Part 3 of this story

Third point of view

Ilay gazed at the laptop screen, where Tay appeared in his soldier's uniform. The crisp fabric hugged his lean frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and subtle musculature. The deep hues of the uniform contrasted with his fair skin, giving him an almost ethereal quality. Taeui’s caramel-colored eyes held the familiar warmth that Ilay had come to recognize.

"Do you really like them that much?" Ilay asked, amusement flickering at the corners of his mouth. His voice was smooth, laced with a trace of intrigue.
"Yeah...They're beautiful." Tae-ui replied, his gaze dropping to his own hands. He flexed his fingers slightly, the motion deliberate, as if admiring them. His hands were elegant, with long, slender fingers and neatly trimmed nails.

Ilay’s dark eyes followed the movement.
"Yours are no less." he remarked, his gaze lingering.
A playful smile curled on Taeui's lips.
"You like mine? Why don’t we exchange them?" His tone was teasing, a sparkle of challenge dancing in his eyes.

Ilay chuckled softly.
"Hmm... what would I do with those delicate hands?" he retorted, his tone playful yet edged with something unreadable.
"They might not suit my... line of work."

"Maybe a delicate touch is just what your work needs."
Tay quipped, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He leaned in slightly toward the camera, the movement drawing attention to the graceful lines of his neck and the gentle curve of his jaw.
The soft light enhanced his features, casting a warm glow on his skin.
Ilay’s gaze sharpened with interest.
"By the way, are you really a soldier? You don’t look like one." he asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.
"What?" Taeui blinked, his expression a mix of innocence and surprise. A faint blush touched his cheeks.

Ilay raised a hand in a placating gesture.
"No, no, I didn’t mean to offend you. It was supposed to be a compliment" he added quickly, his voice softening.

A puzzled expression crossed Taeui’s face.
"Oh... I see." he said softly, still looking a bit confused.
He tilted his head slightly, a stray lock of damp hair falling across his forehead. Absentmindedly, he brushed it aside, revealing the smooth lines of his brow.

Ilay's gaze lingered briefly before he continued.
"What’s your position, by the way?"

"I'm a lieutenant." Taeui answered, sitting up a bit straighter, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Have you ever used a gun in a fight?" Ilay asked, his tone casual but probing. His dark eyes seemed to search Taeui's face for any sign of hesitation or discomfort.

"No, I haven’t had the chance." Tae-ui replied evenly.

"By the way, I’m sorry, but I’m running late." Taeui said abruptly, glancing at a clock off-screen.
"I need to leave. Tell my uncle I’ll call him back next week." He offered a warm, apologetic smile, his eyes sincere despite the sudden shift in conversation.

"It was nice talking to you, Ilay." he added, his smile brightening, reaching his eyes and lighting them up like amber in the evening light.

"Likewise." Ilay replied, and for a moment, genuine warmth flickered in his gaze.
As the call ended and the screen went dark, Ilay’s reflection stared back at him. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his expression contemplative.

"Innocent and delicate, just as I suspected" Ilay muttered with a smirk.
"Probably working in administrative duties in the army."
The door clicked open, and Chang In entered, a folder of documents in hand. Ilay remained seated, his gaze still fixed on the now dark laptop screen.

"You missed your nephew." Ilay remarked without turning.

"Tae-ui? Did he call?" Chang In asked, a hint of disappointment coloring his voice as he set the documents down on the table. His eyes carried a mixture of relief and mild frustration.

"Yes." Ilay confirmed.
"He said he’s fine and will call again next week." He glanced briefly at Chang In, noticing the subtle tension in his posture.
"Oh" Chang In sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It must be his first mission. I should have talked to him."
Kyle called back, and Ilay picked it up instantly, almost unconsciously.

"Mission?" Ilay repeated, a hint of interest creeping into his voice. His brows knitted together slightly.
"He's going on a mission?"

"What mission?" Kyle chimed in.

"Yes." Chang In nodded.
"Taeui just went on his first mission. He recently got enrolled in the Korean Special Forces." His voice carried a mix of pride and worry.

Ilay’s expression shifted subtly, his surprise evident.

"How did that happen?" Kyle asked, sounding perplexed.
"I thought he was more of an office type."

"I don’t know what they saw in him." Chang In admitted, rubbing his temples with a weary expression.
"As far as I know, he can’t even hold a rifle properly. Last time he tried, he injured his shoulder."
"Maybe the Korean army’s lowering their standards these days." Kyle quipped with a half-joking smile.
"Perhaps." Chang In sighed, leaning back in his chair, his gaze distant.
"But I’m worried about him.”

Ilay’s voice cut through, measured and calm.
"How do you plan to get him out now? You were going to bring him here, right?"

"Yes." Chang In confirmed.
"I’m visiting him next month during my vacation. I’ll try to persuade him to consider other options."
"That reminds me." Kyle interjected smoothly, switching topics. "Are you going to that conference in Paris?"

"Yes, I will be attending." Chang In replied.
"It’s a good opportunity to network and gather intelligence."

Ilay rolled his eyes, subtly but clearly.
"Don’t give me that look. I’m not going."
"It could be a valuable opportunity." Kyle pressed, undeterred. "Why not accompany Chang In? You’d make some great connections."

"I’m not interested." Ilay responded flatly, his gaze unwavering. A flicker of impatience crossed his face.

Kyle leaned forward with a sly grin.
"Okay, how about this? If you attend the conference, I’ll make sure you don’t have to work two weekends in Hong Kong."
Ilay’s expression remained impassive as he considered it.
"Make it a month." he countered.
"A month?" Kyle's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"That’s excessive. James will lose it trying to cover for you."

"Then don’t ask me again" Ilay said coolly, a hint of challenge in his tone. The irritation was starting to show, his mouth tightening ever so slightly.

Kyle sighed, exasperated.
"Fine. One month it is."
Ilay scoffed lightly, a noncommittal sound, crossing his arms over his chest. His posture conveyed a mix of defiance and indifference.
"Excellent." Kyle said, his satisfaction obvious.
"It’s settled, then." He leaned back, clearly pleased with the outcome.

Chang In observed the exchange with mild amusement.

"There will be military superiors from 28 countries." Kyle continued, riding the momentum.
"It’s a significant event, and having both of you there strengthens our presence."

                                                                                      

Chang In and Ilay arrived in Paris late at night, the city’s lights casting a soft glow as their car pulled up to the elegant hotel where they would stay during the conference. At the reception, they were greeted by a courteous concierge who checked them in with practiced efficiency.

"Welcome to Paris." she said with a warm smile.
"We have your rooms ready. They’re on the fifth floor, adjacent to each other as requested."

"Thank you." Chang In replied, accepting the key cards.

Ilay gave a polite nod, and the two men headed toward the elevators. The ride up was quiet, both immersed in their thoughts, the hum of the elevator the only sound between them. As the doors opened, they stepped into a plushly carpeted hallway, its walls adorned with tasteful artwork.

"Let’s meet directly outside the hotel where the conference is being held." Chang In said.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Chang In added as they paused between their rooms.
"Yes. Good night." Ilay responded.

"Good night, Rick." Chang In said, with a faint smile before turning to his door.

                                                            

The next morning, Paris woke under the soft golden light of dawn. The scent of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee filled the air as the city stirred to life. At the grand hall of the conference venue, the murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air as high-ranking officers and dignitaries mingled beneath opulent chandeliers.
Their uniforms, adorned with medals and insignias, gleamed in the soft light, reflecting their prestigious positions.

Chang In stood near an ornate marble column, deep in discussion with a French officer about joint training initiatives. His posture was composed, but his sharp gaze occasionally flicked across the room, always alert.

A few steps away, Ilay stood apart, his tall, relaxed frame carrying an air of quiet command. Dressed in his perfectly tailored UNHRDO uniform, he exuded understated elegance. His silver cufflinks gleamed under the ambient lighting, and his black gloves concealed his hands. Though seemingly disengaged as he scrolled through his phone, his sharp eyes frequently swept the room, missing nothing.

Suddenly, a subtle shift rippled through the crowd. Conversations hushed, and heads turned toward the entrance. A wave of curiosity spread as whispers passed between the attendees.

Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Ilay lifted his eyes from his phone, his gaze following the collective attention.
At the entrance, a group of officers moved in disciplined formation, led by a commanding officer. Their presence immediately commanded respect, their uniforms marked with an emblem of significance.

Among them, Ilay’s eyes locked onto a familiar figure.

It was Taeui, he is dressed in a distinguished military uniform that accentuated his stature, moved with quiet confidence. His expression remained composed and focused, his gaze fixed ahead as though oblivious to the attention they were receiving.

Ilay’s eyes narrowed slightly, momentarily taken aback.

As the delegation advanced into the hall, Chang In’s conversation faltered. His eyes widened in shock, and a whispered.
“Tae-ui?” escaped his lips. The French officer glanced at him but said nothing.

"What is he doing here?" Chang In murmured to himself, his expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. His initial shock slowly shifted to thoughtfulness.
"Oh, that’s actually good" he continued softly, almost thinking aloud.
“If he’s involved in these kinds of missions, maybe that takes a lot of worries off my head.”

Ilay glanced at Chang In, observing the flicker of emotions on his face-surprise, worry, then something like relief.
The commotion in the hall gradually settled as conversations resumed, though many continued to cast curious glances toward the newly arrived group.
The officers dispersed slightly, mingling with various clusters of delegates.

Ilay’s gaze lingered on Taeui, a subtle intrigue in his eyes.

Chang In, having collected himself, resumed his conversation with the French officer, though his thoughts seemed to wander back to Taeui’s unexpected arrival.

                            

Jeong Tae-ui stood amidst the grandeur of the conference hall, surrounded by a sea of military uniforms and distinguished faces. The opulent chandeliers cast a warm glow over the assembly, reflecting off polished medals and brass accents. He muttered under his breath.
“I can easily read a gaze...”

“From the moment we entered, a snake seems to be following me.” Taeui whispered to himself, eyes scanning the room.
Keeping his expression neutral, he chose to stay close to his superior. After about an hour, their superior turned to the group. "You're free to mingle if you wish" he said.

"Yes, sir" they responded in unison.

As the team dispersed, Tay exhaled softly.
“Time to find that snake” he muttered.

Discreetly, Tay began scanning the room, turning slowly as his eyes roamed over the clusters of attendees.
Just as he was about to pinpoint the source of the unsettling gaze, his eyes landed on a familiar figure-his uncle, Jeong Chang In, engrossed in conversation. A flicker of surprise crossed Tae-ui’s face.
“Uncle…” he whispered.
“I knew UNHRDO would be present, but Uncle himself…”
Taeui whispered, momentarily distracted.

Across the hall, Ilay watched the scene with keen interest. He had been observing Tay since his arrival, tracking his every move with precision. When Taeui began to move, Ilay instinctively followed, weaving through the crowd with the same grace.
Both men converged on Chang In, who was now finishing his conversation with a European officer. Taeui reached him first.

"Uncle~!" Tay greeted warmly, his face lighting up with a genuine smile.

Chang In turned at the familiar voice, surprise and joy brightening his expression.
"Tae-ui!" he exclaimed, embracing his nephew briefly.
"What a pleasant surprise."

As they parted, Ilay arrived, his presence commanding. Chang In, still smiling but with a hint of confusion, began.
"Allow me to introduce you two. I came here with Riegrow. You’ve..."
Before he could finish, Ilay stepped forward smoothly, interrupting with a courteous gesture.
"Hello. I am Riegrow" he said, extending his gloved hand with an effortless charm.

"Hi!" Taeui replied, accepting the handshake. His voice held a note of curiosity.
"...Riegrow...I'm Jeong Tae-ui."
Chang In watched the exchange with a slight frown, his confusion evident.

Ilay held the handshake just a fraction longer than necessary, his dark eyes locking onto Taeui’s caramel gaze.

"It's a pleasure to meet you in person." Ilay said, his tone composed.

"Likewise." Tay responded, maintaining his calm demeanor.

"You're here with your team?" Ilay asked as he released the handshake.
"Yes." Taeui confirmed.
"We were given the opportunity to attend and learn."

"A valuable experience." Ilay remarked casually.

"Indeed." Tay agreed.
Chang In smiled, the warmth returning to his expression. "It’s quite the coincidence running into you here, Taeui. I wasn’t aware you’d be attending."

"Neither was I, Uncle." Taeui admitted.
"Our participation was confirmed last minute."
"Well, it’s fortunate we crossed paths." Chang In said.
"Perhaps we can catch up later."
"I’d like that" Taeui replied sincerely.
Just then, an officer approached.
"Officer, the General wishes to speak with you."

"Of course." Taeui responded, turning back to his uncle and Ilay. "Please excuse me. It was good to see you both."
"Go ahead." Chang In said, smiling.
"We’ll talk later, tonight."

"Until then." Ilay added, his gaze lingering on Tae-ui as he departed.

With a final nod, Taeui gracefully navigated the crowd, disappearing into the sea of uniforms.
As he left, Chang In turned to Ilay.
"Well, that was unexpected."
"Indeed." Ilay replied, his tone neutral, but his eyes remained fixed on the spot where Taeui had vanished.

“There’s definitely more to him.” Ilay murmured softly to himself.
Meanwhile, Taeui, walking away, couldn’t help but mutter to himself.
“That snake was a snow leopard...Ilay Reigrow...And I missed my chance to feel those beautiful hands?” He shook his head in disbelief.
“What am I, a hand connoisseur now? Get it together, Taeui…”

This is the end of part 3, contained words [2463 words].
Thanks for reading~♡
Plus this edit is [2487 words].

Uploaded at November 17th.