Belligerent

07 - Sangwoo

Pure exhaustion washed over my body as I slumped on top of the bed.

My antsiness was fueled by the events that transpired throughout the morning. Once Taerin was taken away, I could not accept any more work-related matters. It would have been impossible for me to grab her from more than a foot away. At that moment, I was challenged to the limit by my own senses. My heart ached for her to fight and to take the bullet for her. Meanwhile, the other half was also fighting the stubbornness I felt from within and let her go.

In that moment, I felt as if there was a possibility that my decisions could harm Taerin. My mind sank at the thought. It was probably because of stubborn denial on my part that Taerin had changed as a person. Perhaps it was because I still felt these emotions. Wait, what am I thinking? You don't have feelings for her anymore. Period.

Sighing, I shifted positions, staring at the empty ceiling. Despite my best efforts, I was convinced I was done with Taerin. Then I took her to the carnival a few days ago, and I realized I wasn't. There was a happy, vibrant side of her that I witnessed. I probably liked that part of her best. I remember her going to carnivals and arcades when she was young. She usually saved up a portion of her allowance every week and spent it at the weekend with her brother.  Unlike other girls, she stood out. Instead, she favored arts and technology. It was through her academic accomplishments and her performances that she became a popular figure in both academia and the arts. Everyone expected a lot from her.

Especially her brother.

As well as Jun, our peers liked him. No one else was able to surpass him in certain subject areas. In our time together, he was among our executive board's favorite students. However, his greatest accomplishment was his pre-detective skills, which were sharp and precise. In some cases, the local police even sought him out for their investigations. In addition to his popularity with law enforcement, he also garnered a great deal of respect and admiration at district stations. It's likely his father is one of the people who are proud of him for continuing the family legacy. Although I knew little about their father, I concluded that Taerin and Jun inherited his charm and wit.

Basically, they were carbon copy twins of him.

We used to refer to them as the unstoppable siblings at school. As a mark of their outstanding academic career, their school even honored them with a special award. Due to this, the school organizes annual reunions for Taerin's batch and mine. Taerin would never go to that, by the way. Initially, she was hesitant to attend as she wasn't sure if it was so big of a deal. Her life has never been a source of pride for her. Her initial reaction to it, if I remember correctly, was to be annoyed about it. High school was supposed to be a peaceful time for her. Although she was 'gifted' with great intelligence and wit, that wasn't her fault.

Within my jean pockets, my phone vibrated. As I sat on the edge of the bed, I pulled out my phone. I was seated in a fairly dark room, and the phone screen's bright light nicely illuminated my surroundings. Though my eyes were straining from the phone, I caught sight of the identification number. My caller ID listed an unfamiliar number, so I cautiously answered.

"Hello?" I answered.

I heard muffled voices in the background followed by a silent pause, "Ah, Mr. Goody-two-shoes detective," a familiar voice replied.

"I'm going to assume you didn't have my information saved on your phone, that makes me disappointed," Dami said in an annoying husky tone. I clenched my fists, "What do you want, Dami," I replied back.