Episode 22 – Masks & Murmurs
Night fell sharp over the city, a velvet cloak pricked with cold stars. From the marble balcony of the buyer's private gala, lights glittered across the river, reflecting wealth and secrets in equal measure.
Inside, the grand ballroom bloomed with extravagance: chandeliers dripping crystal tears, tables heavy with gold-trimmed plates, and a sea of suits and gowns hiding darker intentions.
Kevin tugged at the cuff of his tailored tuxedo. Across from him, Guen adjusted the diamond necklace resting against her collarbone — borrowed, like the lies they would spin tonight.
"You ready?" Kevin asked, his voice low.
"No," Guen muttered, glancing at the ring box in his palm. "But let's do it anyway."
He flipped open the box, revealing a slender band of platinum. "Engaged couple," he reminded her. "We need to convince them we belong here."
Guen swallowed hard. "Just… don't overdo it."
His eyes flickered, amusement shadowed by something darker. "I don't overdo anything."
That's what I'm afraid of, she thought, but didn't say.
---
Across the ballroom, Miran hovered near the edge, dressed in soft satin that clung too close to her skin. Her gaze skittered from table to table, avoiding the eyes that lingered too long.
She'd begged Guen to let her stay at HQ, but Kevin had insisted: "We need someone inside who looks harmless."
But she didn't feel harmless. Not with Minjae's gaze tracking her every move.
He leaned against a column near the dance floor, shirt collar open just enough to hint danger. His eyes, dark and sharp, never wavered from her.
Every time she tried to look away, she felt them — those eyes, promising both protection and threat.
---
Backstage, Alex worked a small device into the gala's security feed. The cold metal bit into his fingers, but he barely noticed.
Beside him, Dohee leaned close, scent of jasmine brushing his senses. "Careful," she murmured. "If you cut the wrong wire—"
"I won't," he whispered back, voice tighter than he meant.
Her shoulder brushed his arm, and for a moment, the noise of the ballroom faded.
"Almost done," Alex muttered, pulse racing for reasons that had nothing to do with circuits.
Dohee caught the slip in his tone, the uncharacteristic crack in his calm. "Alex… are you okay?"
"Fine," he said too quickly, then met her gaze. For a heartbeat, something raw flickered between them — fragile, unsaid.
But the device beeped softly, pulling them back.
"We're in," he breathed.
---
Out in the ballroom, the buyer — tall, scarred, power radiating in every motion — stood to address his guests.
Kevin guided Guen toward the center, his hand at her waist. Too close. Too careful.
He leaned in, breath warm against her ear. "Smile. You look like you're being marched to execution."
"Maybe I am," she shot back, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.
His thumb traced a slow circle against her hip, unseen by anyone else. "Relax. I won't let them touch you."
A shiver danced up her spine. Not from fear — from something far more dangerous.
---
Near the curtained edge of the stage, Miran forced herself to breathe. The hum of strings and laughter felt miles away.
A hand caught her wrist. Warm, strong, unyielding.
She turned sharply — and met Minjae's gaze. Shadows caught the sharp lines of his jaw, making his smirk look carved from something ruthless.
"What… what are you doing?" she stammered.
"Come," he ordered, voice low. "Now."
He pulled her into the narrow hallway behind the curtains. The world beyond dimmed, replaced by the closeness of dark velvet and the pounding in her chest.
"Minjae, let go," she pleaded, tugging at his grip.
"Quiet," he hissed. His body caged hers against the wall, breath brushing her cheek. "Someone's watching. Act normal."
"This isn't normal!" she protested, tears pricking her eyes.
"It is now," he murmured, his thumb brushing her jaw. "You don't want them to suspect, do you?"
Her heart crashed against her ribs. She shook her head, breath shuddering.
He leaned closer, lips almost grazing her ear. "Good girl," he whispered, voice dark silk. "Now stay here. Don't make me drag you again."
She closed her eyes, trying to block out his scent, the weight of him so close it stole her breath. But she couldn't block out the truth:
Part of her wasn't only afraid. Part of her was burning.
---
On the dance floor, Kevin led Guen into a slow waltz. Lights shifted around them, casting gold across her hair.
"You're tense," he murmured.
"You're too calm," she shot back.
"I've danced this dance before," he said, turning them so they faced the buyer. "Just follow."
His hand firm at her back, guiding her. Guen's pulse skittered, awareness coiling tight between them.
"Don't get used to this," she warned, voice shaking.
"Too late," he replied, eyes locked on hers.
The song ended. Applause. But for a moment, neither of them let go.
---
In the surveillance room, Alex and Dohee watched the buyer step away, motioning to two guards.
"He's moving," Alex noted, hands flying over the keyboard.
Dohee leaned over him, breath brushing his neck. "We should get closer."
"For safety, or curiosity?" he teased, softer than usual.
She didn't answer, just slipped a hand over his to steady it.
"Come on," she murmured. "Let's catch him before he disappears."
---
In the hall, Minjae stepped back, letting Miran breathe.
But the distance didn't last. His hand curled around her neck, not choking — a claim, not yet punishment.
"You remember what I said, don't you?" he murmured.
She nodded, eyes wide. "I won't tell."
"Not enough," he rasped, thumb brushing her pulse. "Say it."
"I won't tell anyone," she whispered.
He studied her, something darker flickering behind his eyes. Then, softer — almost regretful: "Good."
He stepped away, leaving her shaking, breathless.
---
Minutes later, Kevin regrouped with Guen and the others backstage. Sweat darkened his collar; Guen's cheeks burned pink.
"The buyer's heading to the private vault," Alex reported. "We need to move now."
Minjae cracked his knuckles, gaze flicking briefly to Miran — whose eyes dropped immediately.
"Let's finish this," Kevin ordered. "And get the hell out before anyone realizes what we took."
---
Under the gold lights, masks slipping, hearts beating too loud, the team moved as one.
Enemies, lovers, liars. Bound by secrets darker than the suits they wore.
Outside, the city waited — blind to the game played in its shadows.
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