Zero Encounters

Interest

      That afternoon, the windchills blew rampant through the streets of Seoul, leaving many wanting to stay home for the day. Unfortunately, Yeonwoo was tasked to bear the gifts her organization had received from families to the precinct who had helped them with their most recent missing child case. The case load she worked on included various of victims ranging from domestic violence, school violence and child abuse. Luckily, out of the few they received in regards to a missing child, the child was found in hiding with her mother.

Yeonwoo bundled her coat, bracing the next gust of wind reaching the front doors of the precinct. She hurried inside, feeling the instant warmth from the building hit her all at once. Her once stiff hands loosened from the gift basket handle. It stung, having to flex her hand to regain  heat. An officer greeted her by the door and everyone turned their heads. She held her basket up with a smile to see all the delighted faces. With the help of the officer, she made her rounds handing each officer snacks and a drink of their choice. The families included sweet and savory goods with selections of coffee, tea or juices for them to wash down. She counted the remaining in her basket and noticed two officers with their back facing her. As she approached, she heard their whispers of the latest gossip around the Bureau.

"Hey, did you see?" One nudged his friend, "Captain Lee and Detective Park's faces. Wonder what happened to them?"

"They looked awkward walking together in the interrogation room." The other replied. "Hey, do you think it's over Ms. Yeonwoo? You heard, right? Where Captain Lee whisked her away like some drama in front of Detective Park."

"Oh yeah!!"

"Ahem." Officer Kwang cleared his throat loudly and his subordinates flinched. They turned to see Yeonwoo there holding out their share of goods. They quickly thanked her and ran with their tails between their legs. "For all we know, they could've just had a nasty encounter with a perp." Officer Kwang huffed with his hands on his hips.

"Thanks, Officer Kwang." Yeonwoo bowed and handed him his share. "Speaking of those two, they're in the interrogation room? Are they working on a new case?"

"Not too sure, but it was some fancy looking guy in a suit." He answered just as the group of men emerged from the interrogation room. She watched Captain Lee and Jisung shake hands with the man behind them. She looked a little closer to see that it was Taejoon in the back. The men turned to walk Taejoon out, but stopped when they saw Yeonwoo in their way. Captain Lee looked visibly uncomfortable while Jisung retreated to the office. She greeted the Captain and handed him a bag of cookies.

"Nice seeing you here." Taejoon grinned over Kangho's shoulder. "Is that for me too?" He joked, pointing to her basket. She went to pick out a packet of candy, but Kangho blocked her view.

"Sorry, I need to speak with Ms. Yeonwoo here." He said with a smile, gesturing to the door. "Officer Kwang can see you out. Thank you for your time today."

Taejoon gave Yeonwoo a wave and proceeded to the door, but turned around at the last second. He tapped on Yeonwoo's shoulder and held out his phone. "Ms. Yeonwoo, can I have your number?"

"Excuse me?" She repeated herself. The last time a stranger had asked her that was when she was undercover in a club. She stared at the latest phone model in his hand and felt Captain Lee's questionable gaze. She looked past Taejoon to see the other officers peeking from their desks.

"I still owe you for last time." He said and urged her to take it. "If you're not comfortable.."

"Right, you do." She agreed after going through the pros and cons in her head. She entered her number to much of Captain Lee's dismay, but he only remained smiling. She glanced at him briefly and swore she could see the corners of his smile twitching from how much he forced it. The least you could do is make it look more believable. She thought to herself.