1, 2, 3 → LEE HEESEUNG

Episode 8

『Present,??? 』

"Everything in place, Doctor?" the person asks, still not visible to anyone but the shadow that engulfs them. In the spotlight this time sits a different figure, one that's clearly male. The darkness covers him as well, hiding all but the fact  that he's not a man yet. He's just shy of adult age, but has the composure of someone much older like all the others here working under the mysterious but dangerous leader. 

"Almost," he replies. "Everything's in place." 

"I'm glad," the other says, nodding in approval. "It seems a good all around. The 火 samples are good, and they've already been administered."

"Who administered them?" he asked. "If you don't mind me asking of course."

A laugh boomed through the room, echoing off the walls, "Come on? Why so formal? You're my junior assistant, head scientist, and most valuable asset in all of this."

"No need to rub it in," he responds with a smile. Although there wasn't awkwardness to begin with, the air became calmer and more relaxed. He felt his shoulders release all remaining tension, a sigh with it. This is the person he's worked with for years, who's given him all that he has. The one he knows inside and out.

"Now, to answer your question," the other says, "Sunoo did. I know Doctor, how seriously you take these formulas of yours but don't worry, his fear is more powerful than him. He'll always submit to it." 

"Oh," he replies. In his mind, he panics a bit, but he's cool as anything on the outside. Sunoo's done stuff like this before. Hopefully, it just won't get to him. "Alright then. Are proceeding to phase 6?" 

"Yes," they say. "And if time allows, make a new formula. We need something stronger than what we have already."

"Got nothing from them, I'm assuming?" he asks. "I have plans mapped out and ready, I'll execute them after this trial."

"Thanks," they reply. "I knew I could count on you."

"Anytime sir," he answers, "any time." 

『Present,  Boo Investigations』

"Jina," EJ asks. "Why didn't you talk to him?"

She looks up from the data and her analyses that are neatly laid out across her desk. When she meets his eyes full of curiosity, she looks back with confusion. As exasperating as it is, having a partner that is more interested in talking than working, she can't ever ignore EJ. He's way too pure and innocent to shun in anyway. 

"Because EJ, we just can't work together, that's all." 

"Is this really an arranged work session between a detective and a state lawyer or is this an arranged marriage?" he asks exasperatedly. "You're just working! Solve the case and it's over."

"You know, Euijoo, there's something called an 'ideal environment'. Heeseung and I, in the same room, would completely shatter that. It would defenestrate it and there'd be no hope in getting it back." People walking by their section steal glances as they pass. In a mix of embarrassment and hatred of attention, she looks up. After making eye contact with each of them, they walk off as fast as they can, pretending they didn't see anything. She isn't sure what it is, but she tends to have that effect on people.