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Chapter Text

Senior Inspector Han Yeo-jin scrunched her nose at the paperwork in front of her that never seem to be diminishing. She looked over the pile and saw Officer Park Soon-chang looking equally displeased.

“Hey,” Han Yeo-jin said. “You want to trade? Whatever you’re doing with whatever I’m doing?”

Park Soon-chang looked up. “Don’t you want to know what I’m doing first? It could be worse than what’s on your pile.”

Yeo-jin grinned. Soon-chang was such a good guy. If she’d had made the same offer to Detectives Jang Geon or Seo Sang-won, they’d throw their toughest assignments at her without blinking. “Okay. What are you doing?”

“Consolidating the expenses for all the teams this month,” replied Soon-chang.

Yeo-jin grimaced. “Never mind.”

Soon-chang grinned. “What? Did I find a weakness in the human superhero known as Senior Inspector Han Yeo-jin? That she hates finances?”

She threw a scrunched-up ball of paper at her junior colleague just as Detective Jang Geon pulled out the chair next to her. He added another folder to the top of her pile. “Here you go. Notes from this morning’s interviews.”

“No!”

“That was the deal: I do the interviews and you write it up. I’ve already sent the recordings to your Inbox. It’s all there.” Jang Geong leaned over her laptop and started pressing keys one at a time. “All you have to do is t-y-p – e. We have you only for a few more weeks before you leave us full-time for Headquarters.”

“You should have come with me!”

“They don’t want people who didn’t go to the Police university. You know that.”

Before she could tell Jang Geon what HE could type, Captain Choi’s loud voice boomed across the room, calling the officers to attention and announcing the arrival of the Chief.

“What’s the special occasion?” Jang Geon said, surprise in his voice.

Soon-chang stood up first, peering over the heads of the other officers on the floor. His eyes widened, prompting Han Yeo-jin to turn around just in time to see Captain Choi talking animatedly with the stout but imposing figure of their police Chief. Following him was a tall, formally dressed man in a uniform that she couldn’t quite identify. A foreign uniform.

“LAPD?” Detective Jang said under his breath. “What’s an American police officer doing here?”

“Attention, everyone! Attention!” Captain Choi repeated. “The Chief is to make a formal announcement and offer a welcome.”

Han Yeo-jin liked the new Police Chief. He was soft-spoken though perhaps, a little less dynamic than his predecessor. However, his quiet demeanor wasn’t underestimated given his credentials that included a stellar career in the military, a top graduate from university then accolades throughout his twenty years in the police.

Quiet but deadly was how he was described to the team when they first learned of the appointment.

And fair, Han Yeo-jin thought, watching the most senior member of their Station nod at the Captain then surveyed the people in front on him.

“Thank you, Captain Choi,” the Chief said. “We will have a visitor working with us for a month. This is Lieutenant Kim Han-chok. He serves with the Los Angeles Police Department and is here on a program to help him better understand the criminal culture in our country. We are honored that Headquarters have chosen Yongsan Police station to be Lt. Kim’s first assignment.

“I expect he will be welcomed fully. Since Team 3 is currently short of a detective, we will have Lt. Kim work with them. But at any time, we can rotate him so he can get a full sense of how we operate here. Understood?”

“Understood, sir!” A collective bow was afforded the Chief.

“Now Lt. Kim, perhaps you will say a few words.”

Lt Kim saluted at the Chief then turned to face the crowd. A gasp came from the back of the room but Yeo-jin didn’t turn to see who vocalized the surprise at the unexpected fluency of their language by the American.

“Thank you for the kind introduction, Chief,” Lt. Kim said. “It is an honor to be here today. I will do my best to live up to the first-rate reputation of Yongsan Station. When I learned I was to work here, I was both humbled and excited by the opportunity. I promise to do my best to support all your efforts.”

An enthusiastic round of applause echoed through the floor. Han Yeo-jin snuck a look at the only other female detective on the floor, Kyung Mi-rae, who worked with Team One. Outnumbered by their male colleagues, the two women officers often looked for each other whenever the situation called for silent support.

Today, Detective Kyung Mi-Rae didn’t throw her a look of exasperation or sympathy. Instead, her eyebrows waggled furiously as she gave Yeo-jin a somewhat covert thumbs-up sign. Kung Mi-rae then reached for her phone and a few seconds later, Yeo-jin’s phone sounded.

Kyung Mi-rae: If you decide to leave for HQ earlier, recommend me for Team 3!

You’re going to be working with the sexiest thing in America besides Daniel Kim!

Han Yeo-jin snorted.

With the official introductions over, the officers began to return to their desks while a small group approached the Chief and Lt. Kim.

“A month with a foreigner? Have we ever done something like this before?” Jang Geon said, returning to his seat.

“Probably more to the story,” surmised Han Yeo-jin. “Our station is productive but to host an officer from California? There are probably things only the higher ups are privy to.”

Jang Geon leaned back in his chair, and put his arms behind his head. “He said all the right things. And in Korean. With no accent.  I’m impressed.  Why does he speak with no accent? I thought Americans were bad at languages.”

“My parents agreed and that’s why they send me to stay with my grandparents and cousins every summer.” They all started at the sudden appearance of Lt. Kim in their corner of the office.

Jang Geon stood up, awkwardly shoving his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Uh…Welcome, Lieutenant. I guess we’ll be sitting opposite of each other. Let me know how I can support you.”

Lt. Kim’s smiled. “Thank you. I understand that despite being short-handed, your team were responsible for a number of big cases last year.”

Jung Geon narrowed his eyes and began to speak, but then seemed to change his mind. He glanced at Han Yeo-jin before returning his attention to Lt. Kim. “So, which part of the country did you spend your summers, Lt. Kim?”

“Mokpo. My parents grew up there before going overseas to study,” said Lt. Kim. “Have you been to there?”

Jang Geon shook his head. “No, maybe one day. Uh…are you ready to change out of your uniform? Into something more casual. Like the rest of us? I can show you the locker room. Oh wait, I don’t think we’ve introduced ourselves properly. We know who you are, of course. I’m Detective Jang Geon; next to you in Officer Park Sung-on. The empty seat belongs to Detective Seo Sang-won who is on leave today but will be back tomorrow. And this is Senior Inspector Han Yeo-jin.”

Yeo-jin thought she caught a brief spark of interest flashing in the Lieutenant’s eyes. She definitely didn’t imagine his lips lifting at the corners. She blinked. That’s a nice smile. Almost as nice as Daniel Kim’s…

“Ah, the famous Senior Inspector Han,” Kim said. “I heard your name at the National Police Agency.”

“Really?”

“I’ll be finishing my time in Korea with a month at the Headquarters. Maybe we will be colleagues more than once.”

She sensed Jang Geon’s body tense-up and from the corner of her eye, recognized the mischievous grin that had spread over Soon-chang’s face.

Lt. Kim reached over the desks with his hand extended, but before Yeo-jin could take it, Jang Geon shoved a file into her hand. “Paperwork, Senior Inspector Han,” he growled, his eyes shooting a warning she didn’t understand. “This way, Lt. Kim. Can’t get your formal uniform dirty in the first hour you are here.”

Lt. Kim seemed amused by the action and his smile grew. A warm flush rushed up her face in response to his smile. Grabbing for folders she didn’t need, Yeo-jin summoned all of her self-control not to watch Lt. Kim walk away with Jang Geon.

Okay, Daniel Kim, you’re now officially down to Number 2 on my “Sexiest American-Korean male” list.

“You’re blushing, Inspector Han,” teased Park Soon-chang. “I think this is going to be an interesting month for all of us!”

Chapter Text

Should he or shouldn’t he?

He re-read the email from Kim Jung-bon. An unexpected result of the Special Investigative team he had lead over a year ago was the continuing relationship with someone from his childhood.

He started to type a reply but realized it’d be more efficient to call Jung-bon. There were some information missing, and while the request was innocuous, Si-mok wasn’t able to make a decision until he had a full understanding of everything.

“Si-mok! What a surprise! I just sent you–“

“I’ve just received your email.”

A knowing laugh came through the phone. “Of course. Why would I think you’d call just to say ‘hello.’ How are you?”

Si-mok blinked. “Uh… I’m fine. Thank you.” He paused. “How are you?”

Jung-bon laughed again. “Well enough. I assume you’re calling to find out the legitimacy behind the request?”

Si-mok leaned back in his chair. “Yes.”

“I thought so. I have copies of his identification, passport and relationship to the deceased. Based on the paper trail, he is who he says he is. I can send his file to you if you make an official request. For my records, of course.”

Si-mok returned his attention to his computer where a copy of the original written request was onscreen. “Your email said Chief Prosecutor Kang forwarded this to you?”

“Yes. The Western Seoul Prosecutor’s Office was the first to receive the request.”

“Not your firm? Even though you represented Yoon Se-won?”

“Mr. Lee was advised that he may have a better chance of seeing Mr Yoon if he contacted the Prosecutors’ Office. He was under the impression that Mr. Yoon was well-regarded as a colleague prior to his arrest. Chief Prosecutor Kang then redirected the request to my firm.”

“You still speak of Yoon Se-won formally.”

Silence greeted his statement for a few seconds before Jung-bon spoke again. “He was good to me when we worked together. He may be a convicted killer. But he was respectful and considerate of my opinions. I didn’t get that a lot before I worked on your team. I still don’t.”

Yoon Se-won’s arrest then sentencing elicited interest – both good and bad – from the public and media. Attention had shifted to Lee Chang-jung after his death, but there remained occasional requests, especially from reporters, to meet with Yoon Se-won given his connection to the late Chief Secretary.

Chief Prosecutor Kang Won-chul, Si-mok’s former senior, had asked Jung-bon and Si-mok to help vet any continuing interest in the former prosecutor. Si-mok knew Kang Won-chul harbored a degree of sentimentality – and perhaps a sense of responsibility - toward his former mentee.

“Si-mok,” Jung-bon said, returning Si-mok’s thoughts to the present. “I have no logical reason to think that this would be a good meeting for anyone. But my feeling, my instincts, if you want to trust them, tell me this may be helpful for both parties.”

“You didn’t explain why you can’t accompany— “Si-mok glanced at his screen “—Lee Chin-mae to the prison yourself.”

Jung-bon cleared his throat. “I was invited to Geneva to participate in a workshop for NGOs on Human Rights. I leave tomorrow and will be gone for two weeks. I have asked Mr. Lee to wait but Mr. Kang mentioned you have been transferred again. I thought you may have some time before you start at your new office.”

Si-mok recognized the pride in Jung-bon’s voice when he mentioned ‘Geneva.’ His former classmate deserved good things. While his perceived lack of emotions garnered disdain, Jung-bon’s big heart and emotional responses usually solicited dismissal and apathy.

In an odd way, their extreme but opposite personalities made them similar in how they were often disregarded by others.

“They don’t give us time off between transfers,” Si-mok said. “I will contact Lee Chin-mae on your behalf. But only if I find myself in Seoul before your return.”

“I understand. Thank you, Si-mok. I appreciate it. I will let him know. I owe you a dinner! When I get back, of course! Where are you being transferred to?”

“Not far. Tongyeong.”

“Well, I’ll drive down there to take you out for dinner! I’ve always wanted to try the Chungmu gimbab there!”

“I wish you a good trip to Geneva.”

Later that evening, after the office had largely emptied, Si-mok reopened Jung-bon’s email. It was the last line that had stuck with him:

“I wish to meet the man who saved me from myself.”

Si-mok looked around the office. Stacks of papers and files tagged with his notes and follow-up comments to his successor filled up any empty space. Most of his things were already packed up. At least this time he was certain nothing he did in Namhae warranted the transfer. A position became vacant in Tongyeong after a prosecutor’s retirement.

It had been an unexceptional year. His mother was pleased his name had stayed out of the papers for most of the time, the only change in his routine was when he was called up to Seoul to investigate the prime minister. Tongyeong promised more of the same. If the higher-ups wanted him to remain irrelevant, they did a good job, Si-mok conceded.

Si-mok walked to the row of cabinets behind him and reached for the framed photo that had yet to join his box of personal effects. He scanned the faces:  friends, colleagues, and…a killer. But he couldn’t erase Yoon Se-won from the picture. He was part of that moment. A moment of unity. And of belonging.

And as usual, whenever he looked at this picture, his gaze settled on Han Yeo-jin’s face. He owed her dinner. He had thought of making a day trip to Seoul in the weeks since he last saw her, but in their quick text messages, he inferred her life was increasingly busy with the call-up to be placed full-time with the National Police. A big step in her career. He didn’t want to interfere.

Now with Jung-bon’s request, he could drive to Seoul for more than one reason, including to honor his promise to Han Yeo-jin, but also be too busy to visit his mother.

Chapter Text

“Why are you smiling?” Jang Geon asked Han Yeo-jin.

Captain Choi was pointing out potential escape routes on the white board in front of them in preparation for tomorrow’s stakeout in Mapo.

Han Yeo-jin turned her phone away. “None of your business. Pay attention. This is our biggest chance to grab this culprit.”

“Is there something more important than trying to catch a drug-dealer?!” Captain Choi yelled. “Your full attention is expected, or is that too much to ask?!”

“No, Sir!” “Sorry, Sir!”

She poked Jang Geon in the side of his ribs, annoyed that he got her in trouble with Captain Choi. But when Captain Choi was busy leafing through his notes at one of Lt. Kim’s questions, she snuck another look at the text she’d just received.

Prosecutor Hwang: “I owe you dinner. Are you free tomorrow night? My apologies it is last minute.”

They’d exchanged texts occasionally since they last saw each other, but he had not brought up the idea of dinner again. She knew he wouldn’t forget. He didn’t forget anything. It was just a matter of timing.

Hearing her name brought Yeo-jin’s attention back to the meeting.

 “We will have Inspector Han and Lt. Kim pick up the tail from this corner. It makes it more realistic if we have a couple entering a hotel,” explained Captain Choi.

“What?” Jang Geon’s exclamation surprised everyone.

Yeo-jin poked Jang Geon again but he ignored her. “I’m the senior officer. I should be the one with Inspector Han when we enter the hotel.”

Park Soon-chang barely disguised his laugh with a fake cough which only earned him a dirty look from Jang Geon.

“I need you to lead one of teams,” Captain Choi said. “You’re the second most experienced officer on the team after Inspector Han. A team is needed in the perimeter in case they leave the hotel. It’s the first time we can catch the suspect in action. Our informant says this meeting could be between the culprit and his overseas supplier. If this is correct, this would be a big case for us!”

Fifteen minutes later, the pool of detectives had their assignments and began to move out of the tight conference room.

“Don’t worry, Detective Jang,” Lt. Kim said as he approached Jang Geon and Yeo-jin. “I’ll take care of her.”

“She can take care of herself,” Jang Geon, snapped. “She’s the toughest one here!”

“I didn’t mean —”

Yeo-jin waved away Lt. Kim’s apology and pushed Jang Geon out of the conference room then pulled him down the stairs and out of the police building. “What is going on with you? You have not let up on Lt. Kim since day one! He buys coffee and brings in snacks. And he’s a good addition to our team. Did you see him jump over the rubbish bins last week when we chased down the robber?”

Jang Geon kicked his shoes on the pavement. “I just don’t trust him! He’s too smooth. He reminds me of that prosecutor, Seo Dong-jae. But you expect that kind of slime from a prosecutor. How can one person be liked by everyone, eh? No one is perfect. He’s also too good looking to be a police officer!”

She stared in disbelief at her colleague and friend. “That’s your complaint? He’s too good-looking.”

“Never-mind.”

“I think you’re jealous.”

Jang Geon scoffed. “Hah.”

Yeo-jin’s phone sounded. Smiling, she typed furiously in response to the text she'd read.

Jang Geon looked at her suspiciously. “Why do you look so happy now?”

“Prosecutor Hwang’s taking me out for dinner tomorrow! And I get to choose a restaurant! A real one.”

“Prosecutor Hwang? Wait … are you two…?”

Yeo-jin blushed. “No, nothing like that! He owed me a chance to celebrate after we helped with the jewelry case, remember? And it’s not like we haven’t had dinner before. I’ve bought him meals many times. It’s just his turn.”

Jang Geon smiled, crossed his arms then nodded. “Hwang Si-mok and Han Yeo-jin… I like it…”

“There’s nothing to like…”

“He’s probably the only prosecutor I could trust,” Jang Geon said.

The next day, excitement mixed with anticipation hummed through the Yongsan Police Station. The Chief even made an appearance to wish them good-luck. As they rode in the van to Mapo, Yeo-jin couldn’t help but think this could be the last time she'd be working in the field with the team she had considered her second family. She studied the back of Jang Geon’s head as he drove.

He had looked out for her from her first day at the Station even though she had a higher rank. His wife had once told her that it was because he was raised by a single mom, his grandmother, and two older sisters that trusting Yeo-jin was natural to him.

Trust.

Yeo-jin looked out at the passing scenery. She had done stints at HQ already, and she couldn’t say there was anyone there she could trust. She certainly didn’t want to leave any drawings for them…

The morning went pretty much as Captain Choi had laid out. Lt. Kim and her picked up the culprit a couple of blocks from the hotel.  He didn’t seem in a hurry, so they had to be careful how they followed him. They couldn’t walk too fast, or too slow, or seem like they were waiting for him just because he decided to duck into a convenience store.

Captain Choi almost had a heart-attack when that happened.

Lt. Kim slipped his arm around her waist and brought her to front of the neighboring shop. “Is this okay?” he asked.

She understood his intention. “Yes,” she whispered back. They pretended to admire the display of men’s fashion. Got to make it look realistic Han Yeo-jin said to herself as she leaned into the warmth in Lt. Kim’s impressively toned body.

"Watch your hands, Lieutenant,” growled the voice over the earpiece.

Yeo-jin rolled her eyes. “You pay attention to the culprit, DETECTIVE Jang,” she hissed.

The culprit came out of the convenience store seconds later, and they continued to walk a few meters behind him, eventually following him into the hotel lobby where the culprit then used the hotel phone.

“Contact established,” Yeo-jin whispered. “Stand ready.” She heard Captain Choi direct Team 1 to move toward the hotel.

The culprit waited near the elevators. A casually dressed woman emerged from one of them and exchanged greetings with the suspect.

They began to walk in the direction of the two detectives and for a brief moment, Yeo-jin thought they were going to be noticed. Lt. Kim gently pushed Yeo-jin against a cool marble column, angling his body slightly in a manner that suggested he was going to kiss Yeo-jin. In effect, the action shielded both their faces from the suspect. Smart move, Lt. Kim. They trained you well in America.

Lt. Kim moved. “Can you see them?”

Yeo-jin looked over her partner’s shoulders to meet the culprit’s eyes staring straight at her near the entrance. A shot of adrenaline coursed through her body. “We’ve been identified!”

She pushed passed Lt. Kim and ran toward the culprit. “Stop! Police! Stop!”

Chapter Text

Five hours after leaving his flat in Namhae, Hwang Si-mok sat on a bench outside of Anyang Correctional Center. He hadn’t heard from Lt. Han again about dinner that evening. She did, however, say she was involved in a police operation that morning, so her silence was expected.

That message came with a gif of a bunny hopping.

He stared at the gif again, still uncertain as to what message he should associate with it. Gifs, he found, didn’t always make sense.

“Prosecutor Hwang Si-mok?” A well-dressed man close to his age bowed in front of him. “I hope I didn’t keep you long. I’m Lee Chin-mae. Thank you for agreeing to accompany me to see Mr. Yoon. I appreciate the help to see him sooner rather than later.”

Si-mok had thought whether it’d be appropriate to bring up Yoon Se-won’s name again to Inspector Han. The last time she’d visited him, she left in so much anger and expressed how hurt she was by his excuses. She couldn’t believe – didn’t want to believe – that sorrow and grief were enough reasons to lead to murder. Si-mok had no words of comfort for her then, and he thought it prudent to keep this visit private.

He himself wasn’t sure how he’d respond to seeing his former colleague and teammate again. He had liked Yoon Se-won; trusted him; thought he had treated him well. Maybe Jung-bon was the wisest of them all in his ability to recognize Yoon Se-won for everything he was and not just bits and pieces they saw.

The visitors’ area was empty except for them. Si-mok took in the gaunt and thin figure that approached the section they were in. Si-mok had chosen to stand in order to give Mr. Lee a little more privacy. Afterall, it was Mr. Lee’s visit and not his.

Yoon Se-won met Si-mok’s eyes briefly and gave him a small nod.

“Mr. Kim said you may come on his behalf,” Yoon Se-won said.

Si-mok nodded. “This is Mr. Lee __”

“Lee Chin-mae. Our children went to school together,” Mr. Lee said. “My wife taught at the school. They were both…on that bus.” And with those words, Mr. Lee’s face contorted into a mask of grief, startling the guards by the wail that accompanied it.

The guards didn’t interrupt the visit, probably used to such emotions being displayed in the visiting room. When Mr. Lee began to explain why he had flown back from America to be there that afternoon. Si-mok tried not to listen. Even he understood that he was now invisible to the two men.

But certain words couldn’t be ignored.

“Angry…he was a murderer… they should have arrested him…and the investigators said the barrier was the reason?”

Yoon Se-won put his hand on the plexiglass that separated them. “Please, Mr. Lee—”

“My family sent me overseas because they were worried for me,” Lee Chin-mae continued. “They worried of what I would do. But distance didn’t help. It didn’t matter how far I went. All I remember are their bodies, burnt. I couldn’t replace any of those memories with the happy ones, of when they were alive. I only see them dead in my dreams. All I could think about was revenge. So that they can finally rest. So I can rest.” Lee Chin-mae then put on his hand on his side of the plexiglass to match Yoon Se-won’s. “But you did my job for me. You are now where I could have been. I come today to thank you.”

“No. Don’t thank me for what I did.”

“I understand, but I cannot change how I feel. Society will see your deeds as evil; I see it as just punishment. No one wants to count how many lives Park Moon-seung destroyed over the years. You stopped him from killing others.”

“I’m a murderer.”

“You avenged my daughter and wife’s lives.” Lee Chin-mae pushed his chair back suddenly, stood up and gave a deep bow. “I’m in your debt forever.”

Then Lee Chin-mae left abruptly, brushing passed Si-mok with tears streaming down his face.

Yoon Se-won’s eyes remained on the now empty seat. The rest of his body remained still, as if paralyzed. He swallowed, inhaled deeply then brushed away at his wet cheeks. He raised his head to meet Si-mok’s gaze.

“Thank you for using your time to help Mr. Lee,” Yoon Se-won said. “I know you are very busy, Prosecutor Hwang.”

Si-mok blinked as he filtered all he saw in Yoon Se-won’s face. Is it easier to see a face devoid of expression or one full of pain?  

“I’m glad to be able to assist a friend,” Si-mok said. “Take care of yourself…Mr. Yoon.”

As he drove back to his hotel, Lee Chang-jun’s words played in his mind.  “Only two people… robes and criminals…I believe that we are different from those we need to punish.”

But that was a lie. Lee Chang-jun was both of those: a man in a robe and a criminal. Furthermore, Lee Chang-jun fed the pain in Yoon Se-won, turning a man in a robe into a criminal.

What would push him over the edge, too? Si-mok wondered. Because it’s now obvious to him that they all could be both.

When he reached his hotel, an unexpected message appeared on his phone:

Jang Geon: She’s fine. Sprained an ankle. Broke her phone. At hospital now.

Wanted me to tell you first. Still wants her dinner.

Si-mok texted back immediately.

Si-mok: Should I pick her up from the hospital?

Jang Geon: That would be great. She’s scary right now. Yelling at everyone. I’ll send you the address. Maybe wait an hour.

Si-mok: Thank you.

Si-mok paused then typed in his next question.

Si-mok: Is she really in a bad mood?

Jang Geon: I’d buy a lot of soju to have with your dinner.

Chapter Text

This was not how this afternoon was supposed to be. Yeo-jin fumed. “I need to get out!” She looked at Jang Geon who had been texting on his phone. “Get me out! Now!”

“You were thrown onto a marble floor, Inspector Han. People screamed. There’s a cut on your skull and your ankle is severely sprained.” Jung Geon said, not looking up. “We’re still waiting for your MRI.”

“I’m fine!”

The young nurse on the other side of the room flinched.

Jang Geon held up a plastic bag that contained her now smashed-phone. “Your phone didn’t make it. They need to check your head. Though considering how stubborn you are, I’m sure it’s fine.”

She hit him on the arm.

“Ow! Be nice or I’m not going to text your Prosecutor.”

“Just let him know I can still make dinner!”

Jang Geon rolled his eyes. “You’re impossible. Good luck to the people who have to work with you at HQ. Oh good! Prosecutor Hwang says he can come pick you up. Listening to you complain is worse than being beaten up.”

“How’s Lt. Kim?”

Jang Geon laughed. “So much for those muscles. That woman did a number on him.”

“She had a knife.”

“He’ll live.”

Jang Geon left an hour later, threatening her with all the paperwork they had yet to finish, if she didn’t wait to be officially discharged. But her patience was wearing thin and when Hwang Si-mok found her, she was already waiting by the EXIT door in the provided wheelchair.

“They said I had to leave in this contraption, and someone has to wheel me to the car,” she explained glumly. Si-mok nodded, his face impassive as ever. But the brief squeeze on her upper arm did much to allay her fears that he didn’t mind being there for her.

She hated being dependent on someone and hated it even more when she was forced to depend on someone.

Their drive back to her apartment was quiet, gently interrupted with questions about her comfort. Now that she was out of the hustle and bustle of the hospital, the reality of the day’s activities dawned on her. It was a successful operation. Her ankle would heal. But she wasn’t as fast or as strong as she needed to be.

“I understand your team took down a major drug dealer. The woman was wanted by Interpol. Yonsan Police will probably get some public recognition from the higher-ups,” Si-mok said.

She turned her face away, a small smile on her face.

She leaned on him as they hobbled from the car to the bottom of her apartment building. Suddenly, the stairs leading to her rooftop flat seemed as steep as a climb up to Mt. Everest.

“Wait here,” Si-mok ordered.

“What?”

But he had moved ahead, grabbing her bag with him, and took the steps two by two. Yeo-jin made a face at his absence. While she didn’t WANT his help, she needed it. She inhaled deeply and gingerly walked to the first step. She leaned against the railing, lifted her foot and— Ok, that did hurt. She can do this. Inhale, brace against the railing, lift foot —

“Didn’t I tell you to wait?” Si-mok asked as he slowed his descent to face her. He no longer had his coat or jacket on.

“I thought I get started…”

But the look he gave her said he wasn’t interested in her explanation. He moved toward her then bend as he began to put an arm under her. Instinctively, she hit his arm. “What are you doing?!”

He rubbed his arm. “I’m going to carry you up these stairs.”

“What? You can’t… I’m fine! I just may need a little help…”

“Yeo-jin-ssi.”

He had never done that before; he’d had never call her with the familiar use of her name before. So stunned, she didn’t have a response. She just stared, and he took advantage of her newly muted status by lifting her into his arms.

She automatically wrapped her arms around his neck and chest, marveling at the hidden strength she had thought was there but never really known. He took the steps evenly and with almost no effort.

“You’re still staring,” he said as he approached the last flight of stairs.

“Does it bother you?”

He paused at the top landing and turned his head slowly to meet her eyes. She knew most people said they couldn’t understand Hwang Si-mok, that he was a blank slate, cold, impervious. But in that moment, in what she saw in his face, she knew she meant something to him. That he was there because he wanted to be, because she mattered.

“No, it doesn’t bother me,” he said softly. “It will never bother me.”

His gaze dropped to her lips and her heart beat soared in response. Still in his arms, he walked to the canopied seating area outside her flat. He placed her gently on a cushioned seat. A slight shiver went through Yeo-jin when the warmth of his body disappeared.

Yeo-jin then noticed the tealights and boxes of food. “What’s all this?”

“It was here when I arrived. There is a note under one of the bottles of soju addressed to you.”

No fancy restaurant can beat the tteobokki from our favorite place, and you know it!

Sorry about your ankle. Don’t drink all the soju in the first hour! Have fun with the Prosecutor!

Team 3.

Ps. It’s okay if you come in late tomorrow morning!

“You’re crying,” Si-mok observed.

Yeo-jin sniffed. She inhaled deeply and looked toward the dancing lights of the city. “I’m going to miss them.” His fingers brush away her tears and a hand appeared in front of her with a tissue. “I will bring out glasses and plates. Rest.”

Si-mok returned with a blanket as well, which he tucked around her. He poured the soju and they raised their glasses to each other.

“What shall we drink to?” Yeo-jin asked.

He tilted his head, his dark eyes studying her. “To new beginnings.”

She smiled. “Yes. To new beginnings.”

She didn’t arrive late to work the next day and took the ribbing of her “glow” with some cheeky retorts but low on specifics. Jang Geon didn’t join in on the teasing. Instead, he simply patted her back and said he was glad she was there though her sprained ankle meant she was of little use to the team.

A call came in and the team disappeared to chase down vandalism suspects.

She had paperwork to get through.

She looked at the time. He’d be halfway to Tongyeong by now. He had stayed all night. They talked; they laughed. Well, she laughed and he smiled a little. She persuaded him that it was too late for him to head back to the hotel, and he had slept on the spare mattress next to her.

She wouldn’t tell him she'd stared at him all night. And it brought her peace that whatever happens next, he would be there for her.