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Kim Soleum walked into the D-squad office as he did every morning. His satchel was by his side, Braun was in his pocket, and a coffee cup was already in his hand.
He would refill the cup during the day and chat with Eun Haje about how Baekilmong should improve their roasted blend, as it sucked pretty badly. Park Minseong did not care about the coffee as much, but Eun Haje had opinions. Lee Jaheon, as usual, did not offer up anything when the topic was brought up.
However, he came to a halt in the frame of the door.
People he did not expect were in the office, as if it were a casual thing to do. He blinked, and then blinked again, as he looked at the scene. Surely, he was seeing things.
Jay did not venture out of the basements often, if at all, unless he was commanded in some way. Park Minseong was under heavy lock and key. Eun Haje had retired, a smile on her face until the end.
Yet, Jay was there drinking coffee with Park Minseong and Eun Haje. None of them belonged in this office anymore.
Jay had half a donut left on the rim of his cup, the donut hanging off limply as he watched Eun Haje explain a story about one of her first times in Darkness. Her hands were gesturing all around her. Kim Soleum was glad that she could laugh at the memories, if nothing else.
“It was this strange-looking sucker,” she said, her hands encased almost to explain a strange blob-like monster. “Its beady eyes struck fear into me back then. Now, I wouldn’t even blink before smacking it away from me.”
Jay hummed as he looked at Eun Haje, though he then looked down. He took the donut off the rim of the cup and dipped it into the coffee before taking a bite.
Kim Soleum felt the need to back away. He should not be here. Or more specifically, Jay was not supposed to be here. He never visited the office. Kim Soleum didn’t even know if Jay was aware that he worked on the 13th floor.
But here Jay was, still dressed in his security uniform, and wearing a cloudy expression like he could fall asleep at any moment. Kim Soleum thought it was cute— if he felt the need to pinch Jay’s cheeks, or even peck a kiss, it was of no one’s concern.
Kim Soleum shook his head. He stepped forward as Park Minseong chuckled when Eun Haje continued to explain her story. It was a hearty laugh, something true and real.
The relationships in D-squad were so amazing. It differed from so many other squads— he did not want to think about Go Yeongeun’s awful R-squad leader, or even mention Baek Saheon’s F-squad co-workers.
D-squad was different all because of one man: Lee Jaheon, the white-haired and red-eyed Chief Lizard who Kim Soleum trusted more than anyone else. Well, almost.
– Excuse me, friend! This Braun is right here!
Ah…
How could Kim Soleum forget his bestest of friend Braun, the wonderful 70s-styled show host who had saved his life multiple times? It was quite easy, actually, and that was also Braun’s fault, not that he was ever happy to admit that transforming was not something Kim Soleum was interested in.
Braun held his trust a bit too much at times, acknowledged Kim Soleum. That came with being great friends, though, and Braun's mind-reading capabilities, so Kim Soleum had no true private thoughts. Oh, he could only imagine the things that Braun knew about him.
But never mind that. Kim Soleum reached up his hand and patted Braun in between his cotton-stuffed pink ears. Braun settled down, no longer sounding terribly upset and victimized.
– We are the best of friends, do not take it back. Roe Deer-ssi is not allowed to make such claims and then forget at his behest.
Kim Soleum would not. He was incapable of it; he was reasonably certain. Great Friends were bound through many things. Kim Soleum could not simply let Braun go. That would be impossible for him, even if he tried to forget all that Braun was.
Kim Soleum needed to stop thinking about that. He had things to do that did not involve Braun, like ask why the hell Jay was talking to his co-workers. Like really, Kim Soleum was still shocked. Braun probably knew that and was trying to manipulate him into not talking to Jay again— it would not work!
Kim Soleum liked Jay. He was laid-back and more comforting than the others, even though he could be a beast if needed. Jay was someone who Kim Soleum trusted with his life, as Jay had proven multiple times before that he would step in when needed.
And Jay never manipulated him or tried to change who he was. How quaint was that?
– … This feels like a targeted attack.
‘Hm? Whatever do you mean?’ Kim Soleum asked in his head, feeling sarcastic and snippy. He was allowed to feel some anger, wasn’t he? Braun did this to himself, truly, yes? Yes.
– You have been spending too much time with that slithering man.
Kim Soleum did not even need to ask who Braun was referring to. Braun only held such profound distaste for one person: Lee Jaheon. Kim Soleum thought it was very silly, seeing as Kim Soleum would never distrust Lee Jaheon even if he were a lizard.
He also could tell that Braun only brought up the lizard because Lee Jaheon was in the vicinity. Sure enough, Kim Soleum turned to his right to see Lee Jaheon walking toward him. Beady red eyes bore down at him. Kim Soleum did not gulp, as he now found comfort in this reptilian feature.
“He came to ask you something,” said Lee Jaheon.
Thank you, Chief Lizard. That was good information. Jay could have been up here for a different reason, such as getting into trouble or wanting to venture out into Darkness. At least now Kim Soleum knew it was just a question and nothing troubling.
“I see.” Kim Soleum nodded to show his acceptance of the words.
Similarly, Lee Jaheon also nodded, and then turned his body away, pointing toward the others in the office. It was his way of saying he would not talk to them, and that Kim Soleum would have to initiate contact.
Kim Soleum took a deep breath and continued to penetrate the office. Every step felt hefty, and his chest tightened like he was playing hide-and-seek with a ghost. His fingertips shook, not that anyone except Braun noticed.
Why was he nervous? It was just Jay. Just Jay meeting Eun Haje and Lee Jaheon. Nothing too crazy was happening at all. Kim Soleum could handle this. This was not strange. Just normal.
“You kicked it?” Park Minseong asked Eun Haje, eyes owlish and bright, so different from just a few weeks ago.
Eun Haje confirmed with a small smirk, her eyes twinkling like the sun hitting the sea. “Just a little,” she said, taking a sip from the coffee cup she held with her fake hand.
She chuckled when Park Minseong began to laugh again, her eyes rolling to Jay, who was finishing the last bite of his donut. He held his cup loosely in his hand against the desk, laid-back compared to how most people would be when they met higher-up squads.
Kim Soleum liked Jay because he was so chill. There was none of the anxiety that occurred when Jay was around. Yes, Kim Soleum was sometimes confused by Jay’s actions, but that was only because Jay cared about him openly. He was unused to that.
And then finally, Eun Haje’s gaze fell onto him. She sat up straighter, raised her hand, and called out, “Roe! Good morning, nice for you to finally show up. Your friend, here, was wondering when you would arrive.”
Kim Soleum sweatdropped as the attention fell on him.
He smiled shakily, feeling uneasy. Why? All of the people in this room brought him comfort. He should not be so nervous! Yet, he was. Was he clammy, too? His hands felt sweaty and cold.
“Good morning,” he responded back politely, before nodding to Park Minseong, and eventually landing his focus on the security sergeant. “Jay, is there something I can help you with?”
He looked upon Jay, who had become only slightly more alert. His golden eyes shone brightly as they looked at Kim Soleum in return. Kim Soleum felt his smile turn more real as the security sergeant ultimately released his cup of coffee, and focused solely on him.
“Aquarium,” said Jay.
Kim Soleum blinked, and then supposed that Jay was having trouble accessing an aquarium at night. Perhaps Park Minseong was also interested in going to one. Many places were closed after dark, after all, and that was the only time when Jay could leave Baekilmong.
“Have you looked into it?” asked Kim Soleum.
He would be open to doing research as well, of course. Jay had been a dear friend ever since Kim Soleum fell into this world. He would not mind helping Jay have a nice and fun night at an aquarium. Kim Soleum wondered what sort of wonders would occur at night in comparison to the day as well. Some species were nocturnal, yes?
Although Jay burst that bubble by answering simply, “I have.” He stood up, his frame lanky so he didn’t tower over Kim Soleum. “Will you go with me?”
Kim Soleum was… stunned. He knew that Jay became attached through him due to the Sunggun-nim event, but he didn’t realize that they would be this close continuously. It wasn’t a bad feeling. His cheeks even felt heated, like he was embarrassed or thrilled at the idea of venturing outside with a friend by his side.
“That sounds quaint,” replied Kim Soleum.
– It sounds revolting. Do not listen to the beast, friend! Do not give in.
Braun did not even know what an aquarium was, did he? Unless it were trivia knowledge, Kim Soleum would guess that Braun did not, though he supposed that Braun knew much more than any show host should, especially for an entity that should not exist.
– … You hurt me with your words.
Yeah, yeah. ‘And you hurt me with how enthralled you are with murder.’ Whoop-de-doo.
Braun went quiet. Things had been tense since Kim Soleum discovered that Braun knew that he was contaminated. It had been tense for too long. The new year had passed and Kim Soleum felt betrayed by his good friend.
Braun continued not to say anything. He could not fight back. They were now aware of the other in ways that should not be possible. Kim Soleum sometimes remembered that Braun was an entity of Darkness, a killer with no remorse, who saw entertainment in his surroundings, and more importantly, Kim Soleum’s life.
But just as Kim Soleum was about to be done with it all, Braun murmured something, his voice dejected.
– I could be worse.
That was true, he supposed. Braun could be worse. He could be setting tens of people ablaze whenever he saw them. Instead, he restrained himself, held back, and let Kim Soleum go insane instead.
He needed to be more positive in his thinking anyway. Kim Soleum’s assignment was to be happier with his life. And look! Eun Haje and Park Minseong had stopped by the office even though they no longer worked here. It felt nice to be surrounded by them even though he knew it was going to end.
“He’s a charmer,” Eun Haje said, looking at Kim Soleum and then at Jay. “A keeper.”
Kim Soleum wondered what she meant by that. He frowned a little, eyeing Eun Haje in confusion. She was so chipper compared to the last time they spoke, he felt like he received whiplash.
Park Minseong then moved toward him, his security uniform rustling loudly compared to the suits he used to wear as a field agent. He patted Kim Soleum on the shoulder, winked, and said, “Have a good time, alright? Jay had to call around a lot to secure the visit.”
Kim Soleum still did not understand it, even as Eun Haje refilled her coffee before leaving with a wave, and Park Minseong left with nothing but a grunt. He blinked at the door as it closed, feeling trapped for some reason.
He then looked to Jay, who was still standing there patiently. His hat casted a shadow across his face but Kim Soleum knew that his face would either be nonchalant or showing a slight smile.
“We will have a nice time,” stated Jay, his face still hidden behind the brim of his hat.
Kim Soleum nodded along anyway. “Of course.” It was obvious, wasn’t it? An aquarium at night sounded very fun indeed! They would hang out with no ghost stories getting in the way.
“Mn.” Jay finally looked up. He analyzed Kim Soleum’s face, as if searching for discomfort, and then nodded to himself. “See you tonight.”
“Tonight?” Kim Soleum was surprised. So quick!
“Yes.” Jay confirmed it, and then picked up his abandoned coffee from the desk. “I will meet you on the first floor.”
Kim Soleum confirmed it again, nodding, and then watched Jay take off. Jay left quietly, his steps silent, and his presence deeply missed. Kim Soleum deflated as he looked around the quiet office, only finding himself and Lee Jaheon.
After a few long moments, Kim Soleum moved to his desk, set down his satchel, and ignored the way that Braun laughed. Kim Soleum didn’t know why Braun was laughing. It’s not like anything odd happened.
– Fear not, friend, many people mistake romance as friendliness, no worries.
Kim Soleum did not feel better about that, actually. He had no idea what Braun was referring to or implying as well. Nothing romantic occurred. Kim Soleum was too busy to deal with that, anyway.
Yet, the blindfold over his eyes was burned as Lee Jaheon walked over, placed a stack of files on his desk, and then commented, “I wish you well on your date.”
Huh. What? No. That’s— That did not happen at all. Jay was just a friendly guy! Kim Soleum wouldn’t date a co-worker, even if he had soft-looking silver hair and eyes that shone brighter than the moon. Kim Soleum had to focus on going home, or did Lee Jaheon forget that small fact, huh?
Lee Jaheon delivered a one-hit K.O. when he added, “The others felt the need to meet him before I allowed that man to ask you to a nice evening. They seem to have liked him.”
Kim Soleum was going to die. He was qi deviating or something. Was this what spontaneous combustion felt like? He could not even let out a noise as Lee Jaheon turned to his own desk and logged onto his PC without a flicker of worry or concern at the nonsense he just spouted.
Braun’s laughter continued to echo in Kim Soleum’s ears. He… He decided that Braun would not be sleeping on his bed that night. He would be stuffed into the side table, locked away in the dark. Braun did not deserve to watch cartoons with him, after all.
It was almost dreadful when Kim Soleum waited around Baekilmong until the night grew dark and Jay was allowed to leave. They met on the first floor and then took a taxi to the aquarium that Jay had a deal with for after-hours showing.
Kim Soleum overthought everything. He even considered leaving Braun behind so he could enjoy himself in peace, but was concerned that Braun would throw a riot if he did so.
They walked through the aquarium, awed at the different tanks of life, the silence comfortable until Kim Soleum gave in.
He blurted, “Is this a date?”
Jay did not seem offended, thankfully. He sluggishly looked away from a tank of turtles, and said, “If you want.”
Kim Soleum did not expect that, if he was being honest. He thought a clear yes or no reply would be given. He didn’t even know what he was hoping for. Yet, as Jay looked at him with nothing threatening in his gaze, along with no expectations, Kim Soleum paused.
What did he want? He was enjoying himself. He always had a good time with Jay, even if the circumstances were less than amicable. That was tough to do, wasn’t it? To find another person’s company sweet enough to keep indulging in more, even if cavities had formed.
He was forced to admit to himself that he liked the idea of this being a date, even if he was nervous about it. He nodded to himself, trying to be reassured. This would be very nice, wouldn’t it? He was already having a grand time.
“I would like for it to be,” decided Kim Soleum, tilting his head down, his cheeks flushed at the admission.
Jay hummed, and then reached out his hand. Kim Soleum paused, taken aback, and then reached out his own hand to take hold of the offer. Their fingers intertwined, they stood closer together, and then they walked forward, looking over the rest of the aquarium while side-by-side.
It was very nice, and much more relaxing than it had been before, when Kim Soleum had worked himself up into a daze of tension and strife.
Dating Jay was a sound idea, actually. Kim Soleum almost couldn’t handle the idea of what their next adventure outside would be. The aquarium was a grand first impression. And so was holding Jay’s hand as they admired coral and read informative signs about the life within the tanks.
Next time… Next time Kim Soleum would pick out a place that made Jay’s eyes light up so brightly that he couldn’t stand to look at him without squinting. That would be perfect.