Crimson Park

Chapter 10

You both returned to the complex around mid-afternoon. Jungkook followed quietly behind you as you led the way down the hall and towards your apartment. You reached for the handle and paused before opening the door.

"No more work today," you said to him over your shoulder, keeping your back to him so he knew he wasn't welcome inside.

"Alright, well. You know where I'll be."

⁂

Hours later, you found yourself in a familiar routine. You were in your wine red silk nightdress, sitting next to the window with a matching glass of red. You were watching the entrance to the park below, spotting the dealers, the joggers and the lovers as they came and went. It was a beautiful night out, and you resented them all for being out in it.

You could go down there. You could pull on a pair of cotton shorts, a light sweater and tuck your hair under a ball cap. No one would probably notice you or recognize you - you could peacefully walk around the city's well groomed gardens and let the clean air refresh and revitalise you... but you wouldn't.

You took a sip of your wine and looked up to the sky. It was difficult to see the stars through the light pollution of the city, even over the park. It made you think of Jungkook - that night, when he sat on a park bench, looking up at them in awe, while he talked to you, until your heart calmed, and you fell asleep.

He would love the park and would definitely go if you asked.

You shook the thought away, then looked back to the street where a young pregnant couple eagerly approaching the entrance caught your attention.

You watched them as they chatted, hand in hand as they passed through the gate. You envied them too. They had their youth; they had each other; they were starting a family. They had a seemingly simple, happy life - and so much more ahead of them. So much promise. But you knew that not all smiles translated into smiles behind closed doors. Perhaps one day, he would hit her; or she would cheat on him; or he would drink too much; or she would gamble away their savings. Maybe they wouldn't love their kids. Or... maybe they would be happy?

They stopped at the fork in the paths, and he pulled out his cellphone and made a call, after which, he pointed down the trail going East, and they began to walk. You quirked your head at their selection. You saw them disappear behind trees and shadows then reappear from under the foliage and lampposts. They were still going, and you began to silently plead to God that they weren't going where you thought they were. But minutes later, they were there, and you held your breath hoping it was just a coincidence. But sure enough, a figure stepped out from the shadows and approached them, and they weren't alarmed. You watched their exchange - them handing over cash, and him handing over something small. It was a short interaction - they had obviously done this before - and soon enough, they said their goodbyes, and the couple moved further down the way and found a tree to sit next to, near an obscure art installation. You couldn't turn away, even though you knew you didn't want to see it - even after she pulled out the syringe, and he crushed and cooked the dose. It was when their bodies both sunk near limp into grass and bark did you look away to dial a number on your phone.

"Ms. Park?"

"Griff... There's a heroin dealer in your territory. Not one of ours. He sells out of the east side of the park. Deal with him."

"Thanks for the tip," he said after a beat. You hung up the call.

You crossed the floor, emptying your glass in two gulps before you reached the kitchen island. You grabbed the decanter you had poured earlier and began to refill your glass - but you paused, frozen in thought before you barely drained an ounce.