Chapter 2: Into the Lion's Den

Aizen paced the small, dimly lit room, her mind racing over every piece of intel they’d gathered. Maps and photos were scattered across the rickety table—images of the compound they were set to infiltrate, with guards at every turn and surveillance that could end the mission in seconds if they slipped.

Leaning against the wall, Taeyang watched her, spinning a knife between his fingers with a lazy smile. “Planning a strategy or just scaring the floorboards?” he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Aizen didn’t respond, her focus on the documents. Eventually, she leveled a look at him, one that could chill the Moscow night. “If you’re that bored, make yourself useful.”

He chuckled, sliding the knife back into its sheath. “Oh, I’m useful. Just waiting for you to catch up.”

She exhaled, her gaze sharp. “This is the layout,” she said, pointing to a blueprint. “Guards on every corner, and an electronic surveillance system in the main corridor. We’ll have thirty minutes at most to get in and out.”

“Sounds doable,” Taeyang replied with a shrug. “What’s the plan for the guards?”

She slung her bag over her shoulder. “We avoid them.”

Taeyang’s grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“This isn’t a game, Z701. We’re getting the intel and leaving. No detours, no stunts.”

“Noted.” He held up his hands, his smile unwavering. “But if we’re working together, you might want to drop the micromanaging.”

Aizen’s jaw clenched, but she kept her tone cool. “Just don’t try anything reckless.”

“Reckless?” he said, feigning offense as he moved closer. “My recklessness is an art.”

A reluctant smirk tugged at her lips. “Yeah, that’s what worries me.”

Outside the compound, a harsh wind sliced through the darkness as they crept along the outer wall. Ahead, the guards patrolled in mechanical rhythm, and Taeyang’s easy demeanor shifted to something sharper, his movements predatory. He gestured toward a narrow side entrance.

Aizen nodded, slipping forward with him to press against the wall, avoiding the guard’s gaze as he passed. Above them, a surveillance camera hovered near the entrance.

“Give me a second,” she whispered, reaching into her kit.

Taeyang watched with a glint of admiration as she disarmed it in seconds, barely slowing down.

Once inside, they moved through a maze of crates and locked doors. Taeyang’s gaze swept the surroundings, a practiced ease to his steps that spoke of countless missions like this.

“Second door on the left,” Aizen whispered, checking her blueprints. “That’s where the intel should be.”

“On it.” Taeyang went to work on the door, picking the lock swiftly. Inside, the small room was cluttered with filing cabinets. Aizen headed for a locked drawer along the far wall, pulling out her tools.

As she worked, Taeyang leaned casually against the doorframe. “So, word is you’re fresh off a breakup,” he murmured, his tone light.

Aizen’s hands froze for a second, her tone turning icy. “Not the time.”

“Oh, come on,” he whispered, a grin in his voice. “I’m just making conversation. It’s too quiet in here.”

“Focus on the mission, Taeyang,” she replied, not even looking up.

“Trust me, I’m focused,” he murmured, eyes flickering toward the hallway. “It’s just interesting, is all. Cheating? That’s not the typical spy story. We usually go for something a little more… fatal.”

She ignored him, giving the drawer one last twist before it clicked open. Pulling out a thick file, she slid it into her bag. “Let’s go.”

They made their way back into the hallway, but just as they neared the exit, voices drifted toward them, accompanied by the clink of approaching footsteps.

Taeyang’s smirk returned as he glanced at Aizen. “Time for Plan B?”

“There is no Plan B,” she hissed, pulling him into an alcove as the guards passed by, chatting in low tones. When they finally moved on, she exhaled, casting him a glare.

He leaned close, his voice a soft murmur. “Remind me to teach you the art of improvisation. You might even enjoy it.”

“I’ll pass,” she whispered back.

As they reached the exit, more guards appeared, blocking their path. They spotted them instantly, hands reaching for weapons.

“Looks like Plan B it is,” Taeyang said, a wild spark in his eye.

Aizen barely had time to respond before he lunged, disarming the first guard with a brutal twist and landing a punch that sent him sprawling. Aizen followed suit, her movements swift and calculated, every strike deliberate. Beside her, Taeyang fought with a reckless energy, each punch and kick carrying a dark satisfaction. It was almost unsettling to watch, his smile edging on a grin as he took down the last guard.

Once they were clear, Aizen shot him a glare. “That wasn’t necessary.”

He shrugged, unbothered. “I thought it was fun.”

“Try to keep it professional next time.”

“Sure thing, boss,” he replied, mock salute in place as they slipped out into the night.

Back at the safe house, Aizen dove into the files, barely looking up as Taeyang sprawled across the couch, looking entirely too comfortable.

“So, what’s next?” he asked, stretching.

“We go over the files, find out what the syndicate’s next move is, and intercept it,” she replied curtly.

“Any progress?” he asked with a smirk. “Or should I grab coffee while you overanalyze everything?”

She glared. “Maybe if you stopped talking, I’d make some.”

Unfazed, he laughed. “Fine, I’ll be good.” But his gaze lingered, an amused intensity in his eyes that unsettled her.

After a long silence, Aizen finally spoke. “What’s your deal, Taeyang?”

He arched an eyebrow. “My deal? I’m just a guy trying to help out his partner.”

“Partner?” She snorted. “You’ve done nothing but get in my way.”

His grin never faltered. “Maybe. But admit it—you’d be bored without me.”

She met his gaze, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. “I can handle myself just fine.”

His voice softened, holding a rare seriousness. “I don’t doubt it. But that doesn’t mean I’m letting you have all the fun.”

Aizen rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to the files. But she could feel his eyes on her, studying her with a depth she couldn’t ignore.

And somehow, in his own infuriating way, he was starting to get under her skin. For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, she had the distinct feeling he knew it.

Chapter end