Enigma of Darkness//Vkook

Confronting old grudges

An officer enters Jeongguk’s room and salutes crisply before taking a seat. Without delay, he opens a tablet and slides it across the table to Jeongguk. “Sir, we’ve noticed some suspicious activity involving the second young master, Taehyung Kim,” the officer reports, concern evident in his tone.

Jeongguk frowns as he swipes through the images on the screen. Each photo shows Taehyung at different locations—first on his university campus, then at Jen Pharmaceuticals, apparently rescuing someone. 

The officer continues, “As per your orders, we’ve been monitoring his acquaintances. But this seems to go beyond that. He’s too precise—he knows exactly where to find these people, or…”

Jeongguk narrowed his eyes, finishing the officer’s thought, “Or someone is leading him.”

The officer nods in agreement. Jeongguk’s gaze sharpens, and he turns to Mr. Han. With a mere gesture, Mr. Han immediately attempts to contact the guards assigned to Taehyung’s security. But no one answers. 

Jeongguk had anticipated this. He pulls out his own phone and dials Taehyung’s number. No response.

“What do you make of this?” Jeongguk asks, his eyes still fixed on the photos. “The distance between these locations is significant. For him to travel between them so quickly suggests urgency. But there’s something more at play.”

The officer quickly finds a relevant CCTV clip and plays it for Jeongguk. In the footage, Taehyung is seen hurrying across a street, but the camera cuts off before revealing where he’s headed. Jeongguk, growing increasingly tense, instructs Mr. Han to contact Jin.

After a few moments, the call connects. Jeongguk doesn’t waste time on pleasantries. “Do you know where Taehyung is?”

There’s a brief silence on the other end before Jin replies, “He came to the office this morning and said he had some urgent matters to attend to. And Jeongguk, there’s been an attack at my residence.”

Jeongguk’s expression hardens. “I can send my team to investigate if you need.”

Jin hesitates before speaking again, his voice more serious. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

Jeongguk moves to a more private corner of the room, his tone dropping as he converses with Jin for several tense minutes. After the call ends, he returns to his desk, visibly irritated and anxious.

“Trace Taehyung’s location,” he commands the AI, his mind racing with possibilities.

Jeongguk dials Taehyung's number again, and this time, the call connects. Taehyung’s voice comes through, strained yet attempting a casual tone. “Mr. Jeon, are you missing me already?” he asks with a hint of amusement.

Jeongguk’s eyes remain fixed on the video playing in front of him as he responds with a noncommittal “Hmm.” The unexpected response seems to catch Taehyung off guard. 

“Where are you?” Jeongguk presses.

There’s a brief pause before Taehyung sighs. “You know how I’ve been struggling to write an article lately? I’m out trying to find a story worth telling.”

Jeongguk nods. Taehyung is a smart person, he knows how to relay a message. “Did you find one?”

Taehyung’s voice carries a slight smile, but there's an underlying tension. “Actually, I’ve found several. But there are still a few places left to explore. My articles often depict the struggles of life... and sometimes, the dangers that threaten the ones we love.”