Dinner with her family is never a fun affair. Pa trying to feed her every favourite delicacy, Bong-gi supporting her from under the table by holding her hand, whenever her mother went on with one of her usual rants — the bittersweet routine isn't the same anymore.

Ma's rants have taken a different turn. Earlier they revolved around topics like employment and marriage. Now they showcase the insecurity building in her chest and hatred towards the current situation.

A sigh escapes Bong-soon's lips. One slight push. The door to her room falls shut with a soft thud. The shopping trip to the art market with Guk-doo put her over the moon. She should've known the euphoria would be short-lived.

Her room — the single bed, closet, small desk, easels standing upright in her little painting corner — was once a cosy place. Now it's choking to be alone in here. Bong-gi or Pa hanging out provides some relief. Otherwise, no.

Steady, silvery moonlight filters in through the open window, illuminating the space that's otherwise cloaked in darkness. Propped on a stool next to her bed, Bong-soon idly stares at the scenery it presents, clueless of her next step.

The wind chimes hung in the corner have gone still. There's no movement at all. No whooshing of the wind or rustling of the leaves from outside. The quiet is deafening and doesn't bring an ounce of inspiration to her veins.

"Pa asked me to come home. Guk-doo and Do-young are working hard to keep me safe. It's why I'm tolerating this. I don't know how much longer this can go on. Probably the day I will leave this house is just around the corner."

She takes a deep breath, murmuring aloud. "Maybe a shower will help? I can always take one later. And clean the bath. Ugh, I miss my normal life. I miss Hana. Hah... I turned down her invitation to hangout when she called me earlier... Hung up after giving a vague answer. I wonder if she's still worried."

You want me to explain what's going on, Hana? I can't do that and put you in danger. Now that she rethinks, Bong-soon feels that's a pretty forward way of explaining things.

"Gods, hope that didn't worry her. Did she call me again? I couldn't even text her. And I had to join my family for dinner preps. Bong-gi was in a hurry to leave for his shift too!"

Her phone flashes the moment she pulls it out of her pyjama pocket, right in time to receive Hanna's text.

Bong-soon-ah, why did you end our call? I finally got hold of you after ages too. What danger? I'm not afraid of danger, dear. Let's meet at the cafe or the art studio tomorrow. You pick the time. I can take the day off if it means catching up with you.

Bong-soon is touched. If her life is blessed, it's thanks to art, Pa, Bong-gi and all her sweet friends. Meeting Hana should be fun and there can't be immediate danger. She wants to go but doesn't feel inclined to troubling Guk-doo or Do-young.

Her reply is quick:

Sorry, Hana. I can't meet you without an escort. I will explain everything in a video call in the morning.

Hana: You're keeping me in suspense. I just hope you're okay.

Bong-soon: I'm okay. Somebody is guarding me outside my house. And I will soon drift off into sleep.

Hana: Fine. Call me tomorrow. Gn. Tc.

Bong-soon ends the chat with a smile. As she turns on the lights and straightens her bed, her eyes fall on the unopened shopping bags in the corner. Lots of new art to look at. Plus that gorgeous dress. Her smile widens.

"I really will drift into sleep with the knowledge that I'm loved by some of those who matter the most to me."

Yeah, there's not a soul in the world I detest. I don't hate Ma. It's just sad we don't get along. Oh, shall I get the patrolling officer a midnight snack? Who's on duty tonight?

A peek from her window brings three men into sight. All stiff and official business, evidently cops. New faces. Who knows if they will appreciate a midnight snack? Besides, one guy is already munching on an energy bar.

She shuts her window with a sigh and climbs into bed. The day's exhaustion catches up to her soon and soon she succumbs to sleep.

***

Arson in a musical instruments store triggered by a miniscule bombing. The passersby and locals of the swanky Yong Street confirm the last part, "bombing." They heard the bang, saw the poof, witnessed the chaos afterward.

Oh god, this is what I was afraid of. When Guk-doo rushes to the spot the fire department has doused the flames, the bombsquad is on their way out, having examined the surroundings for possible threats.

The art thief case may be the second unit's current top priority, but the "bombing" case is still theirs to solve. A civil constable in charge approaches Guk-doo, noticing him.

"What's the situation?"

The constable shrugs at the question. "Under control. No major injuries. Everyone's pulled out but one woman is inside, refusing to step out of the store."

"What? Was she a victim too? Are you sure she's uninjured?"

"She must be, considering she ran into the store following the blast, right amidst the chaos. The firemen tried moving her but she wouldn't budge. It's like she's paralyzed by fear. She's still in there. Poor thing, inhaling all the smoke and all. They're trying to get some psychiatrist or someone's help to safely drag her out."

Guk-doo looks at the charred storefront and the thick smog still swirling inside. The front glass panes are shattered, blackened bits resting on the ground. He can't find the trace of the woman despite it being a small store.

"Oh they confiscated her things," the constable adds, also looking in the same direction. "Her name is Jo Heeji or something? They're tryna bring a friend of hers."

"Heeji?"

The name sends a jolt down Guk-doo's spine. The constable lets out a yelp of surprise.

"You know her?"

"She's a friend of mine."

"Oh then she might listen to you! Hey, wear a protective mask!"

Guk-doo is already running, grabbing a mask and eyeglasses from a firefighter loitering near the entrance. This is a dumb move. Heeji might not listen to him after what transpired between them but he has to try.

"Heeji!"

He finally finds a curled up figure at the far end of the store, hanging onto a blackened billing desk. She's covered in soot from head to toe, coughing violently.

"Heeji, we need to get out!"

Her vacant stare finds him. The swirling smog makes it impossible to recognize faces. He's not even sure if this woman is Heeji. Yet she can tell his name?

"Guk-doo..." she repeats his name again in her singsong soft voice. She's still frozen in shock pointing a finger at her surroundings.

"We have to get out!" He lifts her into his arms and dashes out.

The paramedics tend to her, letting her breathe in some oxygen. She curls up in the wheelchair, holding onto the pillar of a sign board once stabilized. The paramedics step away to give her space. She takes off her oxygen mask momentarily to whisper Guk-doo's name.

"Guk-doo.... I..."

"Heeji..." Guk-doo kneels on the hard concrete and takes her hand in his. "Heeji, it's okay."

He guides the hand holding onto the mask back to her nose. "I know you are broken by what you saw. You are shocked and rightfully so. But you need to get over that fear. Calm down, it's okay. Breathe in."

Heeji takes a few deep breaths. She's not burnt or injured in any way. Twenty minutes later, she finally speaks up, sounding like herself.

"Guk-doo, seeing the things I love fall to pieces, going up in flames was unbearable. Who could do this to a musical store?"

Guk-doo throws her a sympathetic look. He can understand why she is shaken. They were a disaster as a couple and know nothing about each other. But he's known music has been her beloved all her life. And this little music store has been her safe haven.

"I know it's unfair. The world is unfair to about 90% I think. Don't worry the police will bring justice. That I assure you. Let's get you home first."

Guk-doo rises to his friend. A young woman, Heeji's best friend approaches her with a worried look on her face. A paramedic nearby explains Heeji is in no danger.

Heeji thanks the man with a weak smile. "And thank you so much for saving me Guk-doo."

Her gaze lands on Guk-doo. Guk-doo bobs his head.

"I will see you two to your homes."

"No, we can manage on our own."

"Rest well, Heeji." Guk-doo's gaze narrows on her. "Do you think we can talk after you get better?"

She doesn't reply. But he reads the reply in her eyes, "yes."

***

"Sorry, Guk-doo. The chief isn't ready to work on the bombing case yet."

Do-young's voice reverberates inside Guk-doo's head.

"Why not, sir?"

Trailing his boss to his cabin, he heaves a heavy sigh, fists curling to supress the rising anguish in his heart. "Was there not another bombing? If we're not working then we should assign to—"

"The bombing case is still ours," the chief says, plopping into the comfy executive chair at his desk. "We will investigate it. But the art thief case is our priority. It's a direct order."

He shakes his head, subject to Guk-doo's narrow eyed stare. "I spoke to the commissioner. He's a conceited man. Our hands are tied, Guk-doo. Let's crack this art thief case so we can focus on the bombing case. What other alternative do we have?"

The chief goes on to say something else. Guk-doo steps out of his cabin, uninterested. The door to the cabin is already open. Bong-soon and Do-young who've gathered outside have heard the exchange.

Guk-doo can't banish the glum expression from his face. Bong-soon approaches him as he plops down at his desk and bangs one fist down on the wooden surface.

"Guk-doo. I know you're down." She puts her delicate hand over his shoulder. "You need to relax. Calm down."

Had this been someone else, I'd have snapped at them but it's her... the anger inside Guk-doo deflates.

"I don't know, Bong-soon."

The flames of despair are still within him, lurking somewhere despite her stellar presence. "It's hard for me to calm down. Especially when I am on high."

"It's okay...." She goes on tiptoes. Her hands brush his bangs and comb through his hair. The soothing touch lasts for a moment. "I got an idea. Sit with me at my desk. I'll show you something."

What, she has to console me? How did I handle my emotions before? I feel like a pampered child. Guk-doo follows Bong-soon to her desk. Lining a chair next to hers, he plops down into it. "What do you want to show me?"

"Just watch me do it, Guk-doo-ah."

Her smile is blinding. She pulls out art supplies from her drawer. Set of water colour tubes, a mixing palette. An empty tumbler into which she fills some water from her bottle. There's no easel; she lays the large cold-pressed paper on the desk surface. "I couldn't paint in ages. Let's see how it unfolds."

For the next thirty minutes, she paints a beautiful sunset at a lake. All the time, he watches her paint, his stare switching between her beautiful face, the precise brush strokes, the color spreading on the paper, mesmerized. Her magic...? His heart feels lighter.

"Sorry that's all I can do now." She puts her brush aside, wipes the little spillage of water on the desk.

"What are you saying? It's plenty."

With an affectionate chuckle he ruffles her hair, but pulls back, remembering he's on duty and in his office. She faces him with a bright smile.

"Guk-doo-ah. It's just like you said to me. It's all going to be okay. She goes on though his eyes widen slightly. I want you to rely on me too."

Guk-doo's composure crumbles. His smile stretches from cheek to cheek. He puts the pleasant feelings inside his heart into words. "Of course." He tousles her hair again, indulging in his urges.

Flustered Bong-soon grabs the tumbler, its water now muddied with paint, and the palette.

"Later!" Guk-doo rises from his chair with a wave.

He's returning to work! Ducking her head to avoid his gaze, Bong-soon heads to the washbasin at the end of the hall.

What's with that reaction Guk-doo? Wouldn't you mind relying on me? I'm certain that I'll blink and you'll turn overprotective again. She smiles despite herself. "I hope you'll soon get to take the investigation in the direction you want."

***

AN: A short update after nearly three months :( I could finally finish my draft

Will try to update soon from now on! tysm for reading. Pls vote and comment.