PTT - 51

At Ra-on’s repeated question, Baek Si-heon merely smiled silently. With a playful expression, he tilted his head and gently took her wrist in his hand. The soft kiss he placed on her delicate fingertips felt both awkward and sweet.

“Hmm…”

After pondering for a long while without answering, Si-heon gazed at her with an enigmatic look.

“No matter what happens, just once…”

“…Once?”

“Trust me without doubt.”

The completely unexpected answer made Ra-on raise an eyebrow in confusion. She had long known him to be unpredictable, but asking for blind trust out of nowhere was baffling. Hesitantly, she touched his lower lip with her fingertips.

“I already trust you, Senior. Do you need deeper faith than that?”

“Yes, I want you to trust me even more.”

“Are you planning to leave again?”

Overwhelmed by the cryptic atmosphere, Ra-on wore an incredulous expression. He wouldn’t make such a request without reason. Si-heon chuckled softly, burying his face against her shoulder.

“That’s not it. I promise I won’t leave.”

“…You’re really making that promise.”

“Of course. I feel bad for worrying you unnecessarily.”

Ra-on stared out the window at the scenery beyond, stroking the back of his head. By now, the Ferris wheel was nearing the ground. Despite his assurance that he wouldn’t leave, her heart refused to settle completely. Taking a deep breath to shake off the tangled emotions inside, she blinked slowly as she silently mulled over his words.

‘No matter what happens, trust me just once.’

An additional wave of concern washed over her—could she successfully carry out the upcoming mission alongside him? But these worries didn’t linger long. With Si-heon as her partner, she knew they would always complete their tasks perfectly and return safely.

Yoo Ra-on already trusted Baek Si-heon deeply. Moments later, with a thud, the Ferris wheel finally reached the ground. Blinding darkness seeped through the opened door.

---

A chandelier hanging from the ceiling cast a faint glow over the dimly lit space. In the center of the ten-pyeong luxury room, Min Young-nam sat on a long leather sofa, bringing a Glencairn glass to her lips. The amber whiskey slipped between her crimson lips, coating her tongue and the inner lining of her mouth with its rich flavor.

The first sensation from the high-proof alcohol was a sharp spiciness that stung the nose. Following it came a smoky peat aroma, as if condensed smoke had been infused directly into the drink.

Young-nam swallowed the fiery liquor in one gulp, unfazed by its intensity—a taste others might grimace at after barely touching. Setting down the empty glass, she paid no heed to the ice bucket beside her; it was an unnecessary luxury.

“Boss, you’re drinking faster than usual today. Is something wrong? Let me pour you another—”

“You.”

“Yes?”

“The Ace seat. Did you bribe your way into it?”

She glanced sideways at the man seated to her right before tossing an on-the-rocks glass onto the table. The sharp sound of shattering glass caused the man, who had been about to pour more alcohol, to flinch and freeze mid-motion.

“Can’t you understand the simple instruction to sit there like a pretty mannequin?”

“Uh, um… Boss, I’m sorry if I upset you…”

“My ears hurt. Both of you, get out.”

The two men hesitated briefly before quickly rising from their seats. Bowing deeply at ninety degrees, they muttered curses under their breath as they exited the room. Just then, someone else appeared in the doorway.

‘Who the hell is this guy? Not one of our boxers.’

The Ace, who had been sitting beside Young-nam moments ago, sized up the newcomer. Standing well over 180 centimeters tall with broad shoulders, sharp eyes, and ruggedly handsome features, the man exuded an actor-like charisma. His presence immediately raised the Ace’s guard.

“How dare you barge in without knocking, thinking you know where—”

Before he could finish, the man entered the room without uttering a word, rendering the Ace’s sharp remark useless. As the latter turned to retort, insulted, Young-nam spoke up from her seat on the sofa.

“Didn’t you hear me when I said to leave?”

“…Ah, yes, Boss.”

How many could resist the commanding authority in her voice? Muttering curses inwardly, the disgruntled Ace trembled slightly as he closed the door behind him. Silence fell over the room, leaving only Young-nam and the man.

“Baek Si-heon.”

Though it was only their third meeting, she addressed him as though she’d known him for years. Young-nam pulled a cigarette from the case on the table and placed it between her lips.

Watching her impassively, Si-heon retrieved a silver Zippo lighter from his pocket. With a clear ting, the lid flipped open, revealing a small flickering flame. Leaning forward, he lit her cigarette at close range, his low voice cutting through the quiet.

“Your tastes are quite refined.”

A subtle jab at the less-than-refined location of their meeting, Si-heon pocketed the lighter and settled onto the leather sofa. Young-nam, accustomed to others lighting her cigarettes, drew deeply on the stick held between her index and middle fingers. The harshness of the smoke filling her lungs brought a sense of vitality.

“I’d heard rumors of the NIS’s Ace, but I couldn’t judge without meeting you personally.”

Min Young-nam broached the topic rather abruptly. Crossing her legs, she tapped her shoe tip idly before turning her head toward Si-heon.

“Your gaze caught my attention. You seemed like a loyal dog—starving, unable to shed its hunting instincts.”

Puff. White smoke drifted across Si-heon’s face. Despite her blatant rudeness, he only raised an eyebrow slightly, keeping his focus fixed on her. After flicking ash onto the table, Young-nam tilted her head back.

“It’s time to switch masters, don’t you think?”

“Looks like you trust any stray dog easily enough.”

“I have an excellent eye for people. Never been wrong yet. And you—you’re someone I chose myself.”

Young-nam stubbed out her cigarette on the leather sofa instead of using an ashtray, then carelessly tossed the butt onto the floor. Si-heon, brushing his bangs aside, tapped the table twice with his fingertip.

“What’s your relationship with Mayor Bang?”

“To put it nicely, he’s my puppet. Less kindly, let’s say… a scapegoat. I prefer staying behind the scenes. Being publicly shamed isn’t exactly pleasant.”

Where did her power end? Si-heon wondered. His questions weren’t limited to Bang Won-gyeol. There were plenty of top agents within the organization far superior to him.

If she already knew his identity, it meant spies loyal to Min Young-nam were embedded within the NIS. Was mere admiration for his gaze truly enough to demand betrayal of the organization?

Si-heon poured whiskey into the glass placed before him. The radiant liquid swirled invitingly within the glass.

“Let’s stop testing each other here. What information do you want from me? Depending on your answer, I’ll decide whether to follow a new master or remain loyal to the organization.”

“Baek Moon-jin mentioned something about your mother being ill.”

“…”

“How serious it is, I don’t know. But once your father’s locked up, you’ll need a new source of income, won’t you?”

You don’t really have much choice, do you? Young-nam added mockingly, closing her eyes slowly. At her words, Si-heon fell silent for a moment. Finally, he drained his glass in one gulp and leaned closer to her.

“What information do you seek from me? I asked clearly.”

“You’ll find out soon enough, whether you want to or not.”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I’ll contact you when the time comes. Until then, wait.”

Fixing her with a piercing gaze, Si-heon rose from his seat. The strong scent of whiskey clung to his shirt, leaving an unpleasant feeling. With a heavy thud, the thick door closed, leaving only one person in the room.