"They're all unpleasant people."
The cause of Kim Namjoon's death was murder, not food poisoning.
As they delve deeper into the case, Inspector Jung Hoseok and Chief Constable Jung Wheein notice things amiss the suspicious folk of the dead man.
Ther...
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Patching up fresh wounds
•
NEARLY a week had passed since the arrest of Kim Taehyung and the newspapers were blowing up with headlines about it. It was one of the fastest murder cases to be solved and many publishing houses were praising the Jung siblings for their quick work.
On the flip-side, Wheein and Hoseok had a tough time trying to shut down fake news about the court hearings.
Taehyung tried to plead insane but the court ruled it out since his actions were not what a person with an unsound mind would do.
Jungkook returned to Seoul empty-handed and broken-hearted.
The jury voted guilty for Taehyung and he was awarded with the death penalty for committing a murder and orchestrating two murders. The hanging date hadn't been announced to the public yet.
*
Yerim walked into Kingdom Come and looked around her. She spotted Jungkook who waved at her, sitting in a corner of the restaurant that overlooked the scenery outside. It was a quaint place that served delicious food; Yerim's favorite in town. She had called Jungkook and asked him out for a meal. Jungkook had graciously accepted.
She seated herself before him. "How are you doing?"
Despite his young age, Jungkook looked as if he had turned ten years older overnight. He attempted to smile but ended up looking as if he had a toothache.
"I cannot describe it in one word, you see. Everyday I wake up to see the other side of my bed empty. Then I recall exactly why it is so. I cannot believe I will be a widower in less than a week."
"Widower? You didn't divorce him?" Yerim asked, incredulously.
Jungkook shook his head, looking miserable. "The thought struck me but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Despite all that he did, I still love him. My parents won't talk to me anymore, of course. They feel no sadness for me; I suppose this brought out their inner homophobia."
Yerim reached a hand out and squeezed his hand. Jungkook didn't respond.
"How about you? This must be a lot for you too. First you find out about Hansol, then you are framed for murder. Correct me if I'm wrong but did Taehyung really intend to make you a scapegoat?"
Yerim looked down. "That's true. I cannot bring myself to believe it, either. I scarcely believe it, but I did suffer three tragedies: first, Father getting murdered, Hansol's betrayal and ... Taehyung's revelation. And still, it doesn't hurt as much as it should. I suppose I've just become numb to all of it."
"I envy you," Jungkook said, finally managing to smile.
"Don't. You still have so much to live for, Jungkook. Taehyung told me about how much you reminded him of me. He told me that you and I both were some of the most passionate people he had met. I don't want to think that was all fake," Yerim said, struggling to keep her voice steady. "At least, your relationship was a thousand times more genuine than what I shared with Hansol."
Jungkook held her hands too. "I don't think he faked that. When I visited him in prison, he only muttered an apology."
"Why did he fuck it all up?" Yerim asked. It sounded more like a question she was asking herself.
"He loved to play with fire, y'know? Impulsive as heck and so emotional. Nothing like Hansol," Jungkook said.
Yerim scoffed. "You are very perceptive of someone who has just met the man once. Yes, Hansol was ambitious, but careful. He didn't have it in him to kill anyone even if he nursed a cherished hatred for them."
Jungkook could only manage a wistful look, despite knowing what he said wasn't an answer. How was he supposed to know why the love of his life let his anger rule over his conscience and better thinking?
Choosing to change the topic, he asked:
"What are you planning on doing now? I will catch the plane back to Busan the first thing tomorrow morning. I was planning on taking a break."
Yerim was about to reply but the waiter put a hold to the conversation by asking them what their orders were. They placed their orders, both opting for light lunch options. After he left, they turned back to each other. Yerim was smiling in spite of the sombre mood the conversation had taken.
"What was I planning on doing? Something I always wanted to do."
*
Wheein and Hoseok pulled outside the Humble House of Kim. Although they had nothing left to do related to the Kim family, Wheein felt the need to meet Yoongi one last time, to at least thank him for all the help he had offered.
This time, they were greeted by the maid, Kang Seulgi. She was very professional and not like the last time they had a conversation with her; all secretive and scared.
"Good afternoon, officers. What's your business?"
"We wished to have a private visit with Mr. Min," she said.
"Very well. He has been expecting you."
Wheein turned to face Hoseok, surprised. He smiled.
"I called and made an appointment," he answered.
She rolled her eyes.
"The Kims are now your buddies, huh?"
"I still have the same answer to that question."
*
When Wheein went upstairs, Hoseok remained in the sitting room. Son Seungwan, the housekeeper, who happened to pass by, peeked inside.
"Would you like to have something while you're waiting, Inspector?" She asked.
"Yes, please. I'd like a chat with you, please," Hoseok said, gesturing to the sofa before him.
Hoseok had the pleasure of seeing Seungwan's perfect composure slip for once.
"O-of course," she said, seating herself before him.
"We took the liberty of looking into your past employers," Hoseok began.
"My past is blameless," Seungwan said coolly.
"Of course, it is. We just found it very curious that robberies took place, in each of the residences you were employed in, exactly three months after you quit their service. The thieves knew exactly where to find the jewelry, fur coats, the like."
"It's very curious," Seungwan parroted, unmoving.
"Are you considering quitting this job anytime soon?" Hoseok asked.
"Yes. It hasn't turned out well. I have already begun to look for other available jobs," Seungwan said, carefully.
"Ah, I see. Then, I suppose, I will have the pleasure of seeing you again?" Hoseok pleasantly remarked.
Seungwan measured her words before responding with:
"I do not wish to be curt when I say this, Inspector - but I really hope we don't."
