CHAPTER FOUR: "A Stranger in the Shadows"

•••

Hongjoong POV:

The antique timepiece was not only a playfully reminder of the deal made between us, but also a sign that he was watching me before I even was assigned to watch him. The thought of it itself was unnerving, him possibly having a clear of imagine of me while I remained clueless to his presence. I was one to maintain discretion and secrecy, a distant blur of darkness amongst the night, and yet, somehow I failed to maintain my ability with him.

It only made me wonder more about why my client requested my services in regards of capturing photographs of the male. Coincidences did not exist in my life or in my line of work, and the probability of something so significant, so large as this, was too much to ignore.

Sighing to myself, I chose to table the topic for now and focus on the task at hand.

I had only an hour before I was intended to meet the client with a report, and as the tie rested on the desk in front of me, there was conflicting feelings about what to do. The tie, a symbol on unspoken trust and future meetings with the silent killer, was something that was given as a secure form of payment to suffice for my rather unsuccessful requirement of proof. However, part of me wanted to keep it for myself, use it as my own agreement of trust and discretion between us. There was a gnawing feeling in my gut that told me to hold it, almost as if another test or game was given to me by the male indirectly.

"What do I do...?" I muttered, rubbing my fingers into my temples. "What..do...I..do...?"

After what seemed to be forever, I finally decided on what to do, quickly making my departure towards the meeting place.

•••

The drive to the restaurant was almost thirty minutes from the apartment, and all I could do was think about Seonghwa. The rumors on vampires residing in Seoul was mostly gossip or tales to scare everyone into staying inside their homes. Although, there had been some instances where people would be found dead in random places, with the cliche two-dot marking upon their necks as a sign of their existence. All in all, those who chose to believe kept to themselves, and the others who refused to believe roamed the streets at night for actual sightings to dispel their fears.

Taking on this assignment was a mixture of both, as I teetered the line between believer and non-believer. Things such as vampires, werewolves, witches, and other similar creatures were always told during a certain time of year to scare children into listening to their parent's warnings. Growing up, those creatures would be found in some of my books, a story so vividly depicted within each turn of a page that I'd purposefully lose sleep, just to know how each book would end. The entirety of it all fascinated me beyond imagination, and yet I refused to acknowledge the possibility of the story being real.

Not until meeting him anyway...

Reaching the meeting location, I pulled my car in one of the valet slots in front of the massive building structure, stepping out to hand my key to one of the awaiting drivers with a smile. Upon the client's request, we were to meet at one of the most well-known five star restaurants in Seoul: Akira Back.

"Here we go..."

Entering inside the restaurant, I dressed myself in the usual black suit ensemble for the theme, choosing to wear a tie that matched my hair as a personal touch. Choosing to wear glasses and a black beret to compliment the look, I took a deep breath to compose myself as the entire restaurant was filled with other patrons, each enjoying their meals with not a care in the world. Scoffing to myself, I rolled my eyes at the luxury. "Must be fucking nice..."

With the report in hand, I noticed my client patiently awaiting my arrival at a nearby table, a glass of whiskey in hand as he stared out the window into the night sky.

Taking slow and confident steps, the client turned their eyes to me and granted me a sultry smile, slowly looking me up and down in what seemed to be genuine approval before whistling softly. "Hongjoong, you clean up nicely..."

Biting back a curse, a forced smile graced my lips as I took my seat across from the male. "Thank you, so do you Mingyu...So, shall we eat first or get straight to business?"

Mingyu chuckled. "Indulge me for a moment, will you? Let's eat and share a meal before discussing...the other matter at hand."

"Of course, my apologies."

Mingyu waved over a near waitress and gestured towards me. "Whatever he wants, it's on me. Understand?"

"Yes, sir. I understand..." the waitress bowed, turning her eyes towards me with a nervous smile, "are you ready to order, sir?"

Taking a moment to notice her name tag and the wedding band on her finger, I smiled. "I'll just have a steak medium well, with mashed potatoes and a side of ramen, please....Mrs. Minnie?"

"Oh," Minnie blushed and smiled for a moment before dropping it as she turned to Mingyu, "Got it...and you Mr. Kim?"

"Same as him, please." He waved her off, his eyes never leaving my face as she quickly bowed and rushed away. "Leave it to you to make me look bad."

This time a chuckle escaped my lips as I briefly took a sip of water. "That wasn't my intention at all...I promise."

Mingyu sighed heavily. "I know, I know... I just don't understand how you were even able to tell that she was married. You're just so observant and that impresses me all the time."

"That's part of the job, I suppose..."

"While we wait..." Mingyu slowly turned his eyes towards the dining patrons that surrounded our table, "How about you tell me about you, Hongjoong. What lies beneath the stranger who lives amongst the shadows all the time, hmm?"

Taking a deep breath, I leaned back into my chair. "What would you like to know, since you are paying for my meal, I may as well granted you something in return for your gesture."

"Are you seeing anybody? A guy or a girl, perhaps?" Mingyu tilted his head for a moment before shaking it, "scratch that, definitely a guy if there's someone in the picture."

"What makes you think I swing that way?" I raised an eyebrow skeptically, surprised at how well he could read me.

Mingyu laughed loudly. "No one dresses like how you do and doesn't swing that way. I highly doubt a woman would be comfortable with someone who practically can outdress them in their sleep."

Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. "Well, there's no one in my life. Can't have anyone important to me while I'm basically risking my life every chance I get, now can I?"

"Well, that does make sense..." Mingyu sighed, before granting me a smile, "I'm always available if you ever need a warm body to hold at night whenever you're lonely, okay?"

Keep it together...he's just pushing you...

Granting him a smile, I raised my glass of water to the male before taking a long sip of composure. Minnie walked over with both our plates of food with a smile. "Here you are, gentleman. Please enjoy, okay?"

"Thank you, Minnie." I smiled, while Mingyu gave her a curt nod of approval in return.

As soon as she left, we both began to eat in silence, and with each passing moment, I knew the reality of what was to be discussed had to be handled with tentative care.

•••

"I must say..I've never usually ordered a meal like that before...I am quite full." Mingyu chuckled, wiping his lips gentle with the handheld napkin. "Wonderful choice, Hongjoong. I shall at that to my list of options to choose from."

Smiling, I nodded with a soft sigh in relief. "It's one of my favorite meals, so I always order it when I can."

"Would you want any dessert or a takeout container to bring home?"

Shaking my head, I waved him off. "You don't have to do all of that...really, it's fine."

Mingyu called Minnie over with a smile. "Can you have the same order made in a takeout container for my guest, please? I'll pay you double."

Minnie gasped and nodded eagerly. "Right, of course! I will put it in and it should be done shortly!"

Watching the girl scurry off, Mingyu laughed. "She is so adorable, isn't she?"

"You sure have a lot of fun toying with people, don't you?" I muttered, fighting back the building rage within me at the display of abuse.

Mingyu shrugged. "Anything to make sure you have a nice meal to take him afterwards, Hongjoong."

Just a few more minutes and then you can go home....

The restaurant was nearly empty now, and the time was nearing close. It was the moment where I had to give him my report on the assignment and hope for a positive response in return. As told, Minnie rushed over with the takeout container with a smile, holding it out towards me before bowing. "I hope you enjoyed the meals, gentlemen."

Gracing her with a genuine smile, I nodded. "Thank you for your wonderful service, Minnie. Please do get home safely, okay?"

She quickly nodded, granting the two of us one more bow before dismissing herself. Mingyu sighed. "Well, as the restaurant is about the shut its doors soon, let's discuss the assignment and get you your money, shall we?"

With a curt nod, I handed him the folder with a cautious breath, discreetly checking around for any wandering or curious eyes on us. "Here you are... this is everything I found out about him..."

I watched as the male slowly opened the folder, glancing down both sides before tilting his head in confusion. "I'm sorry...I don't quite understand?"

"I wasn't able to get any pictures of the male directly..." I paused, gathering myself before continuing, "however...I was able to get pictures of his tie that he discarded after endless hours of searching in the karaoke alleyway. Although, as soon as I brought the tie home and captured the pictures, it suddenly evaporated.."

Mingyu's eyes grew wide in shock. "Really? I can't believe he has the powers to do such a thing..."

"I was surprised myself...but I'm sorry, I didn't get you what you wanted, so no payment is needed this time."

"Nonsense, Hongjoong."

He pulled out his checkbook and scribbled an amount before ripping it, handing it out to me with a smile. "This is more proof than anyone I've hired has ever given me...plus, you shared a meal with me. That's more than enough to ask for."

Checking the amount, I held back a gasp as my eyes darted up at the male. "I don't understand..."

"Listen," he leaned back in his chair and smirked, "I wanted proof of him, and you got me at least something to show as proof. However..."

"However...?"

Mingyu sighed. "Consider this an opportunity for you, an open case of sorts. If you are able to get me actual proof of his existence, such as a picture of his face? I'll pay you triple the amount on that check. Understand?"

Feeling completely overwhelmed, I stammered quietly. "Why do you want this so badly...?"

"Oh the answer is simple, really..."

Mingyu leaned closer to me and for the first time, I saw a sinister smile grow onto to his lips as he whispered softly.

"I want him not only exposed, but I want to kill him."