Guk-doo returns home, having shared a coffee with his dear friend after ages. The coffee was good. But recalling what unfolded makes his blood boil. All unlawful activities get a similar reaction out of him, but this one just exceeded it. He couldn't keep his rage in check and it was because Bong-soon was involved.

Strange. I kept my cool following the incident with Heeji. But when it's Bong-soon...

Guk-doo hasn't been exactly dispassionate. It's hard for him as a cop to reign in his emotions when he witnesses crimes or when he's pressured by his superiors not to jump the gun.

"This is strange I don't feel..."

He sighs again. He's home to his small single storied house in South Seoul. This is all but a brief respite and then his late night shift will begin.

His room gives a cosy vibe. He's alone now that his parents are travelling and exploring the world. It gives him the privacy he needs but sometimes he misses them. Particularly his mother. If Ma was here she'd know something is wrong from his expression. Well, he's not sad or depressed but it doesn't mean something hasn't happened. He recalls what happened when he went to give those flowers to Heeji.

He went to the studio where she practises her cello. It was her birthday but he couldn't make time for her during the day. He did the best he could, ran to her when his shift ended.

They stood outside the chic music studio in the west zone, watching the other musicians shuffling in and out through the entrance. Heeji received his flowers, not shyly but awkwardly. Then she broke the news - she was done with him.

"Something feels amiss between us, Gukdoo. I always felt it and now I know it is the truth. I can only find what's missing in someone else."

He felt surprised. Naturally, her response wasn't what he expected. Other than that nothing. He felt a bit betrayed maybe. That was all. Perhaps realising the same, Heeji offered him a wry smile.

"I'm sorry, Guk-doo. You came all this way for me and... But I had to tell you. It's been on my mind for months now."

He tried to smile. Again. He was surprised to know how she felt. He should have felt depressed, outraged, yet... He sighed, showing her one last smile.

"Happy birthday, Heeji."

He left the place in silence. The flowers he gave her were still blooming given the late hour, a stark contrast to the status of their relationship. Nothing would ever be the same between them again

Guk-doo rolls over in bed. He feels warm from the sweater he wears. So he takes it off and musses up his combed-up hair, letting them cascade down his forehead.

He doesn't know why. Bong-soon's image flashes in his mind. After sending her a link to the rental space he has in mind, he calls her on her phone.

She immediately responds with a hello. He hears the background noise that's definitely her overly cheerful family.

"Hey. Have you checked my message? You no longer should stay in that place plagued by unpleasant memories. If you like it, we can both visit tomorrow. Don't worry about rent. We can negotiate."

"Thanks, Guk-doo-ah. How are you? Tell me have you gotten off of work?"

Her voice puts him at peace. Guk-doo finds himself genuinely smiling. "Why do you ask? What could go wrong with me?"

"You looked stressed. Was it the case? And you got worried on my behalf. I'm sorry, Guk-doo. I couldn't say this earlier but sorry and thank you."

"Hey.. are you thanking your friend? I'm fine. Yes, it's just the... stress of the case."

The loud noise behind her reverberates and he can't make out what she says. The light and cheer suit her like the void that surrounds him. Mrs Do is strict but Bong-soon has people who she can rely on her family. Her brother Bong-gi and her father.

"Well, Bongsoon, don't forget what I told you today..."

"What, that I should rely on you?"

He laughs as she repeats his words.

"Well, you can rely on me too. Guk-doo, dont stress. Eat well and sleep well."

They hang up after that. This is their routine they don't do idle chat despite being friends. The weird kind of friends? No, it's just because they grew up. It doesn't matter as long as the bond between them doesn't change. Guk-doo sighs.

"Today has been so hectic. The bombing case. Bong-soon. Heeji. I'm glad I could help a friend. Today hasn't been so bad."

He plops down on the bed. "A nap should help me clear my head."

Freshened up and in comfy pyjamas, he sets the alarm for two hours. He goes to sleep thinking of his friend, not his girlfriend. "Bong-soon, she's so silly but talented."

And she's sensitive to guessing people's moods. She saw through him. No hiding things from Mother and Bong-soon.

***

Guk-doo arrives at the PD for his late night shift that begins at eleven. Only to be informed that the man whose car was bombed was brought in for questioning. He moves past the dimly lit office to the interview room where Chief is with a slim young man, engaged in a discussion. Without hesitation, he unlocks the door and steps inside.

He keeps calm for about a minute, then joins the questionnaire. The Chief doesn't oppose, as usual, letting his smart subordinate continue the talking.

"I would like to question you from the start again, Mr Seo. It was your car that was bombed." Guk-doo turns on the voice recorder and places it on the desk between Mr Seo and the chief who are seated. "We checked the CC camera footage outside your home, but unfortunately nobody tampered with your car during those hours. Please tell us where you took your car other than to your office and home?"

Mr Seo faces Guk-doo who's moved to lean against the nearby wall. "I drove my car to work this morning. It remained in the office parking lot from 9 to 5. At 5, I was back on the streets. By 5:30 p.m. I was at the grocery store. I spent about half an hour inside, drove around for a bit. Then I stopped at the bakery at 6:30. It was my daughter's birthday. I wanted to buy a cake."

Guk-doo hums. Mr Seo goes on. "I parked my car outside my home at 7. It soon went up! Thank god that didn't happen earlier. I was lucky. Had it happened earlier, then I would have..."

"You were not lucky. This has got nothing to do with your luck." Guk-doo cuts Mr Seo's speech. "That bomb was not placed in your car to kill you. Don't worry you don't have a target on your back. This is all but a terrorist organisation's ploy."

"How can you be so sure, officer? My life is in danger, you have to investigate!"

Guk-doo smiles. "Your life? You think you're so important you could be someone's target? Do you have an enemy?" Mr Seo pales. He has no answer, and turns red with rage.

The Chief declares the interview is over with a resigned sigh.

"Sir..." Guk-doo addresses the man once they are alone. "I told the assistant chief the same thing earlier at the crime site. And he agreed This is a mob's work. Who could it be? Who's so desperate to get themselves into the limelight? Black Wrestlers?"

A light affectionate smile plays on the Chief's lips.

"Guk-doo, you're smart and as badass as ever."

"Sir." Guk-doo slightly flushes at the open praise but recovers soon.

"I believe so too," says the Chief. "Black Wrestlers could be behind this. This is still a bold move. Let's gather review the cc tv footage along the routes Mr Seo's car took."

***

That afternoon Bong-soon is at Walnut Pie, idly seated in one of the chairs, listening to her mother's rants from the end of the room.

Work ended earlier today. There are no customers given the afternoon time and the windows are still sparkly clean.

"Ugh! If only windows could be dirtier every day. I could wipe them and not focus on Mom's rants. Or I could also visit the studio early!" The light bulb going off in her head, she rises to her feet. The bell then jingles bringing in a customer she could least hope for.

"Guk-doo?"

Guk-doo shows her his rare, SSR-level smile. But it's gone soon.

"Why are you surprised?" he asks, "didn't you check your phone? We're supposed to visit your new art studio today."

Bong-soon scrambles to find the phone she placed on the counter. Sure enough, when she checks there are his messages! "Sorry, I didn't check."

"Your shift ends now, right? let's go."

"How do you know that, Guk-doo?"

"You ask a cop that?"

"Ah, seriously, Guk-doo-ah!" Bongsoon can't help but squirm, rooted to her spot, trying to reign in the giddy feeling in her chest. Guk-doo came for her by himself! When was the last time this happened? She chances a look at the serious guy who's her best friend. Hmm, he rarely smiles and is such a grump. But look at him trying to smile at her father.

"Uncle Do!" Guk-doo bows to Mr Do who claps a hand on his back. Mrs Do clears her throat.

"What's this about a studio? Bong-soon, are you frolicking around in the name of art again!? Guk-doo, how do you find time for my idiotic daughter despite being a busy cop? Or wait, you're not busy at all..."

Mr Do sighs, narrowing his eyes at his wife's clear sarcasm. He's a bit powerless to argue here. He shows Guk-doo a weak smile.

"Seriously, my silly, dim-witted daugh-"

Guk-doo nods to Mr Do as if to say it's okay. He swiftly turns and bows to Mrs Do, cutting her off before she can insult Bong-soon some more.

"I apologise, Mrs Do. We are in a bit of a hurry." Bong-soon hurries to his side. He takes her hand and they escape walnut pie.

Bong-soon can't believe Guk-doo dragged her out by hand. Ugh, did Mum see? This would be a scandal. But I'm happy though. Guk-doo is worried about me, she thinks, feeling a bit disappointed when he lets go of her hand

"Uh, thanks for coming to see me, Guk-doo."

"Seriously, Bong-soon," Guk-doo speaks as they walk the sidewalks. "Why do you put up with her? You could have told her off, or found an escape route."

"Yeah, escape her, and she'll come at me with twice the force." Bong-soon lets out a nervous chuckle.

Guk-doo pauses in his tracks and gives her a sympathising look. "I'm sorry your mother behaves like that and you had to put up with it. Wish I could do something to change it."

She's surprised by the kindness sent her way but then he has always been kind. "Oh, it's fine! I have my heart and the people I love, my friends cheering on me. I'm totally fine."

He pats her head showing another glimpse of that precious smile.

"What about you? You're not stressed, are you? What about the new case?"

Guk-doo smiles and takes her hand again as they are suddenly surrounded by the throng of evening home-goers.

"It's the same for me, Bong-soon... I'm fine as long as I have people cheering on me. My friends... and you."

They continue their walk to her new art studio.

***

AN: Short chapter <3 Wasn't it good enough? More interesting things are on the way! Please vote and comment <3

Happy Sunday!