Unlike the White Agents whose personal lives are openly known, Black Agents like them keep their private details, like family relationships, undisclosed. While not officially forbidden, it’s an unspoken rule among the agents below the executive and division head level to avoid discussing such matters. However, Kwon Ki Joo, who became the organization’s secret weapon due to his overwhelming coding skills, casually revealed his personal life.

Could it be true? Since his induction as a Black Agent, Kwon Ki Joo had always maintained the necessary decorum without showing respect or fear. He didn’t behave arrogantly due to his abilities, so he rarely caused disputes, but agents of the same rank, like Kwang-Il, found him intimidating.

Like Kwon Ki Joo, who didn’t easily let others into his life and clearly drew his boundaries, this might be the first time he’s shared such information with anyone other than the executives who knew his identity.

It took years of partnership for them to grow closer.

“An enigma, indeed.”

With his large and rough hands, Kwang-Il brushed his hair back and looked around the room. It was devoid of any personal items that might suggest a lived-in space, like scattered clothes – only essential items were neatly placed. The room was so impersonal that it seemed sterile.

“Even if you search, you’d find nothing but dust.”

While not exactly likable, sympathy was a dangerous emotion that couldn’t be ignored. Song Eun Chae, being merely a tool used by the chairman, needed adequate protection and surveillance. However, if these feelings deepen, they could jeopardize the mission.

Kwang-Il glanced at the laptop on the desk but quickly dismissed it. Considering Kwon Ki Joo’s nature, it was unlikely he’d leave anything useful on a laptop he left so conspicuously.

Having often rifled through Kwon Ki Joo’s belongings and his h
But the screen lit up, revealing an unchecked message.

“Got tangled up in some work. Let’s meet in a few days.”

It was a message from Han Seung-yoon, received first thing in the morning. Eun Chae, who had left it unread without any intention to reply, did the same this time, sliding her phone back into her bag.

With a slightly fluttering heart, she opened the door and stepped out.

Descending the stairs, Kwon Ki Joo, waiting below, came into closer view. He stood upright with his hands in his suit pants pockets, gazing up at her. Their hands touched more gently than usual as he took Eun Chae’s viola case from her.

“…….”

Eun Chae, conscious of the house helpers milling about, awkwardly tucked her hands into her arms and followed Ki Joo out.

In the car, with the viola case placed next to her, Ki Joo climbed into the driver’s seat and their eyes met in the rearview mirror.

“Do you want to sit in the front? I want to hold your hand.”

Eun Chae bit the tip of her lip and turned her head at his unfiltered expression, typical of him.

“Don’t be so obvious about it.”

Still not moving and looking at Eun Chae’s profile in the rearview mirror, Ki Joo took in her rose-scented makeup. It was already hard not to look at her, and now she had put in the effort, it was ridiculous. He felt absurd not being able to take his eyes off her like a greenhorn.

Ki Joo gripped the steering wheel, looked ahead, then glanced back at the rearview mirror.

Her earlobes seemed a bit redder.

“How much more discreet do you want this to be?”

He chuckled softly, and the car started to move.

Eun Chae, not finding his laugh unpleasant, acknowledged that their relationship, not new but still thrilling like the first time, was natural. If their first time together was a mess of tangled emotions without deep conversation, this time they had laid their hearts bare, a first in itself.

Kwon Ki Joo had always been about firsts, and realizing this made the distance and difficulty that had existed between them fade.

His behavior was definitely a bit different from before.

“When will you be done today?”

Before handing over the viola case as they arrived at the art hall, Ki Joo asked Eun Chae.

She glanced at her wristwatch and then up at him.

“Why?”

“Let’s have lunch together.”

After saying this, Ki Joo handed her the viola case. Their hands touched again, and Eun Chae cautiously grasped the tips of his fingers.

If this wasn’t a relationship, what was?

Startled by her sudden grip, Ki Joo looked at her with widened eyes. Eun Chae thought,

“He says he works under the state. Is it really true?”

It must be. He had bet on her, so he had to be telling the truth.

And even if not… she had no choice but to trust him.

Because she had fallen for him again.

Eun Chae’s delicate fingers gently caressed his palm. Despite t
Although he had never interfered with her viola-related activities, Eun Chae chuckled aloud and gently pushed his solid chest.

“Think about what we’ll have for lunch.”

Stepping back, she turned and briskly walked away.