We rest from mafia hunting for a while.
Joshua wanted to wait for Chan's autumn break before diving back into action. He said he needs to drive Chan back and forth to places.
I testified, that boy's responsible enough to take the bus. He knows where his school, hospital, and clinic are. I told him he needs to rest too especially if he wants to track Nico down.
You know what Joshua answered? "Maybe you can drive for Chan." And you know what happened? I became that kid's service bike.
Before fetching Chan tonight from the hospital, Hoshi and I went to Jun's to do an errand. We explained to him what happened, from Woozi to Yeonjun to the insider in the Bureau.
"What do you want me to prioritize?" Jun asked.
"He said the gun, what do you think?"
"I think gun's easier. Until now I don't have any leads for the jasmine and as for the Nico situation in the Bureau, that's dangerous for me. I can't face two traps at once."
"We'll leave this to you, then." Hoshi handed the silver pistol to Jun before we left.
Since it's on our way, we dropped by the bakeshop in the Chinatown entrance. We became regulars here, since the doctors liked their goods so much. We bought some takeaway then fetched Chan then drove to the clinic.
This is our daily routine these past few days. We don't pick some bounty hunting duties for a while since we're getting paid daily anyway by Joshua. I can't wait for Chan's break to go back to adventuring.
Though honestly, I'm at peace with this.
"Hey guys." Joshua greeted as we entered the clinic.
"Yo. No patients?" Hoshi asked.
"Yup. So how about we eat first?"
"I need to read now." Chan said.
"Eh. Kill joy." Hoshi brought out the takeaway and Chan is eyeing the cinnamon roll.
"Hoshi will finish as much bread as he can, so you better eat first." I said.
"What do you mean?" Hoshi had already stuffed his mouth with bread.
I relayed the transaction we made to Joshua while we eat. Jun's fully booked now because of Joshua's, so he left his restaurant to his ever reliable servants.
"I'm causing Jun too much trouble." Joshua said.
"Don't worry, he ain't complaining. Anyway, does 'SS' on the gun ring any bell to you?"
"It's.." He looked down. "I thought of something nonsense, don't think it's relevant. Really."
I got used to not reading him and instead hold onto whatever he says. If it's the truth, congrats to me. If it's a lie, then bummer.
"Oh well. Jun will find out about it soon."
"Seokmin also sent me a message, he's on his way to investigate."
"Oh. Good."
Another member was added to our team, the detective. Seokmin is your good cop, and the one that can match Hoshi's and Chan's energy. And uhm, kind of closest to Joshua.
Chan started studying while Hoshi tries to read some of his notes. I guess that's good, but he'll be falling asleep any moment now.
It's almost dawn and my system calls for a smoke. I went outside and when I'm about to light a stick,
"Wait." Joshua called.
So I waited. He went out holding a box of Pocky. He opened it and held one stick in between his fingers.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Smoking."
"Sure." I proceeded to light my cigar.
"Can I be your smoking buddy?"
"What on earth?"
"Don't you understand? I want you to wait for me before you smoke."
"What's that on me?"
He furrowed his brows and took a bite of Pocky.
"I asked you." I said. He just ate there while keeping his brows like that. He ignores me the whole time as he finishes his snack.
"Hey! I said what's that on me." I repeated and he turned his back on me. Stubborn.
"Okay. Smoking buddy." I eventually agreed.
"Yes!"
He's simpler than I expected before. Another reason why I gave up on being annoyed every time I can't read him. He is starting to say whatever he feels to say, so when I want to understand him, we'll just have to communicate.
"Are you sure? You'll be a passive smoker." I asked.
"Second hand smoke is deadlier than the active smoke."
"That's what I'm saying. This is not healthy for you."
"Are you concerned about me?"
"Huh? Wha-no not really."
"Then don't sweat it."
"Fine."
"If you decided to stop smoking" Joshua faced me and smiled "We can be dessert buddies."
"What, we eat chocolates outside your clinic?"
"Exactly."
"Hilarious."
He offered the Pocky and I rejected. He watched me as I exhale the smoke.
"I just want you to stop smoking." He said.
"Oh, a doctor's prescription."
"So will you stop?"
"Why do you want me to?"
"Hmm how can I say this. I.. You know."
We're distracted by the bright orange rays that seeps through these tall buildings. We watched the dawn in the sky, another midnight spent in this clinic with our new found family. Anyway,
"What are you saying again?"
"Don't mind m-"
"Ah yeah. Why do you want me to stop?"
"Did I say that?"
"Doctor Joshua~ Stop pretending. Why?"
"I don't like the smell of nicotine."
I'm.. offended..
"Then don't smell it! Who told you to be my smoking buddy."
"Yours doesn't smell strong though."
"Why are you complaining then?"
"I can smell it only when I'm close to you."
"Then don't go near me!"
"I want to be close to you!"
"Because?"
He blushed. Okay, I take it back. It sucks not reading him. I'm so confused what this guy wants me to do.
"Ahh. Whatever." I gave up.
"Just.."
"Ha?!"
He flinched.
"Sorry." I must have been too loud.
"Just be my smoking bud-"
"Is this Doctor Joshua's clinic? I need a doctor." A man popped out of nowhere.
"I'll go back."
Joshua invited the man inside. Okay, that was awkward. Thank goodness he left me alone with my nicotine.
I took out the fire of my cigar and threw it in the bin when I saw a shadow in the wall.
I turned around and saw a man in checkered suit. I had a feeling I'm gonna see his face again one of these days.
"Long time. You're Yoon Jeonghan, right?"
"What do you want, Atty. Choi Seungcheol?"
