Zee's POV
The next morning, I knew we had to get to work quickly. The investigation had picked up momentum, and now that we had a plan, the next step was crucial. We needed someone who could help us gather intel on the warehouse from the inside. That's where Mina came in.
Mina was someone I'd worked with before, though not extensively. She was good at what she didâbetter than most, actuallyâbut there was a catch. She didn't trust easily, and with good reason. In this business, you couldn't afford to be too trusting.
But there was one thing that made Mina different from others: she had a soft spot for people who had a certain... charm. If she liked you, she'd bend over backward to help. If she didn't, well, you'd be stuck in the cold for as long as she decided.
I didn't know exactly how to approach her, but I knew Joong could handle it. He was the kind of guy who could talk his way into almost anything. He had this magnetic quality to him, a presence that made people take notice. If anyone could get close to Mina, it was Joong.
I picked up the phone and dialed her number, waiting for the line to ring. When she answered, her voice was steady and a little guarded, just like I remembered.
"Zee," she said, sounding almost bored. "What's up?"
"Mina, I need a favor."
There was a pause on the other end. "What kind of favor?"
"I'm working on a case, and I need someone to help us keep an eye on a location. Someone who can blend in and gather information without making waves." I knew Mina didn't like being involved in investigationsâshe preferred to stay in the shadows. But I also knew she couldn't resist the challenge.
"I'm not your average undercover agent, Zee," she replied, her tone sharp but curious.
"I know. But I trust you with this. We just need your expertise. You're the best person for the job."
There was a moment of silence before she finally spoke again. "Fine. But I'm not doing it for you."
I smirked. "Of course not. You'll be doing it for the thrill, I'm sure."
She chuckled, the sound low and knowing. "You're lucky I'm in the mood for a little fun. I'll meet you guys in an hour. Make sure the guy you're sending doesn't mess things up. I'll be watching."
I exhaled, relieved that she agreed so easily. "I'll send Joong your way."
"Good. And Zee?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't like wasting time. Make sure he doesn't waste mine."
I smiled to myself. "You got it."
I hung up the phone and turned to Joong, who was sitting across from me, already looking at me expectantly. "We're meeting Mina in an hour."
Joong nodded, standing up from the table. "Got it. I'll make sure she's on our side. Don't worry about it."
"Right." I hesitated, the nagging thought hitting me. "There's just one thing you should know about Mina. She's picky when it comes to who she trusts. She won't just work with anyone."
Joong raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a small smirk. "So, what? I need to impress her?"
I gave him a pointed look. "She's not interested in anyone unless she feels some kind of... connection. She'll only help us if she likes you. And that's not always easy to pull off."
Joong's eyes twinkled with mischief, his smirk widening. "Sounds like a challenge. I'm up for it."
I couldn't help but feel a little skeptical. Mina wasn't the type of person who fell for charm easily. But Joong, he had that way about himâhe could make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the room.
"Just don't go too far," I said, my voice slightly teasing. "I don't need to see you in the middle of a fake relationship just for the sake of this case."
Joong raised his hands in mock defense. "Hey, if it helps us get what we need, I'm willing to do what it takes."
That's where I felt my frustration bubbling up. I could see where this was going, and I wasn't exactly thrilled about it. I hadn't imagined that Joong would take things so far. Mina could be a challenge, but I didn't want him going into something fake just to win her over. There had to be a better way.
"I'm serious, Joong," I said, a little sharper this time. "I don't want you getting too caught up in some game with her."
Joong held my gaze, his smile slipping slightly, replaced with something more serious. "Zee, I'll be fine. I'm not going to do anything that'll mess with the mission. But if this is what it takes, I'm all in."
I wanted to argue, but I could see it in his eyesâJoong was already set on this path. If this was the best way to handle Mina and get the intel we needed, then I couldn't stop him. But I still felt the nagging concern deep in my gut. What if this went too far? What if it wasn't just a game for Joong?
I tried to push the thought aside as we headed out, both of us quiet during the drive to the meeting spot. Joong seemed oddly calm, like he'd already mapped out his strategy, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for whatever came next.
When we reached the cafe where Mina had agreed to meet, I spotted her immediatelyâsitting at a small table, sipping coffee, looking as sharp and composed as ever.
She didn't even look up as we approached, but I could feel her eyes shifting between us, gauging the situation. Joong immediately flashed her a friendly smile, his charm already in full force.
Mina finally raised an eyebrow, but didn't smile back. "This is your guy?" she asked, her voice neutral, eyes assessing Joong.
"Yeah," I said, letting Joong take the lead. "Mina, meet Joong. He's the one I was telling you about."
Joong extended a hand, his smile genuine but a little playful. "Hey, Mina. It's nice to meet you. I've heard a lot of good things."
Mina studied him for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line before she shook his hand. "We'll see how this goes. But remember, if you waste my time, I won't hesitate to walk away."
Joong grinned, undeterred. "I promise I won't waste your time."
I watched closely, my stomach twisting with unease. This was itâthe start of a new phase of the investigation. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Joong's game with Mina might have unexpected consequences.