Don't Blame Me || Jeongcheol

Chapter 43

They walked in silence toward the entrance, their footsteps soft on the cracked pavement. As they approached the door, it swung open, a shadowed figure standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the dim light behind them. A mask on her face hiding her identity.

“1004.” the voice called out, soft and feminine, the words flowing like honey, smooth but carrying a chilling undertone. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

Jeonghan didn’t flinch, his expression unreadable as he stepped forward, Seungcheol at his back, ready for whatever came next.

“I’m here.” Jeonghan said, his voice steady. “Let’s talk.”

The woman leaned casually against the doorframe, the mask she wore casting a shadow over her features, but there was no mistaking the amused glint in her eyes. As she saw SCoups standing beside Jeonghan, her lips curled up into a sly smile, clearly entertained by the sight.

“1004.” she drawled, her voice a mixture of honey and irritation. “Didn’t expect you to come with backup.”

Seungcheol couldn’t hold back his murmur, his voice barely audible but tinged with annoyance. “She’s just like you, you know. Feisty, stubborn, and acts like she can do everything alone. It’s almost like I’m seeing a younger version of you, Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan shot Seungcheol a quick, exasperated glance, but the woman snickered loudly, clearly enjoying the little exchange.

“Really?” she said, raising an eyebrow. “You’re still whining about being alone, huh, 1004? Look at you. Couldn’t even handle one little trip without bringing someone along. How cute.” Her words were sharp, but there was an edge of amusement to them.

Jeonghan’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t react to her teasing. “Cut it out.” he muttered, his gaze already turning toward the task at hand. "I’m not here for a reunion. I need information."

Seungcheol stood slightly behind Jeonghan, arms crossed and his posture tense. He’d been expecting something like this something off-killer, something dangerous. What he hadn’t expected was the way this woman seemed to have a bit too much fun with the situation.

“And now you’ve brought your little friend with you." she said, eyes glinting beneath the mask. Her gaze flicked to Seungcheol before looking back at Jeonghan with an amused, almost mocking smile. “Didn’t think you were the type to rely on anyone.”

Seungcheol muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Jeonghan to hear, “She’s a lot like you when we first met.”

Jeonghan shot him a look that was part annoyed, part resigned. Seungcheol wasn’t wrong. He could already tell this encounter wasn’t going to be easy. But he had bigger things to focus on right now.

“Enough with the games.” Jeonghan said, his voice firm. “I need information about my old boss Hyunwoo. I think the message might be related to him or his people."

At that, the woman’s smile faded into something sharper, more calculating. She pushed herself off the doorframe, stepping toward them. The silence stretched between them, and for a moment, Jeonghan could feel the weight of her gaze lingering on him.

“You didn’t know?” she said, her voice still cool but with a hint of something darker. “Hyunwoo had a twin brother. How amusing. I thought you would’ve figured it out by now. Guess not.”

Jeonghan blinked, taken aback. He’d known Hyunwoo’s, feared it for a long time, but the idea of a twin brother was something he hadn’t even considered. He opened his mouth, but no words came out at first, confusion flickering across his features.