It didn't take a genius to see Hyunjoon was painfully distracted. At this point they should just hold up signs saying to capture them. Yet whenever he asked Hyunjoon would just avoid him.

"Joon, I don't know what's going on with you, but I need my partner right now. Just our lives aren't on the line. We have to bring them back and bring justice to wronged families.

"Mmm. Right."

He was mostly with him. Haknyeon placed his hands on his shoulders, hoping to pump him up.

"We'll get out of this alive. I promise."

"I know. You'll protect me like always..." smiled Hyunjoon, unintentionally confusing Haknyeon.

He didn't question it, just glad to have Hyunjoon back up to speed. They started their plan, using the new route. No guards, no memories. They quietly descended the stairs, making use of all of their senses. Haknyeon's instincts kicked in, pushing them to the wall. Part of the stairs broke and fell.

"You'd think their lower floors would've gotten renovations too..." muttered Haknyeon. "Come on."

The stairs seemed never ending until they came upon a door. There was nothing else but this door. As if thinking the same thing, they felt the walls, looking for a hidden door. Click. A door opened on Hyunjoon's side. They hurried in, the door closing after being opened. Scents filled their nostrils, bringing forth a memory or two of sneaking around down below. They had to be close. They weren't expecting the end of the path to be open. No door, no bars hiding above, just an open arch.

They stepped through before being assaulted by memories. They crawled over to a hiding spot, needing to wait them out. They ended up passing out, the pain unbearable.

୨୧⑅︎*‬‪*⑅︎୨୧︎

Haknyeon was the first to awaken, seeing they hadn't been found. He looked to his side, Hyunjoon leaning against him.

"Hyunjoon, wake up."

Hyunjoon groaned, opening his eyes. Bakmoon. They were back here again.

"Looks like we made it back, Officer."

"Mmm. I bet it was you who brought us back."

Haknyeon didn't entertain it, knowing full well he wouldn't have gotten this far with Hyunjoon. He may be tough and skilled, but even the best need bailing out. Haknyeon assessed the situation, seeing the numbers were smaller than earlier. Maybe something unexpected was going on? The two moved again, heading straight for their initial failed plan destination: the illegal drug factory. Once they gathered enough damning evidence, Bakmoon would be history.

They ducked into a tight space as workers walked past. Smocks and gloves. They had to be near. Haknyeon moved first, making Hyunjoon worry. He pulled him back.

"This is how we got capture before! Let's try this way."

Sure enough, there were less people to deal with on the other side. They entered the facility, seeing pounds and pounds of drugs being made. Hyunjoon squinted before repeatedly hitting Haknyeon's arm.

"They're dealing firearms too! There's a lot of boxes over there..."

"From our previous position it was easy to miss... all right let's go."

The two started wrecking the place, rendering as many as they could immobile.

"Watch out!"

A bullet whizzed past, just missing his face. Hyunjoon gave a quick thanks, rendering the shooter lame. Pictures and samples were taken while Hyunjoon called for the others. He turned, seeing Haknyeon disappeared. This was bad. Haknyeon had mellowed out over time but was his thirst for revenge fully quenched?

Haknyeon stood as steady as stone, watching them tremble underneath him.

"W- We can talk about this! Without weapons!"

"Yeah? Yet you've killed people with those very hands whether directly or in directly with that drug. Bakmoon sure loves sticking its nose in business it doesn't belong in. Like getting a fellow officer of mine fired." growled Haknyeon, his finger toying with the trigger.

"I'll be taking that."

The man sighed in relief before freezing up, now having two guns pointed at him. At least it wasn't pressed against his skull. Haknyeon handcuffed the man, offering Hyunjoon a small thank you. He knew any second longer and he'd snap. He had the man lead him to where they were keeping Taesob and Kevin.

Workers of Bakmoon handed over their weapons, seeing they meant business having captured their boss.

"There."

Haknyeon took the keys, unlocking the locks. Taesob seemed fine for the most part, Kevin looked worse for wear. Taesob started talking quickly, trying to make his voice heard before he lost it. They turned at the sound of footsteps. Reinforcements.

"Looks like your use as hostage is up. You've upgraded to meat shield." chuckled Haknyeon, having Taesob and Kevin get behind them.

Passerby stopped and stared, wondering why the police had the Bakmoon building surrounded. Soon they saw people being escorted out, furthering their confusion.

"Any sign of Officer Ju and Officer Heo?"

"None yet! They may be further in."

They sent more to go farther in, hoping backup would reach them. They almost lost them once, they weren't going to let it happen for real this time.

Haknyeon wiped off his bloody hands, taking another loaded gun from Hyunjoon. Taesob and Kevin had long since taken a safe-ish route to exit the building. As much as Taesob refused to take a weapon, they managed to compromise on a stun gun. They were still outnumbered no matter how he tried thinking this through.

"We're running out of room to dodge. Got a plan yet?!" Hyunjoon asked, truly starting to panic. "We'll end up with more holes than swiss cheese!"

"We won't have a chance without backup. So we have to buy as much time as we can- Ugh!"

This was bad. They were aiming for their legs and he just got hit. He narrowly avoided being hit by another. How much longer until backup? He turned at the sound of a thud.

"Joon!"

Hyunjoon tried assuring him he was fine but Haknyeon wasn't having any of it. There was no way he'd be able to move with two injured legs. Haknyeon blocked their view of Hyunjoon, feeling a bit of panic rising within him as the perps got closer. The small amount of panic vanished at the feeling of Hyunjoon pressing himself against him.

"Listen and I'll be able to protect you. Can you do the same for me?" he whispered.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I need you to briefly close your eyes."

It already sounded suspicious. He did so anyway. Hyunjoon moved himself in front of Haknyeon, just making it in time. Haknyeon's eyes went wide as multiple shots were fired, each hitting Hyunjoon inside of him.

"Ew, what is this? A drama film? Giving up your pathetic life for someone else?"

They all started laughing, shooting a few more before back up arrived. Haknyeon tightly held spots, trying to lessen the bleeding.

"Please live... you can't die on me!"

"We'll take him."

Haknyeon got to his feet, disregarding his pain to follow after them. Why did he listen to him? That should be him being taken away like that. He was more resilient. He sat off to the side as paramedics took off for the hospital. He was a failure. He was a liar. He didn't serve to wear this badge anymore.

୨୧⑅︎*‬‪*⑅︎୨୧︎

Haknyeon gently squeezed his calf, being told to stay off it for a while. They wouldn't let him see Hyunjoon yet. Everyone had held their breath when awaiting the news. He barely made it. To think a minute could make a difference between life and death...

"Hak?"

He looked up, seeing Taesob entering. He had a cast on his arm.

"Broke it trying to escape. It was a burly guy. I heard about Hyunjoon. Isn't it great?" he said, trying to make him smile. "You know, he'll be out of your hair for awhile."

"But at what cost..."

He's always wished Hyunjoon would stop following him like a dog, but not like this. All he wanted was for him to be switched to someone else. Someone who cared... Taesob pulled him close, seeing one of the rare moments Haknyeon cried.

"He's gonna be okay. Nothing vital was hit, right?"

Silence. Well, now he didn't know what to say.

"He'll get better. It'll take time-"

"I'm quitting."

"Eh?"

"I can't be an officer after this... Everyday I'll think of this day, remembering how I failed him as his superior... as his partner."

"You're exag..."

Taesob didn't finish, seeing Haknyeon was already down enough. He opted to sitting by his side, giving him comfort. So he did end up caring about his little pup.

୨୧⑅︎*‬‪*⑅︎୨୧︎

Everyone watched as Haknyeon carried out his things. No one attempted to stop him, knowing they weren't even remotely close to him to say so. The only person who could was still in the hospital recovering. And that was it. Ju Haknyeon was gone. Even if they weren't friends, there was always a notable difference when he wasn't in the building.

Haknyeon closed his door, trying to decide what to do from now on. Maybe a retail job. Fast food? Something, anything small. He opened the door to his room, forgetting how trashed it was. He continued to clean up the mess, wishing he didn't feel so god awful.

Even a clean room couldn't fix his mood. He'd eventually get over it one day, just like anything else. He hid underneath his bedsheets, forcing himself to sleep.

"Why were you so angry earlier?"

"I'm naturally grumpy."

"That's a lie and we both know it."

Haknyeon sighed, moving out of his hold.

"Does it really matter? You came back to give me this snow globe. Shouldn't you be on your way?"

"I should, but that doesn't mean I will. Let me stay a bit longer. You did say I could stay."

Ah. Haknyeon gave a noncommittal noise, heading back to his bedroom. He was nervous and breathing weirdly. Heart attack? Stroke? Developing asthma? He sat down on the edge of his bed, looking at the scars and wounds on his legs. This wasn't like him, letting himself be touched and inviting someone to stay. Hyunjoon was such a mysterious and bewitching person.

"Officer Ju, may I come in?"

"Now what?"

"May I sit?"

"What's the point in asking when you're already doing it? Whatever, what do you want? I'm trying to sleep." he grumbled.

"Sitting up? That's innovative. But, I just wanted to tell you something. Tomorrow's the day we bust in and in case I don't get a chance to tell you after... I've fallen for you, Haknyeon." said Hyunjoon, running his fingers through his hair with shaky hands. "Now if I die I won't have a huge regret on my chest, haha."

It was so obvious he was frighted and nervous. Haknyeon reached and held his hand, seeing his shaking eased some.

"You're the most annoying person I've ever met but without you... I most likely wouldn't be here next to you. And I wouldn't have been able to say..."

Haknyeon kissed him instead, finding the use of words embarrassing and uncomfortable. Hyunjoon became curious, wanting to see what was underneath his bathrobe.

"Oi..."

"Umm... Ah..."

Hyunjoon was certain he was redder than cherries. He started to apologize only to look at him with wide eyes.

"If it'll make you feel better..." mumbled Hyunjoon, taking off his clothes.

"Wait-"

Hyunjoon averted his gaze, now completely nude. He didn't mean everything. Haknyeon moved away, rubbing his neck. Now things were really awkward.

"Now we're both equal... I guess?" Hyunjoon attempted, feeling heavily exposed. "So-"

"Either get dressed or..."

"Or...?"

Hyunjoon couldn't see the heavy blush on Haknyeon's face.

"You don't want to find out." he finally said, keeping his face hidden.

"Then, I wanna find out!" laughed Hyunjoon lightly.

Hyunjoon found himself staring up at Haknyeon. He think he understood what he was getting at now.