BENEATH THE SURFACE

act i: THE GAME BEGINS

The rain outside washed over the city, but inside, shadows ruled. As they ordered their drinks, Jiyong made sure to lean in close, whispering in a way that made it look like he was sweet-talking her. In reality, he was scanning the room. "Daesung has eyes everywhere. Keep your head down but your ears open."

Dara took a sip of her drink, nodding subtly. "Got it."

They moved deeper into the club, past groups of high-rollers and criminals flaunting their wealth, and found a seat close enough to observe their target. Seung Hyun wasn't here tonight, but Daesung was more than enough trouble on his own. They needed an in, a way to earn trust.

A drunk businessman stumbled past, nearly spilling his expensive whiskey on Dara. Jiyong caught her wrist just in time, steadying her. Their eyes met for a split second before she pulled away.

"Careful, babe," Jiyong teased, playing his role.

Dara rolled her eyes but forced a flirtatious smile, just in case anyone was watching.

Then, their opportunity arrived.

A fight broke out near the VIP section—two men arguing over a bad bet. One of them, a regular at the club, had been caught cheating, and Daesung’s men were quick to intervene. The scene was turning ugly fast.

Jiyong nudged Dara. "Time to make a move."

She nodded and slipped through the crowd, her expression concerned yet composed. "Hey, hey, no need to cause a scene," she purred, placing a delicate hand on the arm of one of Daesung’s enforcers. "This is bad for business, don’t you think?"

The enforcer hesitated for a moment, thrown off by her presence. Daesung, who had been watching the commotion, turned his attention to her.

"And who are you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dara met his gaze with confidence. "Just someone who knows that a fight like this is bad for the club’s reputation."

Daesung smirked, impressed by her nerve. "You got guts. I like that."

Jiyong, ever the opportunist, slid in beside her. "We’re just here for a good time. No need for things to get messy."

Daesung studied them both before nodding. "Maybe you two aren’t as useless as you look."

That was their opening.

As the night wore on, Dara and Jiyong found themselves invited into Daesung’s inner circle, at least for the evening. It was a dangerous game, but they played it well. Drinks flowed, conversations turned darker, and secrets began to slip.

"So, you’re new here," Daesung mused, swirling his glass. "Tell me, what exactly are you two looking for?"

Jiyong leaned back lazily, exuding an air of careless charm. "Opportunities. The kind that comes with power."

Daesung chuckled. "Power comes at a price. You sure you’re ready to pay?"

Dara met his gaze, her smile unwavering. "Try us."

Daesung grinned. "I might just take you up on that."

As the night deepened, so did the stakes. They were getting closer to the truth, but the deeper they went, the harder it would be to get out.

And somewhere, in the shadows, Seung Hyun was watching.

"That was close," Dara muttered as they left the club.

Jiyong winked. "Relax, partner. We're just getting started."

"Let me just remind you of your boundaries, you can touch me but never cross the line," Dara warned him while squinting her eyes.

Jiyong smirked inching closer, their nose hairline apart. "Am I crossing the line?"

Dara frowned, irritated by how her partner was acting towards her. She would be working inside her dream office if her promotion hadn't been stolen by her best friend Bom. Working undercover is at the bottom of her list. Being partnered with Jiyong was never an option in her book. He's known to receive bribes from gangsters back in his hometown, Gangwon-do. A dirty cop with dirty cash in his pocket. One thing she can't deny though, is he's one attractive motherfucker, and he f*****g knows it.

Jiyong patted the top of her head as he withdrew his face away from hers. "Go home Tokki, before I cross your f*****g lines and shit."

Dara picked her purse from the ground, not minding if anyone was looking from behind. Her micro mini skirt hiking up as she bends over.

"JESUS FUCKIN' CHRIST!" he cussed loudly, "You're telling me not to cross your fuckin' line but you're showing everyone your gates to heaven?!" Immediately getting behind her to cover the view most men would fight for just to have a peak.

Dara is from Busan, and he already was smitten by her charms when he and his former partner, Youngbae were rookies a decade ago. She's 4 years his senior and she barely even looked at him during their first encounter. She was just a dream for him not until he was summoned to go undercover, his partner's on paternity leave, and no one will ever volunteer to go undercover with him. He was the very definition of a bad cop, his reputation is tainted by numerous cases filed against him, from battery and assault, red tape, name it, he got it under his raps. She was forced to go with him because she had no other choice. JUST GOT LUCKY is all that he could mutter to himself.

"Chill... They can peak but they can't touch," she said as she straightened up while fixing her hiked-up skirt. "I didn't know you're that conservative," she said slyly and winked at him.

He rolled his eyes as he removed his jacket and wrapped it around her waist. "Go home ajhumma. It's past your bedtime," he said then coolly walked away his back facing her. He raised a peace sign and then yelled "See you in the Lion's Den!"