Chapter 3: Caring for A Stranger

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Seattle, Washington.


-Taeyong's POV-

I followed Jungwoo to the building's exterior, soon arriving at the institute's front gate. Jungwoo kept holding my wrist, guiding me outside into the streets, and briefly took me into an alley. Shortly, I looked around, noticing the privacy Jungwoo sought after leaving the institute's ground. However, before I could request something about the current situation, Jungwoo took out a traveling stone from his pocket.

-Where are we going? – I asked, confused.

-You'll see when we arrive there. Now, touch the stone and don't let go of it. – Jungwoo told me, which I nodded for in response, blindly trusting in Jungwoo's orders.

Without hesitation, I placed my hand on the stone, closed my eyes, and felt my body lighter than before. Shortly, I heard the silence until getting back all of my senses ere hearing birds singing.


*Jungwoo's cottage*

I opened my eyes and glanced everywhere I could. The freshness of the environment made me release a subtle smile, and then I looked back at Jungwoo. He placed his stone away before crossing glances with me; he breathed deeply before motioning me to follow him with his head. I merely nodded while admiring the peaceful place he chose to live in on his own.

I can tell this cottage it's outside the city. I suppose Jungwoo didn't take Hyonjun's absence in his house lightly.

Jungwoo guided me to his cozy cottage as we shortly met with the door. Jungwoo took out his wand and drew a symbol on thin air; however, the brightness of his power's color captivated me immediately. Jungwoo's magic has an ocean blue tint to it, and it shines very intensely against the light of day. Then, I noticed the symbol he drew, causing me to tilt my head.

Is that a security spell?

After hearing the door unlocking, I shook my head, returning to my senses. Immediately, Jungwoo opened the door for me, which I bowed for gratefully. Then, I entered his cottage, and right after me, he followed my steps and closed the door. Once again. I was mesmerized by the looks of a place; Jungwoo's cottage is truly divine. The coziness and warmth of the decoration bring me back to my grandma's house, and the fireplace gives a homey atmosphere to it all.

-Get comfortable; I'll be with you in some moments. – Jungwoo told me, which I nodded for in response. Then, I sat down on the table's chair close to the window, shortly taking a deep breath.

I never expected to see Jungwoo's home so soon. I thought it would take me years to come here.

I subtly smiled after hearing my thoughts before suddenly hearing a pot heating up. Hence, I lifted my head and noticed Jungwoo heating some water while standing in the kitchen area.

-Are you going to continue watching me, or do you have some questions? – Jungwoo asked, causing me to get out of my thoughts. I shook my head slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed at my actions.

-Yes, sorry. I thought you wouldn't take me to your home so soon. – I admitted, anticipating Jungwoo's response to my words.

-Well, this is the place where I feel the most secure; therefore, I had to take you along now that we are allies. – Jungwoo answered before serving the hot water on two cups, briefly taking out his wand. He tapped on the items twice, causing them to levitate and land on the table. Shortly, Jungwoo walked towards the table and sat in front of me.

-I see that you are comfortable while using magic. – I pointed out while looking at the tea in front of me.

-Every wizard should, but if you say it is due to my disguise, then I suppose you have the right to find it unique. – Jungwoo spoke before drinking some tea out of the cup. Gradually, he looked back at me and placed the drink down. -Taeyong, you are the first person to come here. Besides Doyoung, nobody knows where I live and what I do. – Jungwoo revealed, which I hummed for in response.

-I know I am, and I'm grateful you trust me enough to show me this part of you. However, I still have doubts about the investigation you are making. – I mentioned. My words captured Jungwoo's attention; his expression changed before nodding at me.

-The investigation is about my brother's connection with Adam Young. I found it confusing when I knew the person he supposedly killed; after all, they didn't know each other. I remember both were in the same class but rarely crossed paths or words. – Jungwoo explained, trying not to miss any detail.

-Yes, I find the same things odd. But when I found you, I heard the place you were searching through the books. Is the Remedy Bridge the place you sought? – I questioned, which Jungwoo nodded for in response. Then, he took out his notebook from his coat. Shortly, he placed it on the table while showing me the papers with information.

-The Remedy Bridge isn't close to my parents' house; therefore, I find it difficult to agree that my brother would go to the other part of the city only to meet with Adam Young. – Jungwoo pointed out before changing the page, briefly showing me the enchantments. -Adam Young got murdered by the "Ultimate Demise" spell, and I'm certainly aware that my brother didn't know how to execute it. – Jungwoo highlighted, causing me to look at him, stunned.

-So, your hunch is telling you that someone tried to frame Hyonjun for Adam's murder? – I questioned, and right after, Jungwoo nodded in response.

-Not only that, but I believe Adam Young knew something very substantial for the magic world. When a wizard kills, it's never due to irrelevant issues; don't you think? – Jungwoo mentioned. His proposition made me reflect for a moment; after all, I remember Adam's attitude before his demise.

-Now that you mention it, Adam went to his parent's house during the weekend. And when he came back, Adam didn't act like he used to; he was more earnest than usual. – I reminisced, feeling slightly unwell after picturing the past days inside my head.

-Perhaps we can interrogate the Young's household when we get more information about the crime. – Jungwoo suggested, which I assented for in response while trying to act like nothing was bothering me.

I drank some tea, attempting to calm down my emotions; however, picturing Adam inside my head always makes me feel unsettled. However, my thoughts and laments got interrupted by a soft touch on my hand, causing me to look up to meet Jungwoo's eyes.

-It's alright; I understand this situation is still difficult for you. – Jungwoo sincerely spoke, the look in his eyes making me feel comfortable and safe.

-It is, but I don't know why I'm letting it get to me so suddenly. I usually control it well enough to hide my sorrow. – I admitted, sincerely speaking to Jungwoo. Once again, I blindly trusted him like a close friend.

-You don't have to hide it with me. I know we barely know each other, but you can rely on me; I understand what it's like to lose someone you loved. – Jungwoo frankly said, causing me to smile at him. And for the first time, he returned the grin, subtly arching his lips. Then, he caressed my hand while we looked at each other.

He's so kind but never shows it.

-Jungwoo, can I ask you something? – I questioned before looking at Jungwoo's thumb caressing my hand.

-What is it? – Jungwoo replied.

-Do you believe we'll find the answers we want after our investigation ends? – I worriedly questioned.

-We will; I promise you that, Taeyong. – Jungwoo gently smiled at me before I nodded.

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