By Zephyria 
#Side Story 2-1
-As the whereabouts of murder suspect Park Eon-soo, who fled, remain unknown, an anonymous tip was received at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Wide-Area Investigation Division a few days ago. The tip claimed to know the location where the bodies of victims murdered by Park Eon-soo were buried. Based on this, police searched the area around the family burial ground where Park Eon-soo’s father is buried starting yesterday, and reported this morning that they discovered several bodies in an advanced state of decomposition. Accordingly, police stated they plan to confirm through DNA testing whether they match the missing persons, and will devote all efforts to apprehending Park Eon-soo.
After the news screen turned off, Jeong Nam-su let out a deep sigh. Though no one said anything, everyone likely felt similarly. Relief that they were found, guilt toward the deceased victims, and anger toward Park Eon-soo who must be fleeing somewhere.
“Who on earth made the tip?”
“Right. They said the caller couldn’t be traced either.”
“Now we just need to find Park Eon-soo?”
Lee-eum couldn’t say anything. Because he knew that Park Eon-soo hadn’t fled overseas but was being held captive somewhere by Choi Won-joon. He didn’t know whether he was dead or suffering terrible pain, but guessed he wouldn’t be in one piece.
At first, he thought they should find Park Eon-soo and bring him to trial, and knew that private revenge causing social chaos was absolutely unacceptable as a police officer, but ultimately chose to turn a blind eye and close his ears just this once.
Meanwhile, Jeong Nam-su subtly rolled his chair over to approach from the side. Showing him a video trending on SNS lately, Lee-eum couldn’t help but frown.
It was a report about dating rumors between him and Choi Won-joon, saying the Sehwa Group might be considering a Beta son-in-law. That marriage talks were already circulating and both families were welcoming, that Choi Won-joon liked Kim Yi-eum, they were living together, and were a couple who cherished each other greatly.
“Are you really getting married?”
At Nam-su’s question, Lee-eum shook his head. Even though he said no, Nam-su seemed unconvinced.
“If Sunbae gets married, you’ll quit work too, right?”
“Hey. It’s not like that.”
“What do you mean? Becoming royalty would make continuing as a police officer difficult. Just look at President Choi Won-joon. See now. He keeps showing up in front of the police station. Says he feels empty and disappointed if he doesn’t see you now.”
Lee-eum tried to refute but closed his mouth. Because he kept dropping by at all hours, bringing snacks and such, the team members were happy but Lee-eum was extremely uncomfortable. Since coming frequently was conspicuous, they agreed he’d only come once every ten days, but even that wasn’t well kept.
“Anyway, I’m not getting married. And I have no intention of quitting being a detective. Remember that.”
Nam-su gently took Lee-eum’s hand. Seriously? Sunbae, you can’t abandon me. His actions were cute so Lee-eum laughed, then suddenly Nam-su flinched and looked back. Confirming no one was there, he patted his chest. He boasted that he’d developed neurosis because every time they were seen close together, Choi Won-joon would scold him and give him a beating.
“Where did you say?”
Just then, Detective Park’s voice on the phone from one side grew louder. He had received disciplinary action for having an affair with a married woman and, since returning, had been immersed only in work. There were rumors he’d broken up with the married woman, and perhaps because of that, his face looked quite haggard.
He finished the call with a serious expression and immediately called Team Leader Oh.
“Team Leader. A report came in that gangsters started a fight at the Boseok Nightclub.”
“Which gangsters?”
“The Jeil Clan.”
“Damn it, those bastards really.”
The Jeil Clan was the organization led by Park Seok-tae, and was also where Yang Taek-il, found dismembered on the back mountain of Seohwa-dong, belonged. It was large-scale, frequently involved in incidents and accidents, entangled everywhere.
Team Leader Oh grumbled that going home today seemed unlikely.
“Everyone, grab your bulletproof vests.”
Yes, understood. As colleagues moved in perfect order, Lee-eum’s cellphone rang. It was a text message from Choi Won-joon saying he arrived safely. He was on a business trip to Hong Kong today and wasn’t in Korea. Before leaving, he’d clung and sucked so much that his lips were swollen. Nam-su, with ghostly intuition, noticed and persistently questioned him, causing trouble.
Lee-eum quickly typed a message.
-Going out on a call.
-Take care. I already miss you.
-Me too.
-Should I quit my company job and do housework at home?
A few days ago, he’d mentioned that being a model husband and wife was his dream, talking about quitting the company. How could he quit when he’s the CEO? At first, I thought it was a joke, but seeing him repeatedly mention it, I’m starting to worry. A detective’s salary is tight too, can I alone earn enough to maintain married life?
Then Lee-eum realized he was thinking about life after marriage far too naturally, flinched in surprise, and shoved his phone into his pocket. Nam-su asked why beside him, but he absolutely couldn’t tell the reason.
\*
Choi Won-joon, looking out the window, let out a low sigh as the cityscape began to appear. Today too, somewhere out there, crimes are happening and our Kim Yi-eum is running around like crazy. If only possible, he wanted to catch all those criminal bastards in advance and wipe them out. Then Kim Yi-eum would lose his job and only look at me at home. Of course, such thoughts must never be spoken aloud.
“Ha, dating, it’s really difficult.”
Lee Ji-hoon sitting beside him smiled faintly but showed no sign of empathy. Actually, General Manager Lee, who’s in a long-term relationship, said they’ve never fought even once. When asked the secret, he said it’s unconditionally accommodating, yielding, and accepting. Choi Won-joon gained hope from those words. Lately, I’ve been exactly like that. With this sincerity, shouldn’t I be able to bring up marriage talk soon?
Actually, previously, when he received a report that Kim Yi-eum had visited a department store jewelry shop, he secretly hoped. Maybe he’s planning to propose? What expression would he make if he accepts? Does he know my ring size? But unfortunately, it was to buy a gift for his Noona. Though disappointed, he didn’t show it to avoid burdening him.
He wanted to get married as soon as possible, but since each time he clearly expressed dislike, Choi Won-joon tried to act as nonchalantly as possible. He disliked not being able to meet often and being exposed to danger, but since Kim Yi-eum loved his work so much, he tried incredibly hard to endure. But being human too, he had the desire to solidify this relationship further.
Before he knew it, the in-flight announcement played that the plane was descending for landing. After landing and moving toward the arrival hall, Lee Ji-hoon was on a call beside him. Spotting someone, Choi Won-joon gradually slowed his steps. He tapped Lee Ji-hoon, who finished his call, and pointed somewhere with his hand.
“General Manager Lee. Over there, doesn’t that handsome guy look like Kim Yi-eum?”
Lee Ji-hoon nodded.
“That’s right. Detective Kim Yi-eum.”
The corners of Choi Won-joon’s mouth lifted. Once, he’d said jokingly that he envied people whose lovers came to pick them up upon arrival. Knowing Kim Yi-eum was always busy and consumed by work, he hadn’t expected it…
“Doesn’t it seem like he came to pick me up?”
“It appears so.”
“Go ahead first.”
He naturally distanced himself from Lee Ji-hoon and strode toward where Kim Yi-eum was standing. Even then, Kim Yi-eum was distracted by a phone call. He didn’t notice until right in front of him, and seeing him talk about perpetrators and such, it seemed related to a case.
Waiting quietly for the call to end, Kim Yi-eum, turning direction, belatedly noticed Choi Won-joon. His eyes widened briefly, then he finished and ended the call, giving a slight smile.
“Sorry. I was going to at least wave, but an urgent call came.”
“Weren’t you busy?”
“It ended well, fortunately.”
“Whoever it is, I should praise them.”
“You know the Jeil Clan, right? Their members got into a fight.”
Choi Won-joon shamelessly asked who the Jeil Clan was. Though clearly knowing but pretending not to, acting, he was detestable, but since they promised to ask and let things pass, he didn’t show it for now. He promised to live properly from now on, so he only hoped he’d keep that promise at least.
Meanwhile, glancing eyes flew from here and there.
Uncomfortable, Lee-eum grabbed Choi Won-joon’s arm and pulled.
“Let’s go first.”