Chapter 51: The Unknown Call

Gen's fingers tightened around the phone. The voice on the other end was deep, familiar, yet distant.

"Who is this?" she asked, her voice sharp.

A low chuckle came through the line. "It's been a while, G. Didn't think you'd forget me so easily."

Her pulse quickened. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be him.

"Jin?" she whispered.

Lee, who had been sipping her coffee, looked up at the name.

"So you do remember me." The voice had an amused edge, but there was something off about it—something serious. "Listen carefully. I don't have much time."

Gen stood up and walked toward the window, gripping the phone tighter. "Where the hell have you been?"

"I'll explain later. Right now, I need to know—have you noticed anything strange happening to you?"

Gen's throat dried. She glanced down at her bandaged hand. Her missing abilities. Lee's unusual exhaustion.

Lee stood up, walking toward her, concern on her face.

"What do you know?" Gen demanded.

Jin exhaled. "I was hoping I was wrong… but it looks like it's starting."

"What's starting?"

"You're losing your abilities, aren't you?"

Gen's heart pounded.

"I—" She hesitated. "Maybe."

Jin cursed under his breath. "Shit. Then I need to see you. Right away."

Gen narrowed her eyes. "You disappeared for years, and now you suddenly want to meet?"

"Because it's serious, G," Jin snapped. "There's something you don't know about yourself. About your powers. And if we don't figure this out now, you might not get them back."

Gen inhaled sharply. Her fingers tightened on the phone.

Lee stepped closer. "Who is it?" she asked quietly.

Gen looked at her, debating whether to put the call on speaker.

Jin's voice cut through again. "Meet me at the old bridge. Tonight."

And then, the line went dead.

Gen lowered the phone slowly.

Lee crossed her arms. "Who was that?"

Gen swallowed. "Someone from my past."

Lee frowned. "And?"

Gen hesitated before answering. "And… he might know what's happening to me."

Lee's eyes darkened. "Then I'm coming with you."

Gen smirked. "I knew you'd say that."

Lee sighed. "Just… promise me you won't do anything reckless this time."

Gen held up her bandaged arm. "No promises."

Lee groaned. "Gen—"

Gen winked. "Relax, babe. What's the worst that could happen?"

But deep down, she knew—something big was coming.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.