Passion
The First Step
Pookie author
So I am here with my new chat story adapted from the *Passion* manga
Pookie author
I hope u enjoy it.
Pookie author
let's start guys.
Seo Minjae tightened his grip on the strap of his duffel bag, the weight of the new chapter in his life pressing heavily on his shoulders. The towering building in front of him gleamed under the morning sun, a testament to its importance: The Global Investigative Bureau. He had no illusions about why he was here. This wasn’t a job he had pursued out of ambition. His uncle’s persistent persuasion had pushed him toward this place.
Uncle
Minjae, you’re wasting your talents out there.
( his uncle had said.)
Join the Bureau. You’ll find a purpose.
Purpose. Minjae’s lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. He doubted this was the solution, but here he was. As he stepped into the building, the cool air conditioning hit him, carrying with it the sterile scent of bureaucracy and ambition.
Someone
New recruit?
( a voice called out.)
Minjae turned, his sharp gaze falling on a man in his late twenties. Dressed casually but with an air of authority, the man offered a welcoming smile.
Lee Hyunjun
Lee Hyunjun.
( the man introduced himself, extending a hand.)
You must be Seo Minjae. I’m your assigned mentor.
Lee Hyunjun
Age: 29
Occupation: Field Agent and Minjae’s mentor.
Personality: Loyal, protective, and approachable. Hyunjun is one of the few people Minjae trusts. He is deeply suspicious of Seonwoo’s motives and often warns Minjae to stay cautious.
Background: Hyunjun has been in the Bureau for five years and views Minjae as a younger brother. He has a troubled past but keeps it buried, focusing instead on protecting his team.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae hesitated before shaking his hand, his grip firm.)
Nice to meet you.
Seo Minjae (Main Character - MC)
Age: 26
Occupation: Former soldier, now working under a mysterious organization (The Global Investigative Bureau).
Personality: Calm, intelligent, and reserved. Despite his quiet demeanor, he’s fiercely loyal to his values and has a sharp wit. He’s skeptical of people, which often keeps him guarded. Beneath his cold exterior, he harbors a deep sense of empathy.
Background: Minjae joined the military young to escape family pressures. After retiring, his uncle convinces him to join the Bureau, which entangles him in a web of deceit and danger.
Lee Hyunjun
(Hyunjun grinned.)
Come on, let’s get you settled. You’ve got a lot to learn, but I have a feeling you’ll fit right in.
As they walked through the sleek halls, Hyunjun explained the Bureau’s structure, the types of cases they handled, and the team dynamics. Minjae listened quietly, absorbing every detail.
Lee Hyunjun
Now.
(Hyunjun said, stopping in front of a large glass-walled conference room.)
...there’s someone I want you to meet. He’s... unconventional, but you’ll be working under him.
Before Minjae could respond, the door slid open, and his gaze fell on a man sitting at the head of the table. Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded confidence and authority. His dark eyes locked onto Minjae with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.
Lee Hyunjun
Ryu Seonwoo.
( Hyunjun said, his tone unusually cautious.)
He’s one of the Bureau’s top operatives.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo rose from his seat, his movements graceful yet predatory.)
Seo Minjae.
( he said, his voice smooth like silk, but with an edge that hinted at something darker.)
I’ve heard about you.
Ryu Seonwoo (Male Lead - ML)
Age: 30
Occupation: High-ranking officer in the Bureau with rumored underworld connections.
Personality: Sadistic, manipulative, and charming. Seonwoo enjoys having power over others and thrives on psychological games. Despite his toxic traits, he’s highly intelligent and methodical. He hides his true self behind a polished and charismatic façade.
Background: Known as the Bureau’s golden boy, Seonwoo has a spotless professional record but a shadowy personal life. His true intentions are a mystery, but his fascination with Minjae sets the stage for a dangerous, obsessive relationship.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated.)
Good things, I hope.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(A smirk played on Seonwoo’s lips.)
We’ll see.
Lee Hyunjun
(Hyunjun cleared his throat, breaking the tension.)
Seonwoo will be overseeing your training. Don’t let his... reputation scare you. He’s a professional.
Minjae didn’t miss the flicker of unease in Hyunjun’s eyes. It was clear Seonwoo wasn’t someone to be taken lightly.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Welcome to the Bureau.
(Seonwoo said, his tone polite but hollow.)
I look forward to seeing what you’re capable of.
As Minjae followed Hyunjun out of the room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had just stepped into the lion’s den.
Lee Hyunjun
Be careful around him.
(Hyunjun murmured once they were out of earshot.)
He’s not what he seems.
Minjae glanced back at the conference room, where Seonwoo’s silhouette lingered. He didn’t need Hyunjun’s warning to know that. Something about Ryu Seonwoo set every nerve in his body on edge.
But Minjae wasn’t the type to back down from a challenge. If this was the path he had to take, he would face it head-on—no matter how dangerous the road ahead might be.
A Predator’s Smile
Seo Minjae adjusted the collar of his new uniform, his sharp eyes scanning the training hall. The facility buzzed with activity—rookies sparring, agents analyzing data on glowing monitors, and instructors barking orders. Despite the chaos, Minjae remained calm. It reminded him of his military days, though the stakes here felt far more personal.
Lee Hyunjun
Minjae!
( Hyunjun’s voice rang out as he jogged over.)
Ready for your first training session?
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae gave a curt nod.)
What’s the plan?
Hyunjun opened his mouth to respond but paused, his expression darkening as footsteps approached. Minjae turned, his gaze landing on none other than Ryu Seonwoo. The man’s presence was magnetic, drawing attention effortlessly.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Change of plans.
( Seonwoo said, his tone calm but commanding.)
I’ll be handling Minjae’s first session.
Lee Hyunjun
(Hyunjun hesitated, his jaw tightening.)
Are you sure that’s necessary? I can—
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Hyunjun.
( Seonwoo interrupted, his smile sharp.)
I appreciate your dedication, but I’d like to evaluate him myself.
Lee Hyunjun
(Hyunjun’s reluctance was palpable, but he nodded.)
Fine. Be careful, Minjae.
(With that, he stepped back, leaving Minjae alone with Seonwoo.)
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Follow me.
( Seonwoo instructed, leading Minjae to a smaller, enclosed training room. Inside, the walls were lined with weapons, and the atmosphere felt heavy, almost oppressive.)
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Let’s keep this simple.
(Seonwoo said, turning to face Minjae.)
Show me what you’ve got.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae raised an eyebrow.)
Hand-to-hand combat?
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo’s smile widened.)
Precisely. Don’t hold back.
Without another word, Minjae took a defensive stance. Seonwoo moved first, his speed astonishing. Minjae barely dodged the initial strike, countering with a swift kick. Seonwoo blocked it effortlessly, his movements precise and fluid.
The fight continued, each exchange more intense than the last. Minjae’s military training showed in his disciplined techniques, but Seonwoo was on a different level. His attacks were calculated, almost playful, as if he was testing Minjae’s limits rather than trying to win.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
You’re impressive.
(Seonwoo remarked, sidestepping a punch.)
Disciplined. Focused. But predictable.
Minjae gritted his teeth, pivoting into a low sweep. Seonwoo jumped, landing gracefully before closing the distance between them. His hand shot out, gripping Minjae’s wrist with a strength that made him wince.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Lesson one.
( Seonwoo murmured, leaning in close.)
Control isn’t just about your body. It’s about your mind.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae yanked his wrist free, stepping back.)
If you’re trying to intimidate me, it’s not working.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo’s laugh was soft but chilling.)
Oh, I’m not trying. Intimidation comes naturally to me.
The sparring session ended with Seonwoo pinning Minjae against the wall, his forearm pressing lightly against his neck. Their faces were inches apart, and the air between them felt charged.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
You’re good.
(Seonwoo said, his voice low.)
But you’ll need more than raw skill to survive here.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae’s jaw tightened.)
Then teach me.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo’s smirk returned, his gaze gleaming with something unreadable.)
Careful what you wish for, Seo Minjae. I don’t go easy on anyone.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(He stepped back, releasing Minjae and straightening his suit.)
That’ll be all for today. Report to me tomorrow morning. Don’t be late.
As Seonwoo walked away, Minjae leaned against the wall, catching his breath. His pulse raced, not from exhaustion, but from the unnerving presence of the man who had just walked out.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Hyunjun’s warning echoed in his mind.)
He’s not what he seems.
Minjae had seen predators before, but Ryu Seonwoo was something else entirely.
Shadows in the Bureau
Seo Minjae arrived at the training hall the next morning, his steps deliberate. The quiet hum of early morning activity filled the air, and agents moved with purpose, reviewing files and testing equipment. He spotted Ryu Seonwoo leaning casually against a wall, his tailored suit looking out of place amidst the practicality of the facility.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
You’re on time.
( Seonwoo said, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.)
I appreciate punctuality.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae didn’t rise to the bait.)
What’s today’s task?
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo pushed off the wall, smirking.)
Eager, are we? Follow me.
They walked through the maze of hallways until they reached an underground chamber filled with surveillance monitors, each screen displaying live feeds from various missions. The air here was colder, heavy with the weight of secrets.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
This....
( Seonwoo began, gesturing to the room.)
...is the heart of the Bureau’s intelligence operations. Information is power, and power is control. You’ll learn to harness it.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae studied the screens, noting the precision of the operations.)
What’s my role?
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes.)
Today, you’re an observer. Your first lesson is to understand how information flows, how it’s used, and how it can destroy.
He motioned to a chair. Minjae sat, watching as an agent on the screen infiltrated a high-security building. The agent moved with practiced ease, disabling alarms and bypassing guards.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Notice anything?
( Seonwoo asked, his voice cutting through the silence.)
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae frowned, focusing on the feed. The agent hesitated briefly at a door, glancing over his shoulder.)
He’s second-guessing himself.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Correct.
( Seonwoo said, his tone approving.)
And that hesitation could cost him.
The agent proceeded but tripped an unseen alarm. Guards swarmed the area, and the screen cut to black. Minjae’s stomach tightened
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Death.
(Seonwoo said bluntly.)
A single moment of doubt. That’s all it takes.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae turned to face him.)
And what would you have done differently?
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo’s smirk was cold.)
I wouldn’t have hesitated.
The comment hung in the air, a chilling reminder of Seonwoo’s ruthlessness.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Come.
(Seonwoo said, breaking the silence.)
Your next task awaits.
They moved to a smaller room, where files were laid out on a table. Names, photographs, and reports were scattered across the surface.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
Pick one.
( Seonwoo instructed.)
Minjae scanned the files, his eyes narrowing on a particular name: Choi Kyungho. The man’s photo exuded arrogance, his file littered with criminal charges that never stuck.
Seo Minjae(MC)
This one.
(Minjae said, sliding the file toward Seonwoo.)
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo glanced at it, his expression unreadable.)
Interesting choice. Kyungho is a... special case.
Seo Minjae(MC)
What makes him special?
( Minjae asked.)
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo chuckled, but it was devoid of humor.)
Let’s just say he’s resourceful. Keep an eye on him. You might learn something.
Minjae frowned but didn’t press further. He knew better than to question too much, especially with someone like Seonwoo.
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(As they left the room, Seonwoo paused, turning to Minjae.)
Remember, Minjae. In this world, trust is a luxury you can’t afford. Everyone has an agenda.
Seo Minjae(MC)
(Minjae met his gaze, unflinching.)
Including you?
Ryu Seonwoo(ML)
(Seonwoo’s smirk returned, sharper than ever.)
Especially me.
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