Welcome to Base 69

Artillery school field training had just concluded—an intense, week-long preview of the real military life that awaited the trainees after graduation. One week remained before they were officially commissioned. Among them was Second Lieutenant Kim Jaejun, a tall, soft-spoken cadet who, despite his sharp academic performance, was more known for his awkwardness around women than for any battlefield prowess.

One afternoon, Jaejun was called aside by his instructor. The mood was calm, the lighting in the office soft. The instructor handed him a cup of instant coffee—lukewarm, as usual—and got straight to the point.

"Jaejun, you know the unit you're being transferred to is on the front line in Gangwon-do, right?"

Jaejun nodded, clearly disappointed. The remote mountain base, far from Seoul and civilization, wasn’t what he’d hoped for.

Then, the instructor leaned forward with a curious glint in his eye. What he said next would change the trajectory of Jaejun’s military life entirely.

“There’s a pilot project... If you’re interested, you could be sent to Gyeonggi-do instead.”

That caught Jaejun's attention immediately. Gyeonggi-do was far closer to home, and the idea of escaping the snowy mountain hellscape of Gangwon-do was irresistible.

"Really? What kind of pilot project is it?"

As if he'd expected this enthusiasm, the instructor explained further. The Ministry of National Defense was experimenting with mixed-gender units—assigning new officers to battalions of the opposite sex to study the feasibility of integrated operations. The trial needed volunteers.

And Jaejun? Young, inexperienced, and painfully shy around women?

Perfect.

He agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

“I’ll do it! I really want to!”

The instructor smirked knowingly. And just like that, Jaejun’s assignment shifted from a freezing, male-dominated mountain post... to a female-only artillery battalion in the heart of Gyeonggi-do.

Moments later, another captain walked in, wiping sweat from his forehead. The two officers exchanged words.

“You picked Jaejun? Why him?”

“He looks like he’s never dated. Safe pick.”

“Safe? Aren’t guys like that the ones who end up obsessed?”

They laughed. But Jaejun had no idea what he was walking into.

Four days later, after enjoying a short break in Seoul, Jaejun arrived at the entrance of his new unit. He carried only essentials—neatly packed, regulation-perfect. There, standing under the twilight sky, was a striking female officer, suitcase in hand.

Second Lieutenant Yoo Minju, assigned to the 2nd battery, was impossible to ignore. Her beauty stood out even in a stiff combat uniform, her curves defying the formality of military wear. She seemed surprised to see a male officer near the women’s barracks.

“Um… I think you’re in the wrong place…”

“I’m here for the Mixed-Gender Unit Pilot Operation.”

Minju’s tension faded as soon as she heard the words. She smiled, quickly warming up to him.

They introduced themselves. She admired his towering height—196 cm, a full 30 cm taller than her. Their interaction was casual, even friendly. She suggested they speak informally. Jaejun, though flustered, agreed.

Their conversation was interrupted by another presence: First Lieutenant Kim Somin, the battery commander of the 1st battery. With sharp, feline features, skin-tight leggings, and a confidence that practically oozed seduction, Somin wasted no time asserting control.

“You two are the new lieutenants? Follow me.”

They marched to the apartment building where accommodations were arranged. Somin assigned Minju to the second floor, Jaejun to the third, and invited them both to dinner at her place—fourth floor. It was the start of something more than just camaraderie.

Later that evening, all three sat cramped around a small living room table. The chicken had arrived fast—one of the perks of being stationed near Seoul. Beers were opened, laughter slowly filled the air, and military formality gave way to something looser... more personal.

Somin, casually dressed in a thin T-shirt and leggings, was unintentionally—or perhaps intentionally—radiating sensuality. As the drinks flowed, Jaejun found it harder and harder to keep his composure. He kept stealing glances. Her thighs peeked out from under her shorts. Her breasts strained against her sports bra. And her position on the floor—legs slightly open—left little to the imagination.

Jaejun’s body began to betray him. Despite his best efforts, his growing erection pressed uncomfortably against his pants. He shifted awkwardly, using his arm to hide the tent forming between his legs.

Then Somin turned to him, smiling sweetly.

“Jaejun, I’ve been talking to Minju too much and ignoring you. Sorry about that.”

“N-no, it’s fine, Senior…”

She leaned forward to ask more questions, and as she did, the top of her T-shirt dropped just enough to reveal a teasing glimpse of cleavage. Jaejun tried to focus on her words, but the throb in his forearm reminded him of his current... predicament.

And that’s how it began.

The first night. The first temptation. And the first crisis for a second lieutenant who hadn’t even officially reported in.

To be continued.....