Thief

7

"Hello, what can I do for you tonight officer?" Jaebum asked, trying to put on a calm face.

The officer immediately sized Jaebum up, looking from his head down to his feet. "Sir, have you seen a guy running around with a gun? Around your age, similar height and build, wearing all black and a leather jacket? Maybe a backpack on?"

"A guy with a gun? That's... unsettling to hear, officer." Jaebum said, putting his acting skills to the test. He did perform in one theatre show in high school, and he hoped that he could remember his drama teacher's lessons on improv.

"I know. We got reports of him running down this street, but any traces of him dissapear after that. You haven't happened to have seen him, have you?" The officer asked.

Jaebum pretended to think as if he weren't hiding that exact guy in his bedroom closet. "No officer, I don't believe I've seen anyone like that around. I mean... maybe he ran by and I didn't notice?"

The police officer nodded, looking around as if inspecting the place. "That is a possibility sir, but we're just gonna have to do a mandatory look around your place just to make sure."

Jaebum mentally cursed. He wanted to think that he could get away with hiding someone on the run from the law, but things weren't exactly going in the right direction.

"But... I said I haven't seen him." Jaebum reminded.

The officer sighed as if he's gotten that response many times before. "I know sir, but this guy is running around armed and with the intention to kill. We need to be thorough in our searches."

Jaebum took offense to that. Sure he didn't really know Jinyoung all that well, but he was sure that the kid couldn't even hurt a fly. To accuse him of wanting to kill? That was hard to believe. "How do you know he wanted to kill anyone? Do you even have a warrant to search my home?"

The police furrowed his brows, leaning his head to the side. "This is an emergency situation, sir. If you have nothing to hide, then you wouldn't mind letting me take a look around your home. Are you prohibiting me from doing my job?"

Jaebum realized that arguing with a cop was probably not a good idea. He wanted him to leave, not give him more of a reason to search his place. He had to act like a normal citizen who wants to help catch the criminal, not like a normal citizen who was actively hiding the criminal. He put on a fake smile, realizing that he can't act suspicious for Jinyoung's sake.

"No, not at all officer. I just feel as if it's an invasion of privacy, that's all. But, if you must look around, be my guest." Jaebum said, taking a step back and inviting the officer into his home, praying that he doesn't do a thorough search.

The officer smiled at Jaebum, walking in and looking around. He examined some things, and Jaebum watched him carefully. He tensed up as the officer walked past the couch, and Jaebum prayed that his foot wouldn't accidentally hit the gun or the bag hidden underneath it.

He walked past Jaebum's music set up, looking at the open songbook and keyboard. "You play piano?"

Jaebum nodded, walking over towards the officer, "I write songs, officer."

The officer hummed, leaning away and turning to Jaebum. "You work at that agency a few blocks away by any chance? My daughter is quite interested in becoming a singer."

Jaebum chuckled, hoping to keep the officer distracted from his search with a lighthearted conversation. "That's amazing officer. Unfortunately, I don't have a high position at the agency, but maybe I can put in a good word for your daughter."

The officer smiled happily, patting Jaebum on the shoulder. "That would be greatly appreciated sir." The cop took one last look around, only glancing down the hallway before turning back to Jaebum. "You look like you're clear. See? Wasn't that bad. Thank you for your time. I apologize for the invasion."