“Strangers with Familiar Eyes”

The alarm rang sharp at early in the morning, waking Jahm from his light sleep. Still drowsy, he stepped out of his room to take a shower but to his surprise, he was greeted by the smell of garlic rice and eggs. There in the kitchen stood Justice, already cooking breakfast.

"You're up early," Jahm said with a raised brow, clearly caught off guard.

Justice turned his head with a smug grin. "Of course! It's embarrassing to let you head off to work without a proper breakfast. Eat first before you leave."

Jahm chuckled softly and nodded before heading to the bathroom. When he came back freshly showered and dressed in a sleek suit with his Rolex clasped tightly on his wrist, the table was already set.

"Sit down," Justice offered. "You'll need strength for today's mission."

While they ate, Justice tapped his chopsticks on the table, a serious look on his face. "So? How's the investigation going? Have you found any solid leads or suspicious transactions from Minister Kang yet?"

Jahm shook his head. "Not yet. I have to wait and be patient. There will be a moment... I just need to catch him slipping."

Justice sighed in frustration and slammed his chopsticks a little too hard on the table. "We will take down those corrupt officials—especially that demon of a minister. And the best part? I'll be rich once we're done!" he added, laughing.

Jahm smirked, amused at his friend's usual antics.

After they finished eating, Justice handed Jahm a folded sheet of paper. "Here's the info on the six ministers you saw last night," he said. "But... they're clean. Like, suspiciously clean. There's not a single crack in their records."

Jahm frowned as he read the paper, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders.

Justice continued, "What now? They're so high up in the government, it's impossible to get close without raising red flags. No dirt, no trail."

Jahm stared at the paper for a moment longer, deep in thought. "Pick one," he said. "Investigate him quietly. Let me know if you see anything unusual."

Justice blinked. "You want me to follow one of them?"

Jahm nodded. "That's the only move we've got right now."

Justice leaned back with a dramatic groan. "Do you know what car I'd be using to tail someone? That thing's one pothole away from exploding."

Jahm gave a light laugh. "If you don't want to, it's fine. I'll think of something else."

Justice waved him off. "Nah, I'll do it. You're lucky I'm such a nice guy."

Jahm smiled as he stood up. "Thanks."

He grabbed his keys and stepped into the garage, where his black Mustang waited like a loyal companion. The engine roared as he pulled out, the early morning air thick with tension and possibilities.

Today was another day driving for the enemy—waiting for his moment to strike.

Seoul General Hospital – Morning

That same morning, across the city, Han Min-Yoon was at the hospital, tending to a recovering patient. The steady beeping of monitors and quiet chatter of nurses filled the hallway—until a familiar voice called her from behind.

"Min-Yoon!" It was her friend, Eun Ji, waving from the hallway. "Come on, take a break. Let's get some coffee."

Not long after, the two sat outside a small café near the hospital, warm cups in their hands as they breathed in the morning air.

"So," Eun Ji began, raising an eyebrow, "have you seen the guy who saved you that night?"

Min-Yoon sighed, shaking her head. "No... I haven't. If I hadn't passed out that night, I could've at least thanked him."

Eun Ji pouted. "What a waste. But hey, fate has a way of bringing people back together. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet him again. I bet he's handsome," she teased, letting out a giggle.

Min-Yoon smiled softly. "It doesn't matter if he's rich or good-looking. That night… he was my superhero."

Her voice trailed off with a gentle laugh as she stared into her coffee.

Eun Ji smirked. "Wow, look at you. Catching feelings for a guy you haven't even spoken to. A year ago, you told me your standards were sky high you said your guy had to be rich, handsome, and perfect. Now one rescue and you're ready to fall?"

Min-Yoon chuckled, her eyes thoughtful. "People change, Eun Ji. As you get older, you start to see love differently. If I find him again… I'll tell him how I feel."

Eun Ji playfully rolled her eyes and sipped her coffee. "Good luck, Ms. Nurse. I hope you find your superhero."

Both of them laughed, the soft sound of their friendship blending with the city's quiet hum, unaware that fate was already working behind the scenes.

At noon, inside the bustling newsroom of The Seoul Eye, Han Hanni finally decided it was time to take a break. Alongside her, their cameraman Jun-wo was adjusting some equipment when she turned to him.

"Let's get some lunch outside," Hanni said with a sigh.

Jun-wo chuckled. "Finally. This job is exhausting."

But just as they were about to step out through the glass doors, a voice called out behind them.

"Hanni, Jun-wo!" It was their Chief Correspondent.

They both turned and walked back.

"Yes, sir?" Hanni asked.

The Chief Correspondent didn't waste time. "You've got an assignment tomorrow."

"Where to?" Hanni asked, unsure.

"Minister Kang will be attending the 17th National Public Health Awards at Lotte Hotel tomorrow night. Media coverage is limited, but you and Jun-wo can get in with your press passes."

Hanni froze. Her expression tightened. "There are better reporters for that, sir."

But the Chief didn't let her finish. "This is a big opportunity for the company. And for your future. Think long-term, Hanni."

"But sir—"

"No buts. You're going. Take Jun-wo with you. I want an interview with Minister Kang. I'm counting on you, Han Hanni. Don't disappoint me." With that, he turned and left.

Left behind, Hanni stared at the ground, her face clouded with worry.

Jun-wo noticed. "Hanni… If you're not okay with this, or if you're uncomfortable, you don't have to do it. Don't push yourself."

But Hanni's answer came swiftly, her eyes burning with quiet resolve. "No."

Jun-wo blinked. "Huh?"

"I'm going," she said firmly. "If I can't face the man I want to expose, then I might as well admit fear will always control my life."

Jun-wo gave a small, knowing smile. "I figured you'd say that. You're the strongest journalist I know. But if it ever gets too much… just tell me, alright?"

Hanni grinned, playfully smacking Jun-wo's back. "Come on, I'm starving. Let's eat first."

Jun-wo laughed, and together they walked out into the sunlight, unaware that tomorrow would be the beginning of a dangerous game.

SAFEHOUSE – NIGHT

Justice is lounging on the couch, staring at the ceiling. He grabs his phone and dials Jahm. It rings for a few seconds before Jahm answers.

(on phone) "Hey, what's up?"

"I'll tell you later, bro. Just when you get home."

"Alright, sure."

"What time is it now, man? You're not coming home yet? Or did you get into another fight?"

(smirking) "Nothing like that happened. And don't worry I don't punch people randomly. Looks like I'll be home late, though."

"Alright. Oh, before you come home, can you pick up something delicious from that nearby restaurant?"

"Why don't you just order?"

"You said you're getting home late, right? No more delivery riders by then. I want to eat with you just this once, bro."

"Alright, alright. I'll buy food."

MINISTER'S PRIVATE ESTATE – NIGHT

After finishing his tasks, Jahm heads to his Mustang. As he's about to get in, the Minister's assistant approaches.

"Lance, the Minister is attending the 17th National Public Health Awards tomorrow night. He wants you looking sharp there might be reporters."

"Understood, ma'am. Thank you."

She gives him a smile. Jahm nods and gets in his Mustang.

RESTAURANT DISTRICT – LATE NIGHT

Across town, Hanni and Jun-wo sit in a cozy restaurant after a long day. They finish their meals.

"Are you really sure you're going tomorrow?"

"I'm sure, Jun-wo. Don't worry about me."

Jun-wo nods with a small smile. A few moments pass as they rest. As they stand up to leave, Hanni notices a familiar face outside the window. She quickly heads out.

(concerned) "You're heading home already? Was that the last bus? Come on, just ride with me. They said it's going to rain."

"No, I just need to do something. You go ahead, Jun-wo."

"Hanni… it might rain soon."

"I'll text you when I get home. Go on ahead."

"At least you've got an umbrella, right? Be careful, Hanni."

"I will. See you tomorrow."

He walks away. Hanni hurries after the man she saw earlier.

STREET OUTSIDE ANOTHER RESTAURANT

Jahm is inside ordering food. Across the street, the man Hanni spotted is getting into his car. Hanni rushes toward him.

Hanni shouting "Wait! Sir!"

The man turns, surprised to see her.

(panting) "You were in charge of my father's case… two years ago, right?"

(tense) "Yeah… I was."

Hanni said with a slight smile"I know my father didn't kill himself. You know that, don't you, Officer?"

"I told you he did it"

"But when we last met, you said something was wrong with the case. Now you're saying he did commit suicide? I've been trying to find you for so long… please, just tell me the truth."

Rain begins to fall.

"I already told you everything. Stop looking for me. Don't contact me again."

He gets in his car and drives off, leaving Hanni in the rain, head down and heart heavy.

RESTAURANT EXIT – CONTINUOUS

Jahm exits the restaurant, surprised by the sudden downpour.

jahm to himself "Well, Google was right it is raining."

A speeding car zooms past him.

"Geez, calm down! This ain't a racetrack."

As he walks toward his Mustang, he spots a girl slouched by a nearby restaurant, soaking in the rain.

Jahm to himself "Wait… isn't that the girl from the convenience store? What's she doing here?"

He hesitates, then opens his trunk and pulls out an umbrella.

He walks over and quietly shelters her from the rain. Hanni slowly looks up and is surprised to see Jahm.

"You'll get sick staying in the rain like that."

Hanni speechless

Jahm said while softly, smiling"You look like you're carrying something heavy. I thought you were tough… a real amasona."

Hanni lets out a faint laugh.

"Here, take the umbrella. If something's weighing you down, don't keep it all inside."

He gently places the umbrella in her hand and begins to walk away.

"Take care on your way home."

"Wait!"

Jahm turns back.

"What is it? You mad at me? Or did I say something wrong?"

Hanni walks toward him.

"It's already late. No more buses. You look rich… you have a car, right?

"Huh? Of course I have a car."

hanni said while grinning "Then let's go."

Jahm smiling back "Okay… let's go. It's getting late anyway."

They walk toward the Mustang.

Hanni said and shocked "That's your car?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Nothing… you just look like someone from a wealthy family."

"Nah. That's just my gift to myself."

He opens the door for her, and they drive off.

OUTSIDE HANNI AND MIN-YOON'S APARTMENT – LATE NIGHT

As they reach the street corner near Hanni's place, she points.

"You can drop me off here."

Jahm nods. As she's about to leave

"Don't forget this."

He hands her the umbrella. She hesitates, then takes it.

"Thanks."

She steps out. Across the street, Min-Yoon is taking out the trash and notices Hanni getting out of a car.

(to herself, curious) "Wait… isn't that the same cocky guy from the other morning? Is that Unnie's boyfriend?"

Hanni walks toward the apartment, a small smile on her face.

"Unnie!"

"Min-Yoon? What are you doing out here?"

"Was that your boyfriend just now?"

"No! Just someone I know."

"Someone you know? He looks rich and arrogant."

"Let's go inside it's raining harder now."

They head inside.

SAFE HOUSE– LATE NIGHT

Jahm enters and sees Justice lying on the couch, looking like he's starving.

Why'd you take so long, bro? I'm dying here!

"Here. Your food."

"Yes! Thanks, bro. Let's eat!"

"I'll just go change first."

Later, Jahm joins Justice at the table, and they start eating.

"So… how's your surveillance going? Anything weird about the Minister?"

justice said with mouth full "Nothing too suspicious… but he did talk to some guys earlier. I got a picture. Maybe it'll lead us to something..."

Jahm replied while drinking water, "Let's take them down slowly."

Justice smiled with food still in his mouth, grabbed the water, and took a sip.

After setting the glass down, he said, "We'll wipe them all out, bro.

But for now, this is what I'm wiping out first I'm starving! You took too long."

Jahm smile and continued eating with Justice.