24H | SEVENTEEN

९५

The storm didn't break all at once.

It came in waves, reporters clustering outside the hospital gates, company executives scrambling for statements, investigators cross-checking files, and fans flooding the internet with theories, prayers, outrage. The Moon Club case had detonated through the industry like a bomb, and the fragment was still hitting everything in sight.

Rumi let out a slow sigh.

"You okay? Need help?" Hyun asked, glancing at her from the driver's seat as she settled into the passenger side. She clicked her seatbelt into place and sank back, letting the leather cradle her aching body. "Comfortable?" Hyun asked.

"Oh, very much." She exhaled, closing her eyes for a moment. "Honestly, anything is more comfortable than being trapped in that white-washed room." Her fingers drummed lightly against her thigh, restless, relieved, exhausted.

"Those three days were dreadful," she admitted. "Yesterday was the first time I actually slept. Nothing beats a good sleep in your own bed." Hyun smiled. "I'm glad. You do looked uncomfortable in that hospital gown." He teased.

"You don't have to remind me that. If I had to stay one more day there, I would've burned down that room." Hyun chuckled shaking his head. "Good thing you didn't, or else it would've been a police van driving you to station not me." Rumi rolled her eyes at that.

"What's the stat? I couldn't get my hands on it," Rumi asked, thinking about how her past few days had gone by just lying in bed. The doctor had strictly instructed her to stay away from any work-related stress until her reports ruled out complications. Her head had taken quite a hit this time... or maybe it was the number of hits she'd taken in the last few months.

"Same. There's nothing more I could get than what media is giving." Hyun answered as he switched lanes. "Maybe you'll get some after your statement."

Rumi hummed sitting back in silence which broke when they arrived at the station. "Let me get that for you." Hyun said helping her with seatbelt. "Thanks..." He was already stepping out, circling the car, and opening the door for her. "You are making me feel sick with all that chivalry, Hyun-ah." 

Rumi stepped out, boots touching the pavement with a soft thud. The air outside was colder than she expected. The kind that bit at her skin and reminded her she wasn't fully healed yet. Still, she straightened her back. Hyun walked half a step behind her, alert, controlled, scanning every face they passed. Not because he expected danger. Because she looked one push away from collapsing again.

"Hyun," she said without turning.

"Mm?"

"You're hovering."

"Someone has to," he replied simply. Rumi didn't argue. The front desk officers recognized them immediately. One of the officer was on his feet already guiding them to their destination. "Please wait here, someone will be with you shortly." He said before closing the door behind him. Rumi shifted in her chair, making herself comfortable while Hyun still hovered over her. She sighed, "Are you going to let me breathe?" Hyun pressed his lips together and reluctantly settled in a chair beside her.

"How come it's you today? Shouldn't you be at company?" Rumi questioned. Hyun nodded, "I was but you needed someone to drive you around so I am here." He smiled making Rumi tsked at his reply. "I was fine on my own-" Door opened cutting her off.

"Agent Rumi." Officer Yoo walked in, Rumi stood up to greet her. "Are you well now?" she questioned, taking Rumi's hands in hers. Rumi smiled with a nod. "All good." Officer Yoo didn't look convinced, her eyes flicking briefly to the faint bruise near Rumi's temple. But instead of pushing, she exhaled and gave Rumi's hands a reassuring squeeze.