Zero Encounters

Black Book

        "Ah, Detective Park." The Chief greeted with his entourage behind him. Jisung excused himself from speaking with an officer and paid his respects. His father rarely left his office to visit the precinct so his appearance left everyone on edge. The once lively room became solemn and quiet with everyone at their desks, buried in their work. The officers occasionally peeked from their monitors to keep an eye on the Chief's movements, holding their breaths every time he walked by. "There's someone I want you to meet." He gestured to the man beside him. "Meet Mr. Baek or should I say Pastor Baek?" He lets out a belly laugh. The two were acquaintances introduced by other members of the church the Chief used to go to and became close friends before Mr. Baek assumed the role of the pastor.

"Nice to meet you." Jisung gave him a firm handshake which the man was pleased about. Pastor Baek wore a tucked in button shirt with brown slacks. He looked not much older than the Chief, but that was up for debate between the two. Jisung could tell they were friendly, but never heard of his father mentioning the man before; however Pastor Baek was very much aware of Jisung as his father often talked about him.

"I hear you're volunteering at the adoption event over at the church. Pastor Baek is one of the sponsors there."

"Now, that's suppose to be a secret." Pastor Baek joked, putting a finger to his lips, "Thank you for your help, young man. It's very much appreciated from us, old folk. This is my grandson." He introduced the young man behind him. "Taejoon here will also be at the event." Taejoon reached out with his hand and Jisung noticed the expensive watch on his wrist. He had short black hair, swept to the side and a charming smile. His build and stature made the other officers envy him from afar. In the room full of men, they wondered how Jisung and Taejoon won the lottery in physique.

"Detective Park is one of our very bests." The Chief grinned and patted his back who could only blush in response. He glanced over and noticed Yeonwoo standing off to the side with her usual documents for SIU. "Ah, Ms. Yeonwoo!" She turned at the sound of her name and saw how eagerly he waved her over. She approached them with a smile and the Chief continued to brag about her selfless work. His constant praise only made her uncomfortable, but all she could do was brush them off politely. She made eye contact with Jisung and they both sent distress signals, hoping the other would get them out of the conversation.

"Will I be seeing you at the event as well?" Pastor Baek asked just as the Chief's assistant pulled him aside to answer a phone call. Pastor Baek held her hand and gave her a warm smile.

"Yes, Detective Park had asked me to join him." Yeonwoo replied which surprised Jisung. He didn't think that she would've remembered agreeing to it. A sense of excitement washed over him and he played it off coolly.

"It'll be helpful to the organization you're with. I'll support you as well."

Captain Lee watched from afar and Yeonwoo noticed the bothered expression on his face. She tried to ignore him, but he made it difficult to with his piercing eyes. Jisung eventually noticed and bowed his head. Captain Lee's face darkened and the admin who was with him cowered away. His powerful presence turned heads and he excused himself and Yeonwoo abruptly before whisking her away. He ignored the hushed woos from the onlookers and took her into an empty room.

"What's wrong?" She asked, rubbing her tender wrist. She didn't understand why he seemed upset by the innocent interaction.

"Stay away from him." He said and she stared at him with utmost confusion.

"Who?" She asked, trying to search the answers in his eyes, but she was met with a deadly glare. He stared down the onlookers from the hallways before heading back to his office with a dark cloud looming over his head.