Chapter 12

The two looked through the singed files, seeing Kevin had a decent amount of information on the case. Though, none of said how and where they got into Bakmoon.

"Can't we meet with him again?" Hyunjoon asked, narrowing down possibly entry spots.

"Too risky. They know we're alive and that Kevin is working with us. If they catch wind the three of us met up, its over for Kevin. Having him camp out with Taesob is the least dangerous choice as they probably think we're too spooked to go back to my place." Haknyeon replied, entering passwords. "Ah, it's open."

Hyunjoon came over, seeing it was full of information on Bakmoon.

"Oh! Click this."

Sure enough, a plan for entering Bakmoon appeared. Well, it was the beginning of a plan.

"Hm..."

Haknyeon clicked around more. If this was all...

"This is a fake plan. The real plan was spoken between us. If I had to guess, I was the one to come up with the idea. How smart was I..." muttered Haknyeon, properly closing out of the program. "Whatever. Let's try to piece everything together. I'm tired of having to constantly look over my shoulder... Aren't you?"

"Hak, I understand but we aren't ourselves. Rushing in like before didn't work then and it'll definitely get us killed now."

"Then what do you think we should do huh? Not once have I heard anyone say you came up with brilliant ideas. All you do is follow me around like a dog!" fussed Haknyeon.

Haknyeon realized his mistake, scrambling to come up with an apology.

"Well I'm sorry for wanting to be close to someone I admired and liked..." Hyunjoon hissed, angrily leaving the room.

How did they get along for as long as they did? He didn't intend to make him upset. It just came out. Perhaps pent up frustration. Either way he shouldn't have snapped like that. They shouldn't be at odds now. He quickly got up, asking the other officers about his whereabouts.

"Said he was going out for air. Don't worry, someone's with him. We know the dangers of you two being alone."

"I'm going out."

"Ah ah, wait! I'm coming with you!"

"Joon!"

He hurried over, finally having spotted them. The officer with Hyunjoon stepped back with the one who followed Haknyeon.

"I'm really sorry. Now isn't the time for us to be at odds. I don't know if I really meant what I said or if it was a side effect from frustration but, know I mean it when I say I'm sorry."

"It's fine I guess..."

"You don't have to forgive me. I really was in the wrong. Wanna grab a drink at Farena and talk...?" he suggested, giving him a smile.

"I thought you wanted to get things over with."

Haknyeon closed his eyes as he sighed.

"I should listen to my limiter, shouldn't I? Until we know most of everything, we should avoid making rash moves like you said. I don't know how much time we have but I'm certain if we take too long, we'll lose the trail."

Hyunjoon nodded in understanding, glad to see he came around. The duo entered Farena, earning a surprised gasp from Eunyong.

"Mr Ju! You're okay! I've never seen the boss so frantic before." she exclaimed. "And you brought Officer Heo this time. So the usual?"

"Yep."

"Coming right up!"

Haknyeon gestured that they should sit. Hyunjoon looked around, familiarity filling him. Fragments came and went, some pleasant and others embarrassing. Now that he thought about it, how long has he liked Haknyeon? He silently stared at his superior, taking him all in. He remembered something when Kevin mentioned the skii trip but he never found the time to tell Haknyeon. Was it even worth mentioning?

"Joon?"

"Huh? Oh, thank you Eunyong!"

She gave him a warm smile before heading off. So his usual was warm milk tea and a cookie. He looked over Haknyeon's. Some kind of light coffee and a pastry. Opposites huh?

"Hey, Hak..."

"Hm? You want a taste of the pastry?" he asked, giving a small tilt of his head.

"No, no. I kind of remembered something but I'm not sure if you'd want to hear it since it's not related to the case..."

"Any memory is a good memory. Tell away."

Hyunjoon took a sip before speaking.

"Officer Ju."

"We just ate dinner together. Get out of my sight already. I'm tired." grumbled Haknyeon.

"I thought an experienced officer like you could help out... I- I'm having doubts about my career choice." Hyunjoon stated, closing the door behind him. "Did you ever have doubts? Were you unsure of yourself being fit for the job?"

"Everyone has doubts. And with doubts come regrets after making a choice. 'I should've done this', 'Why didn't I say that?', 'Why didn't I shoot?', it goes on. The only way to clear these doubts is to ask yourself these questions. Why are you going down this career path? Who are you doing this for? What do you intend to get out of doing this line of work? How do you intend to live this life you've chosen to take on? If you don't have a reasonable answer for all of them, quit." advised Haknyeon, his face stoic. "You're free to answer them in your room alone. I don't want to nor care to hear them."

"Why? There's something I intend to find out and this was the rational idea I came up with." Hyunjoon started, finding a bit of confidence. Haknyeon tried stopping him but Hyunjoon was already speaking. "Who? As selfish as it is, myself. I can't rest knowing I can do something for those I lost. What? I don't intend to get anything but answers. How? Live it to the fullest knowing at any moment I could die at the hands of someone who made too many bad choices in life."

Haknyeon got up from his spot on the bed, now standing in front of Hyunjoon.

"Then why are you doubting yourself? You know what you came for. Grab it and don't let it go. It's the insecure and doubters that end up in hospitals or worse, six feet under because they hesitated when it mattered most. Being able to assess and think smartly and quickly under pressure are the best traits an officer needs. It's not just your life on the line." Haknyeon said in a tone so soft Hyunjoon was afraid he was speaking to someone else.

"Haknyeon..."

Haknyeon stiffened as Hyunjoon hugged him tight. This was new. What was he to do in this situation? He wrapped his arms around Hyunjoon, feeling his junior hold tighter.

"You're a good officer, Hyunjoon. And that's saying a lot coming from me."

He was even complimenting him. He was scared out of his mind, feeling as if Haknyeon could hear his heart beating loudly. He didn't think it was possible but he really did start crushing on his superior. It was more than just admiration.

Hyunjoon kept his eyes on his almost finished cookie, his cheeks burning. It was like he confessed.

"I really said all of that to you... Actually, it does sound like something I'd do." smiled Haknyeon. "It seems we were good friends, you and I."

Yet his heart felt differently. How he acted in the past made no sense as to how he ended up as he was now. How could he like someone he always kept at a distance? They sat in silence, their hearts beating quickly. It was hard to focus on anything once becoming hyper aware of the other.

"Did I mention it was when we went on the skiing trip?" Hyunjoon spoke up, wanting to get rid of the awkwardness.

"I uh, also remembered something about the trip..."

Hyunjoon sat attentively. Haknyeon recounted the memory, awaiting Hyunjoon's response. Instead Hyunjoon passed out. Was he remembering something or just fainted?

Hyunjoon groaned, opening his eyes. When did he end up in an alley? He stretched out his arms, noticing his hands were smaller than he remembered. He looked down, taking note of his tattered and worn clothes.

"I've gone back in time?"

He got to his feet, starting to explore the area. Memories rushed past as he passed by homes and stores. His legs stopped by one home in particular. He climbed the small fence as if it were natural for him to do so. At this point he no longer had control over himself. He could hear arguing coming from inside. The door opened, a girl about his age walking out with a dog. The dog scampered over to him, asking for belly rubs.

"You came today too! Mom and Dad would be happy to see you... if they weren't fighting..." she said, her bright smile leaving her face. "But it's fine. We can have fun with Kiwi without them. Last one to the park is a rotten egg!"

He found himself racing with her, the dog hot on their heels. She seemed happy just talking and being around him despite how he looked. Kiwi sat by them as they rested up at the park. They had tied.

"Can we stay here a little? Kiwi gets uncomfortable when they argue..."

He had a feeling it was her and not the dog. He wanted to speak but he couldn't find his voice.

"I don't know why they're arguing... It's happening more recently. Dad thinks something is up with Mom... I think so too! She's gets annoyed a lot and forgets things. She never forgets, that's Dad's thing!"

Was he even talking? It seemed like she was talking to a wall with how silent he was.

"Hm? Do something nice for Mom? I tried... I made her a nice letter but... I found it in the garbage the next day... I don't know what to do..." she mumbled, resting her head on her knees. "Maybe we can do a show together! They really loved the one we did last time."

She stood up, helping him up once she was steady.

"All right then it's settled! Meet me here tomorrow at the same time! I'll try to have most of the stuff ready."

Why did he feel so much dread? Something was yelling at him to grab her and run away. She turned and waved, heading off with Kiwi. No. "Come back" was what he wanted to shout. He covered his ears at the sound of screaming. It sounded inhuman. He didn't want to open his eyes. He knew how it'd end at this point so why was it forcing him to look?

Dead. All dead. They were supposed to put on a show. They were supposed to make them happy again. Tears overflowed as he knelt by her and Kiwi's sides. Why? Why her and not him? He had nothing to live for but her... she had so much. He peeked at the table, seeing it covered in blood. Papers? His heart shattered.

His family was taken from him before he could even be officially announced.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top