The secrets we keep| 2min

chapter 2

Dr. Kim stepped into the opulent room. The walls were adorned with exquisite art pieces, each one a masterpiece that seemed to whisper stories of the past. The room was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles to illuminate the space, casting shadows that danced across the walls like phantoms.

As he entered, a man in a black suit stood with his back to him, his presence commanding attention. Ms. Park, who had escorted him to the room, bowed discreetly and excused herself, leaving Dr. Kim alone with the mysterious figure.

The man, Bangchan, slowly turned to face him, his gaze piercing through the dim light. He appeared to be in his early thirties, his features chiseled and refined, with a hint of danger lurking beneath the surface. He was smoking a cigarette, the smoke curling upwards like a serpent, adding to the enigmatic aura that surrounded him.

Dr. Kim felt a shiver run down his spine as their eyes met, the intensity of Bangchan's gaze making him break eye contact. He turned his attention to the art pieces, admiring the mastery that had gone into creating each one. The silence was palpable, the only sound the soft crackling of the fire in the chimney.

Bangchan's voice broke the silence, his tone low and smooth, like velvet. "We don't do shady business here. That's just not my cup of tea." He sat down on one of the sofas, his movements fluid and graceful, like a panther.

Dr. Kim locked eyes with Bangchan, his gaze piercing and unyielding. A hint of a smirk played on his lips as he said, "I didn't even say anything."

Bangchan let out a low, throaty laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement. He took a slow sip of his smoke, the gesture deliberate and calculated. "Isn't that why you're here?" he said, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Dr. Kim's expression remained unyielding, his eyes never leaving Bangchan's face. " Then let me do my business and let me decide," he said, his voice firm and authoritative. He sat down on the sofa opposite Bangchan, his movements fluid and confident.

Bangchan leaned back into the sofa, his eyes never leaving Dr. Kim's face. "The people here are mentally ill," he said, his voice dripping with a hint of sadness. "Their family members didn't want them, so we gave them a place."

"So it gives you the right to treat them like that?" Dr. Kim's voice was laced with indignation, his eyes flashing with anger.

Bangchan shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I said to you before, my method is a little bit different. Nothing more." He took another sip of his smoke, his eyes never leaving Dr. Kim's face.

Dr. Kim's gaze lingered on Bangchan for a moment, his jaw clenched in frustration. Then, without a word, he stood up and began to walk around the room, his eyes scanning the space with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

As he moved, the flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls, making it seem as though the shadows themselves were dancing in tandem with Dr. Kim's movements. The air was thick with tension, the silence between the two men palpable.

Dr. Kim's footsteps echoed off the walls as he approached a large, ornate mirror that hung on one side of the room. He gazed into its depths, his eyes searching for something, though it was unclear what.

Bangchan watched him, his expression unreadable. "You're looking for something, Doctor?" he said, his voice was low and smooth.

Dr. Kim turned back to face him, his eyes narrowing. "Just trying to understand the layout of your little sanctuary," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Bangchan chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Ah, I think you'll find it's more than just a sanctuary," he said, his eyes glinting with a sinister light.