Choi Seunghyun roared, charging forward with his remaining strength. He was powerful, a raging bull that pushed Taeyeon through the walls. Bursting apart upon impact, the two rammed through several layers of concrete blocks, white smoke and dust filling the air upon impact. There was an odd tension, footsteps rushing to Taeyeon’s aide as they clicked their weapons.

 

Two seconds. Three.

 

Not a single sound nor movement. Moving slowly, they kept their shields up. It wasn’t a good feeling. And then, a crackle.

 

“Taeyeon!”

 

Sunny’s shout resounded through, pulling the trigger as a round bullet sliced across the opening, slashing its way to Choi Seunghyun as it exploded upon impact. Sparks of fire scattered along, clearing their visions. They were able to see it all.

 

A pool of dark, red blood. Choi Seunghyun and his heavy power armor, broken into pieces. And Taeyeon. She was buried underneath, with no signs of life.

 

It was too late.

 

Choi Seunghyun did what he wanted to since the very beginning. To take Taeyeon with him to death.

 

“!” Sunny cursed out loud, her voice choking halfway as her friend was no longer here. Hyoyeon, Yuri and Yoona fell to their knees, quiet sobs finding their way in as they mourned her death. Siwon remained strong, bowing deeply to express his condolences. But Sunny. Sunny did not shed a single tear.

 

She was furious. Gripping her gun tightly, vengeance filled her mind. But she knew this wasn’t right. Even so, in order to honour Taeyeon’s death rightfully, there was only one thing left to do. “Move.” The woman muttered. It only took one glance from all her members to make everyone step aside. Her eyes showed no mercy, no light. Raising her gun directly at Choi Seunghyun’s corpse, she fired a bullet.

 

Bang!

 

The gun clicked again.

 

Bang!

 

And again.

 

Bang! Bang! Bang!

 

The man’s body was shredded into pieces, no longer able to take the shape of an actual human. Dissimilated until it was impossible to even cremate him, this was what he deserved. As she clicked her gun again, there was no more bullets left. A heavy sigh left Sunny’s mouth, tossing the gun aside as she kneeled down to Taeyeon’s side. For one minute, she stayed quiet. Staring at her friend, thoughts filling her head about their memories together. But there was something that only she and Taeyeon shared, a secret that the two knew. And Sunny felt it more emotionally than anyone else.

 

“At least now, you don’t need to suffer anymore, Taeyeon.” Tears finally welled up in Sunny’s eyes. “You can meet her in heaven now.” She hovered her hand over Taeyeon’s eyes and gently closed it. No one knew how much pain Taeyeon went through ever since Tiffany’s death. She was never the same. But as the leader, she had to keep her feelings in. Toss them aside because it was their duty as Secret Service agents.

 

But at last, she could finally join her and be free. Free from the duties and responsibilities of a Secret Service agent.

 

“Taeyeon, come on. You’ve been holed up in your apartment for almost a week! Let’s go and get some fresh air!”

 

“It’s okay. You guys can go have fun. I’m fine really…”

 

Tiffany was Taeyeon’s everything. When she died, her whole world crashing down. Even though a Secret Service agent should be able to accept the death of a friend, Tiffany was different. It was just so much more.

 

That was why, the five agents decided to retire in an attempt to find their way in life. They travelled around the world to help Taeyeon mentally and physically recover. They were not just people who worked in the same team together, they were the perfect example of a wonderful friendship.

 

A family who stayed strong through the tough, difficult times.

 

“Tell everyone that the mission is complete.”

 

Sunny stood up and went to her friends, embracing them together. No words were needed to explain anything. This was the life that they chose and a time will come when someone else will die. They were prepared for this.

 

But it is simply a matter of when.

 

“This is Choi Siwon. Choi Seunghyun has been killed. Mission is a success, over. I repeat, this is Choi Siwon…”

 

 

---

 

 

“Namjoo unnie!”

 

Hayoung’s screams found its way into the skies as she quickly crawled over the window, her head peeking down. She prayed hard, hoping that a miracle happened. There was no way Namjoo could die so easily like this. And she was right. She breathed a relieved sigh. There she is.

Namjoo was lucky. Instead of falling to her death, she managed to catch hold of a thin rocky ledge from the walls of the clock tower. Her legs were dangling in the air but thanks to her training, she should be able to climb back up, just fine. But there was one problem. Lisa is still alive. Just a couple metres below, Lisa had no intention of letting go. Already blinded and infected by HZO1, she was climbing up slowly and eventually, she will reach Namjoo’s grasp.

 

It is only a matter of time.

 

“Hayoung! Listen to me. You have to shoot her! My life doesn’t matter right now. You have to kill Lisa!” Namjoo instructed, using all of her strength to hang on.

 

The youngest was in a blur but she quickly took out the gun strapped in her belt and aimed it with her shaky hands. She was afraid. Sure, Hayoung has practiced shooting before and whilst she isn’t exactly accurate, this angle point was dangerous. If she aimed wrongly, she could fatally hit Namjoo instead. And that very thought scared her. What if she becomes the one responsible for her death? Gosh, she hates it when her brain just starts overthinking in crucial moments like these.

 

 “I-I’m scared unnie! What if- what if- I kill-you…I can’t just-“

 

“Hayoung!” Her shout was enough to break her anxious thoughts apart. Listen to me! Take a deep breath and calm down! Focus!” Namjoo ordered in a strict tone. The girl always spoke to Hayoung in a gentle tone. But today, was different. “Trust me. You can do it.” Her tone lowered, returning back to the familiar, mellow tone that Hayoung’s ears were used to.

 

She took a deep breath, her aim steading as she followed the movements of Lisa climbing up. One shot was all it takes. One shot. Trying to find the momentum, it was now. Holding onto her breath, Hayoung pulled the trigger.

 

Bang!

 

The bullet creased through the stone wall, bouncing off as it brushed through Lisa’s fingers. She screamed in pain, letting go of her grasps as she fell to her death. She did it.

 

Hayoung shot Lisa.

 

Quickly dropping the gun, the girl bended down and stretched her long arms out. Using all of her strength, Hayoung pulled Namjoo. Through several grunts and sighs, Namjoo climbed back in and collapsed onto her friend.

 

On top of Hayoung, the two stared at each other momentarily. Each taking time to catch their breath, they could feel their chests moving up and down. But Namjoo could see the wet eyes in Hayoung. “You did a good job!” Namjoo smiled, sitting up and embracing the girl warmly in her arms. She was all smiles, her heart b with pride at the amazing feat that Hayoung just demonstrated. But instead, all Hayoung could do was respond with a sob.

 

Namjoo moved back to look at Hayoung, tears rolling down her cheeks as she took deep breaths, a sign of after effects from a traumatic experience. Of course, Hayoung was not used to life and death situations. Everything she experienced today was her first. This girl in front of her who looked cool in front of her superiors explaining her amazing invention just months ago, was breaking down in tears. To Namjoo, that’s just adorable. She’s just so cute, Namjoo couldn’t believe it. In the end, she’s just a little fluff that needs all the protection and love. After this mission, she’s not going to let Hayoung touch a gun ever again.

 

“Hey, look at me.” Namjoo cooed, cupping her cheeks as she wiped away Hayoung’s tears with her thumbs, circling them around. “You did great. You saved me Hayoung.”

 

“I-I know…It’s just…I was really-scared-like you know…and I killed someone! I killed…a child…I…I’m sinning…! Unnie…I…” Her words were all jumbled up, hands were shaking and she couldn’t exactly think properly. Her heart was pounding like crazy, a result of the whole rollercoaster ride she just had. It wasn’t just the emotions of fear that got to her. All of the stress she had accumulated over these months, the pressure from her superiors and the responsibilities on her shoulders, she poured everything out to the person whom she relied on the most.

 

The person who was always there for her, no matter what.

 

Looking at Hayoung mumbling and sniffling, Namjoo couldn’t help but to break into a laughter. “You know what? You look kinda ugly when you cry.”

 

“S-Shut up…It’s…whatever…” Hayoung pouted, clearly not having any of her jokes today as she rubbed her tears with her sleeves.

 

The radio buzzed as Choi Siwon announced the success of their mission and that brought much relief. Briefing turning to look at the skies of London from Big Ben, no matter how many times they did, it was just a magnificent view.

 

“Come on. Let’s pack up. You heard him.”

 

“Y-Yeah…” Hayoung nodded, stumbling and trotting halfway because her legs lost all the strength. She looked like a baby who was learning how to walk, mumbling to herself as she puffed her cheeks, lips forming into a pout. To Namjoo, she really just looked like a whiny kid who just got scolded for doing something wrong. She laughed again and this time, she couldn’t resist it anymore.

 

“Hey, Hayoung.” The girl walked up to her. “Hm?-“ The moment Hayoung turned her face around, Namjoo leaned forward and gently pecked her cheek. It was soft and gentle, yet quick. Hayoung had to blink twice to process her thoughts.

 

“Wait…unnie did you just…”

 

“Oh, don’t you know I’m good at keeping secrets?” She said, placing her finger onto her lips. “I’ll pretend that I didn’t know anything about you trying to eat my lips.” She giggled, causing Hayoung to blush real hard. She was turning into a red tomato.

 

“T-T-That is- “She stuttered nervously, not sure how to explain herself. Namjoo laughed again, her hearty laughter filling the air.

 

“Okay, you’re actually a bad kisser. Come on, I’ll show you what a real kiss is like once we’re back home. home.” She winked, causing Hayoung to just stare at her stunned. But it made her happy. She was being sent to cloud nine for some reason, just by her words.

 

---

 

 

 

At the Cathedral of Hope, corpses of the innocent scattered everywhere. At small corners, in front of the closed doors and even at the center of the altar. The last gunfire echoed into the air, a loud roar to signal the end of the forced massacre.

 

The ones at fault, were two Secret Service agents. They had no other choice for the 200 were infected with NZO1. Yet, one was careless. She did not wear her gas mask properly and the gas seeped in. And, here she was. Intoxicated by the drug, she shot a gun at her teammate.

 

She shot her girlfriend.

 

Smoke sizzled through the pistol’s muzzle, the deed was done. Her eyes lost all will of control but even so, her consciousness was trapped inside. She was trapped in her own body, forced to witness all of the actions she did. A tear shed escaped her eyelid, rolling down her cheek.

 

“Naeun.”

 

Eunji paused, her footsteps staggering halfway as she looked down at her chest, palms moving across the vest. A smile flashed across her face. There was no blood, no pain. The gun Naeun shot, was empty.

 

Before HZO1 took full control of her body, Naeun quickly unloaded all of the bullets in her gun, knowing that she would use it to kill Eunji no matter what. She was so witty and quick in such a situation— Eunji couldn’t be prouder. Taking confident strides to her fallen girlfriend, she removed her gas mask, tossing it to the side and took out the sedative inside her pocket. She was ready.

 

“This is going to hurt a lot, babe.” She cooed, using all her weight to pin Naeun to the ground. Her eyes were red, she was struggling to move and had all the intention to kill her. She’s never seen her like this and that was enough. Naeun doesn’t have to suffer like that.

 

Raising her hand high up as the needle pointed directly at Naeun’s neck, Eunji closed her eyes and stabbed it in. The rest that followed were her cries and her body squirming. She hated this. She hated hearing it. But Eunji had to do it.

 

“Hang on babe! Just a little more!”

 

Her girlfriend used all of her strength to push Eunji away but it was obvious that the latter was stronger physically. Soon, Naeun’s breathing returned to a calmer pace. Her eyes turning back to her normal white colour. As cold sweat soaked through her hair, Eunji carefully parted it with her fingers, running through her cheeks and rewarding Naeun with a gentle peck. “You okay? Do you still feel like killing me?” She joked in which Naeun responded with a weak chuckle. Her sheepish smile was all Eunji needed to be relieved.

 

The hot-headed backed up, falling flat onto the ground as she looked up at the ceiling of the church. It was beautiful, unlike the horrendous sight below. Paintings of entities, gods and goddesses holding centuries old markings of the past gave a moment of peace and assurance. It is over. As their radio buzzed with the news of Choi Seunghyun’s death, the two agents could finally rest.

 

“Babe, what do you want to do once we get back to Seoul?”

 

“I want to watch a movie.”

 

“At my place?” Eunji lifted her head up a little, catching a cute nod from her girlfriend. She couldn’t help but to laugh out loud. It was a funny situation. The two agents were absolutely exhausted that they couldn’t be bothered to stand up. After killing 200 innocents, shedding blood everywhere, here they were, enjoying the view of the cathedral’s painted ceiling.

 

“Hey, pretty. Date me.”

 

She was bold and certainly stubbornly persistent. Once she set her eyes on something, Eunji will do everything she can to get it. And that’s what exactly she was doing. Winning Naeun’s heart. It was what people call it, love at first sight. The cupid shot the arrow into her heart and it pounded for the beautiful agent in front of her. For days and weeks, she flirted and while it has failed so many times, she refused to give up.

 

“Please go away.” Naeun responded coldly with a sigh, frowning as she certainly has better things to do. She was pretty sure her new member, Jung Eunji had better things to do. There was so many missions to do, reports to write back to the boss, and here she is, trying to play with her heart. She has no time for that.

 

“You can’t make me go away. I’m going to be in this team with you forever.”

 

Naeun spun her chair around, refusing to face Eunji. She was annoying and the girl was this close to writing a letter of complaint, requesting Eunji to transfer into a different team. But she’s not that evil. In fact, Naeun’s biggest weakness was her soft heart. She was just too kind.

 

“Fine.” She spun back to face Eunji who looked at her, eyes glistening with intrigue. “Will you stop pestering me if I said yes? If it doesn’t work out within a month, can you promise me that you will finally give up?”

 

A wide grin formed onto the hot-headed agent’s face. She wasn’t expecting this at all, and that pleased her greatly. The fire in her heart was flaming much stronger than ever. She is prepared to stake everything at all costs. “Why, of course! Just give me one week! One week is enough to win your heart!”

 

Naeun scoffed, staring at her unamused. “Fine. It’s a deal, Eunji.”

 

 

---

 

 

Water silenced everything around her. Bubbles floated upwards as a white glint pierced through the dark river. Opening her eyes wide as she held her breath, the first instinct was to unbuckle the seatbelt. Now free, she used her whole body to ram it against the car window. One push. Two. With much force, glass shattered through, allowing Chorong to slither her way out. Paddling her feet up to the surface, she gasped for air, arms circulating around. Turning her head left and right, there was no sign of Bomi. This could only mean one thing.  

 

She’s still underwater, fighting for her life with Jennie.

 

Bomi was struggling. She blamed the fact that she didn’t train long enough to expand her lung capacity. The agent felt small and weak, losing her strength and energy as Jennie took full advantage. Here she was, trapped in a chokehold. Bomi did everything to free herself. Whether it was kicks, lunges, it was no use. The lack of air contributed much to Bomi’s defense and eventually she gave in. She could not hold on anymore.

 

opened in defeat, water entering her lungs. The world around Bomi was becoming dark, visioning the final moments with her eyes. The last she could remember was a sudden hue of red splurging in front of her. Perhaps, it’s her own blood. No one knows. At this point, she couldn’t feel anything else anymore. The agent was suddenly freed from Jennie’s grasp, allowing the water to lead her upwards. Looking up at the ripples that seemed so bright, maybe that’s where heaven is.

 

Jennie choked, a sharp, stinging pain electrifying her whole body. Turning around, she saw the eyes of an eagle. The eyes of a predator. Looking down at the blade stabbed straight into her chest, she could feel it now. What death felt like. Jennie stared blankly into the orbs of Chorong, somewhat feeling sorry yet thankful that she was the one to end her life.

 

There was so many things she wanted to say. She was forced into doing this. There was no other choice. Seunghyun intoxicated her beloved friend, Lisa with HZO1 and used that as a threat, forcing her into this task. She never wanted to kill anyone. But for love, she had too. Tears welled up in Jennie’s eyes, mouthing the words “Thank you” as she slowly closed her eyes, taking one last breath to her death. It felt right to die in the hands of her enemy.

 

There was no point in living if she had to continue her sufferings under Choi Seunghyun’s orders. If there really was a God in the world, Jennie hoped that he could grant her a dying wish: to be reincarnated again together with Lisa so that they can live in a world of nothing but happy things. As Jennie’s lifeless body arched backwards, floating up to the surface, Chorong quickly swam her way to Bomi.

 

Wrapping her arms tightly around her waist, she paddled her feet upwards. Reaching the surface as she inhaled the air, the leader carefully dragged Bomi to shore, placing her down onto the sandy grains. There was no time. Kneeling down, Chorong pumped her chest hard and leaned in, latching her lips to provide air. She repeated the CPR process over, and over again. But Bomi was showing no signs of life. She was simply still, frozen.

 

This could not be happening. Chorong could not afford to lose another member. She could not afford to lose the one who lit her world up with colour. A small tear rolled down her cheeks, even though her muscles were screaming at her to stop, she refused to give up. No matter how sore they were becoming, Chorong kept pumping Bomi’s chest.

 

“Bomi…wake up…you stupid…” She sobbed quietly, her pumps growing weaker. “Say something, Bomi! You can’t just die like this! You can’t- “

 

A cough.

 

And another cough.

 

Bomi gagged as water escaped , eyes fluttering open as she took gasps of air.

 

“Is this heaven?” Bomi coughed again, lifting her hand up to wipe away the tears rolling down Chorong’s cheek. “I must say, this angel right here is real pretty even when she cries.”

 

“Stupid” The leader mumbled, lightly hitting Bomi’s chest in which the girl chuckled, carefully getting up as she flashed a grin. “Thank you for saving me.”

 

A buzz on their radio of Siwon announcing the death of Choi Seunghyun was just the perfect timing to ease everything. The evil is gone and defeated. Their happy days could return and they could now run freely, without a worry.

 

“Did you hear that?”

 

Chorong nodded, helping Bomi to stand up.

 

“Mission complete.”

 

“Not that.” The girl frowned. As always, her girlfriend only thought about work, nothing more, nothing less. From the moment Chorong gave her a chance, Bomi vowed to show her the wonders of the world, to remove the chains of a rigid lifestyle. “Didn’t we promise to go on a date together? Mr. Lee said he will give us a vacation once this mission is over so let’s make full use of that!”

 

“…Ah! Right…a date…” Oddly, the leader blushed at the thought of that. She felt sorry that she had completely forgotten about that. Or even the fact that, she now has a girlfriend now. She wasn’t used to it, but she was learning.

 

Watching Chorong stare at Bomi so blankly, the girl couldn’t help but to lean forward to lightly peck her cheek. “Come on, let’s go home.” She smiled, intertwining her fingers with Chorong’s as they walked together. Although both of them were soaked, that didn’t matter. In a job where life and death are placed at risk, they were more than happy to live another day. 

 

While it will take time for the new couple to settle themselves, Bomi is confident to lead Chorong into the world of love, as long as she is by her side, always.

 

 

---

 

 

 

After paying their final respects in a grand funeral, paying tribute to the fallen the six agents of the Seoul team took their bows, each taking turns to place a stalk of white lily, taking one last look at the portraits of their comrades who sacrificed their lives. Among them were Yookyung, Baekho, Matthew, Amber, Taeyong and Kim Taeyeon, one of the greatest Secret Service agents in history. They will remember her as a cool lady, often humorous and sassy at times yet, scary when duty calls.

 

Looking up at the blue, clear skies that morning, it was a sign of a new beginning.

 

A new life was setting its path.

 

But even in the world of The Secret Service, the cycle continues. Death is common and while it is a sooner or later thing, the agents follow their duty and honor to serve the country. It is their pride which they hold greatly in their hearts.

 

“It’s pouring hard today.” Namjoo took out her umbrella and stared at Hayoung, unamused. “You forgot to bring yours, didn’t you?” She sighed, leaning close to the girl as they shared the umbrella. The girl chuckled nervously in response but her hands quietly crept up and held tightly onto Namjoo’s shoulder. “You’re a little too close…”

 

“Oh, would you rather get soaked? The suit you’re wearing costs a bomb. Hyoyeon unnie went out of her way to buy you that.”

 

“I didn’t mean it that way! My heart just…won’t stop beating so fast when you’re near me.”

 

Namjoo stared at Hayoung for awhile, somewhat dumbfounded as she broke into a laughter. “Please, Hayoung! Why do you still get so nervous around me when I’ve kissed you so many times?”

 

“You’re just too wild okay…” Hayoung mumbled, adjusting her glasses as the two walked across the street, arms touching each other as the rain trickled through.

 

Looking out of the window from their office, Chorong swirled around her chair, checking her watch. “They are late.” She frowned, her ballpoint pen tapping onto the desk.

 

“Cut them some slack. Hayoung recently moved in with Namjoo and she probably needs time to adjust. After all, at least that girl isn’t sleeping in the office anymore. She’s always holding up in the workshop, working non-stop.” Eunji commented, checking herself in the mirror as she adjusted her tie.

 

“Let me help you.” Naeun stepped in and fixed it, only having her girlfriend to grin widely in return. Bomi scoffed, walking past the couple as she placed a stack of files onto the desk. “Here are the reports as requested, my love.” She leaned in, sneakily pecking Chorong’s cheek, before turning to face Eunji and Naeun, her tongue sticking out in a tease.

 

“W-What was that for?” The leader stuttered in surprise as Eunji hummed in response, pulling Naeun closer to her. “Bomi, are you asking for a challenge?”

 

Just as she was about to reply, the door opened. Namjoo and Hayoung finally arrived, placing their drenched umbrellas at the side, staring at the oddly divided couples standing. “Uh, did we miss something?” Namjoo asked.

 

“Nothing. It’s just these two trying to start a competition because they were bored waiting for you guys.” Naeun shrugged, moving away as she sat in her seat. “Chorong unnie, let’s begin the meeting.”

 

“Right.” Chorong cleared , moving to sit in the centre as everyone else followed to take their seats. There was a beep and then, something flashed onto the wall, a makeshift-screen projected and a familiar someone. It was a live video call from headquarters, from their chief, Mr. Lee whom they haven’t seen in awhile. Ever since the mission in London, the Seoul team were given a whole month off.

 

With the Seoul team back in business, it’s time to get down and dirty.

 

“Ah, The Seoul team.” The man clasped his hands together, greeting the team with a warm smile. “I believe the vacation gave all of you plenty of time to recuperate and rest. Even though the fall of Blue Nation has given much peace back to the world, there are still many who have become inspired by Choi Seunghyun’s motives, dwelling into similar activities. Are you ready to take on your new mission?”

 

Chorong glanced at her members who nodded in response. To her, she is family. And while they are always hanging onto the thread of life and death, a family sticks together till the very end. They have gone through a lot together and surely—more challenges were up ahead. They are ready, no matter what. As the lady turned to face Mr. Lee, the team responded in unison.

 

 

 

“As always, The Secret Service is ready to serve.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Final Notes: And that's a wrap! Thank you for coming along with this journey. The Secret Service has been mainly inspired by Apink's Pink Cinema concept and I've always wondered what if, our girls became secret agents, fighting and serving the country? I've never really attempted a full-fledged action genre before and while there were challenges, it was overall, fun to write and read all of your comments :) Perhaps we will meet again in one of my other/future stories? Who knows~ Until then, this is pinkpanda419 signing off~ (21/10/2018) 

 

P.S There is also a special backstory chapter, following the events before The Secret Service started! ^^