"You're 18 though." My mouth parted in shock. "You just turned legal age and you're already a trainer for military recruits?"

I struggled to comprehend what that meant. Jimin's father was part of the Infinity Council. Not just any member though, the head of warfare. Jimin himself was a recruiter and trainer, working with trainees every day.

It at least explained how he'd taken down the two assassins the other night so easily. This guy was like one of those superhero combat assassins from the old films in the 2010s (I think the films were called The Revengers or something?).

"It's pretty typical for Outworlders to start getting jobs and leaving school around 16. All things considered, I'm pretty lucky to even still be getting higher education. Though the only reason why is because I made a deal with my father. I would agree to his dreams that I be involved in the military, and I got my wish of continuing higher education."

I swallowed hard. "Things are at peace though. Or at least, were at peace. Why is there such a strong emphasis on military and warfare?"

Jimin grimaced and I watched as his eyes darted up the stairs to where the rest of his companions were.

He turned back to me. "Let's just say... the Infinity Council has been obscuring some pretty heavy truths from the public," he murmured softly.

"What—?"

"No." He shook his head. "I'll try and explain it to you sometime, but not here. Not now."

"Jimin, are we safe?" I asked before quickly adding, "Are you safe?"

"Aw, are you worried about me partner?" He simpered playfully.

I didn't feel a spark of amusement and bluntly replied with, "Yes."

Jimin's eyes widened and his arms around me tightened. "How much you care for me, and my kind, still amaze me," he murmured.

"Of course I care for you."

A stupid whisper began tickling the back of my mind, urging me. I tried to swallow the words, hold them down. It was too soon. Way too soon. But gazing at him softly looking down at me, wrapped in each other's arm, it was the perfect time. If not now, then when? If ever?

My willpower slipped for just a moment and that's all it took for my mouth to open and say, "I like you."

Just like when the assassins had broken into the Sharehouse, time became suspended for a few moments. Silence filled my ears as if the entire world was also holding its breath. My words lingered in the air between us.

Say something, I silently yelled at him. My eyes searched his, darting from one eye to the other. Stupid stupid stupid Jiyeon.... I shouldn't have said that. I should've listened to my gut when it had been screaming 'too soon'. Maybe if I quickly added 'as a friend, I like you as a friend', it would back me out into a safe zone.

I opened my mouth, prepared to do just that.

Instead I found another mouth.

My eyes widened as his lips pressed against mine. His own eyes were shut and brows slightly furrowed as he moved his mouth against mine. In no time I found myself doing the same, letting my eyes slide shut and letting the darkness filled with hot breaths and touch drown out the rest of the world momentarily.

His fingers twisted in my hair and my hands cradled his face. I was conscious the frosty streak pressed against one of my palms as I cupped the cheek where the single Mark curled across.

When he pulled back I realized how heavy both of us were breathing. I knew my own cheeks were probably bright crimson based on how warm they felt. It did make me feel a little better though to see two bright pink dots on his cheeks as well.

He smiled. A small, genuine smile that conveyed so much. "I like you too, Jiyeon," he murmured. "I knew you were perfect the moment you began beating me against the counter."

A choked laugh escaped me.

Someone cleared their throat softly behind us.

We both whirled around to see a bemused champagne yellow Marked Outworlder behind us.

"How long have you been standing there, Jungkook?" Jimin blinked.

The Outworlder, Jungkook, smirked. "Came in at the counter part. Please, don't let my presence stop you from talking. I'd love it if you elaborated on that story. Sounded sensually interesting."

I groaned, embarrassment flooding through me.

Jimin laughed. "Jiyeon, meet Jungkook. Young, brash, and still in the perverted middle school mindset. Jungkook, meet Jiyeon. She's my assigned human under Order #327."

Jungkook saluted me, his movements ribbing. "Nice to meet you Jiyeon." He glanced over at Jimin. "I didn't know you had a beating kink, Jimin."

Jimin remained undeterred. "There's a lot of things you don't know about me concerning the area of my kinks, Jungkook. If you did then I'd actually be worried. Now why are you here?" His voice became more grave. "Status of Hoseok's condition?"

"Everyone's moving him again," Jungkook said, also sobering. "He's able to at least open his eyes and move a little now." The boy swallowed and added, "He's really lucky to even be conscious right now, Jimin."

Jimin's shoulders stiffened. "I know," he replied quietly, the last bit of warmth leaving him.

Jungkook nodded once before the sound of footsteps pattered upstairs. Everyone was on the move again.

"Are you going to come with us to the hospital?" Jungkook shoved his hands in his pockets.

I couldn't help notice that while Jimin's Marks shimmered starlight and wild frost, the Marks on Jungkook were threads of warm light and gentle playfulness. Untamed winter facing welcoming summer.

Jimin shook his head. "I'm going to start making plans to meet with Father. I'm overdue for a visit anyways. And there's a lot that's happened around here that I need to report."

"No kidding." Jungkook muttered. "There's a change coming, Jimin. Can you sense it?"

Jimin didn't answer but I saw him swallow hard.

"This is just the beginning," the champagne Marked Outworlder continued softly. "We all knew it was coming. And it's here now."

"What exactly is?" I frowned, knowing I was missing a critical point.

Jimin was the one who answered. "The humans are a war species, partner. Everyone knows that. And they want their world back," he said. "So they're doing it the only way they know how: blood and war."

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Cover by itisray