Chapter Text
"Good morning, team. I hope you're all ready because we've been handed a mission, and you're the ones assigned to it." His tone was serious, cut through the silence of the room.
"A multinational technology corporation, TECH R&D, got their hands on a lost prototype codenamed EQLIPS8. This device is rumored to revolutionize AI technology, possibly reshaping the future of technology. But, if it falls into the wrong hands, EQLIPS8 could be weaponized."
With a few quick taps on his tablet, the screen behind him flickered to life, revealing a detailed schematic of the device, followed by images of TECH R&D's facilities.
"The location of the prototype was recently leaked," he said, switching to a map on the screen, highlighting various points around the globe. "There are already multiple parties trying to get their hands on it, and it's only a matter of time before one of them succeeds. We have to get to it first."
The Senior's voice was unwavering as he continued, his gaze sharp, focused. "Alright, listen up. Jisung and Jeongin, you two will be responsible for retrieving the prototype. Your mission is to get to the case, secure it, and get out without drawing attention. You'll need to move quickly and quietly."
The Senior continued, turning his gaze to Felix and Seungmin. "Felix and Seungmin, you'll stay in the van. Felix, you'll hack into their security system and take control of the cameras. You'll guide Jisung and Jeongin to the Eqlips8, warning them if there are any obstacles, and warning them of potential threats.
"Seungmin, you'll assist Felix. You'll help him with the tech side. But your primary role is as the getaway driver. When Jisung and Jeongin have the prototype, you need to be ready for a fast and clean exit."
The Senior's eyes shifted to Hyunjin. "Lastly, Hyunjin, you'll be on the rooftop of a building nearby . You'll have a sniper rifle ready, and you'll act as our backup plan. If anything goes wrong, if anyone tries to stop the mission, you'll neutralize them from a distance. The team's safety is your responsibility. No mercy."
Then, the Senior added one more piece of information, his tone a little sharper. "And one more thing," he said, pausing for effect. "The CEO wants this mission to be broadcast. We'll be watching from the auditorium. First, because this is the debut of Jeongin, and second, because this is a very important mission and we need to record everything. Every detail matters."
"Get ready. Study the building, plan your routes, and do whatever it takes to make this mission a success. Tomorrow, we move."
They slowly stood up and bowed to the Senior before he step out of the meeting room leaving them there.
"Alright, guys, we have little time to prepare, so let's move fast," Jisung's voice broke the silence. "Felix, Hyunjin, and Seungmin, you're on van prep. Make sure everything's in order. Check the equipment, the screens, the drones, the guns, and make sure the deposit's full.
He turned to Jeongin, who had been standing quietly, a hint of nerves behind his eyes. "Jeongin, you're with me. We'll review the building, figure out the best entry points, and plan how we're going to move once we get inside.
Felix was already pulling out his tablet, his fingers flying across the screen as he started his checklist. "Got it. We'll be going now."
The hours flew by in a blur and just like that It was already the next day, and the time to strike had arrived. They were nearing the target location. The van hummed softly as Seungmin drove. Felix, sitting in the front passenger seat, pulled up the locations on his tablet and quickly ran through the final details of the mission.
"Alright, last details of the mission," Felix's voice came through clearly in everyone's earpiece. "There are two key pieces of the project we need to secure. The case with the project is on floor 45th, room 143. Jisung, you'll be getting that, and the pen drive is on floor 37th, room 325. Jeongin, that one's yours."
Jisung and Jeongin nodded. Seungmin pulled the van into a parking spot near the building's back entrance. The engine was cut off with a soft click. "Alright, this is it. Good luck, guys,"
Jisung and Jeongin stepped out of the van. Felix's voice crackled through their earpieces, breaking the silence. "J.One, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear," Jisung's voice came back,
"I.N? Do you copy?"
"Affirmative,"
As they approached the back entrance, Jisung glanced around, scanning his surroundings.
"Younglix, is the coast clear?" Jisung whispered into his comms, looking back to Felix for confirmation.
"Yes, you may proceed," Felix's calm voice came through.
With that, Jisung used his watch to unlock the back door. It clicked open quietly, barely a sound, and they slipped inside.
"Alright, I.N, don't forget we're undercover as cleaning staff. Keep it casual, but don't drop your guard," Jisung reminded Jeongin in a low voice. They were dressed for the role, with standard cleaning uniforms,
Jeongin nodded, his grip tightening on the handle of his cart as they passed by a group of employees who barely glanced in their direction.
They moved through the building with deliberate calmness, passing by security checkpoints.
"Alright, it's where you need to separate," Felix's voice came through their earpieces,once again. "J.One, turn left and go up to the 45th floor. I.N, you keep going straight and in the next hellevator, go up to the 37th floor."
"Copy that," Jisung responded. He turned to Jeongin, offering a small, reassuring smile. "You can do this, okay? Fighting!"
Jeongin's lips curled into a faint smile, his nerves pushing back as he looked at Jisung. "Fighting," he said back.
-----------------
Back at the agency, everyone sat on the edge of their seats, eyes glued to the broadcast screen. The tension in the air was palpable, the silence only broken by the faint hum of equipment.
"It's all going well for now," Chan said, his voice low but steady.
"Yeah, I hope everything continues this way," Changbin replied, his eyes focused on the screen, watching every move unfold.
-----------------
Meanwhile, in the building, Jisung had arrived at Room 143. He glanced quickly down the hallway to make sure no one was coming before he approached the door. His watch beeped softly, and the lock clicked open. He stepped inside, scanning the room.
The security system in place was formidable, laser grids crisscrossed the room, a high-tech security measure meant to stop anyone from accessing the safe. Jisung smirked, unfazed. He'd dealt with far more complicated systems.
"Alright, here we go." he muttered to himself. He stretched his body slightly, and in a quick and fluid motion, Jisung passed the first set of lasers, his body through the laser beams, twisting and ducking. He let out a breath as he made his way through the maze of security.
Finally, he was in the system. Without hesitation, Jisung connected the USB into the secure terminal. "Younglix. I'm in. Unlock the safe."
"On it" Felix responded quickly, his fingers moving over the keyboard. Seconds later, Jisung heard the soft click of the safe unlocking.
"Got it," Jisung said, his lips curving into a faint grin as he carefully extracted the black case with the EQLIPS8.
"Heading out," Jisung muttered to himself as he turned toward the door, checking his surroundings once more. Everything was still clear. He stepped out of the room, the door clicking shut behind him as he moved swiftly down the hallway.
"I.N, what's your position?" Felix's voice crackled through the comms, his eyes darting across the camera feeds, scanning for any sign of Jeongin. But there was no response. "I.N, what's your position?" he repeated, growing more anxious by the second.
Then, a few moments later, a calm, confident voice came through the earpiece.
"Successful. I got the pen. Heading out," Jeongin's voice rang out.
"Okay, keep us updated," Felix said, trying to steady himself, but the feeling of unease lingered. Something didn't feel right.
After a few minutes. Jisung went down in the elevator, his mind still sharp and focused, suddenly, his ring buzzed.
"Younglix, what's happening? Whats wrong with I.N?" Jisung's voice filled with panic as his breath quickened, he said pressing the elevator stop button.
"I don't know... the system just shut down... wait, hold on," Felix's voice was tense, every word edged with urgency. "There's a helicopter landing on the rooftop. Go up! GO up NOW!"
------------------
Back at the agency, The agents sat on the edge of their seats, their eyes locked on the screens. The helicopter had landed, and through the drone cameras, the agents could see Jisung rushing out of the elevator, making his way toward the rooftop.
"What's happening?" Changbin asked, his voice low, filled with concern. His gaze never left the screen, his fingers tapping impatiently on the armrest.
------------------
Inside the elevator, Jisung's pulse raced as the elevator door slid open. He rushed out, scanning the rooftop in every direction, his breath shallow and quick. He saw the helicopter on the roof, its massive blades, creating an unsettling hum in the air, but there was no sign of Jeongin.
"Younglix, where the fuck is he?" Jisung's voice cracked with urgency, the panic rising in his chest.
"Right here," a cold, unfamiliar voice answered, sending a chill down Jisung's spine.
Jisung turned around. His eyes widened in shock.The men stepped out of the elevator with Jeongin in a shock hold, a gun pressed to his head. Jeongin's face was pale, blood gushing of his forehead, and a bloody nose.
"Jeongin..." Jisung's voice was barely a whisper,
The man smirked coldly. "The case, or the kid dies."
"Okay, okay, I'll give it to you," Jisung said, raising his hands in surrender, "just let him go. On three, I'll toss it to you, and you let him go."
"One," the man counted, tightening his grip on Jeongin, who winced but stayed quiet.
"Two," Jisung said, his voice steady.
"Three," they said simultaneously.
The moment the word left the man's lips, Jisung threw the case with all his strength. The man shoved Jeongin forward at the same time, the force sending him stumbling toward Jisung.
Jisung lunged forward, catching Jeongin in his arms and steadying him. Relief flashed across Jeongin's face for a split second—until Jisung noticed the man's movement.
The instant the man secured the case in his grip, he drew his gun and aimed directly at Jeongin.
Time seemed to slow.
Jisung's instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, he turned them both, twisting his body to shield Jeongin. The gunshot rang out, deafening against the roar of the helicopter. Pain exploded in Jisung's arm.
"Hyung!" Jeongin cried out, his voice raw with panic, as Jisung gritted his teeth against the searing pain.
"GO. Now. To the van," he commanded, his voice firm even as his body betrayed his pain. "I'll handle the rest."
"But—" Jeongin started, panic and hesitation filling his voice.
"It's an order!" Jisung barked, cutting him off. "Go, NOW!"
Then, with a reluctant nod, he turned and bolted toward the rooftop exit, his footsteps pounding against the concrete. Jisung watched him go, relief mingling with the pain that clouded his mind.
His eyes snapped to the sky. The helicopter was already rising, the hum of its blades slicing through the air as it began to lift off the building, carrying the man and the black case.
Adrenaline surging through him, Jisung sprinted toward the edge of the rooftop. And then, without thinking, Jisung launched himself into the air, the ground falling away from beneath his feet. The wind rushed past him, and for a heartbeat, it felt as though time stood still.
A strangled grunt escaped his lips, as his fingers stretched, reaching for the metal struts beneath the helicopter. His hand closed around the cold steel, his grip tightening, his body dangled, suspended miles above the ground,
The man holding the case shifted closer, aiming the gun at Jisung once more. "You don't know when to give up, do you?" The man growled, his finger tightening on the trigger.
But Jisung wasn't about to let him win. With every ounce of strength left in him, Jisung stretched his arm out towards the case. With a last burst of effort, he yanked the case toward him, securing it in his grip. But the man wasn't done.
They struggled, Jisung and the man locked in a fierce tug-of-war, each fighting to maintain control over the briefcase.
"YOUJIN, NOW!" Felix's voice cut through the comms.
And single shot rang out, sharp and lethal, and the man's head snapped back. He slumped forward, losing his grip on the case and falling off the helicopter, and the case slipped free from the man's fingers, falling into Jisung's grip. It was a clean shot. A perfect hit. But...
"Shit," Jisung muttered, his heart sinking as his grip faltered. He could feel his fingers slipping. "No, no, no," he thought desperately, trying to cling to the metal struts of the helicopter. But it was too late. His hand slipped from the helicopter.
Everything around him blurred as the rush of wind whipped past him. His body tumbled uncontrollably, falling faster and faster.
"JiSUNG!" the team screamed.
--------------------
"Jisung!" Chan's voice cracked, filled with disbelief and desperation. He shot to his feet, his eyes wide with horror as he watched the footage in real-time, his heart racing. "No! Please Jisung!" as tears started to streamed down.
"JiSUNG!" Changbin shouted in a panic. The entire room was filled with frantic murmurs, the agents now on their feet, unable to look away from the screen.
Minho stood still, his eyes wide in disbelief, a deep fear settling in his gut. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "No..." he muttered under his breath.