Detective Jeon (2) : He, Never Left | JJK

Ch6. Virgin

A slender man with a thin waist and buzz cut poured some wine into a glass. Being in his mid-30s, he was dressed rather too fancy in a green beach palm half shirt and tight leather pants. He was standing and holding a wine glass behind the bar counter in one hand, while the fingers of the other hand rested calmly on his chin as he closely observed Jeon sitting patiently across the table. He swirls his red wine glass before gulping it down in one go.

"Let's cut the crap, Jeon. Why are you here?"

"Seriously? I went out for a few years and look at you. Serving men have no respect these days."

"Huh! You serve no one but your thick ass."

"So you finally noticed." Jeon gave out a smirk. He knew Yuda was not expecting that.

"Don't you dare think of creating a scene out here like you did last time unless," Yuda hovered over the bar counter and winked at him. "unless you might be looking out for some one night fun. I'm free tonight."

"I'm only here for few drinks."

"Really? Since when-"

"A virgin cocktail is fine."

"Oh! Sorry honey but the bar is closed."

"What a shame! Come on, the night is still young."

"But I've already called it a day here. Look around." The bar was nearly empty. "If you want to have dinner then the second-floor Ricos snack bar is still open or you want me to-"

"Don't make me shove a batch and search warrant in your face. I don't want to do that tv showbiz shits."

"Whoa... and you're back to being rude again. I only allow such behavior in bed." Yuda slid the cocktail glass onto Jeon's side. "Look! I've been paying on time. What else does the department want? Do they want to raise it? I ain't doing it."

"Ah! I have no interest in your unscrupulous games. That's between you and the department." Jeon took out a photograph and passed it to him across the bar counter. "I'm here to ask you about this man."

(The Photograph)

"Dang!" A soft whistle came out of Yuda's mouth the second he took the picture in his hand. "That man is something!"

"Stop drooling over! Have you seen him around?"

"A couple of times, around Christmas last year. He's not a regular but his features are quite sharp, an unforgettable face!"

"Any recent encounters? He bought takeaways from the above snack bar, a burrito or something?"

"Ooh! That's pretty specific. Why don't you go and ask Ricos manager?"

"It's a confidential case. I don't want too much involvement."

"Umm... okay okay. Listen, one of my hospitality colleagues recently hired this teenager for the cash register and accounts job at Ricos. The kid is super good at math and computer tech stuff. Get her on your side. She might be useful. You know what I mean, right?"

"Hmm..."

Yuda took out a pen and scribbled some information on a piece of paper and handed it over to Jeon. "Be polite! You know how teenagers are these days."

"Reckless!" scoffed Jeon.

"You look tired, Jeon. Seems like this case is keeping you up at night."

"Yeah." Jeon took the first sip of cocktail. He sighed deeply. "I'm fine and this cocktail is disgusting."

Yuda laughed hard at that. "You didn't change a bit!" He opened his apron and snapped his fingers at Jeon who was lost somewhere. "Hey! It's okay if you want to sit for some time. I'll probably work late in the back cabin."

"Counting how much money you need to set aside," said Jeon sarcastically.

Yuda stared out at the closed neon sign outside. "You know how this place works." Leaving Jeon alone, he went inside a small private cabin.

Jeon stared at the number of glass bottles stacked with alcohol and misery. They were screaming at him to pick at least one of them tonight. Suddenly, a message popped up on his phone screen. It was Aeseok reminding him about the surprise birthday party this Sunday for aunt Sooyuki at her penthouse. Aeseok had been super excited about it and now that Jieun was back she got another helping hand. Jeon closed his phone and placed it back in his black leather jacket pocket.

"Eodiseyo?" [Where are you?]

It had been a week since he last saw Sooyuki. Was he missing her? Or was he missing the sex? At that point, he just wanted to lay his body in the arms of someone. No, not someone but Sooyuki in particular. He wanted to fall for once and take pleasure in that demeaning downfall.

After a few minutes of looking around the bar, Jeon decided to leave. He picked up his jacket and checked the phone one last time. A familiar laugh from behind the glass window of the bar caught his attention.

He slowly started to follow the echoing voice of a woman which was so distant and peculiar yet equally captivating. As he stepped outside the bar he saw a lady standing alone with her back towards Jeon. She was wearing a backless white satin dress that was hugging her body perfectly, showing each curve just enough to tease but never once leaving the feminine elegance.

Jeon didn't have to think twice. He knew exactly who she was.

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