Ji Ha could barely hear the sound of heels clicking on the floor, her ears roaring with the sound of her own heart beat.

'Keep calm' she thought 'like you belong' giving a slight nod as the passed a square faced solider.

The door to the Frontman's quarters loomed ahead, slightly ajar.

She pushed it open, stepping inside, her breath catching at the sight before her Jun Ho stood over the unconscious body of a guard, his chest heaving.

His eyes snapped to hers, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Took you long enough," he muttered, bending down to retrieve a pistol from the guard's belt.

He tossed it to her with practiced ease, and she caught it, her fingers feeling steadier as they wrapped around the cold metal.

"You have a plan?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

He nodded toward the far corner of the room, where an inconspicuous panel in the floor had been slid open to reveal a dark passageway. "Hidden escape hatch. Leads to the sea. We can try and get signal from there, call for backup"

Ji Ah hesitated only a moment, glancing back at the door. Every second spent here was borrowed time.

"Go," she urged him, her voice low but firm. "I'll cover you."

Jun Ho hesitated didn't argue.

He climbed down into the hatch with the agility of someone who had spent years in covert operations.

Ji Ah stepped forward, removing her mask, she took a breath. This was it, she was free.

Slipping off her heels and setting them aside. The feeling of the cool marble of the floor against her feet grounded her as she prepared to follow.

Just as she was about to descend, the door slammed open with a deafening crash.

A square solider barged in, weapon raised. Ji Ah didn't hesitate. She spun, her gun already aimed, and fired.

The shot rang out, sharp and final.

The square guard crumpled to the floor, his weapon clattering uselessly from his hand. Ji Ah breathed, her eyes darting around to spot any further back up.

Quickly she moved back and started to descend down the long ladder, knowing the gunfire will attract swift attention.

Taking quick but careful steps, Ji Ah was now about halfway down the dark hole, she could feel a cool breeze and the smell of salt. She was almost there.

Taking a look down she saw Jun Ho, reaching the last step, looking up at her eager to get moving.

Just as she was about to look back at the ladder in front of her, she saw Jun Ho's face morph into an angry snarl, his gun raised and pointed above her.

Ji Ah froze for a second, her eyes darting upwards to the top of the ladder, now far in front of her.

She saw him.

Black Mask glinting in the light, looking down upon her, his presence was suffocating, his tall figure a shadow of authority and rage.

"Thirteen" the Frontman growled, his voice colder than she had ever heard it. His hand gun firming grasped in his hand, but he didn't aim - yet.

Her breath came in sharp bursts, her arms trembling slightly as she kept tight grip of the ladder. She was nearly free she had to leave.

"Ji Ah!" she heard Jun Ho's panicked call from below "duck" he ordered.

Without missing a beat, Ji Ah immediately pulled her body flush against the ladder, pushing her cheek against the rung, the cold metal biting into her skin.

She heard a shot ring pass her, the noise of it amplified in the tight space. The sound of the bullet hitting the concrete above caused her eyes to snap back up, expecting to see the dark masked man looming over her, but he was no where to be seen.

Wasting no more time, Ji Ah quickly carried on down the ladder at thought of safety gone.

Reaching the bottom she felt Jun Ho's hands at her waist, helping her jump the last few feet. The wet sand beneath her feet brought a sense of relief, she had made it this far.

Looking around she inspected the small underground cave, a small light in the corner lighting up the space. The back wall was lined with black wet suits and oxygen tanks, a few meters in-front of her lay a dark blue pool, leading out to the sea. It splashed gently against the side as it moved with the tide.

The cool, damp air clung to her skin, a stark contrast to the adrenaline-fueled heat coursing through her veins. She glanced at Jun Ho, his face set with determination, yet shadowed by concern.

"We need to keep moving," he urged, his voice a hushed whisper that barely concealed his urgency. "They'll be searching for us."

Ji Ah nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Do you know the way?"

"Yes" he answered affirmatively thrusting a wet suit into her hands "put this on quickly, you will freeze that dress"

Ji Ah nodded, wasting no time, shimming the black suit up her legs as Jun Ho turned back towards the oxygen tanks. She tried not to flash her friend as she lifted up her dress with her suit. She quickly turned her back, lifting the whisky soaked garment over her head she flung it to the side. Quickly placing her arms in the suit, zipping it up over her now bare chest.

She was ready. Turning back Jun Ho was already fitted with his oxygen tank slung on his back and goggles affixed to his face. He quickly marched over, pressing the tank against Ji Ah's back. She placed her arms in the straps as he tightly fastened it around her waist. He also added a rope a few metres long, tying them both together.

She quickly took the googles from his outstretched hand, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Stay close to me" Jun Ho ordered, not ready to lose his friend when they have come this far.

Ji Ah nodded, taking his hand and squeezing it tight. There hands interlocking for a moment and they looked in each others eyes, displaying their fears. Jun Ho's hand gave Ji Ah one last squeeze before letting go.

He turned and headed toward the dark water, Ji Ah following behind, bracing herself for what is to come.

—————————————————-

Ji Ah hated the sea. She always had done since she was a child.

So she had never been so glad as to feel the soft wet sand under her hands and feet as she and Jun Ho climbed ashore.

They had been swimming for a good 30 minutes before rising from the depths below.

Ji Ah spat the respirator out and begun to unstrap the oxygen tank from her back, which now felt like it weighed 10 times as much. Letting out of sight of relief feeling the weight drop.

She turned her head and watched as Jun Ho unwrapped his phone from the plastic bag he had wrapped it in.

"Still works" he muttered in relief before frowning lifting his phone in the air "we need to move higher, find an signal" he informed Ji Ah as she stood from the sand.

"Let's go then" she ordered "they won't be far behind us" that bad feeling her gut rising to the top again.

They were coming for them. He was coming.

———————————-

Ji Ah could feel the muscles in her thighs begin to burn as they ascended the craggy cliffside, the island's dense jungle pressed in on them from all sides, the salty air thick with the scent of damp earth. Sharp rocks jut out from the ground, and jagged branches claw at their skin. It's difficult to keep up the pace; every step seems to take them further into a trap.

Ji Ah felt her eyes darting around frantically like at any moment someone was going to jump out and snatch her.

Focussed she tried to keep her eyes trained on the back of Jun Ho's head, hair still damp from the sea.

She watched as his waved the phone above his head, hoping for the slightest glimpse of a signal.

The sound of a gunshot had them both turning quickly, raising their own guns in response.

Their eyes followed the sound over the cliff edge back down the beach they arrived on.

Their eyes landed on the bright pink uniforms of the guards, who were now spreading out in search of them. Ji Ah felt her heart sink as her eyes found the source of the noise.

There he stood. Grey suit and black mask, shooting bullets into their oxygen tanks. He had come for her.

Ji Ah ducked into the underbrush, dragging Jun Ho down with her.

They locked eyes knowing they were caught. "We keep to the plan" Ji Ah started "stay together, reach higher ground, find a signal" she nodded determined.

Jun Ho stared at her for a moment before smiling "let's go partner" he affirmed, grasping her hand and pulling her back up, though both staying low.

They carried on higher, guns drawn, they cautiously made their way further into the trees.

—————————

Ji Ah felt like they were going in circles. Her feet feeling the crunch of each leaf and stick, acutely aware of every noise they were making.

Jun Ho's phone still held high, he muttered curses under his breath as the signal continued to allude him.

Then she saw it, a glimpse of pink in the green of the trees as a square faced soldier made his way toward him, gun drawn.

"Stop" he ordered, they both froze weapons pointed at the solider.

Then to Ji Ah, everything seemed to happen in slow motion, she saw the solider reach for his radio, then Jun Ho pull the trigger.

Before she could even say no, the deed was done. The soldier dropped to the ground and the sound of gunfire ricocheted around them, letting everything near know their location.

The wind shifts, carrying the unmistakable sound of footsteps behind them. Jun Ho stops dead in his tracks, as he peers back through the trees. The crackle of a radio. The unmistakable hum of the Frontman's voice. The sound of boots stomping through underbrush.

They've found them.

Sprinting as fast as they could, Ji Ah tried to fill lungs as Jun Ho's breath was ragged beside her, his hand a constant pressure on her wrist, guiding her through the underbrush.

The jungle was a blur around her—green shadows and crashing branches—but Ji Ah's focus had narrowed to a single, unavoidable truth: time was running out.

Her legs burned. Her lungs screamed for air. But none of that mattered. Not now.

The sound of footsteps closing in behind her was a constant pulse at the back of her mind, each crunch of the underbrush a reminder of how little time she had left. She could hear the sharp bark of commands echoing through the trees—he was getting closer.

A glance over her shoulder revealed nothing but the thick veil of trees, but she didn't need to see them to know the Frontman was leading the charge. His presence was suffocating, even at a distance. His cold calculation, his ruthless determination. She could feel it in the air.

Jun Ho... Her heart clenched at the thought of him, the one person she could never afford to lose. The one person she had promised to protect, no matter the cost.

Her fingers curled tighter around the weapon in her hand, the weight of the gun almost like a cruel joke now. How could she use it? How could she defend herself when the only thing she cared about was his safety?

Her breath caught in her throat as she realized the truth.

I can't outrun them. But he can.

Jun Ho had been her partner in this mission, her ally, her friend. But above all, he was the one person who had a future beyond this madness. He had a life to return to—a life I won't have if I don't act now.

The thought hit her like a physical blow. Her chest tightened, a deep pang of guilt and regret filling her veins.

Her gaze flicked to Jun Ho, a step in front of her, hand still clasped in hers.

"We can't outrun them," Ji Ah gasped, her eyes darting behind them.

The sound of boots crunching through the brush wasn't far off. She knew The Frontman was close. Too close.

"We need higher ground," Jun Ho urged, his voice thick with panic. "Stay with me. We'll find a place to hold up."

Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes met his. His face, usually so steady and full of resolve, was stricken with fear. Not for himself, but for her. She could see it in the way his brows furrowed, the way his chest heaved with the urgency of his words.

He doesn't see it. Doesn't understand. We can't both make it. Not like this.

Her feet faltered for just a second as the realization hit her like a tidal wave. They were too close. The Frontman's men were closing in.

She could feel it. She could feel them. They were relentless. If I keep running, they'll get us both.

Jun Ho, desperate and loyal, would follow her until the very end, but that's what made him dangerous. That's what made this her decision to make.

She had to let him go. She had to save him.

I'm not afraid, she told herself, the cold of the jungle air biting at her skin as she pulled to a halt. She barely heard her own breath now, felt only the pounding of her heart in her ears. She didn't even flinch when she heard the sound of footsteps crashing toward her. There was no more running.

She had to make a choice

She yanked her hand out of Jun Ho's grasp, her eyes locking with his for the briefest moment.

"Ji Ah—!"

"Go!" Her voice was sharp, cutting through the thick tension like a knife. "I'll draw them off. Go!"

Jun Ho hesitated. His face twisted with disbelief, the words caught in his throat. But Ji Ah didn't wait. She pushed him away, hands firm against his chest.

"Don't argue with me!" she snapped, forcing him back. "Go. I'll be fine. Trust me."

Jun Ho stood there for a split second, frozen, eyes wide with fear, then his mouth opened—he was about to protest again—but Ji Ah was already turning, running the opposite direction, into the thicket.

"Ji Ah!" he shouted, but she didn't turn back.

Her breath burned in her lungs as she pushed forward, her pulse thundering in her ears. Behind her, Jun Ho's form disappeared into the jungle, leaving her alone to face the consequences.

The noise of the guards was unmistakable now—the crack of branches snapping beneath their boots, the low growl of commands in the distance. She had moments—maybe less—before they reached her.

She ducked behind a massive boulder, holding her breath as her body trembled with the effort to stay still. Her chest rose and fell erratically. She couldn't afford to be found just yet.

From her vantage point, she could see them coming. The Frontman was among them, his presence unmistakable, even from this distance. Tall, imposing, his black mask reflecting the dim light filtering through the trees. His movements were deliberate, calculating.

Come on, she thought, willing herself to stay calm. Just a little longer.

She darted from her hiding place and sprinted toward a ridge that jutted out, providing some elevation. She didn't know where she was going, didn't know what she would find—all she knew was she had to buy him time.

Jun Ho needs to survive.

She barely made it ten feet before she heard it. The whistle of the wind, the faintest click of a radio. Then, the unmistakable sound of boots pounding behind her.

They had spotted her.

The Frontman's voice cut through the air. "Thirteen," he called, his tone colder than the sea breeze. "Stop running."

But Ji Ah didn't stop. She didn't even slow down. The adrenaline pushed her forward, urging her on even as her legs screamed for mercy. She had no choice.

Jun Ho needs to survive.

The first bullet whizzed past her ear with a deafening crack, the force of it rattling her.

The second one—closer. Too close.

She dove to the ground, landing in the dirt and scrambling to her feet, but the next shot caught her in the shoulder, the pain flaring like wildfire through her body. She staggered, but kept running.

Another voice—closer now. A shout. "Got her!"

A hand shot out from behind a tree, grabbing her arm and pulling her off balance. She fought, kicking, twisting, but she was too slow. The world tilted as she was yanked forward, her vision spinning.

In an instant, cold metal pressed against the back of her neck. She froze, her breath hitching.

"Don't move," the voice growled in her ear, and she felt the barrel of a gun press harder, the weight of it suffocating.

She wasn't getting out of this one.

Then like phantom, she felt him. The weight of his gaze locked onto her from the shadows as he emerged from the tree line. His towering silhouette cutting through the dense underbrush like a predator. He was always one step ahead. Always.

"Thirteen," he spoke her name softly, like a ghost that had haunted her too long. The tone of his voice was dangerous, layered with something dark and unforgiving.

He was watching her, waiting for her to speak, but she didn't. She couldn't.

The weight of it—the loss - pressed on her chest like a heavy boulder. She had saved Jun Ho and in the process, had lost the one thing she had left: her freedom. "Take her in," the Frontman's voice came again, colder than ever. "Alive."

The last thing Ji Ah remembered was the pain blossoming against the back of her head before everything went black