TR | MW [✔]

Epilogue [End]

Wonwoo sat long enough for the dampness to seep through his pants. His knees were drawn up to his chest, and his eyes were fixed on his sister's name. The granite headstone had speckles of gold, and when it caught the sun, it sparkled.

He'd filled the pots at the base of the headstone with daffodils, and the yellow brightened up the graveyard. Even during the coldest spells of winter, he made sure there was some color by Heejin.

Six months had passed since the service and it was nothing but a blur in his mind, but he tried not to dwell. Mingyu had got him through it, and afterward, he was left with a hollowness he didn't know how to fill. Sometimes it felt so overwhelming he thought he wouldn't get through another day, but Mingyu stepped in, held him together until he was ready to take on the next one.

Wonwoo sensed Mingyu before he saw him, and when he got closer, he looked over his shoulder.

"Officer down, does he request backup?"

He snorted, shook his head, then got to his feet. He was still wearing his uniform but had loosened his tie, and untucked his shirt.

Mingyu tugged him close and kissed his cheek.

"Did I worry you again?" Wonwoo mumbled at his collarbone.

"I knew where you'd be. I like the flowers."

He glanced back at them and nodded. He knew Heejin would've approved.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah."

Mingyu led him away from the tombstone, towards the gate that led to the cemetery.

"Home," he murmured.

Wonwoo repeated the word back, then smiled softly. Mingyu gestured to the car, and Wonwoo got inside. He clung to the seat, and when Mingyu noticed, he tutted.

"You don't have to do that anymore..."

"I still haven't gotten over the first time I let you drive."

"It had been sixteen years... I was a little rusty."

"A little..."

Mingyu narrowed his eyes and started the car. Wonwoo undid his tie, then shoved it in his pocket. His hand brushed something hard, and he pulled out his police ID badge.

He didn't think he'd go back, but Mingyu encouraged him to try before making any rash decisions. The first few weeks, he forced himself to go to work, then he did it for routine, then for purpose, before finally enjoying being a police officer. He had a team he got on with, and a boss worthy of his respect.

Some days were boring, some were funny, some scary, and others draining. Wonwoo had just had a draining day, and he went to speak to Heejin to clear his head.

"Long day?"

Wonwoo hummed. "Yeah. I was called to a traffic collision."

Mingyu's jaw tightened. "Everyone okay?"

"There were injuries, but they should all be okay."

"Good."

"What about you?" Wonwoo asked.

"I'm finalizing plans for the Jameson's farm plot. Think of it—houses, flats, small shops."

"You go from a conning man to a legitimate property developer..."

"For now."

Wonwoo raised his eyebrow. "What do you mean for now?"

"Who knows what the future will bring."