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95rkives · 5 months ago

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MISSION IMPOSSIBLE⼂PJM

summary: a deadly mission. a stolen prototype. two lethal agents, forced to confront not just their enemies, but each other.

parings: spy!jimin x assasin!fem!reader

genre/warnings: strangers!au, forced proximity, e2l, banter, slow burn-ish, light violence (and a little blood, no major gore), tension, unresolved sexual tension, slight angst, fluff

wc: 13k

a/n: let’s ignore my 10 month old hiatus!!!! lmk your thoughts and feedback, ive never experimented with this genre before! english is not my first language and im not a professional author, i do this for funsies, so! apologies for any grammar mistakes or potential plot holes. enjoy! ♡

VANGUARD HEADQUARTERS ────── LAST WEEK

Park Jimin sits at the head of the table, one ankle casually crossed over his knee, a picture of poise and control. His sharp black suit fits perfectly, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned just enough to hint at ease without sacrificing professionalism. He looks up from the file in his hand, expression impassive but eyes calculating. His posture is relaxed, but there’s an edge to him, something about the way his fingers tap once on the armrest that speaks to the power he holds.

Across from him sits Director Kang Hyun, the head of a covert agency known as The Vanguard, a group so secret even world leaders pretend they don’t exist. Kang, a man in his mid-50s with salt-and-pepper hair and a perpetual frown, slides another folder across the table toward Jimin.

“This is a priority, Park,” Kang says, his tone clipped. “Classified as Omega Level. No room for error.”

Jimin picks up the folder with a gloved hand, his sharp eyes scanning the contents. His lips quirk slightly, though it’s hard to tell if it’s amusement or disbelief. “Omega Level? Over a scientist?”

Kang’s frown deepens. “Not just any scientist. Dr. Han Taejun is the lead developer of Project Helix. He’s been working on a prototype that—if weaponized—could destabilize global economies and governments overnight. Someone leaked his name to the black market.”

Jimin leans back, the leather of the chair creaking softly. His gaze flickers up, sharp and calculating. “And I assume someone put a price on his head?”

Kang nods grimly. “Fifty million. Every mercenary, assassin, and bounty hunter out there will be after him. We need you to ensure his safety until the prototype is destroyed.”

Jimin exhales slowly through his nose, resting the folder on his knee. “Fifty million. That’s ambitious.” His voice is smooth, laced with sarcasm. “But I assume I’m worth at least double that to you, given that you’ve dragged me off my well-deserved vacation for this.”

Kang doesn’t take the bait. “You’re the best we have, Park. This mission demands precision, skill, and someone with the ability to keep their head in high-pressure situations. No one else fits the bill.”

“You mean no one else was dumb enough to take it,” Jimin retorts, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Kang’s mouth twitches, but he lets it slide. “Dr. Han will be attending the Global Security Summit in Jeju next week. He believes he’s there to pitch his research, but in reality, he’s a walking target. Your cover is simple—you’re his new bodyguard, recently assigned by his sponsors. You’re there to keep him alive, discreetly.”

Jimin stands, buttoning his suit jacket in one fluid motion. “Anything else I should know?”

Kang hesitates, just for a moment. “We’ve already intercepted chatter that suggests at least one high-profile assassin has accepted the bounty. Codename: Eclipse.”

Jimin raises an eyebrow. “Eclipse? Subtle. Sounds like the kind of person who doesn’t bother hiding the bodies.”

“They don’t have to,” Kang says grimly. “Eclipse has never failed a job. They’re efficient, meticulous, and utterly ruthless. If they’re coming for Dr. Han, you’ll need to stay one step ahead at all times. Failure isn’t an option.”

Jimin’s smirk deepens, his confidence razor-sharp. “Failure’s never been an option for me, Director. Anything else?”

Kang glances toward the door, where another agent, Yoo Minho, steps in. Minho, younger and less seasoned than Jimin, offers a curt nod. He carries a briefcase filled with gear—encrypted phones, forged credentials, and a custom firearm.

“Minho will brief you on the rest of the logistics,” Kang says. “You leave in the morning.”

Jimin takes the folder under his arm and strides toward the door, pausing just long enough to glance back at Kang. “Tell Dr. Han to stay alive until I get there.”

And with that, he’s gone, leaving only the faint scent of expensive cologne and a lingering air of quiet power behind him.

THE GLOBAL SECURITY SUMMIT ────── PRESENT DAY, JEJU ISLAND

The ballroom was a spectacle of wealth and power. Rows of crystal chandeliers hung low, refracting the soft glow of the ambient lighting onto polished marble floors. Distinguished guests mingled, their conversations blending into a hum of laughter, clinking glasses, and well-rehearsed charm.

He stood across the room, leaning against the bar with his scotch in hand, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd without a hint of unease. His posture was relaxed, but beneath the polished appearance was a mind constantly on alert.

He watched Dr. Han’s conversation shift from casual to more animated as the woman beside him leaned in to speak. She was elegant, poised—her dark emerald gown clinging to her like a second skin, her hair styled in soft waves that framed her face perfectly. Her smile was disarming, her laughter light and captivating as she talked to him. The words they exchanged were inaudible, but the way she spoke—smooth, charming—hinted at someone who knew exactly how to make people feel important.

Jimin knew every attendee here, but her name was a mystery.

She seemed too polished to be a mere guest, and though Jimin had been briefed on the summit’s key players, she wasn’t on any of the guest lists.

He took a sip of his drink, keeping a watchful eye from a distance. She didn’t seem out of place—more like she belonged here just as much as the world leaders surrounding them. The scientist’s laugh had softened as the woman spoke again, leaning in closer, her words now completely inaudible.

Jimin, unbothered, finished the last of his drink before setting the glass down and making his way over to the round table where Dr. Han was seated. The chairs were arranged in an intimate, yet professional circle—Dr. Han was directly across from the woman, her attention entirely focused on him. Jimin took a step back and stood at the periphery of the group, close enough to overhear but far enough to not draw attention.

The woman’s voice was smooth, though there was a certain power beneath the charm in her words. Her laughter rippled like music, each laugh pulling Dr. Han deeper into the conversation.

“…I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about helix—it must be exciting to see your research gaining the attention it deserves,” she said, her voice lilting with warmth.

Dr. Han chuckled nervously, adjusting his glasses. “I—uh, I’m just glad to be here. I never thought my work would bring me this kind of attention.” He gestured awkwardly to the other guests at the table. “It’s a bit overwhelming, honestly.”

The woman smiled again, offering a sympathetic nod. “It’s more than deserved, Dr. Han. You’re a pioneer.” Her tone had shifted subtly, no longer just warm, but purposeful. Every word felt like it had been carefully crafted.

Jimin listened, his gaze never leaving her. As she spoke, she made sure to keep Dr. Han’s full attention, offering him the kind of undivided focus he clearly craved.

Dr. Han, for all his nervousness, was responding more comfortably now. She had expertly navigated the conversation to center on his work, subtly pulling him away from the noise of the event. It was exactly what someone in her position would do—earn trust, build rapport, and control the narrative.

Jimin’s eyes narrowed just slightly, though his expression remained neutral. He didn’t need to be suspicious just yet. If there was one thing he knew, it was that people like her weren’t just there for pleasantries.

As the conversation began to wind down, the woman stood, her long dress swishing behind her as she excused herself from the table. Dr. Han offered a polite smile as she left.

Jimin, ever the professional, followed her movements as she passed by him—no, bumped into him.

She turned slightly, flashing a warm smile that could disarm even the most guarded of hearts. “My apologies,” she said smoothly, her voice just the right mix of sweetness and confidence.

Jimin nodded, giving a polite but reserved smile in return. “No harm done,” he replied, watching her closely.

She held his gaze for a moment longer than necessary—just long enough to leave a sense of intrigue. Then, with a soft laugh, she moved on, her charm fading as she disappeared into the crowd.

Jimin’s eyes lingered on her just a moment longer than necessary. The way she carried herself—poised, confident, almost effortlessly—left an impression that even his trained mind couldn’t immediately shake off.

His mouth lifted in amusement, turning his attention back to Dr. Han, making his way over to the table, completely unaware of her hasty exit—your hasty exit.

The soft laughter that had slipped so effortlessly from your lips faded into silence, your face hardening as you moved toward a discreet hallway behind the ballroom. The lavishness of the summit felt like a distant memory now, and the polished mask you wore began to fall away with every step.

Your fingers worked quickly to remove the pins in your hair, the once-perfectly arranged strands tumbling loose as you walked, the wig slipping off and into the trash with practiced efficiency.

You exhaled slowly, the weight of the mission settling over you like a second skin.

You lifted a hand to your ear, pressing a small button to activate your earpiece.

“Eclipse,” a voice crackled through the device, cold and clipped. “Status?”

Your voice was smooth and calm as you responded, moving with deliberate steps toward a discreet exit. “Mission accomplished. The target’s been assessed, and I’ve secured the keys.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before the voice came back, slightly more satisfied. “Good work. You know what to do next.”

Your lips curved into a small, knowing smile as you glanced down at the small, subtle item now in your possession—the keys to Dr. Han Taejun’s resort.

“I’d like to stick around a little long—”

Your earpiece crackled immediately, Lee Yun’s, familiar voice was laced with annoyance. “Y/n, you know better than to linger. Get the job done and leave.”

You turned the corner, your heels clicking faster now, already outside. “Damn, way to ruin my fun,”

As you slipped into a car—an executives car of no importance—you vanished as quickly as an eclipse, leaving no trace behind but for a slight disturbance.

A man from Han’s table—one of the said executives—had suddenly stiffened in his seat. His hand trembled uncontrollably, and before anyone could react, the glass of whiskey he’d been holding slipped from his fingers, spilling across the table and into his lap.

A murmur of confusion spread through the group, and before Jimin can react, a second man from the same table, pale and sweating, gripped his chest, his breathing shallow. He collapsed forward slightly, knocking over his own glass in the process.

Then a third.

Panic breaks loose.

Jimin’s pulse quickened, his eyes darting across the room as his mind connected the dots. The timing wasn’t a coincidence—something was wrong, and the answers were sitting at that table.

He strode forward, his movements purposeful, his body tense with the certainty that something far more dangerous was unfolding.

Jimin’s hand shot out, smacking the glass from Dr. Han’s hand.

“What are you doing?” Han sputtered, his eyes wide with confusion.

Jimin’s voice was low and commanding, filled with urgency. “Did you drink any?”

Dr. Han blinked, still dazed by the scene unfolding before him. “No, just water—what’s happening?”

Jimin’s gaze narrowed, his suspicions confirmed. The drinks had been spiked.

In a swift motion, Jimin grabbed Dr. Han’s arm, pulling him away from the table. “Don’t touch anything. We need to get you out of here—now.”

The sound of frantic whispers rose around them as people scrambled to assess the situation. The room was descending into chaos, and Jimin was already moving.

As he guided the scientist away, his mind was working quickly, calculating the odds and piecing together the puzzle. Someone in this room had just made their move. The drinks had been poisoned.

Jimin’s eyes flicked over to where you had disappeared moments earlier. You were gone now, but the timing had been almost too perfect.

But there was no time to dwell on that now. The priority was getting Dr. Han to safety, ensuring that the summit’s attendees didn’t descend into complete disorder.

The car hummed quietly as it sped down the winding road, its headlights cutting through the dark of the night. Dr. Han, still in a state of panic, jabbered incessantly beside Jimin, barely taking a breath between his words.

“I can’t believe this is happening—this is a disaster! People died! What if we’ve been compromised?” Dr. Han was a mess, his face pale, his hands trembling slightly as he clutched his hair.

Jimin’s fingers drummed impatiently against the steering wheel, his mind already working on overdrive. He didn’t have the luxury to deal with Han’s spiraling panic.

“Can you please… calm down?” Jimin’s voice was sharp, his gaze focused on the road ahead. He was trying to ignore the growing sense of urgency gnawing at him. His mind kept flicking back to the last few minutes.

With one hand firmly on the wheel, Jimin reached into his pocket, fingers slipping past his wallet, phone, and everything else. He cursed under his breath when he realized the keys weren’t there.

“Where the hell are the damn keys?” he muttered, rummaging through the compartment between the seats, frustration creeping in as Dr. Han’s voice continued to babble beside him.

“Jimin, do you think we can salvage this? We have to warn the others, we—”

But Jimin wasn’t listening. His mind was elsewhere now, a flash from earlier replaying in his head—the way she had brushed past him, that brief, calculated touch as her fingers had grazed him.

Fuck.

Jimin’s stomach twisted as he connected the dots. You were the culprit. His grip tightened on the wheel, and he cursed again, muttering to himself. “What a fool.”

Minutes later, the car screeched to a halt outside the grand entrance of Dr. Han’s resort. The place loomed large, the expensive lights and architecture far too flashy for Jimin’s taste. But none of that mattered now.

As they exited the car, Dr. Han was still rambling, but Jimin had already started up the stairs toward the door. His instincts were razor-sharp, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.

The door slammed open with a loud crash, the force of it sending the ornate frame rattling against the wall. Jimin stormed into the room and you jolted in surprise, the files in your hands nearly slipping.

The moment your eyes met his, something in the air shifted. Your breath caught in your throat for a split second, but only for that split second. Then, you exhaled slowly, a mock relief crossing your features.

“Well,” you said, voice dripping with sarcasm, “look who decided to show up.” You straightened, effortlessly regaining your composure as you glanced at Dr. Han, who was still standing in the doorway, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

Your gaze narrowed, suddenly sharp. Dr. Han was still alive.

A smooth, almost imperceptible wave of irritation rippled through you, but you hid it well, keeping your elegance intact. You took a slow step forward, your eyes fixed on Han as your fingers tightened around the files. The faintest sigh escaped your lips, more from disappointment than anger.

“Well. Isn’t this just a stroke of luck?” you said, voice low and full of mockery.

“You were behind this,” Jimin said, his voice quiet but sharp, accusing. He crossed the room with calculated steps, his hand on the gun holstered at his waist. It was instinct now—he'd learned to trust it above all else.

“Oh, Agent Park,” you drawled, as if you were addressing a child who had finally figured out the punchline. “You’re really not as quick as I thought.” You paused, eyeing him for a long moment, before the smirk on your lips turned colder. “Rather foolish,”

Jimin’s jaw tightened, his fingers curling around his weapon. “You really think you’re walking out of here with those files?”

Your fingers drummed lightly on the manila folder as you feigned thought. “Well, considering you haven’t stopped me yet, I’d say my chances are looking pretty good.”

Before he could retort, you moved. The folder slipped from your hand as you lunged forward, aiming a precise kick toward his torso. He dodged easily, twisting to the side, but you were already following up with another attack, your fist slicing toward his jaw.

Jimin blocked it, his hand snapping up to catch your wrist. His grip was firm—stronger than you anticipated—but you didn’t hesitate. You twisted your body, using his hold to leverage a kick toward his side. He grunted, barely avoiding the blow as he released your wrist and stepped back.

Behind him, Dr. Han yelped as he tried to shuffle out of the way, nearly tripping over a chair in his haste to hide.

Jimin ignored him, his attention fully on you as you both circled each other.

“You’re better than I thought,” Jimin admitted, his tone almost teasing.

You raised an eyebrow, letting out a breathless laugh. “What, did you think I’d be some amateur with a gun?”

You lunged again, this time aiming for his legs. He caught you mid-movement, grabbing your arm and spinning you around. For a brief moment, your back was pressed against his chest, his grip like iron.

“Sloppy,” he murmured near your ear, his voice low and maddeningly smug. “was an option,”

You scoffed, slamming your elbow into his ribs. The impact forced him to loosen his hold, and you slipped free, stumbling slightly in your dress. The long satin fabric caught on your heel, making you curse under your breath as you regained your balance.

“Damn dress,”

Jimin smirked, his eyes flicking to the offending fabric. “Want me to wait while you fix that?”

“Oh, don’t worry,” you shot back, reaching down to grab the hem. With a single, sharp tug, you ripped the bottom half of the dress clean off, the sound of tearing fabric filling the room. “Fixed.”

In one fluid motion, you twisted the length of satin in your hands, stepping behind him with surprising speed and looping the fabric around his neck. You pulled tight, forcing him back against your chest.

“Still think I’m sloppy?” you whispered, your breath warm against his ear.

Jimin grunted, his hands flying to the makeshift garrote as he struggled against your hold. “I said—” he ground out, his tone still infuriatingly calm. “It was an option.”

Jimin shifted his weight, using his momentum to spin you both around. The movement caught you off guard, and you stumbled again, losing your grip on the fabric.

Jimin tossed it aside, his breathing was heavier now, his usually pristine hair slightly mussed. “You’re going to have to do better than that.”

Before you could reply, a sharp crackle filled your ears, cutting through the tension like a blade. Both of you froze as the sound of a voice echoed through your earpieces.

“Stand down.”

Your eyebrows furrow at the unfamiliar voice. It wasn’t from your team, and by the sight of Jimin’s expression—It wasn’t from his either.

“What—” you started, but the voice interrupted.

“Your mission parameters have changed. You’ve been fooled.” The voice continued, cold and detached.

Jimin’s gaze snapped to you, his expression unreadable. “What?!”

You frowned, pressing a hand to your earpiece. “What the hell is this?”

The voice didn’t answer your question. Instead, it delivered the final blow:

“Welcome to Jeju. You’re both trapped.”

DR. HAN'S RESORT SUITE ────── JEJU ISLAND

The living area of the resort suite was in a state of tense disarray. The remnants of the fight still lingered. Jimin sat on one end of the couch, his posture stiff but deceptively calm, his black suit jacket removed and sleeves rolled up. You sat opposite him, perched on the arm of the other couch, as though sitting down fully would be conceding something.

Dr. Han was slumped in a chair near the minibar, dabbing his forehead with a napkin and muttering complaints under his breath.

On the coffee table, Jimin’s laptop glowed with the faces of their respective superiors on a video call.

Director Kang Hyun, and Chief Lee Yun. A woman with a razor-sharp gaze and an unsettling air of calm precision.

Both were flanked by a third man—Chairman Seo, the shadowy voice in both your earpieces. His face was now visible, a seasoned operative with a silver beard and piercing eyes that seemed to weigh both of you from the screen. He was the head of a covert task force that occasionally roped in the best from opposing organizations for shared global interests.

Chairman Seo’s voice cut through the room like a blade. “You’re both asking the wrong questions.”

You crossed your arms, one brow arching. “You’ll have to forgive me, Chairman, but the right questions are hard to find when we’re blindsided by whatever this is.”

Jimin shot you a warning glance, his jaw tightening. “Be quiet.”

“Let her talk,” Kang Hyun interjected, his tone clipped. “She’s not wrong to demand answers.”

Seo leaned back in his chair on the screen. “What you’ve stumbled into isn’t just a mission gone awry. It’s a carefully orchestrated trap. Dr. Han Taejun’s prototype is at the center of it, yes, but you and Agent Park are now the real targets.”

Jimin straightened, his voice razor-sharp. “Explain.”

Chief Lee Yun smiled faintly, her voice cold but almost amused as she turned her gaze toward you, just as you came into view beside Jimin. “We received intelligence that an organization we’ve codenamed Specter has been monitoring both of you for months. Not just your movements, but your operations, aliases, and even your failures. They’ve been gathering data, testing your limits.”

You frowned. “And now they want us why? To swap notes on our favorite combat moves?”

Jimin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t make this harder than it is.”

Kang Hyun chimed in. “This isn’t about you as individuals. It’s about what you represent.” He circled a finger around the screen. “The prototype Dr. Han developed isn’t just a piece of tech. It’s biometrically locked—coded to work only with specific DNA patterns and neural signatures.”

You stiffened, a chill running down your spine. “And?”

“And Specter has identified both of you as viable keys to activate it,” Kang Hyun said flatly.

The weight of the revelation hung in the air. Dr. Han let out a nervous laugh. “That’s absurd! I only tested the biometrics on—” He froze mid-sentence, his eyes darting to Jimin and then to you. “Oh.”

You leaned forward, narrowing your eyes at the doctor. “What. Did. You. Do?”

Dr. Han stammered. “It was years ago! Preliminary tests—I didn’t know who they were using as test subjects. I didn’t even know about you until tonight!”

Jimin shot him a glare, his voice dangerously low. “Start talking, or I’ll throw you back out there and let Specter finish the job.”

Dr. Han shrank into his chair. “It’s true! The prototype requires dual authentication: one biological key and one neural signature. I didn’t choose the parameters—it was the funding organization. And they must have used your profiles from previous missions to calibrate it!”

You stood abruptly, pacing near the couch, the weight of it all settling in. “So, what? They need us alive to power this thing?”

Chairman Seo’s voice interrupted, calm and cold. “Precisely. And Specter doesn’t just want the prototype—they want to eliminate both of you afterward to ensure no loose ends.”

Jimin sat forward, his elbows on his knees, a spark of frustration in his tone. “What’s the prototype’s purpose? What’s worth all of this?”

Kang Hyun’s voice dropped lower. “That information is above your clearance level. What you need to know is that you and Eclipse are now Specter’s primary targets. You’re staying in Jeju under lockdown until we secure an extraction plan.”

“Lockdown?” you repeated incredulously, turning toward the laptop. “I’m not staying in one place waiting for them to come to me.”

Lee Yun tilted her head, unimpressed. “You’ll stay put, Eclipse. That’s an order.”

You scoffed. “I don’t take orders.”

Jimin, for the first time in a while, smirked faintly, the edge of his sarcasm breaking through. “Clearly. You don’t follow plans either.”

You shot him a glare. “You’re one to talk. I’m not the one who got robbed in the middle of a ballroom.”

Dr. Han let out a nervous laugh, which earned him a dual glare from both of you. He quickly looked away.

Chairman Seo sighed. “Enough. Your job now is to work together. Use your combined skills to track down Specter’s operatives on Jeju, protect Dr. Han, and ensure the prototype is destroyed.”

The morning light poured into the resort suite, golden and unforgiving. The chaos of the previous night was a distant memory, though its echoes lingered in the form of tense silence. Dr. Han was still asleep in one of the adjoining rooms, mercifully quiet for the first time since this whole ordeal began.

Jimin sat at the dining table, his laptop open once again, displaying a digital map of Jeju Island. He was impeccably put together, as always, in a crisp black shirt and dark slacks that made it seem like he had slept with a plan. His expression was focused but unreadable, the sharp lines of his face betraying no hint of the frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Beside him, you leaned back in your chair, legs crossed, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand as you studied the screen. You had swapped the evening gown for a simple black outfit—still tactical but casual, perfectly suited for disappearing into a crowd. Your movements were relaxed, but your eyes were sharp, flicking over the map and its markers.

“Alright, Agent Park,” you said, breaking the silence, your tone light but edged with sarcasm. “You’re the strategist. Where do we start?”

Jimin didn’t even glance up, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he pulled up another window. “I don’t need your commentary. Just focus.”

You rolled your eyes, sipping your coffee. “How charming.”

Jimin finally looked at you, his gaze sharp and assessing. “Specter’s people aren’t going to wait for us to figure this out. If they set this up as a trap, they’re already moving. That gives us two priorities: protecting Han and neutralizing their network on Jeju before they close in.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Neutralize? Do you want to define that for me, Agent Park? Because last I checked, our methods are a little… different.”

His lips quirked in a faint smirk, but his tone stayed serious. “I mean track, disarm, and eliminate. Or would you rather I sit back and let you play dress-up again?”

You leaned forward slightly, setting your coffee down and matching his gaze. “I don’t ‘play,’ Park. And if we’re talking about eliminations, let’s not pretend you’ve never gotten your hands dirty.”

He didn’t flinch, his calm demeanor unwavering. “Good. Then you’ll keep up.”

Jimin gestured at the screen, where he had highlighted several key locations on the map. “These are Specter’s likely operational zones. High-traffic areas with enough cover to stay hidden: markets, coastal docks, and even a few luxury resorts like this one. They’re careful, but they’re not invisible.”

You tilted your head, studying the data. “If they’re working in teams, they’ll need a central base. Somewhere they can coordinate, keep tabs on us, and store equipment. It won’t be in plain sight.”

“Agreed,” Jimin replied, switching to a new screen with surveillance footage from the hotel lobby. “We’ll start with this place. The trap was sprung here—it’s their most obvious point of contact. They wouldn’t leave without setting up surveillance.”

Your gaze flicked to the footage, your mind working through the possibilities. “They’ll have layers. Spotters outside, someone posing as staff, and at least one exit strategy for whoever’s on the ground.”

Jimin glanced at you, an almost imperceptible flicker of approval crossing his face. “You’ve done this before.”

“Shocking, I know,” you replied dryly, leaning back again. “You’ve got the intel. I’ve got the instincts. Maybe this partnership won’t be a total waste of time.”

For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the faint hum of the laptop and the soft rustle of papers as Jimin pulled out a printed list of known Specter associates.

“Let’s be clear,” he said, his voice low and serious. “I don’t trust you.”

You smirked, unbothered. “The feeling’s mutual.”

“This isn’t a game,” he continued, his gaze locking onto yours. “You step out of line, you compromise this mission, and I won’t hesitate to shut you down. Got it?”

You leaned forward again, resting your chin on your hand, your smile turning sharper. “Park Jimin, the consummate professional. I wouldn’t dream of crossing you.”

His jaw tightened slightly, but he didn’t take the bait. “Good.”

The door to the adjoining room creaked open, and Dr. Han shuffled in, looking like he hadn’t slept in days. His hair was a mess, and he clutched a half-empty bottle of water like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

“Are you two always this insufferable?” he muttered, plopping down into a chair.

“Only when we’re forced to work together,” you said with a saccharine smile, earning a glare from Jimin.

Han groaned, running a hand down his face. “Please tell me you have a plan that doesn’t involve me getting shot, poisoned, or blown up.”

“We’re working on it,” Jimin replied curtly, already turning back to his laptop.

Han waved a hand weakly. “Fantastic. Let me know if you need me to not die again. I’m getting coffee.”

Just as Han stumbled toward the kitchenette, Jimin’s laptop chimed with an alert. He frowned, clicking on the notification.

“What is it?” you asked, leaning closer.

He pulled up a message from his agency’s encrypted system. It was a forwarded report from surveillance operatives stationed at Jeju’s eastern docks. The note was brief but urgent:

Specter movement detected. High-value cargo incoming. Dock 7. ETA: 10:00 AM.

Jimin glanced at the time in the corner of his screen. It was already 9:20.

“Looks like we’ve got a lead,” he said, shutting the laptop and standing.

You grabbed your coffee cup, draining the last of it as you rose to your feet. “Finally. Let’s see if you’re as good as your reputation, Agent Park.”

He shot you a sidelong glance as he grabbed his jacket. “Try to keep up, Eclipse.”

The sun was high now, casting long shadows over the eastern docks of Jeju. The air was thick with the smell of saltwater and the metallic tang of industry, mingling with the distant hum of machinery. It was a far cry from the luxury resort they’d just left behind, and neither Jimin nor you had the time to appreciate the contrast.

The two of you moved as one, keeping your distance from the guards at the entrance to the docks, but maintaining a near-perfect alignment as you closed in on your target.

Han, in contrast, had insisted on tagging along. It wasn’t a surprise. He’d made it clear, over a dozen grumbling conversations, that he wouldn’t just sit on the sidelines while his assets were in danger.

“Stay out of the way,” you muttered under your breath as you glanced over your shoulder to see Dr. Han struggling to keep up.

“Try not to get killed,” Jimin added, eyes sharp as he scanned the perimeter.

You shot him a look but said nothing, the words hanging between you like an unspoken challenge.

As you reached the corner of the dock, Jimin signaled for silence. His finger went to his earpiece, listening intently.

“They're unloading at Dock 7. Time to move.”

You slid into place behind a stack of crates, your posture tense as you watched the men moving in and out of a cargo ship. They were fast and efficient, no sign of hesitation in their movements.

You could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on you. If Specter was behind this, there were no mistakes. There was no second chance.

Jimin crouched beside you, his voice barely a whisper. “We need to confirm the cargo. If we’re right about this, it’s not just weapons.”

You nodded, your eyes narrowing as you observed the men unloading crates—too many crates for just arms, and none marked with labels that would’ve made the transport easier. These weren’t just mercenaries. This was something much bigger.

The thought lingered in the air like a bad omen.

Before you could voice your suspicions, a guard moved too close for comfort. You held your breath, your hand instinctively reaching for the knife at your side. The man was only a few feet away. Too close.

“Shit,” Jimin muttered. He’d seen the same thing.

Before you could act, though, the guard’s radio crackled, and he stepped away, heading toward a higher-ranking officer nearby.

“Lucky,” you muttered, pulling back and settling into a better position.

Jimin didn’t even acknowledge you, his focus razor-sharp as he eyed the next move. “Stay close. We’re going in.”

The moment you moved toward the dock, everything went wrong.

The ground beneath you seemed to tremble with the sound of engines revving, and before you knew it, the sight of a dozen armed men appeared from every direction. Specter’s operatives had anticipated your every step.

“You!” One of the men shouted.

You cursed under your breath, reaching for your weapons, but Jimin was already several steps ahead of you. His hand was at his holster in an instant, a small arsenal of tactics running through his mind.

“Get to the ship!” he barked, his voice sharp and commanding. “I’ll cover you.”

You didn’t hesitate. Adrenaline coursed through your veins as you darted toward the cargo ship. The dock erupted into chaos—gunfire, shouts, the deafening clang of metal against metal. Half of the operatives split off to focus on you, leaving Jimin to deal with the rest.

You darted behind the stacked crates, moving like a ghost through the maze of metal and shadows. The operatives pursuing you weren’t amateurs, but they didn’t have your precision or your instincts. The first one came too close, and you struck swiftly—silent, deadly, efficient. Your blade slid across his throat in a clean arc before he could even react.

Another man approached, and you dropped low, your body moving in a fluid spin as you tripped him, his weapon clattering to the ground. Before he could recover, you plunged your knife into his chest, pulling it free with practiced ease.

“Two down,” you muttered to yourself, your gaze shifting back toward the ship.

The cargo was just ahead. You could see the crates—unmarked and suspiciously nondescript. You wasted no time, pulling one of the lids open with the crowbar you’d snagged earlier. Your heart sank at the sight inside: military-grade tech, weapons, and—most concerning—several vials of an unidentified substance, glowing faintly under the dim lighting.

“Well, that’s not concerning at all,” you muttered sarcastically, tucking the files securely under your arm and pocketing one of the smaller vials for evidence.

Meanwhile, gunfire rang out from Jimin’s side of the dock. You stole a glance over your shoulder to see him in action. He moved like a dancer, every strike precise, every shot purposeful. His combat was a performance of raw skill and unshakable confidence.

A sharp whistle from one of the operatives drew your attention back. They were regrouping, and you were losing time. You pulled the lid back onto the crate and moved swiftly toward the rendezvous point, dispatching another man on your way with a single shot to the head.

By the time you returned, Jimin was standing among a pile of dead operatives, his breathing heavy, blood seeping from a shallow cut on his temple. He didn’t even glance your way as he muttered, “Took you long enough.”

“I’d apologize, but I was busy doing your job,” you quipped, waving the files in your hand. “You’ll love what I found.”

Before Jimin could respond, a trembling voice called out from behind a stack of barrels. “I-Is it safe? Are they gone?”

Dr. Han peeked out, his face pale and sweat dripping down his brow. He looked like he was seconds away from collapsing.

Jimin sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath. “Han, let’s go.”

The doctor stumbled forward, hugging himself like a lifeline as the three of you moved quickly.

The resort was eerily quiet when you returned, the lavish surroundings at odds with the chaos you’d just left behind. In the dim light of Dr. Han’s suite, you finally allowed yourself to exhale, dropping into one of the chairs by the table as Jimin locked the door behind you.

Dr. Han disappeared into a corner, muttering something about needing water, but you paid him no mind. Your focus was on Jimin, who had pulled off his jacket and was inspecting the gash on his arm. Blood stained the fabric of his sleeve, and the cut looked deep enough to warrant attention.

“Sit,” you said, gesturing to the couch.

“I’m fine,” he replied, brushing you off as he moved toward his laptop to pull up the files you’d retrieved.

“Sit,” you repeated, your tone sharper this time. “You’re bleeding everywhere. I’m not in the mood to deal with you passing out from blood loss.”

He paused, his jaw tightening slightly, before he finally relented. Dropping onto the couch, he let out a frustrated sigh as you grabbed the first aid kit from the bathroom.

The silence was thick as you worked, the only sound the occasional hiss of pain from Jimin when you dabbed at the wound.

“You’re not bad at this,” he muttered, breaking the tension.

“I’m good at a lot of things,” you replied dryly, not looking up as you worked.

A ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips. “Is modesty one of them?”

You rolled your eyes, finishing the bandage with a sharp tug that earned a wince from him. “I’m sorry, was that too tight? My hands must have slipped.”

“Right,” he said, leaning back against the couch.

The banter faded into a quieter moment as you cleaned up the supplies, neither of you saying much. It wasn’t awkward, though—just a pause.

“You did good back there,” he said eventually, his voice softer than before. “At the docks.”

You glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “Don’t sound so shocked. I’m always good.”

He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re predictable,” you shot back, standing up.

The faintest smile lingered on his face as he watched you move back toward the bathroom.

DR. HAN'S RESORT SUITE ────── LATER THAT NIGHT

The resort suite was dimly lit, the only sources of illumination being the glow from Jimin’s laptop screen and the city lights bleeding in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The coffee table was cluttered—scattered documents, a half-empty bag of mixed nuts, an unopened can of soda, and the single, ominous vial you had pocketed from the cargo shipment.

Jimin sat on the couch, his posture relaxed but his focus razor-sharp, skimming through the stolen files while idly popping a cashew into his mouth. The bandages on his temple and arm were fresh, his sleeves rolled up as if he had already accepted that the night was far from over.

You were perched on the other end of the couch, one leg tucked under you as you flipped through another set of documents, your mind turning over the implications of what you’d learned earlier.

“So,” you said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Biometrically locked. Neural signatures. Specter’s been tracking us for months, maybe longer.” You shook a peanut in your hand before eating it. “Can’t say I love the idea of being a walking keycard.”

Jimin exhaled sharply, not quite a laugh but close. “Yeah, well. We’ve been called worse.”

You shot him a look, then gestured toward the files. “We’re missing something. What do you have so far?”

He scrolled through a decrypted document. “According to this—and what Lee Yun said already—Specter needs specific people to activate it. Us.” His voice was even, but there was an undercurrent of something unreadable in his gaze.

“Which means,” you said slowly, leaning forward, “they knew exactly how this was going to play out.”

Jimin nodded. “They knew we’d both be assigned to track the prototype.” He glanced at you. “You ever get the feeling you’ve been played from the start?”

You scoffed. “Welcome to my entire career.”

A beat of silence.

You reached for the vial on the table, rolling it between your fingers, watching the faint glow pulse beneath the glass. “This was in the cargo.”

Jimin watched you closely. “What do you think it is?”

“No idea,” you admitted, setting it down. “But something about it feels... wrong. If Specter is going this far to get the prototype operational, maybe this is part of the equation.”

He didn’t respond immediately, just watched the vial before shifting his focus back to the files. “There has to be a location,” he muttered. “A lead. Something.”

You grabbed a handful of almonds, chewing thoughtfully as you skimmed the documents. The two of you worked in tandem, silent except for the occasional rustling of paper or the quiet click of Jimin’s laptop keys.

Then, something clicked.

You tapped a page with your finger. “Here. This facility—Yongwan Research Lab. It’s mentioned multiple times in connection to the prototype’s early development.” You looked up. “If they were testing it on people, there has to be a database.”

Jimin scanned the section you pointed at, then nodded slowly. “And if we find that database—”

“We find out exactly how deep Specter’s operation goes.”

Your eyes met across the couch, the weight of realization settling in. This wasn’t just about stopping Specter anymore. It was about understanding what had been done to you—what they had taken, without either of you knowing.

Jimin sighed, dragging a hand through his hair before reaching for another handful of nuts. “Yongwan it is.”

You smirked, tossing a peanut at him. He caught it easily, flicking you an unimpressed look before eating it anyway.

“Try to keep up, Agent Park,” you said, standing and stretching.

He watched you for a second longer than necessary before exhaling and shutting his laptop. “Yeah, yeah. Get some rest while you can. We leave at first light.”

You nodded, glancing at the files one last time before heading toward your room. But just before you disappeared down the hall, you heard Jimin’s voice, softer this time.

“Eclipse.”

You paused, glancing over your shoulder.

His expression was unreadable. “We’ll figure this out.”

Something in his tone made you believe him.

You gave him a small nod before vanishing into the shadows of the suite.

The early morning sun stretched across Jeju’s coastline, painting the road in soft gold as the car sped along the empty highway. The tension from the night before had eased—just slightly—replaced with a comfortable, unspoken truce.

Jimin drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gear shift, his wrist flicking idly as he drummed his fingers. His injuries from yesterday weren’t bothering him, but the bruises along his jaw and the bandage on his temple made him look a little more rugged than usual. Not that he seemed to care.

You were leaned back in the passenger seat, one leg crossed over the other, flipping through a set of decrypted files on a tablet. The stolen vial sat in the center console, catching glimmers of sunlight each time the car turned.

“Tell me something,” Jimin mused, glancing at you before focusing back on the road.

You hummed distractedly, still scanning the files. “Like?”

Jimin smirked. “Something real. Something about you.”

You snorted, finally looking up. “That’s vague. Try again.”

“Alright,” he said easily, tilting his head slightly as if considering his next move. “Your name.”

You blinked. “You already know my name.”

“No, I know Eclipse,” he countered, throwing a quick glance your way. “I want to know what they called you before you became that.”

You clicked your tongue, feigning disinterest, but something in his voice made you hesitate.

Still, you smirked. “You first.”

Jimin let out a small laugh. “You already know my name.”

You waved a dismissive hand. “I meant, you first—tell me something real.”

He considered that, the amusement never fully leaving his expression. Then, without looking at you, he admitted, “I hate peanut butter.”

You blinked. “That’s your deep revelation?”

“It’s real,” he defended, eyes flicking to you, smug.

You rolled your eyes, but your lips twitched. “Fine. Y/N,” you said finally, offering your real name as casually as you would an extra bullet clip.

Jimin’s fingers stilled against the gear shift. He let the syllables roll in his head for a beat before saying it aloud, slow, deliberate. “Y/N.”

You didn’t react.

Then he smirked. “Doesn’t really suit you.”

You scoffed. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t know,” he teased, drumming his fingers again. “You don’t strike me as a Y/N.”

“You’re impossible.”

You exhaled through your nose, pretending to be annoyed, but truthfully, you didn’t mind this back-and-forth. It was easier than the suffocating tension from before.

So you let yourself play along. “Alright, Park,” you mused. “If I don’t seem like a Y/N, what do I seem like?”

Jimin glanced at you, a slow smirk curving his lips. “Trouble.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Took you long enough to figure that out.”

He huffed out something between a laugh and a sigh, shaking his head. “I should’ve known from the second you stole those keys.”

The lighthearted mood faded the moment the lab came into view.

From a distance, it didn’t look like much—just another of those cold, modern facilities nestled in the remote corners of the island. But the closer they got, the more you could feel it—something was off. The eerie quiet that surrounded the place, like a predator waiting to pounce.

Jimin pulled the car up to a secluded section near the side entrance, parking a little too neatly for your liking. He cut the engine, the car settling into a heavy silence.

You broke it first, stretching your legs out and taking a long, deep breath. "Well, this is it."

Jimin remained still for a moment, his fingers tapping against the wheel. The spark from earlier was gone from his eyes, replaced by something sharper, colder. His usual. He was ready for this, but he had to admit, this didn’t feel like another regular mission.

“Let’s make sure we have everything,” he said, his tone serious. He glanced at you. “You good?”

You nodded, tossing a quick glance at the tablet, where you’d been reviewing the facility layout earlier. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Just…don’t get too attached to anything in here, alright?”

Jimin shot you a half-smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "I wasn't planning on staying long."

You leaned forward, looking over the dashboard at the heavily guarded entrance in the distance. Armed men patrolled the area, and the high, barbed-wire fence made it clear this wasn’t an open-access kind of place. There was no doubt in your mind that whatever secrets were locked inside this facility, they were well protected.

You opened the glove compartment, pulling out a small toolkit, your fingers grazing over the equipment you’d need for the next few hours. "Let’s just make this quick, yeah?"

Jimin glanced over at you, his lips curling into a smirk. "I’d rather take my time."

You shot him a look that could cut glass, but there was no venom behind it.

The air between you was tense now, the banter fading as the gravity of the situation settled in. This was no longer just about tracking down Specter or retrieving the prototype. This was personal—something much bigger than either of you had anticipated.

Jimin took a deep breath and opened his door, stepping out with a fluid, practiced motion. His hand lingered on his gun holster for a moment, checking it one last time.

You followed, adjusting your jacket as you slid out of the car, your steps purposeful. Together, you approached the perimeter, the security of the lab becoming more apparent with each step. This wasn’t going to be easy.

As you neared the outer fence, you both instinctively crouched low, blending into the shadows. You pulled out a small gadget from your pocket, a high-tech jammer to disable the security cameras temporarily. It was a neat trick—one you’d perfected over the years.

“Let’s do this,” you murmured, eyes scanning the area.

The two of you worked in silence, syncing your movements effortlessly, as if you’d been doing this for years. The hum of the jammer cut through the stillness as it disabled the cameras. Within seconds, you were slipping past the fence and into the labyrinth of concrete halls that led to the heart of the research facility.

But as you reached the outer doors, the alarms suddenly blared, sharp and unforgiving.

A voice crackled over a loudspeaker, cold and mechanical. "Unauthorized access detected. Lockdown in progress. Initiating security protocols."

You exchanged a quick glance with Jimin. "Well, that’s our cue."

Without another word, the two of you made a dash for the entrance, a rush of adrenaline spiking in your veins.

And then, the first wave of security arrived—gunfire erupting from the far side of the corridor.

It was no longer a stealth mission. It was a fight for survival.

The guards outside were nothing more than a brief inconvenience—easily dispatched with swift, practiced efficiency. The two of you moved in perfect tandem, a well-oiled machine of lethal precision. By the time you reached the main entrance, the bodies were already cooling against the cold concrete.

Jimin wiped a streak of blood off his cheek with the back of his hand, barely out of breath. "That was almost too easy."

You scoffed. "Don’t jinx it."

The moment you pushed open the heavy steel doors, stepping into the facility's main corridor, the atmosphere shifted. Too many guards. Lined up along the walls, weapons at the ready, yet…they didn’t fire.

Both you and Jimin went rigid, your fingers twitching toward your weapons. But then—

A voice. Calm. Almost amused.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

An older man stepped forward from behind the guards. He was dressed in a pristine white lab coat, but there was nothing soft about him. His presence carried the weight of someone who had been in power for a long, long time. His expression was impassive, as if he had expected this outcome all along.

Jimin’s stance remained tense. “Who the hell are you?”

The man adjusted his glasses. “My name is irrelevant. But if you insist—Professor Kim Ji-Hwan. I founded this facility, and for the past decade, I’ve overseen its operations. Including the work your dear Dr. Han so desperately sought assistance with.”

You narrowed your eyes. “You worked with Han?”

"Worked with? No. He came here seeking aid. A brilliant scientist, but foolishly naïve." Ji-Hwan’s lips curled in something resembling pity. "He had no idea the kind of project he was developing. He thought he was building something to revolutionize defense systems. Instead, he was constructing a weapon—one that could only be powered by human signatures. Unique ones."

Jimin stiffened. “And let me guess. That’s where we come in.”

Ji-Hwan gave a slow, measured nod. “Specter’s been gathering data on both of you for years. Your missions. Your capabilities. Your genetic markers. And when they realized that the prototype could only be activated by two specific parameters—one biological key, one neural signature—they knew exactly who to target.”

Your stomach twisted. "They stole it. The prototype. While we were here."

Ji-Hwan sighed, as if speaking to children. “You were never meant to leave this facility alive, I’m afraid. Your assignment was never to retrieve the prototype—it was to ensure Specter had everything they needed before they disposed of you.”

The realization sank in like a blade between your ribs.

This was a setup.

From the very beginning.

Jimin exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching. "You just admitted Specter’s plan to us. You really think we’re going to let you walk away from this?"

Ji-Hwan chuckled. “Oh, Agent Park. You’re not in a position to be making threats.”

And with that, he simply lifted his hand—and the guards pounced.

The first wave came fast.

Gunfire erupted in the enclosed space, bullets shredding through metal and concrete. You and Jimin dove for cover behind a lab station, returning fire with ruthless precision.

But there were too many.

Every time you took one down, two more emerged. They were relentless, surrounding you like wolves circling prey.

You slammed a fresh magazine into your gun, cursing under your breath. “I hate it when I’m right.”

Jimin shot back without missing a beat. "Then you must hate yourself constantly."

You didn’t have time to throw back a retort—because the next moment, a searing pain tore through your side.

The force of the bullet sent you stumbling back, your breath hitching. The sharp, hot pain burned deep, radiating outward in an agonizing pulse.

Jimin saw you fall.

And something inside him snapped.

His movements became vicious, unrestrained. He tore through the guards like a storm unleashed, gunshots ringing in rapid succession. He was no longer fighting to win—he was fighting to destroy.

But there were still too many.

Even as he carved through them, another shot rang out.

This time—it was him.

The bullet grazed his shoulder, the impact spinning him off balance. Blood bloomed against his already torn sleeve, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Through the chaos, you met his eyes.

For the first time, there was fear. Not for himself—but for you.

He tried to reach you, staggering forward—but the world was already tilting, your vision growing hazy.

You could hear your own heartbeat, your pants a slow pulse in your ears drowning out any other sound. Everything was spinning.

The last thing you saw was Jimin screaming for you while two guards dragged him away.

And then,

Everything went black.

YONGWAN RESEARCH LAB ────── TIME & DATE UNKNOWN

Pain.

It was the first thing Jimin registered, dull and aching, like a deep bruise settling into his ribs and skull. His body felt heavy, limbs sluggish, mind clouded in a disoriented haze. A low, flickering light buzzed somewhere above him, casting sickly shadows over the cold concrete floor. The air smelled of metal and antiseptic.

Then he remembered. The lab. The fight. The gunshots.

His breath hitched.

You.

Panic sliced through the fog in his mind as his gaze darted around the dimly lit room. He was slumped against a wall, wrists bound with thick zip ties. The room was small, sterile—a holding cell of some kind. But none of it mattered. Not when he turned his head and saw you lying motionless beside him.

Blood.

Too much of it.

His heartbeat roared in his ears as he pushed past the pain and lunged toward you, the restraints biting into his skin. "Hey—" His voice was hoarse, desperate. He struggled forward, ignoring the sharp sting in his ribs.

No response.

"Y/N." He gritted his teeth, saying your name for the first time. "Come on, wake up."

Nothing.

His stomach twisted. His chest felt too tight.

Jimin’s hands were trembling as he reached for you, brushing his fingers against your cheek. You were too pale, your breaths too shallow. His eyes flickered to your side, where the wound was still bleeding sluggishly through your torn clothes.

"Shit."

He had to stop it.

He ripped at his already ruined sleeve with his teeth, yanking a strip of fabric free and pressing it against the wound. His hands were steady now, moving with trained efficiency, but his mind was anything but calm.

"You're not dying here," he muttered under his breath. "You hear me? After all the shit we've been through—you're not leaving me with Dr. Han as my only company."

A weak breath. A flicker of movement.

Then, finally, a sound—a quiet, pained groan.

Jimin exhaled sharply, relief hitting him hard.

Your eyelids fluttered, and after what felt like an eternity, your gaze met his—glazed, unfocused, but alive.

"Hey," he said, softer now. "You with me?"

Your brows furrowed slightly. Your voice was barely above a whisper, raw from pain.

"You're... hovering."

Jimin let out something between a laugh and a scoff, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, you weren’t waking up."

You blinked slowly, glancing down at your side, where his makeshift bandage was already turning dark with blood. "Damn. That bad?"

"You tell me." His jaw clenched. "You're the one who decided to get shot."

You made a sound that might have been a laugh if you weren’t so exhausted. Your lips quirked up—not quite a smirk, but close. "You sound worried, Agent Park."

Jimin rolled his eyes, but he didn’t deny it. Instead, his fingers briefly tightened around yours, just for a second. "Shut up and stay awake."

Before you had even fully regained your strength, the door burst open.

Armed guards flooded in, followed by Professor Kim.

And standing behind him was Dr. Han, looking more terrified than ever.

"Move them," Kim ordered. "We're out of time."

Jimin immediately tensed as two guards grabbed him, dragging him up with force. His body protested, every injury screaming, but he barely felt it.

Not when he saw them pulling you up next.

Not when Kim stepped toward you first.

"What are you doing?" Jimin snapped, thrashing against the guards. "Leave her alone—"

"You should be grateful," Kim mused, tilting his head at you as if you were an experiment rather than a person. "We’ll start with her, since she’s already weakened. You’ll get to watch how it works before your turn."

They were going to use your DNA. Test it on the prototype, activate it—he didn’t know.

And he was going to have to watch.

"Don't you fucking touch her—"

One of the guards slammed an elbow into his gut, cutting off his words with a sharp grunt. He doubled over, coughing, but his gaze never left you.

You were trying to fight, but your body was still weak from blood loss. You glared at the professor with every ounce of defiance left in you, but Jimin could see it—you were struggling to stay upright.

And then they started dragging you toward the door.

"No!" He lunged against the guards, raw panic clawing at his throat. His muscles burned as he fought against them, his body running purely on adrenaline. "Take me first! Don't—don't take her—"

But Kim simply smiled, as if amused by Jimin’s outburst.

"You’ll get your turn," he said. "Be patient."

And then you were gone.

Jimin lost it. He fought so violently that it took three guards to keep him restrained, his voice raw as he yelled your name. He was desperate. Furious. Terrified in a way he had never been before.

He couldn’t lose you.

Not like this.

Not when he hadn’t even figured out what the hell you meant to him yet.

And just as his vision blurred with rage—

A sudden explosion rocked the facility.

The alarms blared.

Gunfire erupted somewhere down the hall.

Then—voices. Familiar ones.

Jimin’s head snapped up.

"GO, GO, GO—!"

Kang Hyun. Lee Yun.

The explosion sent a shockwave through the lab. The lights flickered violently, the walls trembled, and the guards holding Jimin staggered, momentarily disoriented.

And that was all he needed.

With sheer force, Jimin wrenched free, throwing an elbow into the nearest guard’s throat. The man choked, stumbling back, and Jimin didn’t stop. He twisted, yanking a gun from the second guard’s holster before slamming the butt of it against his jaw—hard.

The third lunged at him, but Jimin was faster. One shot—clean, precise—the guard dropped.

Chaos erupted outside the room.

Gunfire. Heavy boots storming down the corridors. Voices yelling orders.

"Kang Hyun, clear the east wing!"

"Lee Yun, we’ve got men flanking the south corridor—push through!"

Backup.

Jimin’s chest heaved, adrenaline coursing through him like wildfire.

Kang and Lee brought a goddamn army.

He didn’t wait—he ran.

You were the only thing on his mind as he tore through the facility, taking down every guard in his path. His injuries burned, his muscles screamed, but none of it mattered.

He had to get to you.

When he reached the lab, the sight made his blood run cold.

You were strapped to a metal operating table. Machines hummed around you, hooked up to wires—monitoring your vitals.

And standing over you was Professor Kim. The vile in hand. The prototype on a surgery table.

Jimin didn’t think. He didn’t hesitate.

He shot first.

Kim barely dodged in time, the bullet grazing his shoulder. He snarled, gripping his arm as he staggered back.

Jimin was on him in seconds.

With brutal efficiency, he slammed Kim against the table, knocking the vial form his hand. It clattered to the floor, shuttering, as Jimin pressed his forearm against his throat.

"Give me one reason," he growled, his voice low, deadly, "why I shouldn't put a bullet in your skull right now."

Kim choked, clawing at Jimin’s arm. "If you kill me—you’ll never know—"

Jimin’s grip tightened.

"Try again."

But before he could finish the job—

"Jimin."

Your voice. Weak. Pained.

His head snapped toward you.

And the moment his focus wavered, Kim moved.

The professor lunged for the prototype—

A single shot rang out.

Jimin turned just in time to see Dr. Han—hands shaking, face pale—lowering a gun.

Kim collapsed.

Jimin blinked. "...Did you just—?"

Dr. Han gulped. "I—he was going to activate it. I panicked!"

Jimin exhaled sharply, but there was no time for this.

He rushed to you—breaking his restraints against his thigh, tearing the plastic apart so he can get to yours. Hands fumbling with them. "Hey, I got you," he murmured, his voice softer now. His fingers brushed against your skin as he undid the straps. "Stay with me, okay?"

Your lashes fluttered, your breathing still shallow. But you gave him the faintest smirk.

"Who knew you could be... gentle," you murmured.

Jimin let out a strained breath—half a scoff, half relief. "Shut up."

He slipped an arm beneath your shoulders, carefully pulling you up. You swayed against him, but he held you steady.

Another explosion rocked the facility.

Jimin looked up just in time to see Kang Hyun and Lee Yun burst into the room, guns blazing.

"Park!" Kang shouted. "We need to move—now!"

Jimin didn’t hesitate. He lifted you into his arms.

"I’ve got you," he muttered under his breath as he carried you toward the exit. "I’ve got you."

The fight outside was still raging. Specter’s remaining forces were scrambling, attempting to defend the lab.

But Kang and Lee’s backup had overpowered them.

Jimin barely spared a glance as Lee Yun grabbed the prototype.

And without hesitation—she smashed it to the ground.

The device shattered. Sparks erupted. The stolen technology—gone.

The mission was over.

And Jimin?

Jimin was done.

He barely heard the gunfire fading behind them as he carried you toward the extraction vehicles. Barely registered the shouting of orders, the final takedown of Specter’s forces.

The only thing he cared about was getting you to safety.

As he climbed into the backseat of the car, keeping you securely in his arms, he let out a slow breath.

It was over.

And you were alive.

For the first time since this all started, Jimin let his guard down—just enough to rest his forehead against yours.

"You scared the shit out of me," he muttered.

Your lips barely curled, voice hoarse but teasing.

"Would you miss me?" you whispered.

Jimin huffed a quiet laugh, eyes fluttering shut for just a second.

"Yeah," he murmured. "I would."

The soft hum of the resort’s air conditioning barely cut through the thick silence of the room. The curtains were drawn shut, dimming the room to a comfortable shade of soft gray. You lay back against the pillows, wrapped in a warm blanket, your body still aching from the brutal confrontation. The pain wasn’t as bad anymore, though—it was more of an uncomfortable throb that reminded you of everything you’d just gone through.

Jimin sat at the edge of the bed by your hip, his eyes never straying too far from you as he gently applied a new bandage to the deep cut on your ribs. His fingers were precise, a steady hand despite the chaos of the past few hours, as he carefully worked. The silence between you two felt comfortable, natural, like something had shifted. It wasn’t just the mission that had brought you this close. It was the understanding, the shared moments of danger, of survival. The tension in the air had only grown after the fight—both of you aware of it but unwilling to address it.

"You’re better at this than I thought," you muttered, wincing slightly as he adjusted the gauze.

Jimin let out a soft chuckle, not meeting your gaze. "I’ve had my fair share of injuries," he replied casually, but you could hear the slight edge in his voice that made your heart pick up pace.

You smiled faintly, glancing up at him. He was focused on you, his hand steady, his expression unreadable, though there was a certain warmth in his eyes now that you hadn’t seen before.

It was hard to ignore the small touches he gave you—fingers brushing against your skin as he rewrapped the bandage, his eyes flickering to yours when he thought you weren’t looking, a soft exhale as he caught himself leaning closer than necessary.

“Jimin...” you began, your voice a little quieter than usual, unsure of why it felt like the words were more loaded than they had been before.

He paused, looking up, the air between you two thick with unsaid things. “Yeah?”

For a moment, neither of you moved. The pull between you was strong, magnetic. The moments of danger you had shared were fading, but there was something else growing in its place.

He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair away from your face, his touch lingering a fraction too long. There was a softness to his gaze, a tenderness you hadn’t expected from someone like him.

“You’re gonna be fine,” Jimin said, his voice low, though his words were meant to comfort you. But it felt like more than that. It was an unspoken promise, a soft reassurance that you didn’t know you needed.

Before either of you could say anything more, the door creaked softly, and a knock interrupted the fragile silence, making both of you pause.

The door opened, and Lee Yun stepped inside, her gaze flicking between the two of you with a knowing look, as if she could sense the shift in the room.

“Just checking in,” she said, her tone casual but with an undercurrent of authority. “How are you feeling?”

You gave her a tight smile, though the exhaustion was still clearly visible in your face. “I’m… fine. Could be worse.”

Lee Yun nodded but didn’t leave immediately. There was something in her eyes that told you she had more to say. She glanced at Jimin, then back to you. “Can I have a moment?” she said, her voice softer, almost apologetic.

Jimin hesitated, his eyes flicking to you, he didn’t want to leave.

"I’ll be fine," you said softly, offering him a reassuring smile.

Reluctantly, Jimin stood, brushing a hand through his hair, his expression unreadable. "I’ll be right outside if you need me."

You nodded as he left the room, Lee Yun stepping in to fill the silence. The door clicked shut behind him, and you let out a quiet breath, the room feeling emptier now that he was gone.

Lee Yun moved to take up the space Jimin had just vacated by your hip, her eyes now sharp and professional. "Let me fill you in," she said, folding her arms.

You nodded, trying to focus on the present, on Lee Yun’s words, but your mind kept drifting back to Jimin.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Jimin stood with his back to the door, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket as Kang Hyun and Dr. Han discussed the events in low tones.

"So," Kang Hyun said, glancing at Jimin with a sigh, "we've accounted for everything. The facility’s been thoroughly destroyed. No one’s getting their hands on anything related to the prototype ever again."

Jimin didn’t respond immediately, still processing everything that had happened. "And the vial?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Lee Yun’s voice filtered through the door, just loud enough for them to hear. “We’ll never know what was in it. Could have been a weapon, could have been a test serum, but it’s gone now. No need to chase ghosts."

Jimin nodded slowly, the weight of it all settling in. "So, that’s it then. The prototype’s destroyed. And we go back to pretending this was just another mission, right?"

Kang Hyun gave him a measured look. “We’re still cleaning up the mess Specter left behind. But yes, for now, we move forward.”

Jimin exhaled, a long breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. "And what about them?" he asked, his gaze flicking toward Dr. Han.

Dr. Han, who had been standing quietly in the corner, stepped forward. “I-I didn’t know they were going to use people. The testing—it was all supposed to be… controlled.” His voice wavered with guilt. "I didn’t know it would go this far."

Jimin’s eyes narrowed, and he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. Not right now. The moment was too raw.

A quiet tension settled over the room, and for a moment, all Jimin could do was stand there, listening to the quiet murmur of Lee Yun’s voice in the other room. Something had shifted, and he couldn’t ignore the way things had changed—not just between him and you, but everything.

VANGUARD HEADQUARTERS ────── ONE WEEK LATER

It had been a few days since the dust had settled and you’d left Jeju, the events of the mission still fresh in your mind. Vanguard's headquarters was an ultra-modern building, all glass and sleek metal—cold on the outside, but buzzing with activity inside. You, Lee Yun, and a few others from your team were here today to discuss an alliance with Vanguard after the success of your previous mission.

As you stepped off the elevator, a soft hum of conversation filled the spacious foyer. Vanguard’s team, much like yours, was always in motion. And yet, you couldn’t help but feel a small knot of anticipation in your stomach. It wasn’t just about the alliance. It was the fact that Jimin was here. You hadn't seen him since the mission wrapped up, and although you'd exchanged a few texts, it was clear you both needed some space after everything that had happened.

As the team filtered into the conference room, you stayed behind, glancing out the large windows overlooking the city. It was hard to believe just how much had changed in such a short amount of time.

And then, you heard the soft click of shoes against the polished floor.

You turned, your heart suddenly racing. There he was.

His presence had always been electric, but today, something felt different. His gaze found you almost immediately, and for a moment, it felt like the world slowed down.

“Hey,” he said, his voice light but with that familiar warmth.

You smiled, a little nervous but feeling something warm curl in your chest at the sight of him. "Hey yourself."

He hesitated for just a split second, then pulled you into a hug. It was gentle, almost reluctant, as if he was still trying to gauge how to navigate the space between you two after everything. He lingered there for a moment, his arms around you tight but his touch careful.

“You good?” he asked, his voice low, breath brushing against your ear.

You chuckled, feeling lighter than you had in days. “I’m good. I mean, I’m mostly healed. Just... exhausted, you know?”

Jimin pulled back just enough to look at you, his gaze scanning your face, lingering on the faint traces of bruising that had yet to fade. “You sure? I—” he stopped himself, his hand reaching out almost involuntarily, a soft touch brushing the side of your face.

The gesture was so small, so subtle, but it made your heart skip.

His thumb gently brushed against your cheek, a tender touch that made your breath hitch. His gaze softened even further—It wasn’t something either of you had planned for, but the pull was undeniable.

Your fingers grazed his shirt, a silent invitation, and before you could stop yourself, you leaned in closer. He hesitated for just a second, his breath mingling with yours, as he met you halfway.

The kiss was slow at first—tentative, as though both of you were testing the waters. You felt his hand cup the back of your head, guiding you gently, sharing a breath as he changed angles and deepen the kiss. Your tongues swirled, and the smack of your lips meeting his was the only sound in your ears.

When you pulled away, your foreheads touched, breaths mingling, chests rising and falling in unison.

"I don’t want to rush things," Jimin murmured softly, his voice low and vulnerable.

You chuckled, your own breath uneven as you leaned in, your lips brushing his briefly. “Neither do I,” you whispered back, your smile spreading like warmth.

And then, as if unable to resist, Jimin leaned in again, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek, lingering there for a second longer than necessary. When he pulled back, his lips found yours again, this time for a gentle peck.

He pulled away, his lips lingering just above yours, a playful grin curling at the corners of his mouth.

Another peck, then a third, his lips moving in rhythm with yours, soft and sweet, building slowly but steadily into something deeper. You couldn’t help but giggle between the kisses, the lightheartedness making your heart flutter in your chest. You couldn't remember the last time you'd felt so... normal. So connected, even after everything that had happened.

"Jimin..." you murmured between the kisses, but he silenced you with another soft press of his lips to yours, the kiss growing more insistent as his hand slipped to the small of your back, pulling you even closer.

“Well, aren’t you two just adorable?”

You immediately flushed, your heart racing. You jerked back from Jimin as if you'd been caught doing something wrong, your eyes widening in surprise, your body stiffening slightly.

Jimin let out a breathy laugh. "We were just-" he started, but Lee Yun raised a hand to stop him.

"I know, I know," she said, her voice filled with mock exasperation. "You're fine, but the others are waiting for you."

You sigh, stepping away from Jimin to join the others in the conference room. Lee Yun was right. There was business to attend to, and now, more than ever, it seemed important this alliance to be sealed.

In the meeting room, things quickly shifted back to professional mode. Everyone took their seats around a sleek glass table, Jimin sitting across from you, his gaze lingering on you now and then.

"We need to talk about what comes next," Lee Yun began, addressing everyone. "The mission was a success, but the bigger picture remains. Vanguard’s resources will be invaluable as we continue our work. We’ll be splitting responsibilities—"

You tuned out the specifics for a moment, still feeling Jimin’s gaze on you. His expression was unreadable, but the small glances he kept throwing your way told you a different story.

"So, any thoughts on what comes next for us?" you asked, keeping your voice light.

Jimin blinked, clearly caught off guard for a moment. But then his lips curled into that mischievous smile you knew so well. "Maybe we should take a break after all this hard work. Grab dinner, talk things over?”

"Maybe," you teased.

Before you could say anything more, Lee Yun’s voice cut in, drawing your attention back to the meeting.

"Let’s focus, team. We’ve got a lot of work ahead."

But even as she spoke, you and Jimin shared one more lingering look, biting back grins and giggles. And though you didn’t say it out loud, both of you knew that things weren’t going to stay "normal" for long.

#jimin x reader #bts x reader #jimin imagine #jimin fluff #jimin angst #park jimin #bts angst #bts imagine #bts fluff

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