Chapter Text
Yoojin adjusted his gas mask to assure it fit snugly over his face. The glaring fluorescent lights illuminated the residents of the room. Their escort was running them through the rules.
The man shifted his weight from one foot to another and fidgeted with the cuff of his sleeve. “...Please remember that the suspect has the right to remain silent.” He tried valiantly to keep his voice firm, but there was still a faint tremor.
Yoojin couldn’t blame him. Two trigger happy S-ranks in the same building… it can only entail a crappy remake of Godzilla V.S. Donkey Kong.
“Keep in–in mind that,” he gestured stiffly to the camera that was watching them, “--that you’re being filmed. At all times.”
Yoojin gave a brief nod, “ We will definitely keep things civil.” He side-eyed Sung Hyunjae.
“You have my word. No violence or threats will be initiated on my part.” Hyunjae spoke with the grace of a saint.
Their escort sighed, relieved. Yoojin sympathized with the poor guy. Even if he was a high-rank, this sort of situation must be overwhelming.
He stepped aside to reveal the heavily contained entrance to the interrogation room. “If you’re both ready to go, Sung Hyunjae-nim, Jiki-nim, then please go through this hallway and enter the second holding cell. You will be let into the interrogation room once the entrance has been properly closed.”
Sung Hyunjae glided along to the entrance with the ease of an apex predator. Yoojin followed in his steps, but as he was about to enter the room, he was held back.
A timid finger tapped his shoulder. He turned around to be greeted with their shy escort.
“Erm, Jiki-nim… I just wanted to say thanks. For being here. You have been a huge help.”
“Oh, it’s no problem at all. Just doing my job.” Yoojin waved his hands dismissively. “I’m sorry about the sudden visit. I should’ve known that guy would…”
That Sung Hyunjae hadn’t even bothered to make an appointment for today. It’s beyond Yoojin how he had the patience to set his own business straight for today, but didn’t care to deal with his own.
“Ah, no, it’s ok,” the man rubbed his neck. “S-ranks are just sort of like that.”
Yoojin empathized with the man's plights. S-ranks were always a handful.
It was the same with Yerim-ie. Even when she has good intentions, she tends to forgo communication and jump into drama.
As Yoojin moved to leave, he was held back once more.
“Wait! Before you leave. Could I have an autograph?”
The tall guy thrusted out a torn piece of paper and a pen. His head was held in a bow. It was sort of funny seeing such a tall, hulking figure act so shyly.
Yoojin chuckled, “Sure, why not.”
Yoojin hadn’t expected that he was popular enough to have a fan. The crew has been around for years, working with an assortment of guilds, but they’ve always been working behind the scenes. Not much publicity.
As he signed the torn paper, the escort had shed his shaky shell and began to ramble with the enthusiasm akin to Yerim after drinking one too many stamina potions.
“Jiki-nim, I’ve been a huge fan ever since you and the other members of the Custodians saved Namsan Tower from that dungeon break years ago. You were all so cool!”
Yoojin chuckled at the enthusiasm. Yeah, his coworkers are truly amazing. Jiggong had made an ingenious scheme. Those vultures didn’t know what was coming for them.
The guy suddenly became serious. “I know the rumors going around have been hurtful… but please stay strong!”
Yoojin tilted his head. He didn’t remember hearing about any rumors. Has there been any controversies he has been involved in? He knew for a fact that the others haven’t been in any.
His fan wore an affronted look, “The fools who have been calling you those terrible things are beyond stupid. They’re world class idiots.”
Yoojin was confused but simply nodded along at the young man’s words. He noted to himself that he’d look into these ‘rumors’ after he was done here.
After Yoojin handed back the paper to the pleased escort he said his goodbyes and returned his attention to the matter at hand. It was time to visit an old fiend.
▪️▪️▪️
The second waiting room was identical to the first room– there were same barren walls and glaring lights. But in this room, there was instead a door akin to a safe’s vault. Not surprising considering what the room it protected contained.
He walked over to Sung Hyunjae who waited for him next to the vault’s door.
“Hey Sung Hyunjae, did you know I had fans?” It was a question, but a drop of pride seeped into his words.
Sung Hyunjae stared at him blankly.
He had the urge to scratch his temple, but his mask was in the way. He settled for crossing his arms.
Slowly, Sung Hyunjae gave him his response. “So… You didn’t know you had any?”
Yoojin faked a cough, “Well, I don’t really keep up with that stuff.”
Staying away from social media did Yoojin more favors than none. The drama that plagued the internet was only a waste of time and energy, and that was the last thing he needed.
He only uses his phone for news on dungeons, items, and his brother. That’s all he needs to know.
Sung Hyunjae raised a hand to cover his mouth, clearly hiding another stupid grin. “I imagine your fans would be disappointed to hear that. They’ve even dedicated a fan club to you.”
“Haah? Seriously?” Yoojin was starting to feel a little guilty. How has no one brought this up?
“I’m plenty serious. You have a very… devoted fanbase.” A mysterious glint flashed across his eyes.
Yoojin’s curiosity piqued, “I’ll look into them when I have the time. But for now, let’s get to business.”
As if on cue, the vault door began to open on its own as if a sailor’s ghost had taken the wheel. Eventually the door creaked open to reveal a dimly lit room.
“After you,” Sung Hyunjae motioned towards the entrance.
He scoffed at the gesture. Yoojin grabbed his hand and dragged him in to the interrogation room.