𝔂𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰𝔂𝓾 𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓽𝓼

(3)71

The case had taken another turn, with a possible new angle involving Beomgyu's close friends. Among them was Hwang Hyunjin, a well-known figure in their social circle, married to the equally prominent Lee Minho. Yeonjun decided it was time to pay Hyunjin a visit, hoping to glean more information that could shed light on the increasingly convoluted mystery.

Hyunjin's home was a modern architectural marvel, with clean lines and expansive glass windows that offered a view of the meticulously landscaped garden. As Yeonjun approached the front door, he mentally prepared himself for yet another round of questioning. The doorbell echoed through the house, and after a brief pause, the door opened to reveal Hyunjin, who greeted Yeonjun with a polite, if somewhat curious, smile.

"Detective Choi, what a surprise," Hyunjin said, stepping aside to let Yeonjun in. "What brings you here today?"

"Thank you, Mr. Hwang," Yeonjun replied, stepping inside. "I have a few questions I'd like to ask you about Beomgyu and his late husband."

Hyunjin led Yeonjun into the living room, where the decor was a perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort. "Please, have a seat," Hyunjin offered, gesturing to the plush sofa. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"I'm fine, thank you," Yeonjun declined politely, taking a seat. He pulled out his notebook, ready to get to the heart of the matter. "I understand that you and Beomgyu are quite close. Can you tell me about his state of mind before and after his husband's death?"

Hyunjin's expression softened with concern. "Beomgyu was devastated. They may not have had the most conventional marriage, but I know he cared deeply for Beom-suk. After his death, Beomgyu was... different. It's like he lost a part of himself."

Yeonjun nodded, making notes as Hyunjin spoke. "Did he ever mention anything that might suggest foul play? Any concerns or fears?"

Hyunjin hesitated, his brows furrowing slightly. "He never said anything directly, but there were times when he seemed... uneasy. He brushed it off as stress from work or the pressures of their social obligations, but looking back, I wonder if there was more to it."

Before Yeonjun could press further, the front door opened, and footsteps echoed through the hallway. Hyunjin glanced toward the door, his eyes widening slightly as he recognized the new arrival.

"Beomgyu?" Hyunjin called out, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Yeonjun's pulse quickened, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He turned just in time to see Beomgyu step into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. If his previous outfits had been revealing, this one was practically scandalous. Beomgyu wore a sheer, black lace shirt that was almost completely see-through, save for the delicate floral patterns that barely covered his chest. His pants were tight, leather, and low-cut, hugging every curve and leaving little to the imagination.

"Hyunjin, who's this?" Beomgyu's voice was playful, though his gaze was locked on Yeonjun, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Yeonjun's jaw tightened as he fought to maintain his composure. He could feel the heat rising in his face, but he quickly buried any sign of reaction. "Mr. Choi, I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Beomgyu's smirk widened as he sauntered closer, his movements graceful and deliberate. "Oh, Detective, you really should call before you drop by. But I suppose I can make an exception, just this once."

Hyunjin glanced between the two, sensing the tension in the air. "I didn't realize you were coming over, Beomgyu. The detective was just asking me some questions about the investigation."