Secret Training

💫 Author's Note & Greetings: 💫4076

Hey lovely readers!

In this chapter, we see Eunwoo caught between secrets, danger, and lingering questions that refuse to be silenced. The weight of his responsibilities is undeniable, but so is the tension brewing with Andrea. What's next for these two, and how will Eunwoo navigate the shadows closing in?

Thanks for being here on this journey! Your support and love mean everything. Don't forget to drop your thoughts in the comments — I love reading them!

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I'm committed to bringing you new chapters that will keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with emotions, twists, and those unforgettable moments. Make sure to mark your calendars, set your reminders, and stay tuned!

Stay tuned for more twists, drama, and fiery encounters! 💖

with love your @uthor ~PENOLA.S

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The clock ticked past 7 p.m., but the sleek corporate space was still illuminated by sharp white lights. Most employees had packed their belongings and left, eager to return home after a long workday. However, Eunwoo remained seated at his desk, eyes sharp as they scanned the open file in front of him. His perfectly tailored suit clung to his frame as he leaned forward, his brow furrowed in deep concentration.

A shadow of earlier tension lingered—his meeting with Uncle Juntae hadn't just been business but a veiled warning. Juntae's cryptic words echoed in his head.

Juntae's cold voice:

"Your fate isn't just yours, Eunwoo. You can play the lone wolf all you want, but the weight of our name will always be around your neck. Either you wear the crown willingly or be crushed under its weight."

The future throne Juntae spoke of wasn't just a metaphor—it was a symbolic and dangerous inheritance rooted in both legacy and blood. The power struggle wasn't new to Eunwoo, and every interaction with his uncle reminded him of the treacherous waters he navigated daily.

"Destiny is a leash for those who don't fight back," Eunwoo muttered to himself, flipping the file closed with a thud.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he commanded, his voice cool and composed.

Minjoon, his loyal secretary, stepped in with his usual crisp demeanor. "Boss," Minjoon began, adjusting his glasses, "your meeting with Mr. Han is confirmed for tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. All documents are ready. Would you like me to lock up, or shall we call it a night?"

Eunwoo leaned back, eyes narrowing. "Han again. He never knows when to quit."

Minjoon smirked slightly. "Persistent businessmen are predictable, aren't they?"

Eunwoo exhaled, the hint of amusement fading quickly. "Anything new in his terms?"

"Same old expansion strategies with hidden clauses. Nothing you can't outmaneuver," Minjoon assured.

"Good. Leave the file on my desk." Eunwoo straightened his cufflinks. "And Minjoon—"

"Yes, boss?"

"Go home. No point both of us losing sleep."

Minjoon chuckled lightly. "You sound almost considerate, boss."

Eunwoo smirked faintly. "Don't get used to it."

As Minjoon turned to leave, he paused at the door. "Goodnight, sir. Don't work too hard."

The door clicked shut, leaving Eunwoo alone once more. His gaze lingered on the city lights glimmering through the wide office window. Responsibility was a familiar weight, but he bore it with unyielding resolve.

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The mansion was shrouded in a serene silence as midnight approached. The household staff had long retreated to their quarters, and every light was dimmed, giving an air of peaceful slumber.

The clock struck midnight, and silence blanketed the mansion. Most of the household staff had retired for the night, but one dim light flickered from the private gym near the garden wing.

Andrea, dressed in black workout gear, stood in front of the punching bag, her brows furrowed in fierce concentration. Her fists were tightly wrapped in boxing tape, muscles taut from relentless training.

"No one will notice," she told herself, her jaw tightening as she headed toward the mansion's private gym. It was the only place where she could focus entirely on herself without eyes watching. The secret of her enhanced physical abilities was known only to her old team from the secret society. Not even Eunwoo had a clue about her hidden identity.

Sliding the gym door open quietly, Andrea stepped inside and flicked on a dim light. The space was massive, lined with state-of-the-art equipment, punching bags, and a mat for sparring.

Without hesitation, Andrea tied her hair back and moved to the center. She exhaled sharply and launched into a series of triple jump kicks.

Kick. Spin. Land.

Her feet hit the mat, but the execution wasn't perfect. Frustration flared in her chest. "Not good enough," she muttered, wiping sweat from her brow. She reset her stance, ready to try again when her smartwatch vibrated.

She glanced over at the sleek tablet resting on the bench, where the glowing screen displayed a video call. On the other end, Liam and Jax—her old teammates from the secret society—grinned through the flickering feed.

Andrea accepted the call, the familiar faces of Liam and Jax appearing on screen.

"You're still obsessed with that triple kick, huh?" Liam teased, his messy blond hair flopping into his eyes. "Come on, Dre, it's midnight. Normal people sleep."

Andrea rolled her eyes and wiped sweat from her brow. "And you two are what? Role models for normalcy?"

"Hey, look who finally picked up!" Liam teased, his brown hair messy as ever."Took you long enough," Jax chimed in, grinning. "What's up, Agent Yıldız? Still saving the world or just kicking bags these days?"

Jax, leaning casually against a brick wall on his side of the call, chuckled. "Touché. But seriously, you're killing yourself with this. Take a break."

Andrea ignored the advice, resetting her stance. "Not until I get it right."

Liam groaned dramatically. "There she goes again—Miss Perfectionist. You've been doing that same move for years. Why does it matter now?"

Andrea exhaled sharply, launching into the move: jump, twist, and kick. Her foot struck the bag with precision, but she landed slightly off-balance. Frustration flickered in her eyes.

"It's not good enough," she muttered.

Jax raised an eyebrow. "Good enough for what? You're not in active duty anymore."

"That doesn't mean I should forget everything," Andrea shot back, grabbing a towel.

The line went quiet for a moment before Liam spoke softly. "You're still thinking about the Seoul mission, aren't you?"

Andrea's jaw tightened. She didn't answer.

"You've got nothing to prove," Jax added. "We've all moved on. Maybe it's time you did too."

Andrea forced a smile. "I'm not proving anything. Just staying sharp."

Liam sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Be the mysterious badass. But at least admit you miss us."

Andrea smirked. "Not even a little."

"Liar," both men said in unison, laughing.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics—old jokes, shared stories, and updates from their post-society lives. But even as Andrea laughed along, a part of her mind remained restless.

The alert from earlier still lingered in her thoughts. Someone had found her, or at least tried to.

"Alright, boys," Andrea said after a while, her tone softening. "I've gotta get back to training."

Liam groaned. "You're hopeless."

"Love you too," Andrea quipped, ending the call.

She set the tablet aside and took a deep breath. The gym fell silent again, except for the rhythmic thudding of her fists against the bag.

This time, there was no hesitation in her movements—only fierce determination.

Andrea Yıldız was ready for whatever came next.

"You still training like a maniac?" Jax asked.

"Old habits die hard," Andrea admitted, sweat dripping down her forehead. "Besides, I need to keep my edge."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "For what? Are you in some secret undercover mission again?"

Andrea hesitated but masked it with a laugh. "Just personal stuff. You know me."

The conversation flowed naturally, filled with jokes and banter. But even as Andrea chatted with her old friends, her mind remained focused. Her kicks grew sharper, her punches more precise.

"One day," she thought, "I'll perfect this. No distractions."

Liam's voice broke her thoughts. "Anyway, don't go too hard on yourself, Yıldız. We'll catch up soon."

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As Andrea wiped sweat from her brow and steadied her breath, Liam's concerned expression remained fixed on the screen. He leaned closer, his messy hair falling into his eyes.

"Rea," he said seriously, "you okay? You've got that look again—the one where you're hiding something."

Andrea waved him off, rolling her eyes. "Relax, Liam. I'm just focused. No big deal."

Jax, grinning mischievously, leaned forward. "Oh, speaking of focus... I've been meaning to ask."

Andrea raised a brow. "Ask what?"

Jax's grin widened. "This Mr. King guy you're working with—Eunwoo or whatever his name is—"

Andrea immediately narrowed her eyes. "Don't start, Jax."

Jax ignored her warning and pressed on, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Come on, spill it. Is he good-looking? Like, are we talking Liam Senior-level handsome or what?"

Liam shot Jax a glare, clearly unimpressed. "Seriously? That's your question?"

Andrea smirked, sensing Liam's annoyance. "Jealous, Liam?"

"I'm just trying to keep this conversation above middle school level," Liam muttered.

Andrea crossed her arms, her tone playful but cool. "Since you're both so desperate to know—yeah, he's handsome. Happy now?"

Jax's jaw dropped dramatically. "Wait, wait, wait... You said both? So, like, handsome-handsome? Like Liam-level handsome?"

Andrea tilted her head thoughtfully. "I'd say... yeah. Different vibes, though."

Jax clapped his hands together in triumph. "I knew it! Gotcha, rea!"

Liam groaned, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Jax."

"You love me," Jax teased, flashing a playful wink.

Andrea rolled her eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "You two are ridiculous."

"Ridiculous, but charming," Jax quipped.

"Debatable," Andrea shot back before grabbing her water bottle.

Despite the banter, Andrea felt a flicker of warmth. Even though her life was filled with chaos and secrets, having these two idiots around made things a little easier.

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Eunwoo's footsteps echoed sharply against the tiled floor as he made his way from the kitchen, water glass in hand. The mansion was cloaked in an eerie late-night quietness, with only the soft hum of distant lights breaking the silence.

As he entered the living area, his sharp gaze caught Andrea walking toward her room, towel draped casually over her shoulders. Her expression was unreadable, her posture tense yet composed.

"Miss Yıldız," Eunwoo's deep, commanding voice sliced through the silence.

Andrea kept walking, pretending not to hear him.

He frowned, setting the glass down on a nearby table with a soft clink. "Miss Yıldız," he repeated firmly, the authority in his tone leaving no room for dismissal.

Still, no response.

His jaw tightened. Taking a few brisk steps forward, he placed himself directly in her path, his presence an unyielding barrier. "Are you ignoring me now?" he asked coldly, his dark eyes narrowing.

Andrea halted, her patience fraying at the edges. "It's late, Eunwoo. I'm tired," she said flatly, brushing past him.

He didn't budge. "That's not an excuse for disrespect. I asked you something, and I expect a proper answer."

Andrea turned halfway, meeting his piercing gaze with one of her own. "And I expect a little peace without being interrogated at midnight."

A tense beat passed between them, the air thick with unspoken emotions and unresolved tension.

"You went out today without informing anyone," Eunwoo stated, his voice colder now. "Are you forgetting the protocols? Or just choosing to ignore them?"

Andrea's fists clenched at her sides. "I didn't realize I needed permission to breathe."

"You're part of something bigger than just yourself," he reminded her, his tone sharp. "Your choices affect more than just you."

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "And yet somehow, you seem to forget that I can handle myself just fine without your lectures."

Eunwoo's expression remained unreadable, though a flicker of something — irritation or perhaps guilt — flickered in his eyes. "You're reckless," he accused. "You think you're invincible, but that kind of arrogance will get you hurt."

Andrea stepped closer, her voice low but fierce. "You don't know a damn thing about me, Eunwoo. So stop pretending like you care."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Eunwoo's grip on his emotions faltered for just a second, but he masked it quickly, stepping aside. "Go. But remember—your defiance has limits, Miss Yıldız."

Andrea held his gaze for a beat longer before walking away without another word, her heart pounding not from fear but from frustration.

As she disappeared into the hallway, Eunwoo stood there, his jaw clenched tightly. He hadn't meant for the conversation to escalate—but with Andrea, nothing ever stayed simple.

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The large, elegantly minimalist room belonged to none other than Eunwoo, who stood by the wide French-style windows, bathed in silver moonlight. His coat lay carelessly thrown across the dark gray duvet on the king-sized bed, made of lush velvet fabric. The headboard was upholstered in slate-toned suede with meticulous stitching, giving it a sophisticated edge. Matching nightstands flanked either side of the bed, their surfaces gleaming under soft ambient lighting.

The floor was a polished hardwood in a deep espresso shade, its smooth finish occasionally peeking through the plush, ash-gray Persian carpet that stretched across most of the room. Near the window, sleek black armchairs with curved backs sat by a glass table, inviting contemplation or perhaps quiet conversations late at night.

Tall bookshelves framed one side of the room, filled with meticulously arranged files and books. On the opposite wall, a wide mahogany desk stood with papers strewn across its surface — each one marked with tabs and cryptic notes in Eunwoo's sharp handwriting.

The air was tinged with the faint scent of leather and cedarwood, grounding the space in understated elegance.

Eunwoo walked toward the window, his footsteps muffled by the carpet. He sipped from a glass of water before setting it on the windowsill, his mind too occupied to savor the taste. His eyes skimmed the horizon, Seoul's shimmering skyline glowing against the night sky, but his thoughts were firmly anchored to the file clutched in his hand.

The contents of the document were troubling — test results from the blue powder they'd recovered during their last mission. The analysis had taken longer than expected, but now the truth lay before him, stark and undeniable.

"A superhuman drug," he muttered under his breath, narrowing his eyes at the report. "Power enhancement for thirty minutes... and then collapse."

The danger of such a substance in the hands of their enemies was staggering. Eunwoo's grip tightened on the file as a familiar name crossed his mind: Night Bloom.

Picking up his phone, he dialed Dimitri Volkov, his long-time ally and an expert in chemical warfare intelligence. Dimitri was renowned not just for his brilliance but also for his loyalty — a rare quality in their treacherous line of work.

The call connected after a few rings.

"Eunwoo," Dimitri's deep, gravelly voice greeted him from the other end.

"Are you ready to talk?" Eunwoo's voice was calm but carried a hint of urgency. "I need clarity on something, and frankly, I'm too confused to wait until morning."

Dimitri exhaled sharply. "I was about to call you myself. Let me guess — the test results?"

"Yes." Eunwoo's jaw clenched. "This Night Bloom powder is engineered to push the human body beyond natural limits. Thirty minutes of enhanced strength and speed, then a crash."

"Sounds like a dream drug for any power-hungry organization," Dimitri said grimly. "But the side effects... it's dangerous. If the body collapses after 30 minutes, that means permanent damage is likely if taken repeatedly."

Eunwoo nodded, even though Dimitri couldn't see him. "Exactly. And this isn't just a chemical breakthrough — it's a weapon. Whoever's distributing this powder is planning something big."

Dimitri's voice dropped to a more serious tone. "We're still tracing the supply chain, but I suspect the enemy has already infiltrated some high-level markets. Have you noticed any unusual movements among your competitors or within the secret society?"

Eunwoo's lips pressed into a thin line. "Not yet, but my gut tells me we're being watched."

There was a moment of silence before Dimitri spoke again. "We need to move carefully. One wrong step, and we're done."

Eunwoo's mind raced with questions. Theories formed and collapsed as quickly as they surfaced. "Dimitri, if this powder was meant for temporary enhancement, what's the long-term objective?"

"To create dependency," Dimitri answered without hesitation. "A drug that powerful — people will pay anything to get their hands on it, even if it's killing them."

Eunwoo's fingers drummed against the windowsill. "We need more intel."

"I'm already on it," Dimitri assured him. "But while we're on the subject... how's Andrea?"

Eunwoo blinked, caught off guard. "Andrea?"

"Yes," Dimitri said with a teasing lilt. "She still causing you headaches?"

Eunwoo's tone remained impassive, though a flicker of something unreadable crossed his face. "She's... adapting."

"Adapting? That's vague, even for you," Dimitri chuckled. "Let me guess — still sneaking off for private training sessions and defying your orders?"

Eunwoo exhaled sharply. "It's not my concern what she does in her free time."

"Isn't it?" Dimitri pressed. "You sound more invested than you're willing to admit."

"I called you to discuss Night Bloom, not Andrea," Eunwoo deflected, his voice sharp.

Dimitri laughed softly. "Fair enough, but keep an eye on her. She's not just a valuable asset — she's unpredictable. And unpredictable people are either your greatest allies or your biggest liabilities."

The call ended shortly after, but Dimitri's words lingered in Eunwoo's mind.

Standing by the window, Eunwoo gazed out at the moonlit city, his thoughts torn between the mission that loomed ahead and the enigmatic woman who had somehow become a part of his world.

One thing was certain: the road ahead was fraught with danger, secrets, and impossible choices. And Eunwoo knew better than anyone — there was no turning back.

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Eunwoo stood by the window, the glow of the moonlight casting sharp shadows across his chiseled features. His expression remained stoic, unreadable, though inside, his thoughts spiraled in chaos. The Night Bloom drug, Dimitri's unsettling warnings, and Andrea's unpredictable behavior weighed heavily on his mind.

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his jet-black hair, the strands glinting silver in the dim light. The city stretched endlessly before him, a canvas of lights and muted sounds. But even its restless pulse couldn't match the turmoil swirling inside Eunwoo's chest.

The thick file on the windowsill still demanded his attention. Classified reports, test results, and coded messages filled every page, but none of them answered the burning questions racing through his mind. Who was truly behind this drug? What was their endgame? And why did it feel like their moves were always one step ahead of him and his team?

With a sharp exhale, Eunwoo turned away from the window, loosening the tie around his neck as he strode toward the sleek black dresser near the bed. The polished surface gleamed under the warm light from the overhead fixture. The room itself was a blend of modern sophistication and understated elegance — dark wood tones contrasted with muted grays and whites. Heavy blackout curtains framed the expansive windows, though Eunwoo rarely used them. He preferred the company of the night sky.

The bed, with its plush velvet duvet and meticulously arranged pillows, stood untouched except for his coat, which lay sprawled carelessly across it. The soft texture of the fabric absorbed the ambient glow, giving the space a cozy yet powerful presence.

A faint scent of cedar and fresh linen lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle aroma of the night breeze wafting through the partially open window.

As Eunwoo unbuttoned the cuffs of his shirt, his phone vibrated on the bedside table. He glanced at the screen—Dimitri again.

Persistent as ever, Eunwoo thought, picking up the call.

"Dimitri," he answered curtly.

"You didn't answer my question earlier," Dimitri's voice came through, slightly crackling due to the international connection.

Eunwoo's brows furrowed. "I thought we were done talking about Andrea."

"No," Dimitri said, his tone serious now. "I asked you how she's doing because there's chatter in certain circles about your team. Specifically, about her."

Eunwoo's hand tightened around the phone. "What kind of chatter?"

"Whispers that she's being watched," Dimitri revealed. "By someone dangerous. And before you say it, no, this isn't just paranoia. My sources are credible."

Eunwoo's jaw clenched. "Do you have names?"

"Not yet, but I'm digging," Dimitri promised. "Look, Eunwoo... I know you like to keep things close to the chest, but Andrea isn't just another operative. She's got potential — dangerous potential. If your enemies know that, they'll come for her."

Eunwoo's gaze darkened. The image of Andrea sneaking out late at night to train flashed in his mind. Her relentless pursuit of perfection was admirable but reckless. And now, it seemed, it had drawn unwanted attention.

"I'll handle it," Eunwoo said firmly.

"You'd better," Dimitri warned. "And Eunwoo... be careful. This isn't just about the drug anymore. It's about control. Power. And people like us? We're always targets."

The line went dead, leaving Eunwoo standing in the middle of his room, the weight of Dimitri's words pressing heavily on his shoulders.

He set the phone down and ran a hand through his hair again, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Andrea's involvement had always been a wildcard, but now it was becoming a liability—a dangerous one.

She needs to know what she's up against, he thought grimly.

But even as he resolved to confront her, a nagging question lingered in his mind: Why did it matter so much to him? Was it just the mission, or was it something more?

Shaking off the thought, Eunwoo strode toward the door. The night was far from over, and there were still too many unanswered questions.

As he made his way down the hallway, the mansion's opulent silence enveloped him. The polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of wall sconces, and the faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air.

The distant echo of footsteps reached his ears — light, purposeful, and unmistakably familiar.

Andrea.

Eunwoo's sharp eyes caught sight of her as she rounded a corner, heading toward her room with a quick, determined stride. She seemed lost in thought, her brows furrowed as though wrestling with something unresolved.

"Miss Yildiz," Eunwoo called out, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

She didn't stop.

"Miss Yildiz," he commanded again, his tone firmer this time.

Andrea halted, her shoulders tensing before she slowly turned to face him. Her expression was guarded, but there was a flicker of something else — defiance, perhaps, or maybe exhaustion.

"Yes, Mr. Eunwoo?" she replied evenly, masking whatever emotions churned beneath the surface.

He crossed his arms, his piercing gaze fixed on her. "We need to talk."

Andrea's lips pressed into a thin line. "Is this about the mission?"

"It's about your safety," Eunwoo said bluntly. "There's intel suggesting you're being watched."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "I can handle it."

"Can you?" Eunwoo challenged, stepping closer. "Because this isn't just about you anymore. Your actions affect the entire team."

Andrea's jaw tightened. "I didn't ask to be part of this mess."

"No, but you're in it now," Eunwoo said coldly. "And if you want to survive, you'll start listening to me."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The tension between them crackled like a live wire, charged with unspoken truths and unresolved conflicts.

Finally, Andrea nodded, her voice softer but resolute. "Fine. What do you need me to do?"

Eunwoo's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Stay alert. Stay smart. And for once... don't try to do everything on your own."

Andrea met his eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'll try. No promises."

Eunwoo sighed, recognizing that was probably the best he was going to get. "Good enough."

As she turned to leave, Eunwoo watched her retreating figure, his mind still heavy with unanswered questions.

Dimitri's words echoed in his thoughts: Be careful, Eunwoo. This isn't just about the drug anymore.

And deep down, Eunwoo knew he was right.