Criminal Love || Heejake

Chapter 7: A Glimmer of Hope

In the early morning light, Heeseung stood outside the room where Jake was resting, taking a moment to observe him. Jake lay peacefully, his face relaxed after a long day of exhaustion. Heeseung couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. Despite the turmoil surrounding their lives, Jake's innocent slumber offered a brief respite from the chaos.

Heeseung's gaze shifted to the lunch box he had sent Jake the previous day. It had been a small gesture, an attempt to provide some comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Heeseung knew that the simple act of nourishing Jake's body was crucial for his overall well-being. After all, it was difficult to fight for justice on an empty stomach.

With a sigh, Heeseung turned away from the room and made his way into the bustling police station. The day stretched before him, filled with the promise of further investigation. He knew that finding more evidence and clues was vital, not only for the case but also for Jake's future.

As Heeseung delved deeper into the investigation, meticulously analyzing the gathered evidence, he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. The pieces of the puzzle were scattered, making it challenging to find a solid connection that could prove Jake's innocence. The more he searched, the more elusive the truth seemed to be.

Hours turned into minutes as the day wore on, but Heeseung refused to be deterred. He scoured through files, cross-referenced testimonies, and interviewed witnesses. Yet, despite his relentless efforts, he found no concrete evidence that could exonerate Jake.

As the day drew to a close, Heeseung decided to take a break from the relentless pursuit of the truth. He knew that he needed to recharge himself, as well as offer a moment of respite to Jake.

With a determined expression, Heeseung left the police station and headed to a nearby restaurant. He carefully selected a variety of dishes, considering Jake's preferences and dietary restrictions. He wanted to provide a small semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos that had consumed their lives.

Returning to the station, Heeseung held the bag of food and knocked on Jake's door, his voice polite yet filled with warmth. "Jake, it's me, Heeseung."

Jake opened the door, his eyes widening as he saw Heeseung standing there, a genuine smile on his lips. His gaze shifted to the bag, noticing the tantalizing aroma wafting from within. He hesitated for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling within him. "No, thanks, I'm not hungry," Jake replied, his voice betraying a trace of guilt.

Heeseung's heart ached as he observed Jake's conflicted expression. He understood the weight of Jake's guilt, the feeling of being driven into the clutches of a criminal group. He desperately wanted to alleviate Jake's burden, to show him that he was not alone in this fight.

"What did you eat?" Heeseung asked gently, his voice filled with concern.

Jake's gaze dropped to the floor, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just... the food that prisoners eat."

The admission hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the circumstances that had led Jake to this point. Heeseung's resolve hardened, his determination unwavering. He knew that he had to continue fighting for justice, not only to prove Jake's innocence but also to provide him with a chance at redemption.

Wordlessly, Heeseung gestured towards the bag of food. "Please, Jake. Let's have dinner together. You deserve a proper meal."

Reluctantly, Jake acquiesced, his gaze meeting Heeseung's with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. They shared the meal in silence, each bite punctuating the unspoken bond that had formed between them.

After the dinner, Heeseung returned to his office, the weight of the investigation heavy on his shoulders. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the desk lamp casting shadows across the piles of gathered information. Heeseung immersed himself in the details, determined to find a breakthrough that would set Jake free.