Hi! I'm Park Jaehwa. I’m a martial artist and a high school student living in Seoul, South Korea. Life’s pretty normal—except for the fact that I’ve got a soldier for a dad. He’s strict, disciplined, and one of the most dignified people I know. I admire him more than anyone. I also have a sister, Jesoo. We’re total opposites. You’ll see what I mean...

"Jaehwa! Wake up! Your friend is here!" my sister yelled from the hallway.

I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?" I mumbled, glancing at my phone. The moment I saw the time, my eyes widened. "Oh my gosh! I’m late!"

I sprang out of bed, grabbing clothes and rushing into the bathroom. Thank goodness I had rinsed my hair before bed—it still smelled fresh. In under five minutes, I was dressed and out the door.

Jesoo gave me a look. “We need to hurry! What time did you sleep this time? The team’s already waiting.”

“I know, I know!” I huffed as we hopped into a cab.

We were headed to the university campus for a big exhibition. Our school had been invited to compete in the dance division—and I was part of our hip-hop team. Dancing was my escape. It let me express emotions I couldn’t put into words. And yeah... I’m actually good at it.

"Congratulations! First place!" our coach, Mr. Kim, beamed. "You were amazing out there. So proud of all of you!"

"Thank you, teacher!" we cheered in unison, catching our breath from the high.

Then Jesoo nudged me. "Hey... look who's coming."

I turned my head slightly—deliberately slow—and there he was. Kim Minjun. The heartthrob of our class. Tall, confident, with that smirk that made girls swoon and my heart skip for no good reason.

“Congratulations,” he said, handing me a bouquet of soft pink flowers.

I blinked. “Th-thank you.” I took the bouquet but couldn’t meet his gaze.

Jesoo immediately snatched the flowers from my hands. “Ahh! Let me hold them. Thanks, Minjun!”

He smiled, eyes still on me. “Okay then. See you around.” And he walked away.

Only Jesoo knew I liked him. I kept it buried deep, never showing it. I couldn’t risk the teasing or the gossip—not with how many girls adored him. Besides, I wasn’t comfortable around guys. Crushes were fine, but relationships? Way out of my comfort zone.

Jesoo pouted. “Seriously, what was that? Not even a little smile?”

“What do you expect me to do? Hug him?” I said, brushing her off. “You know I’m not into public affection.”

“Ugh! That attitude of yours! You’ll be single forever. You like him but you act like you don’t even care!”

“I just don’t want any drama.”

Jesoo sighed dramatically. “Sometimes I feel like you’re from a different planet.”

“Come on. Let’s just go home. I have Taekwondo training tomorrow. Wanna join?”

“Psh, no thanks. I’ll only tag along if there’s a hot guy involved,” she teased.

“Geez, never mind then.”

Later, after a quick shower, I threw myself onto the bed. My thoughts wandered to Minjun again. Why couldn’t I just smile back or say something cute? Maybe because I was afraid. Afraid of losing control, of messing up my studies, of upsetting my father. I was always the top student—people expected discipline, not romantic distractions.

Forget it, Jaehwa, I told myself. It’s not worth the trouble.

---

Meanwhile… Somewhere far away

"Black Panther, can you hear me?" whispered a voice over the comms.

"Loud and clear," replied Alex, codename Black Panther, eyes narrowed and locked onto a balcony across the street.

"Wait for my signal before you pull the trigger. I'm going in. We need to catch him—no matter what," said Nighthawk.

The sun blazed over the Moroccan skyline. I’m JZ—codename Nighthawk—and we were deep into an operation targeting Mr. Lee, a former insider turned criminal. He had vital intel and, from the looks of it, a highly dangerous substance.

I leapt from a rooftop to the building’s balcony with silent precision. Inside, Mr. Lee stood with two armed guards.

“Nighthawk,” Black Panther’s voice came through. “Two more men just arrived. They’ve got a briefcase.”

“There must be something in it,” I replied, watching from a shadowed corner.

Inside, the conversation began.

"Mr. Lee," one man said. "I brought the money. You have the product?"

Mr. Lee grinned, nodding. He hunched down and opened a small box—a thin glass tube with white powder shimmered inside.

“That can’t be…” I whispered. “Explosives?”

“We weren’t briefed for this level,” said Black Panther.

I moved closer—but stepped on a curtain. It ripped down loudly, catching everyone's attention.

“Oh, sh*t.”

Bullets flew instantly.

“Black Panther! Now!”

My partner took out one of the armed men with expert precision while I chased after Mr. Lee, who bolted through a back exit.

I fought my way through his guards—one by one, each fall quicker than the last. But by the time I reached the outside alley, Mr. Lee was gone, speeding off in a black sedan.

"Nighthawk! Are you okay? Where did he go?" Alex asked, panting after the sprint.

“I lost him,” I growled. “But he dropped the briefcase. That powder’s the real deal—we need to know what it is.”

“I’ve got Mr. Hong. He didn’t get far.”

“Handle him. I’ve got to prep for the storm of questions coming my way.”

“Where are you going?”

“Somewhere,” I smirked, walking away.

“Somewhere?? Again with that?”

I ducked into a nearby hotel and collapsed onto the bed. My body ached, but it was my mind that was spinning. That powder… it wasn’t just some petty deal. It felt bigger. Strategic. Dangerous.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Ten missed calls.

“Ugh. Here comes the nagging.”

I finally picked up.

“Where are you? The old man wants a report,” said Black Panther’s annoyed voice.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming. Can’t wait to hear him yell,” I said with a chuckle.

---

Back in Seoul…

I stared at the ceiling, my mind drifting between Minjun’s awkwardly sweet gesture and the weight of expectations from my father. I didn’t know it yet, but somewhere out there, my story was about to crash into someone else’s. A boy with a gun, a mission, and secrets deeper than my own silence.

Two lives, two worlds. But fate? It doesn’t ask permission before changing everything.

"I got a report! Mr. Lee drifted to another country for the hide", said Alex

"Where could that be?", asked JZ

"Korea", said the Executive Director

Both stand up and greet the Director.

"You two need to catch him no matter what! I don't need another mistake", said the Director while looking at JZ

"I have a soldier companion who could help you there. It would be manageable since he was also in our line. You both comprehend the Korean language so it's even better"

"Yes sir!", both answered.

"Sir, I should stay in a different place so I could easily find a whiff and move freely", said JZ

"Okay, I'll look into it. Remember to catch him but first, we need to know what he is up to. Wait for the order", said the Director

"Yes sir!"

The Executive Director left them.

"What happened yesterday? It's so unusual to see you create a mistake in the mission", said Alex

"I'm not perfect! Maybe I dozed off haha", said JZ jokingly

"Whatever dude! Anyway, let's get another code name ~ don't ever call me Black Panther again! I don't like it", said Alex

"Should I call you Hulk?", asked him teasingly

"Can't you think of better names? Nah I should just pick mine", said Alex

And both laughed.

"Hey, Jaehwa! Let's whirl for a jog", said Jesoo excitingly

"oh, sure! I think I need it coz I wear down much last night. I'm hanging up now let's meet each other later.. on the way", said Jaehwa

"okay"

It was a nice summer and it felt so nice to have jogging in the morning.

I wear a gray hoodie and bring an earphone with me.

"Good morning!", said Jesoo

"Good morning. Let's keep taking off this way", said Jaehwa

We stopped for a while after a few circles and Jesoo bought water so I crouched on a bench.

Not far from my way, a guy wearing a black jacket was running and looking around. He seems in a hurry and suddenly reached closer to where I am. He was tall with hazy eyes. He was snapping his breath and abruptly look around again. I stand up and he glanced at me. I saw a group of boys from far ~ wandering and like searching for someone

"I'm so sorry for this~", he said

I was about to ask when he suddenly kissed me on the lips. It was so warm and passionate. I can't understand why but the way he grabbed my waist and kiss me felt so nice that I wanted to kiss him back. It made me close my eyes. Later on, I felt that some people are running and looking for someone that made me back into my sense. I tried to shove him but he clasps me tight and kisses me again.

"What is going on? I can barely grasp it now! my heart is whipping so fast!", said to my mind

After some minutes, he eventually let go of me and I slapped him so hard.

"What the heck are you doing? Who are you?", I said angrily

"I'm sorry~ I have to go", said him and smiled

I was about to say more but he already hurried back scampering away. I was left stunned and abruptly holding my lips. It was my first kiss!

"Oh my gosh, Jaehwa!! I saw that! I saw that!", said Jesoo teasingly and still can see her surprised face

"Who is he? I didn't know that you were hiding something~", Jesoo assumed excitingly

"Shut up! I don't even know him!.. Let's just go home now. I don't feel good"

"Whattt?? Woah! a stranger!", said Jesoo is outraged but she still giggled in the end

I scrambled back home and went straight to my room. I don't know what is happening. I was supposed to be furious at this point but I kept on reckoning about what happened earlier.

"Oh c'mon, Jaehwa! stop thinking about it!", then I fall asleep

~Small World~

"Why are you holding your face?", asked Alex and look closely at JZ

"It hurts! it's swollen now. I didn't know that a girl can slap this hard", said JZ while plopping ice in his cheeks

"A girl? haha, Who's that girl? Why would she slap you? What did you do? And by the way, what exactly happened?", asked Alex continuously

"It's nothing. I just help someone on my way but I can't let anyone know my identity so I ran away and I was hunted by a group of boys", said JZ

"And what about the girl who slapped you?", asked Alex

I just looked at him and say no more. I can't trust him about things like this or else he would annoy me.

"Have you already reached Mr. Park?", asked JZ

"Yes, and I'll be staying there tonight. I already looked into it and he has two daughters. It would be nice to stay there", said Alex with a persuasive look

"I'm not like you so just keep up there and enjoy. Just remember that they're the former Associate Director's daughters", said JZ

"I gotta sleep for now and shut the door when you leave. Send me the address too", said JZ

"okay"

I was resting in bed when I abruptly reckoned of the girl's face. She's cute and her lips are soft. I don't understand but I feel like I smooched her with a sudden desire when I only took it to recoup me from the circumstance.

"I should just ask her name", JZ mumbled smiling

It was already late in the morning when I got up.

"Jaehwa! Dad is asking for you", said Ji Na

"Huh? why so?", I asked

"I don't know. Why don't you go down and ask? He was with a handsome guy", said Ji Na

I was puzzled. I just remedied myself and go down the stairs. I saw a dad with a man. My sister is right. He was handsome but he's not my type. I still could discern Minjun as further attractive.

"Good morning dad"

"Good morning. Come here. This is Alex. He's from America and he will stay in the Taekwondo and Martial Arts Team niche from now on", said Mr. Park

I wasn't shocked for it is not the first time that dad welcomed a new student in Martial Arts Team. I was a black belter in Taekwondo and I learned self-defense from my dad.

"Okay dad"

I glanced at Alex.

"Hi, I'm Park Jaehwa. Nice to meet you. I stayed in the Taekwondo and Martial Arts Team every Saturday and Sunday to teach new students. We could meet each other there sometimes", said Jaehwa

"Nice to meet you. I'm Alex"

"Jaehwa~ you should show him the place", said Mr. Park

"yes dad," said Jaehwa

The dorm of the Taekwondo and Martial Arts Team is just next to our house. And I have a shortcut hidden door from my room. I used it sometimes

I showed Alex the place and he talked so much. I don't prefer garrulous boys and I'm convinced that he won't be my type.

"Hey JZ! the daughters are both pretty! you should come and see them", said Alex

"Did you just call to tell me that?", said JZ and hangs up

"hah! what a killjoy", said Alex but smiled in the end

Phone rings...

"oh! I thought you're not interested? why did you call then?", asked Alex teasingly

"I'm not! I just wanna ask if where you are staying right now", said JZ

"ah that one, it's a dorm-like inside the Taekwondo and Martial Arts Team. It's near the pretty girls", said Alex giggling

"Okay, that's better. I'll visit you there tomorrow", said JZ

hanged up...

"geez this guy is.....hmm"

It was late in the afternoon when I decided to go back home from the Taekwondo and Martial Arts Team place. I was sweating after performing a new stance. I was sweating so much and it feels hot.

"I gotta get a shower", said Jaehwa

On my way home, I saw a car in front of our house and can hear my dad talking to someone.

"Dad! Mom! I'm ho~me"

I was like being struck by a flash of lightning when I saw the person whom my dad is talking to. He looks familiar~the hazy eyes...but he looks stunning in his outfit and it caught my attention this time!

"oh! you~..", both said in shock

"Do you know each other? Have you already met by chance?", Mr. Park asked in confusion

A moment of silence then...

"No, dad! he just seems familiar to me but maybe.... maybe not"

JZ just smiled...

"Is that so? hmm .. she's my second daughter~Jaehwa", said Mr. Park looking at Jaehwa and back to JZ

"This is JZ... he's also a new student. Take care of him just like Alex", said Mr. Park, and I nodded

"Hi"

"Hi"

I rush into my room and close the door. Stop for a moment~ slowly walking near the chair and sit then look in the mirror in front

"Aaah!!! oh my gosh I look like a witch!", said in shock when I suddenly notice that I look so messy after sweating so much

"I gotta go and have a shower now", said to myself

"Sir, thank you for your help. We will be careful and won't take you in trouble if we're going to do our mission", said JZ

"I understand. Your chief is my good friend and your job was also my job~ protecting people.. protecting the country. My only request was to hide your identity from my family as long as you can to make them won't feel uncomfortable with you two around", said Mr. Park

"Yes sir!", said JZ

Alex came...

"Sir!", did a Salute then JZ just grabbed him down

"Don't!", said JZ

"Ah! sorry", said Alex

and the three laugh

"I got a piece of information about Mr. Lee's place. We need to talk about it", said JZ

"Okay! let's go back to the room", said JZ

"Sir, we have to go now. Thank you for the warm welcome"

"Okay, just tell me what you need and I'll do what I can to help you out", said Mr. Park

"thank you sir!", both said in a low voice

~You're freaking me out!~

"Mr. Lee was said to be staying in a hotel. We can easily capture him now but Chief ordered us to observe him first so he can lead us to the hideout", Alex said

Suddenly noticed JZ, not in focus...

"Hey! Are you listening?... JZ!!"

"Huh?", said JZ puzzled

"What were you thinking all this time? I feel like a dumb talking and talking yet you're not listening. What's bothering you?", asked Alex

"That girl~", said JZ

"That girl~what? who's that girl? What about her?", asked Alex

"The girl who slapped me. It's her. The second daughter", said JZ smiling

"You mean... Jaehwa?", asked Alex

"Woah! that girl is so freaking hot-tempered and yeah....a strong one compared to her older sister who's a hot girl", Alex added

"You don't know what's hot is Alex", said JZ giggling

"hah! you said you're not interested huh! just look how fascinated you are now", said Alex teasingly

"Whatever!", said JZ then go directly to bed and sleep

"hmm walking out! every time!", Alex responded to JZ's act

It's Saturday morning and I woke up early. I need to go to the Taekwondo and Martial Arts Team. Then remember who and what will I'm going to see in that place later on

"I need to be careful so my dad won't notice a thing. I won't let him know how I met that guy", said to myself

I was heading to the door when I saw him doing a stretch. I saw his masculinity and he's totally hot. He's tall and handsome~he's a Moreno type

"Hi", he said

I just smile and walk. I did what I can to avoid him for the whole hours of class and so as the following days. But he kept on taking my attention by making a mess in everything he does. It seems intentional tho.

"Class is finally over again~I need to practice my self-defense more", said to myself

"Need a hand?", asked JZ

"No"

"Are you avoiding me?", asked JZ

Look at him in the face

"If you know it then why don't you cooperate?"

"About the kiss~ I'm sorry for tha~"

Then I suddenly grabbed his arm and throw him

"ouch!"

he left off-guard and now he's on the floor. I know it must be hurt but I wanna give him an act of simple revenge.

"Okay! Apology accepted", I said with a smirk

I was about to get my things and go home when I noticed him still lying on the floor and just holding his stomach. So I came back to my sense and realized what I did. I hurriedly go near him.

"Hey! Are you alright?", I asked

"No~ I think the wound just open...", he said

"What?...what wound? where?", I asked

I was so scared and shocked after seeing the blood

"Oh my gosh... I'm sorry.. what will I do now?", I said so nervous and started to cry out of worries

I decided to call an ambulance

"don't call~ just help me go back to the room and get a first aid kit for me ..will you?", he asked

I didn't ask for more clarification although I was curious. I hurriedly go and get the first aid kit and things for cleaning the wound.

He lifts his shirt and he's bleeding so much!

I helped him to clean the wound then I went back home.