Hannah squeezed Kai's fingers, her grip firm but urgent. Kai glanced at her, catching the subtle shake of her head. Not here—don't escalate, she thought, the message clear in the tension of her touch.
Kai hesitated, eyes flicking between her and Fabian. A brief moment passed, the weight of it hanging between them. He searched Hannah's face for a clue, but she remained steadfast, her gaze unwavering.
Good for you, she's here.
Finally, Kai nodded, his jaw tightening as if he was putting something down for now. His eyes met Fabian's, sharp and calculating, before he wrapped an arm around Hannah's waist, pulling her close as they stepped forward. Together, they entered the headquarters, the doors sliding shut behind them with a soft hiss, leaving the world outside.
Kai glanced at Hannah, who was fidgeting with her fingers from the earlier conversation with Fabian, sensing the tension in her. Kai noticed. "You okay, lovey?" Kai asked, his tone barely a whisper as he tightened his hold around her waist.
"A—" She hesitated. "I feel uncomfortable..." Hannah admitted, her voice low, almost a whisper, as she tried not to meet his gaze.
"Why, love?" Kai asked, leaning closer to look into her eyes.
As he leaned in, he saw her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Hey..." Kai's voice softened further, filled with concern. Realizing what was happening, he pulled her into an embrace, burying her face against his chest, shielding her from the world around them.
Hannah sobbed into Kai's chest, her small frame trembling against him as if the weight of her emotions was too much to bear. Kai's arms wrapped around her protectively, his hand moving in slow, comforting circles along her back. He lowered his head closer to hers, his voice soft but steady, a lifeline in the storm of her fear. "Hey, it's okay, lovey. I'm here, alright? You're safe with me," he whispered, his usual tenderness grounding her.
Her sobs grew heavier, her words tumbling out between shaky breaths. "A—I'm scared…" she confessed, her tears soaking through his shirt. Kai held her tighter, as if he could shield her from the invisible fears clawing at her.
"I'm scared...I—" Her voice cracked as she sobbed again, her vulnerability pouring out in waves. "What is his intentions?" she finally managed to ask, her voice breaking under the strain of her anxiety.
Kai's hand never faltered, his touch unwavering as he continued to soothe her. He let her words settle between them for a moment, his heart aching at the fear she carried. "It doesn't matter what his intentions are," Kai said gently, but there was a firmness in his tone now, a quiet strength that spoke of his resolve. "Whatever it is, he'll have to go through me first. And I won't let anyone hurt you, Hannah. Not now, not ever."
Hannah clung to him, her fingers twisting into the fabric of his coat, as though afraid he might disappear. "But—" she started, her voice faltering, and Kai leaned back just enough to catch her gaze.
"No 'but,' Hannah," he said softly, his blue eyes meeting hers, full of warmth and unwavering conviction. "You don't have to be scared, not with me here. We'll figure this out together, okay? You're not alone."
Her tears didn't stop, but something in her seemed to ease. She nodded weakly, burying her face in his chest once more. Kai resumed rubbing her back, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, whispering words of comfort until her sobs began to quiet.
Kai pulled back, just enough to meet Hannah's gaze. Her eyes, swollen and red from crying, searched his with an almost childlike vulnerability. But in the storm of her emotions, there was something else—a flicker of warmth, fragile yet unmistakable. Love.
His thumb brushed against her cheek, wiping away the remnants of her tears. "Don't cry," he murmured, his voice breaking at the edges. "I'm here. I'll protect you... like I always do. You don't have to be afraid anymore." His tone was so tender, it felt like a promise stitched into the fabric of forever.
Hannah's lip trembled as she reached out, clinging to him as though letting go would break her. Her small frame shook against his chest, her fingers gripping his coat desperately. She buried her face into him, her voice muffled by the fabric of his shirt. "D-don't leave me..."
Her words shattered him. Kai tightened his hold on her, his hand cradling the back of her head as if shielding her from the world itself. He swallowed hard, fighting the lump rising in his throat. "Hannah," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I would never leave you. Not now. Not ever. You're my heart. My everything."
Her sobs softened, but she held him tighter, her tears soaking through his shirt. "You promise?" she whispered, her voice small and breaking.
Kai rested his chin on her head, his own eyes glistening. "I promise. I swear to you. I'll stay with you, Hannah. Through everything. I'll hold you together, even when you feel like falling apart."
The walls of the CIZA headquarters, with its cold machinery and distant murmur of operatives, faded into insignificance. In that moment, it was just them—two people trying to hold each other steady in a world that felt too heavy.
"I can't lose you," Hannah whispered, her words barely audible, but they tore through him like a blade.
"You won't," Kai said firmly, pulling her even closer. "You're safe with me. Always. Not even for a second will I let you go."
For a heartbeat, the chaos of their surroundings vanished. There was no Fabian, no uncertainty, no danger—just the steady rhythm of Kai's heart against Hannah's ear, a quiet reassurance that she wasn't alone.
As her trembling eased, Kai kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering as he whispered, "No matter what comes, we'll face it together. I won't let anything hurt you, Hannah. Not while I'm here."
She nodded into his chest, her arms loosening slightly but still holding on. "Okay," she breathed, her voice tinged with fragility but also trust.
Kai smiled faintly, resting his forehead against hers. "Together," he said softly.
"Together," she echoed, and though her voice wavered, there was a quiet strength in it.
Hand in hand, they turned toward the debrief room, their steps aligned as if nothing could break the bond they shared.
As the heavy metal door swung open, revealing the debrief room, a sea of sharp-eyed agents sat around a long, polished wooden table. The hum of hushed whispers faded instantly as Kai and Hannah entered. Kai's hand rested on Hannah's waist, a subtle gesture of protection, and together they moved to the front.
"Alright, agents," Kai's voice cut through the silence, commanding yet calm, "Give a seat to Viper." The agents instantly shifted, one standing to offer Hannah a seat at the head of the table.
Hannah met Kai's eyes briefly before nodding in acknowledgment. She seated herself with a quiet grace, but her fidgeting fingers betrayed the unease she still carried. Kai's gaze lingered on her for a moment, a silent reassurance in his eyes, before he turned his attention to the room.
He stood tall, taking in the 50 agents before him with a steady gaze. "Good morning, agents," Kai began, his voice firm but controlled, a breath of professionalism masking the weight of the tension in the air. "Today, we discuss our next move." He took a beat, his tone sharpening with intensity. "This mission is critical. I expect nothing less than complete precision. Wait for me here—don't make me repeat myself."
Kai glanced at Hannah one last time before turning to exit the room. Just as he was about to step out, an agent stood up. It was Finn, his white hair styled neatly, eyes a striking blue. He stood about 5'8", with a slim, slender build, wearing a spy uniform that fit him perfectly. He looked every bit the gentleman, his badge reading Operative Weismann.
"Colonel," Finn addressed Kai, his voice calm and collected as he held up a folder.
Kai turned back, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "Hmmm?" he hummed, intrigued by the sudden interruption.
"Federal Director, Alexander Hoffman-Klein, left me a folder. He said it's for you," Finn said, his voice steady, almost too casual for the weight of the message.
Kai's expression barely shifted, but the mention of Alexander's name seemed to carry a subtle weight. He stepped forward, his gaze briefly meeting Finn's before taking the folder. Hannah watched them quietly, sensing something unspoken hanging in the air.
As Kai flipped through the pages, his eyes narrowed, scanning the details of the mission. Finn stood silently, his posture tense but trying to remain composed. Then, Kai's hand stilled as his eyes locked onto the words Black Lotus boldly printed on the paper. His jaw tightened slightly, the name stirring something deep within him.
He raised his eyes to meet Finn's, his voice low, controlled but edged with a hint of something darker. "Are you working with them on this mission?"
Finn, trying to steady his breath, shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah... I was almost killed," he said, pulling up his sleeve to reveal a treated bullet wound near his pulse. "It was close."
Kai reread the contents of the folder once more, his mind processing every detail. He turned to face Finn, his expression unreadable, but his gaze intense. "It says here you followed them, and in theory, they headed south of the city?" His voice was steady, calm, as he awaited Finn's answer. His eyes flickered briefly toward Hannah before returning to Finn.
Finn nodded, his expression grim. "Yes... they kidnapped our agents using five black vans with no license plates," he responded, his tone low, as if the memory of it still haunted him.
Kai's jaw tightened as he processed the information, then he let out a slow breath, his eyes narrowing in thought. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright, sit down." His voice held authority, and Finn complied, taking a seat.
Kai turned, moving toward the front of the room as he held the folder in his hands. The atmosphere shifted, the air thick with anticipation. "Alright, agents, listen up," he said, his voice cutting through the quiet room. He cleared his throat, his eyes briefly catching Hannah's. She was listening intently, her nerves palpable, and she knew what was coming. Kai didn't waver. "There will be an operation today." His voice was steady, but the weight of the words hung in the air.
He paused, taking another breath. "Since the Federal Director is visiting his family, as second in command, I'll be leading our operation to rescue our kidnapped agents." His tone was firm, unwavering, enough for every agent in the room to hear and feel the gravity of his resolve.
The room hummed with the weight of the situation, some agents visibly flinching at the gravity of the news, others remaining stoic. The room was charged with a sense of urgency, as the unspoken tension hung between them all. Kai, standing at the front, exuded a calm authority, his unwavering gaze sweeping over the team.
Kai handed the folder to Hannah, who nervously accepted it, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as she began to read it silently. He noticed her hesitation, but he trusted her to handle the information. His gaze lingered on her for just a moment before he turned his attention back to the agents before him, his voice cutting through the air with controlled determination.
"I'll create the plan for the operation," Kai began, his voice steady and resolute. "But cyber agents... work with Finn. We need to pinpoint key locations where they could have taken our agents." His words were sharp, every syllable carrying the weight of the mission at hand. He glanced again at Hannah, watching her read the folder, then turned his attention back to the agents. "Spies, once we have a potential location, head out there immediately to investigate. We need eyes on the ground."
Kai paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on each agent, locking eyes with them one by one as his words settled into the room. "I'll handle the search upstairs. I'll return here once I've gathered any information." His voice softened just slightly, but the intensity in his eyes never wavered. "Cyber agents... don't forget to work with Finn."
He looked at Finn now, his eyes sharp. "We need everything you've got." Finn met his gaze, nodding, his focus unwavering as the weight of the task ahead of him settled in. Kai's voice grew firm once more. "Let's move quickly. Time is against us."
Kai turned his attention to Hannah, watching her as she read, her brow furrowed in concentration. When she looked up, her gaze was soft, almost childlike, as if seeking reassurance. For a brief moment, it was as though the weight of the mission lifted, and there was just the two of them—Kai, her protector, and Hannah, the one he would always stand beside.
"Let's go..." Hannah said quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper, but it carried all the resolve she could muster. She stood up, the folder still in her hands, her grip tight but gentle, as if grounding herself in the task ahead.
Kai gave her a reassuring smile, one that spoke volumes of his unwavering trust in her. He nodded, his hands slipping into the outer pockets of his coat, and his body language relaxed as he turned toward the exit.
Without another word, they left the room together, the door closing behind them with a soft click. The sounds of the agents inside—their hushed murmurs, the rustling of papers—faded as Kai and Hannah made their way down the hallway, stepping into the unknown together.
As they walked down the hallway, Kai's hand naturally found its place on Hannah's waist, pulling her gently closer to him. She smiled at the gesture, leaning into him like they were two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. With her free hand, she held the folder tightly, but her body language was softer now, more at ease as they walked together. Despite her nerves, they seemed to fade with every step.
"Love... let's get coffee at the cafeteria first," Hannah murmured, her voice light, as they passed by the familiar space.
"Okay, lovey," Kai responded, his voice warm, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked at her. The simplicity of the moment was grounding—amid the chaos of their lives, this felt like a rare moment of peace.
But just as they were about to continue on their way, Kai gently pulled on her arm, bringing her back toward him. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, the touch tender and filled with affection.
"Are you going to come with me on this mission?" Kai asked, his voice low and sincere, his eyes locking onto hers as the kiss lingered for a moment longer.
Hannah flinched, surprised by the public display, but her heart raced with a flutter of warmth. She smiled up at him, the simple gesture making her feel like she was the only one in the world.
"Y-yeah..." she replied softly, her voice betraying her vulnerability. "I don't want you to leave my side..." Her words were almost childlike, full of a tenderness that mirrored the deep connection they shared. It was as though the thought of being without him for even a moment felt impossible.
Kai gently cupped Hannah's head, pressing her softly against his chest, his heartbeat a steady rhythm meant to comfort her. He held her close, as though she were a fragile treasure, his arms wrapping around her with an intensity that matched the care in his gaze. "It's not safe..." His voice, usually so calm, carried a quiet note of concern as his thumb brushed over her hair, resting his chin atop her head.
Before he could continue, Hannah pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes wide with determination and something deeper—something that made his heart ache. "Yeah, but I want to come with you," she said, her tone soft but resolute. Her arms, like a vice, wrapped around his waist, holding him close. She clung to him, her presence grounding, her silent plea for him to understand.
Kai's gaze softened as he looked at her, his expression one of tender concern. "Don't you want to be home instead? Take care of Sofia... and Anna?" His words were gentle, but the worry in his eyes was unmistakable. He pulled away just enough to see her clearly, his heart aching at the thought of her in danger.
But Hannah's eyes never wavered from his. She looked up at him like a child with an unspoken trust, her heart clearly laid bare in her gaze. "No... I want to come with you, lovey," she whispered, the words barely more than a breath, but they were a vow in their own way. Her eyes shone with a love so pure, it made Kai's chest tighten. It wasn't just about being by his side—she needed to be with him, as much as he needed her.
Kai stood there for a moment, lost in the depth of her gaze, feeling her loyalty, her love, and the weight of her words. And despite the risks, despite the danger, something in him couldn't bear to say no.
Kai kissed her temple softly before pulling her gently back against his chest, allowing her to rest against his shirt. His coat wrapped around her, almost as though it were a protective barrier between them and the world outside. He held her there for a moment, his heartbeat steady and reassuring beneath her cheek. "I'll let you come with me," Kai said, his tone calm, steady, as always. "But if things get too close, stay in the car, alright?" His voice softened as he rested his chin lightly atop her head, holding her even closer.
Hannah nodded without hesitation, her fingers clutching his coat, her head pressed firmly against his chest. "Okay, lovey... thanks... but don't get caught in any shooting combat," she murmured, her voice barely audible, as if saying the words would make the danger real. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, drawing him even closer, and for a moment, the hallway and everything beyond seemed to fade into the background.
Kai smiled softly, the affection in his gaze unmistakable. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, his lips lingering there for a second. "I can't promise that," he said, his voice low but reassuring. "But I can promise you this—I'll be safe... I'll make sure of it." His tone was firm, though the softness never left, as if he were trying to soothe both her worries and his own.
Hannah looked up at him then, her expression soft but filled with an unspoken understanding between them. She knew he couldn't promise her everything, but in his eyes, she could see the truth of his words. He would keep her safe, just as she would keep him.