Always Forever

#13 Can't look pretty on the job?

He took a gamble. The MP's birthday party was a great opportunity. Despite the recent developments and the second unit being responsible for overseeing the bombing case, he wasn't sure if the responsibility would fall to him.

The chances were about sixty percent he'd succeed, but he did, and the chief finally agreed to work on both cases simultaneously. It's because the crack-head commissioner asked him to. The MP is an important person, isn't he? Although there might be no direct link between the bombings and the death threat he received, the commissioner must have felt a connection...

I'm glad everything went according to my prediction. Guk-doo murmurs as he rises out of bed. He's finally slept for some long hours and feels refreshed.

Ugh, I regret I can't watch Bong-soon every day from now on. Do-young is there tonight. Regardless, I'm happy nothing untoward has come of this... that mafia lady didn't poke her face again... If she did then...

He smiles at his reflection in the mirror. After bath and getting dressed, he slipped his jacket on and is combing his hands through his hair. He can't help but feel the recent outcome is hilarious fun. He gets to work with his best friend on a case. And she isn't even in the police force.

7 am. His phone buzzes. Do-young and the other detectives are leaving their post. There's no time to dawdle. Breakfast on the go. He can grab a quick bite at Walnut Pie or eat something later in the cafeteria.

***

Despite the early hour, he's outside the chic villa that's home to the Dos. Passing through the main gate that's unlocked, past the little patches of greenery lining the entryway. A few quick strides take him to the main door outside of the living room.

He catches sight of Bong-soon in her pyjamas, right next to the door, wiping the windows on the left. Perched on a high stool, she's trying her best to reach the uppermost corner where there's undoubtedly a patch of grime.

It only takes him to murmur her name, albeit unconsciously. She stumbles, falls off the stool. He catches her right on time, thanks to his quick reflexes.

"W-what..." She blinks rapidly, aiming a disbelieving stare at him after her feet find solid ground. "Guk-doo, you're here? You're way too early!" She points to the barely lit winter skies.

He shrugs. "I'll have to go to the PD again. Do-young left his post thirty minutes ago."

Sighing, Bong-soon crosses her arms. "Well, I need to shower!"

With that declaration, she strides into the house with flushed cheeks, cursing something under her breath.

Guk-doo plops on the only wooden bench in the garden. Morning breeze rustles the lush, moderately tall trees lining up the compound wall. Dew settled on the vivid blossoms and shrubberies is semi frozen indicating the cold weather.

Would Bong-soon like to drop by Walnut Pie? The bakery is only a few blocks away. Guk-doo's thoughts preoccupy him. No, there's no point in going there. She's not working her shifts there, anyway. She should be back soon. Shower? I can give her fifteen minutes.

Mr Do arrives in the garden seven minutes later. Guk-doo greets him with a polite smile and a bow. Then sits back on the bench after declining an invitation to breakfast. Fifteen minutes pass as he sits watching Mr Do watering the plants. Bong-soon doesn't show up.

He pulls his phone out and rings her up.

"Hello!"

"Bong-soon, quick. What are you up to?"