L o s t

I

"Officer Kim, have you seen the news?"

"Yes, I just saw it," he replied, his gaze fixed on the television screen before him.

"Are you willing to investigate the situation instead of standing there?" The stern voice on the other end of the phone prompted an immediate response from him as he swiftly reached for his car keys.

"Yes, sir. I'm already on my way!" With determination in his voice, he ended the call.

"Taehyung! You forgot your wallet!" A fellow coworker's reminder prompted him to swiftly retrieve the wallet.

"Thanks," he said with a quick smile before hurrying off.

Upon arriving at the place, he quickly took out a megaphone to clear the crowd and then spoke, "Please, everyone, stand back and allow the police to handle the situation!" Taehyung's authoritative voice boomed through the megaphone as he gestured for the crowd to make space.

Meanwhile, his coworkers erected a ribbon to prevent civilians from crossing into the restricted area. "Alright, let's see what we got here." Taehyung exhaled heavily, planting his hands on his hips as he finally took in the scene before him.

A ship? He approached cautiously, examining the wreckage before him as wisps of smoke continued to billow from its damaged hull.

"Do you think you can fix this?"

"Ah- really, Seojoon?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Taehyung exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically. His friend chuckled, amused by Taehyung's reaction.

"You'll never change," Seojoon remarked with a smile, placing a hand on Taehyung's shoulder, who returned the gesture with a goofy grin.

"I'll hardly see you now since you're promoted and gone," Taehyung lamented, his expression turning playful as he pouted.

"Don't worry. There'll be someone to take my place. But, there are a few things you'll need to teach him," he reassured, his gaze fixed on the ship ahead. Taehyung simply nodded, his eyes following Seojoon's to the ship in the distance.

With a smile, Seojoon continued, "I'll be off then. The reins are in your hands now." He waved casually before departing.

"Yah, Park Seojoon! Seriously?" Taehyung lamented as his friend walked away, a mixture of annoyance and fondness in his tone.

He let out a sigh, refocusing on the task at hand – the ship. Quietly, he approached the ship, inspecting it with a discerning eye. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a figure seated nearby, his gaze fixed on the ship with a distant look in his eyes.

Taehyung rushed to him. "Hey, are you alright?" He inquired, noticing the man draped in tattered white cloth, dust clinging to his form.

Taehyung quickly scanned the man for any signs of injury, concern etched on his features. "Come on, let's get you to the hospital," he urged, gently supporting the man's arm as they made their way to Taehyung's car.

Upon reaching at the hospital, Taehyung paused theatrically, clearing his throat before a door. "Permission to enter, madam?" He teased, rapping his knuckles lightly against the door.

"Of course," came the reassuring reply, easing Taehyung's nerves.

Entering the room with a hint of playfulness, Taehyung greeted, "I've brought you a special patient today, Y/N," his grin infectious.

Raising her gaze, she found Taehyung standing before her, a goofy smile lighting up his features. His hand hovered near his forehead in a salute. "Tae, I've told you before, no need to salute," she reminded him.