The following morning greeted Niki with a brilliant sunrise, casting golden rays through his window. He stretched, feeling a sense of determination mixed with lingering uncertainty about Sunoo. He couldn't shake the conversation they’d had the night before. What haunted him most was the vulnerability he had glimpsed behind Sunoo's confident facade, and he wondered how he could help him confront his past.
At the precinct, Niki dove headfirst into his work, but his mind kept drifting to Sunoo. He replayed their conversations, searching for clues that might explain the tension simmering just beneath the surface. The case of the black roses was still unresolved, and with each passing day, Niki felt the pressure mount. The two threads of his life—his job and his growing feelings for Sunoo—were beginning to intertwine, and he knew he had to tread carefully.
As the hours passed, Jae dropped by Niki's desk, his expression curious. “You’ve been quieter than usual. Still hung up on that mystery man?”
Niki rolled his eyes, though a smile tugged at his lips. “Maybe a little. It’s just… complicated.”
“Complicated how?” Jae pressed, leaning in with a teasing grin.
“Just… he has this past he’s not ready to share,” Niki admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But there’s something about him that makes me want to know more.”
Jae’s smile faded into something more serious. “Be careful, Niki. You don’t want to get too close to someone who might be hiding things that could hurt you.”
“I know,” Niki replied, feeling the weight of Jae’s concern. “But I can’t just turn away. I feel drawn to him.”
“Just make sure you don’t lose yourself in the process,” Jae warned gently before moving back to his own desk.
---
Later That Evening
Niki made his way to the café again, a familiar excitement bubbling within him. The air was crisp, and the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the city. He pushed the door open, greeted by the warm scent of coffee and pastries. As he scanned the room, his heart skipped a beat when he spotted Sunoo at their usual table, a notebook spread open in front of him.
“Hey there, detective,” Sunoo greeted, looking up with a smile that sent a rush of warmth through Niki.
“Hi,” Niki replied, sliding into the seat across from him. “What are you working on?”
“Just some thoughts,” Sunoo said, glancing at his notes before closing the notebook. “I find that writing helps me sort through my mind.”
Niki leaned closer, intrigued. “Care to share?”
Sunoo hesitated, a shadow passing over his features. “It’s just personal stuff. You wouldn’t be interested.”
“Try me,” Niki encouraged, his curiosity piqued. “You might be surprised at what I find interesting.”
Sunoo’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Are you sure you’re ready for my brand of chaos?”
“Bring it on,” Niki challenged, his pulse quickening with the thrill of the moment.
Sunoo chuckled, but it didn’t reach his eyes completely. “Fine. Just remember, you asked for it.”
Niki grinned, feeling the chemistry between them crackle in the air. “I’m all ears.”
---
As the Night Progressed
They talked, laughter flowing easily between them, each shared story pulling them closer. Sunoo recounted tales of his childhood, snippets that hinted at a difficult upbringing without revealing too much. Niki listened intently, eager to understand the man sitting across from him.
