We arrived in the Investigation Bureau to surrender Yeonjun. We made all the necessary filings, including us representing as Chan's guardians.
On our way out the building, we were greeted by our friend.
"Hi Joshua!"
"Oh, Seokmin."
"I see. You're hanging around with the hunters. Who's our new guy here?"
"I'm Lee Chan. I'm sorry to disturb you last time."
"Ahhh I remember, the, yeah yeah. No worries. It's my job. Anyway, Joshua, are you free now?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"I need to talk to you."
"Ehem."
We turned to Jeonghan.
"The thing is, we kind of became a team now so.." Jeonghan said.
"Sure, you guys can come too."
We went to the not so crowded restau for lunch. I actually would want to sleep rather than eat so I really hope to go home soon.
"How's it going?" I asked.
"I can't trust the Bureau." Seokmin answered.
"I know mafia has an insider in every groups."
"Right?"
"Remember when I told you I'll follow up your case to Detective Jeon?" Seokmin told Chan.
"Yes, you said he's in charge of my case."
"That day, I went to his office but he wasn't there. His staff said he's on a leave for a week. So I check his folders myself to look for the documents I need for monthly assessments.
Every folder has the same color and no label, so I have to open them one by one, that's how I saw one folder with Nico's photo attached on it.
So that folder contains Nico's information we got so far, except it's different from the info I have. It says Nico was overthrown as mafia's big boss in 1996."
"So he was demoted?" Jeonghan asked.
"No, he was kicked out of the organization."
"I thought he's their boss until now." I said.
"That's what they told me. Some detectives were also searching for him to abolish the mafia."
"Why would they keep this a secret?"
"One: to put the focus of the chase on Nico and two: to cover up the real boss." Seokmin explained.
"Given that, is the mafia still involved with Joshua's case?" Jeonghan asked.
"I think they still do, big time. And now, I think the Bureau is involved, too."
We're interrupted when our lunch delivered on our table.
"Any leads on your hunting?" Seokmin asked while eyeing on his jjajjangmyeon.
"We barged Woozi's place, right?" I said.
"Yeah, about that?"
"He was triggered when I took out-"
Ahhh I slipped! Now he will know I own an unregistered gun and that I'm an illegal worker.
"Joshua?" Seokmin drew his face near me, with Chan in between us.
"Settle down, wait for him to tell you." Jeonghan slammed his chopsticks down.
I gathered my courage. I know Seokmin can be trusted, he won't arrest me.
"Seokmin. Please don't arrest me."
"Hah what?" Seokmin blushed.
"Okay. When we were at Woozi's, he noticed my gun."
I looked around, when I knew no one's looking, I brought out the gun. He examined it.
"And?"
"Woozi also has the same silver pistol."
"Oh, where did you get this?"
"I.. I work as an underground doctor. A patient from the mafia gave that to me. For my protection."
"Ahhh. Let's keep that as a secret."
"Really?"
"Yup. Actually, what I just told you is confidential, even this lunch out is a secret. The Bureau director told me not to report any details to the Hong's."
I exhaled in relief. Now I don't have to pretend in front of him.
"Another thing." He said.
"Yes?"
"That night in Daegu, when we all first met, Mr. Kim Taehyung asked me a favor."
"I think I know what that is." Jeonghan commented.
"He asked me to report directly to him. I asked why, since he's just your family's butler. He just said that you don't have to be involved in this."
"That's his thing." Jeonghan second.
Taehyung. He was distant from me since dad died. I am so sleepy to think. So I just dig in my ramyeon. No one commented so we all started eating now.
"Hoshi is a nickname, right?" Seokmin opened a conversation.
"Yeah! Hunters usually have nicknames. Mine's means star in Japanese. I shine sooo bright!"
"Woow nicknames! I want one too." Chan said.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Hmm I'm going to dominate the field of medicine. So.. Dinosaur! Dino!"
"That's cute."
"Pffffffft." Hoshi and Seokmin looked at each other then bursted a laugh.
"Dinosaur? What was that?!" Hoshi said.
"What will you dominate? Reptiles?!" Seokmin and Hoshi slapped their knees while laughing.
Chan turned to me with red face.
"Joshuaaaaa."
"Guys, I think it's a good nickname. I believe Dino is the future of medicine." I said.
"Hey, don't build him up. Tell him the truth. Dino's cheesy." Jeonghan casually said.
"Joshuaaaaa." Chan almost teared up 'cause of embarrassment.
"You're not helping." I told Jeonghan.
These two beside us are still laughing and Chan refused to resume eating so I asked Jeonghan.
"What about you, what's the meaning of your nickname?"
"It's my real name."
"Ah. You don't like to have one?"
"No."
"Why?"
"This name is the only gift I got from my mom."
The atmosphere settled. We all looked down as we thought the air became serious.
"How about you?" Jeonghan said.
"What about me?"
"Why are you using 'Joshua'? I heard Taehyung called you 'Jisoo' many times."
"Oh right. Hong Jisoo was written on my records." Seokmin added.
"I.. my dad used to call me Jisoo. So."
I knew I made the air heavier. They avoided eye contact with me and Chan held my hand.
"Sooo I also have a nickname." Seokmin said.
"Really? What?" Hoshi
"Dokyeom."
"And?"
"It means 'to go many ways'. I do things on various aspects."
"Ahh. Suits you." Hoshi said.
"Not only that!"
"What?"
"It can also be DK."
"Ohh."
"DK as in Detective King!"
Chan and Hoshi looked at each other and clapped while laughing.
"BUHAHAHAHA WHAT THE." Chan managed to say.
"THAT'S SO CORNY." Hoshi continued.
"Wait wait, I'm a great detective though. Hey guys."
Seokmin tapped the two to seek approval while Chan and Hoshi almost choked on their noodles. Jeonghan and I are minding our business.
"Joshuaaa." Seokmin sought validation from me.
"I think.. it suits you."
Jeonghan sighed.
"Can you be honest just once?" Jeonghan said.
"Can you read the air just once?"
The following week, the last trial proceeding was held. Our gang went with Chan in the court.
"The court rules Choi Yeonjun guilty of murder."
I handed a tissue to Chan who's crying. He can finally start his new life without this burden on his chest.
I went near a tall and buff guy. He is Yeonjun's brother. He tried his best to defend him even though Yeonjun confessed. I don't know what to say but I reached my hand for a handshake.
"I.. I'm Hong Joshua. I.. I'm sorry."
"Hi Mr. Hong. It's okay. My brother has to face the consequences.
I'm Choi Seungcheol."
