Paint It Black - Jeongcheol

chapter 6

"What if he doesn't show up?" Mingyu asked as they walked into the police station, the morning light streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow on the tiled floor.

"Then we have a solid reason to arrest him," Seungcheol replied, taking a sip of his coffee. "We can nab him for failing to show up for questioning. Honestly, I doubt he'll come. He's not crazy or brave enough for that."

As they headed down the hallway, Officer Park came up to them, looking both excited and curious. "Sir, your—um—'lover' came by looking for you. He's at your desk."

Seungcheol stopped in his tracks, eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "What?"

Mingyu gave him a look, half amused and half disbelieving. "You didn't mention you had a lover. Interesting."

Park, practically bouncing on his toes, added, "Sir, I'm probably overstepping here, but damn, he's gorgeous."

Seungcheol turned and walked toward his desk, Mingyu following closely. As he approached, he couldn't believe his eyes. Casually sprawled out with legs crossed on top of his desk was Jeonghan.

Speak of the devil.

"Yuh-hoo" the devil waved cheerfully.

"Beautiful voice," Park whispered near Seungcheol, "Lucky you, sir."

"He's not my lover. Not in this universe. Never."

Jeonghan's eyes sparkled with mischief as he stood up. "Never say never, Cheollie," he teased, flashing a playful wink. "I'm here for the questioning. I have my alibi" he scribbled something on Seungcheol's notepad and handed it over, "Day before yesterday I was at this cafe all night"

"Go check it out," Seungcheol instructed Mingyu before turning to Jeonghan, "I still need to question you."

Mingyu quickly grabbed the notepad and headed out of the station. As he stepped outside, he spotted Wonwoo hurrying in.

"I'm so late, what'd I miss?" Wonwoo asked, slightly out of breath.

"It's because you live so far away, hyung. I'm begging you again, why don't you come live with me? I'm bored living alone,"

"Dealing with you here already gives me a headache. I can't handle you at home too,"

Mingyu scoffed, "What do you mean? I'm a delight to be around."

"Sure you are." Wonwoo rolled his eyes.

"Come on, let's go check out an alibi," Mingyu suggested, gesturing towards his car. "I'll fill you in, on the way"

"Alright"

★★★

The interrogation room felt more like a stage, the glaring lights creating a dramatic setting. Seungcheol stood by the table, his posture stiff and his gaze intense. Across from him, Jeonghan slouched in his chair looking completely unbothered.

Jeonghan knew the stakes. Every move was a carefully calculated risk. Revealing the Serpents meant that his own name and face would eventually be exposed. He was fully aware of that, but it was a reality he couldn't avoid. By choosing to reveal himself on his own terms, he maintained some control over the situation, managing how and when the information came out.

"So, Jeonghan," Seungcheol began, his voice firm, "you're here because we have reason to believe you killed someone."

Jeonghan stretched out his hands. "Take a good look at my hands," he said, then cupped his face. "Now look at my face. Do you really think I'm capable of that? You've got it all wrong."