his insides were being ripped apart. Taek Joo didn't
even have time to moan, his mouth was tightly closed, there was only the
deafening sound of flesh slapping together, the side of his inner thigh
colliding with Zhenia's thigh continuously hurt like he was being beaten.

"Mnm..Yeah, yeah, ah..."

Zhenia hugged Taek Joo tightly to keep him from falling and kept moving.

When Zhenia slammed into his prostate, Taek Joo couldn't stand it and
almost fell backwards.

"HICK...!"

"I told you to let yourself breathe"

His body kept being lifted up and then falling helplessly back down, the
penetration only getting deeper and deeper. Taek Joo had no choice but to
hug Zhenia and endure this terrible pleasure. Sandwiched between the wall
and Zhenia, there was nowhere for him to run.

Not long after, Taek Joo let out an uncomfortable groan.

"Uhh...arghh-"

"...fuck..."

His whole body trembled pitifully, Taek Joo hugged Zhenia tightly without
moving. Zhenia buried his face in Taek joos dark hair and carried him to a
nearby bedroom.

His cock was stuffed so tightly inside that it couldn't even slip out even
when Zhenia walked, but on the contrary, his slight movements also
stimulated the inside of his stomach, causing Taek joo to wriggle
everywhere.

In the bedroom there was a bed large enough for more then 4 adults to lie
around. Zhenia put Taek Joo down and climbed into bed. The giant, over 2

meters tall, exerted great pressure on Taek joos body. Even that time when
Teak Joo was crushed by a rock on a mission in australia, it didn't feel
nearly as heavy as Zhenia did.

"Ahh..ah.."

In the blink of an eye, Teak Joo's entire face turned red. He choked out a
sigh, but Zhenia pretended not to hear. He kissed Taek Joo's lips without
hesitation. When he tried to protest in anger, Zhenia twisted his head and
stuck his tongue into his half-closed lips. Even his exploding breath was
swallowed without a trace remaining.

"Fuck just cum"

"Ah ha..."

"Its not that easy"

Zhenia muttered each syllable slowly while emphasizing the bottom.

Zhenia stared at Taek Joo's sweaty face with unusually bright eyes while his
lower body steadily dug deep and stirred inside him.

"Ugh, dont play around and get it over with"

He angrily gritted his teeth and growled. In anger, Taek Joo grabbed
Zhenia's robe pulling him by the collar. He laughed again.

"Your pretty brave"

Immediately afterwards, Zhenia pressed his chest against Taek Joo, almost
crushing him completely. His thigh was hit hard. A burning sensation rose
from the helplessly expanding hole.

The curses and moans that came out of Taek Joo's mouth were mixed, but
Zhenia didn't pay attention to it and continued thrusting.

He angrily bit Zhenia's neck. For a moment, he squirmed and then suddenly
stopped.

Suddenly Taek Joo's body flipped over. Wait, he tried to stop Zhenia, but he
grabbed the back of Taek Joo's neck and pushed him down. He also grabbed
the arms that were trying to resist and held them tightly above his head. The
blows were so strong that Taek Joo's ass was thrown up.

"Ahhh...HAA-"

He shook his head and twisted his body but couldn't get free. Zhenia
completely disregarded Taek Joo and continued to act persistently. It
seemed like his insides had been crushed so much that they became sticky.

As if that alone wasn't enough, zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's ass and spread his
cheeks.

His vision shook chaotically with the rough thrusting, saliva running down
his chin soaking the pillow below him.
"Ahah-ahh... ahh...!"

"mmn fuck- like that Taek Joo."

"Wai- wait Zhenia"

Taek Joo placed his wet forehead on Zhenia's arm holding his wrist. The
pain and pleasure that poured down like pouring rain also temporarily
subsided. His body's restless trembling became quiet and the mild dizziness
returned. Taek Joo was barely breathing and Zhenias cock, which had been
buried deep in his stomach, exploded. The his cum spurted out inside him.

Taek Joo's stomach tesnsed and filled to the brim.

Zhenia slowly and gently caressed Taek Joo's stomach. He flipped over
laying flat on his back and rubbed his face.

"Taek Joo."

The loving call made taek joo flinch. The person who had just torn him
apart as was calling his name in such a sweet tone. Taek Joo sighed and
stroked Zhenia's hair helplessly.

Zhenia obediently took that hand and lowered his lips to Taek Joo's neck.

He took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of his bare body. Even though he
was such a monster, Zhenia acted like a big puppy half the time.

When he opened his eyes, Taek Joo had been moved to another bedroom.

What was the time? Taek Joo couldn't even tell if it was night or day
because of the blackout curtains.

Zhenia was nowhere to be seen. He usually wakes up first in the mornings.

Was he taking a bath?

Taek Joo exhaled tiredly. Zhenia's stamina was the strongest of anyone he
had ever met before. Taek Joo himself always received exceptional marks in
all fitness and training assessments, but it was nothing compared to Zhenia.

Taek Joo eventually got up on his own. His head, which had been throbbing
all night, was now completely blank. His whole body felt numb and swollen
Taek Joo looked down at his body. There were speckled handprints and
tooth marks everywhere, and even the slightest movement sent screaming

pain through his body. It was as if he had been jumped. The problem was
that his body was so used to being ruined like this.

(Being Jumped is the action of being beat up typically on the streets in

groups or one on one)

"Ah...fucking bastard"

The inside of his ass was still burning. After Taek Joo fell asleep, Zhenia
clearly continued enjoying himself. Come to think of it, he was rarely
awake when he and Zhenia had sex. Even during regular checkups and
health checks, his physical condition was always above average. Is this
really what it was like to be with someone so young? No, no matter how
you look at it, this kid can't be normal.

Taek Joo massaged his waist and walked out to the living room. The strange
feeling of his thighs rubbing against each other with every step made him
limp. He needed to take a shower but right now his legs were shaking and it
was difficult to stand. Taek Joo get a bottle of water from the fridge and
went out to the terrace.

As soon as he opened the door, a cool breeze blew in. It's dark outside
again. After all, how long did he and Zhenia have sex and how long was he
passed out?

The flashy lights and signs found only in Las Vegas distracted him. He
quenched his thirst and then indifferently looked down at the somewhat
ecstatic scene below. Only then did Taek Joo feel like his sluggish head
regained consciousness.
How long has it been? He felt a familiar presence behind him, and Zhenia
appeared. He smelt good. It looked like Zhenia had just finished showering.

Taek Joo turned his head and stared at the guy who seemed sober. Zhenia
raised his eyebrows as if he didn't understand.

"Why are you giving me that look?"

"Are you even human"

"What do you mean

"I'll have to go to the hospital if we keep doing this"

He gritted his teeth. Zhenia leisurely crossed his arms and glanced at Taek
Joo's body. Seeing his chest full of bite marks, he smiled.

"Are there any hospitals that specialize in men's breasts?"

Taek Joo threw a cushion from the couch nearby at Zhenias head. He easily
dodged it and shrugged.

"It's all your own doing dear."

"Did I tell you to go crazy like that? I said no more than 10 times you
bastard."

"You leave your lover for 10 days and come back expecting me to go easy
on you?"

Zhenia played the usual, blaming others and being shameless. But the
problem is that being apart for more than 10 days because of work was true.

Taek Joo has nothing to refute.

Even after Zhenia followed him to Korea, Taek Joo's daily life didnt change
much. Once a task is completed, another is assigned. This is because the
relationship with North Korea has not changed even though the government
has changed and the policy towards North Korea has changed. As long as
North Korea does not give up its nuclear weapons, the current tension has
no choice but to continue.

Even though it is. When there's no one to play with, he should focus on his
work, right?Taek Joo wondered if this was something to complain about
when Zhenia chased him all the way to where he worked like this. If he's
bored, he can go to Ajinoki Island alone, but Zhenia wouldn't.

"Don't you know I live like this when your gone"

He scratched his head awkwardly. In the past and now, Taek Joo himself
was just doing his job, but suddenly he had a strange feeling of guilt. Every
time they fought it was for the same reasons, It was frustrating.

"I know. In fact, You said you sometimes you have to use your body to get
what you want right? That's why were such a good duo."

Taek Joo shook his head as if he didn't want to speak, then he stood up and
walked up to Zhenia.

"I'll take a shower."

"Wont you want to check this out first?"

Zhenia was holding the microchip delivered from Choi Yeon Hwa in his
fingers.

Taek Joo hesitated, he ignored what he was saying and turned back to
Zhenia. He snatched the chip and plugged it into his phone. Zhenia rubbed
his face into Taek Joo's black hair until the data popped up on the screen.

He used both hands to massage Taek Joo's chest and abdomen. Zhenia
seemed to have finally learnt that if you give Taek Joo what he wants then
he'll be obedient for a bit.

Not long after, many files appeared on the screen. He opened one of them at
random. Bank names, accounts, passwords and deposits for each European
country were listed. They all had different names, so it seemed like they
were accounts that borrow names to fund slush funds.
Then Taek Joo also checked other files. a folder that contained multiple
ledgers came up. It is like a kind of bill of sale. The document also states
when and from whom the funding was received, how the money was
laundered and what the purpose of the funding was.

Taek Joo searched for Korean social groups that appear in intelligence
information. Then, relevant documents are selected. Funding is not a one-
time deal. The amount of money is also very significant. Their aim seems to
be to get North Korea to participate in the general election in South Korea.

They still want to do something like this, even though times have changed
but the quality of work in the political world remains the same.

It was data that Taek Joo himself struggled to obtain but Zhenia quickly
managed to get it in just a few hours. At times like these you have to say
thank you, right? Taek Joo had no intention of not thanking Zhenia, but he
felt awkward. Zhenia's help was not very welcomed after all.

"What's up? Is something wrong?"

"...It's just-. everything seems so easy for you."

"People just make difficult things easy."

"What should i do? Does this gift finally make me worthy of your love?"

"You're so strange"

Zhenia then turned Taek Joo around. He lifted his chin and was about to
kiss him. Taek Joo looked closely at his face. Were his eyelashes still wet?

they looked so clear today.

Zhenia seemed to know very well that his face is was his strongest attribute
and at the same time Taek Joo's weak point. He often looked at that face in
bewilderment. Taek Joo looked closer around him close enough to feel his
breath and suddenly pinched his cheek. The man's eyes, which were
lowered, suddenly shot open.
"...Taek Joo?"

"Do you wanna hear my thank you?"

"mn"

Taek Joo then leant in close and pulled Zhenia's cheek again. Zhenia's lower
lip that was being gently pulled away bit into him. Taek Joo tilted his head
back as Zhenia began sucking on his upper lip. Zhenia didn't hesitate to
dive deeper. This time, Taek Joo wanted to receive a gentle kiss but instead

Zhenia bit his upper lip. When he used his tongue to lure Zhenia into a
sweet kiss he often bit back.

"Do you want anything for dinner"

"Mn some little kid had me working out all night, im a little hungry"

"Almost there."

Taek Joo was about to ask what

he was talking about but suddenly Zhenia put his finger in his mouth. He
gently pressed his tongue while touching his lips. Saliva flowed in his
mouth and his constantly bullied tongue got tired and began to wrap around
Zhenia's fingers. Only then did he pull out his finger and slide it up his
cheek and place his lips on Taek Joo's panting mouth. His twitching tongue
was sucked into Zhenia's mouth with a choking sound.

Just then the doorbell rang. It seemed like someone was at the door, but
Zhenia was still so immersed in the kiss that he didn't think about going out.

Taek Joo signaled to stop while gently pulling him away, but instead,
Zhenia just hugged Taek Joo tighter, his lungs seemed to be squeezed too.

Taek Joo moaned deeply while sucking his tongue and then he pushed
Zhenia away.

"Okay."
"Fuck these waiter scumbags don't know when to quit"

Zhenia took a deep breath and cleared his throat, panting. Zhenia reluctantly
opened the door with a dissatisfied look on his face. Taek Joo could hear the
sound of room service outside.

While waiting, he went into the nearby bathroom and took a shower. He
turned on the faucet without thinking much of it and was startled by the
water flowing down. Feeling his whole body become so sensitive, was
weird. Taek Joo looked down at his body, there wasn't a single patch of skin
that hadn't been bitten or sucked by Zhenia. The inside of the arms, chest,
groin, hips and ass still had clear tooth marks. There were also faint

fingerprints on his wrists and ankles. If someone saw him, they would think
he had been fighting all day, not having sex.

Taek Joo sighed deeply and combed his now wet after getting out of the
shower. Feeling a familiar feeling, he gently pulled back the hem of his shirt
and examined his chest. The condition there was worse than anywhere else
on his body. Especially the color of his nipples. Moreover, the same was
rather contorted they poked out visibly through his shirt and were clearly
noticeable. A sharp pain throbbed even as he touched it carefully.

Taek Joo clicked his tongue and took out the body tape he had bought
months ago and stuck it over his nipples. Before stepping out, he closed the
front of his coat and tightened his belt. Because if Zhenia saw them like that
he wouldn't be able to guarantee he'd even be able to leave the hotel room.

When he exited the living room, covered plates were piled high on the
table. At first glance, there are likely ten platters. Zhenia was gracefully
drinking tea without even looking at them. Sitting with his crossed, tilting a
bright cup of tea.

"..Fancy bastard."

Taek Joo muttered to himself and tilted his head.

"Hm What were you saying, Taek Joo?"

"It looks so delicious."

Taek Joo looked around then walked to the table. He opened each plate one
by one and checked the menu. From the beginning he didn't expect much,
but there really wasn't any Korean food. Steaks and pasta, steamed seafood,
grilled vegetables, salads, sandwiches and soups. The only Asian dishes are
Japanese bread and Chinese noodles. Just looking at it made his stomach
growl even more.

"It's been 10 days since I've been able to eat a proper meal"

Taek Joo grumbled while chewing broccoli. It is often said that each race
and nation has its own unique body odor. Luckily, he had stayed away from
Korean food for a while so Choi Yeon Hwa couldn't notice it from him.

Taek Joo even went around wearing strong perfume.

Taek Joo cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and placed it on a fork with the
salad. He stuffed it all into his mouth and finished it in one bite. His cheeks
were puffed up like a little chipmunks.

How long has it been? The doorbell rang again. Is anyone else coming?

Taek Joo glanced at Zhenia. He stood up from his seat without a word of
explanation. Taek Joo looked at him, then put the meat and salad on his fork
and stuffed it into his mouth. Just then the door opened and he heard him
talking to someone. Judging from the conversation, it seemed like Zhenia
had requested something.

Suddenly a familiar smell wafted through hsi nose. Taek Joo's jaw, which
was moving forcibly, stopped for a moment. His eyes widened and he
walked towards the door. No way. Zhenia walked in with a tray in his hand,
placed on top of it was a white bowl and a plate covering it. At first glance,
it seemed to be a spicy Korean dish. For Sure.

"...Where did that come from?"

"I talked to the restaurant owner. I wonder if many Koreans come here if
they can have these things cooked up so fast"

No, Zhenia knows full well it's because he's a VIP and virtually gets
whatever he wants whenever he wants. Sarcasm welled up in Taek joos
heart along with reason and instinct screaming at the same time. As if
hypnotized, Taek Joo reached out his hand towards Zhenia as if he was
asking for a hug. Zhenia smiled and obediently handed the tray to Taek Joo.

He also quickly moved aside the plate of steak that was in the way.

Taek Joo carefully placed the tray down as if he were holding a child, he
didn't want to spill even a drop of soup. He then looked at the state of the
ramen and muttered in displeasure.

"Damn, theres so much broth, fuck do they even know how to cook"

At first glance there was a lot of water, but nonetheless he drank it first.

Zhenia held his chin while watching.

Taek Joo pushed the steak that he had neglected towards Zhenia.

"Eat it."

He mumbled with his mouth full of noodles. Zhenia, who never ate
anything others touched first, obediently picked up his fork and knife. Then,
he carefully put the meat cut into bite-sized pieces into his mouth and
chewed quietly. His cheeks weren't swollen, his lips were tightly pursed,
neither opening nor moving much. And it took quite a while to finish eating
that small piece of meat. Zhenia's movements were so graceful that it was
as if he was acting out a scene from a movie. Strangely, it seemed that only
the light on the side where Zhenia sat shining. Was there a spotlight in here?

Taek Joo looked up at the ceiling.

The moment he looked at Zhenia again, he recognized that look and looked
straight into Taek Joo's eyes. Zhenia even asked with his eyes if he had
anything to say.
He picked up a noodle he was eating and brought it towards Zhenia. The
guy looked puzzled. Taek Joo waved his chopsticks as if inviting him to try
it. The guy didn't move. Taek Joo shook his chopsticks again without
backing down.

Zhenia sighed and quickly tilted his head. He silently accepted and ate the
noodles that Taek Joo gave him. "How was it?" he asked. There was no
reply. Zhenia just crossed his arms and quietly chewed what was in his
mouth.

He finished the rest of the ramen and waited for Zhenia's reaction. The
man's jaw stopped moving, and his neckline slowly swayed left and right
(svt refrence?)

But that was all. Was Zhenia really immune to that level of spicyness?

Zhenia casually began to slice the steak again.

Then suddenly Zhenia lifted the glass of water next to him and rinsed his
mouth. It was a leisurely movement, not rushed. However, his ears and eyes
were a bit red. Zhenia drank his water little by little until the glass was
empty, it seemed like even his lips were swollen.

Taek Joo was having a good time watching him fumble. Zhenia looked at
him resentfully.

"Is this funny, Taek Joo?"

"Haa it's funny. Most mercenaries learn how to make kimchi within a year
of living in Korea. Your haven't even learnt to handle spice yet"

Zhenia had forced himself to adapt to the pain, but now he was stupid
enough to ask him that again.

"It benefits us both if you eat like this"

"Hm?"

"The more weight you gain the better you'll get at taking my h-"
"Okay! okay.."

Could he be any more shameless. Regardless of time and place, even in

front of his mother, Zhenia has said more vulgar things.

Taek Joo poured all the milk they had in the fridge and gave it to Zhenia.

He quietly placed his mouth on the cup for a moment and then swallowed.

The contrasting sizes of Zhenias hand and the cup made Taek Joo feel both
horny and happy

"How long do you expect to survive in korea If you can't eat spicy food,
you'll be able to handle like 3 dishes"

"I hope to live there all my life."

It was a sentence without any particular meaning, but in that moment, Taek
Joo's hand, which was preparing to pick up more noodles, unconsciously

stopped.

"...What?"

Taek joo nodded and shyly brushed it off.

Taek Joo has never envisioned anything in the distant future. It wasn't really
until one day that Zhenia's unusual interest in him faded away, when he
regained composure. This is not a relationship that started because we loved
each other so much that we couldn't live without each other. It's only been a
year. However, due to work, the two were only together for less than 100

days out of the 365 in a year. It is said that life is unpredictable and people's
minds change when they step back. Is it necessary to make an appointment
for the distant future, though? It wasn't like he was determined to be
responsible for Zhenia for the rest of his life.

Taek Joo understood that in his mind, but why did he feel so empty? He
didn't know what he had put in his mouth and was chewing greedily when
Zhenia suddenly stood up. Taek Joo's eyes followed him.

"Eat more."

He thought he wanted to go to the bathroom, but Zhenia went into a nearby

bedroom. Zhenia didn't come back for a while. At first Taek Joo didn't
notice, but the prolonged absence made him glance towards the door. He
put his chopsticks down and he determined lunch was over.

Zhenia reappeared with decent clothes on. When Taek Joo looked at him,
Zhenia checked his watch and said "I'm about to leave" Did he get a new
schedule?

"Where to?"

"Russia."

Zhenia answered briefly and then reached for the phone on the table, ready
to leave.

Taek Joo still wore his normal clothes. His wavy hair was only half dry.

Was he really going to leave the country looking like this?

No, what does it matter, he had wasted too much time on eating. Taek Joo
needed to immediately hand over the data to headquarters and be ready in
case of an unexpected dispatch. He didn't have time to hang out in Russia.

"Today doesn't really work for me. The scale of the case is larger than I
thought, so I've gotta go back and report-"

"Don't worry. I'll go alone"

Almost halfway out the door, he unconsciously asked again. Because if

Zhenia appeared during the operation, he'd have to go to Ajinoki Island
after completing the job. He enjoys spending the time he earns himself
there. It's always like that, regardless of whether Taek Joo wants it or not.

But luckily that's not the case this time.

"It may take a few days."

Did something happen to the Bogdanov family? No, if anything it would be

strange if nothing was happening with that family. Haven't there been any
special trends or problems in Russia recently? Even if there was, there
would be no reason to bring in Zhenia, who is currently the ambassador to
South Korea. Should I ask why? Am i being too pushy?

(Didn't bro just say they've been dating for a full year 💀) If it's a problem
that Taek Joo can't solve, then asking won't change anything.

Zhenia ended the story there. Taek Joo poured wine into a glass sat on the
table and drank it all. Zhenia quietly glanced over at him and suddenly
approached and lifted Taek Joo's chin. Before swallowing all the wine in his
mouth, Taek Joo parted his lips. A bit of wine choked in his mouth. Ugh, he
frowned. Zhenia didn't mind and just licked his thick lips before leaving. He

looks like he's smiling and closing his eyes as usual, so it seems like there's
nothing to worry about.

"We'll get outta here quickly. I want to rest a bit."

Taek Joo pushed Zhenia's back. "Not cute at all," Zhenia smiled and left the
room. The door opened when he left and then closed again. The room
suddenly became quiet.

Taek Joo took the wine and a glass and went to the private swimming pool.

Taek Joo gently dipped his toes into the water. The water was moderately
warm. He sat on a nearby sunbed and enjoyed the breeze. The splendid
night view of Las Vegas stretched across the glass wall.

"It's such an unessersary luxury."

Taek Joo sighed and drank another glass of wine. He gently swallowed the
remaining wine and massaged his sore neck. His body gradually softened as
if he could sleep soundly right now.
Taek Joo sat indifferently sat like that for a long time. Thanks to Zhenia, his
work went smoothly and it couldn't have been better to enjoy some alone
time like this until he returned to Korea.

But there is also something a bit worrying. It feels strange to be alone in

such a luxurious space. Taek Joo couldn't understand why.

Is there anything I could go do? Taek Joo looked up at the ceiling and
thought vaguely.

(Again please remember all info talked about in this chapter between
countries is all fiction and not based on real events!!)

You'll get sick (5)

It's been two weeks since he lost all contact with Zhenia. Taek Joo said
goodbye to him in Las Vegas and returned to Korea by plane the next
morning. He checked his phone as soon as he arrived at the airport, but
there were no messages from Zhenia. He should have arrived in Moscow a
long time ago. Since then there has been no news until now.

Of course in the case of other people, it's useless to worry about Zhenia's
health. But he had never been away from him for such a long time, so Taek
Joo couldn't help but worry. The long vacation arranged after completing
the mission was boring, so Taek Joo had a lot of time to think.

Yoon Jong Woo, who he calls every two days, introduced him to a popular
game recently. After mastering it in less than a week, Taek Joo lost interest.

Yoon Jong Woo asked him to join another game with him. But the problem
is that forming a group in real life or in the game does not suit his interests
at all. he don't understand why Taek Joo didn't want to watch movies or
videos or even read books during this vacation.

He picked up his phone again and stared at his list of unanswered calls.

Was he hurt somewhere? Or was it a sudden accident or emergency

surgery? can't you just come back soon?
Taek Joo assumed some situation came up and then shook his head after a
while. He couldn't imagine such things would happen to Zhenia.

That guy wasn't always an iron man, because they lived together for only a
year and there was also times when he got injured and sick. Zhenia
especially struggled with the Korean heat. Due to the effects of global
warming, occasional heat ups and downs of up to 30 degrees have been
recorded in Moscow, but that has nothing to do with Zhenia. If it gets too
hot, Zhenia will just go to Ajinoki Island instead.

(This was all in the past, in the current day we are in korea but Zhenia is
still in Russia)

After taking cold showers several times a day, he finally poured ice into the
bathtub, then filled it with cold water and sat down. Just being close to
Zhenia at that time was enough to feel the cold atmosphere.

"What are you doing?"

"Don't you know"

"so your trying to get hypothermia?"

"how can you stand this heat, this whole country is a hot hell"

"So your only solution is to drown yourself in ice?"

There was no point in nagging Zhenia to get out and say he would catch a
cold. it would be even more troublesome if Taek Joo kept annoying him,
because there's a chance he might also be dragged into the bathtub. Taek
Joo had to leave him alone. A moment later Zhenia came out of the
bathroom, his porcelain white face without a drop of blood.

"You are as white as a snow. tsk look at your lips"

Clicking his tongue, Taek Joo used a towel to dry Zhenia's hair. The boy
who was obediently entrusting his body to Taek Joo suddenly rushed
towards him. It was so cold that he didn't know if it was a natural human
body temperature or not, just touching Zhenia gave him goosebumps all
over his body. Taek Joo turned on the heater and sat him infront of it, but
Zhenia still couldn't warm up.

He knew it would be like this. Taek Joo sighed and hugged the clingy kid.

That day, Zhenia didnt let go of Taek Joo until his body heated up again.

Not long after that they were after it agian Zhenia just doesn't know how to
stop. And the next day, Zhenia fell ill.

He touched Zhenia's forehead, he seemed to have a fever.

"Ah kid, what did I say. I told you not to overdo it. Just turning on the air
conditioner is enough."

"Taek Joo, I just have a little fever. There's nothing to worry about."

Although Zhenia acted like it was nothing special, he still didnt loosen his
grip on Taek Joo's waist.

"Then let me go. I have to go to work."

"You're so cold, Taek Joo"

"If it gets worse, go to the hospital. If not, then go home. I'll call mom."

Zhenia blankly listened to Taek Joo's advice and then blinked. It wasn't long
before his eyelids completely closed and Taek Joo could hear Zhenia's
heavy breathing.

Taek Joo had lunch that day and suddenly had a cough. Yoon Jong Woo
sitting across from him.

"Wow, sir has a cold? Right in the middle of summer?"

"What cold? It's Just a sneeze"

"What's with the air conditioner being so low in here?"

"Is it too cool? It's way too hot without it."

The others were sweating profusely without the air conditioning on, but he
was the only one who was cold. It's all because of Zhenia.

Finally, Taek Joo stopped eating and went to see Zhenia. He must have been
asleep since this morning and had been lying alone in bed since then. When
he touched his forehead, the slight fever was still there.

Taek Joo looked at his sleeping face for a long while before taking his hand
off. Zhenia's head slowly followed. Unconsciously, Zhenia rubbed his

forehead against his hand. Not knowing if he was sleep talking or not, he
sighed and muttered.

"Taek Joo"

The fact that Zhenia stayed in a this foreign country was entirely because of
Taek Joo. He himself is also the only person Zhenia could rely on in Korea
over the past year. Even his mother, who is always proud of her friendship
with Zhenia, would be just a stranger if it weren't for Taek Joo. And it's also
unfair because he himself would never want that.

"What did i do in my past life to deserve this..."

It wasn't like one of his ancestors killed some sacred dragon or anything.

With that dissatisfied expression, Taek Joo played with Zhenia's ivory hair.

The sleeping man's expression became more relaxed. he seemed to like

Taek joos his cold hands....

That day was the first time Taek Joo left early since joining the
headquarters.

Remembering the past, he frowned and scratched his head.

"So stupid to worry about this..."

Tell me your coming back (6)

Taek Joo muttered boredly. Normally, no news means good news, but
Zhenia is an exception. When he was silent, Taek Joo always began to
worry about where he was and what he was doing. Even if it's just a little,
it's still worrying. Because Zhenia's identity was quite sensitive he was
often at large. The Bogdanov family itself has many enemies, and Zhenia is
the type of person who likes to make enemies. Not long ago, Zhenia was
also 'kidnapped' because of 'Anastasia'. Thinking about it again and again,
made taek joo feel sick.

That was when Taek Joo went on a long business trip to China for about a
month. But somehow Zhenia didn't show up all that time. He wondered if
Zhenia had heeded his request not to interfere in his work.

However, Taek Joo received a phone call at the end of the mission. The
strangers suddenly said that they were holding Zhenia, and if they wanted
Zhenia to be safe, they should obediently bring Anastasia.

The call ended unilaterally. Taek Joo blankly looked at the silent phone and
then burst out laughing. Nothing was funny right now. In all his life, he had
never heard anything so absurd. They kidnapped Zhenia, and in exchange
for 'Anastasia' was 'Zhenia's safe return'. From the beginning, he couldn't
believe that something like this would happen to him. Even if that's true, it's
the kidnappers who need to worry, not Zhenia. So Taek Joo didn't pay
attention. Completing the job safely was his top priority at the time.

After completing the mission, Taek Joo tried calling zhenia. He didnt pick
up the phone. Messages didn't send through either. A vague thought flew
through his mind. No way. No matter what, he couldn't imagine Zhenia
getting kidnapped.

When Taek Joo arrived home, even his mother was worried that she hadn't
seen Zhenia. Until then, he still believed that this was not the case and
asked Yoon Jong Woo to find the other guy's whereabouts. With no

confirmed exit documents, he frustratedly went to Zhenia's house. The

house was empty. The Bugatti was also quietly parked in the garage. After a
while of searching, Taek Joo found a bottle of soju under the car. Around
that time, whenever Zhenia went to the convenience store, he always
bought the bottles along with ramen.

While Taek Joo was fighting fiercely, the kidnappers sent a photo of Zhenia.

He was tied to a chair and had his eyes closed, he couldn't tell whether he
was sleeping or unconscious. Zhenia's mouth was sealed and his body
chained. The chains were tied from his neck to his wrists and then to his
ankles, so it seemed difficult to move.

Even if it was Zhenia, it would be difficult to survive if attacked or drugged.

In an instant, it was possible that he would be jumped. After making such a

trivial assumption, Taek Joo didn't waist a second and immediately set off.

(again all this talk about Zhenia being kidnapped is in the past and has
already happened)

He traveled all the way to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to find Zhenia. Before

that, Taek Joo stopped by Ajinoki Island for a while to pick up the item that
Zhenia gave him, 'Anastasia'. After such a long time traveling, it was
surprising how the heck they managed to drag Zhenia to such a remote
place from Korea.

Their base was disguised as a part of a factory for an international company.

Wherever he went to Indonesia, security was tight, and especially there.

From the main gate, tight surveillance cameras were installed at each door
wherever you go, you have to face guards armed with heavy weapons. They
are all elite agents. After manipulating each person one by one and silently
controlling them, Taek Joo's physical strength was greatly depleted.

He found a secret exit leading to the building's basement with many guards
guarding it. That was the main production site of the factory, if Zhenia was
caught it would most likely be there. But for some reason, the hallway there
was empty. Except for one room where the access system was operating,
other places showed absolutely no trace of humans. Maybe this was a trap.

Feeling suspicious, Taek Joo climbed into the ventilation hole in the ceiling.

He carefully crawled through the narrow, dusty passageway and entered the
access control room. Trying not to make a sound made his whole body
tense, and the sweat that accumulated almost turned into paste along with
the dust.

There were sparse sounds coming from below him as he crawled closer to
the room. There were occasional screams or groans, and Taek Joo sighed in
despair as he saw what was going on below him through the holes in the
vent. Zhenia noticed there was someone above him and looked up. He
rushed to the vent Taek Joo was in.

"Sorry i'm late"

Those were the first words Zhenia uttered. He didn't seem to be injured not
even a single scratch. Those who claimed to have kidnapped Zhenia were
lying everywhere with their heads blown off or their bodies strangely
twisted. That was the moment when all the worries about him became
useless.

"What? Late what?"

"You were almost in danger because I took too long handling these guys"

"Hmm i thought i was meant to be worrying about you? or maybe those

guys?"

"Hmm? This...? Anyone could see this was just self defence"

Zhenia responded blatantly and then gently twisted the last kidnapper's
neck. The trembling man drooped down with a groan of despair.

After cleaning up, Zhenia looked at Taek Joo up and down suddenly
smiling. A mocking smile.
"What were you doing that made you so dirty? Crawling in the vents isn't a
good look on you"

Taek Joo felt his body temperature drop sharply. He was worried about that
bastard and came all the way to this far away place without even resting and
all he cares about is why Taek joo isn't looking his best?

"Ha, you're such an idiot for believing it right away. Did you have fun
looking for me?"

"What fun? I didnt want to get killed on my way here."

"Really? Killed? That would never happen..."

"What? With you gone I was scared because I wouldn't know when I would
be saved."

"Say. The threatening phone call telling me to bring Anastasia, you made
them say that as well didnt you?"

(This is taek joo speaking)

"Why do you say that as if I instigated my own kidnapping?"

"Why else would they call me? wouldn't they call the embassy?"

"Isn't it normal to demand ransom from someone's lover?"

"Lov- ugh fucksake. Atleast your not hurt though are you?"

Taek Joo looked at him with dissatisfied eyes. Zhenia was stunned as that
was the first time anyone had asked him that

"what do you mean hurt?"

"So you wernt, being forced to take drugs or being tortured or anything?..."

"Are you worried about me now?"

After all, zhenia's only strong points were his beautiful face and body.

Taek Joo cleared his throat to regain composure, then he gently tapped his
neck.

"when did you get scratched?"

Zhenia looked around regretfully. The bodies were in such bad condition
that it was impossible to determine whether they were alive or dead.

"Even if you are just an immature child, you still have to have to watch it.

Why are you annoying me when you know i'm busy with work"

"i'm not being annoying. i didn't even think you'd come"

"Many days passed without any news so I gave up."

"Ya, you must have been captured somewhere else. Do you know how hard
I worked outside while you were having fun here?"

"If you hadn't come, I wouldn't have died. Even though I was alone, I
escaped safely. Even so, I was getting bored so I decided to deal with this
guy and leave. And then you came"

Taek Joo angrily brushed off his wrinkled shirt. It's useless. The speckled
dirt clung tighter as he slapped his hand against it. Furthermore, even that
was ripped apart by Zhenia. He never changed his behavior at all and still
used other people's clothes as handkerchiefs to wipe blood and bodily fluids
from his hands. Looking at him, Taek Joo's mind went blank.

"I'm getting older because of you bastard"

It seemed like all his accumulated fatigue was coming down all at once.

Taek Joo stroked his face and sighed deeply.

"But are you really okay?"

Right at that moment, even Taek Joo couldn't understand why he was so
worried about Zhenia. Even though he knew it was pointless, he still kept
an eye on him. In any case, i Zhenia was still human, because internal
injuries were inherently more dangerous than external injuries when it came
to Zhenia.

And as expected, Zhenia looked puzzled.

"What?"

"People who go through really bad things often experience trauma, right?

Even the most highly trained agents will be threatened if they are captured
and detained or tortured. It can have a big impact later."

Zhenia listened carefully then sighed as if he couldn't hold back his laugh.

"You're more overprotective than i thoguht. There's nothing to worry about.

I'm quite used to things like this."

"Yeah..."

For a moment, Taek Joo thought he had heard wrong. Because he couldn't
immediately realise what "getting used to being kidnapped" meant.

Zhenia gently recounted the story of his childhood.

"Was it when i was six years old? It could be a little before or a little later.

I'm on my way home after a horse riding lesson. The driver was killed
instantly by a bullet flying from somewhere. The car immediately lost
direction and crashed into the river. I just swam out of the water but there
were already many people waiting there. Then a mask was immediately
placed on my head. When I woke up, I was locked in a musty warehouse.

Don't know what they wanted from my parents. It could be money, it could
be some kind of right, or it could be benefits or power that cannot be
measured in money... The more things you have, the more enemies you
have, right? Maybe it was evil acts during the crime, or simply because of
the greed of those who covet other people's things. I'm definitely the easiest
person to bully in their eyes, because I was still young. No matter how
infamous my family was, they must have thought that the bloodline was
precious. It was a mistake because the Bogdanov family values pride and
pride more than mere blood."

Zhenia is someone who likes to express things abstractly, so Taek Joo

couldn't understand what he was saying.

"..What are you talking about?"

"That's just a quick story. Kidnapped by adults' wishes and abandoned by

adults' calculations, things didn't go as expected, so they began to get
stressed. I was starved, bullied, and never slept. They gave me a
stethoscope so I could cry and beg for help. yet I endured it. I'm not
someone to beg. I didn't listen to what they wanted but bowed my head and
went home to beg for my life."

"They saw their actions as a challenge to the Bogdanov family and,

moreover, to the Kremlin. They wanted to use that as an example, so they
started using force to completely wipe them out. They poured artillery
shells in as if they forgot I was still in the hands of the kidnappers. Dozens,
hundreds of bullets and bombs flew through the walls and ceiling. The
heads of those who threatened her were blown off and their limbs were torn
everywhere. It was Incredible."

"The survivors did not surrender in the end. I've been playing with grenades
since I was little. Maybe it was the first time. Taking the lives of others with
these two hands."

The story was so cruel.

At that time, Taek Joo was about ten years old. The time when he went to
school without worrying about anything but just hanging out with friends
and playing soccer. He didn't know how to comfort someone who lived a
completely life from him. He didn't expect Zhenia to grow up in a normal
environment, but he didn't know it was that bad.
"You don't need to be sad, Taek Joo. Every family has its own ways of
making ends meet, and everyone adapts or resigns to it. Even though it's a
bit cruel and inhumane, who knows, maybe that's why the current
Bogdanov family exists. People give birth to people, animals give birth to
animals. Monsters will give birth to monsters. To not be overlooked among
monsters, you must be stronger than everyone else. That's how I became the
person I am today. First it's my peers, then it's my elders, then my family,
and finally, even the world can't look down on me. It's all thanks to
Anastasia."

Surely, who would dare to touch a state employee Psych. Even Zhenia's
family couldn't treat him arbitrarily. Zhenia always lives according to his
wishes, but is that okay? Olga's words suddenly appeared in Taek Joo's
mind, "How long will you live alone?". Taek Joo looked at Zhenia, he
looked lonely and tired because he had never been at peace.

"Don't you think that Anastasia is ruining your life? Like Olga said, why
don't you give it to those who want it? If so, you won't be in all this trouble
24/7. Anyway, if I can confirm that you're safe and sound, I'm planning on
handing it over to these guys..."

"Ah, that's right. I gave it to you. one blew up before then. I hid one at my
parents' house and one at Ajinoki. Come to think of it, I did give one to the
little woman"

(little woman is what Zhenia calls his step mother) He gave "Anastasia" to
his mother? Taek Joo's eyebrows furrowed.

"What are you talking about? That's ridiculous"

"I told you, Taek Joo. Anastasia may or may not exist. I'm the only one who
can prove it. If what you gave me was called Anastasia, everyone would
think it was Anastasia. Also, if you name that pistol over there Anastasia, it
will be Anastasia. Anastasia is ultimately in the mind of the person who
desires it, and whether it exists or not is up to you. You are the only one
who knows this secret."
"What? what would lying about anastasia do for you? I thought if that
disappeared, something would happen to you."

While Taek Joo was angry, Zhenia took a step closer. His blue eyes shining
against the sun.

"Right. You. My weakness. And the weapon that makes me the strongest
person in the world. Now Anastasia is infront of your very eyes."

The hair on the back of Taek Joo's neck stood. Zhenia is very good at
spewing things like that in people's faces. At such times, those cold, reptile-
like eyes also become soft with unprecedented warmth.

"Taek Joo"

"Why, why are you so close?"

"If you save the princess trapped in the tall tower, then in the end that's all
you get right?"

(by that's all you get he's referring to a kiss)

"And who's the princess? Don't make fun of me."

"Actually, I was waiting for you. You tested my patience every day, every
hour, every second that went by."

Even though he was determined not to get carried away, Zhenia always
opened Taek Joo's latch with absurd ease. It was strange that he couldn't act
strong when looking at that gentle face. It's all just a mask, just a trick to
fool those around him.

"...Damned bastard. Come here, Yevgeny."

"Taek Joo, my Rabbit."

His face is so...

"ugh!"
Taek Joo shivered as soon as he glanced over at a body on the floor, maybe
this wasn't the time to be kissing. He scratched his head in frustration.

Maybe Zhenia's madness was contagious.

Taek Joo couldn't say his life was always peaceful, but after getting
entangled with Zhenia he knew things would be different. It's not that he
doesn't know what kind of person Zhenia is, but he knows what associating
with someone like him is like.

When are you coming back (7)

Open source. The list of incoming calls popped up on the screen. No calls
or messages from Zhenia.

He carefully went through each number just in case, still no sign. At least
not like the time Zhenia was kidnapped.

Taek Joo tapped his phone thinking before calling someone. The Call
connection rang twice then picked up. The voice on the other end of the
second rang out.

- Hello?

with a somewhat awkward voice it was none other than Yoon Jong Woo.

"Yoon Jong Woo, what are you doing?"

- What am i doing!? I'm working very hard.

"Haha ok. Are you busy?"

- From now on I will be very busy.

Yoon Jong Woo is afraid of getting into trouble. He was only obedient when
he first arrived as an assistant shooter, but now he has grown up a lot. Of
course, nothing has changed though.

"Don't be like that, do me a favor."

- I don't know what it is, but sir, please do it yourself. I've been trying to get
rest lately.

"If I could do it, I would have done it long ago. Why do I have to ask you
twice?"

There was no answer to Taek Joo's sarcastic question, instead there was just
a grumble from far away from the receiver.

"Yoon Jong Woo?" Taek Joo spoke up. Only to hear the hum again, "Hmm-
hmm."

I may as well hear what's going on first.

"Yevgeny Vysarionovich Bogdanov. Do you know what up with him?"

- What's wrong with them?

"Okay, well i need to find out where he is."

- uhm well... Now you're asking to investigate civilians? That's a very

sensitive issue, sir.

"Do you think that bastard looks like a commoner?"

- No, I mean... No... Not that... After all, he is a diplomat. If you dig up
mistakes, it could become a diplomatic issue...

"That won't happen and if it does, I'll be responsible so find out where he is.

I didn't ask you to arrest the bastard."

This time, Yoon Jong Woo also pit his phone away from his mouth and
mumbled something. "I heard it all." He was startled and explained that he
didn't say anything. Taek Joo laughed menacingly.

- Really, this is the last time.

"Okay. Check now and call me."

Hanging up. Taek Joo just wanted to check if Zhenia had entered Russia
and if so, whether he was still there or not.

He has tried to live a life that clearly distinguishes between work and
private life. But when living with Zhenia, that boundary begins to collapse.

Taek Joo can't rest assured even for a moment because Zhenia has no limits

and often causes trouble. He himself decided to accept and tame Zhenia
when he settled in Korea, which means his troubles are also Taek Joo's
troubles.

The phone rang again not long after. He reflexively grabbed it and checked
the caller first. Still not Zhenia ah. Yoon Jong Woo's report rang out.

- Sir, Yevgeny Vissarionovich Bogdanov had confirmed to have entered

Russia. 2 weeks ago.

"What else? No records of exiting from Russia or a transfer to a third

country?"

- No. None.

So Zhenia has only stayed in Russia for the past 2 weeks. The answer that
to some extent Taek Joo had expected, but for some reason his arms and
legs were hanging loose. "I see," he was about to end the call. Yoon Jong
Woo's voice was urgent.

- Sir, please don't forget what I said just now.

"Earlier? What did you say?"

- I said that if anything happens, you will take responsibility. I'm just a
pitiful subordinate who succumbed to authority.

"Okay yeah whatever. Get to work."

He laughed. Yoon Jong Woo finished speaking, "Bogdanov, please tell that
person like that." After all, being an employee of the National Intelligence
Agency is scary.

And so the call ended. His surroundings became quiet again. Taek Joo
looked at the phone bewilderedly and tried calling Zhenia. Still no answer.

He threw the phone on the table and ruffled his hair.

The ground shook. Bang bang bang. Taek Joo couldnt stand up straight,
every time he tried the vibrations changed and got harsher. Everywhere was
dark and everywhere had the smell of damp earth. Not long after, the
ground shook with a loud bang. Mixed screaming. The people around him
were blurry with unclear shapes. The language they spout is similar to
Korean, English, and Russian.

Thinking it was a dream, Taek Joo tried going a little further. He couldn't
see anything as far as he could tell, so he had no choice but to move
forward until he came across a wall.

Then the walls and ceiling shook again, followed by broken stone powder
pouring down. Taek Joo cowered out of habit, but small fragments getting
in his eyes, nose and ears. He was out of breath. He shook his head
vigorously and brushed the foreign object away, then waved his hand to
clear the dusty air in front of him.

When Taek Joo was about to take another step, his foot stepped on
something soft. He almost fell over but he kept his balance. Reflexively
raising his head, Kwon Taek Joo saw an unexpected figure. It was a boy
about six or seven years old. Left alone in a dungeon-like place with no
light, the child had silver hair and blue eyes. The image was similar to
many dreams he had encountered before.

Why was this kid here? Taek Joo frowned. Of course there's no guarantee
who that kid is even though he looks a lot like someone Taek Joo knows
well, but it's difficult to be sure.

Up until now, the dreams get intense every time the child appears. The boy
didnt cause any particular harm to Taek Joo himself, but every time he
woke up he always felt confused and strangely guilty. It had been a while
since he had dreamed of the boy so he felt somewhat relieved, but now it
appeared like this.

The child saw Taek Joo and raised his guard and backed away. There was
something in the small white hand, it looked like a grenade.

Thinking back, he stepped on something just now. Taek Joo slowly looked
back. In places as far as he could see, scattered pieces of flesh had lost their
human shape. Even seemingly normal people were groaning under the
collapsed pillar.

The insecurity came again. Taek Joo frantically looked around but nothing
came into view. Outside the square blue window, something like the
shadow of a fighter plane flashed by. Gunfire also rang out. Red laser
beams emitted from various guns instantly covered the space and floor. The
warning to surrender echoed from afar.

Suddenly, Taek Joo remembered the childhood anecdote that Zhenia had
told him about. He said he was used to being kidnapped? It seemed that the
afterimages of that time had passed through the subconscious and appeared
like a dream. The problem is that Taek Joo cant wake up even though he
knows this is a dream. A crazy dream.

He looked everywhere for a way out. At that moment, a shock stronger than
ever exploded throughout the building. The ground shook violently. Even
the ceiling could not bear it and collapsed. If this continues, everything will
be buried in hopelessness.

It was all so vivid that the perception of the dream faded away. The only
thought in taek Joo's mind was to quickly escape. He turned his head
towards the silver-haired boy. The child was still glaring at Taek Joo with
sharp eyes. He waved to the boy to come quickly, but the child didn't even
move and just looked at him warily.

Zhenia! He tried to scream but his throat was choked. Taek Joo tried
opening his mouth wide and putting strength into his stomach, but all
sounds seemed to disappear into nothingness. While the ruthless attack
continued, the building began to rapidly collapse.
Taek Joo ran to the child and tried to pull him out. But even that was not
easy. As if a transparent barrier had been placed in front of him, Taek Joo

couldnt take a single step forward. Even if he ran until it hurt, Taek Joo
couldnt get close to the child.

He continued to call Zhenias name, his mouth opening and closing. But the
child just stared blankly.

Damn it, run away!

(tw: death of a child)

His arms and legs struggled until they were numb. An urgent cry choked in
his throat.

As if teasing Taek Joo, something heavy blew in the wind from behind.

There was silence inside the building. And just then, the condensed air
exploded and tore the child apart. His whole body was as hot as fire and
peeled back as it melted.

"Oh my God!"

Taek Joo launched up. His vision widened in an instant, making him dizzy.

His eyes opened wide. He didn't blink for a while, his eyelids even
trembled.

"haha..."

The breath he had been trying to let out escaped him. His lungs ached. His
heart was pounding like it was about to explode in his chest. His throat was
dry as if he had been screaming the whole time.

After all, where did the child come from, and why did he appear like that
and cause a stir? It's not like anything really happened to Zhenia. Even
though he denied that there was no way that would be the case, his heart
sank.
Taek Joo confusedly scratched the back of his neck and grabbed the phone.

He still hadn't heard anything from Zhenia. He tried calling right away but
this time he couldn't even hear the ringback tone. It was as if the phone had
been turned off.

"What is this kid doing?"

Iwaht if it's late, it's too late. It's hard to know if something unexpected is
really going on, unless you're faced with the inevitable situations head-on.

More than half the time, Taek Joo himself never clearly told Zhenia where
he was going, what he was doing, and when he would return. That was the
NIS's job, but he didn't feel the need to do so, and because he also knew that
Zhenia still followed and came to see him like a ghost wherever he went.

It's not often that he makes a private meeting with Zhenia, the amount of
messages and calls they made between one another could be counted on his
hands.

Suddenly questioning himself. Taek Joo scratched the back of his neck and
checked the time. It was past 7 am. Looked like there's someone outside the
door. His mother was preparing breakfast.

Taek Joo stood up and went out to the kitchen. Seeing him awake this early,
his mother asked if he was ok with a surprised face.

"I thought you didnt go to work until next Monday?"

"Yeah. But if i take too much time off it'll be hard to go back. I want to go
out for a bit to grasp this thing going on at work."

"Well i'll make you something before you go."

"Ah, I don't eat breakfast."

"How can you work properly on an empty stomach?"

"it'll be lunch by the time i get to work."

Taek Joo quickly interrupted his mother's presentation that was about to
begin and rushed into the bathroom. Until the door closed, his mother still
diligently recounted the medical history of her parents' family, starting with
the story of her friend's son having a stroke due to a brain hemorrhage. He
could guess the back story even without hearing everything. Which foods
are good for which organs, which ingredients are attracting attention today,
how harmful is drinking alcohol and smoking to the body. From when he
was a child until now, his mother's interests and hobbies have not changed.

The nagging repertoire also remains consistent.

After a quick shower, Taek Joo sat down at the table. There were so many
side dishes that he couldn't find an empty spot on the table. He picked up
the spoon and said, "I'll eat well." Except for kimchi, there are no old
dishes. Thinking of that sincerity, Taek Joo tried each dish and the bowl of
rice quickly emptied. His mother said "Look" while scooping up more rice.

This is the happiest time of her day.

"Does the embassy have a lot of work these days?"

"If so, how can I rest like this?

"Is that so? I don't know if the ambassador is very busy because I haven't
seen him come home."

Taek Joo's chopsticks stopped. Because Zhenia was suddenly mentioned.

The food was halfway in his mouth and he choked. He could barely
swallow what was in his mouth and drink water. His mother continued to
worry about Zhenia.

"I'm worried about what's going on because he's not calling. He lives alone
in a country where we can't talk, so if there's an emergency, he won't be able
to ask. for help".

"Mom, that's true too. But he's not a child is he? He also got leave like you
and returned home to rest. So you don't need to worry."
Taek Joo responded indifferently. His mother seemed surprised.

"Hey! No matter how young he is, he's still your superior. Even if he wasn't
here, how could you talk like that?"

He opened his mouth to explain but then stopped, because there was no
effective excuse.

"...No, we're just trying to talk comfortably to each other."

"Talking like that will easily become a habit, and in important situations
you will make mistakes. Don't you know how old you are? You really don't
know how to think."

His mother clicked her tongue in disapproval. Taek Joo tearfully picked up
a piece of fish and placed it on top of the rice. Since meeting Zhenia, the
frequency with which he was scolded by his mother seemed to increase. It's
not really the guy's fault, but it's not entirely none of it either.

His mother definitely wouldn't have been so supportive if she knew what
Zhenia did to her only son.

(REAL HOLY SHIT)

It's unfair, but he couldnt reveal the details of what happened. All he could
do was eat and nonchalantly regret what he had done wrong.

Taek Joo was about to leave after getting ready when his mother brought up
something.

"Take this too."

"What is it?"

"If you went to work, wouldn't the ambassador have come back? He ate so
little that it must have been hard. I've prepared some things he likes."

"I told you, you don't have to Mom."

"Your so sour to him. That poor young man has to live alone without a
family because of his job. If you can help him, you should help him."

Taek Joo and Zhenia were close but he didn't think about it this much. His
mother's weakness towards zhenias bright appearance was probably due to
the influence of her motherly instinct. Not long ago, his mother said that
Zhenia looked like an angel when sleeping and Taek Joo spit out the coffee
he was drinking. He didn't know what to do when facing his mother's
innocent and pure eyes every time she looked at him.

"Shut your mouth and do as your mother says. you also often travel for
work so you should know better. Furthermore, the ambassador doesn't know
Korean so he couldn't communicate. How frustrating it would be to have no
friends and be far from family. you should also regularly keep an eye on
him. I mean, don't leave him and think of him as your little brother."

Strangely, even his mother realized that Zhenia had no friends. Taek Joo
also wondered why his mother was so fascinated by him. Even when his
mother prayed day and night for his father and brother, she didnt have blind
faith like she did now. What would happen if his mother found out about his
relationship with that brat? Just imagining it gave him goosebumps. A
subtle feeling of guilt crept into his chest.

"I'm leaving."

Taek Joo calmly took the box and hurried out of the house.

He stopped by Zhenia's house before going to work. The visit was without
any great expectations. Taek Joo was just trying to handle the boxes his
mother delivered.

But when he saw the empty house, Taek Joo felt empty. There was no trace
of anyone in the house. The bedsheets as well as the position of objects in
the house hadn't changed since his visit a few days ago. The house was so
quiet it was cold.

Taek Joo went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. There was
nothing to eat. He put the boxes in the empty space without leaving any
special note, maybe one day Zhenia will come back and he will know it
himself.

Taek Joo slowly looked around the house again. This is a place where he
has lived for a year. Aside from bathroom items, wine, bed sheets and
unlabeled clothing, there was nothing that could be called Zhenias. There
wasnt even a regular washing machine in the house. He didn't know if
Zhenia was leaving all his laundry to do at the laundromat or because he
had so much money that he was throwing away all the things he only wore
once.

Taek Joo opened the cupboard but it was also full of dust. Pulling out the
large drawer at the bottom, many types of ramen were stacked one on
another. Zhenia only cooks ramen for him. He also couldn't tell Zhenia to
stop because he would ruin that special thing they had.

"...I don't like ramen."

Taek Joo lamented and closed the drawer. There's no food for Zhenia
anywhere. Even when he was here, zhenia only occasionally bought cheese,
bread, and fruit. That also means he doesn't like Korean food. Taek Joo
really doesn't know what Zhenia does when he's not here.

He went into the bedroom for a moment. Taek Joo remembers how shocked
he was when he first arrived at this house. Zhenias body is so large that
normal mattresses wouldn't suit him. So Zhenias's custom-made bed took
up most of the large room. It is said that a super king size bed is often
popular for newlyweds, but this bed is much bigger and roomier than that.

Taek Joo and Zhenia often had sex on it. To the extent that there wasn't a
position a single they hadn't tried before. Even after a year of turmoil, not a
single corner of the bed was left untouched.

Taek Joo sat on the bed for a while. The mattress supported his body firmly.

He thought about a lot of things that happened in the past year. How all
memories seem to have ended in sex. It's not an exaggeration, but the truth
is that he was always physically attached to Zhenia in this house.
It seems like Zhenia was given the mission of breeding by giving him a
giant cock, an overflowing sexual desire, and an outstanding body. If it
weren't for that, Zhenia wouldn't have been so filled with desire, even in the

golden age of his life. Even Taek Joo, who's healthy and has good physical
strength, cant stand him because Zhenia always rushes in as soon as the two
just make eye contact.

A year had passed living like that. Zhenia was so completely unchanged
that Taek Joo didn't even notice the time flying by. Meanwhile, he got used
to his mother worrying about him, spending time in random conversations
between the two of them, spending time with Zhenia after work or on
holidays, and seeing Zhenia appear. everywhere. It had become a very
normal daily habit.

That's also why Taek Joo couldn't just imagine it all ending one day that
everything could return to its original place. When the beginning is sudden,
the ending can be just as sudden.

The reason why Zhenia suddenly came to Korea is because of Taek Joo.

That means he can leave this place whenever Zhenia is not there for him.

"I hope to live there all my life."

Every word Zhenia ever said to him still managed to annoy him.

Kwon Taek Joo? (nsfw - 8)

Taek Joo skipped lunch and went to the embassy. Zhenia's current status is
that of an ambassador, so technically the embassy is his official residence.

But in reality, it's extremely rare for Zhenia to stay there. He'd only attended
official business by invitation, receptions and dinners.

The ambassador's residence is a building about 100 years old. The interior
is decorated with antique furniture. It is customary to redecorate the interior
to suit the new person's taste as soon as the new ambassador is appointed.
But Zhenia didn't touch a single item there. He didn't even think it was a
house in the first place.

Taek Joo also counted the number of times he was there. He felt very guilty
because even though it was just to deceive his mother, he was also an
employee of the Russian embassy, so he didnt want to do private things in a
place where he was on duty. But it wasn't just once or twice that Taek Joo
broke that rule for Zhenia

Around the time of his appointment as Russian ambassador to Korea,

Zhenia didnt hesitate to bring Taek Joo here. He said he wanted to take him
on a tour of the mansion, but that wasn't the case at all, because he couldn't
find any goodwill in the guy.

"Why did you suddenly want to come here?"

"Today I had dinner with Korean politicians here. I heard that the reporters
going in and out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will arrive tomorrow."

"Why would i care?"

"It's very troublesome and boring."

The guy leisurely complained and approached Taek Joo. Instinctively, he

unconsciously took a step back. Zhenia's eyes flashed strangely.

When Taek Joo hesitantly stepped back, the reception table touched the
back of his thigh. Unlucky premonition. Zhenia immediately grabbed the
table and locked him in his arms. Taek Joo's eyes didnt approve.

"But I don't know. It would be better if we could create a happy memory

here"

"Fuck off, let's go"

"Anyway, we're gonna do it at home right? Let's just do it here"

"Are you crazy?! We work here"

"What is the matter? This is the house provided for the ambassador's family.

Everyone here has a married life, gives birth and raises children."

He's not wrong. The mansion is also where the ambassador's family lives
during his time in office. However, is it because Taek Joo himself is also a
civil servant? He felt reluctant to do something like this in a place used to
handle work.

Zhenia's eyes burned with passion, excitement causing his pupils to

constrict and the smell of flesh to become more intense. That was a signal
that his body was heating up. Zhenia continuously kissed Taek Joo's neck
and caressed him.

"As a civil servant, you must follow the instructions of your superiors"

"What kind of superior are you?"

"Have you forgotten what identity you came here with? If I looked af-"

"Your crazy!"

Taek Joo turned his head when Zhenia leaned in to kiss him. He grabbed
Taek Joo's face and squeezed it tightly. Both his cheeks were compressed
and his lips parted naturally. Zhenia inserted his tongue into that gap and
connected his lips. He rubbed his thick tongue and sucked so hard that Taek
Joo was helplessly swept away.

When Taek Joo regained consciousness, his body was completely lying
down on the table, his shirt was half turned up and crumpled. Zhenia
grabbed Taek Joo's exposed breast and pulled down his pants and
underwear in one go. His lower body suddenly felt cold. He tried to bend
his knees but couldn't move because Zhenia was kneeling between his legs.

His middle finger poked his hole over and over, carefully going inside. His
thumb gently caressed and massaged his inner thigh. Zhenia's hair felt itchy
between his legs. He felt his crotch burning and slowly his erection built.

Not long after, a feeling like he was about to explode came over him.
Taek joos dick twitched and flicked Zhenia's forehead. He raised his head to
look at Taek Joo.

Zhenia gently sucked on Taek joos head and placed his hand over the base.

Taek Joo's face grimaced. The lower part of his body vibrated as if
electricity was flowing through it. Zhenia looked up at Taek Joo and stuck
out his tongue, seemingly kissing the head of his cock. Taek Joo looked up
and waited. His stomach slowly sagged, breathing seemed more difficult.

Zhenia lowered his head and suddenly opened his mouth to take in Taek
Joo. His soft tongue wraped itself around his length. The sweetness and
happiness made him sigh.

"ugh...hm.."

Zhenia began moving his head up and down and caressed Taek Joo's lower
abdomen. Taek Joo's hands turned white. zhenia raised his head again with
the head of his dick in his mouth, then he clamped his lips and sucked on it.

"Ah, uhm, oh...!"

Zhenia licked and sucked the head continuously as if his life depended on
it. Then he suddenly opened his mouth and sucked Taek joos dick all the
way to the base. Zhenia's neck also bulged from the front. Taek joo couldnt
handle it anymore.

Taek Joo raised his upper body and grabbed Zhenia's hair and began
thrusting into his mouth. After the first thrust he couldnt help himself his
lower body continuously slammed up into Zhenias throat. The action was
rough, but Zhenia took it and continued sucking. Whilst Taek joo continued
filling Zhenias throat as he reached down to Taek joos hole and stretched it
some more.

His head spun as he looked at Zhenia's face obediently placed between his
legs, his pulse quickened, his eyes flashed endlessly and the feeling of
wanting to cum came rushing in. Taek Joo pushed Zhenias's face away. But
Zhenia held Taek Joo's thigh tightly and did not let go. As he felt his orgasm
coming, Taek Joo's thigh muscles trembled and his whole body repulsed.

In the end, he failed to push Zhenia away. His dick couldn't take the friction
any more and he spurted out a large amount of cum down Zhenias throat.

He gritted his teeth and exclaimed. Zhenia clearly and slowly swallowed
down Taek Joo's cum. He gently sucked the sticky spots left over on his
groin and legs then looked at Taek Joo who was grimacing and grinned.

"Mn...Taek Joo, I like this."

"Ugh... I told you to stop, you crazy fuck"

"You've enjoyed yourself to your heart's content now you'd better take this
as well as i took it"

With the sound of his zipper coming off Taek Joo closed his eyes tightly as
if he knew what was coming.

Zhenia was used to pressing Taek Joo down and lying on top. He also likes
other positions, lying flat or on his side, but the problem was the location.

Taek joos bare back was tense as he was continuously rubbing against the
table surface. Taek Joo groaned as he was overwhelmed by the scratching
without a chance to rest before he could push Zhenia away.

"Haa- Wait a minute. My back hurts, we should go somewhere else..."

"You have to be polite when eating"

He never understood why Zhenia was persistent till the end. He repeatedly
pushed and pushed out without a condom or anything. The mixture of cum
and gel filling in his stomach created a foul slurping sound every time he
thrusted in and out.

"...."
Taek Joo tiredly fell asleep until morning and then remembered that there
was an interview that day. He immediately opened his eyes and opened all
the windows to let the air in. He tried to eliminate Zhenia scent by turning
on all the fans in the house, and left all the closet doors open.

Looking at the large table in the living room, memories of that day came
back to his mind. The table touched his bare skin, the air heated up quickly,
and the rising humidity and scent seemed to be fully revived. Taek Joo
clicked his tongue and turned back.

He specifically stopped by the mansion because he wanted to know why

Zhenia's stay in Russia was so long. Inbound business parcels are usually
delivered to the embassy office. On days Zhenia didn't go to work, his
assistant moved them all back to the mansion. Even when acting like a
stubborn asshole, Zhenia still stops by this place regularly to check mail and
schedules. That is also the minimum effort to maintain his status as an
ambassador.

Taek Joo went to the office on the second floor to check the letters he had
collected in the past. He didnt know whether there would be an important
party or event held in Russia. But no matter how hard he searched, nothing
particularly stood out. After that, Taek Joo turned on the computer in the
office. He calmly entered the password and then opened the real-time
update schedule. Sure enough, it was empty 15 days ago.

However, there are some events that will be held 10 days before Mid-
Autumn Festival. At least that means Zhenia will be back. No, is that really
so? The term of office of ambassadors is not fixed. Usually it only lasts for
a period of 1 to 2 years. There are also many cases of being dismissed
midway or being appointed to other important positions and suddenly
returning to the country.

Zhenia has reluctantly become the Russian ambassador to Korea, so he can

give it up at any time. A person who is only interested in pursuing pleasure,
if tempted by something else, Zhenia certainly won't look back.

"...I don't like that."

Taek Joo mumbled dissatisfiedly and turned off the computer. When he was
about to turn back, he saw an old Korean conversation book on the
bookshelf. Ambassadors who passed through this place may have left it for
their successors, but it seems unlikely that it was Zhenias.

Thinking back, in the past year, Zhenia hadn't spoken a word of Korean. He
didn't even say the usual greetings. Even when having to communicate with
his mother and other Koreans, Zhenia insisted on using only Russian. He
didn't even say a few words, and surprisingly everything was fine. Everyone
knows how to bring him what he needs.

Taek Joo's mother is the same. When the two met, they still only say what
each wants to say. When Taek Joo happened to be with them, he became an
interpreter. One time he was so upset that he complained to Zhenia.

"If you want to continue living here, learn Korean."

"Why"

"you'll have to if you want us to live comfortably"

"But It's strange how the same words have different meanings."

"So you'll live without being able to speak write or read forever?"

Zhenia shrugged with a puzzled expression.

"I'm not here because I like this country, Taek Joo."

Zhenia didnt choose Korea. Just because Taek Joo is in Korea, he also
settled here. Once the interest in him is gone, there is no longer any reason
for Zhenia to stay here.

Taek Joo ruffled his messy hair and left the mansion. There's one more
place to visit.

Assistant Pavel Menshikov squinted his eyes and glanced at Taek Joo. A
moment later, he opened his mouth.
"Your Mr. Kwon Taek Joo, right?"

"Yes, I am Kwon Taek Joo."

While arriving at the mansion, he planned to stop by the embassy.

Embassies specialize in foreign affairs, they have no choice but to react

sensitively to the international situation. That includes the political,
economic and social conditions of the host country.

The Bogdanov family holds considerable power in Russia's political and

business circles. If anything happens to them, the embassy cannot help but
know. Furthermore, even in name only, zhenia has the status of an
ambassador so they will have to respond promptly to Zhenia's personal
issues. If he was planning to quit his ambassadorship, his assistant Pavel
Menshikov would obviously be the first to know.

"Yes. What is someone busier than the ambassador doing here without
contacting me first?"

He is sarcastic and frankly wary.

A year ago, after Taek Joo was falsely accused and wanted, his mother's
worries grew stronger. So he registered his name at the Russian embassy.

Zhenia was the one who suggested it and his superiors also allowed it. Of
course, that was only in name, so this was Taek Joo's first time going to the
embassy. Zhenia said he took care of everything, but the assistant's attitude
wasn't very good.

Taek Joo's position at the embassy is secretary and personal attendant of the
concil general, so now, he decided to be loyal to that role so as not to be
suspected in vain.

"There is a document that the ambassador asked me to deliver. I contacted

him but he didn't pick up."

"If he was an ambassador, he would have returned home a while ago. You're
a secretary and you don't know that?"
"Are not. He said he would come back in about ten days, but it's been half a
month already."

"Hmm... I'm sure I was slow to grasp the information."

Pavel Menshikov gently nodded and added a few meaningless words.

"Well, that's not a simple problem to solve. Maybe you should be careful
because this could be a big event for Russia."

Taek Joo was confused and didn't understand what he was talking about.

However, it seems that the assistant knew the purpose of Zhenia's visit to
Russia. Taek Joo couldn't ask what that purpose was, but he wanted to
confirm one thing.

"Just because of that, he came home late?"

"If not, what reason is there?"

Pavel Menshikov suddenly reached out his hand. Kwon Taek Joo felt like
he should step back.

Taek Joo bowed and left the embassy. As soon as he turned his back, naked
eyes followed him. It wasn't just one or two glances.

He walked away ignoring it then suddenly turned his head to look back.

The heads of the people looking at Taek Joo through the window all
disappeared. Some people couldn't avoid it in time and bumped into flower
vases or awkwardly looked away.

Even though the vast majority of staff are Russian, would a visiting Korean
be that surprising? Even Joseon people meeting foreigners for the first time
probably wouldn't look at them with such curiosity.

Taek Joo tilted his head and took another step. The embassy staff who were
once again observing 'Kwon Taek Joo' turned around and avoided the
window.
(Please remember all talk about Russia and koreas connections etc in this
chapter are all fiction and not based on real events!!)

Little troubles (9 - nsfw)

Not all relationships are strickly perfect, there are times when two people
get in arguments to the point of almost fighting each other. Right? Of
course, the initiator was mostly Zhenia and it only ever escalated because
taek joo lost it.

When things would bubble up, Zhenia often couldnt understand why Taek
Joo was angry. Not like, he even tried to understand.

Zhenias train of thought is as self-centered as a 5-year-old childs,

completely unaware of his surroundings and not knowing how to ask for
forgiveness even if it's all his fault. The word sorry doesn't seem to be in
Zhenia's dictionary.

Of course, there were also a few times when Taek Joo was the cause of the
fight. That was also the time the two had their biggest argument.

It happened not long ago. Around Zhenia's birthday, their second birthday
since living together. Taek Joo promised to go on vacation to Ajinoki
together because Zhenia was tired out from the korean heat.

But at that time, an event happened that made North-South relations tense.

The national intelligence agency was placed on alert and Taek Joo was
assigned a series of missions. He was forced to postpone his vacation plans
a bit. It was a politically sensitive time and was also the reason Taek Joo
asked zhenia to never meddle in his affairs. To compensate, he coaxed that
he would do to everything Zhenia wanted after the busy work was over.

Trouble began when the intelligence information he had received with great
difficulty arose in the middle east (of asia). As a result, the target he was
about to catch after chasing for many days suddenly disappeared. Taek Joo
turned on detection mode and scanned everywhere, but the fishing line
broke and the fish escaped. Time passed like an eternity while he still had
no clue. The Ajinoki trip was therefore also delayed.

Taek Joo had to shyly turn back when instructed to stop searching. For the
first time, he couldnt complete the assigned task.

He returned home after a few weeks and didn't say a word to Zhenia. He
didn't want to reveal his feelings of failure and tried to shake off everything
he fucked up during the mission. But it wasn't easy. The mood was
depressing. Zhenia also just looked at him silently and never spoke a word.

Taek Joo slept all day. When he opened his eyes again, Zhenia was still
sitting in that same position and looking at Taek Joo. He wasnt in a hurry to
start a conversation or act arrogant as usual. Taek Joo went into the
bathroom without saying a word to him, he filled the bathtub with water
and soaked in it.

He knew he had to apologise, explain what had happened and hope for his
understanding, but at the end of the day did it really matter.

After a long while, Taek Joo walked out. Zhenia was sitting on the sofa in
the living room. As their yes met. Zhenia's face stiffened. Thinking back, he
kept hearing a vibration coming form somewhere. Following the direction
of the sound, his eyes stopped at Zhenia's hand. He was holding Taek Joo's
work phone.

Looks like a call came from headquarters. They said they would be in touch
if the target reappeared. In Taek Joo's mind, he only thought that the
opportunity to save this mission had come

"Give it to me."

Taek Joo immediately reached out his hand. Zhenia expression turned cold.

"Give it to me Zhenia."

He urged again in a low voice. Just then, Zhenia smashed the phone one the
floor. The broken phone fell to Taek Joo's feet.
The thin thread of reason in his head tensed and then was cut.

"What are you doing?"

"You said it was all over."

"You missed your target. So the mission is over."

"So what? I'm not leaving until it's completed"

Zhenia showed obvious discomfort. Taek Joo's chest was so tight it was
suffocating. He exhaled.

"It's just work okay"

"Is it that important?"

"What are you talking about?"

Feeling frustrated when having to answer such meaningless questions from

someone like him

"It's not your work so don't get in the way, don't be a fucking child"

When Taek Joo's offensive words rang out, Zhenia's chin and forehead
wrinkled for a moment.

"If i blow up the entire Korean peninsula your mission will be cancelled
right?"

Taek joo no longer had any energy to talk further with Zhenia.

He ignored him and put on his clothes. He didn't even button his shirt
properly and hurriedly walked out, but Zhenia called him again. Taek Joo's
voice mixed with a sigh. Taek Joo turned his head to look back, Zhenia who
was bowing his head with his hands holding his forehead.

"Im holding myself back here"

It wasn't just a threat. Taek Joo thought that Zhenia had been acting calm
for the past few days, meaning he was quite well tamed. But he was still the
same selfish and narrow-minded man. He's just being patient.

If Taek Joo still had the ability to interfere in the situation, it would be
different. But at that time, he just wanted to make up for his failed mission.

"I'm sorry."

It wasn't a good apology but an apology to excuse himself. Zhenia couldn't

stand it any longer. He stood up, quickly closed the distance between them
both and roughly turned Taek Joo around. The arm that Zhenia held tightly
throbbed. His whole body tensed with pressure he had never felt before.

"Don't go."

The cold expression on Zhenia's face was a complete contrast to his

pleading tone. That's some kind of threat. It was a warning to stop because
he was about to get angry. But Taek Joo dismissed that hand.

"I have to go."

Taek Joo tried to turn away but was dragged by his collar. When he
protested, Zhenia grabbed him violently by the collar and pushed him into
the mirror in front of the door. His head was pounding with shock from
slamming his head on mirror. Luckily it didn't break.

At this point, Taek Joo couldn't stand it any longer.

"Let go."

He clenched his molars and growled. His hand grabbed the arm that was on
his collar. His nails dug into the back of Zhenias hand.

"Dont fucking test me"

"Well fuck! If you cant stand me being gone just go out on the streets and
drag in another bitch to fuck while i'm gone! your real good at doing that
remember?"
Taek Joo spat out in anger. He knew he said something he didnt mean but it
was too late to take back.

Zhenias face went completely white. His huge shadow completely covered
Taek Joo.

"Am I that kind of person to you?"

His emotionless voice seemed to encourage Taek Joo to answer, the

strength from his hand which was squeezing taek joos arm increased.

Time almost stood still as they were arguing. Because of Zhenia, he couldn't
contact headquarters. Taek Joo's mood was restless.

"Fuck let go!"

He shouted and pushed Zhenia away but he stood as steady as a rock and
didn't move at all. Taek Joo struggled and hit his shoulder and face.

Zhenias's jaw clenched tightly.

"All i ask is that you stay here. What am I meant to do sit here on my ass
like a damn dog and wait until you come home?"

His voice seemed to break. When Zhenia is truly angry, his iridescent eyes
become as clear as crystal. It seemed like everything he had tried to
suppress until then exploded all at once. If it went any further than that, it
would definitely turn into a fight. Taek Joo realized this was the time he had
to try and reason with Taek joo. He relaxed his body and asked for
negotiated.

"Let me go, we can talk later."

"No"

"Please..."

"Cant I say no? I hate this Taek joo."

"Fuck I don't have time to play your stupid games Zhenia!"

In the end, Taek Joo couldn't stand it anymore and got angry. Zhenia's hand
tightened more fiercely around his arm. The next moment he heard the

sound of his shirt ripping apart. He was speechless and slowly looked at the
pitifully torn shirt while looking back up at Zhenia.

Zhenia didn't seem fazed at all. He threw away the piece of fabric he was
holding in his hand and spoke.

"Don't get mad, this is me doing what i'm best at right? that's what you
said?"

"What?!"

Taek Joo was stunned. Zhenia nonchalantly stroked his exposed neck, his
thumb lightly touching his protruding collarbones. It wouldn't be surprising
if he broke his ribs right now. It's dangerous and thrilling but he didnt know
what else to do.

Zhenias eyes dropped, his gaze followed his fingers, then he suddenly
lowered his head. Taek Joo squinted his eyes at the thought he was going to
bite him. Zhenia didnt hesitate to open his mouth and then suddenly bite his
neck.

"...Ugh"

Zhenia muttered something then gritted his teeth in anger. His sensitive skin
burned, his legs wobbled at the feeling of teeth digging into his flesh.

"Fuck, come on, fuck... don't!"

In an instant, a pop sound ran through his head . Taek Joo was startled when
he saw Zhenia's face turned to the side. He was just trying to push him
away, but ended up swinging his hand into a fist. Time seemed to stop for a
moment.
Zhenias eyes slowly turned red. The tense atmosphere only got worse, he
almost couldnt breathe at that point.

Suddenly the doorbell rang, it seemed like someone was coming. Taek Joo
was too startled to move and looked at the front door then turned his eyes to

Zhenia. His pupils had completely shrunk. Taek Joo understood that the two
could no longer make any noise.

(tw: Zhenia being a dick and touching taek joo without permission) The
force of the thrust caused the back of his head to hit the mirror again.

Zhenia grabbed Taek Joo's chest as if he was going to shatter it from the
inside out, he even tried to pull down his pants. When Taek Joo twisted his
body to protest, Zhenia immediately tore the zipper off his pants. He
grabbed his wrist to stop him but couldn't overcome the monster's strength.

Zhenia roughly kneaded Taek Joo's dick while pressing his lips to his neck,
chin and cheeks. The more he pushed away, the more ferociously Zhenia
became.

The doorbell rang again.

"Delivery."

Knowing full well there were people inside, the delivery staff outside the
door spoke up. They knocked loudly on the door. If he wasn't looking at the
wrong house, then Zhenia must have ordered something while Taek Joo was
taking a shower. He learned how to use an online delivery app even though
he didn't know any Korean.

Taek Joo regained consciousness, he hit Zhenia on the shoulder and pushed
him away as hard as he could. But right after escaping, he was caught and
pushed hard against the front door. The door bell ran again.

"Uhm your...your order?"

The delivery man's voice became quite cautious.

Taek Joo's bare chest and face were pressed tightly against the cold front
door. He couldn't escape because Zhenia grabbed the back of his neck from
behind and pressed him close. He gritted his teeth and endured it, but
Zhenia didn't seem to hear anything.

(tw: worse touching taek joo without his permission) Zhenia without
hesitation pulled his cock out. He pulled down Taek Joo's pants and
underwear and gently rubbed his dick on Taek joos ass.

"You disgusting fuck"

Curses poured out of his mouth.

Zhenia repeatedly rubbed his stiff penis against the his hole and bit the back
of Taek Joo's neck. He still didnt forget the foreplay, he gently squeezed
Taek Joo's dick, which was taking longer than usual to get hard. Even in
dilemmas like this, his body only naturally responded.

(Isn't he like r wording you... bro is not being smooth with the foreplay wtf
is taek joo on about?)

During that fierce fight, the delivery man's trembling voice rang out, "Are
you okay?". He still stood at the front door.

"Hey, what's going on? Should I call the police?"

Taek Joo at that time gave up fighting back. He leant his sweaty forehead
against the front door and took a deep breath. After Taek Joo calmed down,
Zhenia no longer behaved so harshly

"...Tell that person to fuck off."

Taek Joo muttered with a tired look. The delivery person didnt think for a
moment and suddenly put his hand on the handle of the front door, after
which he quickly pulled it down. The front door immediately opened and
Taek Joo's body that was tightly leaning on it was also pushed forward.

When he turned his head outward, he almost made eye contact with the
delivery person.
The door opened slightly. The delivery man and Zhenia's eyes met through
the door, but Taek Joo didn't hear him speak. The delivery man froze when

he saw a tall foreigner suddenly appear. Then he was startled when he

gradually realized the scene of two people embracing each other right in
front of him.

"Leave it there and get out of here"

Zhenia said decisively. It was in Russian but his accent was still enough to
convey what he meant. The delivery person said sorry, then quickly put the
things he brought at the door, and disappeared.

Perhaps thanks to that brief incident, Zhenia calmed down a bit. He vaguely
called Taek Joo's name and then rubbed his face against his ear.

"Taek Joo"

"Just hurry up and finish..."

Taek joo raised his elbow to push him away. Zhenia stopped for a moment
then without hesitation grabbed Taek Joo's shoulder and turned him aside.

When Taek Joo resisted, Zhenia pulled him back and pushed him in front of
the mirror and forced himself in Taek Joo.

He kept his head down the entire time he was pounded from behind. He
didn't want to see his face in the mirror. He jerked his head irritably when
Zhenia tried to grab his chin, all he expected was for him to just cum and
go.

As soon as zhenia took a step back, Taek Joo immediately pushed him
away.

"Don't leave my sight. or i'll fucking kill you."

Taek Joo didnt answer but instead left the house. The dish placed in front of
the door caught his eye. Looking at the packaging number, it seems to be
Jambong or malatang. Zhenia ordered something he couldn't eat. He was
confused.

(Couldn't eat it becuase it's a really spicy dish, he ordered it for Taek joo)

That day Taek Joo couldn't do anything even when he returned to

headquarters. He was unable to receive calls and responded through email.

Taek Joo tried not to think about anything else and focused on work.

nothing was different.

Finally, Taek Joo succeeded in finding the target and quickly grasped the
necessary information. But his mood wasnt at all better. He felt suffocated
and frustrated because he had missed something important. The thoughts he
had tried to suppress quickly returned, suffocating him.

Looking back, it was Taek Joo who was the cause of the argument. He
made a promise to Zhenia only because he subjectively believed that he
could complete the job smoothly on time. Until the schedule was delayed,
he didn't appease zhenia but asked for his understanding. In the end, things
got messy and he still put work first. It was natural for Zhenia to be angry,
though there was a lot to be said about that bastard's violent reactions.
His mind thought over and over again countless times. Guilt was heavy but
reason still clung to the petty excuse that Zhenia had also done wrong.

Taek Joo took the night flight back ahead of schedule. He arrived in Korea
at dawn. Until then there had been no message from Zhenia. He couldn't
sleep for many days because he was busy with work. He also couldn't close
his eyes even on the plane because of his wandering thoughts. His whole
body was exhausted, all he wanted to do was find a quiet place to lie down.

He didn't know if the emotional tug of war would last when he met Zhenia.

Maybe there will be another argument. Just thinking about it made his head
spin, but he still went to zhenia's house.

Taek Joo rang the doorbell. There was no answer. Zhenia is very light
sleeper, he would have definitely woken up. But no matter how long he
waited, Zhenia was nowhere to be found. Finally, Taek Joo directly
unlocked the door and walked in.

Zhenia was sitting with his back against the headboard. he didnt know if he
just woke up or how long he'd been like that. Even in the presence of Taek
Joo, Zhenia remained motionless. Even when their eyes met, Zhenia didn't
say a word. Taek Joo also couldn't find the right words to say.

[................]

Taek Joo slept soundly all day. When he opened his eyes again, Zhenia was
still sitting next to him. Taek Joo had wondered what Zhenia was doing
alone while he was sleeping.

He opened his eyes but just sat still without moving. Taek Joo just stared
blankly at Zhenia. First he had to say sorry but he couldn't open his mouth.

The two of them should have resolved the problem through talking and
agreed not to make the mistake again. In his mind, he had already decided
what to do, but he couldn't say anything and just silently licked his lips.

Time passed like that, and Zhenia spoke up to break the silence.
"Are you up?"

Taek Joo nodded silently. Soon, a huge shadow covered his face, a familiar
scent crept through, his body gradually melted, his breath was warm and
wet as thier lips touched. He grabbed Zhenia's collar tightly and kissed him
more passionately than ever.

Zhenia also hugged Taek Joo tenderly, then the two made love as if it were
the last time they ever would. People say it's not good to fight and have
make up sex, but there's no faster or surer way for the both of them to get
along again. From the beginning, arguing to resolve conflicts with Zhenia
was a losing game.

Taek Joo scratched behind his ear as he escaped his endless thoughts. if he
had dated and married someone that wasn't Zhenia, he surely wouldn't fight
like he did with him. The problem will never be resolved unless Taek Joo
himself leaves the NIS. Because if you're in love, it's natural to want to be
together. But who can take on someone who always prioritizes work over
himself?

Dating is extremely tiring. At least that's the case with Taek Joo.

Taek Joo didnt have time to think carefully. When he decided to take in
Zhenia, he didn't expect it to wnd up like this. This was meant to be limited
relationship, like 'until I get bored i'll stick around'. But is that really the
relationship they had?

"...This damn guy."

Taek Joo exclaimed for no reason and then slapped his hand on the pillow
below him, he pulled over a thinner pillow and placed it over his face. He
curled up his body and fell asleep.

Look who decided to show up (10) Teak Joo dreamed again that night.
The boy appeared again with light blond hair and blue eyes. He hesitantly
looked at the child. Nothing particularly dangerous was happening. There
was also nothing in his small white hand.
He felt relieved. At least it wasn't a nightmare like the previous time.

The child was so weak and fragile that it was unimaginable that he was
actually zhenia. Or maybe it has nothing to do with Zhenia. Maybe it's just
an illusion coming from Taek Joo's subconscious.

The two looked at each other warily. Looking back, ever since that boy
appeared, he felt pity for Zhenia. He didn't know why that boy kept
appearing in his dreams.

"Ya, kid. Why do you keep showing up?"

He didn't know if the boy spoke Korean or Russian. But it seems to have
been properly communicated to the child. The boy didn't answer but just
stared at him. Taek Joo isnt good at dealing with children, because it's very
rare for him to meet a child of that age. He didn't know how to say it so the
child wouldn't be hurt, or whether he would understand what he said.

"It's annoying, so please l quit showing up in my dreams."

He said bluntly. Was that a mistake? There was water surrounding the eyes
of the child who was biting his lip trying to hold back tears. Ah, I didn't
mean to make you cry.

The child choked up and turned away and started running.

He just as he was about to rush after him when, a pair of hands suddenly
reached out from behind and held his shoulders tightly. His body was gently
flipped over to the opposite side.

"..."

Taek Joo.

His consciousness was half there and half not. Taek Joo was so used to the
weight of Zhenia his body and the feeling of hair brushing against his
cheeks. He ran his hand through his flowing hair. He took that hand and
pressed it to his soft lips. Suddenly hot pressure built in his stomach.
"Hm..uhmm.."

Taek Joo moaned sweetly and hugged the Zhenia shaped figure that was
pressing down on him. His body that once felt threatened was now held and
safe.

Taek Joo.

An indescribable feeling of euphoria flushed over him when that man

lovingly called his name, yearning for him, experiencing his climax of
pleasure just because of him. Everyone and sometimes even Taek-joo
himself, didnt hesitate to call him a monster, but he wasnt, he was just a
weak creature longing for love and warmth.

"...Uhm, Zhenia."

He groaned and called out for Zhenia. In an instant, the strange feeling
spreading from deep in his stomach suddenly disappeared. His Eyelids
fluttered open.

"?"

Taek Joo looked around bewilderedly. He had fallen asleep. The blanket
wasnt covering his body and his clothes were still on. Zhenia was back?

He tried to search for him, but to no avail. Taek Joo was still alone in the
quiet house. Zhenia hadn't come to wake him up, it must have been just a
dream.

He sighed and stroked his face, but a heavy energy surged up from his
lower body. No way. Taek Joo palmed his crotch with his hands. Holy
shit...The front of his pants bulged through as if they were about to tare in
half.

How stupid. He had been having strange dreams and ended up like this.

Maybe it was really getting bad.

As soon as Taek Joo unlocked the door and walked in, his mother's
grumbling voice poured out. He wondered why his mother opened the front
door, and she was even wearing a long dress. Looks like there was a guest
coming over. A pair of shoes with a familiar size caught his eye as he
unconsciously looked at the floor, suddenly, a stupid sigh rang out.

He passed by his mother and quickly ran inside, where Zhenia was sitting at
the kitchen table drinking tea. He leant back in his chair and smiled.

"Wh-"

Taek Joo was dizzy and had difficulty breathing. He made him so worried
and here he was enjoying cake at his mothers house. He tried to believe that
up until now the lack of contact was due to some unavoidable situation he
was facing, but it seemed that was not the case. All 10 fingers, which he
had feared would be broken, appeared unharmed.

"I-"

"Who did you go drinking with last night?"

about to jump out and swear at him, Zhenia was already one step ahead of
him speaking with a gentle tone.

His eyes moved to the bowl in front of him, where a slice of melon was
resting on a fork. It was a polite gesture, but all he felt was anger.

Zhenia looked at his mother and smiled. Teak Joo's mother couldn't tell how
dark he was and could only laugh along. He said "I'll have more" when he
saw that the cup in front of him was empty and enthusiastically pointed to
the coffee pot. Actually, my mother's hand and foot gestures were now the
twos international language.

"Why are you standing there with that stupid look on your face? Go greet
the ambassador!"

Mom pushed Teak Joo on the back. He went to the kitchen table to pour
some tea, opened the refrigerator and started looking for a suitable dessert.
There was no other place to sit but across from Zhenia, he stared at him
while picking up a piece of apple from his bowl. people often say fruit peel
is rich in nutrients, but the slices he was eating were carefully cut it into
little rabbit shapes to entertain this big kid. Without hesitation, he chewed
the rabbit's head off.

"Did you sleep with that kid you went drinking with?"

(So i couldnt find the raw chapter that is before this one but basically Taek
joo went out drinking with the guy he works with wait lemme get his name.
Yoon jong woo, they went out drinking and just talked about family stuff
and their lives about how he's adopted etc (yoon is). they didn't flirt or go
home together or anything Zhenia just being jelly) Zhenia slightly folded
his arms and silently asked tentatively. For the safety of innocent Yoon Jong
Woo, he had to be careful about what he said.

"Are you crazy? got some weird fantasy-"

"No i don't have a strange fantasy about you sleeping around behind my
back with those below you"

"What?!"

"Did you two just drink? or did you really sleep with him?"

"I said I didn't"

"So where were you just coming from? His house no?"

Teak Joo couldn't answer honestly. The truth was he went to Zhenias house,
hugged Zhenias pillow, had a wet dream about him in his bed and even
jerked off another 3 times thinking about him. If Zhenia knew about any of
those things, he would be proud of himself and laughed at taek joo for the
next century.

"Why do I have to tell you...?"

Zhenia simply shrugged his shoulders.

"If you don't wanna talk that's fine, I'll just have to find out another way"

"I slept alone"

"Where did you sleep alone"

"It doesn't matter, just keep your hands off innocent people"

"Well we'll find out if he's innocent or not"

"I said don't!"

"Ah id never miss this nagging. What would you do here without me dear?"

Why was he worried about that bastard?

"What are you two talking about that's so interesting?"

At that moment, his mother returned to the dining table. Teak Joo was
wondering what she was doing all this time. She placed a heavy tray on the
table. A box of tea passed down from generation to generation was placed
on it. His mother always kept precious things in the decorative cabinet.

Thinking back, the cup placed in front of Zhenia was also a cup that his
mother cherished very much.

Teak Joo looked at his mother in disbelief. His mother ignored that look and
introduced the tea to Zhenia "Ambassador, please try this once. It's called
Seungseol tea. It's green tea made from young shoots that grow in the snow
in early spring."

She said in such a gentle tone. Even so, he couldn't understand. Sure
enough, Zhenia looked at Taek-joo as if asking for an interpretation.

[It's expensive so don't waste it]

Zhenia laughed at the confusing translation. His mother also smiled and
held out a cup. He looked obediently holding the bottom of the glass. How
obnoxious. Even if it weren't, the cup from his mothers porcelain mini set it
was like a child's toy in Zhenia's hands.

"This is a great dessert to eat with it. I wonder if he'll like it."

Black rice cakes cut into bite-sized pieces were also bought out. with a side
of bean powder and honey. Perhaps because it looked odd, Zhenia tilted his
head slightly.

(from here on text like [THIS] is in russian and text like "THIS" is in
korean ^^)

[...marzipan?]

[No, rice cakes]

Taek-joo pointed his chin towards the plate of cake while Zhenia didnt
move and continued staring at the plate like it was some kind of strange
creature. Taek-joo quickly picked up a piece to try. It's chewier and firmer
than the ones you buy from a regular store. For foreigners, it probably didn't
look very appetizing.

His mother hit him on the back and asked him why he took the first bite and
didn't ask Zhenia if he wanted any. During that time, Zhenia stuck the rice
cake into his fork and put it in his mouth. His mother immediately turned
her attention to him.

"How does it feel?"

[Is it stiff?...]

Zhenia chewed the rice cake slowly in his mouth and then clicked his
tongue. His mother's eyes were full of excitement.

[Soft like her sons ass]

What the f-
Taek joo almost fell backwards off his chair, his mother clapped her hands
with a happy look on her face.

"Oh boy! you must really like it. Thank you. Eat, eat up!"

Zhenia also looked proud when he saw his mother happy.

"Now, this is honey water."

His mother clicked her tongue and put down the cup. Taek-joo sighed while
drinking his. The overwhelming sweetness made him wince, even bitter
medicine wasn't this difficult to drink.

"Drink it all, don't leave anything behind. This is good for your health."

Taek-joo drinks thick honey water under his mother's supervision. Even
though he tried, his face still grimaced. He held his breath and swallowed,
then suddenly there was a clicking sound. He looked over confused, Zhenia
was clicking away his the camera on his phone with a happy face. [Don't do
that] with the cup still in his hand, he shrugged. He just continued pressing
the photo button repeatedly and then showed it to Taeks mother.

Photo Album (11)

"Ahaha, even though he's all grown up, he still looks like a child, right? Ah.

The other day, while cleaning out the warehouse, I found an old album. Do
you guys want to see it?"

Taek Joo almost flew out of his chair.

"Ah, mom come on dont."

"Ahh come on? The Ambassador really wanted to see them."

Taek Joo tried to stop her but he was pushed aside by Zhenia. His mother
stood up and went into the back room. Zhenia looked at him with curious
eyes.
He lightly kicked Zhenia's leg under the dining table. Zhenia looked at him
straight in the eyes and asked in a low voice.

"Whats up?"

"You said you'd be back in a hurry, so why did it take 15 days?"

"do you wanna know?"

He wanted to hear the reason of course.

"Well I didn't know where you were and what you were doing. I was
worried"

"Ah ha, is that why you sent messages and called me about a thousand
times?"

Zhenia continued.

"It's surprising, I didn't think you were the type to be that obsessed with
your lover. Do you have separation anxiety"

"Wha...?"

Taek Joo tried to argue but what he had been doing over the past few days
replayed in his mind. He went to the embassy and consulate residence to
find out news about Zhenia. He didnt hesitate to order Yun Jong-Woo to
nothing short of stalk Zhenia. Was he really obsessing over that bastard just
because he was a few days late.

"I do not!"

Taek Joo tried to deny and defend himself but it was no use.

"You just have a lot of people after you all the time"

Zhenia laughed. He was just mocking him, but he seemed quite happy.

"Well i'm here now aren't i?"

"Thats why i'm going crazy, where did you go? what did you do? I still
don't know anything"

And that was the problem.

He made a fuss. He doesn't want

Zhenia to be in danger, nor does he want Zhenia to endanger others.

Zhenia laughed again.

"Taek Joo, you are the only person in this world who really cares about me
yknow that."

Suddenly disappearing to make others worry and then coming back to mock
them about it . Taek Joo really is dating someone like that.

"This is a photo album right? It looks fairly old"

His mother returned not too long after with another album. Looking at the
old stains and scratches, it looked around 20 or 30 years old. This was both
taek joo and Zhenias first time seeing it.

Except for his mother, the rest of the family members were are all dry men.

They didn't even try to take good photos, let alone organize albums, so
recording family moments became his mother's job.

"Because it's a family album, there's a little taek joo and some other family
members"

Zhenia smiled brightly and happily accepted the album. what was with that
smile on his face? It was an expression that even Taek-joo had never seen
before. A very beautiful smile but also extremely conceited. His mother
smiled at Zhenia without knowing the dark thoughts in his mind.

He opened the album cover. First were his parents' wedding photos. The
photos were over 40 years old. Zhenia looked intently at the young couple
then raised his head and smiled gently at Taek-joo.
"Taek Joo, you look like your father."

"...Really.?"

"All our family say he looks like his father. The Ambassador also looks a
lot like him, right?"

He nodded slightly. Zhenia still only spoke Russian and his mother only
spoke Korean but they understood one another without having to use any
hand gestures.

He stared at his father's photo and muttered to himself.

"If your genetics are like this, there's no need to worry about the future."

"What are you on about?"

"We both look rather similar to your father so even if I give birth to a child
without you it'll still resemble you"

What? Taek Joo frowned. He didn't know what the hell Zhenia was talking
about. He definitely knew that the two of them couldn't have children
together. So as long as the child looks like Taek joo having kids with
whoever would be fine?

"That's if i'd dare do so"

Zhenia added, each word slowly. It was a weird thing for him to say but it
made Taek Joo secretly feel relieved.

The next section was a family biography. From the moment his brother and
Taek Joo were born to the big and small events in their lifes. Zhenia listened
attentively and carefully examined each photo. Every time he saw Taek joo
in a photo, he chuckled under his breath.

"Just like a little bean"

"What bean? I was a cool kid!"

"Are you kidding? You were only about the size of my fist"

"hah you say that as if your not a six foot giant"

Zhenia laughed and ignored Taek Joo's excuses and bowed his head to
listen to the explanation for the next photo of course he couldnt understand
what she was saying. Neither of them even knew how much time had
passed before they got halfway through the album.

Not long after, Zhenia's eyes stopped at a certain photo. It was a photo from
the day of the elementary school sports festival. Taek Joo, a little over 10

years old, was crying with dust all over his face. His knee and elbow were
scratched and bleeding. Embarrassing memories from that day came to
mind. His mother excitedly chatted with Zhenia about it.

(tw: use of R word)

"Ah, so cute, right? That was when he was 10 or 11 years old, right? Since
he was a baby, he didn't cry often. Thanks to that, I raised two sons
relatively easily. Our family who grew up around him were worried that he
was retarded, but luckily Teak Joo grew up big and strong."

"Ah, mom. Don't say that..."

"Look at this. He was chosen to represent the relay team and practiced very
hard every morning and afternoon. The people running behind him all
caught up... I thought he would give up. But no. he caught up, continued
running and started catch up with everyone one by one. Of course, he didn't
get 1st place. There was also a time when he fell while running, but he
didn't give up and tried his best, so that's okay. Even if you coax him to get
third place, it's good enough. But he still sobbed like it was a bad thing. He
had to always be first he wouldn't have it any other way."

Zhenia stared at Taek Joo and smiled, looking like he understood the whole
story while he didn't get a single word of that.

His mother's revelations did not end there.

"I wonder if there is homework in Russia? In Korea, they force kids to
study very hard. Once he had homework about building a roller coaster.

Taek Joo refused his brother's help and so he did it alone, but the day before
school started, his cousin came to visit and broke it. There was no time to
do it again, so he asked the teacher for some more time, but it didn't help at
all. . That day, he spent the whole night sobbing and doing it again. Let's see
the photo."

"Mom, stop it. this is embarrassing."

"What's wrong? It's fun."

His mother laughed and said to Zhenia "Isn't that so, Ambassador?" This
time he also nodded slowly. He looked at his mother, gave a strange smile
and then turned to look at Taek Joo.

"Taek Joo, it would be better if you were like your mother. Isn't it cute how
she talks non-stop and smiles a lot?"

"Sorry for not being cute enough?"

Zhenia took out his phone and took a few photos of Taek Joo's childhood
photos. His mother watched in amusement while he tried to use violence to
cover the photos, "Stop it", he hit Zhenias arm and his phone fell.

"Taek joo! Don't hit the ambassador like that! I raised you better"

His heart felt like it was about to explode because his mother didn't know
anything about Zhenia! She only focused on blaming Taek Joo and scolding
him for being mean to Zhenia.

"When he was young he was very obedient and cute, but since he's grown
up hes become stubborn like this... My only wish for him is to leave the
nest and get married, have a family and live a happy life. But it seems like
he hasn't met anyone, even when I told him to go on a blind date, he refused
and said he didn't like it."
His mother clicked her tongue. He quietly looked into zhenias eyes. He
tilted his head to look at Taek Joo, seemingly expecting an interpretation.

But there was no way that was happening.

These days, his mother often brings up the topic of marriage. On the days
when Taek Joo comes home, she often pushes someone's photo to him and
asks him to go on a blind date with them. When he continued to be decline,
she asked if there were any girls he was seeing and asked to meet her. He
couldn't just say that it was a guy he was dating. He also had nothing to say
when his mother said she was jealous of her friends who were living with
thier grandchildren.

It's not like Taek-joo indulged in romantic thoughts, instead just thought
about how he would live like this with Zhenia all his life. If he ever broke
up with him, he wouldn't ever be able to date another man again. But until
now, he had never imagined their relationship ending.

This time too, Taek-joo answered with the excuse he often gives when
mentioning marriage.

"Mom, that's true too but how can I get married when I'm busy with work?

No woman likes a husband that's always away."

"Are you going to work until you die? There's no problem with living a
little. You should get married and have children like me. With your free
time, travel and see the world."

Taek joo has never pictured married life. He never held that dream even
vaguely and never harbored any romance. He just wondered if he would
continue to work and live as he did now. Family is more likely to become
an obstacle and weakness in work. Just like he loves his mother but her
worries make him feel pressured.

For Taek-joo, passion for work and attachment to loved ones are values that
he cannot undertake at the same time. Each of them hung on either side of
the scale and kept shaking his mind, making it difficult for him to keep his
balance, so he couldn't rush to put more weight on either side.

his mother shook her head disapprovingly then turned to look at Zhenia. A
mischievous smile appeared on his face.

"Are you married yet, Ambassador? A young man with a good job,
talented, ethical and even handsome. All the things girls love. Are you
dating?"

"Oh my god, mom..."

"I'm curious! If you don't have a lover, I can introduce you to a good girl!"

His mother kept asking despite Taek-joo's dissuasion. While she kept asking
questions, Zhenia's stared at Taek-joo with a puzzled expression.

"What's she asking?"

"Nothing."

"What are you waiting for? What's wrong?"

"It's just nonsense so just nod your head okay."

Zhenia looked skeptical.

"He's seeing someone so don't ask."

"Ooh, really? Are they both Russian? So I guess that girl also came to
Korea? If you two lived separately, wouldnt you miss her and feel lonely."

"They figure it out"

"No, but what about him? You should care."

Being scolded for no reason. He always tried to be careful in front of his

mother, but he couldn't do anything about her uniquely blunt tone. Taek Joo
drank his warm honey water and hummed, "Yes, yes, yes."
Even without any response from Zhenia, his mother continued her one-
sided conversation.

If the Bogdanov family knew about Taek Joo's existence, they would try to
get rid of him somehow, let alone let him marry their son. On the contrary,
it is surprising that he has remained unharmed so far. Does that side of the
family really not care about Zhenia? He had heard that rich people often get
married early, but perhaps for that him that wouldn't be a problem.

Taek Joo was immersed in random thoughts when his mother suddenly
began to ask another questions.

"Thinking back, what is your family like, Ambassador? Is the Ambassador

an only child?

"Why?"

"Why can't your mom ask?"

"He has two brothers and a sister."

"He has a nice family."

Taek-joo was the one to answer, but his mother looked at Zhenia and
nodded.

"Are your parents still alive?"

He couldn't immediately answer the next question. Taek-joo knew Zhenia's

father, Vissarion, but he knew nothing about his mother. After a long while,
he passed his mother's question to Zhenia, who had only been watching the
mother and son's conversation.

[My mother asked if your parents were still alive?]

[Dad is still alive.]

Taek-joo was about to translate immediately, but he looked at Zhenia

instead. If so, has his mother passed away? Thinking back, even though he
knew all about the Bogdanov family history, he still couldn't know the
circumstances inside. In particular, he did not remember finding any
information regarding Zhenia's mother. He also never talked about her
himself.

[Is your mother dead?]

[She has been for a long time.]

Zhenia replied nonchalantly. How long? 5 years? 10 years? Or when he was

very young? What was his childhood like, did he go to school properly or
how did he go through school? Taek-joo was sure that he had no friends,
but he didn't even know if zhenia had ever dated. He never asked.

Maybe that's why he has gone through the past 15 unprecedentedly difficult
days. Since Zhenia cut off contact with him, he didn't know where to find
out about him. If it were the other way around Zhenia would somehow find
Taek Joo. The more you know about someone, the easier it is to figure out
their scope of activities. The fact that Zhenia knows everything about him
inside and out and he doesn't, makes his heart ache.

A moment later, Zhenia asked.

[Why are you looking at me like that?]

[...It's Nothing]

Taek Joo quietly turned away. He felt a bit guilty as if he had done
something wrong. He took it for granted that Zhenia was by his side 24/7

and he didn't seek to know more about him. Zhenia always waited for him,
but he almost went crazy waiting for him for only 15 days.

While thinking, his mother and Zhenia were looking at another photo. It
was the only family photo taken before his father passed away. Nearly 20

years has passed, and the golden light on it has faded.

"This person is Taek Joo hyung. This is the children's father. My family has
no sisters, so when I got married, I wanted to give birth and raise a
daughter. Fate is cruel. Except for me."

There were only men, so he didn't know how gloomy the house was. When
we were children, we lived quietly because our father was strict, so the
family was like a temple.

The mother's chattering voice suddenly choked up when she saw the photo
of her brother's appointment ceremony. She quickly pulled out a tissue to
wipe her tears as the remaining tears flowed down her cheeks.

"Oh look. Sorry, Ambassador."

Zhenia slightly raised his eyebrows. There was a time when Taek Joo
confided him in a family matter, so Zhenia also knew what it was like but
he still seemed quite surprised by the unexpected situation, "Mom, it's
okay" He comforted his mother.

[Hey, what are you doing? come over here.]

[...No you two.]

He stood up and Taek Joo also stood up immediately.

"Mom, the ambassador is about to go out. I'll see him off and then come
back."

"Yeah, don't worry, go ahead. Sorry ambassador. Be careful."

Mom apologized to Zhenia and then rushed into the bathroom. Soon there
was the sound of the sink running. Taek Joo left the house with a heavy
heart.

Nothing changed (12)

Both the men stood next to one other waiting for the elevator. A gaze was
clearly falling on Taek Joo. When he turned his head, their eyes met. He
didn't care about what just happened, but Zhenia was looking at him
intently. Taek Joo knew that he wanted to kiss him even though he didn't do
anything.

He turned his head toward the elevator again.

"So what did you have to do to get home?"

"Some bad stuff"

"What happned?"

Taek Joo asked. Zhenia raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"The star? Don't you know?"

"Uh no?"

Zhenia burst out laughing, seemingly laughing at Taek joos confusion, and
also looking very happy about it. The elevator arrived with a ding. Taek Joo
glared at Zhenia dissatisfiedly and walked in first. He also swayed and
leisurely followed.

"I came back to talk about the engagement."

As soon as the door closed completely, Zhenia suddenly confessed. Taek

Joo heard him clearly but he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"...Engagement? Who?"

"Ah what was his name..."

(He's talking about himself derr...)

Zhenia replied indifferently. He was also 30 years old this year. The reason
why children of tycoons marry young is because of the harmony between
wealth and prosperity. That isn't just a unique characteristic of Korean
society. If the other party is the Bogdanov family, there will be many
families willing to get married to their children. Since Zhenia and Olga
were the only ones in the Bogdanov family who were not married, when
they're getting married must be the talk of the town. For those who only
wanted to expand their power, Zhenia's temperament was not a
consideration in whether or not they were to marry.

So what? Zhenia was a decent communicator and for what he was missing
in that department he made up for in looks, so it was it possible that he has
already met his match, and perhaps the relationship has developed enough
to lead to marriage.

What happened in Russia during the 15 days he was gone? If Taek Joo
asked him openly, Zhenia would definitely answer, but for some reason he
hesitated. He was very curious, and although he was worried, he still didnt
ask.

It's strange. Taek Joo hoped that one day Zhenia would get bored of him
and just let go. he didn't expect loyalty or pure love from him, and when he
would prove himself, It really didn't feel right.

"I'm old enough to get engaged aren't i?"

Zhenia stared at the elevator control panel and muttered nonchalantly. His
indifferent attitude made him restless half the time. A fire seemed to burn in
Taek joos heart for a momment.

Taek Joo smiled lightly.

"I'm curious to know who would marry someone like you."

Zhenia would soon have a wife and children. He had never been able to
draw that picture, he had failed many times even to imagine it, but Zhenia
spoke up again.

"Dont pull that shit"

"Pull what?! I have no intention of getting involved with a married man.

Like i said i'm not trying to get myself killed in some political drama"
Taek Joo announced his stance after all, Taek Joo himself couldn't openly
and honestly promise to marry Zhenia like that.

Unlike Zhenia, he cant follow his lover everywhere and anywhere, and stay
by his side. It's selfish, but he has no intention of abandoning his mother
and his job. If that was the case then he should at least let Zhenia go, but the
more he tried to give up, the more his emotions and reason became mixed
up. He also doesn't know what the hell Taek Joo himself wants.

The elevator quickly reached the basement parking lot. The seats of
Zhenia's Bugatti were empty. No one was waiting up for him or anything.

Previously, parking violation stickers were posted everywhere they could

fit, on his windscreen, on the windows and even the roof of the car, but they
were all gone. His mother must have sorted out something with the front
desk. Zhenia came to see his mother even without Taek-joo, and his mother
was also used to him coming over often. That's how he gradually and surely
infiltrated himself into Taek joos daily life. Can things even go back to the
way they were before?

Taek Joo hesitated in front of the car without saying goodbye. There were
still many things he wanted to ask.

However, because there were so many thoughts and emotions mixed

together swarming his head, it is difficult to express how he was feeling in
words.

All that aside, Taek Joo wanted to be with him today. But he still had to pay
attention to his mother. For no other reason, his mother cried when talking
about his father and brother, and he couldnt bear to leave her alone.

"Let's go home."

"Alright."

Zhenia suddenly grabbed his hand, pulled him back and kissed him. He
sweetly sucked Taek Joo's lips, making a gentle clicking sound. Zhenia
wrapped his large hand around Taek-joo's face, gently pulling his slightly
raised upper lip and then tilting his head so that it fit perfectly on his lips.

He sucked Taek-joo's tongue and caressed his cheek like a child with his
thumb.

Was it because it had been so long? Or because he was afraid someone

would find out?

The two of them rubbed their soft tongues together and mingled their
breaths. Sweet saliva overflowed their mouths. Zhenia smiled at Taek-joo,
who silently accepted the kiss even in public. That itchy breath spread
across his lips. Zhenia pressed his lips tightly against Taek-joo's obedient
lips and then slowly pulled away.

Zhenia immersed himself in the lingering aftertaste of the kiss and then
slowly rolled his blue eyes down. The bottom hem of the shirt was slightly
pulled up. Realizing Zhenia was looking, Taek Joo quickly withdrew his
hand.

"Taek Joo. You seem regretful, don't you?"

Zhenia tilted his head again and pressed his lips to Taek-joo's ear. Hot skin
gently rubbed against each other.

"What did I tell you about not taking care of those type of things yourself.."

He asked as he slowly lowered his lips from his ear to his neck. Taek Joo's
breathing gradually harshened.

"If it's urgent, you can do it in the car."

Taek Joo pushed zhenia away as he was whispering away in his ear. He
smirked as if he knew what was about to happen then buried his head in
Taek-joo's chest, taking a deep breath.

"Hn?"

When Taek Joo blankly stared at Zhenia, he just smiled.

"Go upstairs. We'll do it next time, okay?"

Praying for future Taek joo he laughed at himself.

"Go, quickly."

Zhenia sat in the drivers seat and the car slowly rolled out of its parking
spot.

Taek Joo stood aside and watched him leave. The Bugatti was gliding
towards the exit when it suddenly stopped. Did he forget something? The
car stood there for a long time without moving. Suddenly, the phone in his
pocket rang. The caller was definitely him.

"Whats up?"

- Taek Joo. Do you really want me to go home?

"Why are you asking?"

- Well I mean if you keep staring at me like that i'll have no choice but to
take you away

"Bastard"

Taek Joo raised his middle finger up high so Zhenia could see it. Even
though he immediately hung up, he could still hear his cheerful laughter
from the car. Finally, Taek Joo turned back first and went to the elevator.

When he was with Zhenia, he always felt all kinds of emotions.

Standing in front of the front door, he took a deep breath and opened the
door. His mother had just come out and was packing up the dishes. Her
originally not tall figure now looked even smaller.

He quietly approached and hugged her from behind. His mother asked why
and grabbed Taek-joo's arm.

"Merely..."
"I just suddenly remembered something when I saw the photo. Im not
usually like that."

He nodded without saying anything. His mother patted Kwon Taek Joo's
arm.

"I'm okay, son."

"mn."

He gently rubbed his cheek against the back of her head and hugged her
tighter

Zhenia entered the house and stopped right in the hall. He glanced inside as
if he had discovered something. There were no signs or traces of other
people. Everything remained the same.

He strode into the bathroom and opened the door. The bathroom was dry
with no moisture, not a single hair on the floor and bath items in place. He
turned around and looked at the kitchen and living room respectively. All
the furniture and appliances were no different from when he left the house,
but in the refrigerator there was a box that he had never seen before.

Zhenia went straight to the bedroom. Even the large bed and the sheets on it
pretended like nothing happened. It seemed like this was his skill in erasing
traces after spending so long in life as a spy.

But it seems that Taek joo couldn't completely hide his body odor. It
seemed like he tried his best to bathe and shave with the same products as
Zhenia, but the scent of Taek Joo still lingered in the air. It was so gentle
that he didn't even notice it.

"So where did you come from?"

"Why would i tell you that"

Zhenia's lips drew an arc. Taek Joo's confused face appeared in his mind.

"If you don't want to talk, that's okay. There's other ways I can find out"
Zhenia sat down on the bed. The mattress shook slightly. Taek-joo's body
odor was more prominent on the bed. He picked up a nearby pillow and
buried his head in it.

"Ha... Taek Joo"

He burst out laughing and couldn't stop. If Taek Joo had stayed here like
this, he would have been very anxious probably praying every night before
bed his beloved would come home. Suddenly Zhenia remembered Taek joo
watching his car as it left. He felt he couldn't bear it any longer.

Zhenia lay down and buried his head in the pillow. His eyes closed on their
own. Breathed deeply, slowly and sweetly. It was as if he had finally
returned home.

Your killing me (13 - nsfw)

(he may or may not use toys in this chapter so if ur into that let's dig in) NO
NOT A ROSE TOY YOU FREAK

also i just realised the proper spelling is 'zhenya, and i've fr been
pronouncing 'zhenia, as zaa-hen-e-yaa in my head

the proper way to say it is shayn-ya with a russian accent i feel so stupid.

Zhenia turned over and woke up vaguely, because of the shadow looming
over his face. It seemed like someone was sitting next to the bed. Despite
the intruder's sudden appearance, he wasn't in the mood to fight.

When he lifted his eyelids, it was Taek Joo. Zhenia never slept soundly and
would wake up immediately because he was especially sensitive, but today
Zhenia didn't even know he was here. Was it because he had completely
adapted to sleeping in this bed.

Taek Joo sat in the chair next to the bed and observed Zhenia He was
wearing a hoodie as if he had came from home. The hood was pulled over
his head and both his hands were stuffed into his front pockets. Zhenia
didn't know why he was sitting like that.
"Someone just waltz's in your room and you don't even notice? What if i
was some kinda assassin?"

"Your not nearly big enough to be a assassin"

"Haha funny"

He grumbled then suddenly stood up, propped himself up on his hands and
climbed onto the bed. Zhenia stroked the back of Kwon Taek Joo's thighs
while quietly watching him climb on top of him.

"My mission in Russia is still ongoing yknow...what if the search for

anastasia is a ruse and the real target is you?"

"Then let's die."

Taek joo replied.

"Make your move dear"

Zhenia spoke softly then gently pulled Taek Joo's arm. He put his hand
under the hood to cover his cold ears and kissed them. Taek Joo also didnt
hesitate to return the kiss.

Zhenia just sucked on his slightly thick lower lip, then let go, then bit and
sucked it again. The two tongues intertwined.

Zhenia removed his lips for a moment and then asked.

"What's up with you?"

He looked curiously at Taek Joo. Did something happen while he was

alseep? Why was he suddenly so touchy?

"Why do you say you have to stay home with your mother?"

Taek Joo stared at him then slowly lowered his face. Zhenia closed his eyes
waiting for the kiss but Taek Joo didn't bite his lips but instead the tip of his
nose.
Zhenia laughed foolishly.

"Taek Joo?"

"Mn..."

"What's up? Finally fell for me?"

"Haa"

"Do you not like sleeping all alone at your mothers house"

Taek Joo, who had been keeping one hand in his pocket until then, took out
something and threw it at him The small box hit Zhenia's shoulder and
bounced slightly. It was a box of condoms.

"I thought about whether I should try and sleep or not...but I couldnt stop
thinking about it. My imagination isn't too vivid you see"

"Uh huh..."

"I'd better enjoy myself before you get married no?"

Taek Joo pretended not to care but it seemed his little head was full of
thoughts. He finally knew what it wanted. He smiled then grabbed Zhenia's
collar, touched his lips and kissed him roughly.

A tickling feeling rose from his chest because Zhenia couldn't be honest
with him. The corners of Zhenia's mouth kept curling up even though his
lips were being beaten and sucked on.

"Dont overthink anything right now"

He smiled gently then pulled off his annoying hood and smoothed his thick,
tangled hair. He bent down again. Without hesitation, he opened his mouth
and bit into Zhenia's warm skin.

"Ugh...uh..."
His two opened thighs trembled, Taek Joo could clearly see how much
strength he was trying to hold and how many muscles were twisting
together. Zhenia slowly twisted his three fingers to stretch Taek joo further,
pressing firmly inside and stroking the soft exterior with his thumb. zhenia
turned his wrist in the opposite direction and kneaded his soft balls. Then he
put his mouth down to his crotch and started sucking one of them. One side
of his balls was continuously sucked into his mouth and then out again. The
sensitive skin rubbing against his teeth make Taek joo scream in pleasure.

His hard cock was also extremely stimulated by Zhenias forehead and
smooth hair brushing up and down on it.

"Ahh haa, um..."

Taek Joo used his foot to push Zhenias's shoulder as if to tell him to stop.

But he kept his position and wouldn't move. Looking down at Zhenia lying
between his legs, made his body quiver. His throbbing boner also stood tall.

Blood rushed down to his crotch, giving his cock a sweet flush. Feeling
frustrated, Taek Joo reached out to touch it.

But Zhenia was one step ahead of him and grabbed his trembling hand. he
licked from his base to the head, then gently sucked on the tip. Just with
that, Taek Joo's back jumped up, his back perfectly arching.

Zhenia fixed Taek Joo's position with his elbows and held his dick firmly
with both hands, he gently spread his hole with his two thumbs. The gel
inside spilled out, Zhenia stared at it and then stuck out his tongue and leant
in .

"Gah! f- ff f..fu- fuck zhen- gah fuck...!"

It seemed like an electric pulse ran through Taek Joo's entire body for a
moment. His knees burned, and his fingers dug down and tore into the poor
bedsheets.
Zhenia was persistent in licking and sucking his hole. Enough precum to fill
Zhenias mouth was already forming at the head of Taek joos slit. The lower
half of his body was being pressed down, his upper body jumped up and
frantically pushed Zhenia's head away. Once again, Zhenia licked up and
down his cock. As soon as he pulled off, Taek Joo's limbs hung down loose,
his chest heaved and his breathing was heavy.

Zhenia let go of the hair he was harshly pulling and instead intertwined his
fingers with Taek joos, which were trembling from the intense heat.

"Taek Joo, you said you wanted to cry. Why do you want to stop?"

"Haaa.. haha when did I ev- ever say that, bastard?"

"Hmn"

Zhenia grinned and reached for the drawer next to the bed. A pair of leather
handcuffs and a long thin piece of silicone were held in his hand. These
were things Taek Joo had never seen before.

"If you don't fess up i'll have no choice but to force you to"

Zhenia swiftly wrapped the cuffs around Taek joos wrists and pulled them
tight

"What are you doing? Take this off."

"When will you ever learn to listen"

Zhenia slowly touched Taek Joo's body with his two hands, his pinky gently
pressed down on Taek Joo's nipples and then flicked them harshly. His
whole chest trembled slightly all the way to his waist. Zhenia's hand
continued to slide across his stomach and down his thigh, both thumbs
stroking back up the inside of his soft thigh and then resting on his groin.

When his dick was then completely engulfed but Zhenia hands, Kwon Taek
Joo shivered.
"I was thinking before about what it would be like to tie you up and treat
you like this. ask you about your true identity, find out who sent you and
what do you intended to do? Humans have strong self-preservation
instincts, so if they are in too much pain, they'll give into any conditions"

*This is him talking about the time he imprisoned taek joo on the island.

mind you this was before they were together or anything so even though the
translation implys it was sexual it wasn't like that in the actual chapter.

"Its so much better in person than it was in my head"

Zhenia whispered while stroking Taek Joo's dick and occasionally placing
kisses on his forehead. Then he then held his fingers up to Taek joos
twitching hole and spread it wide. His pinkish red hole was drenched in
Zhenia saliva and that made him happy. Zhenia watched with interest and
then picked up the gel-covered silicone dildo. He rubbed the tip against his
trembling hole. Taek Joo's whole body twitched nervously waiting for
Zhenia. His head tilted back as Zhenia pushed the round tip into his ass.

"ah ha... Ugh...ugh..."

Zhenia held Taek joos trembling cock upright and stroked it with his thumb
to soothe it. Even so, he gently twisted the dildo further and pushed it into
him little by little. Taek Joo's molars clenched tightly, his body also
trembled violently.

"Haa! Woa- w..wait"

"Taek Joo."

Zhenia hugged his body that was wavering between pleasure and pain,
biting down on Taek Joo's stomach, sides and chest. The tooth marks left
behind clearly hurt Taek joo but Zhenia didn't care.

Zhenia cupped Taek Joo's bulging chest and gently pushed in the sounding
rod into Taek joo. He bit down hard on his nipple and pushed the rod all the
way in.
"Zhenia- zheni..zhenia! zhenia- FUCK!"

Every time he shifted or cocked his body pack the dildo would jam right
into his prostate, the restlessness pounding only continued and worsened. It
hurt and tingled so much that he quite literally couldn't breathe. Taek Joo
needed to cum.

"Ha ha, ugh, take it out... take it out..."

Taek Joo struggled. He shook his shoulders vigorously and turned his head
to the side. zhenia held Taek Joo's face and forced him to look straight
ahead. His eyes and ears were red with lust.

Taek Joo frowned and covered his face as he knew full well what was going
to happen. As always, Zhenia lifted taek joos legs up to his chest and
hovered over the top of him. Blood quickly rushed to Taek Joo's completely
covered face. Zhenia watched as Taek Joo moaned and fiddled with his
stuffed boner. Even though Taek Joo avoided looking at him, Zhenia looked
him right in the eye.

"mmmhn Taek joo...fhuck"

Zhenia breathed heavily and pushed his way into taek joo. His hole was
forced open as Zhenia pulsed through him. Taek Joo's eyes felt dizzy and
closed a few times.

"You must be hu- nghh..."

Zhenia whimpered at the cramped feeling. After catching his breath for a
moment, he began thrusting. When Taek Joo curiously touched his hole, his
entire dick visibly trembled. He pushed Zhenia back instead with his whole
body, the bumpy points of the dildo made Taek joo go crazy.

If it were any other time, Zhenia would have deliberately avoided sensitive
points and continued to tease Taek Joo. The night was still young so often
times there was no rush.
But after a long while of trying to enjoy a different kind of lovemaking,
even the patience that he was lacking was completely gone.

Zhenia deliberately held his stomach tightly, causing Taek Joo's dick to rub
harshly against zhenias chest.

"ahuh!"

Taek Joo's entire body was still shaking, his already sensitive hole was more
stimulated with both the dildo and Zhenia inside. His stomach was slightly
wet with his own cum, piss, anything at that point.

"You're exhausting yourself by holding back. Wouldn't it just be easier to let

it all out at once?"

Zhenia smirked and suddenly threw his entire body weight into Taek joo.

Zhenia himself almost tumbled forward and hit his head on the bed frame.

Taek Joo's whole stomach growled. His limbs were stiff and shaking.

Zhenia looked straight at him and continued slamming and crushing his
prostate.

"Cu...c..cum i needa..."

"Th- then cu..hu mmn fuck taek joo"

"Your so fucking perfect"

Zhenia tightly covered his own mouth that was spouting curses and
outrageous noises. He lowered his lips and lifted Taek Joo's lower body
even higher. He continuously kissed Taek Joo's lips and cheeks all whilst
not missing a beat.

"Y- yeahh...Zh- zheni....aughh"

The only thing Taek Joo could do was make noise, but even that was
exhausting, from the screaming earlier his throat felt almost raw. The
further he thrusted, the more clearly Taek joos moans came out. He tried to
grit his teeth and handle the tightness, but his head kept curling up because
he just couldnt.

"Aug... ah, uhm, ugh...uhm...!"

Zhenia suddenly stopped thrusting. He groaned and sat back taking a

second to breathe. Taek Joo stammered and looked down tears in his eyes.

"...Zhenia"

He urgently called Zhenias name in a breathless voice. He happily rushed

towards Taek Joo.

"Out..Fuck- wait...!"

"Ugh you take it...s- so well Taek joo"

Zhenia slammed right back into him, writhing and choking on affection.

Taek Joo also trembled with excitement. His mind was dizzy he felt half
dead. Zhenia whispered Taek Joo's name in his ear and kissed his face all
over. When Zhenia stuck his tongue in his ear, Taek Joo groaned tiredly. At
the same time, Zhenia's lower abdomen became drenched and hot.

"I swear to god... z..zhenia if you dont cum soon-"

Taek Joo gasped and rubbed his forehead against Zhenia's shoulder. He
removed the handcuffs and Taek Joo hit his shoulder but Zhenia still had a
excited look on his face. Even when Taek Joo pushed hard with his foot,
Zhenia obediently backed away. However, Zhenia didnt let him cum.

Taek Joo was pulled by his ankle, his body helplessly slid down. Zhenia
started at the ankle bone and bit down on his calf, went over his knee and
bit his thigh. The tickling feeling made Taek Joo uncomfortable and itchy.

Zhenia paid no attention to how it was affecting him and continued to

nibble on the inside of his thighs and then suck on the soft flesh between his
legs. There was cum or something leaking out of him. The rod left for some
room but it still felt very tight in there.

"...Uhm."

Taek Joo was startled when Zhenia started to tug at it. His urethra spasmed.

Zhenia caressed his prostate with the dildo as he pulled it harder and harder.

Taek Joo felt his back arch every time Zhenia hit that perfect spot. Once the
rod managed to slide out with the amount of lube Zhenia had applied to it
he was finally free. Taek hoo completely erupted.

Taek Joo covered his face with his hands and cursed from the top of his
lungs. Zhenia pumped him through his orgasm to get every last dip of cum
out. Taek-Joo stubbornly gave up and dropped his hand to kiss Zhenia.

(i translated this all at the dinner table ty for dinner grandma shit was good
asf)

Taek Joo suddenly opened his eyes. His vision gradually cleared up. He
surely fainted again.

"Ahh fucking kill me."

Even his groans were drowned out miserably. Really. Shouldn't have
provoked Zhenia in the first place. He was tormented by him all night and
regretted what he said. He tried to take a break midway but there was no
way Zhenia would have let him.

Was it still Saturday or maybe it was. Sunday? What time was it. Taek Joo
lazily rubbed his head on the soft pillow under him. As usual, the spot
beside him was still warm. Taek Joo could hear the sound of water flowing
in the distance. Even though he had exerted all his strength the previous
night, Zhenia still had more than enough strength to move.

"Fucking animal"
Taek Joo complained and was about to sleep a little more when his phone
rang. The ringing wasn't coming from in the room though.

A very strange feeling in his ass began to build. Taek Joo's thighs ached and
he couldn't even put into words what he was feeling in his stomach.

The phone was ringing on the kitchen table. It seemed like Zhenia had
picked it up to look at it. Taek Joo picked up the phone and checked the
caller. It was an unknown ID, probably a scam call. While waiting, the
vibrating sound gradually subsided.

Taek Joo checks the missed calls, there is no contact from headquarters.

What stood out was Kang Chan Woo's message with the location and time
of the alumni meeting and a request for him to attend. He had forgotten all
about it and focused all his attention on Zhenia since he returned.

No ride home (14)

Immediately after getting out of the car, Taek Joo started walking.

To be honest, Taek Joo thought that Zhenia would want to go if he said he

was going to a class reunion. There was no chance Taek joo was letting him
come tonight. Zhenia had already chased him overseas, so there was no
guarantee that he wouldn't actually show up.

Yoon Jong Woo promised he would try and keep Zhenia entertained but he
wasnt rest assured because Zhenia is too unpredictable. As a precaution,
Taek Joo also gave Zhenia an order to protect Yoon Jong Woo on the
grounds that he was in great danger due to some incident that happened in
china a week ago. Zhenia was clearly annoyed by none the less accepted the
request and said Taek Joo didn't have to worry if he left it to him. He felt a
twinge of nervousness when remembering the look on Zhenia face before
he left the house, even if Yoon Jong Woo was safe in his hands that didn't
mean Zhenia would send him home with a smile on his face.

The reunion was at a traditional pub in front of the school. It seemed like
they rented out the entire place. There was only chatter but no music could
be heard outside the door. Taek Joo opened the door and went inside.

several of his classmates turned towards the door.

"Eh? Who is this?"

"Kwon Taek Joo?"

"Hey, hes really here."

"Long time no see, buddy."

Taek Joo greeted everyone, some people came up to him and shook his
hand. He couldn't tell how much everyone had already had to drink, but the
air was filled with the smell of alcohol. Taek Joo smiled and asked, "Is
everyone okay?".

Surley enough there was about 30 people in the bar, Yuna Hyun was sitting
at the back of the group and chatting with some other girls. While
exchanging greetings with friends around them, their eyes suddenly met.

Yuna Hyun laughed at first and then smiled at him. Taek Joo just nodded
slightly and gave her a grin.

He followed a duo to a table and took out an empty chair. As soon as they
sat down they started drinking. Taek Joo drank his whole glass all in one go
and put it down, the wine glass was immediately filled again.

"Hey, why'd you just stop messaging all of us so suddenly after school?"

"Everyone thought you were dead."

"It's true. We heard that you joined the special forces but there was no news
after that, so we wondered what happened?"

"How come no one knows you changed your number?"

Everyone scrambled to ask him questions, Taek Joo just laughed. When
entering NIS, for security purposes, he changed his contact number
frequently. Even his colleagues at NIS asked it was necessary to do so, but
he always wanted to be careful. It is a world where if personal information
was leaked indiscriminately and if Taek Joo himself was careless, his
identity would be revealed, meaning he would lose his status and it would
surely only mean bad things for Zhenia.

After a few glasses of wine, the atmosphere was livid. Everyone at the table
was curious about Taek Joo's current situation. It seems everyone had run
out of things to say to each other.

"What do you do now?"

"just this and that."

"Do you work or onw a business?"

"Taek Joo, I heard you haven't graduated yet? I was very surprised to hear
that today. I thought you had already had a degree at least."

"Ah, so it is."

"Huh? In today's day and age?"

"Maybe your a professional soldier now? Are these muscles you got after
serving in the army?"

"Yeah bro. Do you do any physical work?"

People didnt hesitate to touch Taek Joo's thighs and biceps. After not seeing
each other for a long time, people often asked about each other's careers.

Taek Joo often gave short or evasive answers, and it's awkward when
people ask or ask for business cards about work. This also seems to have
the biggest impact in the narrow relationships between people.

"Are you doing manual labor? Why can't you tell us?"

Some people at the table jumped to conclusions. Others seemed to guess

that Taek Joo was doing some unspeakable work, and that was why he
hesitated to answer.

(He means sex work)

"I risk my life every day for work."

He laughed to keep the atmosphere from sinking. Everyone thought it was a

joke and laughed along.

"Are you married yet?"

"Not yet."

"What are you doing without a family? I already have 2 children."

"I know. I'm just like this becuase I have to work so hard."

"Do you live to work?"

"Yeah pretty much."

Taek Joo laughed again. People at the table were married or about to get
married. As if it was a competition, people showed each other photos of
their families or future brides. He was certainly old enough to do the same.

"Are you still seeing someone though? I'm sure the girls won't leave you
alone."

"Looking at him, I could immediately tell! look at his neck"

"Yes...Yes but..."

"Yes, yes, what are you talking about? How long have you been dating?"

"Probably about a year."

"At that point, why not tie the knot? what do they do for work?"

"Just a state employee"

"Ooh? How old are they?"

"4 years younger than me"

"Wow, 4 whole years?, she must be young and beautiful no?"

"Hah you could say that"

"Hey, I'm curious to see what she looks like. Don't you have a picture? Let's
see."

"Let me see", the cheerful chatter, they excitedly patted the shoulder as if
inciting the person next to them.

"No pictures, guys."

It is not difficult to control those who intend to rob the phone. Even when
everyone in the group booed.

Not too long after, the topic turned to college anecdotes, the current
situation of some seniors, juniors and professors, and social issues. While
laughing and talking, Yuna Hyun and Taek Joo made eye contact. He
wanted to greet her properly but it was too awkward to move right now.

Even though they didn't say it out loud, everyone clearly knew something
was going on between the two. If he looked over at her for too long, the
crowd would tease him. They didnt care about Yuna Hyun getting married
or Taek Joo having a lover.

For that reason, she came up a lot in the chatter between the group.

"Yuna studied abroad right after graduating and received her master's
degree in Massachusetts. Do yknow that company M? she now works as a
senior researcher there."

"Did she meet her husband at that company? He must be a foreigner, right?"

"It's no joke, after getting married she'll propbally go on to get a doctorate.

I'm curious how far he will go."

"Good for her."

After about two hours, empty seats appeared one by one. The remaining
people also drooped over, the alcohol was definitely getting to them. The
ventilation system in the store was quite poor, so just breathing Taek Joo
felt drunk. He went outside to get some fresh air. It seemed like his thoughts
were finally clearing up a bit.

Taek Joo suddenly thought of cigarettes. Looking at the convenience store

across the street, he was considering whether or not to buy a pack. The shop
door opened and someone walked out. It was Yuna Hyun. He looked at her
as she came closer. Then, she took out the cigarette pack and gave it to Taek
Joo. He didn't refuse but took out a cigarette.

"Long time no see. It's been 10 years since we last saw each other, right?"

"Yeah. Around that."

They stood next to each other and just blew smoke. The conversation began
in just after lighting a cigarette.

"How are you doing?"

"Just staying busy."

"Is your mother okay?"

"Yeah she's good"

"You said you weren't married yet? Nothing special? Those guys probably
wanted you to marry me of all people."

"Yeah right."

"But seriously...why aren't you married yet? I heard earlier that you have
someone you're dating, she was...incredibly beautiful?"
"You really can't help but tease me"

Taek Joo pretended to be angry and smiled at the same time.

"No, I mean those guys in there were really hassling you to get married.

There's no rush really."

Everyone really assumed Taek Joo's lover was a woman. Taek Joo himself
didn't know that he would be involved with a man until a year ago, it was
just natural.

"It's not like that. We're really close. My partner sees my mother more often
than I do."

"Doesn't that make it weirder? Or maybe your lover isn't ready to get
married?"

"What do I do?"

"Haaa Taek joo...."

"Everything is fine just how it is, my partner isn't thinking about getting
married either."

"Have you asked them?"

"Am i meant to?"

"I really think you should."

Kwon Taek Joo didn't know if he was getting love counseling or if Yuna
Hyun was venting old resentments of when she got married.

"Marriage does not prove love. Each couple has a different way of loving
each other, it's not as if marriage is the only right answer to your happy
ending."

"..."
Yuna's face was bewildered. Cigarette butts that she hadent shook yet flew
away in the wind.

"Why are your ears red?"

"my ears?"

Taek Joo covered his ears. It's not that it's not, but why is it so hot behind
his ears? Maybe because he drank too much?

He grabbed the cigarette pack from Yuna Hyun's hand. He took out another
cigarette, put it in his mouth and lit it. Yuna Hyun continued to smirk next
to him.

"Let's talk some more."

"Really?"

"Mn"

"You dont wanna go back in yet?"

"Eh i'm in no rush."

Yuna Hyun grabbed the cigarette package from Taek Joo's hand.

"This time I came back to completely arrange my life in Korea."

"Is that so? Are you planning to permanently settle abroad?"

"Yeah. Probably. My future husband is American."

"What about your relatives?"

"After graduating from college and studying abroad, I didn't try to stay in
touch or anything. I've only gone him to korea twice since then. My
mother's 60th birthday and my younger brother's graduation day have
passed now. Now I just think of them as distant relatives. That way I don't
have to be so sad about not seeing them, maybe theyll come to the wedding.
My mother said she would help me with postpartum care after giving birth
because i dont really know how to care for a baby. But I don't know how
things will turn out."

Kwon Taek Joo just nodded. From the beginning, Taek Joo was the type of
person to quietly listen no matter what people said. He doesn't carelessly
interfere in other people's affairs or impose his own ideas as a solution.

That's why Yuna Hyun also freely shared about her situation.

Yuna Hyun suddenly turned to Kwon Taek Joo and looked at him
meticulously from head to toe. She gave a mischievous smile.

"What?"

"You only got more handsome after high school you know that. You look so
manly now. I was very curious about how you changed and how you lived.

I really wanted to meet you at least once. before going to America.

Yuna Hyun hit Kwon Taek Joo's back as if punishing him.

The wind blew right by. The two were silent for a moment to let the wind
calm down. A slight smile crossed his lips. People who have shared time
together can reminisce about that time even without saying anything.

"Do you know what I said about you to my fiancé? There was a guy I asked
out 11 times but he never said yes. He said he really wanted you to come to
our wedding. And here we are."

Taek Joo clicked his tongue. He didn't know if Yuna Hyun had really asked
him on a date 11 times or not. But it was clear that he never took anything
like that seriously. To Taek Joo, she was a friend, a competitor, and
someone who shares the same pain as him. He had never drawn any other
conclusion.

However, that doesn't mean Yuna Hyun doesn't have charm. Even compared
to the women Taek Joo met and broke up with, they were not unattractive.
but she was just so much more.

"The last we met was probably at your brother's funeral, right?"

The night Taek boo had been discharged from the army. A phone call came
in the middle of the night, and he was extremely scared. For no reason at
all, Taek Joo remembered the last phone call he had with his brother.

Taek Joo prayed to all the gods that this was just a mistake, prayed for a
miracle to happen, and prayed over and over again.

But that desperate prayer had no effect. His brother returned in a casket.

Even his body was no longer intact. His mother couldn't bear it and
collapsed. Taek Joo couldn't do anything.

After hearing the news, co workers came to offer their condolences. Yuna
Hyun was also in the crowd that day. Even after everyone left, she stayed.

She was in no hurry to leave Taek Joo.

Yuna Hyun continued to reflect on that moment.

"I said 'I want to be by your side'. Do you remember what you said back?"

He forgot, because it happened a long time ago.

"You said 'My mother is the only one left. I hope you could meet someone
who loves and cherishes you, because i cant be that person.' I know why
you said that so I just let you go"

"I'm all honestly i just hoped that you had met someone like that, someone
who love and cherished you."

Taek Joo looked at Yuna Hyun. She just laughed.

"The person who conquered the stubborn Taek joo."

If it wasn't Zhenia, no one would have been able to. No one would be able
to stand a lover who has many secrets, often goes on business trips and
rarely gets to rest.

Zhenia even left everything behind and went to Korea for him.

For some reason, Taek Joo felt restless, like he had done something bad to
Zhenia. He recalled a conversation they had and it almost sounded real,
Zhenia voice swarmed through his head and rang out his ears.

I have only one request (15 - nsfw) (reminder i dont proof read these the
day I post them so hopefully you can manage<33) "Ya, Taek Joo! wake up.
you gotta tell me where you live"

Taek Joo fell asleep and was shaken violently. He had completely fallen
asleep and was unresponsive. There were about 10 empty soju bottles lying
around on the table, which Taek hop had managed to drink himself.

Taek Joo planned to smoke a cigarette and then go in and have a drink. That
was his initial intention, but halfway through, he couldn't stop.

There were only about six people left in the pub, including Yuna and Taek
Joo. He couldn't even fully control himself. It was past 3am. Yuna Hyun
couldn't find a phone number related to Taek Joo, nor could she find his
home address. She doesn't know where he lives because they haven't been
in contact for nearly 10 years, but she also couldn't leave Taek Joo at the
pub.

After a moment of hesitation, Yuna Hyun began rummaging through Taek

Joo's pockets. And despite being extremely careful, her hands still grazed
his hips and thighs.

"Ugh... Zhenia..."

Taek Joo suddenly frowned and turned over. Zhenia? was that his
girlfriend's name? Yuna Hyun vaguely speculated and pulled the cell phone
out of Taek Joo's hand. It was the only item on him. No wallet or ID card.
Yuna Hyun sighed. She tried checking his phone in case there might be
some information, but it was locked. She tried to lift Kwon Taek Joo's
eyelids, but the identification method on the phone was not fingerprint or
iris. Even that last hope is gone.

Suddenly at that moment, a vibration rang out. Yuna Hyun was so surprised.

A call came through on Taek Joo's cell phone. The caller was 'Zhenia'.

"...Ah his girlfriend!?"

Yuna Hyun tilted her head and picked up the phone. She didn't want to pry
and instead tried waking Taek hop back up. The vibration gradually turned
off. And it started again immediately. This time the caller was also 'Zhenia'.

Unanswered calls piled up.

"Seriously?!"

She stomped her feet in frustration.

Not long after, Yuna Hyun's phone rang. It was the call from the taxi she
called earlier that had arrived.

"Hello? Oh yes. I'll be right out."

She really had no other choice, she at least had to rent a room and throw
Taek Joo in there.

"Guys, the taxi is here. I'll take him home help me carry him"

The remaining people followed Yuna Hyun's request and moved closer. The
four boys struggled to lift Taek Joo up.

Under her direction, each person held Taek Joo's arms and legs tightly. That
way, the group of people left the store and went to the main street. Yuna
Hyun also hurriedly followed with her coat and bag.
The taxi driver discovered the group of people, quickly got out of the car
and opened the back seat door. The group struggled to push Taek Joo's head
into the car.

Just then, a sudden roar came from afar. The noise grew louder and soon a
Bugatti appeared. The car stopped in front of the taxi.

The group looked bewildered as the driver's door of the Bugatti opened. A
tall foreigner got out of the car. He was a very handsome man with platinum
blonde hair and a beautiful body. The man approached the car with an
expressionless look on his face. His shadow covered almost all 5 of them.

"Give him here"

The unidentified large man grabbed Taek Joo and spoke a foreign. Yuna
Hyun thought it was Russian, but she wasn't sure.

"You... Who are you?"

"Wait a minute!"

Even though the four of them pulled him back, Taek Joo was still helplessly
taken away. The mobile phone in Yuna Hyun's hand was also snatched from
her.

The man placed Taek Joo on one shoulder and walked straight to his car.

The man closed the door then walked around the car and climbed into the
driver's seat. After that, he just left without any explanation to the extremely
confused group of people. The Bugatti disappeared from sight as quickly as
it appeared.

"What's the?"

"Who exactly is that person?"

"Is it okay if we just let them go like that? They're not loan sharks or organ
traffickers or something?"
"If so, he would have stuffed him in the back seat or trunk. How could he
take him away like that?"

"Yes, but..."

"But what language was it just now? Russian, right? What does Taek Joo
have to do with him?"

Everyone took turns asking questions. Even the taxi driver couldn't ignore it
and participated in the story. Yuna Hyun also looked in the direction the
Bugatti disappeared with worried eyes.

"That face... looks so familiar. I feel like I've seen it somewhere before."

A person working in the journalism industry tilted his head and took out his
cell phone and searched for something. Focusing on the man speaking
Russian and contrast it with images of important figures. Not long after, he
let out a deep sigh.

"That's right. It's the Russian Ambassador to Korea!"

"What?"

All everyone simultaneously turned their eyes to the empty street. Everyone
opened their eyes wide but it felt like they were dreaming.

The sudden impact made Taek Joo's already painful head feel heavy. He
groaned and tried to open his eyes. In his dim vision, he vaguely saw
Zhenia's face.

Somehow he seemed angry. His eyes stared at Taek Joo sharply. He couldn't
even see the usual sarcastic smile. Was he in a dream?

"Zhenia huh..."

His tongue seemed to lag when he called Zhenia's name, his voice cracked.

Maybe he drank too much. Even when Taek Joo closed his eyes and opened
them again, his vision was still unclear.
He was thirsty, and his throat was burning. His lungs felt compressed and
he couldn't even breathe, as if his entire body was being crushed down by a
rock. In the frustrating feeling of confinement made Taek Joo call out
"Zhenia" again. This time he didn't answer either, then suddenly he put
Taek Joo's legs on his shoulders. Zhenia leaned his body forward and
stubbornly raised his knees, so that Taek Joo's body didnt bend completely
but was almost floating in the air, only his head was touching the bed.

Blood rushed to his face with each thrust and his mind became more and
more frantic. He patted Zhenia's arm to get him to put him down.

"This uh...urhh"

Zhenia didn't mind the noise and slowly pushed his cock all the way inside.

Zhenia's balls pressed against Taek Joo's ass, making a fwoping sound. As
if that wasn't enough, he rubbed around his rim and tried to dig deeper. Taek
Joo was under pressure and out of breath, his face felt hot like he was about
to explode.

"Wait, wait a minute... Out....take it out....!"

He raised his hand and gripped the back of Zhenia's hand. Even with his
nails digging into his skin, Zhenia kept thrusting into his ass. His dick was
quickly filling his stomach and churning violently inside.

Taek Joo closed his eyes tightly and twisted his body to reduce the feeling
of Zhenia inside him. But it didn't have any effect, because despite Taek
Joo's pitiful gesture, Zhenia still managed to pull his cock all the way out
and then forcefully thrust it back in immediately.

"Ah- Uhhmph...this h-hurts..."

Every time he was thrusted into, Taek Joo's stomach throbbed and tingled.

His vision became blurry at the same time and he was constantly out of
breath. Even though he wasn't mentally alert, he still felt the strangely clear
feeling of Zhenia dick moving in and out of him.
"Ahh ple-...ugh.."

Taek Joo couldn't finish his words because. Zhenia just wouldn't quit. He
just couldn't understand how he got here.

Apparently Taek Joo went to the alumni reunion. He met Yuna Hyun and
they were drinking together, but he didn't remember anything from between
then to now.

But he didn't have time to think for even a moment, because Zhenia leant
down and continued thrusting. His knees were draped under Taek Joo's
waist. Zhenia's arms wrapped around his wet back and held his shoulders
tightly from behind. The back of his thighs pressed against zhenia's chest.

"uh uh...Ack!"

An intense pain shot through Taek Joo's lower back. The pressure from
above was too much he couldn't move. Zhenia still paid no attention and
continued.

"Ahh! ah-.. uhm, take it out"

"Taek Joo..."

Zhenia leant down further and gently kissed Taek Joo's face and neck,
sweetly clinging and calling his name whilst ruining his hole. It felt like
everything in Taek Joo's stomach had been beaten so hard that there was
nothing left, his insides also spasmed endlessly and then clung tightly to
Zhenias cock. Enjoying the sweet tightness, Zhenia continuously scratched
the inner wall and then suddenly slid out. As Taek Joo was trying to get
used to the feeling, he pressed thier dicks together and rubbed them so hard
that it pushed against his balls. The unpleasant burning sensation made his
fingertips and toes tingle.

Pushed to the limit, Taek Joo punched Zhenia's arm but because he had
drunk a lot of alcohol, he couldn't muster any strength to actually hurt him.
Zhenia bit his warm earlobe and rubbed their dicks together. Taek Joo
struggled with excitement and pain, then patted Zhenia's shoulder again.

"Uh uh... do whatever you want..Just- ah ugh..."

"... Taek Joo?"

Zhenia stopped in surprise. He grabbed Taek Joo's hand that was

continuously hitting his shoulder and looked down at his face. Taek Joo
continued to mumble incomprehensible words with a tired face.

"Uh... If yo-."

Perhaps because he was drunk, old emotions came rushing back, thoughts
he had tried to suppress until now all came out. Taek Joo gasped with
shaking shoulders then reached out to pinch Zhenia's cheek. His eyes were
filled with anger as he looked at the stupid man.

"Hey, Taek Joo. Why were you so drunk anyways?"

"Betrothal?"

(formal engagement to be married; engagement- Taek joo is saying this

btw)

A completely unpredictable word popped out of his mouth.

"wait..w..wait no I didn't mean"

"...Ha? is that why your acting like this?"

"You really hate to be alone hm?"

Zhenia didn't know exactly what Taek Joo wanted to say. However, he was
too drunk and instead spoke his mind.

Unexpectedly, Taek Joo's resolute tone suddenly became weak.

"Cant you just look at me..? Even..."

His grumbles completely subsided. The hand that was pulling Zhenia's
cheek also fell helplessly. He suddenly woke up, behaved violently and then
fell right back asleep. A warm breath escaped from Taek Joo's slightly
parted lips.

Zhenia quietly pressed his lips to Taek Joo's cheek. Zhenia kissed him
affectionately and then thrust hard again, picking up where he left off.

"Sleep well dear"

The two figures entwined togetherer and stayed like that for the rest of the
night.

Taek Joo's finger twitched slightly when he woke up. A languid sigh and a
small moan came out at the same time. His whole body ached. His mind
was still fuzzy. Taek Joo buried his head in the blanket.

He couldn't even open his eyes and just fumbled around on the bed. Even
with just that much movement, the muscles in his body were screaming.

Taek Joo groaned while looking for his still noisy phone.

Taek Joo raised his eyebrows in frustration. After struggling for a while, he
finally opened the security lock. He was wondering what the notifications
were his SNS messages seemed to explode on his phone screen. there were
about 300 unread messages sent, mostly from group chats of classmates.

Yoon Jong Woo sent 50 of them. The number of missed calls alone
exceeded 100. About 20 of them were from Yoon Jong Woo, his mother,
and Yuna Hyun, and the remaining calls were marked as 'Zhenia'.

"...What the fuck"

Taek Joo checked messages from Yoon Jong Woo.

"Sir are you still far away? Zhenia discovered that you were lying His
expression was very ugly

Please pick up the phone ᅲᅲ"

Taek Joo could feel Yoon Jong Woo's sense of urgency. In the last message,
it was written 'Mr. Yevgeny left'. Right at that moment, Taek Joo's phone
caught fire.

Then entering the group chat of old friends, the first thing he saw was what
the Russian ambassador had said. Taek Joo froze. Immediately, his head
cleared and his eyes opened wide. He went back to the top and read each
message piled up.

The classmates who stayed until the end were talking about Zhenia's
appearance. they said a drunk Taek Joo was taken in a Bugatti by a
gorgeous foreigner. Someone even found Zhenia's official profile and
posted it. Some people also wondered why Zhenia was involved in his
private life when it was a strictlybusiness relationship.

With that alone, Taek Joo had a general grasp of the situation. He groaned
and scratched his head. He shouldn't have drank that much.

'The person who defeated the stubborn Taek Joo.'

After talking with Yuna Hyun, he felt more conflicted. Taek Joo kept
thinking about Zhenia about the many things he had experienced recently.

The two of them had only been together for a year, and it wasn't like they
had promised themselves to each other. On the contrary, Taek Joo should
feel relieved because that is also what he wanted, he really did want Zhenia
to himself. But in reality it wasn't like that. He thoughtlessly enjoyed being
with him, and he felt disgusted with himself.

"Bastard."

Taek Joo cursed and stood up only to hug his back and groan. He couldn't
put enough force into his spine even with the slightest movement it creaked
and made him shiver.

Every time he woke up, Taek Joo remembered Zhenia on top of him. Even
when Taek Joo collapsed and fell asleep, he always did what he wanted, but
yesterday seemed more serious.
He staggered out of the bedroom. Looking at the mirror hanging on the wall
in the hallway. His body's condition was miserable, there were many places
where blood had gathered into a dark blue color from being bitten and
sucked. His lips were swollen and his eyes were dull. Even when he stood
still and accidentally touched his nipple, it stung and he moaned
unconsciously.

"Ah..."

Zhenia usually bites and sucks like a dog, but when he's angry, Zhenia often
bites as hard as he can. At times like that, he didn't know if he was making
love with a vampire or a man.

"Fucking bastard. where are you?"

Taek Joo looked around. For some reason, the house seemed empty. He
opened the quiet bathroom door and went out onto the terrace. Zhenia was
nowhere to be seen. He's not the type of person who goes to work on
weekdays, but today was Sunday. There was no way he would go see his
mother, let alone go to the embassy, and leave Taek Joo at home. Did
Zhenia go to the convenience store alone again?

He decided to take a shower first. Just the water pouring into his body made
his skin tingle. No matter how many times he fucks Zhenia he can never get
used to the feeling the morning after.

He got out of the bathroom later than usual. It was still cold in the house.

Taek Joo picked up his phone to try calling Zhenia. A vibrating sound rang
out at the right moment, but it wasn't a call from Zhenia three characters
appeared on the screen, 'Yuna Hyun'. He answered the call "uh."

- Taek Joo, are you still alive?

"If I were dead, how would I be able to answer?"

- Your voice doesn't sound right?

"Did you call to check on me?"

Just then, Taek Joo felt a presence outside the door. He raised his head and
looked out into the hallway leading to the front door. Not long after, his
eyes met Zhenia's as he walked through the door. He didn't say anything but
just stared at Taek Joo and then walked into the kitchen. Zhenia seemed
angry again.

- No. I'll leave the country after the ceremony. It will probably be difficult
to see you again before then so I'll send you a wedding invitation, so
remember to bring your beautiful lover, okay?

"Oh...."

Taek Joo glanced at Zhenia. He was arranging the newly purchased things
while looking at Taek Joo with a very dissatisfied expression.

"I'll consider it, if I'm not busy with work at that time."

-This is the wedding of the century for your only friend. You seem to be
very popular with your superiors, is that okay?

"What are you talking about again?"

- That's right. What superior would personally pick up a drunk subordinate

and also call continuously late at night, even on weekends.

"No, it's just... There was urgent business at the embassy. Because I missed
an important document and didn't post it..."

Taek Joo awkwardly made an excuse. He didn't even know what he was
talking about and awkwardly shook his head slowly.

Zhenia just crossed his arms.

- It's not like you have something to do with that superior, right?

"There's nothing wrong with that! Are you still sober?"

- No, because I found that man's eyes very unusual. If you don't have that
mindset then be careful.
"Ya, if you say strange things then hang up."

- You're so stiff. Even if it's not you, maybe your superior is like that so
remember what I said.

"Don't talk nonsense. Go well."

- Don't forget to come to your wedding.

He hung up after saying everything he wanted to say. The room became

quiet. Taek Joo took the phone away from his ear and looked at Zhenia. He
looked away and focused on arranging the furniture. Anyway, he told
Zhenia to stop collecting ramen, but he still bought more home.

"Hey, yesterday..."

"You pissed me off yesterday"

"No, that's..."

"I was just letting them know that I'm still alive"

"you always drink like that? you didn't even pick up my calls or were you
purposely not picking up?"

ZHenia repeated sarcastically. Do you always drink like that?

"I promised everyone I would go"

"Who did you say you missed so much? Was that a girl on the phone? Who
is she?"

"Why do you care? It's not even your business"

"Why lie then?"

"Becuase your misunderstanding and i don't have enough energy to explain

this to you bastard"
People don't change easily, and Zhenia was a prime example of that, he was
still just as threatening. He pretended to be extremely concerned about what
they should have between lovers. Zhenia was clearly more effortful, patient
and accommodating to Taek joo than ever, yet looked so threatening.

"If you want to know where I am, who I'm seeing, what I'm doing, then
you'll have to tie me down and if that's what you want go ahead, and if not
dont go around saying al-"

"...What?"

"Whether it's an engagement or marriage, if you dont like how i'm always
gone, then you'll have to force me to stay"

"Ugh taek joo... what the fuck are you talking about?"

"That's what you said no? If I leave your sight you'd kill me, if I ever left
you."

"When did-"

"You threaten me like that all the time!"

Taek Joo's ears perked up. His heart started beating fast. Why was he acting
like he had never said that? His eyes wandered astray, glancing around. The
heat coming from his face spread to the back of his neck.

Zhenia wondered if that was all he wanted to say, was the conversation
over? then in a slow tone, he spoke on about what else had happened last
night.

"You cried all night and begged me to look at you"

"Haha right"

"No, you did Taek Joo"

Zhenia affirmed firmly and then step by step approached Taek Joo. he
couldn't even look into Zhenia in his eyes.
When Taek Joo pushed Zhenia away he wrapped his arms around his waist
and pulled him back. He grabbed Taek Joo's chin and turned his head
forward. Their eyes met so close that their noses touched each other.

"Don't worry. I'll never leave. Even if death do us part."

Zhenia tightened his grip around Zhenia. It hurt, but the heaviness in his
heart seemed to be fading away.

"So unless you want me to kill you with my own hands, dont ever think
about leaving me"

Even if his confession was meant to be romantic it made him feel weary.

Actually, Taek Joo himself was no better. He laughed at himself because it

was so silly. Zhenia's face turned, displeased thinking he was laighing at
him. Taek Joo pulled Zhenia's lips to kiss his lips. zhenia's dissatisfied face
suddenly relaxed. As their lips continuously touched each other, Zhenia's
transparent eyes were filled with surprise. every time Taek Joo himself
actively showed clingyness, Zhenias heart always skipped a beat. So to
others, he is a monster, but in Taek Joo's eyes, Zhenia was- well not an
angel but close enough.

"Ha..."

Suddenly his phone rang, but it wasnt taek joos after all. He tilted his chin
toward the phone, which kept ringing, but Zhenia sat down at the table and
patiently waited to see what taek Joo was gonna do next.

With no other choice, Taek Joo checked the phone. An unfamiliar number
appeared on the screen, and it wasn't a domestic call either. While he was
still hesitant to answer, the call was disconnected.

someone had been trying to call Zhenia but he didn't care at all and just
went to sucking on Taek joos neck and whispered "Taek Joo". He tilted his
head down and hugged Zhenias head. Taek Joo ran his long fingers through
his soft ivory hair and gently stroked his head. Zhenia let out a deep sigh.
Zhenia rubbed his nose along his neck breathing in his scent, enjoying the
smell he wanted a taste too. The skin along his neck became wet and Taek
Joo's face warmed up and he rubbed Zhenia's ears, stroking and comforting
them.

At that moment, the vibrating sound rang out louder. Still the same number.

He didn't know who it was, but it seemed like they had urgent business with
Zhenia. Taek Joo was about to press the accept button but Zheni suddenly
bit his lip. It was like a silent protest telling him not to accept that call. Taek
Joo tilted his head and smiled. He slapped his hand over Zhenias mouth and
answered the phone.

"Hello?"

-Huh whos this?"

The person on the phone spoke russian.

Taek Joo felt a deep sense of deja vu. He was surprised and wondered if the
other person felt the same way.

- Taek Joo?

The voice was definitely Olga's.

Come over (16)

"Taek Joo! Long time no see."

Olga smiled brightly and opened the door. Zhenia passed her and went
inside first. Olga didn't even pay attention to her brother.

"I didn't know you were coming"

"Mn I left last night, zhenia didn't say anything?"

"Ah no"
"Knew it. You know, last night he knew that I had landed and didn't even
bother to pick up his phone"

Olga grumbled continuously. Taek joo just nodded his head, he knew he
couldn't slander Zhenia because the reason he didn't answer her calls was
because he was busy fucking Taek joo till dawn.

Taek Joo coughed and changed the subject.

"So are you just here for a holiday?"

"Ah more or less, my mother forced me here to come see Zhenia really"

"Plus it would be lovely to come and see you, and look around korea"

She said that but he knew the real reason was because of Zhenia.

Taek Joo walked through the front door. The first thing that caught his eye
were the bags placed haphazardly on the living room floor. There are three
of them larger than him. He didn't know how many days Olga intended on
staying but it was a lot.

"Have you had lunch yet?"

"I'm just waiting for it now"

"Did you order?"

"Yeah"

"There wasn't any trouble?"

Olga looked as if she didn't know why Kwon Taek Joo asked her that
question. Could she really speak korean or did her and Zhenia just have
magical powers?

"Well then, here would you like some fruit?

Olga opened the large bag from the convenience store and took out the fruit.
There were oranges, melons, pineapples and grapes. There are three or four
more bags like that.

"Because Korea is such a warm country, I thought the fruit would taste
better, but it's not particularly great"

"It's because you went to the store, you have to go to the street markets"

"Really? Then let's go there too"

What did she mean 'Then let's go there too'?

"Ah, the food in korea is just delicious. As soon as I arrived, I ate my fill of
Korean BBQ."

"Oh, I took a photo. Do you want to see it?"

(oh Zhenia is in the lounge room too btw)

Olga ignored Zhenias gaze and took out her phone. There were about 100

photos taken just of her in the city. In Taek Joo's eyes, the setting,
composition, and characters showed that they are definitely wernt selfies,
did she hire a photographer? He wondered who would work so hard, taking
photos for others, if not for work.

While Taek Joo was listening to this and that from Olga, the doorbell
suddenly rang. "Here we are," Olga said and jumped up from her seat.

Looks like the food she preferred was here.

The person who opened the door and walked in was none other than Yoon
Jong Woo. He smiled and greeted them all like an idiot, but as soon as he
saw Taek Joo, he froze.

"Wait, sir. your here too?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Ah, that..."

Yoon Jong Woo rolled his eyes looking for an excuse. Just in time, Olga
walked out.

"Come in. What dish did you recommend yesterday?"

"Ah, here. I didn't know what you wanted, so I bought all the famous things
here."

"Wow, you're so kind. Come in."

Olga happily invited Yoon Jong Woo into the house. Yoon Jong Woo
looked around the mansion strangely and followed Olga to the table and
immediately flinched when he saw Zhenia sitting there.

(Haha, Yevgeny-shi is also here...)

He laughed, but his voice sank.

The dish Yoon Jong Woo bought was kimbap, famous for its special
ingredients such as cucumber and eggs, rolled in grilled seaweed leaves,
dipped in mustard sauce.

(Yoon Jong Woo.)

(Yes?)

(How do you two know each other?)

)We became friends. Yesterday, she said it was her first time coming to
Korea so I took her out.)

At this point, all the pieces of the puzzle were coming together. Taek Joo
understood that Olga ate Korean BBQ as soon as she arrived, went to see
the palace at night, and even took hundreds of photos. When he entrusted
Zhenia to Yoon Jong Woo, he was worried about how the two would spend
their time, but it seemed like it was nothing. Seeing Yoon Jong Woo always
smiling at Olga, the feeling of guilt towards him suddenly disappeared.
(I told you to be friends with him, not his sister bastard) Zhenia, who was
sitting next to him, gently raised his chin and puffed out his chest with an
arrogant expression.

Seeing that, Yoon Jong Woo nervously looked over at Taek Joo. Yoon Jong
woo knew something he didn't.

(Yes.)

(Yes?)

(Why won't you look at me?)

(I.. I, when?)

(What? right now?)

(Ah, don't tease me!)

(Don't you know why he's sitting like that?)

(No? ah tell him to stop it's so scary!)

(You know why)

(I said I don't know!)

(You know.)

(Fuck I don't want him to kill me)

(This chatter is in korean but goes back to Russian in the next line)

"Wow! This is really delicious. You two should try it too"

After arguing for a while, Olga suddenly invited the two of them to eat
gimbap. Taek Joo stuffed a few pieces of gimbap into his mouth and
chewed, while chewing he looked over at Yoon Jong Woo. Yoon Jong Woo
just looked down with his cheeks moving, occasionally nodding eagerly to
Olga's questions.

How long had it been? Ringing suddenly called throughout the house. It
was a phone call from Taek Joo's mother. He pressed the button to receive
the call.

(This is in korean)

"Yes, mom- Yes i'll come over tonight...mn do you need anything?"

His mother said she was preparing dinner and asked Taek Joo if he wanted
to come over and eat. He still wasn't over his hangover and was craving
cold soup. Yoon Jong Woo suddenly interrupted.

"Noona! how are you? I'm Jong Woo."

- Omo, Jong Woo? Are you with Taek Joo?

"...Yes, hm..."

Taek Joo pushed Yoon Jong Woo away as he leant in close to the phone. His
mother was happy to hear Jong woos voice after such a long time.

- Awh don't push him away, Jong Woo should come over too. Mom will
cook for everyone!

"No, mom. Today is the weekend. He doesn't get much time to rest, plus i'm
sure he doesn't want to go over to-."

"No mom! I'm free today!"

Taek hop tried to put his hand over his mouth yet his mother still heard
Yoon Jong Woo's.

- Right. Be sure to bring him over. Mom will cook the braised ribs that Jong
Woo likes.

"Thank you mom. See you later!"

-Okay, see you soon. Oh, if the ambassador has time, please invite him too.

I talked to him over the phone earlier but Indont know if he understood.

Ah. A sigh came from deep inside Taek joo. He hated when his mother
called Zhenia. Was it when Taek Joo was still lying in bed? Taek Joo
glanced at Zhenia. His face looked back innocently as if asking why Taek
Joo was looking at him like that. Why did they ever call one another if they
couldn't understand what the other was saying?

Taek Joo sighed and said, "I know."

(This speech is in Russian)

"Who called?"

Olga's voice reminded Taek Joo of her presence as soon as he finished

talking on the phone.

Taek Joo stared at Zhenia again. Taek Joo just wanted to leave everything
behind and go home alone. But he couldn't because he had agreed to take
them and his mother was already cooking all that food.

Taek Joo suddenly felt tired. He sighed and almost fell to the floor.

A shopping bag suddenly flew by. Taek Joo caught it, if he had been a little
slower it would have flown right into his face. Not realising how much
extra food he had brought Taek hoo sighed.

"Let's just go"

"God, we can't rock up empty handed!"

Text like (THIS) from now on will be in korean and text like "THIS" is in
RUSSIAN

(That's beautiful. Please show me that one too.)

Just as he was getting to the point, Olga ignored him and was instead too
busy shopping. Taek Joo understood why Zhenia said that if he was going
to go shopping with 'her' he wouldn't be going.

It took her at least two hours just to decide what clothes and accessories to
wear. Taek Joo waited an hour and a half at the hair and makeup salon.

Olga went around many famous shops. Yoon Jong Woo looked like some
kind of bag carried and had already had bags hanging from all his 10

fingers.

"Come one we gotta go"

"Hn i've never heard of this before have you Jong woo dear?"

Olga doesnt listen to what others say and only complains unreasonably.

Noble bastards. Taek Joo tensed up and muttered to himself.

"hmm... since I don't know what she will like, give me this, this and half
this."

In the end, Olga tried to buy all the scarves in all their different colors. Taek
Joo couldn't watch this go on any longer so he grabbed the card she held
out.

"No. That's enough. Thank you."

"No we haven't even checked out the shoes yet"

Olga sadly looked back at the scarf she hadn't bought yet. If she was going
to buy shoes, telhey wouldnt even make it to dinner.

When they arrived at the basement parking lot, Zhenia's Bugatti was
already parked there. Today they occupied all 3 parking spaces. Olga
recognized her brother's car and angrily clicked her tongue.
Taek Joo could barely get into the elevator because there were far too many
bags. He unlocked the door with his little finger and opened the front door
with difficulty. Olga exclaimed.

"Is this Taek Joo's house? I expected something like this but it's really
small."

"Maybe it's just that your house is too big"

While Taek Joo grumbled, his mother opened the main door and walked
out. She was cooking and wearing a lace apron. It seemed completely new.

He hadn't even seen the dress she was wearing under it before.

Olga quickly walked over and gave her mother the bouquet of flowers she
had bought in. It was so big that she was buried in the flowers.

(Hello Miss! Nice to meet you. Thank you for having me over) (Please
come in. Phew. I'm very glad you all came but what's all this? Taek Joo, is
this the ambassador's sister? She's just gorgeous!)

His mother was delighted, her eyes were sparkling.

Yoon Jong Woo was almost crushed in a pile of presents, sticking his head
out.

(Mom, I'm coming too.)

(Jong Woo, come in quickly. It's been a while since I last saw you, right?)
(Come in. The ambassador has been waiting for a long time.) Taek Joo
followed his excited mother into the living room. Zhenia was sitting at the
table enjoying a refreshing drink as usual. His mother must have been very
busy preparing the meal, but she still carefully cut up the little pear slices he
liked for him. Sometimes it seemed like his mother valued Zhenia more
than her son.

"You got back quicker than I would have thought"

Zhenia spoke while chewing a pear. Taek Joo looked at his calm face and
gritted his teeth.

"I told you once she starts she can't stop"

"Your an idiot taek joo, you've gotta listen to me- hey what's up with that
look?"

Zhenia questioned and then stuck his fork into a piece of pear. Taek Joo
grabbed zhenias hand and took a bite of pear off his fork. "It's delicious"

Taek Joo had just finished speaking when Zhenia put the remaining pear on
the fork into his mouth.
Dumbass

Taek Joo was enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and having Zhenia feed
him, sitting in pure bliss his mother leant in and patted him on the back.

(What's wrong with you? Why do you keep taking the ambassador's food?)
(I'm not taking it, he's giving it to-...)

(Well don't just sit there! Help your mother set the table) (Ah here i'll help
too!)

He stood up and cleared the table.

Together with Yoon Jong Woo, he placed the spoons down, scooped the rice
and diligently carried the food his mother had prepared to the table.

Meanwhile, Olga looked around the house alone. When she found young
Taek Joos photo in a photo frame his mother displayed, she giggled and
didnt hesitate to point it out. Taek Joo's mother saw her and complimented
her.

The table was set and ready for four people. Yeonpo soup was boiling on
the stove. Whenever he had a meal with Zhenia, his mother always placed a
clear stew containing fish or seafood on the table because Zhenia likes
Russian-style fish soup called "Uha".

(Come on, even though I didn't prepare much, please eat a lot.) Yoon Jong
Woo made a fuss thanking her over and over. Olga was busy looking at the
colorful dishes with wide eyes.

(I'll eat well) Taek Joo said and prepared to drink. Suddenly, his mother
stood up from had chair. It seemed like something was missing. She quickly
turned around and placed a fork in front of Zhenia. There was only one fork
in the house. Taek Joo and his brother had used chopsticks since they were
children because they didn't like Western food. The fork seemed completely
new. Taek Joo wondered if his mother had specially bought it for him.

Zhenia silently smiled. His mother also smiled happily.

Yoon Jong Woo and Olga watched the situation strangely.

His mother showed off the braised short ribs to Olga and said "Oh"

"I didn't think about the fact that the ambassadors sister probably won't use
chopsticks either...what should we do?"

Taek Joo's mother was confused. Olga insisted it was completely fine.

(Ah, you can do it like this.)

Olga confidently picked up a piece of ribs with two chopsticks. But she
couldn't put it in her bowl. The fatty meat slid along the chopsticks, fell
onto the table, and rolled around on the ground. Olga was perfusley
apologised. Zhenia, on the other hand, only laughed at his sister. Taek Joo
tapped Zhenia's hand.

"This. Give me the fork."

"Why me?"

"How else is she going to eat?"

"like i care"

"If you make a fuss my mother will just get more nervous and run out to
buy another fork. I don't want her out this late at night"

"Hmm?" Taek Joo said as he put a meatball on Zhenia's rice. When he

raised his head, everyone was looking at Taek Joo. Zhenia also stared at the
round meatball placed on his rice as if something strange had happened.

Olga gave a meaningful smile and took the fork. His mother also said with a
satisfied face to eat quickly.

During meals, Zhenia only side dishes that. Zhenia often chatted up a storm
at the table but he was oddly quiet. Taek Joo quietly placed the stir-fried
anchovies with red pepper sauce on top of his rice because he thought it
would be mild enough for him. Zhenias face quickly redened and he
reached for his water.

Olga ate the dishes placed in front of her slowly but surely. Unlike Zhenia,
she can easily eat spicy dishes. Yoon Jong Woo occasionally explained the
main ingredients, flavor substitutions, and nutritional content of the dish. At
the dining table, Korean, Russian and were are naturally mixed.

(Ah!)

his mother looked at the four of them with satisfaction, constantly picking
up food and encouraging them to eat more.

Yoon Jong Woo scooped up more rice while swaying. His mother was
happy and poured more soup for him.

Yoon Jong Woo who was responding happily was suddenly taken aback,
because beside Taek Joo who was always keeping an eye on him, even
Zhenia was looking at him coldly. Did he say something wrong? Even so,
there was no way Zhenia, who didn't know Korean, would be able to
understand.

After placing the bowl of soup in front of Yoon Jong Woo, his mother asked
if Zhenia if he wanted more. His sharp eyes then gradually calmed down.

Yoon Jong Woo was silent and speechless.

His mother soon expressed her regret for not inviting Zhenia over enough
and repeatedly assured him. Taek Joo's hand suddenly stopped.

(Don't stop coming over even after your term ends) Typically, an
ambassador's term is about two years. By that standard, it's less than a year
away. Taek Joo never thought about what would happen after that. One year
from now, will Zhenia still be here, next to Taek Joo, like this?

"Don't worry. I'll never leave."

Taek Joo couldn't be more certain those words were true, but strangely he
didn't feel relieved. Once again, he had a lot on his mind.
Where we left off (17 - nsfw) The time was almost midnight. Taek Joo's
mother usually goes to bed early, but today she walked out the front door to
see everyone off.

"You kids, be careful on your way home and come again. Jong Woo, please
be careful when driving at night."

"Yes. Thank you, mom."

Everyone said goodbye and greeted each other again. Olga took Taek joos
mothers hand and said she hoped they would see each other again soon.

Taek Joo pulled her out of his mother's arms and pushed her into the
elevator. Finally, everyone was in the elavator.

Olga and Yoon Jong Woo were busy talking to each other. Most of the time,
Yoon Jong Woo explained what Olga was curious about. It seemed this time
he was talking about the electronic display board installed in the elevator.

Keeping his eyes fixed on the dashboard,

Taek Joo felt a like zhenia was glaring at him. He hesitated to show off his
relationship with Zhenia in front of Yoon Jong Woo and Olga, even though
atleast she seemed to understand what was going on . The distance between
him and Zhenia was less than a foot step, they could've touched each other
at any momennt.

As the elevator doors opened Yoon Jong Woo's car appeared first as they
exited the elevator. He is the most introverted person in the world and was
always the first to leave whenever he attended dinner parties, but today
Yoon Jong Woo lingered and continued to talk.

(Today was fun. Thanks to Olga, I also had a delicious dinner.) (What are
you talking about? It's because of you that I came here.) Yoo Jong Woos
flirting was almost painful because of how dry it was.

"You're such an eyesore, just go away."

Taek Joo pretended to kick Yoon Jong Woo's butt, he reluctantly climbed
into the driver's seat and sincerely spoke to Olga.

(Olga, goodbye.)

Olga smiled brightly and waved her hand. It took a long time just for Yoon
Jong Woo to find the door handle to the car to close it.

(See you tomorrow, Teak Joo)

Taek Joo clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction as he looked over at Jong

woo.

Zhenia smirked. Taek Joo pointed his chin at the Bugatti.

"Scram"

"Is that your way of telling me to go away?"

"Go on hurry up, i'm tired"

Taek Joo urged him away. However, after staring at Taek Joo for a while,
Zhenia suddenly reached out his hand. He tilted his head to avoid the man's
arm trying to grab his chin. He also gently pushed his arm away.

"....Is there someone else?"

"not at all"

Taek Joo grinned and turned away. When he reached the elevator door, the
Bugatti had also started. Then two cars exited the basement parking lot in
parallel each other. Taek Joo watched them both until the lights turned off
completely and then entered the elevator.

Entering the house, his mother was cleaning the kitchen. Although Taek Joo
washed the dishes first, there was still a lot to do. She forced him to rest and
instead cleaned up after herself.
Taek Joo returned to his room after taking a shower. He threw himself onto
the bed, fatigue setting in even though he hadn't done anything all day.

It's a pity that he wasn't able to spend proper time with Zhenia during this
vacation. Now resting, Taek Joo even felt strangely worried, wondering if
an emergency had happened and he was called back by work. Did Zhenia
get home safely? Or should he try calling? Right at the moment Taek Joo
was thinking and picked up his phone, a vibrating sound rang out at the
same time.

"Open door"

It was a message from Zhenia, it was strangely in english. Taek Joo checked
the time of sending the message, but a new message had just been sent at
that moment.

"I here"

As the message was again in english Taek Joo was confused and sat up. The
apartment has only one entrance. He couldn't let go of his doubts, slowly
walking forward while trying to make a phone call. Occasionally there was
a slight vibration coming from outside the door. Taek Joo confusedly
unlocked and opened the door, he could see Zhenia standing tall through the
crack in the door. He lowered his voice and asked.

"What's up? Did you forget something?"

"I told you not to stare at me like an abandoned dog."

Zhenia spoke then suddenly reached out with both hands and held Taek
Joo's face, he walked up and kissed him. Feeling his cool lips touching
Zhenias then warm breath following, Taek Joo patted his shoulder and
whispered gently.

"Come to my room first."

Taek Joo held his breath and dragged Zhenia's arm through the dark
hallway and living room. The distance to his room felt endlessly far.
Taek Joo took a deep breath after quietly closing the door and looked at
who had kept quiet until then.

"Well this is new, you've never been in here before"

"Taek Joo, I told you not to go."

"When did you say that?"

Zhenia teased him with an extremely unreasonable tone. What did Taek Joo
do?

Zhenia suddenly reached out and grabbed Taek Joo's hand, brought it close
to his lips and gently rubbed his lips on the back of his hand.

"I couldn't sleep. I was still hungry"

"Yeah right...were not-"

Their lips met again between whispers. Zhenias tounge was mixed with his
warm and soft tongue. Even when Taek Joo turned his head to avoid it,
Zhenia quickly followed and kissed him.

Within a blink of an eye, Taek Joo fell onto the bed. The bed was only made
for one person and was extremely cramped, he struggled and bumped his
elbow into the wall and headboard. The kiss was so intense and persistent
that he didn't know when it would stop. After a while of trying not to get
carried away, Taek Joo stopped resisting. Continuing to refuse will only
stimulate Zhenias desire to conquer, it's better to just adjust it moderately
and comfort him.

Taek Joo gently caressed the back of Zhenias's hand which was holding his
face . The boy who once relied on strength for everything in his life
gradually became obedient. Taek Joo turned them over and leisurely sucked
Zhenia's tongue. He gently pulled the boy's upper lip and gently brushed the
guy's solid upper body before exhaling a pleasant breath.

Taek Joo sucked Zhenia's lower lip until it made a sound and then let go.
His lips ran across Zhenias pointed chin and then gradually lowered to kiss

the inside of his neck, Zhenia's body trembled slightly. Taek Joo tilted his
head and little by little lifted the hem of Zhenia's shirt, his hand sweeping
across his toned stomach abdomen and chest. Zhenia helped him undress,
his hand gently rubbing his warm ear and then letting go to play with his
rarley messy hair that was tangled in his collar. He breathed slowly and
grabbed Taek Joo's butt with both hands.

Taek Joo grabbed those hands and slowly pulled them away from his butt.

He placed his lips on Zhenia's lips, chin, collarbone, sternum, and stomach.

When he kissed below them hem of his pants, Zhenia's cock gently pressed
under his chin. Taek Joo rubbed the waiting boner with the tip of his nose.

The corner of Zhenia's mouth curled up.

"What am I gonna do with you"

"Why not have a glass of milk before bed?"

Taek Joo looked at Zhenia, unzipped his pants, pulled out his cock, then
leant down to kiss him. His throbbing hard boner rose up and slapped his
cheek. Taek Joo's eyebrows furrowed as a heavy fwop sound rang out.

Looking at the smirk on Zhenia's face, it was obvious that he did it on

purpose.

"I'll do it, you just can't put it in"

Taek Joo gave a clear warning and then opened his mouth and sucked on
the base of Zhenia's dick. With just that, Zhenias body shook violently.

While squeezing his cock tightly with his lips, he slowly moved up to the
tip, pressing hard against the veins with his tongue.

Zhenia gasped, his stomach visibly bulging. Taek Joo used his tongue to
lick his red slit and held his dick tightly with his whole mouth. Zhenia tilted
his head slightly in satisfaction, his chin was also raised.

His mouth was completely filled, Taek Joo deeptheoated his cock until his
throat filled and took it out once again. When the top of his cock stuck out
right in his face taek joo happily sucked it in again, gently prodding his slit
with the tip of his tongue. Not caring, he took in Zhenias dick again, putting
it in one side of his mouth, making his cheek bulge, then slowly moved his
head up and down. His dick was constantly rubbed against his hard teeth
and soft mouth.

Zhenia's cock quickly became covered in spit, and his cheeks quickly
turned beet red. Zhenia reached out to touch Taek Joo's thick hair, moving
slowly and gently rubbing his ear. Taek Joos leg kicked slightly. Zhenia
happily rubbed his earlobe, making the hair on Taek Joo's back stand up.

"Haha taek joo...fuck"

Zhenia just licked his lips and was about to say something when he
suddenly clenched his molars. At the same time, his excited breathing was
mixed with soft moans. His Porcelain white skin bloomed with a rosy blush
it was so beautiful.

Taek Joo noticed every change in his face whilst slowly massaging Zhenia's
stomach. His cock was also hot and excited as he watched it twitch up and
down.

At that point, Taek Joo gently moved Zhenias cock half way in his mouth
and slowly pushed in further down into his throat. The dick in his mouth
trembled from being squeezed so tight. Every time Zhenias dick choked
him his lower abdomen would tense up.

"Ugh..."

Zhenias's head tilted back little by little because of the intense pleasure he
was feeling. His lower body was also hot and stuck close to Taek Joo's chin.

He tried to hold on to his wriggling thighs but to no avail. As soon as he

took his dick out of his mouth, Zhenia lifted himself up and pushed it back
inside. He pushed so hard inside his mouth that Taek joo instantly gagged.

His cheeks were full of saliva. Some of it slid out of his mouth. Taek Joo's
chin started to hurt.

When Taek Joo's movements began to slow down, Zhenia grabbed his head
and quickly raised his lower body and smashed his cock against Taek joos
throat without stopping. Taek Joo opened his mouth as wide as he could and
grabbed Zhenia's thigh. His cock hit his throat hard and then repeatedly hit
the inside of his cheek scraping against his teeth. Something wet came out,
Taek Joo swallowed it all.

Zhenia panted while looking at Taek joo and then reached out his hand.

"Haa...ughhh come here"

He put his hand under Taek Joo's armpit and pulled him up as if he was
holding a child and licked his lips that were wet with spit and cum.

"My mouth almost tore"

Taek Joo mumbled. Zhenia didn't mind, he turned Taek Joo's head around
and hugged him in one arm.

"Is this room well soundproofed? Looks like the door isn't locked either,
tsk"

Zhenia whispered while squeezing Taek Joo's cock. He added more

pressure to the tip and began massaging it. Taek Joo belatedly tried to grab
his arm but couldn't stop it. He buried his head in Zhenia's neck and
groaned. He couldn't moan so loud because he was still at his mothers
house so he bit his neck and told him not to provoke him in such a
dangerous place.

Zhenia rubbed his chest over Taek joos shirt and kneaded his dick. Taek Joo
breathed hard, moans escaping his mouth. He struggled between wanting
this moment to pass quickly and wanting to enjoy it more but all Taek Joo
could do was clutch to Zhenia.
Finally, Taek Joo's body, which was flinching little by little, stiffened.

"Ah..- HNG-"

Zhenia slapped his hand over Taek joos mouth in an instant as he shivered
fiercely.

"Hush"

He came right into Zhenia's hand. He gently caressed Taek Joo's lower
stomach and continued to comfort him. fatigue made Taek joos limbs sag
and his eyelids became heavy.

He had to send Zhenia back because he was sure his mother would be
surprised to see him in the morning.

He couldn't help it and quickly fell asleep.

"Taek Joo. Son, won't you wake up?"

Taek joo woke up to his mother's face. His heart was pounding, his soul
scattered and he looked around.

"Mom, this, this..."

Taek Joo was trying to explain why Zhenia was sleeping next to him half-
naked, but he couldn't see him anywhere.

"...Where did he go?"

"Huh? Who?"

"He came here yesterday."

"What are you talking about?"

Taek Joo's mother looked at him confused. He was dressed neatly and slept
well all night so his body felt quite refreshed. Maybe it was some one off
dream.
"You have to go to work honey. Mom will prepare breakfast so hurry up
and get ready."

His mother went out and looked around the room in bewilderment. There is
no sign that Zhenia had come and gone. But it was too vivid to call it a
dream.

Taek Joo pulled the pillow up over his face and sniffed. Surely enough this
was the smell of Zhenia .

"Taek Joo, my Rabbit."

so the voice whispering in his ear all night really was him.

(Let's just say this chapter had me ROARING)

Wait for you (18)

Taek Joo stopped by headquarters later that day and left work early. He still
had nothing to do and thought he'd visit the Cemetery before he left for his
holiday with Zhenia.

As soon as he left the office, he ran into Yoon Jong Woo in the hallway. He
was on his way to find him.

"Where are you going, sir?"

"Ugh go home."

"Ah, we have to visit the grave, right?"

"I'm leaving."

"Ah, wait..."

Taek Joo was about to leave but Yoon Jong Woo grabbed him. It seemed
like something was up, thinking about it, he was holding something in his
hand.
"What's up?"

"Hey, didn't you see Yevgeny-sshi today?"

"Why did you hear from him?"

"Well your best friends right."

"Who said that?"

"Well he stays around your mothers house alot, plus you two seem very
close"

It had to be quite obvious for someone as slow as Yoon Jong Woo to notice.

Maybe he also heard something the day he told Zhenia to protect him.

Unlike Taek Joo, Zhenia didn't try to hide their relationship, but Yoon Jong
Woo probably wouldn't see them as lovers.

Taek Joo stood with his arms crossed.

"So what."

"Tell Yevgeny-sshi 'Please... If he sees Olga, give this to her.'"

Yoon Jong Woo held out what seems to be a cookie.

"Its nothing special. Olga was just curious about Korean desserts so I
quickly bought her some popular snacks."

"Mn I see"

"Keep this between us, but doesn't Olga look like an incarnation of an elf?"

"You're really too much. Don't pay too much attention to someone who's
not here to stay."

"I wont."
Taek Joo snatched the bag from Yoon Jong Woo's hand with a sarcastic
expression. "I'll eat them all," he said.

"Sir I thought you didnt eat sweets?"

"Listen to my advice. They aren't welcoming people"

"So sir also met Yevgenys family?"

"...."

"You're in the way. Get out of the way."

He pushed Yoon Jong Woo aside and left. Yoon Jong Woo watched for a
while then asked again. Taek Joo stopped listening and went to the parking
lot. He climbed into the car and placed the snack package on the passenger
seat.

Taek Joo stopped by the house first because he had to pick up his mother.

The elevator went down just as he parked the car and stepped out. As soon
as the door opened, Taek Joo bumped into someone coming down. He was
startled and cried out because that person was none other than Zhenia.

"When did you get here?

"I just arrived."

"Are you leaving?"

"My assistant is making a fuss that I have to go to work today. He said i had
to be there because of the upcoming holidays."

Not to pry, but Zhenia really was a busy man because there were so many
official events held by the embassy during the holiday season.

Taek Joo was about to enter the elevator but Zhenia blocked the door.

"Should I stay?"
"What are you talking about? Go quickly then come back"

"Don't make that face"

"Taek Joo. That new smell has gone away."

"Because I took a shower. Go quickly."

He pushed Zhenia's back and pushed him out the door. The moment the
door was about to close, Zhenia didn't hesitate to put both hands inside and
grab Taek Joo's face. He was startled and was about to press the button to
open the door, but before that, Zhenia launched at him.

"Ya... hey, my hand...!"

Taek Joo stuck his head out to stop him, but Zhenia still licked his lips and
sucked his tongue. He helplessly pressed the open button to keep the door
from closing and let Zhenia kiss till his heart's content.

"Are you hurt?"

"Awh are you really worried?"

"Go away", Taek Joo pushed Zhenia away and pressed the close button. He
didn't leave until both doors were completely closed. Taek Joo raised his
hand to scratch his chest, where his heart suddenly tingled for no reason.

He adjusted his untidy clothes while going upstairs and wiped his wet lips
with the back of his hand.

"Mom, I'm home."

Taek Joo entered the house and raised his voice. He heard his mother's
voice from the kitchen. Was she on the phone? Without a doubt, he went
inside and saw a head behind her that he didn't expect at all.

"Taek Joo, you're home so early!"

Olga took the cup of tea from his mother and turned to look back at him.
Both Zhenia and her were here at once?

"You and you brother are both so..."

"Both?! Don't compare me to him, oh gosh"

"You two are similar, really"

Olga was upset to hear Taek Joo say that, as if it was an insult. for some
reason, Taek Joo had the feeling that Zhenia would have reacted the same
way.

After a quick look back Olga's outfit, Taek joo looked at her with confusion.

She always favored flashy outfits, but today she wore a black dress and a
black netted hat.

"Why are you dressed like that?"

"Like what? ah- I heard when visiting a grave your meant to wear dark
colors... dont pick on me okay I only had an hour to get ready!"

Taek Joo looked at his mother in confusion. His mother just smiled
contentedly.

"She said she wanted to greet your father and brother. Her and the
ambassador were very keen to go"

Taek Joo threw a dissatisfied look at her and then ignored it as if nothing
happened.

"Well then let's hurry, before it gets too late, no?"

"Korea has so many delicious cakes I didn't expect them to taste so good!"

Olga tested almost every cake, occasionally turning to offer some to Taek
Joo's mother, even putting a few pieces of cake into her mouth. The two sat
next to each other in the backseat and continued their meaningless
conversation. They were so friendly that Taek Joo didn't have time to
intervene, his job today was just to drive.

Taek Joo quietly opened the window to get rid of the sickening sweet smell.

Olga complained, "The wind blows my hair up all messy!," and closed the
window.

"So has anything happened during the past year? I've been following
foreign news in case something happens."

Olga asked as she opened the last box and took a cookie.

"Uhm. He hasn't harmed anyone since coming to Korea and sometimes acts
like a crazy person but is also quite obedient."

"About time someone kicks his ass..."

(Zhenia ofc)

Olga muttered in a normal tone.

She tilted her head forward and sniffled.

[This smell.]

"The ambassador is good- I mean your brother has a good sense for that
stuff too"

"I'm sensitive to smells. When we met at Ajinoki, Taek Joo smelled exactly
like my brother so I knew they were close"

[Haa right....]

[But if your always together why not get together?]

".....Were almost here.."

[Oh my god! Are you embarrassed?]

Olga burst out laughing. His mother also laughed without knowing why.

Even she wasn't on his side, Taek Joo sighed.

After parking the car, he carried a basket of flowers and wine and they
walked up to the cemetery. Olga slowly followed them both and looked at
her surroundings.

"Is this a cemetery?"

"Mn, where those who died are buried."

"Ah. Taek Joo's father was a soldier, right? Your Brother too? Surely an
honorable death."

"There is no such thing as an honorable death."

Taek Joo interrupted with a serious face. Olga tilted her head and said "Is
that so?".

"Wouldn't you like to die with honor? considering what you do for work
and all?"

"I'm just doing what I have to do. It's just how things happened to work out.

Now I don't know what else i'd do."

"A vacation maybe, settle down with someone?"

While talking, he came to his father's grave. Taek Joo poured a glass of
wine in front of the tombstone and put down the flower basket. His mother
talked to his father while continuously scrubbing the tombstone clean. Olga
watched for a moment then opened her mouth.

"Even though your mom seems close to your dad it was probably different
when he was alive no?"

"Yeah I guess"
"Even after people die your meant to come and see them? I mean I only
really thought it was In movies and stuff, god knows no one or my family is
looked after like this"

Olga added and told an unexpected story.

"The last time Zhenia returned to Russia, was for the anniversary of his
mother's death."

"Really?"

That was the first time Taek Joo has heard of that. Zhenia said he returned
to Russia because he had work to do, but he didn't say anything about the
anniversary of his mother's death. Even after he came back, Zhenia only
talked about their engagement.

(WHEN???)

"Mn it's true. i'm sure he's not the type to talk about that stuff"

"When did his mother die?"

Olga was confused and she let out a sigh.

"Ah, so Taek Joo doesn't know anything? My brothers and I all have
different mothers. His mother passed away before I was born and then my
father remarried. Thats why him and I have such a large age gap"

"So his mother died when he was young?"

"That's right"

"So..."

"I wonder if that's why he's the way he is now..."

"What do you mean?"

"When were young, we all long for our mother and hate being separated
from them"

"Zhenia wasn't even able to remember how his mothers hand felt in his. As
Taek Joo also knows, our family has had arranged marriages for
generations. So his mother fell victim of that. Because she was an
independent person, she wasn't the type to stay home very often. She
seemed to prefer being alone rather than spending time with her family. It
was said that if she gave birth to three sons with a man, her marital
obligations would be gotten rid of meaning she'd be free. She died not long
after zhenia was born while on a cruise. Her body was never recovered, so
they just never made a grave for her. Not long after, our father remarried my
mother. There were a lot of rumors going around, that my father killed his
mother to marry my mother, because he had acquired a huge amount of
wealth and power through another arranged marriage with her"

She shrugged her shoulders as if such rumors were just bullshit. Both
Zhenia and Olga were very indifferent when telling their stories, as if they
were someone else's story.

"Although it's nothing to be proud of, my father was quite skimpy when it
came to women. However, he was very strict in matters of parentage, so
every time a child was born, strict paternity tests were taken. Besides his
two official wives, he never had children with any other woman. So I don't
have any full blood siblings."

The more Taek Joo listened, the more surprised he became. Maybe because
Zhenia grew up in such a cold family he quickly latched into Taek joo and
his mother?

Taek Joo remembered Zhenia teasing him for being a Mamas boy. He was
always intrigued by Taek Joo's responsibility, obligation and guilt he held
towards his mother and he found it strange that his mother only lived for
her son.

"He's never told me about any of this before"

"What? hmn thats weird... Mind you my father also doesn't care about the
anniversary of his ex wife's death. I don't know about the other guys but
every year around that time, zhenia puts aside work and goes to Ajinoki
Island..."

Taek Joo listened silently and covered his eyes with his hands.

I'll wait for you (19 - END)

The sun began to set. The wind also became cooler. Taek Joo took his
mother and Olga home first and then stayed back to wait for Zhenia. He
told Zhenia he had finished work and he responded saying he'd rush right
over.

Not long after, the distinctive engine sound rang through the parking lot.

Turning his head, he saw Zhenia walking with his long jacket fluttering in
the wind. Except for the glasses on face, everything he was wearing from
head to toe was black. Taek Joo smiled.

"What are you smiling at?"

"You look like death"

"What?"

Zhenia's face was still bewildered but Taek Joo didnt explain any further, he
pointed to the two fleur de lis Zhenia was holding in his hand.

(idk what that is but here's the definition for a fleur de lis: The fleur-de-lis is
based on the shape of a lily. In French, fleur-de-lis means "lily flower" or
"flower of the iris." It's been used for centuries to represent a vast variety of
things, including royalty, French cultural heritage, Christianity, light,
defense, and female virtue) "Your mother said this was a place where many
of your relatives were buried"

"Yeah i guess... but it's too late to go over now"

Zhenia shrugged his shoulders indifferently and handed the fleur-de-lis he
was holding to Taek Joo.

"There's no other way. Taek Joo, ill give it to you."

Taek Joo grumbled while burying his nose in the lilies, breathing in the
sweet scent emanating from them. He had never received flowers except for
at the entrance ceremony or graduation ceremony when he was at school.

Even if it was just by chance, his mood was quite upbeat.

"My father and brother are sleeping over there. Both of them asked me to
take care of my mother, because they knew they couldn't. Now my mother
only has me."

Taek Joo reached out and grabbed Zhenia's sleeve. Although he wasn't sure
because he didn't look at his face, it seemed like zhenia was happy.

[If I'm with you, my patience will continue to be tested. Even so, you, you,
please don't be tired and continue to wait for me. I don't want to be
abandoned by you. How selfish.]

Kwon Taek Joo raised his head to look at Zegna. He was quite confused by
the unexpected situation.

"...Taek Joo?"

"You're grumbling again."

Zhenia somewhat shocked face calmed down immediately. Taek Joo

seemed to rush into Zhenias arms without hesitation, recklessly kissing him.

Even though it was an outdoor parking lot, the two lips pressed together and
then slowly parted with a long breath following.

The next moment, he grabbed Taek Joo's arms. Before he could move away,
he was pulled towards Zhenia. The kiss was as deep and loving.
"Taek Joo, just do what you want. Ill do the same. I came all this way to
catch you and i'll chase you for as long as i have to. Sometimes it's
annoying when you go on and on but i'm sure of one thing. I've never been
happier than I am right now"

Taek Joo quietly looked into those clear eyes which were almost always full
of deceiet. they were now full of love

He played with Zhenia's chin and tried to kiss him again. His phone
suddenly rang. Taek Joo checked who the caller was. He sighed heavily and
accepted the call.

"Yes, Kwon Taek Joo listen"

Silent. Taek Joo listened on the other end of the line. The call ended quickly
because it was a summons from headquarters.

Kwon Taek Joo shyly scratched his ear.

"Hey uhm...."

"At least the little woman won't have to worry"

Zhenia muttered to himself and then took Taek joos hand. He bit his finger
and then pretended to kiss the back of his hand. Taek Joo's eyes narrowed at
the tickling feeling. Zhenia let go only after leaving clear tooth marks on his
knuckles.

"Im not doing anything for the rest of the day so i'll look after your mother"

Zhenia offered to help and then nodded signaling that Taek Joo should
leave. Taek Joo hesitantly stepped back.

"Shall I go?"

"See you soon dear."

Leaving Zhenia behind, Taek Joo climbed into the car. But even after
starting the engine, he still couldn't drive away. As if to say goodbye again,
he flashed the two rear lights a few times before leaving. A lovely goodbye
from a cold man, Zhenia looked and smiled brightly.

Another ordinary yet extraordinary day of their lives together passed by.

The end.

(Not apart of the story) MY

ENDING!!!

So HERE we are!!! at the end! I didnt really expect the story to end like that
but it is what it is and i still love the story and can't wait for the manhwa to
catch up (because i'm DYING to see taek joo in that outfit zhenia bought
him before he left) also i'm planning on keeping his name as Taek joo
because in the original it's Kwon Taek joo but zhenia just calls him taek joo
so for now i'm gonna just leave it.

If you wanna see anything change or have any insights on what I could do
differently please send me a message and happy reading!!!!

another thankyou to everyone that's been here since the beginning! i

managed to get all these chapters out in around a month and a half im pretty
sure so ty for all the votes and comments again!!!

🅰➖➕🌖

Parts: 85

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Document Outline
Titel
Welcome
1; prologue
2; prologue
3; prologue
4; prologue
5; new mission
6; new mission
7; new mission
8; new mission
9; new mission
10; new mission
11; new mission
12; new mission
13; new mission
14; new mission
(Not apart of the story) MY ENDING!!!