Limerence JC

S I X T E E N

The air hung heavy with grief as mourners gathered to pay their respects at the somber funeral of Hanseo. Seungcheol stood apart, his countenance shrouded in an eerie detachment. The weight of the occasion seemed lost on him, even amidst the sobs and hushed conversations of the grieving crowd.

Evelyn, his new bride, observed him from a distance, concern etched across her face as she tried to fathom his apparent indifference. The dull murmur of condolences and sorrow surrounded Seungcheol like a distant echo, as if the world held a muted quality for him.

The scene unfolded in an unsettling stillness, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a moment frozen in time, where the contrast between collective sorrow and one man's enigmatic demeanor left an unspoken tension lingering in the air. The first threads of a chilling mystery began to weave themselves into the fabric of Seungcheol's life, as the funeral marked the ominous beginning of a series of dark events.

                                         _

Evelyn's frustration flared as she confronted Jeonghan.

"Han, I can't believe you agreed to be the spy in this serial killer case! Do you realize how dangerous that is?"

Jeonghan met her gaze with a calm determination.

"Noona, it's the only way to get close to the killer and gather crucial information. We need to stop this madness before more innocent lives are lost."

Evelyn's arms tightened across her chest.

"But what if something goes wrong? What if they find out you're the spy? We can't afford to lose you too! And you agreed to Seungcheol? You know he's doing everything because he knows it can risk your life too and he wants that!"

Jeonghan's expression softened, revealing the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Noona, I understand your concern, but catching this killer is a priority. I volunteered because I believe I can make a difference. Trust me, I'll be cautious and take every possible measure to ensure my safety."

Evelyn paced, her worry evident in every step.

"This isn't just about the case, Jeonghan. It's about you risking your life. We can find another way to gather information without putting you in harm's way."

Jeonghan gently approached her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Noona, I appreciate your concern, but sometimes sacrifices are necessary in our line of work. I won't let fear paralyze us; we need to act swiftly and decisively."

Tension lingered in the air as Evelyn wrestled with her emotions.

"Just promise me you'll be careful, Jeonghan. I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Jeonghan nodded solemnly.

"I promise, noona. I'll do everything in my power to bring this killer to justice and come back to you unharmed."

Jeonghan, feeling the weight of Evelyn's concern, gently cupped her face and kissed her forehead, silently assuring her of his commitment. Unbeknownst to them, Seungcheol observed the intimate moment from afar, a pang of jealousy coursing through him.

                                        _

Later, Seungcheol confronted Jeonghan in private.

"Jeonghan, I saw what happened with Evelyn. We agreed to see each other and eventually leave her out of this. What was that kiss about?"

Jeonghan sighed, realizing the complexity of the situation.