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Chapter Text

Yeo-jin was leaning against the vending machine, sipping cheap coffee from the paper cup, struggling to fight the drowsiness after mere two hours of sleep. She stared blankly at people entering the building, some of them visibly annoyed, their shoulders wet from the rain that has just started pouring. She wondered what the weather was like in Wonju.

The sight of familiar tall figure strutting through the central entrance hall snapped her out of her thoughts.

Wearing dark plum suit and a navy tie secured with a shiny silver clip, Seo Dong-jae definitely stood out from the gray crowd. Striding towards the elevator with a big envelope in his hand, he didn't seem to notice Yeo-jin at all.

“Ah, Prosecutor Seo! It's been a while!”

He stopped abruptly, startled by the sound of her voice and casted a wary glance over his shoulder. Their eyes met and Yeo-jin gave him a small bow. He quickly collected himself and returned the greeting with his usual smug smile back on his face.

“Oh, Inspector Han! I didn't expect to meet you here.” He tried to sound casual but Yeo-jin noticed a little twitch of his hand when he moved it slightly to cover the sender's address.

Suspicious as ever, she thought.

It seemed that Seo Dong-jae was already back to his old antics.

“Well, I work here.” she answered. “What brings you to the Intelligence Bureau?”

“Official prosecution matters. Highly confidential.” he answered smugly.

Yeo-jin rolled her eyes, “I won't disturb your top secret mission then.” she turned on her heel, ready to walk away.

“Inspector wait!” he looked a little uneasy, “I didn't really have a chance to thank you...”

Yeo-jin gave him a questioning look.

“I heard you played a significant role in solving my missing case,” he started, “You and Prosecutor Hwang, to be precise. It's quite interesting how the fate keeps bringing you two together, isn't it?”

“I-I...”

“Anyway,” he continued, “You two seem to cooperate quite efficiently and needless to say, I am beyond grateful that you succeeded in finding me. Otherwise, the prosecution would suffer a devastating loss of young and brilliant individual.” The solemn look on his face seemed almost theatrical and Yeo-jin couldn't decide if she was irritated or amused by the pompous tone of his speech. “Unfortunatelly Prosecutor Hwang had already left Seoul before I was dischared from the hospital, so I didn't have a chance to thank him personally. I heard he was transffered to Wonju, is that right?”

“Well, news sure travels fast.” Yeo-jin muttered.

“I just wish I had a word with him before his departure. Not that I think he's a big fan of heart-to-heart talks and tearful goodbyes.” he scoffed.

Yeo-jin begun to regret starting the conversation. Hearing Si-mok's name and being reminded that he wasn't close anymore, was like rubbing salt in the wound. With the corner of her eye she noticed Dong-jae was looking at her with curious expression. She realized she must have looked quite miserable, seconds before she heard his question.

“Did you two perhaps... break up?”

“What?!” she bursted, making some passing people turn their heads in dismay.

“I-I thought... Never mind, it seems that I might have been wrong.” Dong-jae mumbled, confident smile gradually fading from his face.

“You thought what?” Yeo-jin asked crossing her arms, “What exactly did you think, Prosecutor Seo?”

“Well...” he tried to avoid her angry gaze, “I've always seen you two together and you seemed to get along really well... and now that Prosecutor Hwang is not around, you...” he glanced at her, “You seem quite troubled.”

Yeo-jin felt her cheeks getting hot.

“Well thank you for your consideration, Prosecutor Seo,” she said through clenched teeth, “But we're just colleagues.”

No normal person would think about their 'colleague' ten times a day, said a small voice in her head. She decided to ignore it.

“When you went missing”, she gave Dong-jae an angry stare, “Prosecutor Hwang was worried about you, you know? Does it mean he's your boyfriend?” she sneered.

Dong-jae's eyes went wide, “Really? He was worried about me?” Yeo-jin almost snorted at the sudden excitement in his voice.

“But now that I see you're back to your old self, there's nothing to worry about anymore.” she sighed. “Honestly, I don't understand why you're so surprised.”

“It's just hard to believe he would be worried.”

“Why wouldn't he? You're work colleagues, aren't you?”

“But he doesn't usually show that he cares about people, does he?”

“I'm not sure about that.” Yeo-jin murmured and the memory of their last meeting flashed through her mind.

“Is there a chance you won't be okay?”

Would he say those words if he didn't really care?

“Inspector Han? Is everything fine? You seem...lost in thought.” Dong-jae asked.

“What? Ah, yes... Sorry.”

“I just don't think Prosecutor Hwang would be able to care.” he shrugged.

Yeo-jin clenched her fists. The very idea of people seeing Si-mok only as emotionless, cold-hearted bastard, made her frustrated.

“He would care because that's what decent human beings do. I know he's relentless when working on a case but you can't assume he doesn't give a damn about people's lives. He wouldn't stop looking for you, believe me.” she said in one breath.

Seo Dong-jae was watching her carefully with his eyebrows raised. “You seem to know a lot about Prosecutor Hwang. Are you sure you two are just collea—” Yeo-jin shot him a warning glare. “Well, anyway, I wouldn't want to bother Prosecutor Hwang, I'm sure he must be very busy at his new post. Could I at least ask you to send my regards when you pay him a visit?”

“What makes you think I'm going to visit him?”

“Well, isn't it also one of those things decent human beings do? They keep in touch cause they care about their”—he made a short pause—'colleagues?' he smirked. “I heard Wonju is the most beautiful this time of year.” he said slyly and Yeo-jin felt a growing urge to punch him. “Anyway, it was nice talking to you Inspector Han.” he bowed slightly and walked into the elevator leaving her dumbfounded in the middle of the lobby.

A morning cup of coffee didn't help, but one conversation with Seo Dong-jae was enough to rise Yeo-jin's blood pressure. What better way to start the day than quarrel with that weasel.

Well, at least she was no longer sleepy.

Chapter Text

It's been almost a month since Hwang Si-mok and Kim Ho-sub became not only office neighbours but also some kind of lunch buddies.

During their meals together Si-mok didn't talk much. He mainly listened to Mr Kim's chatter, focused on devouring his food. But even though he wasn't a master in the art of small talk, he seemed to at least enjoy the company.

They spent years in the same office back in Seoul but Ho-sub couldn't really recall seeing a happy expression on Prosecutor Hwang's face.

Over the last three weeks he has already counted three smiles.

Meeting Prosecutor Hwang again in Wonju was quite surprising but not as much as seeing him amused by Ho-sub's efforts to remember his hometown.

Ho-sub saw him smile for the second time when Si-mok asked if he could look through some documents during their lunch. Ho-sub's mouth was full so he just made an awkward 'okay' hand gesture while looking up from his bowl of noodles.

When asked why he's smiling, Si-mok simply replied Ho-sub reminded him of someone.

Third smile was after Ho-sub brought the news that Ms Choi was coming to Wonju.

They were sitting at the cafeteria table, surrounded by the sounds of nearby conversations and people slurping their food. Their trays were loaded with different bowls and plates, two steaming cups standing next to them.

“Ms Choi told me she's visiting her family in Jecheon and could stop by on her way back. I'm sure she would love to see you Prosecutor Hwang!” Ho-sub was cheerful and chatty as ever.

Si-mok gave him a hesitant look.

“She would! She always says that compared to her current boss, you were an angel sent from heaven.”

The corners of Si-mok's lips moved up and Ho-sub almost gasped with delight at the sight.

“Prosecutor Hwang, I've been wondering... With Ms Choi coming to Wonju next weekend, we could have a small reunion!” he was beaming with excitement. “I already talked with Detective Jang but unfortunately he won't be able to come. He told me something about spending every weekend at his wife's parents. Honestly, he didn't seem too happy about it... Well, who can blame him, really?” he chuckled. “But what about Inspector Han? Maybe she could visit? What do you think Prosecutor Hwang?”

Si-mok looked at the steam rising from his cup of chamomile tea.

“She visited me once.”

“Oh really? Here in Wonju?”

“No, back in Seoul. She came to my apartment.”

Ho-sub's eyes couldn't probably get any wider behind his glasses.

“Really? When?”

“At night.” he answered calmly, reaching for a piece of cabbage.

Kim Ho-sub almost choked on his noodles.

“W-what? Prosecutor Hwang I didn't know your relationship was like that!”

Si-mok tilted his head and gave him a questioning look.

Ho-sub dropped his eyes to the table, “Well I could have assumed that you were close... and now that I think of it... yes, everything makes sense now...” he was muttering under his breath, more to himself than to anyone else, so Si-mok decided to ignore him and just focus on the soup instead.

They were eating in silence for a moment.

“So... how's Inspector Han?” Ho-sub asked finally.

“Senior Inspector Han now. She's been promoted.”

“Ah... Sorry. How is Senior Inspector Han?”

“I'm not sure.”

“You're not sure?” Ho-sub raised his eyebrows. “You two don't keep in touch?”

Si-mok stared at him, blinking a few times. “I think Senior Inspector Han is quite busy in her new post.”

“Aigoo, you're right, she must be working hard,” he nodded sadly. “But you should still invite her to Wonju Prosecutor Hwang! I'm sure she would be thrilled!” he clapped his hands.

Si-mok looked unconvinced.

From Kim Ho-sub's perspective Prosecutor Hwang and Senior Inspector Han were in what seemed to be a long-distance relationship crisis. He was more than ready to help them overcome it.

“We could meet at that new barbecue place,” he leaned forward, a determined look on his face, “It's quite busy at weekends, so I should probably make a reservation. I heard the nearby park is also quite lovely, we should definitely go there.” he grinned. “Of course me and Ms Choi would leave a little earlier. We wouldn't want to disturb a couple in their time together” he added with a wink.

“A couple? There will be some couple coming?” Si-mok asked furrowing his brow.

“Eh? B-but I thought...you...you two...”

They both stared at each other in confusion, the conversation seemingly going nowhere. Ho-sub couldn't just start bombarding his former boss with questions about his love life so he was fidgeting in his chair, trying to think of a subtle way to change the topic. 

Si-mok took a sip of his drink.

“You seem to really like chamomile tea. Do you drink it often?”

“Ah. Yes.”

He went quiet again.

Well... This is awkward. Ho-sub glanced nervously across the table. Is he mad at me? I hope he's not mad. What was I thinking, asking about tea? It's not like we're now gonna talk about chamo—”

“This tea,” Si-mok nodded at the cup in his hands,“I first had it only a few years ago. Senior Inspector Han brought me a cup of it.”

“Senior Inspector Han did?”

“Yes. When she came to my apartment.”

Ho-sub was listening carefully, holding his breath.

“An intruder broke into my room and Senior Inspector Han came to check the scene. She came back later with the chamomile tea. Supposedly, it helps you relax.”

“So do you drink it to calm yourself down?”

“I just took a liking to it.” he answered quietly, taking another sip.

“Ah... I see.” So that was it. They are not a couple, they were just working on a case that night.

But the unexpectedly high number of times Prosecutor Hwang smiled recently, was still quite puzzling...

Ho-sub couldn't help but notice a subtle change in Si-mok's eyes every time he mentioned Han Yeo-jin, and how he seemed to be the most talkative when they were speaking of her. He began to suspect what, or rather who, could be the reason behind this change in Prosecutor Hwang's behaviour. Being a couple or not, there was definitely something going on between these two.

Kim Ho-sub couldn't wait to tell Ms Choi all about it.

Chapter Text

Yeo-jin pushed the door and stepped outside the bar. A blast of cold air hit her face and her eyes teared up.

Jang Geon called her earlier that day. He and the rest of her former team from Yongsan Police Station were going to grab some drinks after work and Jang Geon asked Yeo-jin to come. This time she agreed. She couldn't just avoid them forever.

When Yeo-jin finally made her way through the crowded bar to their table, they teased her by asking what took her so long and if she didn't want to be associated with mere cops, now that she works with the higher-ups.

Yeo-jin rolled her eyes and told them to stop being ridiculous, and they were genuinely happy to see her smile.

Joking and eating together, hearing Team Leader Choi's grumpy comments, sharing war stories—it all felt like the old days and Yeo-jin realized how much she missed it. She had to go to the bathroom to pull herself together, otherwise she would break down in tears in front of them.

Yeo-jin didn't drink much that evening but when she started feeling a little tipsy, she decided it was time to leave the party. She didn't want to lose control over her emotions and start pouring her heart out about how her new workplace wasn't exactly the dream one. She didn't want them to see her like that.

Now she was standing outside, her nose and cheeks slightly red from the icy wind. Catching a taxi on Friday night would be a miracle, especially in one of the most popular districts of Seoul, but Yeo-jin couldn't imagine herself walking all the way to the metro station in this weather.

She was wondering what to do, when she felt a quick pat on the back.

It looked like Jang Geon decided to leave early too.

“Aren't you staying longer Detective Jang?” Yeo-jin asked.

“Nah, I need to go now.” He shuffled his feet on the ground and put hands into his pockets. “Come on, I will give you a ride.” He nodded his head towards the parked car and Yeo-jin followed him gladly down the alley, a big grateful smile on her face.

They got in the car breathing heavily, their teeth chattering from the cold. Jang Geon turned the heather up and started rubbing his hands together for warmth.

“What's with the weather these days. Are we living in Siberia? Seriously, it's freezing,” he grunted.

“Ah, thank you so much for becoming my designated driver tonight Detective Jang!” Yeojin wiggled in her seat and put the seatbelt on. “To be honest I was a little angry with you, but now that you're saving me from turning into sad popsicle,” Yeo-jin sent him a cheerful smile, “all is forgiven!”

“What? You were angry with me? Why?” Jang Geon asked baffled. “How could I have possibly made you angry if we haven't seen each other in a while?”

“Exactly!” She jabbed him in the shoulder with her finger. “It's been quite some time since we had a meeting together but you weren't even drinking tonight. Not even one toast for old times' sake!”

“I'm taking my wife and kids to my mother-in-law first thing in the morning. I couldn't let myself get wasted tonight. My wife would bite my head off if I turned up in the middle of the night, reeking of soju and fried pork.”

“It wouldn't be the first time.”

“Yeah, but it could be my last time.” Jang Geon replied grimly. “Besides, Soon-chang didn't drink either. Why do I have to be the only one to suffer? You should nag him too.”

“Oh, you're right. But he's not here now, is he?” Yeo-jin grinned. “By the way why did he leave so early? I went to the bathroom and when I came back he was already on his way out.”

“He said he had to meet with a 'friend',” Jang Geon made a sour face.

“Really? What friend? Couldn't he just bring his friend along?”

“Oh please. Obviously, it wasn't just a friend. It must have been his girlfriend.”

“Whaat? I didn't know he had one. Are you sure?”

“Yeah. You should see him these days. He's glued to his phone, always texting with that big stupid smile on his face. We keep scolding him for it. Yesterday Team Leader Choi told him that the next time he sees him texting, he's gonna shove his phone up his a—”

“Maybe you're overreacting,” Yeo-jin sighed. “Maybe it's just a friend.”

“He wouldn't act like that if it was just a friend.”

“Well, I don't knooow,” Yeo-jin yawned, strechting her arms up.

“Speaking of which, why didn't you bring your 'friend'?” Jang Geon asked with a sly smile.

“What friend?” Yeo-jin asked, blinking in confusion.

“Oh, you know the type. Dark coat, perfect hair, kinda gloomy,” he gave her an amused look. “The one you like to follow around.”

“I don't follow him around,” Yeo-jin pouted.

“So maybe Prosecutor Hwang keeps following you around. Either way, you two sure spent a lot of time together,” he smirked. “Couldn't he come by? Isn't he in Seoul?”

“No, he works in Wonju now,” she answered and turned her head to the side, the joy in her voice suddenly gone.

The rain started to beat down on to the windshield. Yeo-jin looked at how the droplets on the window were changing neon city lights into a colorful blur.

“Hmm... You don't seem happy about it,” Jang Geon looked at her with concern.

“Ugh, why do people keep telling me that?” Yeo-jin muttered.

“What? Who else told you that?”

“Nevermind,” she sighed.

“You should do something to cheer yourself up. Maybe a change of scenery would help,” Jang Geon suggested. “You should leave Seoul for a weekend and go somewhere nice. I heard Wonju is really beautiful this time of—”

Yeo-jin gave him a death stare.

“Anyway, I just hope Gochujang finds someone special,” Yeo-jin continued. “He's young,” she sighed, “he still has a chance.”

“And what about you?” Jang Geon asked.

“What about me?”

“You make it sound as if people could fall in love only when they're young. Do you think it's too late for you to find someone?”

“Ya! Detective Jang, are you telling me I'm old?!”

“I'm just telling you that love can come at any time. Sometimes uninvited. It can strike you when you least expect it,” he said seriously. “Love is like digestive problems,” he added, channeling his inner poet.

Yeo-jin chuckled. “You're just babbling nonsense cause you're drunk,” she waved her hand dismissively.

“I'm not the one who's drunk. I'm the one who's driving right now,” he huffed. “Anyway, you should really think about that, Senior Inspector Han.”

“Since when have you become a love advisor Detective Jang? And besides, you didn't exactly make falling in love sound like it would be something to look forward to...” she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the headrest.

“Because it's not always that easy, you know? Being with each other I mean. Honestly, it can be a pain in the neck sometimes. But I still think there's no bigger luck in life than finding someone who will always be by your side, someone you can trust, and they know they can trust you. Knowing that whatever happens, they will have your back.

“It really sounds like I'm talking about having a police partner,” he laughed. “But it's really not that different when you think of it. “Gosh, I shouldn't even have to explain this to you. Really, Inspector Han, look what you made me do,” he sniffed, “I'm getting all emotional,” he sniffed again. “Or maybe I just caught a cold. Anyway, I hope you got my point.”

Yeo-jin didn't reply. In fact, she's been suspiciously quiet for a while now.

Jang Geon took his eyes off the road to look at her.

Yeo-jin was sleeping curled up in the passenger seat, her mouth slightly open.

His eyes went wide. “Ya! Are you kidding me?!”

Yeo-jin snored.

“Aish, Han Yeo-jin really, you're unbelievable.”

Chapter Text

“What are you doing?” Won-chul asked.

Si-mok stopped in the middle of raising from his chair.

They were sitting on the terrace by Kang Won-chul's house, two small glasses and one empty bottle of soju standing on the table before them.

“I'll be going now.”

“Don't tell me you came all the way from Wonju to talk about this case.” Won-chul said folding his arms.

“Well... I didn't want to talk about it on the phone.”

“That's not what I mean. I thought you just came to visit me. It's Saturday and you don't have work tomorrow. Besides,” he pointed at Si-mok's empty glass. “You can't drive after drinking.”

“I could take a taxi...”

“To Wonju? Don't be ridiculous. Sit down.” Won-chul reached across the table and started pouring Si-mok a glass of soju from the newly opened bottle.

Si-mok looked far from being thrilled, but he didn't protest and bowed his head slightly while holding his glass politely.

“Are you disappointed in me?” Won-chul asked. “For leaving the prosecution?”

“No.” Si-mok replied with a blank expression on his face.

“Hah. You must think I fleeted from the battlefield and now I'm enjoying my countryside life, not caring about anything.” Won-chul snorted.

Si-mok looked at him in silence.

“I needed a break Si-mok ah,” he said staring into distance. “I saw many people straying from the path, losing themselves, becoming corrupted. You saw them too. It all can start with one mistake. One moment of weakness can be the beginning of a downfall. One bad decision can bring a painful outcome.”

“So you left because you didn't want to end up straying from the path?” Si-mok asked bluntly.

Won-chul shot him a disapproving glance but restrained himself from scolding him. Years of practice helped Won-chul learn not to take Si-mok's straightforwardness as insolence. It seemed that in Si-mok's case the line between those two traits was a blur.

“I left because I didn't want to see people's lives being affected by my mistakes,” Won-chul answered slowly. “Because of my mistake Dong-jae almost—” he winced and took a shot of soju.

“I'm aware that prosecutors should be held to higher standards when it comes to morality. People's future depends on our decisions. This kind of responsibility is inscribed in our job and everyone who decides to take this path should be aware of it. But people make mistakes. And I'm not using this lame excuse to defend myself,” Won-chul huffed. “I'm just saying that some people will lose their way, even those who started with a strong resolve,” his expression darkened. “And their mistakes will affect others. It's unavoidable and that's why it's so disturbing,”

Won-chul leaned back in his chair. “Being imperfect, making mistakes, getting carried away by feelings and desires, that's what makes us human.”

Si-mok's grip on his glass tightened. “Prosecutors know they can't allow themselves to make mistakes, yet they keep making them because they know they can get away with it. They stay above the law, unpunished and the others have to pay the price. How many warrant request have been ignored? How many people should have been convicted but weren't even prosecuted because of their connections? How widely has the corruption spread?”

Won-chul took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “It's not like prosecutors aren't aware of the possible consequences. Some of them just decide to ignore the risk and live in a blissful ignorance, blinded by their greed and focused only on climbing the ladder,” he let out a long breath. “It seems that Woo Tae-ha was also like that. And he keeps making mistakes even now. I heard he's still denying the allegations.”

Si-mok nodded.

Won-chul sighed. “He knew what happened in the Namyangju villa, yet he decided to hide the truth. He had a chance to reveal it, but he failed to make the right choice. Now the truth came out, but he still fails to acknowledge it.”

“He failed not when he didn't make the right choice. He failed because he didn't stay truthful from the very beginning.” Si-mok said firmly. “Woo Tae-ha's recent wrongdoings were the natural consequences of his past mistakes. He failed as a prosecutor.”

“You were right about not being able to erase our past.” Won-chul said grimly. “It all starts with one mistake. One bad decision.” He made a short pause “One negligence.”

They emptied their glasses and didn't speak for a moment. The wind started rustling in the nearby trees.

“But it's not only about people who lose their way.” Won-chul broke the silence. “I've seen people who devote their life completely to the prosecution. They don't stray from the path, yet they still lose themselves. They become overwhelmed and depressed, their work affects their private lives because they don't have time even for their families. No matter how cold-hearted you become along the way, this job takes a toll on you. You should remember that too Si-mok ah. Don't try to drown yourself in work.”

Si-mok folded his hands in his lap, looking away. Won-chul regarded him. “You look as you could use some sleep. Do you even eat properly?”

“Yes.”

Won-chul sighed. “Maybe staying far from capital will at least keep you out of trouble. It could be the best for you to settle down, get some rest, find a wife, maybe?”

“I don't think so.”

“Why not?”

“I don't think this is the kind of life I'll be living.”

“I used to think that too when I was younger.” Won-chul snorted. “That is, until I met my wife,” his eyes became brighter. “That time I didn't even know she was going to become my wife one day. Only after we got married she happened to mention that I hadn't really made a good first impression on her. She told me that I seemed arrogant, insolent even. Hah, can you imagine that?” he scoffed.

Si-mok looked at the older man curiously with the hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth.

“But the initial feeling of being head over heels is not the most important,” Won-chul continued. “With time you realize what matters the most in any kind of long-lasting relationship is supporting each other and having mutual respect. Everyone needs someone in their life.” Won-chul looked at Si-mok in concern. “You cannot just walk the path alone. Especially when it's not an easy one.”

Si-mok didn't answer and filled their glasses with soju.

“I know you told me you would never understand some things, but I really hope that one day you'll understand what it feels to have someone by your side.” Won-chul said rising his glass. “Should I introduce you to someone?” he asked, “Or have you already met someone like this in your life? Hm? I think you might have.”

Si-mok gave him a questioning look. “I'm not sure what you mean.”

“You know who I'm talking about. That inspector from Yongsan Police Station. I know that you worked together again on Tongyeong case. I kept seeing her name next to yours in the investigation reports. Wait a second...” he paused trying to remember her name. “Inspector Han?”

“Senior Inspector Han. She's with the Intelligence Bureau now.”

“You chose her to be a part of your special investigation team a few years ago, didn't you? And she was promoted, hm?” Won-chul raised his brows, visibly impressed. “Well, she definitely seems like a capable one,” he smirked. “Maybe she would be able to control you.”

Si-mok frowned and begun to get up from his chair. “I really should be going,” he said coldly.

Won-chul looked at him in surprise. “Oh stop it. I was just speculating,” he grunted. “Just say that your relationship is purely professional and you don't have any feelings towards her. Don't need to get so upset.” he tugged slightly at Si-mok's coat to make him stay at the table.

They both remained quiet. Si-mok's expression was unreadable, but he seemed tense and his gaze dropped to the ground. Won-chul was observing him with the corner of his eye.

“But I do respect her...”Si-mok muttered finally.

“What?”

“I do believe I respect Senior Inspector Han,” he repeated quietly.

He reminded Won-chul of a teenage boy who was forced to talk about his feelings. Shy, sullen and confused. But there was something else in his eyes. Some kind of almost sorrowful confusion and yearning. He looked like he was trying to collect his thoughts, but he couldn't find right words to use.

Won-chul's eyes softened. “Yeah, I'm sure you do Si-mok ah,” he gave him a slight pat on the back.

They were sitting in silence for a while, breathing the cool evening air, watching the sun sink below the horizon, the cloudless sky getting darker and darker.

“Well, isn't this nice?” Won-chul sighed. “Taking a break for work, talking about life. You should really give yourself a chance to take a break sometimes.”

“I will visit you again, Chief Prosecutor Kang.”

“That's good to hear,” Won-chul gave him a little smile. “But knowing you, the reason for your next visit will be work related. Am I right?”

“Ah. Probably yes,” he answered matter-of-factly.

“Aish, Hwang Si-mok, you prick.”

Chapter Text

Si-mok was standing in front of the window with a phone in his hand, his thumb hovering above 'Senior Inspector Han Yeo-jin' on the screen.

It was almost midnight and the only source of light in his dark room was the faint glow of the street lamps outside.

He was about to dial the number when his phone started ringing with the same ID on display.

“Yes?”

“Hello Prosecutor Hwang! It's been a while!” Yeo-jin' greeted him happily and Si-mok felt some kind of relief because the cheerful tone in her voice didn't sound forced.

“Yes,” he repeated. “Hello, Senior Inspector Han,” he added quickly.

“I will go straight to the point, Prosecutor Hwang,” Yeo-jin said briskly. “Some people claim that Wonju is the most beautiful this time of year. Is it true?”

“Who claims that?” Si-mok asked doubtfully.

Yeo-jin chuckled. “It would be great if I could verify these claims personally on the spot. You know... as a part of an official investigation.”

“It doesn't sound very official.”

“Well, it most definitely is not.” Yeo-jin laughed. “Let's just say it would be my private investigation then.” She tried to sound serious but Si-mok could hear she was smiling.

“But I would appreciate some cooperation anyway. So tell me Prosecutor Hwang... Do you have time next weekend?”

Si-mok could feel the corners of his lips turning upwards in a little smile.

“Yes, Senior Inspector Han Yeo-jin,” the tone in his voice was warm. “Yes, I have time.”