The sleek private jet began its descent into Václav Havel Airport. The city of Prague, with its mix of ancient spires and modern opulence, unfolded below. Alex gazed out the window, his mind torn between the scenic view and the weight of their mission. Prague wasn't just another playground for the rich and reckless—it was the third-largest gambling hub in the world, and they were about to make waves.
Beside him, Jin sat quietly, tapping away on his tablet, his demeanor calm but focused. Alex had learned to trust that composure over the last three years, despite his reservations about having a partner. Not that he had a choice. Master Kenjiro made sure of that.
"You've got skills, Alex, but you're going to need someone watching your back," Master Kenjiro had said after their victory in Macau, the memory still sharp in Alex's mind. "I'm assigning Jin to you. His father was my most trusted bodyguard, and now Jin will ensure you succeed."
Alex hadn't liked the idea at first—he didn't want anyone too close. Too much proximity risked exposing Kofi. But after seeing Jin's loyalty to their master and his quiet efficiency, Alex had come to appreciate the arrangement, even if it made keeping secrets harder.
"We'll get this done," Jin said, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, almost too soft for someone who could tear through opposition like it was nothing. "Master Kenjiro's counting on us."
Alex nodded, stealing a glance at Jin. He knew that loyalty ran deep, passed down from Jin's father, a man who had once been Master Kenjiro's closest protector. Jin wasn't just following orders—he was upholding a family legacy.
"We'll hit the underground immediately," Jin continued, his gaze still fixed on his tablet. "Once they notice us, the syndicate will too."
"So I'm the bait?" Alex chuckled lightly.
"No," Jin replied with a small smile. "You're the hammer. I'm just here to make sure you hit the right nail."
It wasn't the first time Jin had made light of their dynamic, and Alex found himself smiling, despite the pressure. Jin wasn't just a partner in crime—he was becoming a friend, though Alex never let himself get too comfortable. Not with Kofi lurking, not with secrets at stake.
"Master has big plans for Prague," Jin added, a glint of determination in his eyes. "And I'm not leaving until we see them through."
The reason Jin had stayed close all these years wasn't just loyalty to their master—it was loyalty to his father's memory. He had been given one mission: stay by Master Kenjiro's side, ensure his plans were realized. And now that meant sticking with Alex, whether either of them liked it or not.
—--
The aftermath of Macau's largest casino takeover still hung in the air when Master Kenjiro called Alex into his office. Jin was already there, standing quietly in the corner.
"You're going to need a partner," Master Kenjiro had said, his voice as calm and decisive as ever. "Jin's the best option. His father was my right hand for years, and Jin's loyalty is absolute."
Alex had glanced at Jin, seeing nothing but quiet determination in his eyes. Jin had always been a lone wolf, and so had Alex. But Master Kenjiro's orders were absolute, and neither of them had dared question him.
"Work together or fall apart. I don't care how you do it—just get it done."
That had been the start of their partnership. Three years later, they were still navigating the fine line between collaboration and the secrets they both kept.
—--
Now, three years later, Prague was their new battleground. Master Kenjiro's plan was clear: infiltrate the gambling syndicates, make waves, and force the major players to notice. The goal? Make sure the syndicate suffered enough losses to bring them to the negotiating table.
"The Master wants Prague," Jin murmured, his eyes still on his tablet. "And we'll deliver."
Alex gave a small grunt of agreement, though his thoughts were elsewhere. The plan was solid, but executing it without raising too many questions was another challenge altogether. The last thing he needed was Jin noticing something unusual—like how Alex always seemed to win when it counted.
"Not luck," came Kofi's familiar, mocking voice in his ear, thanks to the AeroPods resting snugly over his ears. "You've got me, remember? Try not to screw it up."
Alex subtly adjusted his AeroPods, careful not to let Jin catch on. Jin was sharp. He'd probably noticed the pattern of Alex's victories, but thankfully, he hadn't pressed the issue. Yet.
"We'll start small," Jin said, finally looking up from his tablet. "Underground casinos, high-stakes tables. We'll build up your reputation first, make them notice us."
"Make me notice me?" Alex shot back with a grin. "I thought that was your job."
Jin cracked a rare smile. "Don't get too full of yourself. I'm just here to make sure you don't lose."
Despite the friendly banter, Alex couldn't shake the nervous tension coiled in his chest. Jin's loyalty might be unshakable, but Alex knew the danger lay in getting too close. Jin was the only person in Alex's life who might one day realize the truth about Kofi. For now, keeping their relationship professional—if friendly—was the best way to maintain that secret.
—--
Later that night, the two entered Vinohrady Vault, one of Prague's most exclusive underground casinos. The atmosphere was a mix of old-world decadence and modern extravagance. The perfect place to start making waves.
Jin hung back near the bar, his presence a comforting shadow. Alex took his place at the high-stakes table, letting the noise of the casino drown out his apprehension.
"Remember," Jin's voice came through the crowd, "You don't have to win every round. Just enough to make them bleed."
"I've got this," Alex replied, his hand resting on the poker chips in front of him.
Alex smirked, his hand instinctively swiping in front of him. His digital screen appeared, floating in midair, the city's skyline mapped out in exquisite detail.
"Iris, activate panorama mode."
"Yes, boss," Iris responded coolly, her voice smooth and efficient, as the digital grid expanded further. The whole casino expanded across his vision, each point of interest lighting up as he plotted his next move.
"Looks like we're all set. Time to make an entrance." Alex glanced over at Jin, whose stoic expression was unwavering.
Of course, it wasn't just his skill that would be working tonight. Alex felt a faint buzz in his ear as Kofi spoke up again. "Yeah, let's see if you can pull this off without getting busted. You know Jin's watching, right? He's no fool."
Alex exhaled slowly, placing his first bet. The cards were dealt, and the game began. The first few rounds passed with little fanfare, but by the third round, Alex's winning streak was drawing attention.
By the fourth win, whispers spread across the table. Who was this guy? How could he keep winning?
Across the room, Jin's gaze was locked on him, calm but observant. Alex had come to appreciate that look—Jin never interfered unless absolutely necessary, trusting Alex's instincts. But Alex could feel the weight of that gaze now. Jin was always watching, always calculating.
Kofi's voice rang in his ear again, snarky as ever. "You really think Jin won't figure it out eventually? Maybe I should let him catch on, just to make things interesting."
"Shut up, Kofi," Alex muttered under his breath, adjusting his hand on the table.
Jin, thankfully, didn't seem to notice. He had always been respectful of Alex's space, but the tension lingered. There was only so much longer Alex could keep Kofi a secret. For now, though, they had a job to do. And tonight, that job was winning.