Rain poured relentlessly from the sky, drenching the empty streets in cold silver sheets. At the corner of a narrow, broken road stood a little girl—only seven years old—wrapped in a bright yellow raincoat that looked painfully out of place in the darkness around her.
Her name was Lee Ha-rin.
The street was silent… until it wasn't.
From somewhere deep inside an abandoned building nearby, muffled screams echoed into the night. They were faint, desperate, and filled with unbearable pain.
Ha-rin's small body stiffened.
Her heart pounded violently against her chest as fear crawled up her spine. Every instinct told her to run. To turn back. To pretend she hadn't heard anything.
But her feet moved forward.
Slowly. Carefully.
The old building loomed over her like a monster, its broken windows staring back like hollow eyes. The door creaked softly as she pushed it open and stepped inside.
The air was cold. Damp. Heavy.
A flickering light bulb hung from the ceiling, swinging slightly, casting unstable shadows across the room.
And then she saw him.
Her father.
Lee Joon-hyuk was tied tightly to a chair, his face bruised, his clothes stained with blood. His head was lowered, his breathing shallow—but he was alive.
Tears rushed to Ha-rin's eyes.
Standing opposite him were several men dressed in dark clothes. And at the center of them all stood a man whose presence alone suffocated the air.
Ryu Tae-jin.
His expression was calm. Too calm. His eyes were cold—void of mercy, void of emotion.
"You know a lot about me," Tae-jin said, his voice low and icy.
"And whoever knows too much… doesn't deserve to live."
"No!" Joon-hyuk cried out desperately.
"You can't do this! What about Seon-woo?"
He struggled violently against the ropes, his voice shaking with fear and anger.
"I won't let you touch him! I'll tell Seon-woo everything—what you did to his parents! How you've been deceiving him all these years!"
Tae-jin smiled.
It wasn't a warm smile. It was sharp. Cruel.
"I'll give you a chance to tell him," he said calmly.
"At that moment."
He stepped closer and leaned down, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Don't worry about him. I'll send Seon-woo to join all of you… very soon."
A chilling pause followed.
"And no," he added softly,
"He won't lack anything. I'll take care of him myself.
He straightened and raised his gun.
"I hope your journey goes well."
BANG.
The gunshot ripped through the room.
Joon-hyuk's body fell limp, his lifeless eyes staring into nothingness.
Behind the door, Ha-rin's entire world shattered.
Her small hands trembled violently as tears streamed down her face. Her wide eyes locked onto Tae-jin's face as he turned slightly—his features burned into her memory forever.
"Dad…!"
Her scream tore through the silence.
Ha-rin jolted awake.
Her breathing was fast and uneven, her heart racing as sweat soaked her forehead. The darkness of her bedroom felt suffocating.
"That same dream… again…" she whispered weakly.
Just then, her phone rang.
The name flashing on the screen read: Im Da-eun (Doctor).
"Hello…," Ha-rin answered quietly.
"Hello! How are you?" Da-eun's cheerful voice filled the room.
"I'm fine," Ha-rin replied shortly.
"Free today?"
Ha-rin stared at the ceiling for a moment.
"I have an investigation to handle. After that… I'm free. Why?"
"Let's spend the day together," Da-eun said happily.
"Everyone's free today. Finish your work and come over—I'll send you the location. Soo-yun will be there too."
A faint smile touched Ha-rin's lips.
"Okay. I'll come."
She ended the call and glanced at the clock. Taking a deep breath, she got out of bed.
Another day.
Another step closer to the truth.
Introduction
Lee Ha-rin (25) — a young detective living in Seoul with her closest friend, Choi Soo-yun.
Her life has only one purpose: to bring her father's killer to justice.
Her mother left her long ago.
And now, in this world full of lies and shadows, Soo-yun is the only family she has left.
But fate has already begun moving again.
Ha-rin's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white under the dim glow of the dashboard. Rain had stopped for the moment, but the streets of Seoul were still slick and glimmering under the streetlights. Her mind was a whirlwind of calculations and possibilities, tracing every lead in the case like invisible threads she could feel but not yet see.
Her phone vibrated sharply against the seat. The screen flashed a name: Han Seo-jin — Senior Detective. Ha-rin exhaled slowly and answered, her voice calm but alert.
"Just arrived… wait for five minutes," she said, keeping her tone professional, hiding the tension that knotted her chest.
"Okay," came Seo-jin's slightly impatient reply. The line went dead, leaving Ha-rin alone with her thoughts and the steady hum of the engine.
She pressed her foot down on the accelerator. The old building was only a few blocks away, but every second spent driving felt like a lifetime.
The site was eerily quiet when she arrived. Yellow police tape fluttered slightly in the cold wind, surrounding the abandoned building. Broken glass crunched underfoot as she stepped out of her car, the faint metallic scent of blood mixing with the damp air. Somewhere nearby, distant footsteps echoed, hesitant but purposeful.
Han Seo-jin and Baek Dong-hyun were already there, surveying the scene with sharp eyes. Ha-rin approached them, her own gaze scanning every detail—the broken window frame, the smeared blood on the pavement, the abandoned items scattered across the ground.
"He was last seen here," Ha-rin said, her voice low but commanding. "We'll find something. Look carefully, everyone."
Dong-hyun, still brimming with youthful energy, nodded eagerly. "Okay. I'll go inside the building. If I find anything, I'll contact you immediately."
Seo-jin's voice cut through the tension with practiced authority. "Yes, go ahead. I'll check the other side."
Ha-rin's eyes flicked over the scene once more. "Okay. I'll check the CCTV. Take care of yourselves. If you find anything, contact me immediately."
They split up, their footsteps echoing in the emptiness. Ha-rin entered the small security room, her fingers gliding over the keyboard as the surveillance footage flickered across the monitors. She scanned the grainy images intently, her mind piecing together every movement, every shadow, every detail that might hold a clue.
Suddenly, her phone rang again. The screen lit up: "BAEK DONGHYUN CALLING."
She answered immediately, her heart tightening with anticipation.
"Everyone, come to room 105," Dong-hyun's voice was urgent. "I found something here."
Before Ha-rin could ask a single question, he hung up. Her eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. Whatever he had found, it could change everything.
The sound of her own heartbeat seemed deafening as she gathered herself. Time was ticking. Every second could bring them closer to the truth—or lead them deeper into danger.
The room was dim, heavy with the musty scent of old wood and cold metal. The faint flicker of overhead lights revealed scattered debris and dark stains marring the worn floorboards. Ha-rin stepped inside quietly, her eyes instantly catching the evidence of violence—blood spattered across the tiles, a few overturned chairs, and the remnants of a life that had ended far too soon.
Han Seo-jin was already at the center of the chaos, holding a gun in gloved hands, inspecting it carefully. Baek Dong-hyun crouched nearby, organizing samples and carefully packaging them for transport. The tension in the air was almost palpable, pressing down on Ha-rin as she moved deeper into the room.
"Send this gun for investigation," Seo-jin said without looking up. His voice was precise, professional. "And send all these blood samples for testing. We'll definitely find something."
"Okay. I'll send them right away," Dong-hyun replied, carefully packing the evidence, making sure nothing was disturbed. Every movement was deliberate, calculated.
Seo-jin glanced around the room one last time, his eyes scanning every corner. "Alright, let's go. I don't think we'll find anything else here."
Dong-hyun nodded. "Okay."
Ha-rin lingered near the doorway, silent. Her mind was already piecing together the scene, analyzing, questioning. Seo-jin turned toward her, noticing her distant expression.
"Ha-rin… what are you thinking about?" he asked, his tone serious but gentle.
Ha-rin exhaled slowly, her eyes still scanning the room. "Nothing… it's just that something feels off," she admitted, her voice low. "Why did the victim leave the gun here when he knew the police were after him? He must have been planning something big."
Seo-jin's brow furrowed. "Yeah… that's true. We'll only know after the investigation is complete. Alright… I'll drop you off."
Ha-rin shook her head, a small, soft smile tugging at her lips. "No, I'll go myself. I'm going out with Dr. Im Da-eun and Soo-yun. Send this blood and evidence to Da-eun's lab."
Seo-jin nodded. "Okay. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything. Bye."
"Bye," Ha-rin said softly, her footsteps echoing as she slowly exited the room.
Seo-jin watched her go, the weight of unspoken questions lingering in the air. Ha-rin's mind was already racing ahead—toward the clues, toward answers, and toward the dangerous truth she had vowed to uncover.
The cozy café smelled of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries. Soft jazz played in the background, blending with the low murmur of other patrons. Soo-yun and Im Da-eun were already seated at a corner table, waiting impatiently, their drinks slowly steaming in front of them.
The door opened, and Ha-rin stepped in, slightly tired, her hair still a little damp from the earlier rain. She scanned the café, spotted her friends, and smiled faintly as she made her way to the table.
"You're late, Ha-rin," Soo-yun said dramatically, leaning back in her chair, her eyes narrowing playfully. "We've been waiting forever!"
Ha-rin chuckled softly and slid into the seat across from them. "Sorry… for making you wait. Traffic was really bad," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Come on, it's nothing," Im Da-eun said casually, lifting her cup of coffee to her lips.
"I'm so tired," Soo-yun complained,
dramatically throwing her hands in the air. "I don't even know… why I became a doctor."
Im Da-eun suppressed a laugh, shaking her head. "You became a doctor by your own choice. Now why all this complaining?"
Ha-rin tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Besides, remember when I told you to do something else… you still chose to become a doctor. Better not complain now."
Soo-yun's eyes suddenly lit up, a dreamy look taking over her face. "Ah! I remember… he came here. So incredibly handsome… I totally fell for him!"
Ha-rin raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who came?"
Im Da-eun leaned forward, interest piqued. "Yeah, who are you talking about?"
"He… Ryu Seon-woo," Soo-yun said, smiling dreamily, her fingers tapping on the cup.
Ha-rin's expression shifted to serious, slightly annoyed. "What did he come for?"
"To get a check-up," Soo-yun replied, practically bouncing in her seat. "Now I'm his personal doctor! I'm so happy."
Ha-rin shook her head, frowning slightly. "What's so special about that to be happy?"
Im Da-eun leaned back, a teasing smile on her lips. "You won't understand, Ha-rin. Let me talk… Soo-yun, how does he look?"
Soo-yun threw her hands in the air, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "So incredibly cute! So much… I can't even describe it in words."
Sipping her coffee, still lost in her dreamy thoughts, Soo-yun made Ha-rin roll her eyes slightly. Im Da-eun's curiosity grew.
"Wow, you're so lucky! I want to see him too. Next time he comes for a check-up, make sure to call me," Im Da-eun said eagerly.
"Of course!" Soo-yun replied happily, nodding vigorously.
Ha-rin crossed her arms, teasing but slightly annoyed. "You two are completely crazy. Actually, every girl is crazy… I don't know what you see in him."
Both Soo-yun and Im Da-eun looked at each other and spoke at the same time, laughing.
"You should see him through our eyes!" they exclaimed together.
Ha-rin shook her head with a small smile, the warmth of the moment breaking through her usual seriousness. "Alright… you're both crazy."
The three laughed, their voices mingling with the gentle café ambiance. For a brief moment, the world outside—cases, danger, mysteries—felt miles away, leaving only friendship, laughter, and the simple comfort of coffee and conversation.
Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the ultra-modern penthouse, scattering across the polished marble floors and sleek minimalist furniture. The city stretched endlessly below, a glittering ocean of lights and ambition. From this height, Seoul looked like a kingdom waiting to be ruled.
At the center of the room, Ryu Seon-woo, twenty-eight, sat at a glass desk, reviewing files on his laptop with unwavering focus.
Every line of his face exuded calm confidence, a sharp intelligence that commanded attention without effort. His presence alone set him apart—an aura of authority, charm, and quiet intensity.
The soft click of the door opening barely registered at first, but then Choi Dae-jin, Seon-woo's loyal assistant, bodyguard, and closest friend, stepped in. Dressed immaculately in a tailored suit, he carried both professionalism and ease in equal measure.
"Sir, it's time for your meeting," Dae-jin said respectfully, a slight, knowing smile playing on his lips.
Seon-woo closed his laptop with a measured movement and rose from his chair, the sunlight catching the sharp angles of his jaw. He adjusted his cufflinks, a calm yet commanding presence that seemed to declare—this room, this city, this life—was his domain.
"Yes… let's go," he said, his voice smooth and confident.
He picked up his coat and moved toward the door. As the glass doors opened, the morning sunlight traced the outline of his tall, elegant frame, revealing a man who was more than just a CEO. To the world, he was the most eligible bachelor in Seoul, a man whose name alone could open doors, whose presence could inspire trust or fear.
And yet, behind those sharp eyes and perfect composure, there were secrets, shadows, and a past that even the city's glittering skyline could not illuminate.
Seon-woo stepped out, leaving the penthouse behind,
The sleek black luxury car weaved effortlessly through Seoul's bustling traffic, its engine purring quietly. In the backseat, Ryu Seon-woo sat perfectly composed, his sharp eyes scanning the streets as if calculating every movement, every potential risk. Beside him, Choi Dae-jin's hands gripped the wheel with unwavering focus, every muscle tense, every sense alert.
"Ji-hoon called. He wants to meet you," Dae-jin said casually, his voice calm but precise.
Seon-woo raised an eyebrow, suspicion flickering across his otherwise calm expression. "Why?"
Dae-jin shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. "Not sure. Shall I finalize it for tomorrow?"
Seon-woo leaned back, thoughtful for a moment. "No… make it Sunday. Any news about Uncle?"
"Yes," Dae-jin replied seriously. "He's returning the day after tomorrow."
Seon-woo nodded, his expression indifferent. "Okay. Send someone to pick him up from the airport. I can't… I'm busy."
Dae-jin hesitated for a moment. "And… Oh-Mirae?"
"I'll meet her myself," Seon-woo said calmly, his tone confident, unwavering.
Dae-jin finally nodded. "Okay."
Through the tinted car window, Seon-woo's reflection stared back at him—a man at the peak of control, yet shadows of danger lurked on the edges of his world.
Later, in a pristine conference room, executives sat on either side of a long glass table, eyes fixed on Seon-woo as the Lumora Project presentation concluded. His voice, calm and authoritative, cut through the quiet.
"I hope… we'll have a great experience working with you. And I'm confident you will meet our expectations," Seon-woo said, his gaze steady, unwavering.
"Absolutely, sir. We'll never let you down," the partner replied with a smile, trying to match his calm demeanor.
Seon-woo inclined his head slightly. "Alright. Then, let's conclude this meeting here."
As everyone rose and exchanged formal handshakes, the partner added casually, almost offhandedly, "By the way… I heard your uncle is returning the day after tomorrow."
A subtle shadow passed through Seon-woo's eyes, but his expression remained controlled, calm, perfectly poised. "Yes. He's coming. I'll meet you later," he said politely.
"Of course," the partner replied, bowing slightly.
Outside the luxury hotel, Seon-woo walked toward his car, phone pressed to his ear. "Yes, Mirae, I'm just leaving after finishing my meeting—"
The sentence ended abruptly.
A deafening gunshot tore through the air.
The phone slipped from Seon-woo's grasp, clattering onto the pavement. Pain flared across his chest, sharp and shocking, and his knees buckled beneath him.
Choi Dae-jin was immediately at his side, supporting him with unyielding strength. Guards rushed from all directions, guns raised, pursuing the attackers with precise coordination.
"Seon-woo?? Seon-woo!! I heard a gunshot… are you okay?!" Oh-Mirae's panicked voice screamed through the phone, trembling with fear.
Seon-woo's fingers clutched his chest, his body trembling as blood seeped between his hands. Dae-jin's voice cut through the chaos.
"Catch him!!" he barked to the guards. Then, helping Seon-woo to his feet, he added, "Sir, you've been attacked… you've been shot. We're taking you to the hospital!"
The phone lay on the ground, Oh-Mirae's voice still screaming through the speaker.
"What?! No… I'm coming to the hospital! Take Seon-woo quickly!!"
Dae-jin lifted Seon-woo into the car with controlled urgency, guards firing behind them, chasing the fleeing attackers. Seon-woo's hands, bloodied and trembling, grabbed the phone once more. Mirae's screams were a raw, urgent lifeline
The café was bathed in warm, golden light, the gentle hum of conversations mingling with the soft clink of coffee cups. Ha-rin, Soo-yun, and Im Da-eun sat around a small table, chatting quietly, their laughter floating across the room. It was an ordinary evening—until the television above the counter
suddenly flashed BREAKING NEWS.
Every head turned instantly, frozen, as the newscaster's voice cut sharply through the cozy ambience.
"Breaking News: Lumora Group's CEO, Ryu Seon-woo, has been critically attacked outside a hotel. He was shot and is being transported to the hospital. His condition is reported as extremely critical."
Soo-yun's chair scraped loudly as she jumped up, panic written all over her face. "Oh… what happened? I need to go to the hospital immediately! You two take care of yourselves!"
Im Da-eun's brow furrowed, worry etching lines on her face. "How did this happen…? Keep me updated, please."
"I'll call," Soo-yun said hurriedly. Her voice shook slightly. "Ha-rin… I might get home late, don't wait for me."
Ha-rin remained composed, hiding the tension coiling in her chest. "Okay. Just take care of yourself."
"Yes, bye!" Soo-yun called, already halfway out the door, her steps quick and urgent.
Silence fell over the café, broken only by the news report playing on the screen. Im Da-eun looked at Ha-rin, concern shadowing her features.
"Let's head home too… I'm really anxious. If something happens to him…"
Ha-rin's gaze hardened, pain briefly flickering in her eyes before being replaced by resolve. "Yes, let's go. Nothing will happen to him. Don't worry."
Her eyes lingered on the television as images of Seon-woo's ambulance raced past. Something didn't feel right, a small, nagging sense of unease that her instincts refused to ignore.
Later that night, darkness enveloped Ha-rin's apartment. She tossed and turned on her bed, her mind relentlessly replaying the breaking news. Even the rhythmic tick of the clock offered no comfort. Frustrated, she rose and made her way to the kitchen.
The soft hum of the coffee machine filled the quiet room. Just as her cup filled with steaming coffee—DING DONG! The doorbell rang, sharp and unexpected.
Ha-rin frowned, her hand lingering near the handle. "At this hour… who could it be?"
Cautiously, she approached the door. "Who is it?" she asked, voice steady but alert.
"Ha-rin, it's me… open the door," came Soo-yun's weary voice from the other side.
Opening the door, Ha-rin helped Soo-yun inside. Her friend's exhaustion and stress were immediately apparent—she moved like a shadow of herself, collapsing onto the sofa. Ha-rin placed a fresh cup of coffee beside her before sitting down.
"I'm so exhausted… You know… I was so scared," Soo-yun whispered, sighing deeply.
Ha-rin's hand brushed gently over hers. "I know… get some rest and sleep. By the way… how is he now?"
Soo-yun's lips curved in a faint, relieved smile. "He's out of danger now. If we hadn't gotten him to the hospital on time… anything could have happened."
Ha-rin stared at her coffee, thoughts heavy, unease lingering like a shadow. "Has he come to his senses?"
"Yes… a little," Soo-yun said softly, her small smile a fragile relief. "Well… I'm going to bed now, or I'll collapse right here."
Soo-yun finally rose, retreating to her room. Ha-rin remained alone, the weight of the night pressing against her. She sipped her coffee slowly, eyes fixed on the dimly lit streets outside. In the distance, the faint wail of an ambulance cut through the quiet, a reminder that danger was never far, and the night was far from over.
The hospital room was quiet, dimly lit, the soft hum of medical machines punctuating the stillness. Ryu Seon-woo lay on the bed, a bandage wrapped around his left arm and an IV drip feeding into his vein. Despite the sterile surroundings, there was a sense of vulnerability about him, a rare glimpse beneath the armor of the confident CEO.
The door opened softly. Choi Dae-jin stepped in, his expression calm but alert.
"Seon-woo… Oh-Mirae is here," he said gently.
Almost instantly, Oh-Mirae entered, her eyes sharp, filled with both tension and barely contained anger. Her gaze fixed on Seon-woo, scanning him for any sign of weakness.
"Who attacked you, Seon-woo?" she asked, her voice sharp, almost demanding an answer.
Seon-woo turned toward her, letting a small smirk play on his lips. "If I had known… I would've caught them for sure."
Oh-Mirae sat down beside his bed, her tears glistening in the soft hospital light. "You never take care of yourself. You shouldn't have gone out. Do you know how worried I was?"
Seon-woo's expression softened, his voice calm yet tinged with regret. "Yeah… I understand. Sorry."
"Sorry doesn't fix everything," she said, a mix of anger and concern in her tone. "You should always have guards with you. Understood?"
Seon-woo's small smile returned, teasing yet sincere. "Alright… this time I'll listen to you. Will you get me a juice?"
Her lips pressed into a line, slightly annoyed, but she nodded. "Yes… I'll bring it right now."
As she left the room, silence settled over the space. Seon-woo's eyes turned to Dae-jin, sharp and commanding despite the bandages and fatigue.
"Dae-jin… get my discharge papers ready. I can't stay here any longer."
Dae-jin's eyes widened in shock. "Seon-woo, you're not fully recovered yet. Rest a little more."
"I'm fine. Just get the papers ready," Seon-woo insisted, his voice firm, unwavering.
Sighing, a small smile on his face, Dae-jin nodded. "Alright… I know you never listen to anyone. I'll get it done."
Seon-woo laughed lightly, a tired but genuine sound. "Thank you…"
"For what?" Dae-jin asked, puzzled.
"For everything," Seon-woo replied quietly, a shadow of depth and gratitude in his tone.
Dae-jin shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Have you gone crazy? I'll be right back."
As Dae-jin exited, Seon-woo was left alone. His gaze drifted to the city skyline beyond the window, the night cloaking it in quiet shadows. Behind his calm exterior, thoughts churned—a blend of strategy, concern, and a hint of darkness that not even the hospital walls could contain.
The briefing room was dimly lit, the soft hum of fluorescent lights mingling with the faint rustle of papers. A large notice board dominated one wall, covered in pinned photographs, documents, and maps—each a frozen fragment of past crimes. Ha-rin sat at the desk, scanning files with practiced focus, her eyes moving from one report to another, mind juggling endless threads of investigation.
The door opened quietly, and Chief Shin Tae-kyung entered. His presence filled the room with authority, yet there was a trust in his gaze that made Ha-rin lower her guard.
"Detective Lee Ha-rin… I'm assigning you a new case," he said firmly.
Ha-rin immediately closed the file she had been reading, fatigue evident in her posture. "Chief… not now. I don't want a new assignment," she replied, her voice carrying both exhaustion and reluctance.
The Chief approached her, calm but resolute. "I know you're busy. But no one is better suited for this case than you. And I also know… you'll never say 'no' to me."
A small smile tugged at Ha-rin's lips, despite herself. He was right. She couldn't say no to him.
"I can't say 'no' to you anyway," she admitted with a quiet sigh.
"Exactly. And yet, you'll take this case."
Ha-rin folded her arms, a silent acknowledgment of the inevitability. "Alright… which case?"
The Chief placed a file gently on her desk. The cover bore a photograph that made her pause—Ryu Seon-woo, the CEO who had been attacked only days ago.
"Ryu Seon-woo. You're being assigned his case. Find out… who's after him," Chief Shin Tae-kyung said.
Ha-rin opened the file, her eyes scanning the crime scene photos, each image tugging at a sense of urgency and danger. "Ryu Seon-woo… the CEO who was attacked a few days ago?" she asked slowly.
"Yes. That's him. I hope you solve this case quickly," the Chief replied, his eyes lingering on her, as if he already knew the emotional storm this case might stir.
Ha-rin closed the file, determination hardening in her eyes. "I… will definitely try."
The next morning, the early light filtered over the city as Ha-rin stepped out of the police station. Baek Donghyun and Han Seo-jin were already waiting, their expressions alert and curious.
"Why did the Chief call you?" Donghyun asked eagerly.
"To give me an assignment," Ha-rin replied, her expression serious.
"What kind of assignment?" Han Seo-jin asked, folding her arms.
Ha-rin lifted the file, revealing the photograph of Seon-woo. "It's Seon-woo's case."
Donghyun's eyes widened. "CEO Seon-woo??"
Seon-woo's name alone seemed to electrify the air. Ha-rin gave a slight nod. "Yes."
Donghyun's excitement broke through instantly. "Really! Can I come along too? I'm a huge fan of his!"
Ha-rin shot him a sharp side-eye, unimpressed. Donghyun offered an awkward smile, sheepish yet eager.
Seo-jin chuckled softly. "You'll manage on your own."
Ha-rin exhaled. "I'll try. Anyway… it's hard to say 'no' to the Chief."
Seo-jin's tone grew serious. "Come on, I need to talk to you too."
Ha-rin turned toward Donghyun. "Okay. Did the lab report come in?"
Donghyun quickly retrieved a file, handing it to her. "Yes, just received it."
She scanned it quickly, her eyes sharp. "So? What does it say… whose blood was it?"
His expression darkened, seriousness taking over. "The report says… the blood matches that of the dead body. Which means that person was at the scene that day."
A spark of determination lit in Ha-rin's eyes, her mind already racing. "Alright. Take the others and do another site visit."
"Yes, Detective," Donghyun replied, energized by her resolve.
Ha-rin closed the file and turned toward Seo-jin. "Let's go, Seo-jin."
A small smile curved Seo-jin's lips. "Yes, let's go."
As they walked toward the waiting car, the weight of the case pressed heavily on the morning air
The café's warm lights bathed Ha-rin and Seo-jin in a gentle glow. Soft jazz played in the background, mingling with the aroma of fresh coffee. The corner table they sat at felt almost private, a small bubble in the bustling café.
"Have you met your parents?" Ha-rin asked, breaking the quiet, her voice casual but curious.
Seo-jin smiled faintly, then his expression grew serious. "Yes… they want me to take over their business. And… also get married."
Ha-rin arched an eyebrow, teasing. "That's good. So why don't you?"
He shook his head, hesitant. "I'm happy with my police job. And marriage…"
Ha-rin interrupted, a sly glint in her eyes. "Was there someone you liked?"
For a heartbeat, Seo-jin froze. His gaze met hers, a silent tension building between them.
"Yes," he whispered slowly.
"And… did you tell her?" Ha-rin pressed gently.
"No," he admitted, voice low, pained.
"Why not?"
"Maybe… she doesn't like me," he murmured, hiding the weight behind a soft smile.
Ha-rin raised an eyebrow. "Did you ask her?"
"I know. Maybe no one knows her better than I do," he said with certainty.
A short, awkward silence followed. Ha-rin's teasing tone returned. "Alright… should I find a girl for you?"
Seo-jin chuckled, covering his emotions. "Yeah, why not."
He lifted his cup and then asked softly, "By the way… have you tried finding your mom?"
Ha-rin froze, setting down her cup. Her expression hardened, emotions tightening in her chest.
"No. Why? Why should I look for her?"
"She's unwell. And… she misses you. You should go see her," he said slowly.
Pain and anger flared in Ha-rin's eyes. She quickly changed the subject. "I'm really busy. Alright… I should go. It's getting late."
"I'll give you a ride," Seo-jin offered.
"No… I'll go myself. Bye," she said, rising and leaving.
Seo-jin watched her go, the weight of his unspoken feelings pressing down. I've liked her since school… but never told her. Didn't want to ruin our friendship.
Flashback – Childhood Memories
Seven-year-old Ha-rin stood in a dimly lit corner, tears streaking her face. Her parents' argument filled the room, loud and unrelenting.
"Mom… please stop fighting… Papa will fix everything… just be quiet…" Ha-rin begged, voice trembling.
"Fix everything? Nothing will ever be fixed! Your father can never do anything right. I can't stay with him anymore!" her mother shouted, angry and exhausted.
"No! Don't say that… you can't go anywhere… please, Mama…" Ha-rin whimpered.
"I'm leaving! I can't stay with your father. I hate this man… I want a divorce!" her mother screamed, storming out with her bag, slamming the door behind her.
Ha-rin's tiny face went pale with shock and fear. Her father quietly approached, kneeling beside her.
"That's enough… my daughter… I'm here… I'm with you," he whispered, pulling her into his arms.
Ha-rin's sobs echoed through the empty house, a tear-stained face frozen in grief.
Present – Crossing Paths with Fate
Ha-rin sat alone in her room, tears glimmering in her eyes as memories swirled relentlessly. The knock on the door made her jump. Soo-yun entered quietly, pausing as she noticed the tears.
"Ha-rin… will you come with me?" Soo-yun asked softly, concerned.
Ha-rin quickly wiped her tears. "No… I'm not crying. Something got into my eyes."
"You think I'm foolish? You can fool the world… but not me. Tell me, what happened?" Soo-yun pressed.
Ha-rin collapsed into Soo-yun's arms, voice breaking. "I… I can't forgive her. Never… never. She didn't treat my father well… left him for another man… I hate her, Soo-yun… I hate her so much."
Soo-yun held her hand firmly. "Relax… calm down. You don't look well."
"She is sick… yet I won't go see her. I'll never let her back into my life," Ha-rin vowed, anger and pain mingling.
After a long pause, Ha-rin wiped her tears and stood. "…So, why did you come?"
"To ask… will you come with me? We need to deliver Seon-woo's files to his house. By the way, I heard you got his case," Soo-yun said.
Ha-rin nodded, composing herself. "…Yes. Let's go."
Outside Seon-woo's Penthouse
Ha-rin handed the files to Soo-yun. "You go ahead… I'll attend the call and come."
As she hurriedly pulled out her phone, she bumped into someone—tall, composed, and commanding. Without looking, she mumbled, "I'm sorry… I'm in a hurry."
Seon-woo ignored her, walking straight into the building. Ha-rin's attention remained on her phone. Choi Dae-jin, standing behind, smiled lightly. "It's okay," he said.
Ha-rin answered her call, voice steady despite the racing pulse.
"Hello…"
"Ha-rin… I need to talk to you," said Im Da-eun, serious.
"Did you find something?" Ha-rin asked.
"I don't know how to tell you this…"
"Is it serious?"
"Yes… very serious."
Ha-rin's heart skipped. "What is it?"
"Your… mother has brain cancer."
Time seemed to freeze. Ha-rin's hands
trembled around the phone. "What…? How… when?"
"Two years. No proper treatment. Condition critical."
Tears fell unbidden. "Chances of recovery…?"
"Only… five percent."
Ha-rin went silent, cutting the call. She immediately dialed Soo-yun. "Something urgent came up. I'm leaving," she said, voice trembling but controlled.
"No… I'll come with you," Soo-yun insisted.
"No… I'll go on my own. Bye."
Ha-rin walked into the rainy night, storm of shock, pain, and anger burning inside her.
Han River – Night
Rain poured down like a torrent. Ha-rin sat on a bench among strangers, tears mixing with the rain.
"How could she do this… leave her own daughter… never come back… did she really hate me so much?" she whispered, head buried in her knees.
Seon-woo, walking by with Dae-jin, paused. "Go to the car. I'll catch up later," he instructed.
"Nothing will happen. Go," he insisted when Dae-jin hesitated.
Seon-woo opened his umbrella and sat beside Ha-rin, letting her sit under the shelter while he got soaked.
The rain finally stopped. Ha-rin looked up—Seon-woo stood there, gentle concern in his eyes.
"Are you okay, miss?"
Ha-rin froze, heart hammering. She stood quickly. "Yeah… yeah, I'm okay… I… where am I?"
"Why were you crying here?" he asked softly.
She stayed silent. He reached out, taking her hand gently. The distance disappeared, eyes locked—time seemed to pause.
To Be Continued…