The thread between us

Ji Ah stepped into the headquarters, her expression calm but focused. Without wasting time, she walked directly to the containment chamber and carefully inserted the recovered arcane core into its designated slot. As the mechanism sealed shut with a quiet hiss, a faint pulse of energy shimmered through the glass—subtle, yet unmistakably alive.

She turned and headed towards the central conference room.

Inside, her team members were already seated. Ji Ah took her usual spot, scanning the room quickly. There was a low hum of chatter before the sound of approaching heels silenced it all.

Seira entered, tall and commanding as always. Without preamble, she activated the massive screen behind her.

"I'm not here to give a formal speech," Seira said bluntly. "I called you here to make something very clear."

The screen flickered to life, showing old data files, blurry images, and reports of attacks.

"Ten years ago, we encountered the first wanderer—a being in human form, but not of this world. Since then, locating the entry chamber—the dimensional fracture where these creatures slip through—has been our highest priority. And we've failed. Until now."

The team listened in silence.

"I know most of you are new recruits. Some of you have been here for five years, some three. Ji Ah, barely a year—yet she's proven herself far beyond expectations."

Ji Ah sat straighter, surprised as Seira's eyes briefly met hers.

"There's a new assignment. One that requires sharp instincts, adaptability, and leadership." Seira paused. "Ji Ah, this task is yours. And no, I'm not expecting too much from you. I know you're capable."

Ji Ah nodded. "What do you need me to do, Ms. Seira?"

Seira's tone turned graver. "The chamber must be found and sealed. Wanderers in human disguise are increasing, and core smugglers are selling the stolen crystals to black-market tech labs for experimentation. This must end."

"But," Ji Ah interrupted, frowning, "we've tried for years. That chamber's location—it's like chasing a ghost. We haven't found a single solid lead."

Seira offered a cryptic smile. "Which is why I've assigned you a partner."

Ji Ah's brows furrowed. Partner…?

The door behind them opened.

A tall figure entered, dressed in sleek black combat gear with a silver utility band wrapped around his wrist. Ji Ah's breath caught.

Ryu Hwan.

He walked up to Seira and shook her hand casually, like he belonged there.

Ji Ah's mind reeled. What the hell…? How is he even—

This man wasn't supposed to be here. He was no ordinary soldier. He was the leader of the N1N Zone—a dimension where law didn't exist. A dangerous man with secrets buried deeper than any wanderer. Why was Seira pretending he was just some returning agent?

Seira's voice broke her spiral.

"Ji Ah, meet your new partner. He's just returned from a solo mission to a dimension where no operative has ever returned alive."

There were murmurs from the team.

"Wait… he's the one who died?" "I thought he was a myth." "Is he really that young?"

Ji Ah couldn't take her eyes off him. The red thread—the one only she and Ryu Hwan could see—glowed faintly between their hands.

Ryu Hwan smirked.

Seira continued, oblivious. "He's been assigned to assist you. His residence is just one floor above yours. Help him settle in. If either of you needs anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

She glanced toward Ryu. "You're lucky, Mr. Ryu. Ji Ah is both brilliant and... adorable."

Adorable? Ji Ah flinched. Was she being serious?

Seira turned back to the team. "This meeting's adjourned. Ji Ah, please escort your partner out."

Still processing everything, Ji Ah stood.

They walked through the hallway in silence, tension buzzing in the air.

Once outside, Ji Ah opened her mouth to speak—only for Ryu Hwan to grab her wrist.

A flash of light. The world twisted.

The next second, they were standing in front of his apartment.

Ji Ah blinked. "Did you just—teleport?"

Ryu Hwan chuckled, handing her a small key. "You set the passcode. That way, you'll remember it. Come whenever you want."

Ji Ah scowled, unlocking the door and stepping inside.

"Let's get something straight." Her voice sharpened. "What spell have you put on Seira? What manipulation is this? Why are you here? You're not some solo hunter—you're a leader in the N1N Zone! You're a liar!"

Her anger pushed him back toward the couch.

Ryu Hwan laughed, letting her rage crash over him. But as she advanced again, her foot caught on the edge of the rug, and she stumbled—right into him.

They landed on the couch, her heartbeat spiking as his arms caught her instinctively.

Ji Ah's face flushed as her eyes locked onto his. There it was again—that pull. That cursed thread.

His arms tightened slightly.

"I'll answer all your questions," he whispered. "I won't hide anything. Just once… can you trust me, without suspicion?"

Ji Ah didn't respond immediately. Her breath was shallow.

After a beat, she pulled away, stood, and quietly said, "I live on the floor below. If you need anything… let me know."

Without waiting for his reply, she left.

---

Later That Night…

Back in her apartment, Ji Ah sat at her desk. Her wrist still tingled where the red thread glowed earlier.

This wasn't just some emotional connection. This was something else. Something old… maybe forbidden.

She powered on her system and opened the encrypted research panel.

Search: "Soul-thread phenomenon. Human and non-human linkage. Arcane crystal triggers."

She leaned back in her chair, exhausted but restless.

That night, her dreams returned again—vivid and louder than ever.

But this time… she heard voices.

A woman's voice—gentle, kind. And a man's—steady and warm.

 "Ji Ah…" "We're waiting for you."

Her parents.