Chapter Text
Sunwoo and Juyeon sat on the couch, talking about Mingi and Eric's impromptu marriage.
"I barely even know Mingi, and now he's married to Eric," Sunwoo said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Juyeon shrugged. "Even though Mingi is a stranger to us, he and Eric have known each other for years."
Sunwoo frowned. "But they only just started dating. Wasn't this like their second date?" He picked up a piece of wedding cake and was about to take a bite when Juyeon stopped him.
"Wait, there's a stain on the fork," Juyeon pointed out. He took the fork, wiped it clean, and handed it back. "But seeing Eric and Mingi is actually kind of romantic."
Hyunjae walked in, overhearing the conversation. "Romance has nothing to do with it. Eric has lost everyone he cares about, so he's desperate for a family."
Sunwoo, now chewing a mouthful of cake, replied, "Maybe Eric is just smart. If they elope, no one can throw a bridal shower."
Juyeon laughed. "How can you not like bridal showers? They were made for you."
Sunwoo rolled his eyes. "Not when we have two monsters after us."
Hyunjae's face grew serious. "Haknyeon isn't answering his phone."
"He's probably still dealing with the fallout from the leak about Yeosang," Juyeon replied.
"There’s no way Haknyeon's parents believe Jungkook caused it," Hyunjae said.
"We should be glad they do," Juyeon countered. "If they knew there was a new E, they'd go straight to the police."
Sunwoo looked worried. "If they go to the police, we'll have targets on our backs."
Hyunjae sighed. "We already do. Jacob tried to turn me into road kill last night."
Sunwoo shook his head. "Jacob isn't the one sending texts or going after Yeosang."
Hyunjae suggested, "Maybe Haknyeon should tell Kai."
Sunwoo quickly refused. "No way. If the entire police department knew, there would be a manhunt."
Juyeon, trying to lighten the mood, said, "Let's talk about something nice for a minute." He pulled out his phone and started showing pictures from his parents' wedding. As they scrolled through the images, Juyeon suddenly stopped, his eyes widening.
"What's wrong?" Sunwoo asked.
Juyeon zoomed in on one of the photos. "Look at this. Who took this picture? I don't remember anyone taking it."
Hyunjae and Sunwoo leaned in, peering at the screen. Juyeon zoomed further, revealing a chilling message written on the placement cards in the photo: "Give me the killer...By Election Night...Or You Lose."
The room fell silent as the weight of the message sank in.
Hyunjae broke the silence. "Whoever took that picture, they were close. They could be watching us right now."
Sunwoo nodded, his face pale. "We need to figure out who’s behind this. Fast."
Juyeon set his phone down, determination in his eyes. "We will. But first, let's make sure we're safe. And that Eric and Mingi are too."
The three of them exchanged looks, their earlier conversation about weddings and romance now a distant memory. The threat was real, and time was running out.
=======================================================
Haknyeon stood in his father's study, listening as Mr. Ju spoke.
"Gil managed to diffuse the situation and apologized to Yeosang and his family," Mr. Ju said, his tone serious.
Haknyeon's phone kept buzzing in his pocket. Mr. Ju glanced at him, annoyed. "Can you turn that off while I'm talking?"
"Sorry," Haknyeon muttered, silencing his phone.
Mr. Ju continued, "Members of the press have caught wind of the fact that the person who leaked the report was Jungkook."
Haknyeon's eyes widened. "What? Why?"
Mr. Ju sighed. "We need to distance ourselves from Jungkook. Put out a statement. It's for the best."
Haknyeon felt a lump in his throat. "Why?"
"Kai made a personal statement to the media, defending his boyfriend and criticizing our tactics," Mr. Ju said.
Haknyeon spoke quietly, almost to himself. "Kai knew it was Jungkook?"
Mr. Ju looked at him sharply. "Why are you so protective of Jungkook? We have a better idea of who he is now."
While Mr. Ju's back was turned, Haknyeon quickly checked his phone. He saw a message from Juyeon, urging him to look at the wedding photos. Haknyeon glanced at the note-card with the ominous message and quickly put his phone away.
"I have to go," Mr. Ju said, grabbing his coat. "But I need you to focus. How are you going to help your mother? What will you tell Kai?"
Haknyeon hesitated. "Can you have Jacob call me? He hasn't been answering his phone."
"Jacob left for London. The office needed him back," Mr. Ju replied, adjusting his tie.
"Why would Jacob leave right before the election?" Haknyeon asked, his voice strained.
Mr. Ju gave him a stern look. "Stop worrying about Jacob. Think about your mother and your own responsibilities."
As his father left, Haknyeon slumped against the wall, feeling overwhelmed. His mind drifted to a flashback:
In the dim light of his dorm room, Haknyeon walked out of the bathroom, towel around his neck. Kai was sitting on a chair, his expression tense. Haknyeon sat on the bed, checking his phone. There was a palpable tension between them. Both were nervous, glancing at each other but saying nothing.
Back in the present, Haknyeon felt a pang of sadness and regret. He looked around the empty room, feeling more isolated than ever.
=======================================================
Sunwoo’s mom, Mrs. Kim, held up a brightly colored box with the game "Are You Naughty? or Nice?" written in bold letters. She raised an eyebrow at her son. "Sunwoo, is this too risqué for your bachelor party?"
Sunwoo sighed, glancing at the box. "Maybe we should just cancel and reschedule."
Mrs. Kim frowned. "Cancel? Sunwoo, the party is tomorrow. You have friends coming in from New York."
"Yeah, but I also have friends who already left. Eric is gone," Sunwoo said, frustration evident in his voice.
"Maybe now you can invite New," Mrs. Kim suggested, her tone hopeful. "It’s been years since you and your friends have all been in the same place."
Sunwoo’s expression darkened. "That’s because of a murder investigation."
Mrs. Kim softened, placing a hand on his arm. "Sunwoo, you all need this. It will be a good distraction."
Elsewhere, Juyeon sat in Changmin's cozy apartment, flipping through pages of a manuscript. Changmin approached him, holding a tray with tea and snacks. "How was your parents' wedding?" he asked, placing the tray on the table. "Do you want anything to eat?"
Juyeon shook his head. "I’m going out to lunch with Gunwook." He looked up from the pages. "Changmin, I came over because I want to know what you think I should do regarding the book."
Changmin looked at him thoughtfully. "I spoke to Jillian this morning," he began. "I gave you credit and made sure you didn’t lose your job. I ended up pitching you as a co-writer."
Juyeon’s eyes widened in surprise. "I’m flattered, but Jillian wouldn’t go for it. I’m just an assistant."
"Jillian seems open to the idea," Changmin said, watching Juyeon’s reaction. "Are you?"
Juyeon sat back, speechless for a moment. He glanced at the pages in his hand, then back at Changmin. "I... I think I am."
Changmin smiled, a mix of pride and relief in his eyes. "Good. Because I believe in you, Juyeon. You've got talent, and it's time the world sees it."
Juyeon nodded slowly, a smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Changmin. I won’t let you down."
"I know you won’t," Changmin said warmly. "Now, go enjoy your lunch with Gunwook. Celebrate a little."
Juyeon stood up, feeling a new sense of purpose. "I will. And thank you again."
As he left Changmin's apartment, Juyeon felt a surge of excitement and determination. The future was suddenly filled with possibilities.
=======================================================
Sunwoo held his phone to his ear, pacing back and forth in his living room. "Hyunjae, how did this happen?"
On the other end, Hyunjae sighed. "It's more like, 'How did they not see this coming?' Jacob's pulled stunts like this so many times before. He probably has a fugitive rate from the airlines."
Sunwoo ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "So, the only way to confront Jacob is through a video chat?"
"It doesn't matter," Hyunjae replied. "I just have to prove that Jacob did it without him being there. By the way, the bar menu for your bachelor party shower is available. Do you know what a pink drink is?"
Before Sunwoo could answer, Hyunjae heard the distinctive noise of a car starting up. He looked out the window and spotted a silver Chevy Aveo LS driving away. The noise triggered a memory. "Wait, I've heard that sound before."
Sunwoo's voice came through the phone, concerned. "Hyunjae, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I think so," Hyunjae replied, his mind racing. "I just need to check something out."
Later, at The Brew, Hyunjae was packing up his bag when Changmin walked in. Hyunjae looked up and managed a smile. "Hey, Changmin. Congratulations on the book."
"Thanks, Hyunjae," Changmin said, smiling back. But Hyunjae's attention was suddenly elsewhere as he heard that familiar whistling noise again. He turned to Changmin, a puzzled look on his face. "Have you heard that noise before?"
Changmin listened for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, it's a piece that goes in the exhaust pipe of a car. It makes that high-pitched whining noise."
Hyunjae frowned. "Is that noise on purpose?"
Changmin shrugged. "Probably. It's like a sad, desperate plea for attention."
Hyunjae's mind raced. "Do you think it could be Jacob? Or someone else trying to mess with us?"
Changmin's expression turned serious. "If it's intentional, then whoever it is wants to be noticed. They want you to know they're there."
Hyunjae nodded slowly, his thoughts aligning. "Thanks, Changmin. This might be the lead I needed."
=======================================================
Mrs. Kim stood at the bar in The Radley, leaning in to speak to the bartender. "I'll place a rush order," she said, glancing around the busy room. "Hopefully, the stock we have will last until it arrives."
The bartender nodded and went back to work. Mrs. Kim's attention was drawn to the entrance, where she saw Jungkook pleading with an employee. She couldn't hear everything, but caught snippets of desperation in his voice. "I'll stay in the broom closet if I have to."
Excusing herself from the bar, she walked over to him. "Jungkook, what's going on?" she asked gently.
Jungkook turned, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. "Mrs. Kim, I... I'm no longer staying with Haknyeon and his family. I'm not working for their campaign anymore."
She frowned, concern etched in her features. "What happened?"
Jungkook hesitated, staring at the floor. "It's complicated."
Mrs. Kim sighed. "Let me make some phone calls to other hotels. I'm sure we can find something."
He shook his head, managing a weak smile. "I've already tried. This was my last stop." He started to turn away, defeated.
Mrs. Kim reached out, stopping him with a hand on his arm. "Jungkook, you can stay in the guest room at my place. You know it well."
Jungkook looked at her, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Kim, but I'll figure something out. I don't want to impose."
"Nonsense," she replied firmly. "It's no imposition. You need a place to stay, and my home is open to you."
Jungkook's shoulders sagged, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. "Thank you, really. But I don't want to cause any trouble."
Mrs. Kim squeezed his arm reassuringly. "You're not causing trouble. You're a friend, and friends help each other out. Now, come on. Let's get you settled."
Reluctantly, Jungkook nodded. "Alright. Just for a night or two, until I can figure something out."
Mrs. Kim smiled warmly. "That's all I ask." She led him towards the door, already planning how to make him feel welcome and supported in her home. As they left The Radley, the tension in Jungkook's shoulders seemed to ease slightly, knowing he had a safe place to stay, at least for now.
=======================================================
Haknyeon paced back and forth in his room, phone pressed to his ear. "Jacob, please call me the second your plane lands. I really need to talk to you." He hung up, letting out a frustrated sigh. Just as he was about to sit down, a knock sounded at the door.
He opened it to find Kai, his face a storm of emotions. "Where is he?" Kai demanded.
Haknyeon glanced around nervously. "Jungkook isn't here," he began, but Kai cut him off.
"I know Jungkook," Kai snapped. "Yeosang didn't ask for his life to be put under a microscope. I told the campaign manager who said Jungkook was responsible that I'd bet my life Jungkook wouldn't do something like this. Glad the guy didn't take that bet."
As if on cue, Jungkook walked in, looking worn out but composed. "Hey, Kai."
Haknyeon stepped between them, trying to mediate. "Kai, let Jungkook explain."
But Jungkook shook his head. "There's nothing to explain."
Kai's eyes blazed with anger. "We thought you were our friend. Yeosang trusted you."
"I'm sorry Yeosang is hurting," Jungkook replied quietly.
Haknyeon turned to Jungkook, desperation in his voice. "Please, tell him the truth."
Jungkook remained silent, his eyes downcast. Kai's voice rose, shaking with rage. "You won't even deny it? You can't even say it wasn't you?"
"I can't," Jungkook admitted.
Kai's hands balled into fists. "I need to hear it from you," he shouted, grabbing Jungkook by the shirt.
Haknyeon tried to intervene. "Jungkook, please, just tell him."
Jungkook looked up, his expression one of resignation. "I did what I had to do."
Kai's fury boiled over. He swung his fist, landing a punch squarely on Jungkook's jaw. Jungkook staggered back, and Haknyeon rushed to his side, cradling his friend's face as blood trickled from his lip.
Kai stood there for a moment, his chest heaving with anger and betrayal, before turning on his heel and storming out.
Haknyeon looked at Jungkook, tears in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell him the truth?"
Jungkook wiped the blood from his mouth, wincing. "Because sometimes the truth doesn't matter. What matters is protecting the people we care about."
Haknyeon shook his head, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "But this isn't protection, Jungkook. This is tearing us all apart."
Jungkook closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his cheek. "I know. But I couldn't let them ruin everything. Not again."
Haknyeon helped Jungkook to his feet, the two of them standing together in the quiet aftermath of the confrontation. The air was thick with unresolved tension, and both of them knew that the hardest battles were still ahead.
=======================================================
Hyunjae was carefully stringing fairy lights around the room, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for Sunwoo's bachelor shower. He paused to glance at Sunwoo, who was arranging some decorations on the table.
"I called the auto-shop," Hyunjae said, his voice tense. "No answer."
Sunwoo sighed, "So what, are you going to go over there and pretend like you're going to 'trick out' your sedan?"
Hyunjae frowned, clearly not amused. "This isn't funny, Sunwoo. When I find out that Jacob borrowed the sedan, I'm calling the police. We're running out of time."
Before Sunwoo could respond, Mrs. Kim walked in, her expression flustered. "Sunwoo, could you help me turn on the air? I tried earlier and instead of the air coming on, Beyoncé started playing."
Sunwoo chuckled softly and followed her to the thermostat. As he fiddled with the controls, Mrs. Kim continued, "I saw Jungkook earlier and offered him to stay in the guest room."
Sunwoo's face fell. "Do you mind not letting Jungkook stay in our house?"
"My house," Mrs. Kim corrected, her tone firm. "And Jungkook didn't have anywhere else to go."
Sunwoo's frustration bubbled over. "Jungkook is an adult, Mom, not a pound puppy. You like him more than you like Seonghwa, don't you? You never gave Seonghwa a chance."
Mrs. Kim looked taken aback. "I think Seonghwa is great, Sunwoo. I just don't know him the way I know Jungkook."
Sunwoo's eyes flashed with irritation. "How could you? You don't try to spend any time with him. You compare every guy I date to Jungkook."
Hyunjae, sensing the rising tension, quietly began gathering his things, hoping to slip out unnoticed.
Mrs. Kim's voice softened, but she stood her ground. "I've invited you both back multiple times, Sunwoo. It's not that I don't want to get to know Seonghwa."
Sunwoo turned away from her, his hands clenching into fists. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."
Hyunjae seized the moment to leave, his exit unnoticed by the two still engaged in their heated exchange.
=======================================================
Haknyeon and Jungkook sat on a worn park bench, the autumn air crisp around them. Haknyeon dabbed at Jungkook’s nose with a tissue, but Jungkook kept shifting away, his expression a mix of irritation and resignation.
“Do you want me to do this or not?” Haknyeon asked, his voice edged with frustration.
“I don’t, but you’re ignoring that,” Jungkook muttered, pulling away again.
Haknyeon sighed, his patience wearing thin. “You should just tell Kai the truth.”
“That will only make things worse,” Jungkook snapped back, his tone harsher than intended.
Haknyeon’s eyes flashed with anger. “How could things get any worse?”
“Do you want us to waltz into the Police Department and tell them to slap handcuffs on a boy with no hands?” Jungkook’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Haknyeon’s jaw tightened. “Soobin has hands. And I would, if I was sure Soobin was behind everything.” He paused, then added, “Soobin shut his spy hole and left town. Don’t you think that’s suspicious?”
Jungkook looked at him, a hint of doubt in his eyes. “You don’t think it’s Soobin?”
“I don’t know,” Haknyeon admitted, frustration lacing his words. “But whoever it is, they’re getting impatient. If we don’t give them the killer in the next couple of days, then...”
Jungkook cut him off, his voice firm. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“It’s hard to take comfort from that when you still have blood coming out of your nose,” Haknyeon replied softly, wiping the last of it away.
Jungkook grabbed Haknyeon’s hand, stopping him. “I’d rather have Kai hate me now than blame me later.”
Haknyeon met his gaze, searching for answers in Jungkook’s determined eyes. “But what if you’re wrong? What if Kai can help?”
Jungkook shook his head, his grip tightening. “I can’t risk it, Haknyeon. I can’t risk losing him more than I already have.”
Haknyeon looked down at their intertwined hands, his mind racing with fear and confusion. “We’re running out of time. If we don’t find the real killer...”
“We will,” Jungkook said, his voice resolute. “I promise you, we will.”
Haknyeon sighed, leaning his head against Jungkook’s shoulder. “I just don’t want to lose anyone else.”
“You won’t,” Jungkook whispered, his own fear barely contained. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”
They sat in silence, the weight of their situation pressing down on them. The park around them seemed eerily still, as if holding its breath, waiting for the next move.
=======================================================
Juyeon and Gunwook sat in a cozy corner of The Radley, the morning light streaming through the windows. Juyeon looked at the spread before them, a mix of omelets, fresh fruit, and pastries.
"You didn't have to do all of this," Juyeon said, a smile tugging at his lips.
Gunwook grinned. "That's what an expense account is for: taking my boyfriend out for an omelet and billing it as lunch with a client."
Juyeon chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. "That might not be as big of a lie as you think." He set his cup down and looked at Gunwook. "Changmin called Jillian wanting to get me off the hook and asked me to be his co-author."
Gunwook's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah," Juyeon continued. "I had no idea Changmin was going to do that."
Gunwook nodded, processing the news. "Well, Changmin made a decision." He paused, then added, "I'm really happy for you, Juyeon."
"Thanks," Juyeon said, his eyes softening as he reached across the table to squeeze Gunwook's hand.
Meanwhile, Haknyeon stood outside a local takeout spot, bags of food in hand. He spotted New approaching, a look of irritation on his face.
"So this is your way of thanking me?" New said, gesturing to the takeout. "The leak about Yeosang?"
Haknyeon shook his head. "New, I had nothing to do with that. Neither did Jungkook. How do I know you didn't do it? You've accused other people of things you've done before."
New scoffed, crossing his arms. "Unbelievable. I do something genuinely good and end up paying for it."
Haknyeon frowned. "What are you talking about?"
New sighed, his frustration evident. "The campaign is now going through everything with a fine-toothed comb. My gift of Mrs. Ju's medical records was discovered."
Haknyeon's eyes widened. "What?"
"Not only that," New continued, his voice laced with anger. "Yeosang's mom has been fired. Her credibility is shot, her future is jeopardized."
=======================================================
Juyeon and Changmin sat at a small table in the corner of Changmin's cozy apartment, their focus entirely on the manuscript sprawled between them.
"The character is really powerful," Changmin said, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I especially liked the end of chapter five."
Juyeon nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "I love that section about the bridge."
Changmin looked at him, his brow furrowing slightly. "Do you think it works? I was trying to create a metaphor there."
Juyeon nodded again. "I got it. It was clear."
Changmin leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "There were some things I wanted to discuss with you." He paused, then asked, "Why do you think I want you to write this with me?"
Juyeon looked at him curiously. "Why do you?"
Changmin's gaze softened. "Zuho's voice was taken away, and I wanted to give it back."
Juyeon frowned slightly. "I didn't know Zuho."
"Exactly," Changmin replied. "That's why I need you. I would spend the whole time spinning in place, trying to be faithful to reality. You aren’t tied down by that. You can help me breathe life into this story in a way that I can't alone."
Juyeon felt a sense of pride and responsibility. "It's a lot to ask, but I'll help you with this."
Before Changmin could respond, there was a knock on the door. Juyeon got up and opened it to reveal Sooyoung standing there, a hint of irritation in her eyes.
"I've never enjoyed the feeling of déjà vu," Sooyoung said, her voice carrying an edge.
Juyeon raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to speak to Juyeon alone," Sooyoung said, glancing at Changmin.
Changmin looked between them, sensing the tension. "Is something wrong?" he asked.
Sooyoung gave a small, humorless laugh. "That's an open-ended question, don't you think?" she replied, and Changmin, taking the hint, left the room.
Juyeon turned to Sooyoung, a knot forming in his stomach. "What do you want?"
Sooyoung stepped closer, her expression serious. "There was a witness from the Two Crows Diner who saw the person who called Eric's house on the night of San's murder."
Juyeon's heart skipped a beat. "What does that have to do with me?"
Sooyoung's eyes narrowed slightly. "You fit the description. I need you to come in for a lineup."
Juyeon's mind raced. "I gave you my statement. I didn't leave the hotel that night, and I've never been to the Two Crows Diner."
Sooyoung's gaze was unwavering. "Good. This will give us a chance to eliminate you as a suspect."
Juyeon felt a bead of sweat form on his brow. He met Sooyoung's gaze, trying to keep his expression neutral. "Fine," he said finally. "I'll come in."
Sooyoung gave a curt nod. "I'll expect you tomorrow morning."
As she turned to leave, Juyeon closed the door behind her, leaning against it as he tried to calm his racing thoughts.
=======================================================
Hyunjae pushed open the door of the auto shop, the smell of oil and grease hitting him immediately. Inside, he saw five older gentlemen chatting near a cluttered workbench. He approached them, trying to keep his tone casual.
"Hey, did anyone bring in a dark gray SUV recently?" Hyunjae asked.
One of the men, Patty, looked up from what he was doing and said, "We can't help you."
Hyunjae frowned. "Does that mean you haven't seen one, or you just can't help me?"
Patty repeated firmly, "It means we can't help you."
Ignoring the brush-off, Hyunjae began to snoop around the shop. He spotted a tarp-covered car in the corner and lifted the edge to peek underneath. His eyes widened when he saw the dark gray paint. Quickly, he pulled out his phone and snapped a picture.
Patty's voice rang out, sharp and demanding, "What do you think you're doing?"
Hyunjae turned to face him, holding up the picture. "This is the car I was talking about. Do you know who drove it last night?"
Patty's expression remained stony as he replied, "Maybe I lent it to a friend. I can't remember."
Hyunjae held up a picture of Jacob on his phone. "Was this your friend?"
Patty glanced at the photo, then looked back at the other men before responding. "It wasn't Jacob."
Hyunjae could feel the tension in the room. Patty’s eyes darted nervously towards his companions, and he stepped closer to Hyunjae, lowering his voice. "You need to go. Now."
Hyunjae took a step back, noting the hostility in Patty's tone. "Alright, I'm going. But if you remember anything, you'll let me know, right?"
Patty didn't respond, just watched as Hyunjae made his way out of the shop. As the door closed behind him, Hyunjae glanced back one last time, seeing the men huddle together, their conversation turning serious. He knew he was onto something, but what exactly, he wasn't sure yet. He only knew that Jacob was involved, and he had to find out how.
=======================================================
Juyeon stood in the lineup, the fluorescent lights overhead casting harsh shadows on the cold, gray walls. He tried to focus, but the nervous energy was palpable, making his heart race. Sooyoung's voice cut through the tension.
"Step forward," she instructed each boy in turn, her tone firm and detached.
When she got to Juyeon, he hesitated, his eyes dropping to the floor.
"Head up, please. Face forward," Sooyoung demanded.
Juyeon complied, raising his head and looking straight ahead, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. After what felt like an eternity, he was told to return to the line. He did so, his nerves only growing more frayed.
Once the lineup was over, Juyeon made his way out of the Police Department, his steps hurried and frantic. As he pushed through the door, he overheard a male voice thanking someone for their help. Glancing over, he saw a figure with short blonde hair walking away briskly. Something about the scene felt off, but he couldn't place it.
Unable to shake the feeling, Juyeon turned back and re-entered the Police Department. He approached Sooyoung, who looked up from her desk, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
"Did you forget something?" she asked, her voice edged with curiosity.
Juyeon took a deep breath. "Was your eyewitness Choi Soobin?" he blurted out.
Sooyoung's expression hardened. "We don't reveal the identity of witnesses. If we did, people would be afraid to speak up."
Juyeon leaned in, his voice low and urgent. "I'm sure he couldn't wait to talk. The person you should be questioning was on their side of the glass."
Before Sooyoung could respond, her phone rang. She picked it up, her eyes briefly meeting Juyeon's as she answered. As she spoke, she "accidentally" knocked her coffee cup over, the dark liquid spilling across the desk and soaking a folder labeled "Homicide Investigation."
Juyeon's eyes darted to the folder, catching sight of the witness statement through the soggy paper. He read the words quickly:
"attractive brunette making call. the man looked irritated ... out of his element ... something was off...the caller was on edge, jiggling car keys. clenched in his hand and playing with them nervously ... witness could identify the keys as the caller had a key-chain with pink dice."
Sooyoung ended her call and looked back at Juyeon. "Would you like to file a complaint form?"
Juyeon's frustration boiled over. "A complaint form?" he echoed incredulously. "Five years ago, you found me underground. I would think that after everything that's happened, you'd take me seriously."
Sooyoung's face softened slightly, but her resolve remained. "I do take you seriously, Juyeon. But I don't have to act on it right away. You're free to go."
Juyeon stared at her, a mixture of anger and desperation in his eyes. Without another word, he turned and left the office, feeling the weight of the unsolved mystery bearing down on him even more heavily.
=======================================================
Haknyeon descended the stairs, each step heavier with the weight of the conversation he was about to have. He spotted his father standing at the base, arms crossed and expression stern.
Mr. Ju broke the silence first. "It's nice to see how much you take our chats to heart," he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Haknyeon frowned, confusion creasing his forehead. "What do you mean?"
"Jungkook was in our house less than a day after I asked you to stay away from him," Mr. Ju responded, his eyes narrowing.
Haknyeon tried to explain, "He had to get some clothes." He hesitated, then asked, "How did you even know—?"
Mr. Ju interrupted sharply, "Then a park bench?"
Haknyeon felt a surge of frustration. "You can't ask me to cut Jungkook out of my life."
Mr. Ju's gaze hardened. "Does it look like I'm asking?" He sighed, the anger giving way to a more somber tone. "I know how painful this is, Haknyeon. Maybe Jungkook's intentions were good, but his actions prove he doesn't share the same value system as our family."
Haknyeon's eyes widened in shock. "Can you really look at me and say that with a straight face?" His voice rose with emotion. "You're protecting Jacob! Jacob killed someone and you shuttled him off to Europe!"
"Jacob didn't kill anyone," Mr. Ju countered, his voice steady. "He was being blackmailed."
Haknyeon shook his head, disbelief etched on his face. "What are you talking about?"
"Right before San's hearing, Jacob started getting threatening messages," Mr. Ju explained. "Someone claimed to have video of him confessing to burying Hyunjin."
"That can't be true," Haknyeon whispered, his mind racing to process the information.
"It is," Mr. Ju continued. "Jacob was told to drop money off at a disclosed location or the video would be released. That's why he came back to town in secret."
Haknyeon felt a chill run down his spine. "Who was blackmailing him?"
"Jacob doesn't know," Mr. Ju admitted. "He dropped off the money and hoped it would go away. But then, San turned up dead."
Haknyeon's voice trembled with anger and confusion. "Why would Jacob flee if he had nothing to do with it?"
Mr. Ju's expression softened, a hint of regret in his eyes. "He got spooked, Haknyeon. He didn't know what to do."
"Why didn't you tell him to go to the police?" Haknyeon demanded, his frustration boiling over.
"I was scared," Mr. Ju confessed. "I was scared they'd think Jacob was guilty of more than just being blackmailed."
Haknyeon stared at his father, the weight of the revelations pressing down on him. He felt a mix of anger, confusion, and a deep sense of betrayal. The room seemed to close in around him as he grappled with the truth, realizing that the web of lies and secrets was far more tangled than he had ever imagined.
=======================================================
At Sunwoo's shower, the room was filled with an air of jovial celebration, but the boys were huddled in a corner, deep in conversation. Haknyeon recounted his recent exchange with his father, his voice barely above a whisper.
"So, my dad says Jacob was being blackmailed," Haknyeon said, his expression grim.
Juyeon frowned, leaning forward. "Do we really believe that? It sounds convenient."
Hyunjae interjected, "Even if it is true, isn't that more of a reason Jacob would have wanted San dead?"
Haknyeon nodded, "It would be, but San was still on lockdown when Jacob made his first payment. I think the person threatening us is the same one who blackmailed Jacob."
Sunwoo shook his head. "I don't think Jacob borrowed the SUV."
Hyunjae sighed, "Then we're left with nothing."
Juyeon chimed in, "We have the eyewitness report."
Hyunjae rolled his eyes. "A hot brunette with a cheesy keychain? That's half this party."
Mrs. Kim clinked a glass, drawing everyone's attention. "Boys, could you all sit on the sofa so Sunwoo can open his presents?"
Sunwoo leaned in and whispered, "If any of you got me a toy, you're dead."
Before they could respond, there was a knock at the door. Sunwoo answered it to find New standing there, holding a small package.
"Hey," New said, offering the gift with a shy smile. "It's a wedding dream book we made the summer before eighth grade. You would marry Matt Damon, and I would marry Justin Timberlake."
Sunwoo's eyes widened in surprise. "I can't believe you still have this."
Mrs. Kim, standing nearby, smiled warmly. "New, come in. Join us."
New stepped inside, and the boys gathered around Sunwoo as he began to unwrap his presents. The tension in the air eased slightly as laughter and memories from their past filled the room. The presence of old friends and shared history brought a brief reprieve from the weight of their current troubles.
=======================================================
After the presents were opened, Mrs. Kim beamed at the group. “Alright everyone, how about a game of 'How Well Do You Know the Wedding Couple?' A little version of 21 Questions.” She looked around, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “First question: where did Seonghwa propose?”
As the group settled in, Juyeon leaned over to Hyunjae and whispered, “Why is New here? Didn't he and Haknyeon have it out at The Brew?”
Hyunjae shrugged, “He brought a gift.”
“Yeah, and an ax to grind,” Haknyeon muttered.
Mrs. Kim’s voice cut through their whispers. “Hyunjae, do you know how Seonghwa and Sunwoo met?”
Hyunjae thought for a moment. “Uh, at a work function?” He hesitated, then quickly added, “No, at a party.”
Mrs. Kim turned to Haknyeon. “What about you?”
Haknyeon paused. “I know this…” but he didn’t finish.
Sunwoo chuckled nervously. “This game is silly. How about we play a game where we all take a shot every time someone says the word ‘bride’?” The room erupted in laughter.
Sunwoo then grabbed his tablet, frowning. “What’s wrong with this thing?” he muttered as it refused to respond to his touch. Suddenly, an alarm blared, the same piercing sound from the Dollhouse, and loud rock music began to play.
Mrs. Kim, covering her ears, shouted, “Sunwoo, fix it!”
Sunwoo frantically tried to stop the noise. “My tablet’s malfunctioned, I don’t know how to stop it!” he yelled back.
Haknyeon grabbed the tablet from Sunwoo, attempting to troubleshoot, but then the lights abruptly shut off. Panic set in as the room plunged into darkness.
“What’s happening?” Hyunjae asked, his voice tinged with fear.
“I don’t know!” Sunwoo replied, trying to stay calm.
Mrs. Kim attempted to turn the lights back on, but instead, the air conditioner roared to life, blowing everything around. A present bag toppled over, and they heard the distinct sound of glass shattering.
Juyeon moved to pick up the bag, but as he did, the fireplace suddenly ignited, sending him sprawling backward.
“Juyeon!” Hyunjae shouted, rushing to help him.
The group—Hyunjae, Sunwoo, Mrs. Kim, Haknyeon, and New—stood frozen in horror, the flickering flames casting eerie shadows across their faces.
=======================================================
Haknyeon ended the call and turned to the boys, his expression grim. "Juyeon has just been admitted to the ER," he said. "He has second-degree burns, but the doctors say he'll be fine."
Hyunjae's eyes widened in shock. "How could this even happen?" he asked.
Haknyeon glanced at New, suspicion in his eyes. "Maybe you should ask New," he said pointedly. "Is it a coincidence that this happened shortly after you arrived?"
New looked taken aback. "You can't seriously think I had anything to do with this," he protested.
Before the tension could escalate, Haknyeon's phone buzzed with a text from Kai: "I don't have much time, but I can meet now."
Haknyeon flashed back to a moment in his dorm room. He and Kai were sitting on the edge of his bed, nerves palpable. Kai glanced at the door, then back at Haknyeon. "How long does this take?" Kai asked.
Haknyeon held up a small packet. "Three minutes. Said on the package," Spencer responded from the corner, fidgeting with his own set of notes.
Back in the present, Haknyeon snapped out of the memory. "I have to go," he announced, grabbing his jacket.
Hyunjae looked concerned. "Is it Sunwoo?" he asked, hoping for more information.
Haknyeon hesitated, then lied smoothly, "No, it’s my dad. I'll call him later." Without another word, he headed for the door, leaving the rest of the group in a state of confusion and worry.
Haknyeon walked into The Brew, his steps faltering when he spotted Kai in uniform. The sight triggered a flashback, a memory tinged with unresolved tension.
In the flashback, Kai sat on Haknyeon's dorm bed, looking serious. "Do you want to talk about it? What we’re going to do if..." Kai's voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken words hanging in the air.
Haknyeon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm a sophom*ore, Kai. I'm already struggling with exams and everything else," he replied, his tone strained.
Kai nodded, his expression earnest. "I know. But I could apply for a transfer," he suggested, hope in his voice.
Haknyeon looked at him incredulously. "Are you planning to move into my dorm room?" he asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Kai frowned, hurt flashing across his face. "You don't have to say it like that, like living together would be such a horrible thing."
"In this context, it would be," Haknyeon shot back, the tension between them thickening.
Kai's shoulders slumped. "You're talking about this like it would ruin our lives. Isn't this what we were planning for, eventually?" he asked, desperation creeping into his tone.
Haknyeon shook his head, overwhelmed. "I don't know. I haven't thought that far ahead," he admitted.
Kai's eyes searched Haknyeon's face. "Have you made up your mind about us?" he asked softly.
"Don't make this about something that it isn't," Haknyeon replied, his voice wavering. "You have plans for the future. You wanted to quit the force and go back to school."
"That was your idea, not mine," Kai corrected, frustration seeping into his voice. "You said being with a cop wasn't good enough for you."
"I never said that," Haknyeon retorted, his eyes filling with tears. "I thought you wanted more."
Kai sighed deeply, his own eyes misting over. "More?" he echoed, the word heavy with meaning. "I just feel like, when we picture our future together, we aren't seeing the same picture anymore."
Haknyeon looked away, tears spilling over. "Can we not do this right now? This is hard enough," he pleaded.
Kai reached out, his hand trembling. "I'm not trying to make this harder. I just... I feel like we're drifting apart."
=======================================================
Kai greeted Haknyeon with a nod, his face etched with concern. "Hey, Haknyeon. Thanks for asking me to come, but I can't stay long. I'm on duty," he said as they walked over to a nearby sofa.
Haknyeon nodded, glancing around nervously. "I appreciate you taking the time. Jungkook doesn't know I'm here," he began, his voice tense.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "If you're going to try to get him -"
Haknyeon cut him off, shaking his head. "Jungkook didn't leak it."
Kai's expression shifted to one of confusion. "Then why is he taking the blame?"
Haknyeon took a deep breath. "E is back... or a copycat version. Whoever this person is thinks they know who killed San and they're trying to make our lives miserable. I'm sorry Yeosang got caught in the crossfire. Jungkook didn't want to tell you because he didn't want to put you at risk."
Kai's eyes softened as he listened. "Thank you for telling me," he said quietly, then added, "Are you okay?"
Haknyeon forced a small smile. "I am. I couldn't let you think I'd judge Yeosang for making that choice, not after we almost had to make that choice ourselves."
A few tears welled up in Haknyeon's eyes, mirrored in Kai's. Kai reached out, giving Haknyeon's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "You've been amazing and strong, Haknyeon. I guess I have a type," Kai said with a small, bittersweet smile.
Haknyeon chuckled softly, wiping away a tear. "How's Yeosang?"
"He's holding up. Thanks to you," Kai replied. He glanced at his watch, then stood up. "Take care of yourself, Haknyeon."
As Kai walked away, Haknyeon's phone buzzed. He glanced down to see a new text from E-moji: "You didn't take me seriously, so I thought I'd light a fire under your ass."
A chill ran down Haknyeon's spine as he read the message. He knew that the situation was far from over and that they were all still in danger. With a determined look, he put his phone away, ready to face whatever came next.
=======================================================
Juyeon lay in his hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air. A gauze pad covered his burn, and he tried to find a comfortable position. His phone buzzed with a message from E-moji: "You didn't take me seriously, so I thought I'd light a fire under your ass." The timing of the message was unnerving, making him shiver.
A knock on the door preceded Changmin's entrance. "Hey, Juyeon," Changmin greeted softly.
Juyeon looked up, his face lighting up with a mix of relief and curiosity. "How did you know I was here?"
"Sunwoo texted me," Changmin explained, pulling up a chair next to Juyeon's bed. "Are you in any pain?"
Juyeon winced slightly. "The doctors gave me something, but it's not really helping much."
Changmin nodded understandingly. "I told Sunwoo and Mrs. Kim that if they needed rest, I could take you home."
Juyeon shook his head. "The nurse said it's going to be a long night."
"I'm prepared for that," Changmin said with a reassuring smile. He began pulling items out of a bag. "I brought reading material, spare clothes—which are mine, but we can find some medical tape to cinch them—and gummy bears."
Juyeon's tense expression softened a little. "You came really prepared."
Changmin noticed Juyeon's unease and reached out to touch his hand gently. "Don't be scared. It was an accident."
Juyeon shook his head, his voice trembling. "It wasn't. It was my fault. I shouldn't have been standing so close to the fireplace."
Changmin looked confused but chose not to press further. Instead, he picked up a magazine and began to read aloud, hoping to distract Juyeon. "Fashion tips for the summer season..."
Juyeon listened, his eyelids growing heavy. "Don't stop. I was getting sleepy."
Changmin continued, his voice a soothing balm. "Maybe there's a car manual around here I could read to you instead," he joked.
Juyeon chuckled softly. "It's informative."
"If you want informative, I can read you the pamphlet on staph infection," Changmin teased back.
Juyeon's smile faded slightly as he spoke quietly, "What you said earlier about the writing... It wasn't true. I have creative baggage too. I want to make you proud."
Before Changmin could respond, the door opened, and Gunwook stepped in. "Juyeon, I'm so glad you're okay," he said, relief evident in his voice. He glanced at Changmin and added, "Thanks for being here."
Gunwook walked over to Juyeon's bedside, his face lighting up with excitement. "I have good news: Jillian approved the book. Congratulations, you're going to be an author!"
He leaned down and kissed Juyeon tenderly. Changmin quietly slipped out of the room, giving them their moment.
Juyeon watched Changmin leave, feeling a mix of gratitude and sorrow. Turning back to Gunwook, he smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. Despite everything, there were still bright spots in his life, and he was determined to hold onto them.
=======================================================
Mrs. Kim and Sunwoo sat silently in the hospital waiting room, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on their worried faces. The tension was palpable, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Sunwoo broke the silence.
"I’m sorry for being a Bridezilla," Sunwoo said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I’ve been so focused on the wedding that I haven’t been including Seonghwa enough in her life."
Mrs. Kim looked at him with a mixture of sympathy and curiosity. "Sunwoo, why have you iced out New? I saw the way you and your friends reacted when he showed up. A sewer rat might have gotten a warmer welcome."
Sunwoo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "New wasn’t invited."
Mrs. Kim raised an eyebrow. "Why not? Clearly, you mean a lot to New."
Sunwoo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It’s complicated."
Mrs. Kim leaned in, her tone gentle but insistent. "Has something happened between the two of you since the investigation started?"
Sunwoo hesitated, then shook his head. "I honestly don’t know what New has been up to."
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Kim asked, her concern growing.
"It’s nothing," Sunwoo said quickly, avoiding her gaze. "I’ll go get us some coffee."
As Sunwoo walked down the sterile hallway, his mind raced. He thought about the series of events that had led them here, the mounting suspicions and the unraveling friendships. He reached the vending machine and fumbled with the coins, trying to shake off the unease that clung to him like a second skin.
Back in the waiting room, Mrs. Kim watched him go, her heart heavy with worry. She had known Sunwoo for years, seen him grow from a carefree boy into a man burdened by secrets and responsibilities. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong, that there were truths lurking beneath the surface that Sunwoo wasn’t ready to face.
Sunwoo returned with two cups of coffee, handing one to Mrs. Kim with a forced smile. "Here you go."
"Thank you," she said, taking a sip. She decided to let the matter rest for now, sensing that pushing Sunwoo further would only drive him away.
They sat in silence once more, the quiet hum of the hospital enveloping them. Sunwoo’s thoughts drifted back to Juyeon and the accident, to the cryptic messages from E-moji, and to the strained relationships with his friends. He knew they were all walking a tightrope, balancing on the edge of a dangerous precipice. And he feared that one wrong step would send them all tumbling into the abyss.
=======================================================
Haknyeon stood outside the hospital, the cool evening air brushing against his face as he dialed Yeosang's number. The phone rang several times before going to voicemail. He took a deep breath and started speaking, his voice tinged with regret and sincerity.
"Hey, Yeosang, it's Haknyeon. I know I'm probably the last person you want to hear from right now, but I just wanted to say I'm really sorry for everything that's happened. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. I hope you're doing okay."
He ended the call and stared at the phone for a moment, feeling a weight lift slightly from his shoulders. Turning back to the hospital entrance, he saw New and Hyunjae near a garbage can, throwing out wrapping paper and tissue paper from Sunwoo's shower gifts.
Hyunjae glanced at New. "You didn’t have to stay, you know. I could have done this myself."
New shook his head, looking into the can. He spotted the wedding dream book he and Sunwoo had made together and sighed. "It seems like anything I do ends up this way. Good intentions that look like trash."
Hyunjae frowned, sensing the deeper meaning behind New’s words. "Do you need a ride?" New asked, trying to shift the conversation.
"No, my car’s just over there," Hyunjae replied, pointing to the parking lot.
New started to walk away, keys jangling in his hand. Hyunjae’s eyes caught sight of New's key-chain with pink dice. A chill ran down his spine as he remembered the eyewitness report.
"New, wait!" Hyunjae called out, his voice suddenly urgent.
New turned around, eyebrows raised in surprise. "What’s up?"
"Was it you?" Hyunjae asked, his tone sharp.
New looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Did you call San from the Two Crows Diner?" Hyunjae pressed, his eyes narrowing.
New glanced around nervously before responding in a low voice, "I can’t talk about this here."
Hyunjae’s patience snapped. "Get in the car, now."
Reluctantly, New nodded and followed Hyunjae to his car. They got in, and the tension in the air was palpable as Hyunjae started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.
