The morning is so peaceful, with the sound of drizzles lightly tapping against the windowpane. The soft pitter-patter creates a soothing rhythm that fills the air, blending harmoniously with the chirping of birds as they welcome the new day, which annoyed the officer who was sleeping in her bed. The officer groaned, her peaceful slumber interrupted by the incessant noise outside. Taeyang reluctantly opened her eyes and checked her phone to see if there were any calls or messages.

The light of the phone filled the room, momentarily blinding her sleepy eyes. She squinted and quickly adjusted the brightness, revealing a message from Jungkook. With a sigh, she sat up and got off her bed. As She stood in front of the huge, square-shaped bathroom mirror. "Let's do your best, Taeyang," she muttered to herself, running a hand through her dishevelled hair. She splashed some water on her face, hoping to wake herself up fully.

She got ready, wearing her uniform, as it's her first day at the Busan crime branch. After checking everything one last time, she grabbed her badge and headed out the door. As she walked out of her room, she closed the door. Reaching the elevator, she pressed button 7 and waited for it to arrive. As the elevator doors opened, she noticed Jungkook, who was waiting on the other side. He gave her a friendly smile, and they exchanged a quick greeting before stepping into the elevator together.

"Good morning, noona," he said with a smile. "Morning kook," she replied. "They said there would be an officer to pick us up." jungkook said "Yeah, I heard the same thing," she replied, glancing at her watch. The elevator doors opened as they reached the ground floor, and they stepped out into the lobby. They scanned the area, looking for any sign of the officer who was supposed to meet them.

"OH! There," Jungkook showed a car parked just outside the entrance, with a man in the same uniform as them standing beside it under the shade of the umbrella. The man waved at them, confirming that he was indeed the officer they were waiting for. They walked towards him. The officer's eyes widen when he sees Taeyang. "Cho Taeyang," he muttered, blinking his eyes in disbelief.

"Officer Kim, right?" Jungkook asked. The officer nodded, still in shock. "Yes, that's right," he replied. "This is Jeon Jungkook from Seoul Crime Branch, assistant under Officer Cho Taeyang," Jungkook introduced, gesturing towards Taeyang. The officer turned his gaze to Jungkook and nodded in recognition. "I've heard a lot about you," Officer Kim said, his voice filled with curiosity. "I'm Kim Taehyung, second in command of Chief Yoo's team," Kim Taehyung added, extending his hand for a handshake. "It's an honour to meet you," Jungkook replied, shaking Taehyung's hand firmly.

"We better have to leave before the drizzle turns into a full-blown storm," Taehyung suggested, glancing at the cloudy sky. "Agreed," Jungkook responded, checking his watch. As they got into the car, Taehyung couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen Taeyang before. It was a nagging thought that he couldn't ignore, and then he was reminded that she was once his ex and also Jimin's once-close friend now, whom Jimin hates. Now he understood why Jimin had left the conversation yesterday when their chief was talking about her.

"Um, Taeyang-shii," Taehyung hesitated, unsure of how to address the situation. He decided to approach it cautiously, not wanting to bring up any painful memories. "I heard you're originally from Busan. Is that true?" Taeyang nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Yes, that's correct. I moved to Seoul nine years ago for study." Taehyung could sense her discomfort and decided to change the subject. "By any chance, do we know each other from Busan? Maybe we went to the same school or have mutual friends." Taehyung said to bring his gaze to the rearview mirror as he drove. "Hmm, I don't think so. I mostly kept to myself back then," she replied blankly.

As they continued their drive, Taehyung could feel the tension in the air. Jungkook noticed Taeyang's sudden cold attitude and decided to break the silence. "So, Taehyung Sunbae, for how many years have these crimes been happening in this area?" Jungkook asked, trying to divert the conversation away from the awkward atmosphere. Taehyung glanced at Jungkook through the rearview mirror and sighed. "It's been going on for about two years now. The police have been struggling to catch the culprit."

"That's so long!" Jungkook exclaimed, surprised by the duration of the crimes. "Why hasn't anyone been able to catch them yet?" he added, genuinely curious. Taehyung's expression turned grim as he responded, "The culprit is incredibly difficult to find and leaves very little evidence behind. It's like they know exactly how to cover their tracks."

Before Taeyang was about to ask about when it was first started, the car stopped in front of a huge building office. The new officers looked out the window at the towering office building, 'BUSAN CRIME BRANCH HEADQUARTERS' written in bold letters across the entrance. "I'll give the rest of the explanation after we meet with the chief," Taehyung said, opening the car door and getting out of the car.

"Welcome to the Busan Crime Branch Headquarters, Officers," said Chief Yoo, who welcomed them as they stepped into the building. Taeyang and Jungkook saluted her respectfully. As they followed Chief Yoo into the headquarters, their eyes scanned the bustling atmosphere filled with dedicated officers and stacks of case files. Yoo gestured for them to take a seat. "So, how is your chief, Kim Seokjin?" She began, leaning back in her chair.

Taeyang and Jungkook exchanged glances before Taeyang spoke up, "He is doing well, ma'am. He has been leading our team with great expertise and guidance." Yoo nodded at Taeyang's words with a hint of satisfaction on her face. "I know he is really amazing at what he does," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "I've heard nothing but good things about him from other departments as well." Taeyang looked at Jungkook, who was smiling proudly, which made her smile too.

"How was the journey, Taeyang? Are you feeling any unease? Seokjin has told me about you, so feel free to speak to me." Yoo said it with concern. 'Damn, Kim Seokjin, how can he really tell that I'm feeling uneasy?' Taeyang thought to herself. Taeyang took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding. "Thank you, Chief. The journey was smooth, and I appreciate your concern. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work under you." Taeyang replied, feeling reassured by Chief Yoo's warm demeanour.

Yoo smiled knowingly, knowing that Taeyang was lying. Seokjin had already told her about Taeyang's past experiences and anxieties. "Alright, anyway, the case wasn't under my control." Yoo said with a pause, which made the two officers frown in confusion. "I mean, you guys will be working with officer Park Jimin, who is present, leading my team as I become chief, just like your team," Yoo explained. Taehyung has entered the room and greeted everyone with a friendly smile.

"This is officer-" "They already know about me," Taehyung said, making Yoo chuckle. "Alright, then lead them to their cabins," Yoo ordered. Taehyung nodded. "Alright, Can I know where Park is? I haven't seen him since I arrived," Taehyung asked, looking around the room. Yoo's expression turned serious as she replied, "Officer Park is currently on investigation work." "What? I haven't received any information about that," Taehyung exclaimed, his smile fading.

As Yoo continued, her expression darkened. "This morning we received a call that there was a body found at the coastline," Yoo said. As he processed the information, Taehyung's eyes widened in shock. The news took the two officers aback. "May we proceed to the coast now?" Having a clammy expression, Taeyang inquired. You have only been here for one day, though. Yoo arched her brows in hesitation."It is more practical to deal with cases rather than files; we will review the files after we return. So, please grant us permission to enter the location." Taeyang stated, which appeared more probable. "All right, Taehyung will lead you to the scene," Yoo said, pointing to Taehyung.

Three of them turned to leave the cabin. As they reached the coastline, they saw the crowd around the palace. Seeing the blood flowing with the rainwater, which is really horrifying, they still didn't move from the spot. "Tch, though it's horrible, why are these people just standing there?" Jungkook muttered, seeing the crowd around the palace.

He glances at his seniors with a puzzled expression, wondering why they aren't taking any action. "Can we proceed to investigate the situation?" Jungkook asked, his voice filled with curiosity and concern as he awaited a response from his seniors. "Yeah, let's go," Taehyung responded, taking the lead towards the palace. "First, we need to clear the crowd," Taeyang said, looking at the gathering of people blocking their path.

"It is also easy to wipe away any tracks or other evidence since it is already pouring. And now, with everyone here, it may get even more difficult to know who might be responsible for whatever happened." Taeyang said, still staring at the crowd. "Hello, Jooshik-shii, can you make that crowd clear?" Taehyung said through his microphone, his voice sharp and firm.

He got an instant reply from the other officer on the other end: "Yes, sir, I will take care of it right away." Taehyung nodded, satisfied with the response. "Good," he said, turning to his team. His aura is different from the morning; he was friendly and charming; now it's intense and commanding.

"Let's go in," Taehyung continued with a small smile as he led his team towards the crowd. 'Is he bipolar?' Jungkook thought, observing Taehyung's sudden change in demeanour. However, he quickly dismissed the thought; after all, he was the second head of the team, so it's quite normal.Though Jungkook is new to seeing different sides of him, not only him for Taeyang too.

The crowd monumentally cleared after a few minutes. The area is just so gloomy, which is blending with the rainy weather to create a grim atmosphere. All they can see is the blood flowing with rainwater, making the scene even more eerie. The police department is already prepared with scene tapes. They cordoned off the area to prevent anyone from tampering with the evidence. Taeyang noticed a few officers taking photographs and collecting samples, their faces reflecting the seriousness of the situation. It was clear that this was no ordinary crime scene.

Her eyes slowly drew to a lifeless dead body lying on the ground, surrounded by a pool of crimson. The victim's pale skin contrasted starkly against the dark, wet pavement, adding to the haunting image. The officers meticulously examined every detail, their hushed conversations hinting at the depth of the case.

She stood on her spot, observing the lifeless body. Though it was eating her up inside, it's her duty to remain composed and focused. "Gross, how would a person kill another in such a brutal and gruesome manner?" Jungkook said as he stood beside his senior, his voice filled with disgust and curiosity. "This is what has been happening for a year," Taehyung said, grabbing attention from the other officers beside him. "They call him the serial killer of nightmares," he continued, his expression grave. Jungkook's brows furrowed as he listened intently.

"Who are his main targets?" Jungkook asked, his curiosity piqued. Taehyung sighed heavily before answering, "From what we've gathered so far, it seems that the serial killer primarily targets young women in their twenties and mid-twenties and also some high schoolers too. It's a pattern that has been consistent throughout all the cases." Taeyang's brows drew closer as she heard the information. "Only women," she muttered, her voice filled with focus. "Yes," Taehyung confirmed, his tone grim.

"I thought you would be at the office, Kim," the team heard a voice say from behind. "I thought you would be busy picking up the new officers from Seoul," the voice continued. "I didn't expect to find you here," he said. His tone is clam but laced with authority; his eyes are sharp and piercing. He was wearing the uniform of the crime branch.

"So, you are here," Taehyung said, ignoring the man's question. The man raised an eyebrow, his expression turning slightly cold. "Yes, I am," he replied curtly. "What brings you here?" he asked again, but this time his voice was tinged with impatience. Taehyung got used to his blunt demeanour; after all, he is his best friend, and they have known each other for years.

Taehyung sighed, knowing that his friend's directness was just a part of who he was. "I'm here to investigate a case along with you," Taehyung finally answered, trying to match the seriousness in his friend's eyes. "And also, they are those new officers from Seoul, Jimin-shii," Taehyung added, showing the two officers beside him. Jimin's expression softened slightly as he glanced at the officers. "New officers, huh?" he mused, his curiosity piqued.

"He is Park Jimin's first in command of our team. He's been leading the team for a few months now." Taehyung introduced Jimin to them. "And this Jeon Jungkook and Cho Tae—" "I know about them already," Jimin interrupted, smoothly though hiding a hint of annoyance. Taehyung internally sighed at Jimin's interruption.

"You should have shown them the files about the cases before bringing them here," Jimin continued, his tone firm. "It's important for them to have all the necessary information." He added. "This will help us know more about the case than checking files, Mr. Park," Taeyang said, grabbing Jimin's attention. Taeyang's comment caught Jimin off guard, causing him to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What do you mean?" Jimin was intrigued by Taeyang's statement. "I believe in hands-on experience," Taeyang explained. "By actually going to the crime scenes and talking to witnesses, we can gather valuable insights that may not be captured in the files alone. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words."

"Moreover, it's me who suggested this approach in the first place." With a note of pride in her voice, Taeyang stated it. With even more laughter, Jimin mocked Taeyang's assertion. "Well, I have to say, these practical experiences do sound interesting," Jimin eyebrow-raisingly said. "Is this how you became the most skilled investigator in the department?" Taeyang smirked, shaking her head. "Becoming the most skilled investigator in the department takes more than just practical experience," she replied confidently. "It also requires a deep understanding of the evidence, attention to detail, and the ability to connect the dots. Practical experiences certainly help, but they are just one piece of the puzzle."

Taehyung and Jungkook were listening intently, absorbing every word. They both knew that the conversation between the two officers might look smooth, but behind that, there was also a cold and calculated nature to their actions. "Well, go on investigating then, and don't forget to take a glance at the old files too," Jimin added, leaning forward with a sly smile on his face.

He stood straight and, turning back to leave the room, said, "There is no major or minor witness that should be overlooked. Every detail counts in solving this case." With that, Jimin exited the room, leaving three of them. Jungkook glances towards Taehyung, wondering what Jimin's departure meant for their investigation.

Jungkook also noticed the cold and calculating look in Jimin's eyes while he was speaking with Taeyang, and even Taeyang had the same demeanour, and for Taehyung, he noticed the same with Taeyang as well. 'What are they hiding?' Jungkook ponders as his mind races with possible explanations for the mysterious behaviour of both Jimin and Taeyang.

"Can I take a close look at the body?" Taeyang's sudden question brought both of them back to the present moment. Taehyung blinks a few times while processing the question before responding, "Sure, you can." "Jungkook," Taeyang called, for which he nodded and followed Taeyang towards the body.

The body doesn't smell rotten, which makes it look like it hasn't been here for long. There are multiple cuts on the body, indicating a struggle or a violent attack. Taeyang closely observed the wounds on the body. She could see the rope bruises on the hands and the deep gashes on the torso. As Taeyang examined the wounds, she noticed a peculiar pattern to the cuts, almost as if they were deliberate. She couldn't help but wonder if there was a specific motive behind this brutal attack.

Jungkook's heart races as he examines the wounds, realising that this could be more than just a simple case of hiding. There is something much darker and more sinister at play. They couldn't tell the age of the victim based solely on the wounds, as her face was totally unrecognisable due to the severity of the injuries. "This is insane," Jungkook muttered under his breath, his mind racing with the possibilities of who could have committed such a gruesome act.

"Let's go," Taeyang said, who had already stood up and started walking towards the door. Jungkook quickly followed Taeyang, his mind still reeling from the shock of the brutal attack. He noticed Taeyang's face; it was pale as ever. "Noona, Are you okay?" Jungkook asked, concern evident in his voice. Taeyang shook her head slightly and said, "I'm alright." He knew it was a lie, but he didn't press further. She has seen many terrible cases in her career, but this one seemed to hit her harder than usual.

Jungkook, who was a trainee and is now a lower-ranking officer, was really a bit disturbing for him; it's his first time witnessing such a violent crime scene. He couldn't help but wonder how Taeyang managed to handle these situations on a regular basis. "It is really so odd." Taeyang's voice trailed off, her eyes staring off into the distance. As Jungkook wanted his senior to continue sharing her thoughts, he gently prompted, "What do you mean by odd? Is there something specific about this case that stands out to you?"

"Everything is odd," Taeyang replied, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and confusion. "The level of violence, the lack of any apparent motive, and the fact that the victim seems to have no connection to the perpetrator. It just doesn't make sense." Jungkook nodded, absorbing her words as she continued and feeling a growing sense of unease. "But something is clear," she said, a frown forming on her face. "There must be a method to this madness. We just need to dig deeper and uncover the missing pieces of the puzzle," she continued, making Jungkook nod in agreement.

"How was your first experience seeing such a perplexing crime scene?" Taeyang asked, making Jungkook pause for a moment before responding. "Honestly, it was shocking," Jungkook replied, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "I've never seen anything like it before. The sheer brutality and randomness of it all... it's haunting." He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in his gut. Taeyang let out a soft chuckle at the younger reaction. "Ah, the first crime scene is always a memorable one," Taeyang murmured, trying to lighten the mood.

"Memorable, my foot," Jungkook added, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That scene will be forever etched in my mind. It's like something out of a horror movie." Jungkook glanced back at the crime scene, his eyes lingering on the bloodstained walls and the twisted body. The gruesome sight made his stomach churn.

Taeyang shook her head, listening to the younger man's words. "Let's go back to the office and check other files too." She said she was walking out of the building. Jungkook nodded, his mind still haunted by the disturbing images. He followed behind her, trying to push the unsettling thoughts from his mind.

"Get the car keys from Taehyung," Taeyang said as she continued to walk in the rain towards the car. Without asking any questions, Jungkook quickened his pace, the sound of raindrops pounding against the pavement echoing in his ears. Though he was worried that his senior might be drenched in the rain, she took a glance at Taeyang. She was under the shade of the tree and seemed unaffected by the downpour. Jungkook chuckled at her free-spirited attitude, which he always admires, as he continued walking in the rain.

___________________________________________________________________

As Taeyang and Jungkook got caught up observing the dead body, Taehyung slowly slipped out of the place. He searched for Jimin. He saw him sitting on the steps outside the building with a cigar box in one hand and a cigar in the other, tapping on the box. Taehyung approached Jimin cautiously, noticing the distant look in his eyes.

"Hm. It's raining like crazy," Taehyung commented, glancing out at the dark clouds overhead. Jimin nodded absentmindedly, his gaze fixed on the rain uttering down from the sky. The weather might have felt pleasant if they were at home, but for now, it's gloomy and dark at the crime scene they were investigating.

"When did you get the call about this incident?" Taehyung asked, leaning against the pillar of the old building. Jimin turned his head slightly, glancing at Taehyung. "5 in the morning," he replied with a tired expression on his face. Taehyung frowned slightly, concern evident in his eyes. "That's early," he remarked, shivering slightly as a gust of wind blew through the crime scene.

"Aren't you helping them?" Jimin said, totally facing Taehyung, crossing his arms over his chest. Taehyung nodded, his eyes scanning the area for any clues. "I am, but I wanted to check in with you first," he admitted, his voice filled with genuine worry. Jimin chuckled curtly, shaking his head. "Just tell me what you want to know. Kim Taehyung-shii," he said, a slight smirk playing on his lips. Taehyung sighed softly, his breath visible in the cold air. "So you know who that officer was." Jimin raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening.

"Of course I do," he replied cryptically. "But what's the big deal about it?" Turning back to Taehyung, Jimin leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. "Are you upset with my way of talking with your ex-girlfriend?" he asked, his tone laced with mockery. Taehyung raised his eyebrows. He knew Jimin would never bring up any personal matters while they were at work, and it was Taehyung who always talked about personal matters outside of work. So, his question caught Taehyung off guard.

"No, it's not about that," Taehyung replied, trying to hide his surprise. "She said that she doesn't even know me and that she doesn't have any friends here." Taehyung's voice trailed off, his expression turning thoughtful. He couldn't help but wonder why she would give such an answer. Jimin scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Well, who would remember their ex when they broke her heart, especially more like cheating on her and leaving her for someone else? " Jimin said, smirking. Taehyung's eyebrows furrowed as he listened to Jimin's words, but within seconds, he started to laugh, making Jimin frown. "Come on, Jimin," Taehyung chuckled. "Don't tell me you never hurt her. You literally made her cry, your close best friend." Jimin's smirk faded as Taehyung's words hit him.

"Just cut the crap, Taehyung." Jimin snapped back, his voice filled with frustration. "That was different. I don't want to talk about her now; just focus on the case now." Taehyung sighed, his laughter fading as he realised the weight of his words. "Alright, Jimin," he replied as he straightened his posture. "I didn't mean to bring up the past like that. But it's you who were behaving like a complete jerk." Taehyung said Jimin's eyes narrowed, his frustration turning into anger. "What?" "What do you mean I was behaving like a jerk?" Jimin demanded, his voice laced with disbelief. "The way you spoke with Taeyang might have looked professional or polite to you, but you were not,Jimin" Taehyung explained calmly. Jimin's face flushed with anger as he clenched his fists. "So, what?" Jimin retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"We are a team now, and you are leading it, so just try to—" "Kim Taehyung," Jimin interrupted, his voice sharp and cutting. "I don't need you to tell me how to do my job. I know what I'm doing, and I don't need your condescending advice." Taehyung's expression hardened as he stared back at Jimin, his own frustration evident in his eyes. "Fine," Taehyung said curtly, "if that's how you feel, then I'll let you handle things your way. But remember, we are a team now, and cut that headstrong attitude of yours." Jimin scoffed and turned away, refusing to meet Taehyung's gaze.

He just left him alone and went back to the crime scene without saying another word. Taehyung couldn't find Taeyang and Jungkook. "Excuse me, have you seen Officer Cho and Jeon?" Taehyung asked a nearby officer. The officer shook his head, indicating that he hadn't seen them. Taehyung got out of the building. On his way, he saw Jungkook walking towards him.

Jungkook jogged up to him and said, "I was on my way to you, Seonbae-nim," flashing a bright smile. "Oh! I'm sorry, I was caught up with Jimin-shii. We were discussing the details of the case. Is there anything that I can help with?" Taehyung asked, shaking off the tension from his earlier conversation with Jimin.

 "No, Hyu—I'm sorry, Seonbae-nim," Jungkook replied, correcting himself quickly. "You have been helping us just fine. Taeyang Seonbae and I want to head back to the office and study the previous files. So we need a car to head back. Could you please arrange for a car?" Jungkook asked politely.

"Then let me drive you to the office myself," Taehyung offered, flashing a reassuring smile. "No, we are just fine with taking a car. Thank you for your offer, though," Jungkook politely declined. "Alright, if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask," Taehyung said, handing his car keys to Jungkook. Jungkook's eyebrows arched in confusion. "How will you come back if we take your car?" he asked.

 Taehyung chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll come with Jimin. He can drop me off at the office before going home." Jungkook nodded, understanding.

"Thank you for your understanding," Jungkook said gratefully. "It's no problem at all. We are a team after all," Taehyung replied, patting Jungkook on the back. "And also, first get yourself changed before going back to the office again; you are soaked because of the rain." Taehyung added, noticing Jungkook's soaked uniform. Jungkook nodded again, appreciating Taehyung's concern. Bowing slightly, he turned to head back to Taeyang.

"You took too long?" Taeyang asked as she got in the car. "I couldn't find Taehyung Seonbae-nim anywhere. It took me a while to meet him," Jungkook explained, slightly out of breath. Taeyang just hummed in response. "Fine, first, let's go to your place and change your dress. You don't want to catch a cold from being wet all day," she suggested, glancing at Jungkook's damp clothes. Jungkook scratched his nape and replied sheepishly, "Alright."

After getting back from Jungkook Place, getting changed into some fresh, decent clothes, and drying off, Jungkook felt much more comfortable than in his uniform. They both left for the office. As they entered their floor, they were both greeted by an officer from earlier, whom Taehyung had told to make the crowd clear at the sight.

"Mr. Kim assigned me to assist you both with the investigation," the officer explained, leading them to their cabins. "This is your cabin, Officer Cho," he said, gesturing towards a not-so-small room with a desk, a computer, and a filing cabinet. "This opposite one is yours, Mr. Jeon," the officer continued, pointing to a room across from Officer Cho's. Jungkook nodded in acknowledgment and stepped inside his designated workspace.

"Thank you, officer; we appreciate your assistance." Taeyang paused, glancing around her cabin. She noticed the organized files in the racks, and there was also a white board on the wall with notes and photographs pinned to it. "It seems like you've already made some progress." 

Jungkook commented, impressed by the officer's preparedness. The officer smiled and replied, "Yes, we've been working diligently to gather information on the cases. We believe we're on the right track." Jungkook nodded, understanding that Taeyang was busy seeing the pinned notes and photographs on the whiteboard. She leaned in closer to get a better look, intrigued by the clues and connections they might hold.

The officer noticed her curiosity and explained, "These are pieces of evidence we've gathered so far. We're using them to piece together the puzzle and narrow down our leads." Jungkook nodded again, understandingly. "But it looks like there is no use for these pieces of evidence if we don't have a solid suspect," Taeyang commented.

She let out a small breath before turning back. "Anyway, thank you for the arrangements again," she said politely. "You may take leave now; we will take care of the rest of the work from here." The officer nodded gratefully and exited the room, leaving Jungkook and Taeyang.

After hours and hours spent studying the previous files and evidence, Jungkook and Taeyang were starting to feel the weight of the investigation. There were no prime witnesses for these murders, and the forensic evidence was inconclusive. They knew that, without a breakthrough, solving these murders would be an uphill battle. "This is so freaking hard to find any leads," Jungkook muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

Taeyang sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. "I know, Jungkook," Taeyang replied, without even giving a single glance at Jungkook, her eyes still fixed on their papers spread out on the table. Jungkook kept staring at the elder. His mind was filled with many questions for her, but not about the case. He wants to know why she lied to Taehyung when he asked about her and why she had a cold look in her eyes while she was answering.

"What do you want to ask, Jeon?" Taeyang asked, making Jungkook jump in surprise. Her eyes were on a pile of papers in front of her, but he wondered how she managed to sense his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, Jungkook mustered up the courage to ask, "Why did you lie to Taehyung about yourself? And why did you seem so distant when he asked?" The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards Taeyang, waiting for her response.

Taeyang finally looked up, fixing her gaze at the young officer who was waiting for her answer. "I didn't lie to Taehyung, Jungkook," Taeyang said, her voice steady, but there's a hidden feel of insecurity. "Coming to the distant look on my face, it wasn't about him." Taeyang added again, giving her attention back to the papers in front of her. Jungkook knew about her—not much, but enough to sense when something was bothering her.

"I know there won't be any personal reason for your distant look, Seonbae," Jungkook said gently, his voice filled with concern. "But..." Jungkook paused himself, not wanting to cause any discomfort for the elder officer. "But what?" Taeyang asked, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as she looked up from the papers. "Nothing," Jungkook said, shaking his head and forcing a smile.

"If there isn't anything, let's get back to work," Taeyang said, her tone slightly dismissive. Jungkook sighed inwardly, knowing that Taeyang was adept at hiding her emotions. He decided to respect her boundaries and focus on the task at hand, thinking that he could ask her if needed. "It looks like most of the cases were done before rainy days. 

The suspects seem to have taken advantage of the weather conditions to carry out their activities unnoticed," Taeyang said as she studied the reports more closely. Jungkook nodded in agreement; his curiosity piqued. "And the majority of his killings were carried out using various methods, and on late nights there won't be anyone to see." Taeyang continued, "It's clear that this killer is meticulous and calculated in their actions, taking advantage of both the weather and the lack of witnesses."

"It looks like he is doing this all by himself without any accomplices." Jungkook said, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. Taeyang hummed in agreement. "That's what it seems like," she replied. 

"But we shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. Also, these forensic reports are clueless. They haven't been able to find any fingerprints or DNA evidence that could lead us to a suspect. It's almost as if this killer is leaving no trace behind, making it even more difficult for us to catch them. But" Taeyang paused for a moment, debating whether to say it or not. 

"But?" Jungkook prompted, curious about Taeyang's hesitation.

Taeyang took a deep breath before continuing, "But there is one thing that stands out. All the victims have one thing in common: they were all women who work overnight or high school girls who go home late after completing their part-time or their night study sessions. Most of the postmortem reports show that there is more physical evidence of struggle and signs of sexual assault in these cases. Still, who he managed to avoid leaving any trace or witnesses is a mystery." 

Jungkook listened intently, his mind racing with the new information. Taeyang's words painted a disturbing pattern, highlighting the vulnerability of these particular victims. It seemed that the perpetrator was both cunning and elusive, leaving investigators with little to go on.

"Is Taehyung back in the office?" Taeyang asked, taking some papers from her desk. "May I go and check for you?" Jungkook said, standing from his chair. "No, I'll go myself," Taeyang replied, taking the papers and tucking them into a folder.

"I need to speak with him directly about these cases," she continued, her voice filled with determination. Jungkook watched as Taeyang walked briskly towards the office. He knew that she would handle the situation with the utmost professionalism and efficiency, but still, this case will make her weak in some points.

"Jooshik-shii, Has Officer Kim been back to work yet?" Taeyang asked the earlier officer, who showed their cabins. "Yes, he arrived just a few moments ago. Let me guide you to his cabin," he replied. As they walked down the hallway, Taeyang observed the place; everyone in the team had different cabins and spaces that reflected their personalities. 

Some had organised and neat workspaces, while others had cluttered desks with stacks of papers. Some cabins have transparent glass walls, allowing for natural light to fill the room, while others have opaque walls for privacy.

"We are here, mam. This is Officer Kim's cabin," the officer said, gesturing towards a cabin with a sleek and modern design. Taeyang thanked the officer for showing him the way he bowed and left the back to his own cabin. Taeyang took a deep breath before knocking on the door. She knocked three times before hearing a faint voice from inside saying, "Come in." Twisting the door open, Taeyang stepped into the room.

The room was impeccably organised, with a large desk positioned near the window overlooking the dark blueish ocean and the gloomy clouds outside. The walls were adorned with framed certificates and photographs, showcasing Taehyung's achievements and memories. Taeyang noticed another presence, along with Taehyung, in the room. A tall figure stood by the bookshelf, engrossed in a conversation on the phone, but not as tall as Taehyung.

"Oh! Taeyang-shii," Taehyung said, which made the lean figure turn around to face Taeyang, and it's Jimin; he had a cold expression on his face. "Is there anything I can help you with?" Taehyung asked, flashing a warm smile, which Taeyang didn't even bother to return.

"I have studied many past files regarding the case. I'm sorry if I sounded rude, but there is no use of these past files anymore," Taeyang replied dismissively.

His smile faded slightly as he tried to maintain his composure. "But somehow they have some key points that might be relevant to the investigation," Jimin said, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow with blank eyes. 

Taeyang turned her attention back to Jimin and replied, "Of course they do, like the timeline of events leading up to the incident and the victims he was choosing to target." 

"We knew that too," Jimin said, walking to the couch, which is near the table, and sitting down with a sigh.

Taehyung's expectation is that Jimin will never change his attitude towards the situation. Taehyung had seen this behavior from Jimin before in his high school days. 'No use  of telling him to change his attitude,' Taehyung thought to himself. 'He's always been stubborn and set in his ways.' But Taehyung couldn't help but feel frustrated.

"If you really knew that, then you should have taken a different approach. Mr. Park," Taeyang said, crossing arms. Jimin tilted his head in confusion, his brows furrowing. "What do you mean by a different approach?" he asked, his voice showing the authority he was trying to assert. 

"The actions of the killer are really different, Mr. Park. "Taeyang continued, his tone firm yet composed. "I mean, instead of sticking to your usual methods, maybe it's time to think outside the box and consider new methods. The killer's patterns have evolved. We can't keep using the same old tactics and expect different results. We need to adapt and find a fresh perspective to catch this killer." She said it straightly, looking into Jimin's eyes.

"Then tell us what we have to do, Cho Taeyang-shii?" Jimin asked, leaning his back on the couch and staring at her with his sharp eyes, which hide the hate. Officer Cho took a deep breath, maintaining her composure as she met Jimin's intense gaze. 

"First," she began, her voice steady, "we need to analyse the killer's previous victims and identify any potential connections or patterns that we may have missed. Second, we should consider reaching out to a clinical psychologist to gain insight into the killer's mindset and potential motivations. By understanding their psychological profile, we may be able to anticipate their next move and narrow down our search."

Taehyung was impressed by her knowledge and professionalism in handling the situation. He only heard about her from his colleagues, but now he understood why she was highly respected in the field. "Taeyang-shii," Jimin said, standing from his couch.

"You know people are already aware of these murders; coming to the media, they are already making a big deal out of it." Jimin continued walking towards the window to look out at the bustling city below as Taehyung and Taeyang's eyes followed him curiously, wondering what he was thinking.

Taehyung exchanged a glance with Taeyang, as he already understood the point that Jimin was trying to make. "Now," Jimin said, making Taehyung snap back to reality. "Adding a psychologist will make it worse because they will analyze the killer's motives and potentially uncover disturbing details that could further sensationalize the murders, which the media is already hyping up." He turned back, meeting his gaze with the officers.

"Then the situation gets more complicated than it already is, creating a potential frenzy of speculation and fear among the public," he added as he walked to Taeyang, standing in front of her. Taehyung shook his head in disappointment at Jimin rejecting the idea, but his reasoning was neither right nor wrong; if the media knew the killer's motives and disturbing details, it could lead to even more headline-grabbing coverage. This could potentially incite panic and speculation among the public, making the situation even more chaotic.

"And coming to the first point," Jimin said, reaching out his hand, indicating that he wanted Taeyang to hand over the folder. As she passed them to him, he continued, "We already went through that which you already saw in these papers." Jimin continued showing her the folder, which he took from her with a shrug of his shoulders. 

"There's no need to dwell on it any further," he added, flipping through the pages to emphasize his point. "Our focus is just to find the criminal," he added, leaning to Taeyang's eye level and handing the folder back to her with a tight-lipped smile.

"Let's not waste any more time analyzing the past," Jimin suggested, his tone firm. "We need to shift our attention to gathering more evidence and leads that can help us catch the culprit." He straightened up, turning his back to leave the room. "We can't afford to let this case go cold," he said determinedly, his footsteps echoing in the room as he walked away.

Taehyung sighed, as he was really done with Jimin's nagging about the case with Taeyang. 'I don't know how he will be ongoing days' without any progress,' Taehyung thought to himself. In a day, he just rejected her suggestion without even considering it and brushed it off as if it held no value.

"Don't worry, we can find another way, Taeyang-shi," Taehyung said, making Taeyang shift her gaze to him.

"We are leaving then," Taeyang said, not bothering with Taehyung's words. " She walked out of the room, leaving Taehyung standing there with a mix of frustration and concern. He sighed, thinking about how Jimin ignored Taeyang's suggestion and Taeyang ignored Taehyung's response. 

He started to laugh at the absurdity of the situation, realizing that their communication was a complete mess. 'Hope we get back to each other like we used to,' Taehyung thought, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the close bond they once shared.

The words of Jimin in the morning resonated in his mind. Past memories of them being together flooded his thoughts, making him want to go back to those days, when everything felt simpler and they were each other's world. The place where he has seen another side of Jimin's and Taeyang's, the love and their friend ship that he admired so deeply, are now strangers to each other.