The sun was barely up as you pulled into the precinct's parking lot, the cool morning air nipping at your skin as you stepped out of your car. It was your first day back after the undercover mission, and your nerves buzzed with anticipation. You adjusted your uniform, the crisp fabric a stark contrast to the slinky dresses and leather jackets you'd worn while posing as Hyunjin’s criminal girlfriend.

Then he emerges from his car, his usual confident stride replaced with something hesitant, almost shy. It was strange to see him like this; Hyunjin, your former T.O., who had always been the epitome of calm authority. But now, instead of his usual cool demeanour, he looked almost… nervous.

“Hey,” he said, offering you a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Hey,” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady, though your heart pounded in your chest. The awkwardness between you was weird, a stark contrast to the fiery, flirtatious banter you’d shared just weeks ago. You walked toward him, noticing the faint blush creeping up his neck. Hyunjin, blushing? The man who’d been all ice and precision was now a bit… flustered?

"So,” he began, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, “back to reality.. you ready?”

“Yeah,” you nodded, glancing at him. “You?” He chuckled, the sound slightly forced. “I think so. It’s just… different, you know? This- us, you know.. dating now.”

“Yeah, it is,” you agreed softly. The weight of what "this" meant hung in the air between you.

You both stood there, awkwardly caught between who you were before and who you were now. Hyunjin’s usual cold, confident exterior was nowhere to be seen, replaced by something vulnerable. And for the first time in full, you saw the man behind the badge—just Hyunjin.

“Well,” he finally said, breaking the silence, “let’s go in, Officer.” “After you, Sergeant,” you replied, offering him a small smile.