Chapter Text

The office was lively even at 8 in the morning. It always was, and rarely ever empty on a Monday. But that was to be expected of their department. Professional, pressuring and crowded, their floor consisted of nothing but an alarming amount of offices and an unnecessary amount of coffee machines.

Whilst thinking over this usual morning, he prevented himself from fiddling his fingers as he sat straight across his boss. Eden, as the office called him, was the reigning chief even since Hongjoong had been assigned there four years ago. His anniversary with joining the department was within three months. Sometimes he wondered how long he’d managed to survive under the sort of dangerous missions this chief had assigned him. But, he had to do what he had to do for those promotions.

And Hongjoong was the king of promotions in the office. The top agent and overall golden intelligence officer of the entire department. It was earned through hard work, rightfully so, and being there in the office was more of a reminder of it all. This meeting was most likely yet another opportunity to be promoted up, and Hongjoong was going to take that chance no matter what.

His chief sat forward, hands clasped before him as if to address some bad news to Hongjoong.

Crap. What if this wasn’t a promotion?

“Sir,” He started, composing himself like the professional agent he was. “Is there a reason for this summon?”

Eden looked him in the eye, studying his face before falling back in his chair. A sigh escaped his lips. “We have to wait for my other agent to arrive before we discuss matters further.”

“Is it that serious, sir?” Hongjoong asked.

His chief merely glanced out the office window. There was a great view of the entirety of the floor. Perfect for Eden to check on the employees who were constantly working on case files and missions.

But this wasn’t a part of Hongjoong’s job. He was a field agent.

“It’s not serious . . .” Eden started, and then finished with, “ . . . yet.”

“Sir—?” Hongjoong began, but was interrupted by a sudden knocking on the office door.

It was uncommon for others to disrupt a meeting between the chief and another agent. Maybe this was the person they were waiting for? The office was tense though, and for some reason Hongjoong had had this chill running up his spine ever since he’d stepped foot into work. His last mission had been weeks ago. Usually he was great at shaking past, possibly traumatic events off, but this time things felt different.

“Sir, I’m so sorry I’m late—” The intruder at the door stepped into the room hurriedly, only to freeze mid-sentence when he caught Hongjoong’s eye.

Eden hadn’t bothered to stand. “You’re late.”

“Late?” Hongjoong stood up in his place, still grabbing onto the chair. “Why would he be late? Is—is he—?”

The newly arrived field agent closed (slammed) the door behind him, looking as incredulous and shocked as Hongjoong felt at that moment. “Chief, is he a part of this mission too?” He sounded thoroughly upset. “No. No please don’t tell me—”

This time Eden did stand, but only to glare at them both. “Agents can we please sit down?”

________

There was only ever one peer Hongjoong had loathed from the beginning. And when he meant beginning, he meant days from his academy and so forth. Yes they’d known each other for long, but that only drove them deeper into a rivalry that seemed unmatched amongst their other fellow agents.

It must have been the fact that so many of their missions had failed dramatically due to their competitiveness, or maybe it was because they always chose to work alone when it was clearly obvious how important it was to complete missions as a team—

He wasn’t sure what spurred on this type of relationship (could he even call it a ‘relationship’?), but he definitely didn’t want to delve in any deeper on the subject, much less actually work with the guy again.

“This can’t be happening.” He groaned into his hands.

They’d both sat down for the sake of staying employed. Eden hadn’t looked so impatient in a long time. They couldn’t risk upsetting their boss, not when a possible promotion was at stake.

“Tell me about it.” Seonghwa complained, half-slumping in his chair.

Park Seonghwa, by far one of the best officers in the department (below Hongjoong of course), with a flair for catching criminals and completing missions efficiently and timely. He was an admirable man, professional at his job, except for the fact that he clearly aimed to steal every golden opportunity to promote himself. In reality, Hongjoong worked just as well. Sometimes a little too well—no—better.

Hongjoong’s methods stuck to the book, and he’d never tried to break any rules during a job. Seonghwa was the opposite, he was a risk taker, and above all else he used seduction to get what he wanted. It was a risky method, and one that Hongjoong would never dare use.

They were basically complete opposites.

“No, no, no—you are not making me partner up with someone who has odd . . . kinks.” Hongjoong said in disbelief.

Seonghwa looked offended, “I can’t believe you’d out me like that—oh wait, you would do something like that—” He added sarcastically, “And for your information, it’s perfectly valid to have such—”

Eden cleared his throat, silencing them. It worked immediately. “Like I said before, I need you two to work on this mission together.”

“But to be a couple?” Hongjoong said this much louder than he intended. It made him grimace at the thought. The last person he wanted was Seonghwa.

“I dislike this man very much, chief.” Seonghwa stole the words right of his mouth. “Assign me someone else—Mingi, or Yunho, for example—”

“They’re both off on another case.” Eden reminded him.

“Why can’t they take the case afterwards?” Hongjoong half-pleaded.

Their chief rubbed his temples. “Don’t get me started on those two.” He said, in that specific voice whenever he didn't want to be argued with. “Plus, they don’t have the qualifications you two have. You’re practically the best agents for this mission.”

Hongjoong would’ve been glowing at the compliment, had he not known his enemy was included as well. Eden wasn’t wrong. They were the best agents for this specific case. Their only Achilles heel was the fact that they hated each other immensely.

“I need your background,” The chief pointed to Hongjoong, “And I need your techniques.” He eyed Seonghwa.

Hongjoong could only assume what Eden meant by ‘techniques’.

“I thought Wooyoung and San were on this case two months ago?” Seonghwa said. “What have they been doing? What did they dig up?”

At the mention of their peers, Eden’s face grew dark. They’d hit a nerve.

Hongjoong elbowed Seonghwa on the arm. The taller threw him a glare.

“Jung and Choi have disappeared.” Eden revealed, brows creasing together in worry. “It’s been a month now.”

“They’ve been missing for a month?!” Hongjoong questioned.

Seonghwa shrugged. “Maybe they went rogue? Maybe they hitched—?”

“They’ve uncovered a possible drug ring in the mountains of Norway at a resort.” Eden informed them, crossing his arms. “The last message I received was a distress signal from Jung.” His eyes fell. “Their cover was blown.”

“So you want us to infiltrate that resort?” Seonghwa asked.

“Exactly.” Eden answered.

“As a fake . . . couple . . .” Hongjoong said more to himself.

His rival got up quickly, heading for the door. “No. No way are you pairing me up with him.”

Their chief spoke up before Seonghwa could exit the room, “Not even for a promotion?”

It seemed like they shared the same interest. Because when the word promotion spilled from their chief’s lips, they froze.

“Promotion?” Hongjoong nearly whispered.

“There has to be more than a promotion for me to be bought into this case—” Seonghwa began, but fell silent when he glanced at Hongjoong.

Eden, surprisingly, remained patient, as if he was certain they would come to an agreement. Hongjoong didn’t like upsetting his boss, though this time it felt like they couldn’t compromise. It was impossible.

“Wait.” Seonghwa sat back down, a little too close for Hongjoong’s comfort. He could see why the tall agent was so good at his . . . techniques. He was a handsome man, Hongjoong had to painfully admit. Except for the fact that he so desperately wanted to take a pair of scissors to the lock of dark black hair completely covering his left eye. “Let’s make a bet out of this, yeah?”

“A bet?”

“We’ll see who catches the main culprit first,” Seonghwa drew closer, “If I win, then you’ll have to start calling me hyung.”

Hongjoong spluttered. This was ridiculous. But they were both competitive as fuck. “Fuck no.”

“Then I’ll take that as an admit to defeat.”

“If I win then I’m allowed to never acknowledge you as my elder.” Hongjoong told him, brow raised in challenge. “Deal?”

As if enticed, Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed in response to that challenge, excited. “Deal.” He said, taking Hongjoong’s hand and shaking it once.

Eden all the while stayed silent.

This was completely stupid. The mission was important, therefore they couldn’t mess around with arguing over trivial things. This though, was the last straw. Hongjoong could work smoothly with anyone else in the office. Seonghwa too, was capable of doing the same. So why put them together?

Qualifications? Techniques? Sure they were perfect, but—

Damn. They were too perfect for this job.

“I’ll have someone give you the case file and your plane tickets later on today.” The chief broke his train of thought. “And just a reminder—ever since Jung and Choi were compromised, the house has been entirely bugged.”

“And that’s difficult for us because . . .?” Seonghwa bragged. Hongjoong would’ve done the same. Working in dangerous locations was like a piece of cake for them. So why was Eden reminding them of something so trivial? “We just have to find the drug leader and rescue Wooyoung and San. No big deal.”

Smiling, their boss looked at them with mirth. There was no going back on their word now. Not with their sudden deal and definite promise of a promotion.

“The house has been bugged,” Eden said once more, “I can’t have two more agents disappear on me. Therefore I’m going to need you two to keep up the act as a married couple 24/7, for the sake of your safety of course. ”

Safety.

More like punishment.

________

The plane was packed with people. And why hadn’t their agency dug up enough money to send them to Norway via first class? Seonghwa felt like a sardine amidst the sea of tourists on their way to their holiday destination. Was this even considered a holiday for him? Well, considering he wasn’t exactly covered in blood and bullet holes yet, he had to agree that this was more pleasant than what he’d experienced in the past few months.

It was all good and nice.

Except for the fact that his rival was his partner this time around.

The exceptionally small man was sitting on his right, completely unconscious ever since he’d sat down. What spy fell asleep so easily on a mission?

Seonghwa was already miffed over everything. Not to mention the fact that his tiny enemy was currently draped atop him, snoring softly and squishing him even more against the window.

He was as light as a feather and still annoying. If he wanted to, he could’ve thrown the 5’7 man across the airplane to finally get the much needed legroom he ached for (his back was killing him). Another ten hours of this was practically going to kill him before the drug lords in Norway would.

“Kim,” He didn’t bother whispering. “How can you fall asleep so easily at any given time?!”

Hongjoong stirred in his sleep. At least he was somewhat aware of his surroundings.

Seonghwa watched as the agent bent forward uncomfortably. Not wanting to let the man hit his head, and with the respect a human should have, he grabbed the man and let him rest atop his shoulder. Later he’d have to deal with Hongjoongs drool all over his new Chanel suit.

“Really.” Seonghwa looked over Hongjoong’s own attire. He’d settled for a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a pullover jacket, unlike Seonghwa. It was a good idea to get comfortable on a long plane ride, but he preferred working in style.

“May I place your bags in the compartment above?” A flight attendant arrived at his shoulder, smiling at him.

This was a good opportunity to relax before the flight even began. He needed something to ease the growing irritation boiling inside him.

The lady waited for his answer for a second until he replied, with a curved smirk and a raise of his brow, “No, thank you, but—” He arched a finger at her until she bent to his eye level. “Can you bring me a glass of white wine, please?”

The flight attendant looked away, “Ah, we aren’t in the air yet. I’m afraid I can’t—”

“Not even for me~?” Seonghwa tilted his head, eyeing the way the woman stared at him wide-eyed, until she grew flustered by his response. He continued slowly, enunciating his words, “I’m just really, really thirsty.”

The woman finally tore her gaze away from him after a solid moment to watch the other attendants on board, “I-I can probably get you something—just, wait a moment.”

“Thank you so much.” He continued smirking as she departed swiftly.

It wasn’t a feeling he liked. His way of working wasn’t something he was technically proud of. But being a spy meant he had to lie for a living. It was not pretty.

“I can’t believe I got to witness such infamous flirting.” Hongjoong’s voice cut through him like a knife. Hadn’t he been asleep?

“I thought you were asleep.” Seonghwa chose not to look at him.

“And I thought you were supposed to be my husband.”

He turned to see his small partner grinning knowingly, mockingly. This was karma for something Seonghwa had done in the past. Why the hell had he agreed to work with this . . . this . . .

“Whatever.” He spat, staring at the dirty floor instead. “I need a drink.”

“Just remember, I hate this as much as you do.” Hongjoong leaned on the other armrest, far from him as humanly possibly.

“Good.” He said, “Let’s get a divorce before we arrive, then.”

________

The deal between them was—their last missions together had gone dire quickly. The Tokyo mission was the most prominent one that remained in his mind. Hanging from the Sky Tree without a parachute or support, without the help of his partner because said agent was having a fist fight with the located convict—it wasn’t a pretty report to write up afterwards. Eden wasn’t happy about it one bit.

The other mission, their first one as partners, had been a mission close to home that seemed too simple to be true. Investigating some sketchy clubs in the heart of Seoul was textbook, but in the end Seonghwa had abandoned Hongjoong to track down a gangster who had nothing to do with their case!

Anything to get that promotion, Kim. The taller had remarked.

Hongjoong was not elated about nearly compromising their cover over something so risky. Of course they got yelled at when it was done. They hadn’t died, thank goodness, not even when they’d fled their mission with a group of armed men tailing them.

Those missions had stayed in his memories, reminding him constantly of their incompatibility. And it wasn’t like Hongjoong was the straight A student in the department. He’d broken rules as well, but not to the degree of Park Seonghwa.

So he had to make this time count. They would be doing a simple undercover mission. They just had to discover a possible drug ring and locate their two missing agents.

He knew Wooyoung and San to be some of the best officers. They wouldn’t go without a fight. And they were great at working together as well.

It was promising from the start, when Hongjoong had first learned that they would be leaving on this mission. But now since they’d disappeared, he grew weary.

It dissipated though, when he witnessed just what they were getting into. The resort was almost the size of Disneyland, except for the fact that in place of attractions, there were big, towering trees obstructing the views of cabins that sat far but clustered together on the side of a snowy mountain.

The boat trip had taken a short amount of time, but compared to the cable car ride, time seemed to have slowed down.

Seonghwa had tensed in his seat, eyes avoiding all windows, which was near to impossible, considering how open the car was as they descended higher and higher over the mountain.

It was here that Hongjoong took notice of his partner’s acrophobia. He’d seen it for a split second on top of the Sky Tree back then, though Seonghwa had been too preoccupied in trying to stay alive. This time, there wasn’t anything stopping him from looking down.

“A secret agent with a fear of heights.” Hongjoong said listlessly.

“I’m going to need you to shut up, Kim.” Seonghwa was bent over, hands clasped tightly.

This was the most vulnerable his partner had been, ever. It was interesting to watch, but at the same time he felt bad for not being able to do anything about it.

Hongjoong had his own fears too.

“We’re nearly there.” He told the man.

Seonghwa scoffed. “What is this? Comfort?”

“There are cameras in here, Park,” Hongjoong spoke harshly. “Let me play the part of a good husband, dammit.”

“Well you might not have a husband within the next few minutes because I think I’m going to pass out.” The agent whisper-yelled back.

Hongjoong exhaled, frustrated. “Fine.” He threw an arm over the man and brought him close, taking a firm grip on his shoulder to begin rubbing in small circles over his back. He couldn’t have his partner feeling nauseous. If they were to be attacked right now, they probably wouldn’t make it to the resort. Not with Seonghwa in this state. He was bad enough on the airplane.

Seonghwa peered up at him, brows drawn together. “What the hell are you doing?”

“I’m trying to be the better person and make you feel at ease, Park.” He said through gritted teeth. If there was someone watching them, he couldn’t allow anyone to read his lips. “Or do you want to vomit?”

The tall agent rolled his eyes. “They say to vomit on people if you’re being held against your will.”

“I can kill you 348 ways in this single cable car.” Hongjoong retaliated.

“Carry on.” Seonghwa finished. He couldn’t argue with that.

________

They’d arrived finally. After what felt like a millennia. The entire ride had made him dizzy, to the point where he couldn’t even stand once they’d touched ground.

Seonghwa was thoroughly confused at the fact that Hongjoong was trying to help him on the way there. At every given chance, Hongjoong was always aiming to lecture and expose him. Was this some sort of you owe me type of thing?

He lifted a hand up to shield away the morning sunlight but managed to catch a glimpse of the resort. To say that it was huge would be an understatement.

A wide, curved road carved up the face of the mountain, leading to the multiple luxury cabins on either side of them. The places were huge, two, maybe even three stories, with patios and outdoor swimming pools for the summer.

The cabins dotted the view from where he stood, and at times he could make out a few buildings that looked more like gathering halls than humble offices for the employees.

It was sunny, but since it was the middle of dead winter there was snow everywhere, lighting up everything even more and making the landscape appear as if they’d just stepped into a christmas greeting card.

Behind them, a large lake spread around the entirety of the mountain, which of course was a tiny, private island owned by the man who they would be investigating shortly after they dropped off their bags.

He was relieved to find that the lake wasn’t frozen over. He hadn’t brought his best snow boots, but he did know how to drive a boat. A pier sat near the edge of the water. He could even spot a dozen few boats parked, ready just in case they needed to make an escape.

All in all it was picture perfect, and it didn’t look like the type of place where a multi-million dollar drug ring would take place. It just looked like a location where rich couples went to in order to receive therapy and de-stress.

Those little shits had been staying there for months, without informing their agency of anything. Wooyoung and San must’ve figured something critical out. That was why they’d vanished off the face of the earth.

He observed the location, mapping out the area in his mind. He wondered if they were still on the island, or if they’d fled on one of those boats he’d seen.

Hongjoong pinched his arm, alerting him to something, “Pay attention.” He whispered.

Seonghwa grabbed their suitcases, making sure to push Hongjoong as he did so. The small agent stumbled on his feet, but adjusted himself when a man in full winter gear walked up to them, smiling brightly at the newly arrived . . . couple.

The new man outstretched an arm to Hongjoong, shaking his hand firmly and then taking Seonghwa’s to do the same. When he let go, he bowed deeply, “Welcome. My name is Kang Yeosang, and I’ll be taking care of you for the next few weeks.”

Hongjoong and he both bowed back, “It’s very beautiful here,” His partner remarked, throwing one of his classic fake smiles, “We’ll be in your care.”

“Thank you very much, sir. I’m excited to begin working with you two.” The man named Yeosang extended his hands out to the road before them. “Shall we?”

Seonghwa nodded as Hongjoong latched onto his arm. It took all of his willpower not to throw the tiny man into the awaiting bushes to their right. They looked like some sort of poison ivy.

Sensing his motives, Hongjoong’s hold grew tighter, until Seonghwa could no longer feel his limb. Yeosang continued directing them up the mountain as they walked upwards even more. How far could they go? How big was this damn mountain?

He was starting to feel lightheaded again.

“You’re Korean.” Hongjoong said this casually.

Yeosang nodded enthusiastically, “Transferred here from Busan.”

“So I’m guessing you’re exceptionally well in bringing couples back together.” Seonghwa stayed checking their surroundings. This was the perfect place to hide a lab. “If they scoped you out all the way from South Korea.”

Their guide let out a small laugh, “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

Seonghwa couldn’t help the look of suspicion that crossed his face. Hongjoong saw this, and began speaking.

“Great.” He said, “Can’t wait to get started.”

________

Kang Yeosang had already been under a thorough search on their computers, but nothing had come up. It was certain that he was simply a bystander, a certified therapist who was genuinely there to fix up Seonghwa and Hongjoong’s fake relationship.

Also, neither Wooyoung nor San had informed them of anything sketchy surrounding the man. Even as they arrived at the scene of the crime, or in this case the cabin where their agents were last seen, the man carried on with only an angelic smile.

Such a smile couldn’t harbor lies, right?

“We’ve scheduled your sessions to begin tomorrow.” Yeosang unlocked the cabin door with ease and then gave the key to Hongjoong’s awaiting hands. “You’ll be working with me for the next few days on and off, but please remember that the main goal for this trip is to help you two grow even closer together.”

He could feel Seonghwa’s radiating annoyance from where he stood. If the agent could, he would’ve rolled his eyes then and there at both Hongjoong and Yeosang.

“If you need anything, you can use the house phone inside. My number’s in the contact list.” Yeosang added. “Now, I’m afraid I have to attend to other matters. Please forgive me.”

The therapist bowed once again and departed, leaving them at the front entrance. When Hongjoong and Seonghwa finished bowing as well, they both sighed in unison.

Seonghwa looked completely pissed off. He could relate. Except he didn’t want to.

They hadn’t dwelled on the idea of actually being a fake couple much. But now that someone else had said it aloud, it was dawning on them how real this situation was.

Truthfully, he wanted to gag. Never in a million years did he think that such a thing would happen to him. What had he done to deserve such a punishment?

They couldn’t reveal their real feelings though, not unless they wanted their cover blown. “Might as well go inside and begin.”

Seonghwa brushed past him harshly, making Hongjoong grab at the door for support. “I’m so close to just calling the chief up and abandoning this plan altogether—”

The man stopped talking when he’d stepped into the living room, eyes shining. It wasn’t common for Seonghwa to be fazed by anything, but this time there was good reason.

Hongjoong soon saw it too when he peered his head into the two story cabin. Wooyoung and San had been living in luxury before they’d disappeared.

It was spacious. That was the exact word for it. With wooden, dark floors, marble countertops, minimalistic furniture and a giant modern chandelier that cast a soft glow. Upstairs they could see everything, literally, the walls were made of glass, revealing a master bedroom, a clear staircase and exposed metal beams.

Outside through a sliding glass door, a bubbling jacuzzi sat invitingly, steaming against the cold, crisp winter air. And at the front of it all, a huge view of the valley stared right back at them, appearing more like a painting than something that could be considered true.

“Holy shit.” He could hear Seonghwa say, dropping their luggage. The place was so big, the bags caused a small echo.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Hongjoong had to lean on a couch. He couldn’t fully digest the fact that this was their place for the next month.

It was . . . the deal breaker they needed.

When was the last time they’d both had a vacation? They were hungry over promotions, always have been, so much so that they had forgotten how to take breaks. Their previous missions too, always involved staking out and hiding in the grittiest of areas.

Honestly, this was the vacation of his dreams. A beautiful place to stay in, to investigate an impossible case—

He only needed Seonghwa to leave. Then it would’ve been perfect.

Blinking, the other agent awoke from his stupor, “Kim.”

Hongjoong was still in a state of shock, “What?”

Seonghwa pointed a finger up. It wasn’t clear what he was referring to. “One.”

“You need to be more clear—” He complained.

“There’s only one bed!” Seonghwa replied as quietly as he could.

Instantly, he could feel a pool of dread flooding his stomach.

And just like that, their wonderland had been shattered by a mere few words. Park Seonghwa, yet again, ruining everything.

________

He didn’t mind the cold. Winters in Seoul were especially chilly. He couldn’t compare that cold to anything else. He’d grown up in it. This snow was completely foreign to him. It was bitter, it bit at his skin even inside, and it smelled like the lake miles below them.

When they’d arrived and finally unpacked, the sun had already set and a soft snowfall began to start, warning them that it was most likely too dangerous to step outside into the unknown elements.

This was the first time he’d had a mission in Norway. The last case he vividly remembered was when they were in Tokyo. It had been Spring then, but still somehow freezing as the night had grown.

Hongjoong was his partner at the time, and he’d successfully gotten himself into trouble when the culprit escaped via elevator to the top of the Sky Tree.

It was a huge building, with shiny grey metal that appeared translucent at night. The only indication that they were at the very top was the occasional flash of a red light that sat on the needle. Hongjoong became a major burden when the criminal had almost thrown him over the side. Truth be told, Seonghwa could’ve handled it alone.

Because the agent wasn’t compelled to take huge risks. He’d played it safe through everything. That was mainly how he’d gotten so high up in his ranks, but it was also the reason as to why he was still aiming for the top that seemed too far to reach.

Seonghwa, admittedly, was similar. He wasn’t exactly an angel either.

Slumped on the bed (the minuscule bed, despite the hugeness of the house), he glimpsed his partner brushing his teeth in the bathroom. Seonghwa was already familiar with it all, living with Hongjoong and memorizing his habits. They were too perfect for this job. It was scary.

He observed the way Hongjoong’s ashy brown hair was beginning to grow out. Soon, it would resemble a mullet. And he wasn’t that tiny. Seonghwa just liked to feel tall, and Hongjoong was the ultimate target.

“We already know how unsafe it is to check.” Hongjoong reminded him from where he stood, drying his face in a nearby towel. He was referring to the bugs placed all over the house. They trusted Eden enough to know that he was telling the truth. They couldn’t risk searching for the bugs without being found out. They would simply have to put up with this facade.

“They’re not that important.” Seonghwa said. He took this opportunity to shed his blazer and set it down on a nearby couch. They were choosing their words carefully. They couldn’t just blurt out everything their chief had told them.

Hongjoong leaned against the door, now in his pajamas. His wet hair was plastered to his forehead. It made him look years younger than what he was. “Then we should find a place to—” He pointed at his mouth, to say something along the lines of, Someplace to talk about the mission without getting caught.

Seonghwa agreed, for once. “And where would that be?”

“I was thinking the shower.” He suggested.

“Oh, the shower,” Seonghwa muttered as he took each of his shoes off. “The shower. That sounds—wait—wait a moment there—”

Hongjoong directed a look of impatience at him. “This is the only possible and safe way to—”

“I don’t want to hear it today.” He cut him off, laying back down on the bed to cover his eyes with his arms. He didn’t want to look at his partner. “Please don’t remind me of our situation.”

The bed sunk, which meant that Hongjoong must’ve been sitting beside him. “Don’t take me for an idiot. I know how stupid that idea sounds.”

He groaned, “We can do it somewhere else. The forest, for example.”

“Too dangerous.”

“The jacuzzi?”

“Too many eyes.”

“On a boat?”

“Security cameras.”

Seonghwa uncovered his eyes to glare at Hongjoong, but saw that the man was looking down at him tiredly. He could only assume how exhausted he looked as well.

Still pink from the hot shower, Hongjoong grabbed the nearest blanket, wrapping himself up in it. At that moment, he didn’t look like the trained spy of ten years, an agent that could kill a man a thousand ways without breaking a sweat. The kind of person who could hack into any system while performing hand to hand combat with a professional killer.

No—this was the first time he’d presented himself in such a vulnerable, normal state.

It was . . . it was dangerous.

Seonghwa cleared his throat. The fresh air of the mountain must’ve been messing with his mind. “Get some sleep, Kim, you look like you’re going to pass out.”

Hongjoong threw the blanket at him angrily, breaking the soft image, “I can take care of myself.”

And with that, he stopped talking for the rest of the night.

Seonghwa took the left side of the bed and Hongjoong took the right. They hadn’t voiced this setup aloud. They didn’t need to. It was unimportant anyway.

“You owe me a new Chanel suit, by the way.” Seonghwa said, unbuttoning his white shirt. “You drool too much when you sleep.”

Hongjoong pulled at the covers of the bed. Silent.

It was going to be a long night.