Minji led Hanni through the backyard. They were heading to the small building where Minji kept some of her weapons. Once they reached it, she put down her bag that she had been carrying and started searching for the keys.
Hanni behind her yawned.
"Feeling tired?" Minji asked sarcastically, without raising her look from the bag.
Hanni rolled her eyes as a response. Of course she was tired. Minji had shown up at her apartment way earlier than she had wanted and on top of that, Hyein had kept her late at headquarters. After that she'd had so much on her mind that she had barely slept.
How on earth would she manage two missions at the same time?
Finally Minji pulled out the keys and opened the door to the small wooden building that seemed like a shed. Hanni furrowed her brows as Minji stepped in. What did the woman want to pick up from this weird building?
"Come in," came Minji's voice.
Hanni held back her yawn and walked closer. She opened the door a bit more to have a better look inside.
Her jaw dropped.
There Minji was standing, observing the wall on which many different types of sniper rifles were hung. Every wall of the shed had at least four snipers and some of them Hanni recognized to be very rare or valuable. But the room did not only contain snipers. There were knives, guns, even some kind of liquid and all kinds of equipment that were needed for...
Hanni felt a cold shiver running through her back as she looked at Minji again. "You're... an assassin," her voice was almost a whisper.
She had guessed that Minji wasn't a mere sniper, but still the sight got her by surprise.
Minji moved her look from the wall to the woman who was still standing at the door, looking stunned, "I thought you had figured out by now," she said, uninterested and focused her eyes on the snipers again.
"Ah," Her eyes lit up as she reached out her hand and picked up one of the sniper rifles on the wall, "I think this one is perfect for you," she almost threw the weapon at Hanni.
Startled, Hanni dashed forward to catch the sniper.
Gosh, this woman, she grinned, before taking a look at the sniper in her hands. She recognized it immediately, it was a MAS FR-F3 sniper rifle, not particularly rare but it was expensive for sure.
Hanni furrowed her brows.
"It has a little thin range but it's very handy and it's suitable for close shots," Minji spoke as her finger traced another sniper. She then picked it up from the wall and turned to Hanni, "Alright, let's go."
Hanni glanced at the room one last time before turning on her heels and walking out. Minji locked the door after them and picked up the bag she had left on the ground.
"This way," she pointed to the edge of the yard where a thin forest began. She then led Hanni across the yard to a small forest path.
Hanni quickened her pace to catch up with the tall woman. "Don't you think you're being a bit too... careless?" She glanced at Minji, who was now walking next to her.
"No, why? Do you think I am?" Minji raised her brows.
"I mean... you keep all your weapons in such an open place where anyone can get in? Is your Snow Owl there as well?"
Minji let out a laughter, "You wish! You keep forgetting I'm a professional, I think I know how to handle my things safely," she kept a break, "But it's cute that you're worried about me."
Hanni's face turned red and she quickly shut her mouth. H-how can she say something like that so casually?
Minji smirked as she noticed the silence of her companion. But before she had the chance to tease the Vietnamese further, her attention was drawn forward. "Ah, we're here."
Hanni raised her head. The threes were starting to thin out and soon a long grass field opened in front of them. She could spot five or six target circles in the distance.
Hanni looked around in awe, Minji had her own place for shooting practice!
Minji walked through the field and stopped in the middle, placing down her bag. She opened it and took out a couple of safety glasses and some bullets. Hanni walked closer and took safety glasses Minji was extending to her. She put them on and watched as Minji did the same.
"Alright let's start with the basics," the woman stood up.
Hanni couldn't help but laugh a little, "Basics?" She walked past Minji and loaded her sniper. "I know how to shoot."
"But it's a new sniper type to you, no?" Minji turned to the Vietnamese. "If you let me-"
Hanni ignored Minji's words and chose a target. She then lifted up the sniper and aimed. Soon the sound of gunfire cracked the air.
Minji's jaw almost dropped. Even though the targed circle was further away, she could see how Hanni's shot had almost hit the middle. How did she do that? She barely aimed!
A satisfied smile appeared on Hanni's face as she glanced at the target circle in the distance. She then looked over her shoulder to see Minji's reaction. "You were saying?"
For the first time, it was Minji who was speechless. Hanni couldn't help but chuckle. It was indeed a funny sight.
When Minji realized Hanni was looking at her, she quickly cleared her throat. "Eh not bad, but you're still holding it wrong," she tried to cover her stunned expression with a smirk.
"Oh really?" Hanni scoffed and turned her head to the targets again. She raised the sniper and loaded it, ready to shoot, when suddenly she heard how Minji walked closer.
Hanni stiffened. The woman, who was now standing behind her, put her hands on Hanni's hands and adjusted her position.
A sudden, weird feeling rolled in the pit of Hanni's stomach. Minji's hands were soft and the way she touched her gently...
Hanni's heartbeat increased.
"Here you go."
Hanni heard Minji's voice right behind her. As if by instinct, she turned her head. Minji's eyes were focused on the distant target, but it wasn't long before she lowered her gaze and their eyes met.
They were standing close to each other, and Hanni realized she was holding her breath.
Minji's eyes were deep and brown. Something about her face made Hanni want to slowly touch it and caress those soft looking cheeks. And then that sharp jawline and those rose red...
Hanni lowered her gaze.
"Maybe you should focus on the target," Minji smirked.
Hanni's eyes widened as Minji's voice woke her up. She turned her head rapidly and blinked her eyes in shock.
That... That was not good...right?
She shook her head, before raising her gaze and aiming at the same circle. She took a deep breath.
I need to concentrate...
She shot.
Hanni lowered the sniper as she felt how Minji let go of her and took a step back.
"Now that, is impressive," Minji crossed her arms.
The shot had hit the middle.
***
Hyein stomped her foot on the ground, impatiently. Her patience was starting to run out, she had been waiting for almost an hour now.
Where the hell is she?!
It was the first day of their practice and Hanni was already late. Did the woman have any idea just how much it had cost to book the company's shooting range?
"Ugghh," Hyein growled, as she picked up her phone once more. Of course Hanni didn't answer the phone either.
Just when she was about to press the call button, the doors opened and a short woman rushed in, carrying one of the company's practice sniper rifles.
Hyein put her phone away and crossed her arms as Hanni finally reached to her. The woman was panting. Hyein furrowed her brows, had she been running all the way here? But she didn't even live far away!
"You're late," Hyein growled.
Hanni tried to calm down her breath, "I'm... so sorry... I came as fast as I could..."
"You're 47 minutes late, you had all morning to get here on time! Gosh!" The tall woman held her forehead, she was so annoyed.
But taking it out on Hanni was no use.
"Whatever, let's just get this over with," she turned around and walked to the table where her sniper was lying. "Let's start with the track four. Go on," Hyein nodded towards the shooting track.
Hanni felt tired. She had been practicing with Minji all morning and even though she had thought she left early, she had managed to miss the bus downtown. She sighed and walked to Hyein, loading her sniper.
Hanni aimed, trying to focus on the funny looking target circle. Hadn't she just done the same thing? Except for back at Minji's place, she had felt Minji's gentle touch, and the woman's intoxicating scent... Minji had smelled...
Hanni shot.
"Oh my gosh..." Hyein pinched her nose bridge, shaking her head slowly. "This is going to be a long day."
***
A few days later
Hanni stood on the side and watched as Minji lifted up her sniper and aimed. The woman's movements were smooth and well thought out. There was not even the tiniest hint of hesitation in her body movements.
Hanni shivered. She didn't even dare to imagine what it was like to be Minji's target. No wonder she had such a successful career.
The sound of gunfire echoed in the air.
Suddenly, Hanni's attention was drawn to the edge of the forest. She heard as Minji walked closer.
"How did I do?" The woman smiled, carrying her weapons in her hands.
Hanni turned her gaze from the forest. She smiled briefly, "I think your friend over there has something to tell you."
Minji's eyes followed Hanni's gaze and soon she noticed a tall figure standing at the edge of the forest. Lisa had crossed her arms and she was looking their way, silently.
"Ah.. just a moment", Minji put down her sniper, "I'll see what she wants."
Hanni was left alone in the grass field. She didn't mind the moment of peace. The first days of the week had been extremely busy and she had pretty much spent her days training her shooting skills.
With Minji, things were easy. Usually in the morning, Hanni had enough energy to actually focus but when it came to evenings, her tiredness and lack of freetime kicked in. Of course, Hyein wasn't happy with it.
Hanni wanted to slap herself. She didn't want Hyein to think that she couldn't pull up the mission, but she had to admit that her performance in thier practices wasn't complimenting her skills.
Luckily on the day of Hyein's mission, Minji had nothing planned so Hanni could only focus on the mission and give it her best. She had to succeed. Her career in KSA depended on it.
Hanni woke up from her thoughts as she heard quick steps approaching her. She turned around and saw Minji walking closer. The woman's expression was blank.
"Is something wrong?" Hanni asked, confused.
"Change of plans," Minji passed Hanni and walked to her sniper that was laying on the ground, "we're leaving, tonight."
"W-what?" Was the first thing Hanni could get out. She stared at Minji in complete shock, "What do you mean 'tonight'?"
Minji was packing up her things and once she finished unloading her sniper, she picked up her bag and threw it on her shoulder. Without waiting for Hanni, she started walking to the forest path.
Hanni recovered from her shock and quickly rushed after the tall woman.
"We got new information. The annual check up day has been moved by a week," Minji growled as Hanni catched up with her. "We have to go through the plan now and leave in the evening. We should arrive in Gangneung in the morning, just in time."
Hanni listened to Minji, speechless. She felt like she couldn't understand a word. So many things were running through her mind, making it hard to focus on anything. But one, terrifying thought had taken over most of the thoughts...
What on earth would she say to Hyein?
"But... We will be back in Seoul before the weekend, right?" Hanni tried to ask casually, but she knew Minji wasn't a fool.
The tall woman furrowed her brows, "We will be back on Saturday, don't worry."
Hanni felt a wave of relief washing over her. Maybe she could make in time to Hyein's mission after all.
Now she just needed to find and excuse not to show up at the practice...
***
Hanni opened the door to her apartment and rushed in. She threw her bag on the counter and quickly took her shoes off and clicked the lights on. It was already dark outside, they had planned the mission till late evening and now Minji had dropped her to her apartment so she could pack things up and get out in 20 minutes.
Hanni ran to her bedroom and took out a large bag. She then headed to her closet and started throwing clothes on the floor. She didn't have much time to be picky, Minji was waiting outside in her car.
She finished picking clothes and rushed to the lobby to get a few extra pair of shoes.
She returned to her room and started stuffing things inside the bag. God I hope I remember everything!
Suddenly, there was the sound of slow footsteps.
Hanni froze.
There was someone else in the apartment, and that someone had just walked into the room.
Hanni's heart jumped to her throat as she spun around faster than ever.
"Missing something?"
"Hyein..!" Hanni stood up as fast as lightning. Her heart was still beating rapidly.
Hyein was holding a pair of keys in her hand as she stepped forward.
"Are you packing?" There was a mix of disbelief and anger on the woman's face.
Hanni's eyes scanned the floor quickly. Clothes and other things were lying all around and the bag on her feet was half packed. The situation spoke for itself.
"Why are you here?" Hanni tried to avoid the question.
"You didn't show up to our meeting and you don't answer the phone so I came to the only place where I could find you," she kept a break, as her eyes fell on the half packed bag, "Just what the hell is going on with you, Hanni?"
Hanni sighed. There was no use in lying, Hyein deserved to know the truth. "Hyein... I have to leave the city for a couple of days-"
"What are you talking about?" Hyein looked upset, "We have a mission taking place in three days!"
"I know!" Hanni snapped, "Please, just listen to me! I will come back in time for our mission, okay? Don't worry about it."
"How can I not worry about it!?" The woman's eyes widened. "Your career is at stake, you are already walking on very thin ice!" She exclaimed.
"Please, I need you to trust me..."
"Trust you? Hah! I know you've been lying to me!"
Hanni's eyes widened and she flinched as Hyein took a sudden step forward.
The anger was starting to get a hold of the younger one.
"Are you working for someone else? Was Miss Park right after all? Do you have any idea what I have to put up with because of your failure?!"
Hanni was listening to Hyein, dumbfounded. Miss Park? What was Hyein talking about?
"How can you ask me to trust you when it looks like you're escaping the scene— without even telling me!"
"It's not what it looks like!" Hanni cried out.
"Then what is it?! TELL ME!!" Hyein yelled.
Hanni gritted her teeth as she felt her emotions piling up inside her. Why was Hyein always like this? Their work was important, but why did Hyein have to put it above her? They had known since they were seven! The woman could not seriously be doubting her.
Hanni felt hurt. She swallowed her tears, as her gaze slowly dropped on the floor.
"I can't..."
Despite the situation, she couldn't tell Hyein more. She could not tell about Minji nor their mission. It would only complicate things. And at this point, Hanni was sure Miss Park was involved in the situation. She had had her doubts before, but now Hyein had clearly said so. She trusted Hyein, but she also knew how dedicated the woman was to her work. She could not risk Hyein's job at the company.
The less Hyein knew, the better.
"I'm sorry... I promise I-"
There was a knock on the door.
No...
A fear flashed in Hanni's eyes as she raised her look. And Hyein did not miss that.
"Who is that?" Hyein narrowed her eyes.
Slowly, the woman took a step back.
"Hyein... Don't..!"
But it was too late. Hyein turned on her heels and headed to the front door. Before Hanni had time to stop her, she had already opened the door.
Minji blinked her eyes, surprised, as she faced the same brunette who had been with Hanni the other day. "You're not Hanni," she crossed her arms, raising one of her brows.
"No, but I'd like to know who you are and what you're doing with Hanni," Hyein growled.
"I don't think it's any of your business," Minji narrowed her eyes.
Quickly, Hanni stepped in between the women and separated them before the situation could escalate. A wave of nervousness washed over her, as she felt both of their gazed upon her. This was not a part of the plan.
"Please, calm down."
"Who is this, Unnie? Is she the one you're running away with?" Hyein demanded, as she glared angrily at Minji.
"She-"
"Running away with?" Minji cut in, "Hah, I wouldn't wonder if she ran away from a noisy partner like you."
"Minji!!" Hanni turned her angry glare at the tall woman. Oh how bad she wanted to slap her.
"What did you say?!" Hyein took a step forward.
"Shut up already, both of you!!" Hanni snapped. She then turned to Minji, "Could you wait outside? I'll be there soon."
The woman narrowed her eyes, "Fine. But hurry up. We must leave in ten minutes." She then flashed a fake smile to Hyein, before walking away.
Hanni closed the door. She could feel Hyein's gaze burning in her back. Slowly, she turned around to face her. This time, however, the tall woman stayed quiet. Her expression was blank, but Hanni knew that she was holding it back.
The Vietnamese cleared her throat. "She needs my help, but that's all I can tell you right now. I know this seems bad but I would never betray the company... or you," Hanni raised her look, "I will be back, I promise. So please.. cover up for me?"
Hyein opened her mouth, "But the company-"
"I'm not asking this as a coworker, but as a friend," Hanni looked at her friend, carefully.
For a second, something changed in Hyein's expression, but she didn't say a word. Just looked at Hanni, silently.
Hanni sighed. She couldn't blame Hyein. Slowly, she passed the tall woman, "I am going with her, because I believe that's the right thing to do. She needs my help and I owe her that. You know what she did for me..."
Before Hyein had the chance to reply, Hanni left the lobby. She walked into her room and started packing the rest of the things. A sad feeling rose inside her. Even if Hyein didn't know the reason, Hanni had still hoped that the woman would be understanding.
Though, Hyein wasn't stupid, Hanni could bet she had figured out by now that Minji wasn't a normal person but rather someone like them.
But still, was it really so hard to put a friend above work? Even just once?
Steps were heard from behind and soon Hyein appeared at the bedroom door. Hanni turned her head and saw how the woman was holding a pair of shoes that Hanni had forgotten to the lobby. Without saying a word, she placed the shoes next to Hanni's bag.
"You were in a hurry, no? What else do you need?" Hyein smiled, carefully.
A warm, relieved smile covered Hanni's face as she looked at her friend. She then walked closer and hugged Hyein. "Thank you," she whispered, as she felt how Hyein put her arms around her.
"Thank you so much."
***
Minji drove out of the yard and turned to the road the led to the highway. Hanni was sitting silently on the front seat, eyes fixed on the road.
"A friend of yours?" Minji asked. She didn't know what had happened between Hanni and the brunette after she had left, but the situation seemed to have calmed down there.
Hanni nodded, "She's the only family I have..."
Minji's grip on the steering wheel tightened. There was no doubt that the woman also worked for KSA, or at least knew about the company Hanni worked for. I knew I've seen her somewhere...
But where?
"What about you and Lisa?" Hanni glanced at the woman next to her, "You seem... close."
The light from the passing street lamps painted Minji's face, one by one. For a second, Hanni noticed a hint of hesitation on the woman's face.
But then, she opened her mouth.
"My father died when I was young. He was killed by an assassin. I was young and reckless, and I ended up in a bad company... Lisa was the one who pulled me back to the right path. She showed me how to handle my feelings and eventually guided me to the path I'm in right now."
Hanni listened, quietly.
"I may seem like a ruthless assassin to you, but I only kill for good. But that might not have been the case if Lisa wasn't..."
She fell silent.
"Minji... I am so sorry," Hanni whispered. She had no idea what Minji had gone through, but she had not guessed that their situations would be so much alike.
She felt a stranger attraction towards the woman. As if, they understood each other.
Or is it all just in my head..?
They stopped in red lights.
Minji sighed, "No, I'm sorry. I don't know why I brought that up..." she turned her head, and looked at Hanni, "I just felt like I could tell you. It's... easy with you," she smiled softly, but Hanni could spot the hint of sadness in the corner of her eyes.
Hanni felt her cheeks turning red. That smile... Minji looked so beautiful, so vulnerable in the night. Hanni got lost in those brown, sad yet caring eyes...
Her heart started racing oddly and she quickly averted her gaze.
The lights turned green and Minji focused on the road again. "In any case, you should try to sleep now if possible. It's a long drive to Gangneung and you need your energy tomorrow."
Hanni could only nod. She turned to her side and leaned her head on the seat, but she could not get those eyes out of her mind.
Why did she feel this weird feeling inside her? Why couldn't she stop thinking about her?
The landscapes were flashing past and in the distance, the city lights were glowing into the night.
Hanni sighed, only now she realized how exhausted she felt. She tried to bury her thoughts, because deep down, she knew, it wasn't right.
Slowly, her eyes started closing, as the smooth rythym of the car made her fall asleep.