Blueberry Pastry

Wooyoung strode urgently towards the imposing NIS headquarters in Seoul, his fists clenched and unclenched with each determined step.

Returning to Seoul from Incheon, he felt a rush of anticipation.

Mingi's assistance in the case was a relief, allowing Yunho and Mingi to delve into the details while Wooyoung accompanied the general to the NIS office.

Dressed in his full uniform, Wooyoung exuded a composed demeanor that belied the inner turmoil he grappled with. Only he knew the weight of the challenges he faced.

"Chief, General," The man outside the door greeted with a salute as they were ushered into the chairman's room.

The chairman appeared preoccupied with paperwork, his demeanor reflecting irritation until he noticed the arrival of the General and Wooyoung, prompting a nod of acknowledgment.

Taking their seats opposite the NIS chairman, the trio prepared for the discussion ahead.

"I've carefully considered your concerns, Wooyoung, and I've been diligently reviewing our records to identify any potential mistakes on our end," the chairman began earnestly.

"However, I find myself torn between feelings of optimism and apprehension, as I've noticed that neither Y/N nor Grace are present in any of our branches."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Wooyoung maintained his composure. He couldn't afford to falter, especially not in front of his senior, especially while clad in his uniform.

"I understand," Wooyoung responded, his resolve palpable as he clenched his jaw to suppress any outward reaction.

The chairman continued, offering a potential solution. "You may wish to consult with Officer Choi, the head of the mission, for further clarification on this matter. I regret that this is the extent of my assistance in this regard."

Wooyoung nodded, acknowledging the chairman's suggestion. Though disappointed by the limitations of the chairman's help, he remained determined to navigate the situation with professionalism and resolve.

"Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated, sir," Wooyoung said with a grateful nod as he rose from his seat.

The general and Wooyoung were escorted outside to another office where Officer Choi awaited.

However, what caught Wooyoung off guard was coming face to face with his old friend.

The Officer Choi the chairman had mentioned was none other than his friend from their military days - the same friend with whom he had shared the rigors of training, his soul brother.

After their military service, they had gone their separate ways, only to reunite under unexpected circumstances today.

As Officer Choi greeted them with his trademark radiant smile, complete with dimples, and saluted Wooyoung and the general, it was evident that Wooyoung struggled to contain his emotions.

Sensing this, the general tactfully excused himself, leaving Wooyoung and Officer Choi alone to catch up.

As soon as the doors were shut, Officer Choi enveloped Wooyoung in a tight hug, tears streaming down his cheeks at the sight of his long-lost friend.

"Wooyoung, my man, it's so good to finally see you again," Officer Choi exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine warmth and emotion.

"I'm happy too, San. You didn't tell me that you work in NIS, hell, you didn't even contact me after our trainings finished," Wooyoung remarked as he broke the hug, tears glistening in his eyes.

San chuckled softly before replying, "Just like how you didn't tell me that you were married."

The room fell into a heavy silence, leaving Wooyoung at a loss for words. How could he possibly respond?

He wasn't married, nor did he have anyone named Y/N and Grace with him.

Sensing the tension, San motioned for Wooyoung to take a seat on the sofa, promptly ordering coffee for both of them.

"We never married," Wooyoung finally spoke up, earning a confused look from San. "I found out that I have a daughter a month ago." The revelation caught San off guard.

Not only was he reconnecting with his dearest friend after years apart, but he also realized just how much he had missed in Wooyoung's life. There was so much to catch up on.

San reassured him with a smile that he is all ears to listen to him, that he understands Wooyoung's concerns and his dilemma.

That being said, Wooyoung started to share everything he could, the tea that was delivered a moment ago was long forgotten.

"No, Wooyoung, I don't think you should come with us," Y/N said softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination as she settled into the seat opposite Wooyoung in his office.

Mingi, standing beside her, nodded in agreement.

"We believe it's best if Mingi and I handle this task," she continued gently, her voice laced with understanding. "You should stay here and oversee the Lee's contacts."

Wooyoung felt a pang of confusion and hurt as he processed Y/N's words. Why were they so insistent on excluding him? Were the unsettling rumors he'd been hearing true?

He couldn't shake off the doubt creeping into his mind.

But then he remembered the moments they shared, the whispered confessions of love from Y/N's lips.

How could those intimate moments be fabricated? How could he doubt her sincerity when she'd professed her love for him so earnestly?

Despite his inner turmoil, Wooyoung managed a faint smile, masking the hurt he felt. "Alright," he said quietly, trying to push aside his doubts. "I'll stay here and handle things."

Deep down, though, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of uncertainty, wondering if their bond was truly as strong as he believed it to be.

It had been an hour since Mingi and Y/N left to gather information about the dealings inside the ornate ballroom.

Wooyoung found himself alone in his thoughts, the stack of papers on his desk forgotten as his mind drifted elsewhere. Despite his attempts to focus on his tasks, his thoughts kept circling back to the unsettling rumors he had heard.

"I think I need a coffee," Wooyoung muttered to himself, rising from his seat and making his way towards the canteen.

Evening had descended, casting the office into a quiet lull as most of his colleagues had already left for the day or were out on fieldwork.

"One coffee, please," he requested politely, receiving a nod from the woman behind the counter.

As he waited for his drink, two police officers entered the canteen, engaged in conversation amongst themselves.

Unaware of Wooyoung's presence, they took a seat on one of the benches nearby, their voices hushed yet carrying an air of urgency.

"Y/N went with Mingi," one of the women remarked with a hint of admiration. "They looked like a hot power couple, you should've seen them."

Wooyoung didn't initially react, his focus drawn to his mobile as he scanned for any messages from either y/n or Mingi.

"With a chic red side slit gown and silver heels, and her hair, wow, so beautifully done," another chimed in, "and Mingi, all tall and broad, handsome in his suit, they really complimented each other."

"But isn't y/n living with Chief Wooyoung?" the man interjected, drawing Wooyoung's attention. "She has got both powerful men wrapped around her finger," he added with a touch of cynicism.

"I'm absolutely certain that Y/N is in cahoots with Chief for his position," the former woman asserted, earning confused glances from her colleagues. "Trust me, don't you remember Y/N once mentioning she has a thing for tall guys, and Mingi is exceptionally tall?"

Silence followed her statement as her colleagues remained speechless, until the woman let out a laugh and nudged them to keep quiet. "What's so funny?" she asked, earning side glances from her peers.

Glancing to her side, she noticed Wooyoung standing nearby with his coffee in hand, his expression unreadable.

"Have the phone data and CCTV footage been examined?" Wooyoung inquired of the group, to which they shook their heads in response, their demeanor subdued.

"Gather all the details for me tomorrow morning without fail," Wooyoung commanded before leaving the canteen, his knuckles visibly tight around the coffee mug, betraying the tension within him.

The echoes of his colleagues' comments were still bouncing around in his head.

Was it really true that Y/N was only with him for his position, especially now that she knew he was going to get promoted? He glanced at his phone once more, but there were no new notifications.

"What's taking them so long?" Wooyoung muttered to himself as he swung open his cabin door. He paused at the key hanger, contemplating for a moment, before grabbing his car keys and storming out, his face flushed with anger.

In just 30 minutes, he pulled up to the base where the party was supposed to be happening.

Sitting tight in the car, he clutched the steering wheel, giving it a few more minutes, hoping for some sign.

But, darn it all, nothing came. With a sigh, he stepped out of the car, throwing on his coat as he made his way towards the entrance.

But, wouldn't you know it, the guards intercepted him. He wasn't about to let this setback ruin his night, though.

He tried sweet-talking the guards, even attempted a little push-and-shove, but nothing seemed to budge them until one of the guards got a phone call.

After a few nods and exchanges, they finally waved him through. It was a bit of a shock, but in his head, he was too fired up to dwell on it.

Storming into the hall, he scanned the place like a hawk, searching for y/n and Mingi.

The room was alive with chatter, wealth dripping from every corner, people flaunting their riches, chatting about deals left and right. Sure, the place was swanky, decked out with classy decorations, waiters dressed to the nines, and enough top-shelf liquor to float a yacht.

But none of that mattered to him. His eyes were laser-focused on finding y/n and Mingi, and they landed square on the dance floor.

"Seriously, that's what they call important work?" Wooyoung muttered quietly as he watched y/n and Mingi dancing together, completely engrossed in the music.

Y/N was giggling at something Mingi had said, their arms wrapped around each other. Mingi's hands were positioned just a tad too low on y/n's waist for Wooyoung's liking.

They were so close, practically nose to nose, with y/n's heels giving her just enough height to reach Mingi's shoulder. Wooyoung couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the sight.

"So, just a few more days, and once this case wraps up, am I finally going to hear some good news?" Mingi whispered into Y/N's ear, eliciting a smile from her as she lightly tapped his shoulder.

Little did they know, Wooyoung was observing them from a distance.

"What? You two practically live together," Mingi added, chuckling.

"Well, let's hold off on celebrating until the case is closed," Y/N replied with a smirk. "I just wish we could have brought Wooyoung along on our little adventure," she said with a hint of sadness.

"I know, but it's for his safety. The Lee's have targeted him," Mingi reassured her with a gentle smile, trying to ease her worry. "I can spot the trader," he whispered, cautioning her not to look.

"Don't worry, I won't," Y/N replied, but before she could turn her gaze, Mingi gently redirected her face towards him.

Wooyoung, consumed with jealousy, misinterpreted the gesture, his anger simmering at the sight of Mingi cupping Y/N's cheeks.

"Don't be so obvious, idiot," Mingi muttered, earning a nod of understanding from Y/N.

"Alright, back to business then," Y/N said with a grin, breaking away from their companion with a nod.

She sauntered over to the bar where the trader, decked out in a sharp blue suit, acknowledged her with a nod.

Y/N slid onto the nearest barstool, trying to appear nonchalant, and ordered herself a glass of champagne.

"Quite a sight tonight," the man remarked, eyeing Y/N appreciatively. She casually crossed her legs, letting a hint of thigh show through the slit in her dress.

"Can we talk shop? I'm on a tight schedule," Y/N interjected.

"Already? I just got here, and you're talking about leaving," the man quipped.

"Yeah, my boyfriend, the head of the police department, is waiting for me at home," Y/N retorted.

"Feisty. But does your boyfriend know you're here, cozying up to someone else on the dance floor?" the man fired back.

"Let's stick to business, and you'll have your money and license in no time," Y/N replied with a smirk.

"Clever," the man conceded, pulling out a coin and a chip and offering a handshake to seal the deal. "Hey, you'll totally score what you're after over there," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

With the whole shindig revolving around gambling and shady dealings, nobody could question the vibe.

Y/n inspected the coin—it was kinda odd, all gold and likely copper-made, with a snow leopard emblem stamped on it. Y/n sensed it was more than just a token; it held the clue to the proof they sought.

Just as she was about to inquire about the address, Mingi sidled up, leaning in close to y/n's ear to drop a nugget of info.

"We gotta bounce, the Lee's just rolled in," Mingi whispered urgently. But from Wooyoung's vantage point, things weren't looking good.

It seemed like Mingi had planted a kiss on Y/N's cheek. Y/N gave a quick nod, about to inquire about the coin, but the guy was already heading off.

Y/N made to follow, but Mingi grabbed her arm, and suddenly, there was a gunshot nearby, sending shockwaves through the crowded hall.

Mingi and Y/N turned, only to see Wooyoung clutching his ear, a bullet narrowly missing him and shattering a vase.

"You alright?" Mingi asked, concern etched on his face as Y/N nodded in response. Y/N, instinctively, moved towards where Wooyoung was, but another shot rang out, barely missing him.

Mingi swiftly drew his own gun, pulling Y/N behind him as they cautiously made their way towards Wooyoung, who was taking cover behind a pillar.

"What the hell are you doing here, Wooyoung?" Mingi questioned, amidst the chaos as people sought refuge behind pillars and under tables to evade the gunfire.

"You guys didn't even give me a heads-up, I had to show up unannounced," Wooyoung grumbled, his tone a tad on the sharp side.

"Are you alright?" Y/N asked, pulling Wooyoung into a comforting hug, earning a quiet hum in response. "You shouldn't have come here. Let's get out of here now," Y/N suggested, but they found themselves stuck without a clear exit.

"Wait here," Mingi instructed, scanning the area for an escape route.

He signaled for Y/N and Wooyoung to follow him, and they all hunched down as they made their way cautiously toward the corridor, with Y/N in the middle and Wooyoung trailing behind.

Just as they were about to reach the corridor, a man suddenly attacked Wooyoung from behind, thrusting them into a tense hand-to-hand struggle.

Y/N and Mingi could only watch helplessly as Wooyoung grappled with the assailant.

In a heartbeat, like a bolt of lightning striking from the blue, Y/N lunged towards the man who dared lay a hand on Wooyoung.

The corridor, usually bustling with life, stood deserted, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.

With fierce determination, Y/N thrust the assailant to the ground, pinning him face down with all her strength.

Straddling him, she pressed her forearm against his neck, a firm grip aimed at immobilizing him.

The man thrashed wildly, grabbing whatever he could reach, tearing Y/N's dress near the slit.

But she held her ground, unyielding in her resolve. Seizing the opportunity, Wooyoung seized the assailant while Mingi rushed to assist Y/N to her feet.

Wooyoung unleashed a flurry of blows upon the perpetrator, his fists raining down until the man succumbed to unconsciousness.

"Enough, Wooyoung," Y/N urged, her voice a mixture of concern and urgency. "We need to leave."

Wooyoung's breaths came heavy and labored, his gaze finally turning towards Y/N. The torn fabric of her dress gnawed at her composure, and she cursed herself for choosing it.

Sensing her discomfort, Wooyoung moved to offer his jacket, only to realize its limitations—a waistcoat hardly offering coverage.

It was Mingi who stepped in, his trench coat proving more than sufficient to cloak Y/N's form.

Grateful for Mingi's gesture, Y/N slipped into the coat, though the sight tugged at Wooyoung's nerves.

His jaw clenched as he watched his girlfriend enveloped in another's garment, a silent testament to his protectiveness.

The ride home was quiet. Y/N rode with Wooyoung, while Mingi drove separately. Y/N couldn't shake off her thoughts about the coin and what to do with it.

She wished she had asked the man about the place earlier; maybe she could've gotten a clue. But now, she had to figure it out somehow.

Wooyoung's safety depended on it.

Meanwhile, Wooyoung was burning with jealousy as he watched Y/N wrapped in Mingi's jacket, lost in her thoughts. He assumed she was thinking about Mingi, but he kept that to himself.

Finally, they arrived at their apartment building, where Y/N had moved a few months ago.

Leaving the events of the night behind them, they entered the building as if it were just another ordinary night. Wooyoung quickly stepped out of the car and headed towards the elevator, with Y/N following silently behind. Even in the elevator, neither of them spoke.

Lost in their own thoughts, they rode up to their floor in silence.

As soon as Wooyoung swung open the door to his apartment, he took three long strides inside and halted abruptly, his back still to the door.

Y/N trailed in behind him, closing the door gently before pausing to observe Wooyoung frozen in place like a statue.

"Hey, Wooyoung, everything alright?" She inquired, but Wooyoung remained silent until she approached him with a hint of worry.

"Take that coat off," Wooyoung instructed, catching Y/N off guard with his unexpected command.

"Huh?" She blinked, momentarily confused.

"Take. Off. That. Coat," Wooyoung repeated, his words punctuated with deliberate pauses.

Y/N complied, sliding off her coat which held her dress snugly in place. The soft rustle of fabric as it hit the ground caused Wooyoung to turn around, his eyes tinged with a mix of jealousy and desire, a look Y/N recognized all too well, sending a shiver down her spine.

In the blink of an eye, Wooyoung couldn't resist leaning in, his lips finding Y/N's in a passionate kiss fueled by jealousy.

Initially taken aback, Y/N hesitated only briefly before giving in to her own desires, sparked by the hectic pace of their lives lately.

Amidst the chaos of their busy schedules, they hadn't found a moment to connect, but now seemed as good a time as any, Y/N thought.

With a swift motion, Wooyoung guided her towards their bedroom, shedding their inhibitions along with their clothes.

Y/N eagerly reciprocated, shedding her torn dress and wrapping her arms around Wooyoung's neck as he lifted her up.

Their desire was palpable, each craving the other's touch more than ever. Perhaps a little jealousy wasn't such a bad thing after all.

In mere moments, they found themselves tangled beneath the sheets, bodies moving in sync to a rhythm all their own.

It was a night of pure passion, where time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other.

As the night wore on, neither Y/N nor Wooyoung had any regrets. Sometimes, giving in to temptation was exactly what they needed.

Y/N woke up with her alarm blaring it's ugly sound and groaned a little, moving to hold Wooyoung beside her, but the spot was empty.

She opened her eyes and saw Wooyoung sitting on the edge of the bed his head hung low.

"Good morning chief." Y/N said with her hoarse voice and Wooyoung responded with a smile. "I didn't know, Mingi's jacket would do this to you or I'd have asked for it earlier." She joked earning a glare from Wooyoung for her bad attempt of joke. "Sorry, sorry."

A few days later, Y/N embarked on another expedition with Mingi, venturing towards the base she had uncovered through a reliable source.

The token she possessed served as their key, granting access to the base's inner workings.

Together, they delved into its depths, meticulously scrutinizing every facet of activity.

Unlike their previous endeavor, this excursion unfolded seamlessly, yielding the intelligence Y/N sought—the Lee family entangled in their illicit dealings.

A pivotal breakthrough came in the form of a chip, pinpointing 20% of the Lee's operational base, fortifying the case against them.

Serendipity smiled upon Y/N as she crossed paths with a witness willing to testify against Mr. Lee, bolstering the prosecution's stance.

Within a month, justice prevailed as Lee was found guilty and incarcerated without the possibility of bail.

Every piece of Y/N's strategy fell into place flawlessly, even resulting in Wooyoung's well-deserved promotion.

Eager to share her triumph, Y/N notified her former colleagues of the case's resolution and the uplifting news it brought.

Yet, amidst the victory, a lingering sense of unease lingered. Perhaps not everything was as pristine as it seemed.

Y/N had meticulously planned a promotion party for Wooyoung, extending invitations to all his colleagues to join in the celebration.

Yet, despite her efforts, Wooyoung's demeanor hardly betrayed even a hint of joy. Throughout the month, a palpable tension lingered, his doubts intensifying with each passing day.

Y/N's incessant phone calls and fervent texting with Mingi only served to exacerbate his unease, fueling the rumors that haunted his thoughts.

Upon returning to his apartment, the sight of his colleagues gathered inside was met with a heavy silence from Wooyoung.

He endured the festivities, but as the weight of his suspicions became unbearable, he could no longer contain his emotions. Rising from his seat, exhaustion etched on his face, Wooyoung politely requested his colleagues to depart, citing fatigue.

However, his request carried an undertone of frustration.

In the aftermath, only Mingi remained, unwittingly becoming the catalyst for Wooyoung's pent-up anguish.

In a sudden outburst, Wooyoung unleashed a torrent of curses, directed at both Mingi and Y/N, his conviction firm that they had betrayed him in secret.

The once-celebratory atmosphere now shattered, leaving behind a tangled web of accusations and shattered trust.

"Look, if we get caught up in pointing fingers, we'll never get anywhere, Wooyoung," San said, his tone gentle yet firm. "What matters most right now is finding them. You can beat yourself up later, okay?"

He added with a chuckle, emphasizing his commitment to helping Wooyoung track down Y/N and Grace.

"San, I really appreciate this," Wooyoung replied, gratitude evident in his voice as he struggled to find the right words.

"And just so you know, I've got tabs on all the NIS bases and any deportation lists. She's not there," San assured him.

"I'll keep you posted on any updates and do everything I can to help." He promised, offering Wooyoung a glimmer of hope in their search.

Wooyoung felt a weight lifted off his shoulders after pouring his heart out to his friend.

Despite the support he received from countless people, an unsettling thought lingered in his mind:

What if Y/N and Grace were in danger? His professional life had brought its fair share of adversaries, and the mere notion that one of them could be behind their disappearance sent shivers down his spine.

Returning to his house in Seoul, Wooyoung felt drained and utterly helpless. Concerned coworkers and friends hovered around him, but he couldn't find it in himself to eat or rest properly.

Trudging into his room with a small bag in hand, he barely bothered to close the door or remove his shoes.

Collapsing onto the floor, he leaned against the edge of the bed and retrieved a small rectangular box.

Within it lay a blueberry pastry—Grace's favorite. He lit a candle and placed it atop the pastry, the only source of warmth and light in the dim room.

As the soft glow illuminated his tear-stained face, Wooyoung whispered,

"Happy Birthday Grace, my princess. Daddy loves you."

Tears streamed down his cheeks as memories flooded his mind.

Grace had eagerly anticipated celebrating her birthday with him, yet here he was, alone in his room, blowing out candles for a daughter who had been missing for three agonizing weeks.