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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm so sorry this is such a short chapter... I'm just easing y'all into the transition to get back to the main plot lol 

Just in case y'all forgot (everyone did lmfao I know 'cause I forgot too XD), the main plot is Mark's reason to be in Korea in the first place, which is Operation Phoenix. Don't worry~ I'll go over it again throughout this transitioning phase, so y'all won't have to go back and re-read~"

Anyways, I think I'll be good to be back on update schedule now. (WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY)

ENJOY AND LEAVE FEEDBACKS~

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    Greeted by the ceiling of an unfamiliar room, Mark almost went full-agent. But a soft whine at his side made him turn his head. Immediately, a smile played on his lips. He didn’t expect to spend a night already when they’re just two days into their relationship. Guess it can’t be help. Not when Jinyoung was whining and begging him to stay after they had again. With a heart too soft for his boyfriend, Mark didn’t argue and stayed. 

    Watching Jinyoung sleeping up-close became one of Mark’s favorite thing to do. His baby looked so peaceful and carefree. Mark reached over and petted Jinyoung’s hair, causing the younger to stir a little and hugged Mark’s arm tighter against his bare body. Mark smiled, leaning over to kiss Jinyoung’s forehead. He wished he could just stay in bed with his adorable boyfriend all day. But unfortunately, they both have work. And well, Mark needed to get home to change. 

    “Jinyoung-ah,” Mark called, his lover’s cheek tenderly. 

    Eyes fluttering open, Jinyoung’s lips protruded to a pout as he leaned into the touch. When his eyes finally adjusted to the light seeping through the windows’ curtains, he smiled brightly. “Good morning.” 

    “I would have let you sleep longer, but we have work.”

    “Can’t even say ‘good morning’ back before you attack me with that?” 

    Chuckling, Mark pulled Jinyoung so that the younger laid on top of him, “Morning, love~” 

    Jinyoung rested his cheek on Mark’s chest and hid a smile, “can’t you just call in late? I don’t want to go yet…” His fingers tracing random patterns on Mark’s abs, obviously wanting something.

    “And have Jaebum s all over us? No, thank you. He’s been in a bad mood recently.” Reaching down to stop Jinyoung’s hand, Mark shook his head. “You’re going lower. Don’t think I didn’t notice.” 

    Pouting, Jinyoung looked up at Mark, “are you leaving now?” His eyes sparkled prettily underneath the sunlight. His lips pressing light kisses to his boyfriend’s neck over the forming little bruises from last night. 

    “Yeah,” Mark nodded, ruffling Jinyoung’s soft locks. 

    “Can’t you stay a little longer?” 

    “I have to get ready, baby.”

    “We can get ready together, though…” 

    Raising an eyebrow, Mark wasn’t buying it. “Stop trying to have shower with me. We’re going to be late.” 

    Jinyoung did this thing where his face fell and eyes became watery like a puppy wanting to be feed. “I wasn’t… I just wanted to spend more time with you.” He pouted, biting the bottom of his lip to guilt-trip his boyfriend. 

    Mark knew better. “You’re a lot bolder now, huh. Anyways, I have to go now.” 

    “But I thought you love me...?” 

    Sighing, Mark couldn’t believe this was happening. Right now. In Jinyoung’s bed. “Sweetheart, I do. But I can’t always spoil you. This is what happens when I do. You take advantage of me.” 

    Battling his eyelashes like he had no clue what Mark was referring to, Jinyoung sat up with his thighs on either sides of Mark’s hips. He looked down, waiting for Mark to get tempted. But of course, being the mature one, Mark poked the young master’s stomach and smiled. Jinyoung pouted again and bounced a little, which he was quickly stopped by strong hands gripping at his hips. 

    “Is it working?” The young master asked, head tilted a little innocently. 

    A little pink stained Mark’s cheeks as he looked away, “I’m leaving.” And he threw his boyfriend off of him. 

    “Mark~” Jinyoung whined as soon as his body hits the mattress, already missing the feeling of their skins plush against each other’s. 

    Hurriedly, Mark got up and walked around the room to gather his clothes, which were scattered for some reason he did not know. Pretty sure he didn’t throw them that far when he was taking them off. On the other hand, Jinyoung sat up on his bed with the blanket wrapped around him just admiring this free show. He smirked proudly to himself when he saw the scratches on Mark’s back and love bites all over Mark’s torso. He thought he did well. Sighing dreamily, Jinyoung continued watching his boyfriend putting on clothes. It was a gorgeous sight. 

    Biting his lip, Jinyoung blushed and hid half his face in the blanket, “if you don’t hurry, I’m going to get hard.” 

    Putting on his bomber jacket, Mark winked playfully, “I didn’t ask you to watch, babe.” 

    “Mark!” 

    The older laughed, walking back to the bed to give his boyfriend a kiss on the cheek. “See you at work~” 

    Jinyoung immediately reached out for Mark’s face and pulled him back in, crashing their mouths together. They kissed for some good seconds, before Jinyoung whispered against Mark’s lips, “what the was that? At least kiss me properly.” 

    “Mmhhh,” Mark smiled, sliding his tongue teasingly over Jinyoung’s bottom lip, “I’ll do better next time, Your Highness.” 

+

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    “Yes, sir,” Jaebum replied after listening to a long dialogue reporting about his team member. 

    On the other line, JYP sighed, “I know I shouldn’t worry too much, because Bambam is a very capable agent. But he almost died, Agent Im. I hope next time, you’d approach this situation better. Also, I’ve emailed you the information about the next raid. Please, for the love of God, come back successfully. Don’t let those old grandpas use this chance to step all over you again.” 

    “You don’t have to worry, sir. We got it.”

    “You better, Jaebum. I didn’t make you Captain for nothing. Don’t embarrass me.”

    “Yes, sir!” 

    They chat a little more about some stuff regarding the practice drills the other day. Overall, Chief Commander Park wasn’t as strict on Jaebum as all the other higher-ups. Those bastards love to get on the youngest’s whenever some young agent messes up. And JYP haven’t find a stable standing for himself yet, so he wasn’t really in any position to talk back. After a couple of minutes, Jaebum politely hung up, saying he’s in front of his Vice’s room. 

    Which he was. 

    Jaebum was going to relay the messages back to Mark and Jinyoung. Especially to Mark. Since Mark was the one who sent Bambam over to Brazil on that death mission with this other foreign agent. Jaebum regretted being so whipped for his best friend that he had allowed Bambam to go. Should have agreed with Jinyoung, who was completely against that idea. Too late for that thought now. But at least Bambam pulled through. Jaebum couldn’t help but feel proud. It was dangerous, but in a way, Unit G landed a successful overseas mission. All thanks to their very own Bambam. So maybe Mark wasn’t making a rash decision. He sent Bambam to Brazil with a purpose. 

    Mark would be happy to hear about the good news. It’s been months. And finally, Bambam gets to fly back to Korea. 

    Opening the doors, Jaebum smiled brightly, “Hey, great news- WOAH.” His smile immediately dropped in shock. 

    In front of Jaebum, Jinyoung was sitting on Mark’s desk with Mark between his legs. They were kissing fervently and grabbing at each other’s suit jackets with a lot of intentions. Took a while for them to notice that there was another presence in the room. Jinyoung glanced over and his eyes doubled in size. Panicking, he lightly shoved Mark away. Mark rolled his eyes and groaned, looking at Jaebum with an unamused expression. 

    “Seriously?” Jaebum dragged his eyes from his best friend to his Vice, “at work? Are you guys ing serious?”

    Jinyoung looked down, face burning up in embarrassment. “Sorry…” 

    Scoffing, Jaebum closed the doors behind him, “okay. So what is this?” He waved his finger back and forth between Mark and Jinyoung. “Are you guys buddies now?” 

    “No, you little ,” Mark exhaled, a bit annoyed that he was interrupted, “we’re dating.” 

    “Oh,” the Captain gave his Vice a surprised look, “oh.”

    Clearing his throat, Jinyoung fixed his uniform and awkwardly walked back to his desk. He sat down, still couldn’t bring himself for direct eyes-contact with Jaebum. “So… Um… Can-can we help you?”

    “You two can help me a lot by not ing at work, yeah?” Captain Im glared, disappointed at the two most professional people he had ever known. 

    Mark shrugged, “we weren’t ing. So I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

    “Explain your untucked shirt, please.” 

    “So? I still have everything on me.” 

    “Mark-"

    “You’re rude for not knocking before bursting in like this place is your house or some ,” Mark tucked his shirt back in, buttoned up his suit jacket, and fixed his tie, before going back to sit behind his desk. 

    “Tuan-"

    “Goodness gracious, Im. I get that you’re our superior, but manners, please.” 

    Closing his eyes in frustration, he couldn’t believe his own best friend’s already turning against him. Just because Mark has a ing boyfriend now. Not talking about how Jinyoung’s trying hard to hide a satisfying smile. Jaebum shook his head. He swore he hates it whenever Mark dates. Because Mark is the perfect boyfriend. Always treating his significant other like they’re the King or some . That also includes the whole I’ll-be-defending-my-precious-baby-from-now-on attitude. Just what Jaebum doesn’t need. 

    But Jaebum let it go. And smiled, “I’m happy for you two. But please, remember that you two do have work to do. Refrain from jumping each other. I’m sure you two already had too many to count in the span of three days, so just… Tone it down. It’s the workplace. Not a hotel.” Chin pointing at Jinyoung, Jaebum couldn’t help but smirk a little, “also, Jinyoung, look at me for once, will you? It won’t be awkward if you’re not making it awkward. Stop blushing. I’m totally cool with you guys being together and all. One hundred percent support. It’s been a while anyways. Mark needs to settle down.” 

    With Jaebum’s approval, Jinyoung lifted his head and smiled shyly, “thank you.”

    “Just remember what I told you.” 

    Mark quirked his eyebrows, “what did you told him?” 

    Shrugging, Jaebum pressed his lips together into a thin line, “Nothing much. Just the basic don’t-hurt-my-best-friend .” 

    "Just that?” Mark turned towards Jinyoung with a questioning stare, “was it really just that?” 

    “Yeah,” Jinyoung nodded with a smile. 

    Despite loving it whenever Jinyoung smiles at him, Mark didn’t miss that quick glance between his best friend and his boyfriend. They definitely talked about a lot more than what they’re letting on. Knowing Jaebum, it’s probably something about Mark’s past. Which Mark prefers for Jinyoung not to know. Because knowing Jinyoung, who gets overly jealous even of the past, whatever Jaebum said was going to stick permanently inside Jinyoung’s head. Mark sighed, deciding to just drop it. Not like anything would happen in the near future that could trigger Jinyoung to that extent. 

    “Anyways,” Jaebum clapped his hands to clear the -before- atmosphere real quick. “I’m here to tell you two that Bambam succeed and is coming back home.” 

    Immediately, Mark smiled. A whole wide smile, showing teeth and all. “I knew it!” 

    “Finally,” Jinyoung chimed in, “I missed him. And Yugyeom’s been pretty depressed not having his buddy around.” 

    “He’ll be back by next week. And also, we’re about to go for the next raid.” 

    “Already?” Mark’s attention was fully on Jaebum now. 

    “Yeah. They already got the new location. Since I ed up last time, those rats upped their game. It’s going to be more difficult. But from the drill’s results, I think we can pull it off-"

    “How about just let me go alone-"

    “NO!” Jinyoung objected, slamming his hand on the desk out of reflex. 

    The room turned silence. And the air grew thick. 

    “I don’t ing care what you’re planning this time. But Jaebum, I swear to God if you make Mark go alone, I’ll-"

    “Jinyoungie, babe, calm down,” Mark sighed, “it’s okay. It’ll be better this way anyways. I’m one man-"

    “I don’t care! You’re one man to everyone else. But you’re everything to me!” After blurting that out, Jinyoung’s cheeks flushed as he slumped into his seat.  

    It doesn’t surprise Jaebum that Jinyoung was already in this deep. Anyone would surrender to Mark in a heartbeat. And Jinyoung was no exception. Though, it’s still nice to see Park Jinyoung actually cares so much about something that’s not his precious Park Group.

    “Jaebum, can Jinyoung and I talk privately for a bit?” 

    Nodding, Jaebum headed for the doors, “talking ONLY. We still have a lot to cover.” 

    Once Jaebum left, Mark moved from his desk over to Jinyoung’s. He reached out and held Jinyoung’s hands, running small circles with his thumbs. “Hey, I know you’re worried. I know. But we both know that we can’t risk this. Jinyoung-ah, the last time we went, you were almost poisoned to death, half of the entire team was seriously injured. And that was only a couple of days ago. There’s just too many lives to look after. Honestly speaking, I… I don’t want to have to think about you while trying to run through a maze full of traps. Do you understand? You’re my distraction.”

    “I get it. But I don’t want you to go alone. It’s too dangerous. I don’t want to risk it. Mark, I can’t lose you. I really can’t…”

    “If this is about me holding the codes to the Core of Park Group, then you’re a real , sweetheart,” the older joked, leaning over to plant a quick kiss on his boyfriend’s cheek.

    Jinyoung pushed Mark away and frowned, “I can’t believe you think that! Didn’t I said you’re everything to me? I don’t care about anything else anymore. I only care about you.” 

    “Don’t say that. You have to care about other things besides me, Jinyoung-ah. I’m only a person-"

    “You’re a person that I love. You’re mine. And I protect and care for what’s mine.”

    “Park Group is yours, though.”

    “Mark!” 

    Laughing, Mark petted Jinyoung’s head affectionately, “okay, okay. But wow. You’re not shy to say it now? That you love me?” 

    The anxiety written on Jinyoung’s face was so obvious in Mark’s eyes. The younger unconsciously squeezed his boyfriend’s hands. “You d-don’t want me to say it?” 

    “Not that,” Mark replied, voice soft and caring, “I’m happy. You know? Every time you smiles at me, or laughs, or just looks at me, I get these feelings. I don’t… Jinyoung-ah, I never have these feelings before. I don’t know. I’m always so happy when I’m with you. Even through the bad times, I’m still at ease that you were by my side. I love you so much, Jinyoung. You can’t even imagine. I might not look like it, but my heart belongs to you and you only. I’m happy. I really am. I’m the happiest when you said you love me. Keep saying that. I want to hear it. No matter how many times, I want to hear it. Because, sweetheart, I love you, too.” 

    Mark let Jinyoung took a moment to himself. He intertwined their fingers together and looked at their hands. They fit each other so well. Mark had held so many hands. Yet, none of them fit this perfect to his. None of them gave him the feeling like millions of butterflies flapping around in his stomach. None of them made him feels like he’s on top of the world. None of them. None of them but Jinyoung’s, the love of his life. 

    “This is new to me,” Jinyoung spoke up, barely above a whisper. His cheeks turned red again. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way towards anyone before? I didn’t think I could even learn the feeling. I was planning on spending the rest of my days just minding my own business. But you came by and ruined all of that.” 

    “I just made a huge confession, and you’re responding back with a complaint? Typical,” Mark rolled his eyes. 

    “I’m not done!” 

    “Okay. Fine. Carry on.” 

    “Anyways, like I was saying, you ruined everything. But I’m not complaining. Because I-I learned a lot. And I real-really enjoy the new things I’ve learned from you. I just… I…” With tears escaping his eyes, Jinyoung continued, “I hate myself. And I thought I deserve all the hate in this world. But you love me. How? I don’t know h-how. But you l-love me. You love some-someone this horrible. I d-don’t get it. I honestly don’t. But thank you. Mark, thank you so much for loving me.” 

    Hugging Jinyoung’s head against his stomach, Mark his lover’s hair while he cried. The more Jinyoung cried, the more it felt like someone was stabbing at Mark’s heart. It hurts. He wants to make it stop. He wants to make it stop for Jinyoung. But somewhere deep inside him, Mark knew there’s no way he could stop that searing pain for his love. 

    “I n-need you, Mark. I need you. I can’t lose you, Mark, please. Don’t leave, please…” Jinyoung tightened his arms around Mark’s waist. “Don’t go alone, please. We… Mark, you said we’ll figure it out together… We haven’t been together for long. . It’s only been three days. I don’t want you to go!” 

    Lifting Jinyoung’s chin to meet his eyes, Mark smiled down and wiped his boyfriend’s tears, “everything’s going to be okay. I promise. It’s okay. I’ll come back to you. Baby, I promise. No matter where I go, I’ll always come back to you.” 

+

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    “Agent Tuan is carrying out the raid alone, sir.” 

    “Alone? Who? That American?”

    “Yes, sir.” 

    The middle-aged man angrily threw his glass of wine to a wall. The glass shattered as he huffed arrogantly. “He’s doing it alone, because he knows we’re connected to that ing Operation Phoenix of his! He’s on to us! That damn eyesore! Why haven’t any of you useless s kill him yet! YOU HAD THE CHANCE!”

    “Sir!” The underlings dropped their heads in shame, “do not be disappointed, sir! We will finish the job this time.” 

    “Finish it. Or I’ll have all of your heads rolling as food for wolves.” 

    “Yes, sir!” 

    Snearing, the middle-aged man took a new glass of wine from the waitress’s hands, “Mark Tuan. You stupid bastard. How dare you think you can take me down alone… Cocky er. I’ll make sure the next news your family hears is you being burn alive!”