The Unexpected (Namkook)

Part 15

I am there for you

Those were the only words playing in Namjoon's ears all night. After running multiple alternate scenarios through his head, these words would always convince him saying whatever it is, Jungkook will be there for him. It's not been an entire month that they have known each other, but the amount of doubts rising in Namjoon's overthinking mind, started getting washed away by the comforting touch of the man he has apparently fallen for.

As per the morning routine, Namjoon picked up his phone to send a morning text to Jungkook but paused on his way. His strongest judgemental mind started asking whether it is just another normal day in their friendship or has it been escalated to something different. If Namjoon is not admitting his feelings to the man, is it okay to keep the usual conversations ongoing which will only make it more difficult for both the parties to move on. Hundreds of negative outcomes started popping up in his head.

The stressful morning got stopped at the low incoming message tune of his phone. It was Jungkook!

'Good morning, Namjoon. Don't overthink. I will wait for you.'

"I don't think I can hide my true self anymore, Jungkook. I cannot deny how I feel about you. Please bear with me through all the hardships coming on our way. Help me to make my family accept you as my partner."

Namjoon mouth got shut during the self-talking session as soon as he pronounced the word 'partner'. It was way too much for him who has just discovered his sexuality. In contrary, the after effect of the words seemed more relaxing and calm. He mumbled the word two more times to check if that had any sort of hesitation.

"Am I in love with you?"

********

Jungkook's smile died down as his message was left on seen. There was no response in next ten minutes after which he got up from his bed to get ready for work. Things followed as usual, protein shake, some exercises but his mind was stuck at the cutest smiling face with prominent dimples on the cheeks. He had surrendered his heart to the man who is all that he can think about.

The words, the clumsiness, everything about Namjoon seemed admirable in his eyes. The fear of getting rejected didn't take its leave from his mind, but he felt a strong intuition that he wouldn't be unlucky in love this time. All he has to do is wait patiently for Namjoon.

"Jeon, did you get to talk to the guys?"

Sung-ho's voice brought him back to reality when he realised he had already reached office a long time back and seated at his desk while still being with Namjoon in his head.

"I called but no one picked it up. I will check myself today again." As his senior started concentrating on a different case, he dialled the art gallery's number. After two rings, it was finally answered by a lady who informed the details were ready to be shared but due to privacy policies, Jungkook agreed to collect it by himself.

********

Do-guk visited Byeol today but to no luck. She wouldn't speak a word when asked, crying and hiccuping were the only responses he received.

"Did the other evidence reports published yet?" He asked Bin, sitting on the chair across the inspector in charge.
"No, Mr. Kim. Jeon has found some new evidence which we cannot confirm yet. Investigations are ongoing."
"Thanks for the update, Mr. Won. I asked my assistant to check on the finance statements of Mr. Lee's company but nothing seemed strange. He was quite a man of words I must say. The payments to employees and vendors were all done in time. No illegal transaction observed in the records since the inauguration of the company 15 years ago except for a huge donation some 13 years back."

"Wait a minute, Mr. Kim. 15 years you said, right?" Bin straightened his position with a frown.
"Yeah, but he married Mrs. Lee 12 years ago." Do-guk answered.
"That means 3 years in business as a bachelor and one year before marriage, he donated a huge sum of money. Did your assistant find who it was for?"

Do-guk quickly checked his phone directory where he would save files, critical for the cases he is handling.
"Here, it's some old age home." He showed the statement to Bin.
"I see! As per the legal documents and death certificates, Kun-woo's parents died way back and Byeol's parents passed away 5 years before her marriage to Kun-woo. Then is this donation just out of kindness or something else?"

The discussion was getting serious until Do-guk received a call from his assistant. As per the suspicions raised in the conversation with Bin, he asked the assistant to get a background check of the old age home in recent days.

********

Jungkook reached the art gallery at time slot provided by the receptionist. As he kept waiting for the lady to bring the details of the evidence, he took out his phone where an unread message popped up. Without a doubt, he was on cloud nine to get a text saying 'Can we meet at the cafe around 8 in the evening? I don't want to disturb your work shift.'

He could have forgotten to breathe if Namjoon asked for it, 'head over heels' wasn't just an imaginary phrase. At the same time, he was glad to see Namjoon paying importance to his life and profession just like he did while bringing the protein bar and fruit juice for hangout.

He hid his smile behind the lips after typing a quick 'yes' as the lady approached.
"Here's your details, sir." She handed a brown packet opening which he found the painting wrapped in some white paper and a carbon copy receipt of purchase. He kept the painting back in the paper and put it inside the evidence box he was carrying. The invoice had a date mentioned that was roughly about a year ago and the details of the item were written in the description.

The lady was walking back to her seat when she got startled by a loud sound. Turning back she found Jungkook's phone lying on the floor with its screen guard broken. The horrified senior police officer was standing with the invoice sheet in his hand that has 'Kim Namjoon' signed in the buyer's signature column.