3rd person POV:

The tall man was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie carefully. Because of his careful moves, the knot sat exactly against the white shirt underneath. His broad shoulders were rolled up a little, and he took his black blazer and put it on, satisfied. The smooth cloth highlighted his strong physique and fit him perfectly. His confidence felt almost palpable as he took one last look at his own reflection. But his midnight-brown eyes were still as merciless and invincible as the winter night sky.

A lovely voice said, "Good morning, honey," from behind him. His shoulders were wrapped by slim, beautiful arms, and his cheek was kissed gently.

His frosted plum velvet lips curled into a tiny smile, softening the sharp angles of his face for a moment. His eyes, which seemed to contrast so sharply with his cold appearance, caught hers as he turned slightly.

"Good morning," he said softly and smoothly.

A polite voice from the doorway interrupted the moment. "Sir," the secretary called, her tone cautious yet efficient.

His sweet look faded as he stood up. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice firm but gentle while facing his wife. "I'll be back in a moment." He put a soothing hand on hers and said, with a slight smile, "I'll see you tonight for dinner."

Then, leaving her standing in the room's warmth, he turned and strode toward the door.

As soon as he stepped into the corridor, his smile disappeared, replaced by the cold, calculated mask he always wore at work. His sharp shoes clicked against the shining flooring as he walked with his secretary.

They got into the car, and the secretary started reading out his schedule for the day. "At 9 a.m., you'll meet with the board of directors, followed by a video conference with the international division at 11. Lunch with Mr. Kang from the legal team is set for 1 p.m., followed by a discussion of the most recent project reports."

He gave a curt nod while keeping his eyes forward and lightly tapping his fingers on the seat's armrest.

"Mr. Kim," the secretary continued slowly, her tone adjusting slightly to get his attention. His piercing gaze turned to her, one brow arched in mute questioning.

"There's one more thing," she said slowly, clutching her tablet even more tightly. "Police have been looking into... Ms. Kim Hana. They seem to be looking into her relationship with our staff, specifically one of our design team members, Kim Taehyung."

His eyes narrowed slightly, the only obvious sign of his reaction. The tapping of his fingers stopped. "What kind of inquiries?" he inquired, his voice calm but with a distinct edge.

"They've requested access to employee records and permission to speak with some of the staff," she said, her words cautious. "I thought it best to bring this to your attention immediately."

He leaned back slightly, his face becoming unreadable as he got the information. "And have they provided any formal documentation for their requests?"

"Not yet, sir," she replied hurriedly. "But I anticipate they'll follow up soon."

"Good," he replied coldly. "Until they do, restrict access to everything. Make sure legal is ready to stop them at every turn. Keep me updated on their movements."

"Understood, sir," the secretary said, her voice steady in spite of the force of his words.

He turned his sight to the window, where his reflection stared back at him. His expression remained indifferent, but his deep brown eyes began to get colder. Whatever game the cops were playing, he was not going to let them win.

_______________________________________________________________________

Taeko's POV

As I drove to the company where Kim Hana and Taehyung had worked, my mind was racing with thoughts. The air inside the car was thick with anxiety, and the engine's constant hum did little to soothe my worries. Jisoo sat in the passenger seat, quietly scrolling through his tablet and occasionally muttering to himself as he read the case notes.

The further we got from the station, the more I found myself mentally preparing for whatever we were going to face. This wasn't just any company; it was a high-profile, powerful enterprise where any trace of controversy might have far-reaching consequences. And now it was the main topic of a murder investigation.

"We're almost there," I said, breaking the silence while looking at the GPS.

"Yeah," Jisoo said, his tone lacking passion. He switched his tablet's screen off and stretched. "Just... be ready for some backlash. Companies like these do not like seeing cops dig around their employees.

I nodded. "I understand. But this is not about their reputation; it is about Hana and the truth. And we have to find it, no matter how hard they try to stop us."

And even for Taehyung to prove his innocence if he is not the one responsible for Hana's murder.

Jisoo gave a little scoff, but not in disagreement. "Let's just hope their legal team isn't as sharp as that attorney of Taehyung's," he grumbled.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop myself from smirking a little. "Jimin," I said, exasperated and grudgingly respectful. "He is obviously... talented. But we aren't going to allow anyone, including him, to slow us down."

The big, bright office building stood ahead, its glass exterior reflecting the white afternoon sky. It seemed like a castle, cold and firm. After parking the car, I took a deep breath before getting out.

"Here we go," I said quietly, smoothing my jacket as Jisoo followed me.

As we entered the main entrance, the polished automated doors slid open, showing a sleek and modern lobby. The mild aroma of leather and coffee permeated the air, blending with the muffled sounds of footfall and quiet talks. A receptionist at the front desk looked up, her professional grin breaking slightly as we approached.

"Good afternoon," I said, showing my badge. "I am Officer Jin, and this is Officer Park. We'd like to ask you a few questions concerning two of your employees, Kim Hana and Kim Taehyung."

The receptionist's eyes flashed with unease before she swiftly adjusted. "One moment, please," she said, her voice calm but strained. She picked up the phone and dialed the number with practiced precision.

While we waited, I exchanged glances with Jisoo. "Told you," he said under his breath.

I didn't respond, instead focusing my eyes on the receptionist while she talked quietly. She hung up a few moments later, giving us a pleasant but tight grin.

"Someone from our legal team will be down shortly to assist you," she told you. "If you'd like, you can take a seat while you wait."

I nodded curtly and stepped back, allowing her to resume her job. I turned to Jisoo and mumbled, "This is going to be interesting."

"That's one way to put it," he said sarcastically as we moved to a nearby seating area.

Now the waiting game has begun.

For about two hours, Jisoo and I had been sitting here, chatting and twitching our thumbs to kill time. The air was beginning to grow weary when a well-known voice broke.

"Oh, Officer Jin."

I closed my eyes for a moment as the saccharine tone reached my ears while clicking my tongue in irritation. "God, he's here," Jisoo mumbled, gritting his teeth.

"I didn't expect you to be here before me," Park Jimin said, his voice honey-coated and smug, a smile that never left his face.

I opened my eyes to see him approaching, a smirk on his lips, as if he owned the room.

Despite my growing annoyance, I forced myself to remain controlled and didn't respond immediately. "Well, I guess we'll have to endure his presence a little longer," I whispered softly to Jisoo, who unwillingly nodded.

I smiled tight-lippedly at Jimin when he finally stood in front of us, my professionalism barely hiding my annoyance. "We thought that you would have arrived before us," I replied in a neutral tone.

Jisoo shifted uncomfortably next to me, his movements betraying his frustration. If Jimin continued his typical tricks, it wouldn't take much for him to lose it.

Park Jimin's arrogance was obvious, as I had to resist my urge to roll my eyes. He sat across from us with such confidence that the atmosphere in the room became nearly unbearable. His presence was like a stormy cloud: dark and restricting, making everyone uneasy.

"So, what did they say?" Jimin inquired; his voice cut through the silence like a dagger.

I looked at Jisoo before I answered. "The legal team is supposed to arrive at any time. We're awaiting their arrival," I said in a polite tone.

Jimin scoffed, pulling his lips together in a smug smirk as he leaned back in his chair. He mumbled under his breath, "Typical," his pride almost overflowing from him.

Jisoo sent me a warning look, his annoyance boiling dangerously near the top. It was obvious that Jisoo would lose it if Jimin made even one blunder.

I gave Jisoo a small, assured nod, silently assuring him that we'd handle this with patience and professionalism, no matter how hard Jimin pushed our buttons.

"I would like to help you get access before the legal team arrives," Jimin offered suddenly, his tone shifting to something almost helpful.

I knitted my brows in astonishment. What exactly could Jimin do for us?

He took out a stack of well-prepared documents from his briefcase. His lips parted as he spoke, and he placed them on the table with a small smile. "This is the court's permission for me to look into the matter further," he continued, slipping the documents in our direction.

I blinked, surprised for a second. Leaning forward, Jisoo picked up the papers and quickly read them.

"Wait," Jisoo exclaimed, his voice full of amazement and irritation, "how come you have this before we do?"

Jimin's grin spread, and his eyes twinkled with amusement. "It's called being proactive, Officer Park," he said calmly. "Maybe you could try it sometime."

Jisoo's fists clenched, and his knuckles turned white, but I intervened right away to stop the situation from getting worse.

"Mr. Park," I said swiftly, my tone strong enough to break the tension. "If you're so eager to help, we'll use the access you've gained—for now. However, keep in mind that this is our investigation, and we will proceed as we see fit."

Jimin nodded at me with a smirk that was still very much intact. "Indeed, Officer Jin. I would never dream of stepping on your toes."

His words may have sounded friendly, but the gleam in his eyes told me he was thoroughly enjoying our frustration.

"But Mr. Park," said Jimin in a stern, cold voice that stopped us before we stood, "even if the court has granted you permission, it only becomes valid when our company receives the official documentation."

Together, we turned our heads in the direction of the voice. A tall man wearing a well-tailored dark suit stood there. His sharp, piercing, dragon-like eyes were as commanding of the room as his presence. He exuded confidence and demanded attention without even raising his voice.

Without realizing it, the three of us instinctively stood up from our seats, taken aback by his mere presence.

"This is Kim Namjoon from the company's legal department," he introduced himself, his voice deep, smooth, and authoritative.

His eyes flicked between us and then settled on me. As I said, "This is Officer Jin Taeko, and this is Officer Park Jisoo." I moved forward and bowed my head slightly. Even though Namjoon's demeanor could make anyone doubt themselves, the way I spoke was firm and confident.

Namjoon gave a brief nod, his expression unreadable. "Officers," he said formally. "May I ask the purpose of your visit today?"

I said, "We are here to investigate," in a firm yet professional tone. "We have to analyze the personal and professional ties between Kim Taehyung and Kim Hana, who both worked for this company. This is a part of the ongoing investigation into a murder."

Namjoon's jaw tightened slightly, then he clasped his palms, keeping his posture straight. "I acknowledge the severity of your investigation, Officer Jin," he explained, "yet I believe you recognize that this company has its own protocols. You may proceed with your inquiries, but only within the limitations set by our standards and after receiving the necessary documentation."

Jisoo stepped forward, his irritation barely hidden. "We're not here to disrupt your company's operations, Mr. Kim," he said. "But this is a matter of criminal investigation, and time isn't exactly on our side."

Namjoon's piercing stare turned to Jisoo, and while the way he looked kept the same, the air became more tense. "I appreciate your urgency, Officer Park," he said, his voice sharp but polite. "However, as attorney for the company, my responsibility is to uphold this company's interests. I will personally ensure that your requests are handled in the shortest time possible, but you must follow the proper procedures."

Park Jimin, who had been watching the discussion with a faint smirk, took a step forward. "Mr. Kim," he continued, his honeyed tone full of charm. "Although I appreciate your diligence, this is a peculiar case. Certainly, you could make an exception and provide us access in order to speed up the process."

Namjoon's gaze darted to Jimin, and for the first time, a slight hint of a smile crept on his lips, flashing his dimples. "Mr. Park," he began, his tone that carried a clear reproach. "You, of all people, should understand the value of the norms. Or did you forget?

Jimin's smile slipped at first, but he recovered quickly. "Of course not," he said calmly, his gaze unwavering.

Namjoon turned his attention back to me. "Officer Jin," he said, "you are welcome to submit your official requests. In the meantime, I suggest we coordinate the details so we can minimize disruptions for everyone involved."

His words were polite, but the authority in his tone made it clear that he wasn't going to bend easily. This wasn't going to be a simple investigation—not with someone like Kim Namjoon standing guard.

But I'm not sure if he's telling us to continue our investigation or wait for further instructions.

As my attention went to Jimin, I observed something unusual. A bead of sweat glistened on his forehead, despite the ever-present polite smile on his lips. Something seemed wrong. Jimin had been so confident and nearly arrogant only seconds before—so why did he suddenly feel uneasy?

Namjoon was almost smirking when he said, "It looks like that Attorney Min hasn't taught you well enough."

The statement hung in the air, stinging deeper than anything said before. Jimin's smile faltered momentarily, but he soon recovered, his behavior straightening into one of forced neutrality.

Wait—Attorney Min?

Recognition dawned on me as the name clicked in my mind. My eyes widened slightly. Attorney Min Yoongi.

The man was a legal legend, known for his razor-sharp defense strategies and nearly unmatched success rate in court. His reputation was built on equal parts intelligence and ruthlessness. Anyone who trained under him was destined to carry some, or at least a little, of his fire—it's no surprise Jimin had such a sharp tongue. Nonetheless, it seems like it's not working in his favor now as Jimin stood nervously under Namjoon's gaze.

Namjoon maintained a steady gaze on Jimin, exhibiting the two's subtle power dynamic. Jimin, despite his usual charm and a bit annoying, seemed to be offended, his confidence swayed by the mere mention of his mentor's name.

"Well, for now, as per our CEO's instructions, we can't let you proceed without proper documentation," Namjoon stated, his voice smooth but firm. His piercing gaze shifted between Jimin, Jisoo, and me, staying just long enough to convey his point.

I opened my mouth to protest, but he raised a hand slightly, silencing me without needing to utter another word.

He went on, using an authoritative tone, "This isn't about blocking justice. It's about upholding the company's integrity and making sure we respect the rights of all parties involved, including those under investigation."

Jimin shifted slightly as he regained his coolness. "With all due respect, Attorney Kim, the permission provided by the court is adequate for beginning discussions. I would be pleased to go over any extra rules or procedures your business needs if procedure is an issue."

Namjoon's smile widened as he finally turned to face Jimin. "Mr. Park, I appreciate your eagerness, but my stance has not changed. Until the authorities provide us with the required documentation, my team and I will make sure that all legal protections are maintained."

Beside me, Jisoo sighed in frustration. This back and forth felt like an endless circle of red tape, so I couldn't blame him.

I decided to step in, speaking in a calm but firm tone. "I understand your situation, Mr. Kim, and we'll make sure the required documentation is sent. Nevertheless, time is the most important aspect of this inquiry. Delays may cause evidence to be ruined or result in lost chances of uncovering the truth. Without a doubt, your business is just as interested in getting this issue handled quickly as we are."

Namjoon's sharp gaze shifted to me, and for a moment, I thought he might push back. But then, to my surprise, he nodded slightly. "I appreciate your honesty, Officer Jin. You'll have access to a limited set of interviews and materials—for today only. Anything further will require full compliance with our documentation policies."

Although it wasn't perfect, it was at least something. I acknowledged with a nod. "I'm grateful, Mr. Kim. We'll work within those parameters."

A slight smile curled Namjoon's lips, but it didn't quite make it to his eyes. He pointed to the next corridor and said, "Then let's get started."

I couldn't help but look at Jimin as we followed him to his interview rooms. He was unusually silent for a while, his usual arrogance replaced by something more reserved.

As we followed him toward the interview rooms, I guess, I couldn't help but glance at Jimin. He was unusually quiet, his characteristic arrogance replaced by an unspoken tension. His silence wasn't entirely surprising after Namjoon's sharp words, but it made something click in my mind.

It became clearer with each interaction—this might be Jimin's first time dealing with a case like this.

His overconfidence, the way he leaned into charm and scoffs to hide uncertainty, the dramatic flair of his responses—it all suddenly felt exaggerated, like someone trying too hard to project control. Namjoon, with his sharp professionalism and composed authority, had effortlessly stripped away that façade.

"This is your first time, isn't it?" I whispered softly, leaning just enough for Jimin to hear me.

His eyes widened slightly, the surprise flashing across his face for a brief moment before he quickly masked it. He hesitated, his lips parting as if to deny it, but then he nodded subtly, confirming my suspicion.

I almost scoffed, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "I should have guessed," I murmured, more to myself than to him.

Jimin's usual confident demeanor cracked further, and for a split second, he looked almost helpless—like a student caught bluffing his way through a test. But then, just as quickly, he straightened his posture and put on his signature polite smile.

"Everyone has a first time," he said softly, his voice steady but lacking its usual cockiness. "I don't need years of experience to ensure my client gets justice."

I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. How does he manage to cover up his inexperience with such confidence? It was almost impressive—almost. But what he said next stopped me in my tracks.

"After all, I'm fighting for justice to prove my best friend's innocence."

My thoughts screeched to a halt. Best friend? My mind raced to connect the dots, my gaze narrowing as I turned to look at him fully.

"Best friend?" I asked, my voice quieter but sharper now. "Taehyung? But how? When?"

Jimin's expression softened for the first time, the carefully constructed walls of professionalism around him lowering just enough to reveal something genuine. His usual smirk was gone, replaced with a hint of vulnerability as he nodded.

"Yes," he said simply. "We've been friends for years. I'd do anything to protect him."

The weight of his words hit me harder than I expected. It wasn't just his duty as an attorney pushing him—it was personal. This wasn't just a case for him. Taehyung wasn't just a client—he was someone Jimin cared about deeply.

I wanted to ask more, to dig into the hows and whys of their friendship, but Namjoon's sharp voice cut through my thoughts.

"Officers, Attorney Park," he said, his tone firm but controlled. "If we're done exchanging personal anecdotes, shall we proceed with the interviews?"

I forced myself to push the questions aside, nodding curtly as I turned toward the room Namjoon gestured to. But the new revelation refused to leave my mind.

Jimin and Taehyung... best friends?

It was yet another piece of the puzzle, one that only seemed to make the case even more complicated than it already was.

How? The thought echoed in my mind. How could my childhood best friend—someone I hadn't spoken to in years—now be best friends with Park Jimin, of all people?

But as quickly as the question surfaced, another replaced it. Why not? After all, Taehyung and I hadn't talked to each other since our high school graduation. The years between us were a blank slate. I had no idea what paths he'd walked, who he'd met, or how he'd grown since then.

For all I knew, Jimin and Taehyung could've met long after we went our separate ways. Maybe their friendship had nothing to do with the Taehyung I used to know.

Still, the thought lingered in my mind like a matchstick. Best friends, Jimin had said. There was a weight in his words, a conviction that told me this wasn't some casual friend he was talking about.

No, Taeko. I shook the thought from my head, forcing myself to focus. Taehyung is not the boy you used to know. He's a different person now, and so are you. You're not his childhood friend anymore—you're a cop, and your job is to find the truth.

I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my thoughts. No matter how much my past with Taehyung clouded my judgment, I couldn't afford to let it meddle. I had to stay objective. Whatever connection Jimin and Taehyung shared, it didn't change my duty to uncover the facts—all the facts, no matter how messy or painful they turned out to be.

"Officer Jin," Namjoon's voice called firmly, snapping me back to the present. He stood by the door, his expression unreadable. "Shall we?"

I nodded sharply, straightening my posture to appear calm and composed letting go my thoughts. "Of course," I replied, stepping forward.

Namjoon led the way as Jimin, Jisoo, and I followed. When we entered the spacious office, my eyes immediately went to the man standing near the large window, his back to us.

"Sajangnim, they're here," Namjoon said, addressing him respectfully.

The man turned around slowly, and my breath hitched. He held a folder in his hand, its contents hidden from view. His midnight brown eyes were as cold as ice, his expression commanding, radiating an aura that made the room feel smaller.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, the crisp tie a shade darker than his eyes. His frozen, red-velvety lips showed no hint of a smile. He looked like a Greek statue—stoic, immovable, emotionless.

Wait—did Namjoon just call him 'Sajangnim'? My eyes widened as realization dawned. The man standing before us wasn't just any employee; he was the CEO.

I turned to Jimin and Jisoo, who wore matching expressions of shock. This was unexpected.

Namjoon, always composed, introduced him with a slight bow. "Officer Jin, Officer Park, and Mr. Park, this is our CEO, Mr. Kim Seokjin."

Kim Seokjin. The name carried an air of power, and now I understood why Namjoon had been so protective of the company. This wasn't going to be an easy conversation.