The weather was so cold outside, her jumper and overcoat weren't immune to it. The chill settled into her legs passing through her jeggings though she was wearing warm boots. The insides of the Metro PD are warmer though. Bong-soon watches Guk-doo take off his jacket and reveal his stylish figure clad in chino pants and a turtleneck jumper. Ugh, so handsome.

Bong-soon's heart does a flip. She averts her eyes from him and settles into an empty chair next to his desk, not knowing what to do. This is a strange situation she is in. She and Gukdoo were lightyears apart. All of a sudden the distance between them has diminished to nothing.

Her stomach is full from the sweet burns and latte, her heart was full as well. But this light anxiety of the strange new situation still lingers. More so as she feels Guk-doo's eyes on her.

He offers her a small smile when their eyes meet.

She doesn't know but he feels glad that he could voice his feelings and also apologize. He is also relieved that he has had an opportunity to cheer her up like he used to. She doesn't look as awful as she did two days ago. This is a good sign, right?

Before he can flop into his seat, his attention is called away by Chief and Do-young. The magical moment between him and Bong-soon is broken. What was he thinking when he was in the middle of work?

Bong-soon watches the second unit cops Gukdoo and Do-young check the train station footage on a computer close by, alongside their Chief. No one is in the office. From what she gathered. The rest of the second unit is so sloppy, they manage to skip attending to their duties on most occasions.

The bombing case is such a mystery. Though there's an air of danger and uncertainty surrounding it, the suspense is solid enough to take Bong-soon's mind off other things. and Guk-doo also maintains his razor-sharp focus. just like that, the awkwardness is gone. poof. Giving way to usual affection and admiration. hells, it was gone the moment he dropped her at home the other night, the moment he stood up for her at Walnut Pie and the moment when he consoled her on the streets pulling her into a hug.

Guk-doo had been earnest about it and apologized for his behaviour that evening. but she couldn't respond in her frozen emotional state. the chance to apologize for the slap is gone. She can't bring up the topic again without being mighty embarrassed about it. I'll have to wait for another. She watches him work and sighs.

This is how their relationship had been. A bit irregular since they moved out of high-school but the same. They'd be chummy, they'd fight about silly things, bicker about bigger ones. He's curt sometimes but his overprotective streak remains constant through it all which is endearing and bothersome at the same time. But all in all, they do feel at home with each other. One is the solace the other needs.

At least Guk-doo is but... Do I mean the same to him?

She has no way of knowing because he's become a bit unreadable over these years. And why'd he break up with Heeji? He said he'd not deny his feelings. Could it be that he harbours serious feelings for me?

Seriously. She murmurs, turning away from the group of working cops with a huff. A little self-deprecating smile on her face, she drums her fingers across Guk-doo's desk. He's working and I'm here alone with my thoughts. Wait, if I bring along my sketchbook, I won't be this bored...

***

"This girl is clever, sir." Do-young remarks as he, Chief and Guk-doo finish viewing the cc cam footage. Morning turned to afternoon and they didn't find a clue. Is this how police work? They have the patience of saints. Well, some policemen don't possess the trait, it's why they lash out at the public sometimes. Bong-soon's thoughts are at an entirely different level, absorbed in the aura of her surroundings.

"This girl hid her face well." The cops aren't done viewing the footage yet. Do-young is still regaling his observations, which match with those of Guk-doo and Chief's.

"Whenever she approached the radar of a CC cam she hid her face pretty well. That build and clothes, the hair and skin complexion - she looks like an average Korean working-class woman."

"She's clever," Guk-doo says, turning off the monitor and pushing away empty chairs and returning them to their respective desks. "But let's see how long she holds out in this game. We already have an important lead. What she's supposed to deliver is in our hands."

Do-young agrees with a smile. Then they look at Bong-soon. Chief rises from his seat, pauses on his way to his cabin, his eyes finding the same target.

"Well, we can't afford to keep the girl in the office. But it's certainly a feasible option as she needs to be under our protection. And if the superior comes questioning, let's say she's an artist helping us with the mysterious art thief case."

Guk-doo thanks the Chief by bowing low. The Chief brushes it off. "Assigning her an escort detective all the time would be heard we are short of hands already. Don't know when the recruitment will bring us capable officers to curb this shortage of... manpower." He sends one scathing look at the near-empty office before disappearing into his cabin.

Guk-doo returns to a bored-looking Bong-soon's side.

She looks at him.

"Um, you didn't tell me the whole story. Am I spending the day here... is it gonna be the same each day?" Her brows furrow. "How do I make art then? And I also need to find a job."

Guk-doo faces her with a thin, complacent smile.

"Whenever you want to go out to your studio or have work to do, just let Do-young know. He will be your temporary escort when I cannot. But yes you cannot use this incentive too often."

Bong-soon feels relieved that Do-young is her escort sometimes. Not just Guk-doo. Yep, right now she's only counting the positives and not the negatives.

Afternoon hunger pangs have Bong-soon in their clutches when Guk-doo finally ceases his work and mentions they should get something to eat. Bong-soon hurries to his side with no complaints as he seemingly makes his way towards the cafeteria somewhere below the building.

They pass through the entrance and enter a garden when a constable brings in Mr Do to them. Pa has brought boxed lunches. Bong-soon can't hide her surprise at seeing him.

"Saying Guk-doo's name helped! They let me in." Mr Do says, smiling sweetly. "Yes, not one but two lunch boxes are in his hand. One for my dear Guk-doo-ah!" He settles his affectionate gaze on Guk-doo who bows and smiles politely.

"Thank you, Uncle Do, we were about to have lunch."

Bong-soon huffs. Late lunch. You're both late. Pa would've put extra effort into making these lunch boxes for us. He wouldn't have been late otherwise.

Mr Do is glad to have made it in time. "Bong-soon, come home tonight. And don't get any weird ideas. What was the declaration this morning? Where do you plan to live?"

Guk-doo assures Mr Do he will drop her home. He brushes off the latter's thanks and asks him not to be formal. Bong-soon pouts at the pair.

"Bong-soon, no acting smart and doing things on your own. I know you like to be independent but seeing that you are involved with this weird situation now, you better follow to do lead. He's experienced in these things and he's trained to deal with these things."

She groans at her Pa's advice but nods, waving him bye. Her sour mood is fixed when she has a delicious lunch courtesy of her Pa himself.

"You're lucky you are getting to eat this." She tells Guk-doo as they sit on a bench under a tree, having lunch. Delicious creamy pasta laden with nutritious veggies and red beans. "It's been long since you had Pa's cooking, right?"

Guk-doo only smiles in response. His heart feels light seeing Bong-soon in a better mood. From his interactions during these past few days, he can tell that her mood changes quickly. A lot of things pull her down, but she is able to return to her usual cheerful state quickly.

Looking back, she has always been like that. It's a miracle she hasn't lost that trait, growing up. That's gotta be the most attractive thing about her. Excluding her cute girlish smile. Ahem. He mustn't go listing the things he loves about her. He's just discovered it, but there are a ton of those.

***

Bong-soon returns home that night only to be thrown a surprise dinner party by her Pa and Bong-gi. A bonfire is already going on in the middle of the small garden surrounding their house. There are fairy lights illuminating the greenery, candles set up on a low-height table, alongside several dishes, and Japanese-style chairs. Pa and Bong-gi assume their seats close to the warmth of the fire. Bong-soon plops down on the grass and not in her seat.

"What's the occasion?" She asks although she knows very well her brother and father are trying to cheer her up. But hearing them reaffirm what she's confirmed in her head is comforting. She smiles gratefully at the two men, hearing their encouraging words.

"Sorry, I was the cowardly brother who couldn't talk back to Mother." Bong-gi's elaborate apology comes as a surprise. "Ma was particularly horrible. I'm sorry I couldn't speak up."

Pa claps his son on the back in a soothing gesture. Bong-soon shrugs looking at the orange-yellow flames dancing before her, their blazing warmth her source of comfort in the chill breeze. "It's okay." She looks at Bong-gi. "It doesn't hurt as much now," she says and she is being honest. "You know I never blame you for not speaking up. It's the best thing to do."

Bong-gi appears conflicted. Bong-soon reflects on how her brother used to support her once. Back in the day, he'd talk back and be subject to Ma's wrath as well. He'd get stressed and it started affecting his grades. At one point, she was the one who told him not to butt heads with his mother.

She takes in Bong-gi's troubled expression. He's still torn about it. I can only hope this situation will ease out and Ma's behaviour doesn't cause stress to me Bong-gi and Pa.

"Ah. I made all of your favourite dishes, Bongsoon." Pa diverts the topic. "Bong-gi, got your favourite Japanese sake too. Will bring it. Left it in the kitchen."

He leaves the brother and sister to have a private moment. Pa is sweet. He not only cheers for his children but has given them space to discuss their feelings on the matter privately. Once again, Bong-soon is amazed at how great a father Mr Do is. She and Bong-gi exchange smiles. They both silently agree on this: we haven't got much to discuss. Pa has already made our mood better.

The party is working before it has begun. Her spirits are upbeat, thanks to Pa and Bong-gi. And Guk-doo. A smile wafts to Bong-soon's lips as she whispers the last one's name. She's been quiet but Bong-gi heard it.

"Guk-doo? You're smiling. Looks like you too are getting along like fire."

Bong-soon responds to her brother's teasing grin with a frown. "No one is getting along like fire!"

Her voice echoes in the quiet of the surroundings. Pa hasn't returned. She heaves a sigh, then throws Bong-gi a dubious look.

"Wait! How do you know? You seem like you are armed with up-to-date information about our relationship. Would you elaborate on that, brother? Also, how did Guk-doo catch wind of my feelings? Did you tell him about my crush??!!! That was supposed to be a secret. You're supposed to guard your sister's secret. Don't tell me you betrayed your sister-"

Bong-soon raises her voice with every syllable she speaks. Bong-gi shrinks back but voices his reply. "No! He overheard me and Heeji talking at the hospital!"

"What were you talking about? Why the hell were you discussing my crush?"

"Well, Heeji came to the hospital and things happened. I didn't know anybody was overhearing our conversation. I didn't know until Guk-doo told me."

Bong-gi admits sheepishly. He and Bong-soon fall silent.

"What did he tell you?" Bong-soon clears her throat loudly. "Can you believe it, brother? Heeji dumped him and he was trying to hit me! Guk-doo is-"

"Do you really think he is that kind of guy? Look, I'm your brother but I ask you to rethink. Guk-doo is a good guy."

Such open support renders Bong-soon speechless. A few moment's silence later, overcoming her embarrassment of everything, she chimes in again, albeit gingerly.

"What did he tell you exactly? If you two talked about this then-"

"Guk-doo is my friend. I can't violate my bro-friend code and tell you what we talked about. Well, just know that he and Heeji... Well, it's better if you discover these details by yourself." Bong-gi has a wicked smile on his face. "You won't believe it coming from me, would you?"

"Huh, why wouldn't I believe you? Brother, what did Guk-doo tell you? He and Heeji are what?"

Bong-soon can't hide her childish curiosity and her brother has a good laugh at it. I can't win against Brother when he's like this! Ugh! Meanies! All men are meanies. Just then watches Pa emerge back in the garden putting a smile on her face. Well, all men. Except Pa!

The party goes on into the night, celebrated by a merry band of three. The sweet sake tastes divine but a little bitterness remains on Bong-soon's tongue. Ma didn't want to attend this party.

"I can't miss my beauty sleep," she said, earlier when Pa decided to invite her despite their differences and bridge the gap between them as a family.

"Can't you miss one night of sleep for your daughter? Put a smile on her face after being so awful? Doesn't your heart desire it?" when Mr Do voiced his displeasure, she shot back right at him.

"Well as it is, I had several sleepless nights looking after this girl when she was younger. And after she grew up I decided I'd have them no more. She's still my daughter at the end of the day," She said flippantly as she took her leave. "You two can take care of her. Besides, she is old enough to take care of herself."

Bong-soon sighs, mind zooming back to the present, laughing along with her father and brother. Then to the full moon hanging in the sky. Involuntarily her mind recalls Guk-doo's image from this afternoon, the two of them having a hearty lunch in the MPDs garden. Is he still working in the office?

Poor Do-young must be guarding outside the house. I better leave him a midnight snack before going to sleep. Guk-doo will probably be mad. Probably jealous but I should...

As Bong-soon relishes the other dishes Pa made, her thoughts slightly race again, whenever he and Bong-gi aren't having her attention.

Will Mother and I ever be on the same page? And Guk-doo? I never thought we could be anything but friends. But now I'm not sure. I can't see the end of this road. Is everyone's life this suspenseful? Wait, my life was boring until yesterday. And today it could as well be a K-drama...

***

AN:(initial title for this chap: our strange routine) lol which is better? hahaa!

I'm really loving the way this story is shaping up. I hope I can manage to bring to life what I envisioned. <3 Thanks for reading.

If you're reading this story, please vote and comment!