16. an extensive search

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⋆ 16 ⋆

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As Jisung enters the station, he's greeted by the reception area where a long line stretches from where a frantic civilian speaks to a police officer

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

As Jisung enters the station, he's greeted by the reception area where a long line stretches from where a frantic civilian speaks to a police officer.

Jisung recognizes him instantly: blond hair now disheveled, freckles littering olive skin the way stars linger in the night sky, and the Deepest Voice Jisung's Ever Heard in His Life.

It's Felix.

"Listen, my best friend has been gone for over seventy-two hours, I need to file a missing person's report!" Felix pleads, banging a fist onto the counter. The police officer on the other end looks unfazed, yawning at Felix's request.

"We told you, sir. There is nothing we can do if you cannot provide proper human identification. Without his Arcanan Identity Number or consent to search the home, we will not be taking further action."

Jisung watches from a distance, sympathizing for Felix's desperation yet disappointed he's run into another dead end. Additionally, he's filled with even more confusion. As Arcanan citizens, everyone must have an Arcanan Identity Number, which is easily findable in the police department's database.

How Minho's Arcanan Identity Number can't be identified is peculiar beyond reason.

As Felix tries to argue with the police officer, Jisung approaches him quietly, trying not to draw attention.

"Felix," he says, touching his shoulder gently. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"

Felix turns to him, relief flooding his face at the sight of a somewhat familiar face. "Jisung, thank goodness you're here," he says, grabbing his arm. "They won't listen to me. They won't help me find him—"

"Sir, I would like to remind you that we have searched up 'Lee Minho' in our systems, and out of the three-hundred-and-one search results, none of them were the guy you're looking for," the police officer cuts in, voice sharp and evidently annoyed.

Felix gazes at the police officer hopelessly, tears catching in his eyes. Jisung, whose mind is whirring with confusion, smiles at Felix sympathetically.

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