Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chan stared at his fellow detective with only a blank look.

“There is no way you’re standing in front of me right now, telling me this. ”

Changbin’s eyebrows went up in defense as he loudly protested, waving the papers in front of his face. “I’m serious , hyung!”

Chan shook his head resolutely. “No. I refuse to believe we’ve actually been put on a murder case on a luxury ship– which is only for the elites, by the way!”

Changbin suffered a long sigh. “Well yeah, that’s exactly what we have been put on. We deal with murders and crimes everyday!”

“But this stuff only happens in movies! We’re going to have to talk to aristocrats, Bin!”

Changbin only scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I’m sure they’re not all bad.”

The older man only ran a hand down his face before taking the case files from his hand and flipping them open, already fainting at the image of the boat. “This thing is huge, ” He groaned when Changbin dropped down into the seat next to him. “How are we going to find any perpetrators in there?”

The other man pulled up an eyebrow. “We’re detectives, Chan. That’s literally our job. Besides, the boat only holds about 50 of the richest people in our country and some staff.”

Chan smacked him with the items in his hand, grumbling out an insult. 

“Whatever. Why have only 50 people on a boat of this size?” He asked, frowning at the small number he mentioned.

“It’s mostly rich families. The boat is owned by captain Cheon Jihu, an old man who’s famous for the amount of military medals he has. He served the country for a hefty amount of years before retiring and spending his life in luxury and pleasure.”

Chan stared at him with another raised eyebrow. “So… He was involved in illegal shit.”

Changbin snorted. “Oh definitely. Anything you can think of. Illegal casinos, boxing rings, strip clubs, drug cartels, literally anything. It’s probably how he knows all the families on the boats since there’s a lot of shady people on there.”

“Why are none of these people behind bars?” Chan huffed, annoyed. “Are we really that bad at our job?”

“No, we’re fine. These are just filthy rich people with tons of protection, and unfortunately people are corrupted sometimes.” Changbin sighed.

Chan bit his lip. “So… If we play it well, we could be bringing in more than just a murderer?”

Changbin’s eyes gleamed as he nodded. “There are some real important criminal people on that boat, hyung.”

His eyes scanned the file again, flipping to the victim’s page and frowning. “If they’re all criminal elites… What was this guy doing here?”

Changbin glanced down before answering. “23 year old Yang Jeongin,” He said, pointing a finger at the fox-like boy with brown hair pictured on the paper. “Entered the boat alongside his friend Lee Felix after both of them had been invited by Kim Seungmin. Only one of them is with us right now.”

He stayed unimpressed by Changbin’s theatrics and dramatic pauses, reading over the information. “ ‘Cause of death; substance intoxication?’ And who exactly is Seungmin?”

“You just answered your own question. He’s involved with one of the drug cartel families, he’s not that big. He’s mostly just a seller but he’s good at what he does, which puts him in the family’s good graces. He clicked well with Jeongin and invited him to the cruise.”

“And the victim’s friend?”

Changbin reached over and flipped a page, landing on a picture of a freckled boy with golden hair reaching down to his shoulders, smiling broadly. Chan thought it was sweet.

“Felix found Jeongin on the morning of August 24th when he went to wake him up for breakfast, but found him unmoving and without a heartbeat and went to alert the nearest security.”

Chan glances up, a worried crease between his brows. “He was dead by the time Felix found him?”

Changbin huffed. “No, he just stilled his heartbeat for a prank– of course he was dead, man.’’

Chan smacked him again, harder as the jokes got worse.

“Uniformed officers decided this was too big of a case and have left all the questioning to us.” Changbin laughed, ducking another hit.

Chan sighed as he sifted through the rest of the case papers, mostly about the location and evidence they’ve already found. There was a bottle of sleeping pills alongside Jeongin’s bed, security footage of him getting drunk at the party and Felix’s conversation with the security and paramedics.

He pinched the bridge of his nose as he got up, taking a long gulp of coffee. 

“How will we get there? It’s kind of in the middle of nowhere.”

Changbin grinned at him. “Buckle up, then. It’ll be at least 5 hours of traveling with the police boats.”

Chan only groaned, before starting to gather his stuff. “Let’s go eat the rich, then.”

The other detective smirked. “We’re about to feast , trust me.”

𑁬♱໒

The ship was everything Chan expected a luxury liner to be.

It was tall and blindingly white, gold lining the edges and having the moon reflect off of it, pools shimmering on deck alongside fancy laying chairs and bars selling drinks for a price rivaling diamonds, various types of activities and sports available for the guest’s entertainment.

The captain was there to receive them when they arrived, receiving Chan and Changbin with stretched arms and a too wide smile. 

“Detectives!” He crooned loudly as they stepped on board. “I am so glad to have such honorable people like you on board. Although it is tragic to meet you in these circumstances.”

The elder resisted an eye roll, instead only standing firm and giving him a guarded look. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m lead detective Bang Chan and this is my fellow investigator Seo Changbin.”

The captain nodded at the introductions, and if he noticed Chan’s cold demeanor he didn’t mention it. “It’s incredibly sad to see such a young life go. I didn’t know the victim personally, but a youth lost is always unfortunate.”

It was getting harder and harder to hide his distaste for the veterinarian captain, barely containing a scowl. And what about all the lives you ruined with your illegal underground activities? He wanted to say, but figured it was too soon to be thrown to the sharks.

Luckily, Changbin was quick to step in and take over. “We need to speak to a few people on board. Is there a private space we can use for that? We’ll also need a list of all the passengers to work on a suspects list, as well as any and all security footage containing Yang Jeongin.”

The captain was quick to nod. “You can use one of our splendid suites on board for questioning as well as for your stay during the investigation. I’ll have a list sent over as soon as possible, as well as the tapes.”

He led the way to the suites, showcasing a grand room consisting of two separate king sized beds, a royal bathroom and a luxurious living room containing two arm chairs and a big three person couch, a coffee table resting in the middle.

“You can call up room service any time for food. It’s free of charge since you are honorable guests, and the cruise offers plenty of activities to do in your free time–”

“Thanks, but we have a job to do. We need to start questioning people as soon as possible.” Chan cut him off, making the captain gape for a split second before the placid smile returned to his face.

“Of course… I’ll leave you two to settle in.” He left out the door.

Once it shut behind him, Changbin let out a big breath. “If I hadn’t already known he’s involved in shady shit, I’d definitely have known now. I feel almost slick by the way he buttered us up.”

Chan hit him blindly for his dumb joke before putting his bag down. “Don’t worry, we’ll deal with it soon. Just rest up for now– we have to talk to Jeongin’s friend early in the morning since he’s apparently an early riser. The passenger list will probably arrive soon, too.”

Changbin sighed as he fell down on his own bed. “Why do we have to meet Felix so early ? This’ll be the only time I’ll be able to be on a cruise!”

Chan glanced over to him from his own bedsheets. “Not if this pans out well.” He responds, grinning. “If we manage to bust this many criminals as detectives, it ought to have benefits.”

Changbin matched his grin. “Let’s get ready for bed. Long day of suspect talking ahead.”

By the time morning broke, the ship was already bustling with guests and people dressed in clothes Chan couldn't even dream of buying even if he saved up for years, going about their days eating breakfast or playing pool or participating in a fun game of poker– which was pretty obviously just a ruse for the gambling family to do their jobs.

No one seemed all too shocked at the fact that someone had died two nights prior. The only thing he could tell was that they all seemed antsy whenever he was seen on deck, his detective's badge gleaming in the sunlight threateningly.

"Why do they not seem to care about the murder?" He whispered to Changbin, a bit of annoyance bubbling up in his gut.

Changbin shrugged. “They watch boxing rings for fun, hyung. I don’t think a murder staged as suicide is anything out of the ordinary.”

Chan frowned. “They should care!”

The other man elbowed him, a look of warning in his eyes.

Chan only huffed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. 

“So… What do you know about the families on deck?” He asked as they started walking, people thrumming around them in bikinis and satin and velvet, eyeing them uneasily. 

Changbin leant over, lowering his voice. “The ones I know of are the Hwang family who run the biggest underground drug trades in Korea. They’re close friends with the Park family of underground boxing rings, and often work together to advertise each other’s services.. I’ve been chasing them for months.” He hissed the last part, a pissed expression showing on his face.

Chan snorted, rolling his eyes at him. “Looks like this is your lucky week, then.”

Changbin scoffed. “You bet your ass it is–” 

“I actually wouldn’t bet my ass for anything –”

Changbin hit him for that, making him stifle a laugh once they finally got to Jeongin’s room. The door was shut with police tape and people made a beeline around it, as if the room was tainted.

They would start by inspecting the crime scene, opening the entry with a force push before it gave way. The two detectives walked in carefully, eyes noting and scanning the things in the room. Jeongin’s bag was still open, clothes spilling out. The bed was unmade and rumpled where he had lain before his body got removed by the coroners, half empty bottle of sleeping pills laying on the bedside table. 

Chan reviewed the scene with a sigh. “Why is it always cruises that people get murdered on? It makes all the moving around and the questionings way harder than it should be.”

Changbin grinned at him with his hands in his pockets. “All the more fun for us then, ain’t it?”

Chan only shot him an unimpressed look.

“How about you go ask about that passenger list. We have to interview Felix in 30, I’ll check for anything unusual in this room.”

They both shared a look of understanding, knowing what Chan meant by that. Changbin nodded and left.

The room didn’t give him much. It was clear they were going to be mainly using witnesses and security tapes.

Chan walked over and lifted the half empty pill bottle with his gloves.

“What happened to you, Yang Jeongin?” He only murmured.

𑁬♱໒

Lee Felix was someone who definitely did not belong on this cruise, Changbin decided upon seeing him.

He was softer than the average person, blond hair grazing his shoulders and fluffy curtain bangs resting partly in front of his eyes. He was coddled in a gray sweater, finishing the innocent bystander look, only strengthened by his red eyes and constant fiddling with his hands.

He did not look like the other passengers at all, not like their cold stares and expensive stance and harsh demeanor.

“We’re so sorry for your loss,” Changbin started, leaning forward. “It must be hard losing your friend.”

Felix sniffled, reaching up to wipe his eyes. “Innie and I knew each other since middle school… I can’t believe he’s gone. I wish I–” a small sob escaped his throat, cutting him off. “I wish I did something, like stopped him from the alcohol, or not let him take those pills–”

“The file mentioned that Kim Seungmin and Jeongin were friends, was that true?” Chan replied carefully, notepad in hand like he always had. 

Felix looked up at the older man, slightly guarded. “I didn’t know Seungmin that well. Jeongin met him in one of his uni classes, but neither of us knew he sold pills until he found out about Innie’s insomnia and offered them. I’d always been wary, but the lorazepam actually seemed to help him so I let it go after a while.”

Chan nodded, scribbling something down, making Felix scrunch his eyebrows looking slightly disgruntled. 

“To clarify, I didn’t know anything of the illegal stuff that Seungmin was involved in or that went on on the ship.”

Changbin resisted an eyeroll. It was pretty much a hard thing to miss, and he’d bet his savings that Felix knew.

“How bad was Jeongin’s insomnia?” Changbin asked next. “How did Seungmin know lorazepam was the right thing for him?”

“Innie wouldn’t sleep for days, he’d always struggled with falling and staying asleep ever since he was young. He used to get drunk on weekdays if only to be able to pass out. Like I said, I didn’t know Seungmin well enough to know about his knowledge on drugs. All I know is that he suggested it and Jeongin was desperate to take it.”

“And you were the one to find him, yes?” came his next question.

Felix tensed up in front of them. “I came to fetch him for breakfast, but…” He swallowed back a thick lump, blinking back more tears. “He was already lifeless by the time I found him.”

Chan put the notepad down momentarily to gaze at Felix, pity in his eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“Just… please, catch whoever did this.” Felix begged them, voice breaking.

“And… you’re sure it’s a murder? Is there a chance it might’ve been Jeongin’s own doing?”

Felix scoffed, surprisingly angry. “He wasn’t fucking suicidal, trust me. Things were finally starting to look up for Innie– school was going well, he had a strong support system to fall back on, and he was sleeping better. He loved living. He wouldn’t just take it.”

Changbin glanced over to Chan, both of them sharing the same look. This was something all of the victim’s loved ones said, but something was inclining them to believe Felix.

“We’ll have to question Seungmin after you.” He said decidedly. “Is there anything you remember from the night prior that could help us?”

“And did Jeongin have any issues with anyone on this ship?” Chan tacked on.

Felix frowned in thought, looking troubled trying to remember. “I can’t remember much, because I was pretty wasted myself, but… I do remember that I kept seeing the same chef coming to top up Jeongin’s glass with alcohol. He hung around us a lot and I felt his eyes on us constantly.”

Both detectives tensed up on the couch, leaning in closer. “Do you remember his face?”

“A sharp jawline is all I can recall– Oh, and he had bunny teeth. I’m sorry, I can’t remember much else.”

Chan shook his head, noting everything down on his notepad. “That’s fine. Do you have an answer to our second question?”

Felix pursed his lips in thought. “Well… There’s this one passenger, he’s in a crime family since he’s filthy rich, but I don’t really know which one.”

Chan glanced at him in question. “Do you know their name?”

Felix’s eyebrows drew together, before he replied back in an unsure tone. “It was a short one, I think. Not that common, started with an… H?”

“The Han’s, most likely.” Chan sighed back. “The ones who run the gambling empire.”

Felix excitedly snapped his fingers in recognition. “Yeah, them! It was their oldest son, I think. He was hooked on something Seungmin sold, but couldn’t let his family know he was addicted. He knew Innie was close with him so he approached and asked if Jeongin would buy some of his stuff for him, and Jeongin agreed.”

Changbin sighed slightly. “Do you know what substance he was hooked on?”

Felix shook his head. “I only know that whatever it was, Jeongin didn’t want to be seen with it. He paid him back and wanted Jeongin to keep it in his own room, but Innie refused. Han ended up being busted by his family for the drugs and I remember that their last interaction was an argument, before Jeongin stormed back to his room in anger and explained the story to me.”

Changbin sat back with slightly wide eyes. They might’ve just found their first two suspects.

“Do you perhaps remember what this Han looked like?”

Felix shook his head apologetically. “I can only remember that his cheeks were a bit rounder than the average person. I’m not good with faces, sorry.”

He glanced at Chan, again, finding him already staring.

“Right, Felix. Thank you so much for your help.” He finally concluded, getting up from the couch and shaking his hand. “We’re sorry for your loss, once again. Me and detective Seo will do everything in our power to catch the culprit.”

Felix sniffed again as he let go and shook Changbin’s hand too. “Thank you both, a lot. I know you’ll do my friend justice.”

Changbin smiled kindly, squeezing his hand. “You hold in there tight, yeah? It’ll be okay.”

Felix smiled back at him, albeit a bit wobbly, before making his exit.

“I don’t even think we need the passenger list, Binnie.” Chan said eventually, eyes gleaming.

Changbin grinned. “Who knows, might still come in handy. Let’s go check the security tapes first.”

𑁬♱໒

The passenger list was something Changbin could only dream of in his deepest detective fantasies, the ones where he caught every criminal living in this world and got praised for it.

He was still staring at it in wonder while the TV was playing the CCTV footage that had been sent over to them, Chan leant against the headboard behind him with his eyes on the screen.

“Hyung, there’s about eight criminal families on this deck, extended family included. Holy shit.” He marveled.

Chan laughed at his amazement. “Don’t think you’re supposed to be so happy about that, Bin.”

“All I’m seeing are paychecks and revenge.’’ He responded, grinning at the older man.

Chan huffed and rolled his eyes, moving closer to the television. “Sure you do. Go ahead and highlight the most important ones for me while you’re at it while I review the tapes.”

He glanced up at the tv, watching how Jeongin was going about his day on the screen. All the footage with him in it was about 3 hours long in total. He scrunched his nose, thinking that Jeongin did not need to spend that much time on deck.

“Any suspicious activity?” 

“Aside from the illegal services in the background?” Chan snorted, watching how another package of substance was delivered to the person behind Felix. “Not much. Jeongin stayed surprisingly clean, but I’ve sent every picture of chefs he came in contact with to facial recognition.”

Changbin hummed in answer and turned back to the sheets in front of him. “I think the most important families are the mentioned Han’s, and Seungmin works for the Hwang family. everyone else are just…”

Chan sighed, finishing the thought for him. “A bunch of criminals to be dealt with later. Let’s focus on the two you said.”

He laid on his stomach and scooted closer until he could see the list too as Changbin highlighted the mentioned families. “Felix said it was their oldest, so I can only assume it’s this one.” He underlined the name Han Jisung. “If he argued with Jeongin, we should talk to him as soon as possible before he has time to get away or possibly change his story.”

Chan nodded alongside him. “But Seungmin first. He could also possibly lead us to the chef before facial recognition could.”

Changbin raised his head, confused. “So… first the drug dealer, then the suspect?”

“Han Jisung is the oldest son of the Han family, I can only assume he’s treated like a prince and hard to get a hold of, especially if his family wants to keep the cops away after Jisung got caught with the supposed drugs Jeongin bought for him. We need time to figure out a plan to talk to him.”

Changbin grinned at Chan, patting him on the back and getting up. “ This is why you’re the lead detective.”

Chan rolled his eyes with a small smile. “Whatever, corny. Let’s go.”

𑁬♱໒

If you’d ask Seungmin what the most boring place to be in was, he’d definitely answer with any room with you and the cops.

It was just… so unentertaining. All you did was sit on the couch and avoid the topic at hand if you were guilty, and it was so predictable. If you weren’t guilty, you’d just tell them what you knew, and if you were, then it’d always be the same cycle. They’d ask you questions about the case knowing that you’ll most likely lie– and you’ll, well, lie. Deny everything.

Unfortunately for him, he worked in a profession where being questioned by the police was almost guaranteed.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the passing of Yang Jeongin.” The shorter one started– Chaerbin? Chang something?–  “We heard from his friend that you two were close, I’m sorry for your loss.”

Seungmin resisted a scoff, wanting to roll his eyes. As if they cared about Jeongin like he did. He hadn’t been on board with Jeongin’s ideas since day one, but of course the younger never listened. “Did the two of you already catch the killer or are those degrees useless?” He sniped, arms tight over his chest.

Both detectives looked a bit taken aback at his snappy mood, but recovered quickly. “We’re in the process of it.” The older answered coolly, eyes exhausting themselves trying to not throw daggers at Seungmin. It made him snort inwardly.

“How did you get to know Jeongin?” His co-detective picked the conversation back up, and Seungmin let his eyes drift over. 

“We met in uni. We both took a masterclass on photography and got put into the same group and started talking, I guess. Ever since then I always hung out with him.” His body felt tense and he kept his eyes on the empty spot on the opposite couch. He didn’t like talking about Jeongin in past tense.

“And you dealt with him, yes?”

Seungmin’s eyes flitted up, sharp as stone. “I don’t deal. I’m a professional seller.” He hissed, holding eye contact with the older detective.

He thought he looked meaner than his counterpart, but Seungmin knew better. He always does. 

“We’ll come back to that in a bit.” He mused– what was his name again? Bing?– “You sold drugs to Jeongin, correct?”

Seungmin leant back, draping an arm over the couch. “Sleeping pills.” He corrected. “Jeongin mentioned that he struggled with sleep, and I offered to help.”

“You’re not a licensed professional.” The shorter one frowned. Maybe Seungmin should’ve paid more attention when they mentioned their names. “How did you know what to give him and the right dose?”

Seungmin shot him a grin. “I major in organic chemistry, actually. We tried different medication and different dosages until we got to the right one, and afterwards I kept supplying him.”

Chan pulled up an eyebrow, but didn’t comment further. “Can you describe Jeongin to us? Was he someone to start trouble or get himself into any?”

Seungmin shook his head resolutely. “He kept mostly to himself, both in uni and on the ship. He was very laid back and only kept to the close circle of friends around him– didn’t hang out with anyone else other than Felix and I.”

“What’s your relationship to Felix? He mentioned neither of them knew you worked for an organized crime unit.” Changbin continued, making annotations on his notepad in the meantime.

“We’re not that close. I mostly knew him through Jeongin, but we hung out around campus sometimes.” He smoothly talked, guard high. “I told Jeongin I had a friend who worked in the pharmacy branch and was willing to give me the meds for a discount– which wasn’t a lie.” 

Chan narrowed his eyes at him, but only for a fraction of a second. “Why’d you invite them along on the ship?”

“Felix mentioned Jeongin needed stress relief. I decided to deliver.” He kept his answers as short as possible, not willing to raise any unnecessary suspicion. 

Chan kept a short silence as he noted down whatever it was that he was writing, before Changbin spoke up again. “Right. Mr. Kim, there are two directions we need you to go. First, we’ll need you to explain how you know the Hwangs and how involved you are with them.”

Seungmin bit the inside of his cheek, resisting a smirk. Now it was going to get interesting. He leant back, leveling Changbin with a look before speaking. “Quite easy to get involved when you’re engaged to the only son of the main family, detective.”

Chan stopped writing, glancing at his coworker with a frown before turning to Seungmin. “You’re engaged to him?”

Seungmin flashed them the silver band on his finger, noting the way Changbin couldn’t seem to lower his eyebrows. “I met Hyunjin on an art excursion I went to– we met in the Louvre, ain’t that romantic?” He mocked, smugness high in his system.

“Did you know he belonged to a drug cartel family back then?” Changbin continued, voice disinterested. Seungmin shook his head.

“Not back then, no. It took a few dates and make-out sessions for me to meet his parents, and they took a liking towards me. Hyunjin darling played it up and told them how good I am at going unnoticed, and they offered me a way to make quick money and guaranteed security as well. This happened around a year ago.” 

Changbin squinted at him before taking over the writing from Chan, letting him pick the conversation back up. “If you’re engaged to Hyunjin, why are you only a seller at the bottom?”

It took everything in Seungmin not to snarl at him, only clenching his jaw. “It’s safer that way for both of us. Not many people know we’re together– it’d be a risk to both Hyunjin and I. As for how involved I am… I’m not lying when I say I only sell. The family gives me a bunch of substances and I have to deliver them to the customers– where they get them from isn’t my business. I didn’t question it when my fiancè pulled up with lorazepam and told me to help my friend.”

The air was tense around all of them, but he supposes it’s like this for all interrogations. 

(Not that he had many– Seungmin is good at what he does, thank you very much.)

Chan broke the silence again, shuffling through some papers. “Alright, well if you can’t tell us more on that– let’s go to our second set of questions.” He set his eyes on the man in front of him, clad in all black. “Felix told us that Jeongin bought a substance from you for someone else– do you know who it is?”

Seungmin let out a snort. “Of course I do– It was for Han Jisung. He’s basically one of my regulars.”

A crease formed in Chan’s eyebrows, fingers drumming on his thigh. “What do you mean by that? Did Jisung have problems with substance abuse?”

Seungmin shook his head, stretching his arms before bringing them to rest behind his head. “Jisung’s not a junkie. He’s friends with Hyunjin– used to buy it directly before his family started being suspicious and wouldn’t let them meet anymore. That’s when he went to Jeongin to ask if he could buy from me, since Innie was new and wouldn’t be recognized as a threat by the Han’s.”

He was having way too much fun telling the story, entertained by the expression on the detective's faces of mixed shock and confusion. He’d done well, as always. 

“But it doesn’t make sense– Multiple of Jisung’s relatives buy from the Hwangs, why is it only Jisung they’re keeping under wraps?” Changbin questioned.

Seungmin understood where the suspicion came from, but he also hadn’t earned his rep for knowing everyone’s business for no reason. 

He leant forward again, thighs spreading to lean his arms on. “Two reasons,” He held up two fingers, pointing to one with the other hand. “One, he’s the eldest son and needs to protect his image when he takes over the gambling empire. They monitor him stricter than his brothers.” He lowered his middle finger until only the index was left, grinning with sharp teeth. 

Now the final nail in the coffin . “Two, he buys LSD to get off with his boyfriend while high. His boyfriend is of a lower class so his family wouldn’t approve– hence why they stopped letting him see Hyunjin and he was trying to convince Jeongin to keep the LSD in his room.”

Seungmin couldn’t resist the smug smirk when Chan’s mouth was left half open and Changbin looked like he didn’t know what to say, pen still in his hand.  

“Right–” Chan cleared his throat, and Seungmin stifled a laugh. “That’s… yeah. He didn’t want to be caught with his boyfriend, then.”

Seungmin nodded. “They know he’s with someone– they just want to keep it under wraps because he’s of a lower class than Jisung. He was supposed to be married off, but I suppose he fell in love with someone else before he could.”

“What do you mean with lower class?” 

he shrugged, unbothered about that part. “I think he works on the ship. I didn’t care to ask.”

Chan and Changbin glanced at each other again, before Changbin cleared his throat to speak. “Felix said that Jeongin and Jisung got into a fight. Do you suspect Jisung has anything to do with his death?”

Seungmin couldn’t stop an irritated huff from escaping– Felix really did have a fucking tendency to say a lot.  

“Jisung’s not smart enough for that, no offense. I think if you want to know his thoughts, you need to talk to him. But I don’t think he killed Jeongin. He overdosed, right?”

Chan shook his head and Seungmin’s surprised face betrayed him for a fraction of a second. “It was substance intoxication which killed him. According to Felix, the same chef kept topping off his glass with alcohol to a lethal dosage in combination with the insomnia medication, which indeed makes it a murder.”

For the first time this interview, Seungmin didn’t have a comeback. He leant back awkwardly, gears in his head whirring. 

“I don’t have anything else to add.” He finally sighed. “Hyunjin can tell you more about the family business if that’s what you’re seeking– but Jisung is the only way to Jeongin. I’m sorry.”

The two detectives sighed as well, getting up slowly. “It’s okay. You’ve given us a lot in this interview, thank you.”

Seungmin bit the inside of his cheek. “Just… don’t let whoever did this get away.” He murmured. “Jeongin didn’t deserve this.”

Changbin nodded, steadfast. “We won’t.” He promised finally, before they both left and shut the door.

Seungmin tapped his foot on the floor, listening to make sure they were gone before leaving to the basement of the ship. He couldn’t be seen with them.

He was quiet when descending the stairs, rolling his eyes when he immediately heard bickering voices coming from the room. Did those two ever stop?

Nevertheless, he couldn’t stop the grin on his face when he opened the door and saw them all sitting around the main lounge. Felix was sitting cross legged on the couch with his laptop open and his ipad on the table running calculations, concentrated frown on his face.

“Have you found a way in yet?” He asked, greeting the older with a head pat. Felix looked up at him, face brightening like the sun at the sight of Seungmin before leaning his head against his leg.

“No… security isn’t fucking giving.” He grumbled. The screen of his laptop looked like a mystery full of numbers and files to Seungmin, but he’s sure his boy knew what everything meant.

Seungmin stroked his hair in consolation to his pout, before he noticed Hyunjin spread out on the couch beside him, playing with a loose thread on Felix’s pants.

“Also, just a heads up–” He couldn’t resist the smirk once Hyunjin looked up at him, “We’re engaged now. Be sure to run with the narrative once they talk to you, yeah?” 

He couldn’t hold his laughter when Hyunjin guffawed and got up with a huff, face scowling. “What do you mean we’re engaged? There was no need to say that!” 

“How else would I have gotten close to the Hwang family?” 

“You were just supposed to be good at selling! ” He complained loudly, falling back on the couch with his arms crossed.

“I’ll actually have you know Seungmin is a delight to date–” Felix piped up, eyes not leaving his screen.

“Did you say anything about me?” 

He looked up when Minho walked in, freshly showered, drying his hair with a towel and looking unfairly good in grey sweatpants and a black shirt. 

(Damn you, Han Jisung.) 

Seungmin shook his head. “Only told them about Jisung– figured he’ll find a way to bring you up.”

Minho nodded to his answer, letting the towel fall around his neck. “Then they’ll question Hyunjin next,” He dropped down next to him, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. “Make sure your stories line up– keep the narrative running as long as the others need. They’ll get to me soon and everything needs to be ready when they do.”

“Yeah, about that… I told them Jisung took LSD to fuck you senseless, so please make sure to not divert and say he bought something else if they ask you about your sex life.” He snickered at the way Minho looked one second away from throttling him, jaw clenched as tight as his fists.

“Kim Seungmin… if you leave this boat unharmed consider yourself lucky.” He growled, running a hand down his face and only making Seungmin cackle harder. 

“And he said we’re engaged as well– who allowed him to do the interview alone?” Hyunjin exclaimed, throwing a pillow in his direction with an annoyed huff, but it was playful. It always was with them.

“I need more time, though. The supplies you got are kinda slow– no offense.” He spoke once he sobered up, ignoring Minho’s disgruntled face. “Hyunjin, you got all the files on the families– so please use everything you have in the interrogation. Keep it running and give as much as you can since you’re the only one with both information and access to the detectives.”

Hyunjin mock-saluted them, getting up with a stretch and with a, “Yes, sirs.” He disappeared behind the door, leaving the three of them behind.

“What about Chan and Changbin?” Felix questioned, pulling up a brow at Minho.

“Don’t you worry about that– I know what to do once it’s time.” Minho grinned, mouth full of sharp teeth that weren’t afraid to bite when they needed to.

It sent shivers up Seungmin’s spine– but only the good kind.

𑁬♱໒

If there was one thing Hwang Hyunjin was good at, it was doing his job– no matter the circumstances.

So when the detectives showed at his door for an interview, he did what he always did best. He talked.

“So Mr. Hwang–” The shorter one started once they sat down in front of him, but Hyunjin cut him off with a melodious laugh and a swirl of his wine glass.

“Just Hyunjin is fine– no need for formalities, detectives.” His voice was sultry as he talked, ordering one of the nearby servants to pour up some drinks for them as well.

“Alright, Hyunjin…” The other trailed, eyeing the glasses with distaste. “Thank you, but me and detective Seo don’t drink on the job.”

He barely contained his laughter when the shorter– detective Seo– widened his eyes and whispered we don’t? , looking as if he’d pout. Hyunjin thought it was adorable.

“Please, help yourselves.” He gestured again. “You’re too pretty not to treat yourself, detective Seo.”

Sue him if he liked his men with muscles.

The older of the two let out a little sigh when his co-worker immediately grabbed the glass and took a sip, returning to his notepad.

“Hyunjin– only child of the Hwang family, correct?”

“Indeed– only and best.” He answered with a smirk.

“And your family handles drug trades… correct?” 

Hyunjin bit the inside of his cheek. Telling their business to the police probably wasn’t the best, but if they already knew that much… it didn’t promise to be good.

“And how do you know this?” He instead deflected.

Detective Bang glanced at his counterpart for a quick second. “Your fiancé told us. We talked to Seungmin about Yang Jeongin’s murder– and asked him about the lorazepam.”

Hyunjin only sighed wistfully, ignoring the word fiancé and wrapping his fur coat tighter around him. “Indeed such a young life lost… I truly did not think this would happen when I gave my Seungminnie permission to help him out with his insomnia. I warned them both not to mix it with alcohol…”

“ Your Seungminnie?” Changbin murmured indignantly, but quickly shut up when Chan shot him a look and he cleared his throat. “Did you know Jeongin?”

He shook his head. “Only by association with my fiancé– I never actually met him.”

Chan nodded, noting it down before proceeding. "Seungmin mentioned something else– we asked him about an argument Jeongin had been in with Han Jisung. Could you tell us more about that?"

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes slightly. "What exactly did he tell you about that?"

His tone was guarded– he couldn't give too much away, not until they got to Minho.

"Jisung got him to buy LSD and wanted him to keep it– Jeongin refused and dropped the shipment in his room, causing him to be caught and start an argument with Jeongin." Changbin recapped.

"That's indeed what happened, yeah." He sighed. "I don't know what it was about– Jisung didn't tell anyone… other than his boyfriend."

The words make both detectives shoot their heads up, eyebrows raised. "Seungmin mentioned that. A lower class boyfriend, yes? The reason he bought the drugs."

Hyunjin kept in his laugh at the reminder, taking a sip of his wine to conceal it before sobering up. "Indeed… only Minnie and I know about them. Jisung tells him everything ."

Chan scribbled something on his notepad, before looking up curiously. "Do you have more information on this boyfriend? Anything that could help us with the murder?"

Hyunjin assessed them carefully. The plan had been for Jisung to bring him up, but it'd probably be easier if Hyunjin already made a start.

"I don't know his name." He lowly said. "Just that he works on deck and that's how they met, a few summers ago– he works in the kitchens."

Changbin freezed up, hand stilling on his notepad, eyes flitting to his co-detective. "Hyunjin… is he dating a cook?"

A small smirk showed on his face, faking the delight in his tone. "Indeed he is! Makes the most wonderful kimchi stew– always saves some for Seungmin since he knows how much my fiancé loves it."

Chan and Changbin had stiffened up in their seats. "Just to recap… Jeongin fought with Jisung, who tells everything to his boyfriend– who works in the kitchens."

Hyunjin nodded, blinking innocently. "Is there something wrong, sirs?"

He noted the way Changbin's jaw clenched at the term. Always so easy to rile up, these big men.

Chan cleared his throat after a tense silence. "Thank you, Hyunjin. You've helped greatly with what you know."

Hyunjin nods again gravely. "Of course… Jeongin was a good kid. He didn't deserve to die. This world of elites… it's not pretty."

Chan hums in answer. "You'd know all about it thanks to your family connections, wouldn't you?"

His question was pointed; a way to get him to reveal the secrets.

Hyunjin stayed quiet, not looking at them.

Changbin leant forward with his hands locked between his spread legs, expression turning serious. “I know telling your business to the police is bad for your family… But if you don’t, a lot of kids will end up the same way Jeongin did and fall victim to the elite families once again.”

He squirmed a little in his seat under their intense gazes, hesitating.

“You look like someone with a good heart, Hyunjin.” Chan softly remarked. “I know you don’t want anyone else innocent to get hurt… You’d help us a lot with telling what you know.”

He looked at them once again, truly assessing. His family would shun him forever, their operation had been running for years and he’d finally been entrusted with the secrets, but– Jeongin was Seungmin’s friend. Jeongin was innocent. Seungmin is as well if it wasn’t for him, and Hyunjin would be lying if he said he’s comfortable in the family.

“The Hwangs indeed handle drug exports.” He finally swallowed, eyes squeezed shut. “We work together a lot with the others, trading things away and supplying them– from heroin to LSD to ecstasy– you name it and we have it, but the second it leaves our possession it’s not our business what’s done with it.” He wrung his hands together, not making eye contact.

Changbin spoke up again, having abandoned his wine glass. “The drug family has a leader position, doesn’t it? All of the others buy from you. You look like you know what’s done with it, Hyunjin.”

He faced the man again, meeting his kind brown eyes and nodding shamefully. “People talk to me a lot. I’m not supposed to tell, but–” He struggled with getting it all out, being grateful when Changbin reached over to pat his knee.

“But you’re aware of everything going on.” Chan whispered, a glint in his eyes. “It’s horrific, isn’t it? So bad you can’t keep it in. We can put a stop to it if you tell us, Hyunjin.”

Everything was edging on too much as a small sob escaped him, wiping his eyes and keeping his head down. “It’s– I don’t even know if I can speak… Please, you have to help. I hate being in this family.”

Changbin reached over another sympathetic hand to squeeze his shoulder, making him look up again. “We promise to put an end to it. You just have to tell, Hyunjin.”

His eyes were too warm and too trustworthy to not to.

“Everyone uses them for their own gain.” He finally whispered, letting a tear fall. “The strip clubs are frequent buyers of relaxants to make the strippers do what they want– The gamblers use cocaine for their customers to ignore risks and lose their money, and the boxing rings are lovers of using heroin so the fights are more interesting.”

His words were rushed but once they were all out it felt like a weight had been removed from his chest, finally feeling his conscience become a bit less guilty at keeping it all in at first.

He hid face in his hands as Changbin moved to sit down next to him, draping an arm around his shoulder. “That’s a perfect start– thank you, Hyunjin. Tell us everything you know and we’ll make sure what happened to Jeongin will never happen again.”

He took in a deep breath when he finally dared to face them again. “You promise you’ll end all the connections? All the innocent lives involved will be spared?”

Chan nodded resolutely. “I can’t guarantee, but… we’ll do everything we can.”

So Hyunjin talked. He told them everything, exactly as Minho had told him to talk.

𑁬♱໒

“It has to be his boyfriend–”

“We don’t know that for sure, Bin. All we know is that he’s a chef, not even his name!”

“ Hyung! He's literally dating the person our victim was last seen fighting with– Who else would it be?! ”

The two arguing voices got louder as their footsteps approached the door, making Han Jisung grin in pleasure from his spot on the couch. Hyunjin had done his interview well enough for him to be able to base his story around it, giving Seungmin enough time to develop his device and for Felix to find a proper way out.

Before the detectives entered the room, Jisung checked his reflection in the mirror again– red rimmed eyes, messed up hair, exhausted lines from frowning. He grinned at himself. Perfect.

Chan and Changbin entered soon after, both looking grave as they nodded to him and sat down.

“Han Jisung.” The older started, pulling out his notepad. Jisung resisted the scoff– He carried that thing everywhere. “Do you know why you’re here?”

Jisung sighed deeply, wringing his hands over his lap. “Two detectives on a boat full of crime families– My only question is why me. ” He answered coolly, voice hoarse from crying. (or rather, from Minho– but the sentiment was all the same.)

Chan assessed him quietly. “We brought you in for questioning about the murder of Yang Jeongin.”

Jisung bit the inside of his cheek, avoiding eye contact. “I didn’t–” He struggled with getting the words out, throat clogged. “I don’t have anything to do with that, you have to believe me.”

“Your friend Kim Seungmin said you weren’t involved as well.” Changbin added. “And yet, you were the last person to have been seen arguing with Jeongin.”

He released a shaky breath, pressing himself into the couch cushions. If we could play this up long enough, Seungmin could be done as soon as tomorrow.

“We did argue– I was really mad at him. I blamed Jeongin for something that was my own fault, but that doesn’t mean I killed him!”

“We’re not saying you did, Jisung.” Chan slightly reassured. “We just want to know a couple of things… Starting with the argument.”

Jisung took a deep breath. He’d rehearsed this part plenty enough that he could rehash the argument in his sleep at this point.

“I asked him to buy me something from Seungmin.” He started off. Chan nodded, jotting it down.

“Seungmin mentioned LSD, is that correct?”

Jisung resisted a snarl but clenched his fists tight– they should not have allowed Seungmin to do it alone.

(If they didn’t all work so well, they’d have kicked Seungmin a while ago.)

“That’s correct.” Jisung gritted.

“Was the LSD for you and your boyfriend?” Changbin carried on the conversation, and Jisung wanted to roll his eyes at his miniscule smirk. 

“Yes, it was.” He sighed again. “My family doesn’t like my boyfriend… so I asked Jeongin to keep it in his room, but he refused– He said it was too risky, he didn’t want to be caught with it. I hadn’t known, but he’d dumped it on my bed when I allowed him in my room. My family found out, and…” He gulped. “I’ve never fought with them this bad. They threatened to kick me out of the family if I didn’t stop talking to Minho.”

Chan’s eyes flitted up to him as he stopped writing, and too late Jisung cursed himself for letting Minho’s name slip too early. 

“Is Minho your boyfriend?”

He nodded, squeezing his eyes shut.

“I was livid at Jeongin… I confronted him and yelled a bunch of things. I said he didn’t know what I had to lose because he was just some random uni kid that didn’t know anything about the world of riches he got thrown into–” Jisung winced a little as he said it. “It was mostly a bunch of insults… I couldn’t think properly back then because I was terrified his careless mistake would cost me Minho. I could handle my family being mad, but if they really hurt Minho or force him away from me…” 

He shuddered at the thought, clenching his fists on his thigh.

Changbin watched him intensely, mouth pursed. “Hyunjin told us your boyfriend is a chef on deck.”

Jisung hummed in agreement. “That’s why they don’t like him… He’s from a way lower class and works in the kitchens to afford his loans. Of course none of that matters to me– but my family had already found someone to marry me off to before I exploded and told them I’m with someone. They blocked my credit cards when they found out who it was so I couldn’t give him money, but I manage to sneak cash once in a while.”

 Chan penned it down quickly before glancing at his co-detective, both of them turning his eyes back to Jisung. “Did you tell Minho about your argument with Jeongin?”

Jisung nodded. “I tell him everything– I went to see him immediately after my outburst and angry ranted about Jeongin for a while.”

Chan held his eye contact. “How did he react?”

Jisung frowned slightly at the question, hand fidgeting. “He was mad on my behalf as well, but Minho is rational. He reminded me that Jeongin didn’t know we were dating and how risky it all was for me.”

He tried to ignore Chan’s surprised eyebrows, but something about this was rubbing him the wrong way. 

“Did you tell him anything else about Jeongin?” Changbin asked cautiously.

“Before our altercation, I’d seen him hanging with Seungmin a lot– I told Minho that maybe we could ask him to buy the drugs.”

“So, Minho knew Jeongin bought from Seungmin?”

“Eventually we both knew, yes. Seungmin had mentioned his insomnia.”

It felt like he’d let the other shoe drop when suddenly the room became charged with tension, both detectives glancing at each other with a look Jisung couldn’t decipher, stiffening up in his seat. What had he missed? He was going to kill the others if they forgot to tell him something about their interviews.

Changbin eventually sighed, dropping his notepad. “Jisung, thank you for your time. You’ve been a great help, we’ll have to question Minho after you to get everything.”

A bit of panic swelled in his chest, what if the others weren’t done before it was time? “Why would you need to talk to him?”

Chan bit the inside of his cheek, looking at Jisung for a second. “Felix mentioned something about a chef the night Jeongin died… We’ll need access to the kitchens.”

Jisung was going to throttle Felix.

Despite the annoyance he kept his cool, nodding politely. “I understand… If I can help any other way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Both of the detectives nodded, and with a last goodbye they were out the door.

Jisung fell back onto the couch with a long sigh, running his hands down his face. He couldn’t wait until everything was over– He could only fucking hope Hyunjin and Minho would do their respective jobs and they could leave.

With a huff he got his phone out, immediately dialling Felix’s number.

“Hey, Sungie– did you finish your interview?” The other boy piped up, tone excited.

Jisung inhaled deeply. “You pesky little fuck. Who fucking forgets to mention that they’d already fucking mentioned Minho! ”

Despite Jisung chewing him out for the next ten minutes, Felix was trying to stifle his and Seungmin’s giggles behind the phone.

(And maybe Jisung wouldn’t exchange it for the world.)

𑁬♱໒

The atmosphere was tense when Chan and Changbin got back to their room.

They didn’t speak a word when changing for bed, both too lost in their thoughts– they’d talked to four people today, and each of them had given the detectives a lot to work on.

“This murder might be a bit more than we thought.” Changbin finally sighed, falling back on his mattress.

Chan let out an uneasy laugh. “Indeed… Hyunjin’s conversation wasn’t pretty.”

“The people here aren’t just bad – they’re evil. They’re way more evil than we thought, hyung. We might have to do something sooner than we thought.”

The older stiffened up as he sat down, not making eye contact. “We can’t do anything before we solve the murder.”

“What do you mean with solve? ” Changbin scoffed. “It’s Minho who killed Jeongin– Felix confirmed it as soon as we found out they’re all connected.”

“We can’t be sure without questioning him!” Chan stressed. “We need a confession to proceed– nothing happens before we talk to Minho.”

Changbin bit his tongue in retaliation. He wanted this to be over already and to go home, but it was hard to bring anything against Chan’s rational words.

“We’ve been chasing these families for months, hyung.” He murmured, careful as he turned his body towards the elder. “We finally have Hyunjin’s confession to turn them in– isn’t it enough? ”

Chan leveled him with a gaze, raising his eyebrows in challenge. “And what about Jeongin? He’s murdered– We started this case with him, and if our superiors don’t get an answer on what happened–”

“What happened is that Minho killed him, hyung!” Changbin cut him off with frustration. “Who else could it have been?!”

“We don’t know anything! We need a confession to proceed, Bin!” 

“Can't this just be over already? I want to go home. ” Changbin begged, dragging a hand down his face. “It’s been months.”

Chan’s gaze softened once he realized what this actually was about, moving to sit beside Changbin and wrapping an arm around him. “Soon, Binnie. I promise we’ll go home soon.”

Changbin leant his head against Chan’s chest, closing his eyes. “I know it’s almost over, but… we already have so much– it sucks that we have to wait until he actually confesses.”

“At least no one is lying and the stories line up.” Chan murmured. 

Changbin snorted slightly. “Jisung looked a bit too panicked when we mentioned that Felix said it was a cook.”

Chan shook his head, but still with a smile. “We just have Minho left to question… after that, I promise we’ll get all of them.”

Changbin laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling with determination in his eyes. “We better.”

Chan laid down next to him. “I recorded Hyunjin’s confession, not to mention the amount of files and reports we got on the family– there’s no way they’ll escape.”

Changbin didn’t face him as he gulped and asked, “And the others? What about Seungmin, Hyunjin, Jisung and Minho?”

Chan brushed the back of their fingers together with a promising grin. “Soon. Very soon.”

Changbin couldn’t wait to hear that confession.

𑁬♱໒

The kitchen was quiet as Lee Minho stood bent over the stove, a small pot cooking in front of him. Jisung and Felix always get hungry around midnight– and who was he to not let out an insufferable sigh but cook for them anyway?

The night was dark, as the head chef he’d been the only one with the keys to the kitchens so he could come and go whenever he wanted. Still, he didn’t look up when footsteps sounded behind him.

“It’s too early.” He only mused, removing the lid to add herbs. “Didn’t you two say you’d see me in the morning?”

A throat was cleared behind him. “It’s safer to do it now when you don’t expect us to come.”

A sly smirk creeped its way onto Minho’s face. Christopher Bang Chan. He could work with that.

“Who says I didn’t expect you?”

More footsteps– moving closer. Turning down the heat, adding chopped tomatoes. 

“I think now is a good time to interview you, Lee Minho.”

A sudden laugh erupted out of him when he recognized the second speaker, putting the lid back on before finally turning around. 

“Seo Changbin, as I live and breathe…” He exhaled, watching the two detectives in front of him. “You’ve changed a lot since uni.”

Changbin raised an eyebrow. “Could say the same for you.” He shot back. “Didn’t take you for one to take LSD and bottom.”

Minho leant back against the counter, stance completely relaxed. “So I assume you’ve questioned my Jisungie already?”

Both detectives glanced at each other for a second, protectively tensed. “We’ve questioned everyone relevant… you’re the last one.”

“Why don’t we sit down then, gentlemen?” He responded, pulling out a chair before taking place.

Chan regarded him with a frown. He didn’t look too happy, but with a case this twisted, it’d be expected of him.

“I won’t bite if you don’t want me to, don’t worry.” He broke the silence, flashing pearly white teeth that had Changbin snarling slightly before resolutely sitting down in front of him. Perfect.

Chan continued to stand. “I’ll safely assume you know why you’re here.”

Minho laid his hands on the table, looking them both up and down. “Cornering me in the middle of the night… Doesn’t sound like professional behavior to me.”

“Just answer the question.” Changbin answered coldly.

“You said you questioned everyone.” Minho only said, not catching the bait yet. “How much do you know?”

Chan stalked closer to the table until he could lean on it with two hands, tongue pushed into his cheek in fierce determination. Hot.

“Jeongin is dead.” He started off. “He was friends with Kim Seungmin, who works for the Hwangs. Your dear Jisungie got him to buy the dear LSD you both craved–” Minho grimaced at the description, but kept quiet. “But after getting busted, Jisung had a fight with him which he told only you about.”

He waited for a brief moment, holding loaded eye contact with Minho– daring him to talk back.

“Maybe Yang Jeongin needed to learn to be more careful.” He whispered slowly. He noticed it when Changbin tensed in the corner of his eye.

“Maybe he was a kid who didn’t know the fire he was playing with.” Chan hissed, fists clenching on the table. “Jeongin struggled with insomnia. You and Jisung both knew that– and yet, Jeongin turned up dead a week after their argument…”

Minho leant back and crossed his arms, eyebrows raising as he feigned disinterest. “Sounds like suicide to me.”

Changbin scoffed from beside him. Always so fucking impatient. “Don’t play dumb. Felix was there the night before he died–”

“ Who? Don’t mention irrelevant people around me. I’ve been working here too long for that.”

“Jeongin’s best friend.” Changbin gritted, nearly breaking the edge of the table. “The blonde who was there with him… He said you kept topping off Jeongin’s glass with alcohol.”

Minho rolled his eyes. “Since when is giving my customers a good time a crime?”

“Since your customers start arguments with your boyfriend and are on lorazepam. ” Chan sharply cut in. 

“How do you even know it was me?” Minho shot back. “Hundreds of servers and chefs work on this deck. You think these pesky elites serve themselves? ”

Chan’s mouth nearly twitched into a smirk, but he contained himself as he stalked closer until he stood right in front of Minho. “Then why are you dating one of them?”

He’d gotten close enough that Minho had to look up to face him, chin nearly touching his stomach. “Jisung is different.” He murmured, guard rising. 

Chan outright laughed at that, lifting a hand until Minho felt the light press of fingers on his jaw. “I bet he is… he looks pretty when crying, doesn’t he? He looked so convinced of your innocence… It tore him apart when we revealed Felix knew you.”

Fuck. fuck fuck fuck. Felix hadn’t fucking mentioned that.

“I don’t know Felix.” He growled. “And get away from me.”

He went to push the elder away, but Chan was quick to catch his hand before it could land on his thigh, still idly running nimble fingers on his jaw. “But Felix knows you. sharp jawline…” He murmured, letting his fingers dance over to Minho’s lips until they rested on his cupid’s bow. “Bunny teeth… One of the chefs pretending to be a server… It all checks out.”

He’d gone down to a whisper as his thumb and forefinger ended on Minho’s jaw, suddenly gripping it harshly and tugging it up to face him. “Imagine my surprise when this same chef ended up being boyfriends with the person Jeongin last fought with? Who also, coincidentally, knew that Jeongin was on sleeping pills?”

The look in Chan’s eyes sent shivers down Minho’s spine, hand frozen in his as he felt Changbin’s eyes on them. “This isn’t detective behavior.” He only murmured.

“Why do you think we’re here in the middle of the night?” Changbin responded. Minho could only imagine the annoying smirk on his face right now– Changbin had not changed one bit since university.

“Answer my question.” Chan muttered darkly, tightening his grip. “ Did you, or did you not , know Jeongin took pills for his insomnia?”

It felt like hours passed in silence. Minho couldn’t tear his eyes from Chan’s. “I didn’t know which ones.”

The atmosphere turned to ice. Chan’s fingers squeezing him were starting to hurt, but he didn’t dare move– not until Chan closed his eyes and took in a shuddery breath, finally stepping away and ripping his hands from Minho’s body.

“You did it, didn't you?” He whispered, all three of the men’s muscles being tense. ready for whatever action necessary. “Jeongin already got you two busted, and Jisung’s insults only fueled the fire– you killed him to avenge your boyfriend. You killed him for revenge. ”

With finally being free, Minho rose to full height and laughed humorlessly. “Revenge is a loose word– it makes it sound sloppy, like an impulsive act.”

Changbin stood up as well, backing off to Chan’s side with a scowl. “You’re no better than the people on deck.”

“ No, the difference is that the people on deck are all a bunch of impassive fucking babies who don’t know what they’re doing– I had to fight for my spot.” Minho grits. “They kill and steal and abuse for pleasure– I did it to survive! ”

“He was a kid.” Chan growled, shoulders squared as if he could fight Minho when he got mad. 

“A kid who would’ve ruined us.” Minho snarls angrily. “He knew about me and Jisung in fucking detail– that goddamn loose lipped Kim Seungmin told him everything. If he’d stepped to the Han’s, we’d be done for– I’d lose him forever. Everything would fall.”

“You didn’t have to kill him.” Changbin played, shaking his head in disgust. “He would’ve listened if you talked–”

“I don’t fucking care!” He finally shouted. “No one ever listens in places like this– Jisung is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever had, I’ll be damned if a stupid no brainer from uni, too scared to keep a drug in his room, took that from me!”

He won’t let anyone ruin this. No one would be able to break them apart– Everything was set in place as it should be, the detectives were right here, everything was perfect.

He laughed again, a grating and hateful sound even to his own ears. “I knew the stupid shit was on some drugs, or else he’d never hang with Seungmin, so I took a chance– topped off the fucking alcohol until he didn’t remember his own name.” A twisted smile forms at the memory, basking in the anger in Chan’s eyes.

“It was a fifty-fifty gamble since most drugs are not to be mixed…” He panted, only stalking closer no matter how many steps back the others took. “And I am so glad it worked in my favor.”

“You’re disgusting.” Changbin murmured, resentment clear in his tone. “He was a fucking child– you took his life, Minho!”

“And he was only a blemish in mine– Such a small act committed in the grand name of love.” He mocked.

Before he could get any closer, Chan was quick to whip out a pistol, hands clenched close to the trigger. “Lee Minho, you’re under arrest for the murder of Yang Jeongin.” He said, voice tight with anger and nearly trembling from how mad he was.

Chan was such a good one. If Minho hadn’t met Jisung, he’s sure there’d be a universe out there where he’d ended up with Chan.

Minho stopped in his tracks, the past few weeks flashing through his mind like polaroids. Mornings discussing with Jisung, helping Seungmin with the detonator, checking Felix’s progress on security, matching stories with Hyunjin– all leading up to this moment.

All leading to being arrested while under Felix’s gaze from the cameras overhead, to Hyunjin sending everything they have on the families to the nearest police stations, to Seungmin promising it’d end tonight.

“Am I?” He only said, ignoring the detectives’ wide eyes before diving forward and tackling them both to the floor, seconds before the biggest crash of the night exploded behind them.

𑁬♱໒

Chan was going to kill every single one of them. He was going to throw them all overboard and kill them one by one– starting with Minho himself, who’d fucking thrown himself on top of Changbin and him like some fucking idiot!

“Are you fucking stupid?! ” He hissed, ears ringing from the loud blast. “Letting the detonator go off now?! A big bang– seriously? That’s how you all fucking did it?!” Minho was shoved off by Changbin before the elder hauled them both up by the arms, flames shining behind him like he walked straight out of an action movie.

“No offense, but your instructions on the ending were unclear!” Minho hissed back. “We didn’t know what to do– All you said was to match up stories and end it when it was my turn! ”

His eyes flitted to the fire behind him. The ship’s backup gears had already kicked in and chaos was heard all around as passengers woke up in a panic and screamed– the ending had begun.

Changbin was beside him with wide eyes, chest going up and down, but he looked as relieved as Chan felt while looking at them both.

They didn’t have much time before the captain would show. He locked eyes with Minho, mirroring his twisted smile. “I guess I could’ve been a bit clearer, yeah. Sorry for making you knuckleheads use your brain for once.”

Minho snorted, but amidst the sick glee in his eyes Chan saw a familiar warmth he hadn’t seen in too long. “Welcome back, hyung.” He whispered fondly, before crushing both of them in a hug.

“From uni? ” Changbin snickered, squeezing them both tight. “You had nothing better than that?”

“Fuck off!” Minho scoffed, pulling away and ruffling his hair before his face turned serious. “We don’t have much time, Hongjoong will be here with the boat soon– Chan, get below deck already to grab everything we need. Changbin and I will follow when we find the captain.”

Chan didn’t hesitate and nodded, squeezing both of their shoulders before slipping away without making a sound, seamlessly blending into the panicked crowd like he’d always trained to do. He trusted them both enough to deal with the captain as they saw fit and return to him safely.

The chaos continued above, thundering footsteps, urgent shouts– The detonator had blown off half the ship and left electrical fires all around as a distraction, exactly as he’d instructed them, just not this early– but he supposes his kids were getting too impatient. 

(It’s fine. One mistake was what he could afford them after all their hard work on this mission.)

When he finally made it to the secret circular meeting room and he saw them sitting around, it felt as if a weight had been dropped from his shoulders– he even counted heads to make sure everyone was there, not being able to hide the sheer relief coursing through him.

“Before you start, I did not know the explosion would be that big–” Seungmin jumped up to say, but was cut off when Chan dove forward to engulf him in a bone crushing hug immediately. He’d missed them so much.

“I’m so proud of you.” Chan mumbled in his shoulder. “You made something so impressive on your own? It’s exactly what was needed– I’m fucking proud, Minnie.”

Seungmin blushed slightly when he pulled away, grinning. “Not on my own. I had help.” He gestured to someone behind Chan.

Chan turned around from their embrace, and he’d be lying if he said tears didn’t build up in his eyes once he set sight onto the grinning man Seungmin was pointing towards.

“Hi, hyung.” Jeongin breathed out, black and blonde hair framing his grinning face. “Nice to see the electrical fires worked.”

He’d missed his kids. It’d been months since they all saw and interacted with each other as themselves, without a mask and a role to play.

“Jeonginnie–” He nearly stumbled trying to get to him, wrapping him in one of the tightest hugs he could manage. Fuck. Jeongin was in his arms. “You’re okay. ”

“I won’t be if you don’t stop squeezing!” They younger wheezed, but still laughed when Chan loosened his grip and hugged him back. “But I understand the enthusiasm– It’s been far too long.”

His smile was soft. Chan couldn’t get enough. “The antidote worked?” He asked, running worried hands over his face and checking for anything odd. “You weren’t out for too long?”

Jeongin shook his head. “Only a day. I woke up soon and helped Seungmin with the detonator and ordered the documents– didn’t feel any side effects.”

Chan sighed in relief, squeezing his shoulder again. He’d been wary about Minho’s plan to stage Jeongin’s murder at first, but they’d never let him down before– and this time proved to be no exception.

“And the documents? All the files?” He stressed, eyes scanning over the others in the room– Felix had his laptop open with the security cameras running and Hyunjin was standing next to him, body tense but still smiling at Chan.

“All sent to police from an anonymous source, Channie.” He soothed. “Jeongin gathered everything undercover and I got out as much as I could from the families, and the feds said they’ll be on their way as soon as I mentioned names.”

“I’m so proud of all of you.” Chan spoke again, moving to hug Hyunjin tightly as well. They’ve had this operation for months, from Hyunjin gathering enough trust to bring in Seungmin to how much time Jisung needed to be adopted into the family of the Han’s to the point that they would get mad when he reeled in Minho.

“It’s been a long time.” Felix remarked warmly, coming over as well and letting Chan’s arms wrap around him. “It’s been hard without you and Changbin hyung– pretending was so tiring. ” He whined, making Chan laugh.

Felix and Jeongin hadn’t had to play into their roles and distance themselves from the others as long as Hyunjin and Jisung did, but Chan still understood the sentiment. His stray kids were like glue.

“At least it’s over now.” Chan murmured, squeezing both of them extra tight before removing himself and facing the others. “Where’s Jisung?”

Seungmin rolled his eyes, grinning. “After the captain with the other two– he wanted the honor of explaining the elaborate plan as the captain got ripped to shreds.”

Chan snorted. “Honestly, I think he’s earned it– Jisung came up with a perfect story line this time.” The others nodded in agreement before Chan sat down on the couch next to Felix.

“We need to wait for them now,” He continued, turning serious. “Grab every supply you need– we’ll be on the move as soon as they get here. There’s no time to hesitate and we do not want to be present when the feds show up, understood?”

All of them nodded wordlessly, getting up to grab duffle bags and suitcases and starting to gather everything. They wouldn’t be found down here until the actual cops showed up– Changbin had picked the perfect spot.

“Do you have eyes on the others?” He asked Felix, glancing at his laptop. 

“Hell yeah I do.” The other grinned, turning it towards Chan to showcase how Minho slashed downward into the leg of the captain, Changbin keeping him restrained while Jisung sat on the desk and swung his legs, hands telling their elaborate plan.

Chan’s eyes gleamed in pride, looking up to see the expression mirrored on Felix’s face.

“And exits?”

“ Ateez will be here with our escape soon– I have Wooyoung on line eight giving status updates every ten minutes. We’ll run east towards the fire where everyone will be looking away from and jump on Mingi’s command, and then it’s done. The feds handle the crime families and we finally leave this all behind.”

Felix put his device on the table and caught the duffle bag his boyfriend threw, already readying the white mask they all were gonna wear.

“I’m fucking proud, you know that?” Chan said for the hundredth time. “Of how well everyone matched everything, of how much intel was gathered and how smooth the families were handled– and of course how you specifically kept it all under wraps right under their nose. You’re a genius, Felix.”

Despite the blush rising to his cheeks, Felix let out a laugh and pulled him up to stand ready. “I know, hyung.” He teased. “But seriously– we wouldn’t have done this well without all your instructions in the beginning. You’re the leader for a reason.”

He didn’t say anything else as he started helping Seungmin put away the bomb scraps, leaving Chan to bask in the pride. 

The leader of Stray Kids, pulling off another successful elaborate heist to bring down the networks of evil that hurt innocents. Yeah, it had a nice ring to it.

It wasn’t too long before footsteps were heard thundering down the stairs and the other three came barging in, certainly making a sight– Minho and Changbin were covered in blood, and yet he doesn’t think he’s ever seen Jisung this excited.

“Hyung!” The younger shouted, immediately catching his eldest in a hug. “Hyung, everything went so perfect– and you should’ve seen that evil captain as I revealed everything! He was fucking shocked, his eyes only grew bigger as I went from explaining the staged murder to–”

“Jisung, my baby–” Minho snickered, pulling him away with a hand around his waist. “Maybe you can explain this on the boat, and not when we’re in such a dire need for time?”

Jisung pouted at his boyfriend before turning back towards the others. “Alright, I’ll leave the fun details for later.”

Chan sighed and turned towards Changbin. “Is he dealt with?”

Changbin grinned. “ Duh– where do you think the blood came from? We fucked him up real bad.” He seemed distracted enough to be bouncing on his feet, eyes roaming the room. “Where is–”

“ Changbin! ” As if he’d been conjured, Hyunjin stood in the doorway of the kitchenette, frozen with wide eyes on his lover.

A relieved smile broke onto the older man’s face, shoulders sagging. “Hi, baby.”

Chan had enough time to move before Hyunjin had barreled forward and nearly toppled them over with how hard he hugged Changbin. 

“It’s been so long ,” He whimpered, burying his face in Changbin’s neck. “Fuck, I missed you so much.”

Changbin wrapped his arms around his waist and squeezed his eyes shut, inhaling Hyunjin’s scent for the first time after two and a half months of no contact. “I missed you too, darling.”

Chan smiled softly at the display. Out of everyone, Changbin and Hyunjin had been separated the longest and the most– as painful as it was for the couple, they’d both agreed to the roles of detective and rich son respectively for the sake of the heist.

“I love you.” Hyunjin mumbled when they pulled away, drawing Changbin in for a quick kiss. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“I love you too.” Changbin sighed fondly, staying close to his lips for a few seconds before he suddenly pulled away.

“ Never say you’re engaged to my husband again.” He threatened, pointing an accusing finger to Seungmin. “I mean it! What even was that?!”

Seungmin snickered and had the entire room laughing along with him as the soft tension was snapped, moving forward and shrugging the ring off to hand it back to its respectful owner, Changbin grumbling as he put his wedding band back on.

“Channie hyung told us to do whatever we wanted with the details– you can’t blame me for wanting to have some fun!”

“We’re never letting you take interviews alone again.” Hyunjin insisted, leant completely into Changbin’s chest. “And the nerve to mention the louvre when that’s where he proposed to me…” Hyunjin grimaced, scrunching his nose even as Seungmin laughed.

Chan couldn’t hide his fondness even if he wanted to. They had a heist in the Louvre a long time ago to steal something and return it to the rightful family it belonged to, and of course Changbin had chosen that exact moment in the midst of Michelangelo’s paintings to get down on one knee and propose to Hyunjin, swearing that they needed no paper from the city hall to prove their love.

(The wedding had been in Italy, where only the eight of them were present and Seungmin had stolen two Versace rings for them and Felix and Minho had broken into the chapel and Jisung and Jeongin readied the decorations. Chan officiated it, and even if he cried when they kissed– that was no one’s business but his own.)

Seungmin rolled his eyes. “You’re all lucky Felix talked so much that I only had limited space to make things up, or else I was planning to–”

“Thank you, Felix!” Jeongin loudly cut him off, gathering his bag and shaking his head. “Can we just go? If I stay here one more second I’m going to be seasick.”

“Also–” Jisung suddenly cut in, turning to Felix this time. “Next time we do this, we tell each other all the details. I nearly flunked it because I didn’t know Minho had been mentioned!”

Minho grumbled in agreement with his boyfriend, and Felix snorted. “Just be glad you had Chan to help you both out– I promise to not forget next time.”

“You better. ” Minho mumbled.

Felix let out a short laugh before checking his laptop one final time, face turning more serious as he shut it and bagged that as well. “Woo says they’re here– we have three minutes to get the fuck out and not be seen.”

A smirk tugged on Chan’s lips, watching the way his entire team was packed and ready.

“We did extremely well.” He spoke one last time. “You all handled it perfectly, even without my guidance other than in the complete beginning. I’m proud to call myself your leader.”

He meant it more than his words could convey. He thinks that in every lifetime, no matter the circumstances– he’d have picked them, this exact seven to stand by his side.

“We’re proud to call you our leader, hyung.” Hyunjin responded softly. Chan nodded in thanks with the pride in his eyes– but they didn’t have enough time for a proper talk right now.

The sounds of screams only got louder when Chan opened the door and turned back, eyes filled with a crazed glee. “It ends tonight. The empire of Cheon Jihu and his crime connections gets brought down tonight, by none other than Stray Kids.”

All of his kids had something in their gaze as they grinned up at him with wonder– the same something that gave the reason why Changbin was covered in blood and Minho had been able to play the part of a killer so well. All of them had something twisted inside that Chan had given a home to when he picked each of them off the streets of Seoul.

They all had been given something dark and crazed when the higher ups wronged them in life. All Chan had done was give them a space to express it– and maybe avenge their younger selves along the way as well. He supposes it’s something they’d gotten from him.

“By none other than Stray Kids.” Jeongin and Seungmin echoed, each with a grin that bordered on manic.

by none other than Stray Kids. A phrase that was often heard on the news these days– none other than the famed group of 8 who mysteriously appeared and disappeared at locations with dark secrets and left chaos and destruction and fallen empires in their wake, despite none of their faces or names being known.

Chan didn’t have to look back as he pushed past the final doors, sprinting towards the blazing fire– People ran around them and shouted for help and tried protecting whatever expenses they could, but Chan paid none of them any mind, not anymore. All he knew was the huge capital A waving in front as he jumped off the deck, trusting his kids to follow.

A net caught them all when they landed, and it took him a second before he was untangled and left crouching on the floor, trying to gather his mind and looking up to see a grinning Hongjoong.

“Good to see you again, Leader Bahng.”

He took the offered hand from the red haired man, standing to full height. “Welcome back, Captain. It’s been a while.”

Hongjoong snorted, eyes leaving their professional look behind for a kind warmth as he pulled Chan in for a tight hug. “That’s an understatement… I don’t think you’ve ever been away this long.”

Chan swallowed, sagging in his grip. It was finally over. The sirens of police boats speeding faded behind them along with the sound of crackling wood and screams, and it was finally not his problem anymore– He was free to drop any and all acts. 

“Perfection takes time.” He joked, pulling away and dragging the other man around and over to the rest of their ensemble.

Ateez had been their communication on land, keeping track of everything happening and sending all supplies Minho and Seungmin needed.

“You mind telling us how you pulled this one off?” Wooyoung laughed, showing with Felix and Jisung in tow and their arms around each other.

Chan grinned as everyone gathered around him. “You guys got time for drinks and a feast?”

San snickered from beside his boyfriend. “ Always. ”

He truly didn’t know what he’d do without the other group, always having moved in tandem with them as he followed the rest to the dining rooms below deck.

“We’ve come a long way from battling on the streets trying to prove who’s better.” Hongjoong laughed as he linked arms with Chan, moving to sit beside him as all of the food was served.

Chan rolled his eyes at the memory being brought up. “Will you ever let that go?”

“Absolutely not.”Hongjoong teased.

Chan laughed as he looked around the room, at all of his kids along with his group mates, all talking and laughing– finally free from the longest mission they’ve ever pulled off. 

He felt pride bloom in his chest when his eyes slid over every single one of them. Jisung, their story teller, had come up with such an intricate storyline and roles and told it all exactly how it should go, and of course they stuck to it. Minho had supplied his boyfriend with everything necessary while Jeongin gathered every bit of detail he could find from afar on the families they’ve been looking to take down for for months– and Changbin had found a way to make it all work, had found a way into the ship and a way to get to it’s captain, even if it meant sacrificing his relationship.

They’d sent Hyunjin out early on and it had taken the younger less than a month before he reported back that the families were starting to entrust him with the secrets, and it wasn’t long before Seungmin got introduced into the scene and Jisung started showing on deck as one of the elites.

The final hit had come a couple weeks ago, when Jeongin seemingly got invited over with Felix, had played it safe for a week or two– and then turned up dead enough for the coroners not to notice when Minho gave him the antidote to the lorazepam and dragged him back to the ship, finally entering Chan and Changbin into the scene as the detectives to tie it all together by means of interrogations and his team working seamlessly to connect all of their stories, bringing all eight of them on board to finish the last stage of their elaborate plan, finally putting an end to bloodlines hurting those under them for decades.

And now it was all over. They were finally reunited once again without having to play an act– and Chan doesn’t think he could ever wish for more.

“So, Channie– you wanna do the honors of explaining our picture perfect mission this time?” Jisung grinned, and his eyes were shining too brightly for Chan to say no. He was half sitting in Minho’s lap– Chan distantly wondered when they were going to get married.

He took a swig of the offered soju and smiled at all of his members once again– Jeongin healthy and alive, Seungmin and Felix’s linked hands, the shining wedding bands on Hyunjin and Changbin, and Jisung tenderly cleaning the blood off of Minho’s face, and took a deep breath to start.

“It starts with hating the elites,” He grinned at everyone around the table. “And Jisung and Jeongin having a really good idea.”

The police sirens and burning ship were merely an afterthought– The news broadcast about the fallen empires that followed the next week was merely a detail, as he swept everyone off their feet by telling exactly what his plan had been.

And he’d continue to do so for as long as he led them– he’d continue to let his field be dominated by none other than Stray Kids.