DEVIL'S DESIRE

TWO

Lee Haneul
I look at Jun-ho for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You can't be serious." I said as I get off the ring and begin to wrap the white tape around my hands as I walk over to the punching bag. "I am serious, Haneul. We use a different style to approach the killer." He said and I begin to throw my punch on the bag. I remained silent and continue to focus myself. Punching and kicking the bag hard to the point the metal that supporting it begins to create a creaking sound. "Such a waste that they dispose the evidence and everything that was related to my brother's death." I mumbled before throwing another punch and follow by strong kick.

"Well there was no further investigation required after his partner's death too. Strange isn't it? They knew something was up but all they did was destroy the evidence and close the chapter." I said before throw one strong punch until it shakes the metal stand of the punching bag. "That is why I suggest you to use different approach. Forget about being detective now. You can start by becoming someone who attracts serial killer." I punched Jun Ho stomach which caused him to bow in pain. "I'm already under suspension.

If I follow your suggestion, they might terminate me with no doubt." I said as I unwrap the tape and sat on the bench."Thanks for your suggestion but I shall just move on. It's been six years. No point hunting down the killer." I said before packing up my things. "Shall we go and get beer and tteokbokki at the usual place?" I asked. "Erm I can't. I have somewhere else to go. Sorry." Jun-Ho gave me an apologetic smile before I leave the warehouse building. I get on my bike and ride my way out of the place. It is only four in the evening and the skies is already in the shade of grey. "No please don't rain yet." I mumble to myself as I increase the speed and try my best to get to the restaurant before the rain falls. God is on my side cause as soon I arrived at the restaurant, rain begins to fall heavily.

"Ahjumma the usual." I ordered from the owner and she gives me a thumbs up. I sat by the window and place my helmet beside me. "Long day at work?" The old lady asked as she served a plate full of spicy tteokbokki and a bottle of chilsung soda instead. I look at the soda bottle and she smiles. "Your friend is not here today. Drinking and riding, not a good combination." She chuckles and I just smile before pouring the chilsung in the glass and start to eat my tteokbokki. "Work can be stressful." I said as I enjoy the spiciness of the street food. "Ahjumma, do you happen to have job vacancy here? I can help you at the moment." I asked and she frowned.

"Actually I do need an assistant to help me out with the table clearing and food serving. This may seem like a small restaurant but bless the number of customers every day and night." She sigh and I wiggle my brows as I look at her. "Hire me then. I'll help. As for now, my workplace suspend me from duty because of some confidential reason so I'm jobless now." I said and she smack me with the cloth that is on her hand. "Yah! You are forever the troublemaker you know that. Of course with soft heart and rough personality but...." Just as she was about to continue another three customers walk in. I just sat there in silence while she attend to her customers.

Maybe I can also help out starting tonight. I look at the time and it seems like it will be dinner time soon. The heavy rain does not stop people from coming to the stall. I finish up the tteokbokki and immediately got up from my seat and takes off my jacket. I put up my hair into a bun and begin to clear the plates and utensils on the rest of the table as well as the one on mine. "What are you doing?" The old lady asked while I'm wiping the table using the rag I found. "Wiping and cleaning plus helping you out." I replied and she pat my back lightly. "Whatever that suits you. I'll pay you daily rate. Will that be fine?" She asked and I chuckle. "I don't really care about the pay. Just want to help you out and occupy my free time." I replied and the old lady just laughs.

"I really wish you're my grandchild instead. My useless grandson never bother to offer any help. He comes here only to eat and give me monthly expenses." The old lady complaint while she serves the kimchi ramyeon in bowl and placed it on the tray. "Go and served it to that customer. Along with a glass of water." She said as I assist her with the drink and then begin to serve the order. Time pass and it is already dinner time. More and more customers coming to the restaurant. This is way tiring than I expected. I wonder how this old lady able to work alone with no assistance at times.

I was busy cleaning up the dirty dishes when suddenly I heard a man yelling. "YAH! Are you dumb? You got the wrong order again. This is the third time old lady!" I frowned and leave the kitchen only to see a man standing tall, looking down at the scared old lady. "The fuck is your problem?" I went over and stood in front of the old lady. "Who are you? Move aside. This old lady been giving me the wrong order from just now." He pointed at the old lady and I immediately grabbed his finger and twisted it. "Show respect to the elderly or you leave the restaurant." I gritted my teeth while he scream in pain. "Get out!" I push him towards the door.

"Are you alright?" I asked the old lady and she look scared. "I can't remember his order. He is a bit fussy with his food." She said and I just hugged her. "Go and rest. I got you cover." I said before noticing that people are looking at me. "Show is over. Enjoy your meal instead." I said before I take the old lady to the back and made her sit down. "Let me get you a glass of water. Wait here." I said as I pour a glass of water and hand it to her. Somehow I managed to handle everything by myself. It is almost eleven when customers left and I cleared the table. The chime on the door ring and I frowned.

"The sign says close." I said as I walked out of the back room and a tall man stood there in floral outfit with black coat as outerwear. His hair is dark, slightly curly and he stands like a model with his hand in his pocket. I snapped out from my thought and frowned. "Can't you read? The sign says close. Come back tomorrow morning." I said as I stood in front of him. "Are there any spicy tteokbokki and fishcake soup left?" He asked and I rolled my eyes. He has got to be kidding me. "Are you deaf or blind?" I grabbed his hand and lead him out of the restaurant.

"Read here. C-L-O-S-E-D. CLOSED!" He laughs and I raised my brow. "What so funny?" Just then the old lady walk out and saw the two of us standing outside. "Haneul ah, everything alright?" The old lady asked. "This idiot refuse to leave and still order...." The lady just chuckle. " Spicy Tteokbokki and fishcake soup?" She finishes my sentence. "Yes. How do you know his order?" I frowned.

"Haneul ah. This is my grandson I was talking about earlier, Kim Taehyung."