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

Ch15. Barbeque Sauce

In the midst of a bustling morning, the tiny whirlwind named Aeseok darted through the rooms, her childish giggles echoing in every corner. But today was different, there was a hint of restlessness in her laughter. "Aniyo!" She dashed away from Seokjin's outstretched hand, her feet carrying her behind the kitchen counter. With wide eyes and a suppressed grin, she vanished behind its sturdy facade, as if it could shield her from the world's uncertainties.

Seokjin exhaled, fatigue etched on his features. The passage of three weeks had been an unyielding journey, marked by Jungkook's absence. Aeseok's pouty defiance weighed heavily on his heart, for she had never known a day without her beloved uncle since her birth. Today's breakfast stand-off was her silent rebellion, a way to express the emptiness of his absence.

"Kim Aeseok! Come out right now," Seokjin commanded, his voice holding a mixture of sternness and concern. His grip on the plate tightened, his efforts at making a simple omelet turning into a Sunday morning struggle. The air was laden with his frustration, with his quiet curses aimed at Jungkook for being away for this long.

But behind the counter, Aeseok held her ground, cheeks flushed and eyes determined. She was a portrait of her uncle's stubbornness. As Seokjin shifted tactics, his voice took on a softer note, and like a gentle breeze taming a storm. He reminded her that Jungkook wouldn't want her to waste away in longing.

Placing the plate down with measured gentleness, Seokjin moved to the other side of the counter. There sat Aeseok with her reddened nose and tear-filled eyes and unspoken pain. Seokjin sat beside her, the distance between them shrinking as his presence became her refuge. "He'll be back soon, okay," Seokjin assured her. But words alone couldn't erase Jungkook's absence. Aeseok's response was small, a flicker of hope that lingered within her. She lifted her pinky finger without directly looking at him, a silent pact, and Seokjin didn't hesitate.

"I do," he whispered, their intertwined pinkies sealing a promise that transcended words. As sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, a sense of warmth enveloped them. He softly pats her head. "Now who wants an omelet roll?"

" Na! Na!" [Me! Me!]

* * *

Jeon placed the lamp on a wooden table. He was waiting for Taehyung to join him in the dimly lit store room. In the past few weeks, the old store room behind the wine cellar has become their secret meeting ground. Whatever information they gather was discussed here behind the closed walls. It had an old weathered out wooden table with two chairs and a few case files with notes. So far they have only managed to get a little information regarding the villa. First, the owner doesn't live here anymore but visits once a month to check upon. Second, the property is famous among tourists for its majestic beauty and history. Third, Every day meals are prepared for VIP guests that only Mr. Laurent, head chef, knows about as he's the one who serves them the final meal. Even Taehyung is not allowed to go inside the grand dining hall whose doors remain closed at all times except the time between seven and eight in the evening. Only Mr. Laurent is allowed to go in and the rest of the staff leave by six-thirty. And finally, no one visits the second floor.

Jeon heard the creak sound of boots and got alert. It was Taehyung. "Where have you been?" Jeon's words cut through the air, crisp and expectant.

Taehyung's breath came out in an apologetic sigh. "Mianhae! I had to clean the kitchen. The barbeque sauce got spilled everywhere thanks to Jacob. That son of a good for nothing left early so I had to do it all by myself." The plates of steak he set down seemed to echo his effort. "Have some."

As Jeon took a bite of the tender, flavorful steak, the tension seemed to ease. But a shadow of suspicion remained as he questioned, "Why aren't you eating?" There was a pause, pregnant with a doubt that lingered unspoken before finding its voice. "Did you poison it?"