Part 2 of this story

Third point of view

Chang In entered the room, the door clicking softly behind him. His gaze fell on Rick, seated in the quiet, the soft hum of the facility barely noticeable through the thick walls. Something in Rick’s posture caught his attention-subtle, but enough for Chang In to notice.
Rick’s usual rigid demeanor had softened, ever so slightly. His lips were set in their usual straight line, but there was a faint glint in his eyes, something that looked almost like amusement.

"You didn't read anything?" Chang In asked casually, noting the untouched books on the table.
Rick glanced at the shelves briefly.
"Your younger nephew called." he said flatly.
"The call came twice from an external line, so I answered."

"Taeui called?" Chang In’s smile warmed his face.
"What did he say?"
"He said he's doing well and will contact you again" Rick replied, his voice steady, gaze fixed.

Chang In gave him a thoughtful look. There was something in Rick’s eyes-something softer, a shift that hadn’t been there before. Taeui had a way of affecting people, but seeing Rick-the stoic, unyielding Rick-show any sign of it was unexpected.
The laptop chimed, pulling their attention. Another call from an external line.

"Is it him again?" Rick asked, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation.
Chang In raised an eyebrow at the question, surprised by the subtle shift in Rick’s voice. He glanced at the caller ID.
"No, it’s Kyle."

Instantly, Rick's expression hardened. The fleeting softness vanished, replaced by his familiar stoicism. Without a word, he adjusted the laptop, angling it toward Chang In.
Chang In noticed the change but didn’t comment. He accepted the call, and Kyle's face appeared on the screen.

"Good to see you both" Kyle greeted, his tone brisk but friendly. "I was hoping to catch you together. I have some updates to share."
Before they could dive into business, Chang In interjected.
"Before we start, do you have any updates on Jaeui?"
Kyle’s expression shifted slightly, apologetic.
"No, unfortunately. Last we checked, he could be in Costa Rica, but he wasn't there."
Chang In’s brow furrowed.
"Where could he be?"

Kyle gave a light chuckle, aiming to ease the tension.
"What could possibly happen to him? Don’t stress too much."
Rick, who had been silently watching the exchange, spoke up. "You seem to care for your nephews a great deal."
Chang In nodded.
"I just want them to be well."

Kyle, looking thoughtful, added.
"Have you asked his gilsangcheon?"

"Taeui?" Chang In exhaled.
"No, I missed his call earlier." His eyes briefly flicked to Rick, noting the almost imperceptible softening at the mention of Taeui’s name.

"I’ll ask him next time" Chang In said, his voice lighter.

Kyle nodded.
"Let me know if you find anything. I tried reaching Ilay earlier, but he didn’t pick up. I figured he might still be with you."

Rick remained still, his gaze unreadable.
"He’s here" Chang In confirmed.
"Let’s go over the details."

"Perfect" Kyle said, his tone shifting to a more professional note. "There are updates on the T&R and UNHRDO collaboration. Adjustments to the release schedules and some changes in security protocols."
As Kyle outlined the specifics, the atmosphere turned focused. Discussions of logistics, timelines, and operational security moved swiftly. Rick and Chang In exchanged insights effortlessly, their expertise evident in the fluidity of the conversation.

                                                                       

A few days later, in an undisclosed location, a figure stared at a computer screen with growing frustration. Someone had tampered with sensitive information-peeked into something they shouldn't have. The irritation was evident, their fingers drumming against the desk, clearly agitated by the breach.

                                                                                        

On the other side of the world, Chang In sat at his desk when his phone buzzed with an incoming call. He answered swiftly.

"Are you sure?" Chang In's voice remained steady, though his expression began to tighten as he listened.
"Hmm...Okay. No...Yeah...Thank you."

He lowered the phone, letting out a deep sigh. His shoulders tensed, his fingers tapping the desk in a rare display of frustration. This wasn’t good news-far from it. He couldn’t understand how this had happened, especially with all the surveillance measures in place.

A knock at the door broke his focus.

Chang In stood and opened the door to find Rick standing there, his usual composed expression shifting as he raised an eyebrow at Chang In’s tense demeanor.

"Were you busy? Is this a bad time? I can come back later" Rick asked, his calm voice laced with mild curiosity.
"No, come in" Chang In gestured him inside.
"I just received some bad news, that's all."

Rick stepped in, heading for the mini fridge, but before they could continue, Chang In's laptop chimed with an incoming video call. He answered it, and Kyle’s face appeared on the screen.
Kyle's gaze quickly sharpened, noting Chang In’s uncharacteristic tension.
"Everything okay?" Kyle asked.

"I just got some bad news. Though I still need to confirm the details" Chang In replied.
"Is it related to Jaeui? Is he okay? Did you find him?" Kyle’s concern was immediate.
Chang In shook his head slightly.
"No, it's about Taeui."

At the mention of Taeui’s name, Rick, who had been casually pulling a beer from the mini fridge, froze mid-motion. Chang In caught the sudden stillness.
Rick turned sharply, his eyes narrowing, clearly focused on the conversation now. Chang In noticed the shift but chose not to comment.

"It looks like Tae-ui has gotten himself into a mess." Chang In said, frustration seeping into his voice.
"I’m not even sure how I’m going to get him out of it."
Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"Do you want him out of the Korean army?"

"Yes." Chang In admitted, his tone heavy with resignation.
"I was thinking about bringing him here. I couldn’t keep Jaeui close, but maybe I could with Taeui. But now... I’m not so sure."
Kyle chuckled lightly.
"Hahaha... Chang In, you act like their overprotective father, always trying to keep the kids locked up close by. You’ve had both of them under surveillance for years, and yet one’s missing, and now this?"

Chang In muttered under his breath.
"And the other one is jumping into cliffs." Then louder, he added.
"This is exactly why I want to keep at least one of them close. What if I lose them both?"
Kyle laughed, his tone light despite the gravity of the situation. "Sure. Good luck with that."

With that, the conversation shifted back to business matters, but the tension surrounding Taeui’s situation lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable.

                                                      

Chang In sat at his desk, the soft glow of a desk lamp casting a warm circle of light over the scattered documents and open files. The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingled with the faint scent of paper and ink, a comforting backdrop to his evening routine.

He adjusted his glasses and began meticulously verifying the stack of reports before him.

The recent training had concluded successfully-no fatalities, a significant relief.
Yet, despite the outcome, an undercurrent of unease lingered. His pen tapped rhythmically against the edge of a file as he paused in thought.

Rick hadn’t killed anyone during the training. That, in itself, was unusual. While he had maimed a few participants, the restraint he showed was uncharacteristic. Rick had never hesitated to eliminate anyone who crossed him. This shift in behavior hadn’t gone unnoticed.

It was this unexpected restraint that had ultimately led to Rick's pending promotion. He had been held back in the past due to his lethal tendencies, but now, after a strangely peaceful training session, he was set to become an Instructor and would soon join the Asia Branch.

The promotion made sense, yet there was something odd about the timing.
Rick’s decision to join the Asia Branch coincided conveniently with the opening of the T&R branch in Hong Kong. The proximity between the two locations would certainly make travel and coordination easier.

The instructor position at the Asia Branch had been vacant for two months. From the last training session, it was clear that whoever received the promotion would be moved there-it was the only available position. Rick had seemingly embraced the opportunity.

Chang In took a sip of his tea, his gaze still fixed on the fading colors outside, pondering what other surprises this promotion might bring.
He ran a hand through his hair, sighing. The past few weeks had been consumed by training responsibilities and endless administrative tasks, leaving him little time for personal matters.

He hadn’t reached out to his nephew, Taeui, in a while, and the thought weighed on him. Concern gnawed at him-about both of his nephews. Setting aside the reports, he reached for his laptop and initiated a video call. The familiar ringing echoed softly in the quiet room.

After a few moments, the screen flickered to life, revealing Taeui in his crisp soldier’s uniform. Despite the sharp lines of his attire, the warmth in his caramel-colored eyes stood out.

“Uncle!” Taeui greeted, his voice filled with genuine delight. “Long time no see. How are you?”

A smile broke across Chang In’s face, easing the tension from his shoulders.
“I’m good, Tae-ui. How are you?”

“I’m good too” Taeui replied, shifting slightly in his chair.
Chang In studied his nephew for a moment.
There was a new maturity in his posture, a quiet confidence in his gaze. Yet, beneath it all, the softness of his youthful features remained, a reminder of the boy he once knew.

“Taeui, are you safe?” Chang In asked gently, his gaze searching.

Taeui blinked, a hint of confusion crossing his face.
“Why? Yes, I’m fine” he said, tilting his head as if trying to read his uncle’s expression.

“Do you have anything you want to share with me?” Chang In pressed, his tone soft but insistent.
“Now’s the time. I won’t be upset.”

A flicker of understanding passed over Taeui’s face, and he hesitated.
“Aha… so that was you” he muttered under his breath. Meeting his uncle’s gaze, a sheepish smile tugged at his lips.
“Uncle, I got into the special forces.”
Chang In’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
“When?” he asked, leaning forward.

“You didn’t know?” Taeui replied cautiously, watching his uncle’s reaction.
“No” Chang In said, his expression growing more serious.
“I do not have the details.”

“I see…” Taeui murmured, glancing away briefly. A moment of silence followed, thick with unspoken thoughts.
Chang In’s eyes remained on his nephew, concern evident but tempered with patience. It was clear he wouldn’t drop the subject until he had the full story.

Taeui sighed softly, resigned.
“I didn’t mean to keep it from you, Uncle. It just felt like a good opportunity. I wanted to tell Hyung first, but… you know… Hyung’s missing. I’ve been waiting for him.”

A soft chuckle escaped Chang In’s lips.
“If it’s because of Jae-ui, I’ll let it go” he said, his tone warm.
Relief washed over Taeui’s face, and his shoulders relaxed.
“Thank you.”

“How do you like it so far? Think you can handle it?” Chang In asked, his curiosity mingled with concern.
“I’m still new” Taeui admitted, his voice more thoughtful.
“It’s different from regular service. The missions are more intense, and the training is… well, it’s rigorous. I haven’t been on a mission yet, though.”

“Why did they select you?” Chang In asked, a note of worry slipping into his tone.
“I’m concerned about the risks.”

“They must’ve seen something in me” Taeui said modestly.

“I’ve been putting in the effort, and I guess it paid off. It’s an honor to be selected, and I want to make the most of it.”
Chang In nodded, though his expression remained serious.
“I understand wanting to excel, but I worry about you-especially with the dangers that come with this.”
Taeui smiled, reassuring.
“I’ll be careful, Uncle. I promise.”

The two sat in quiet for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. The bond they shared was clear-built on trust, concern, and mutual respect.

“Will you promise me something?” Chang In asked suddenly, his tone more serious.
“Of course. What is it?”

“Will you let me know when you’re going on a mission? You don’t have to give me details, just…Tell me when you’ll be away.”

Taeui hesitated, the request clearly giving him pause.
“Ah… that’s not something…” he began, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
“Don’t worry” Chang In interrupted gently.
“I won’t interfere or try to dissuade you. It would just give me peace of mind to know when you’re out there.”

Taeui considered this, conflict visible in his expression. After a moment, he nodded.
“I promise” he said softly.
“I’ll let you know before any missions.”
“Thank you” Chang In said, a genuine smile softening his face.
“It means a lot to me.”

“I’m glad we talked” Taeui said, his expression brightening.
“I’ve missed our conversations.”
Chang In hesitated before speaking again.
“Have you heard anything from Jaeui?”
Taeui’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a touch of sadness.
“No. I’ve tried, but there’s been no response.”

“I see” Chang In said quietly.
“I’m starting to get worried.”
“Me too” Tae-ui admitted.
“But knowing Hyung, he’s probably off on one of his adventures.”

“It’s not like him to be out of contact for this long” Chang In said, concern deepening.

This is the end of part 2, total of words [2250 words].
Thanks for reading~♡
Plus this edit is [2275 words].

Uploaded at November 17th.