Pairing - Non-Idol Wooyoung x Reader
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After what felt like a peacefully intoxicated slumber, Wooyoung woke up the next afternoon with a pounding headache. He groaned, clutching his head as the room spun around him.
Glancing at the time, his eyes widened in realization—it was already afternoon, and he was still in bed, not at the station.
Attempting to rise, his body refused to cooperate. Just then, he heard some shuffling and faint footsteps. Confusion clouded his mind as he wondered who it could be.
His question was answered when the door opened, revealing Y/N standing there with a glass of what appeared to be water. All traces of alcohol vanished at the sight of her.
"Hey, why didn't you stop when you were starting to feel it, huh?" Y/N strolled into the room, a concerned tone in her voice. "You drink like there's no tomorrow. Think about your health for once," she remarked as she settled beside him on the edge of the bed, facing him.
Wooyoung gazed at her, as if trying to process that Y/N was actually there.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she quipped.
"Y/N?" Wooyoung whispered.
"Who else?" Y/N teased, but when Wooyoung didn't respond and continued staring at her, she gently placed her hands on his forehead. "Are you feeling unwell?" she asked.
"Are you really here?" Wooyoung whispered once more, a tear escaping his eye.
"Are you still feeling a bit fuzzy? Of course, I'm here." She gently touched Wooyoung's face, causing him to melt at her touch. With her thumb, she wiped away his tears.
"But where were you? I've been searching for you for a month. Where did you go, and where's Grace?" Wooyoung began hyperventilating, bombarding her with questions. "I even lodged a complaint. Miss Kim couldn't reach you either. Where have you been, Y/N?"
"Shhh... I'm here," Y/N whispered soothingly. "We're here." Placing her right palm over his chest where his heart beat, she continued, "Even if we're not physically together, we're still here, and we always will be." She reassured him, but Wooyoung looked at her, still puzzled.
He shook his head as the hangover began to resurface. "What do you mean?" he asked, but Y/N simply smiled.
"I have to go now," she declared, starting to move away. Despite his desire to hold her tightly, Wooyoung found his hands unable to comply, and slowly Y/N moved back, fading from his sight.
Wooyoung woke up suddenly, sweat soaking his clothes even though it was November. It wasn't the first time he'd had nightmares.
He'd started having them five years ago after breaking up with Y/N, and that's why he'd kept himself busy with work.
He'd managed to recover from them, but it had been really tough. Now the nightmares were back, and he felt he needed to find Y/N. "No, you can't leave me again!" he screamed, throwing the pillows onto the floor.
By the time 2 pm rolled around, Wooyoung made it to the station with a mild headache. He hadn't checked his phone; otherwise, he would've noticed several missed calls from Yunho, the general, Changbin, and Hyeri.
As he arrived, he noticed everyone wore a gloomy expression, which caught him off guard. Stepping in slowly, he felt all eyes turn towards him, each expressing a mix of emotions—some pity, some anger, and some confusion.
"What's happening here?" Wooyoung asked, puzzled. The silence lingered as everyone exchanged glances, silently debating who should break the news. Growing impatient, Wooyoung spoke up again, his irritation evident. "Can someone please fill me in?"
"Sir," Hyeri stepped forward, "the commissioner general's been waiting for you in your office."
"Right now," Wooyoung whispered to himself. "Alright." He nodded and headed towards his office. "Mind if I come in, Commissioner?" he asked politely, the door slightly ajar. A muffled "yes" came from inside, and Wooyoung entered.
"This is your office, Wooyoung; you don't need to ask," the commissioner said.
"But you're the commissioner general," Wooyoung replied with a smile as he stood beside him. The commissioner general gestured for him to take a seat, and Wooyoung obliged.
"Do you know what happened this morning?" the commissioner asked, noticing Wooyoung's confused expression. "Two bodies were found, one injured and one dead," he explained.
Wooyoung waited for him to continue. "The case you've been working on is finally solved. We found the three foreigners."
"Found them?" Wooyoung exclaimed. "Who found them, and where were they?"
"Well, the frustrating part about how our department operates is that we often don't try to reach how we got the clue and we focus on the clue more," the commissioner general admitted.
It was a known issue; once a case was solved, the peripheral details often went unanswered. Wooyoung was about to interject, but the commissioner spoke first. "Where were you last night, Wooyoung?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, sir. I was..." Wooyoung trailed off, uncertain how to admit to the commissioner that he had been drunk in some bar and slept until noon.
"Last night, the commissioner dropped the bomb that Mr. Han and his crew are taking over the case," Wooyoung heard, and it hit him like a ton of bricks.
"Why all of a sudden? How could you just spring this on us?" Wooyoung protested.
"It's not sudden, Wooyoung. The board has been mulling over this for a week, and they finally spilled the beans last night. I couldn't stop it, Wooyoung," the commissioner explained.
"But why?" Wooyoung pressed.
"You know why. The board doesn't think you're up for it, given what's been happening in your life. They believe you need some downtime," the commissioner said, rising from the chair with an exasperated sigh.
"This is ridiculous! You really think I can't handle this case? I've dedicated my whole life to this department, and you can't just do this to me," Wooyoung almost shouted, his frustration pouring out.
"Wooyoung," the commissioner general said firmly, "Mr. Han has already been appointed. He found the bodies, and the third culprit is already on his way to be deported to his home country. All of this happened while you were drowning in your own agony. Now, Mr. Han will lead this case."
Wooyoung was furious, his face flushed red with anger and frustration. "But... but doesn't it seem suspicious to you? The bodies were found in not even hidden? Like they did it intentionally. It sounds ridiculous," Wooyoung barked out his frustration, his breath coming in heavy gasps.
"Well, the board considers him lucky that his name was enough to catch those culprits," the commissioner said as he started walking toward the door.
Wooyoung couldn't believe it. He began pacing back and forth near his seat, flailing his arms in disbelief. "You need some rest Wooyoung, it’d be better if you gathered yourself." With that, the commissioner walked out, leaving a distraught Wooyoung alone in his office.
Wooyoung flicked on the television, flipping to the news channel to check if they were pulling some kind of dirty prank on him. But as the news appeared on screen, his eyes widened with anger.
The report was all about Han Jisung and his swift, successful handling of the case.
"Well, you know, I don’t really like to boast about myself, but I guess I was the missing piece this case needed. I located the bodies, and now we just need to find about the kidnapper. But hey, I'm not one to hog the spotlight.
Most of the credit goes to our superintendent general, Jung Wooyoung, and his team. They did the heavy lifting," Inspector Han said, flashing a smile at the camera, almost as if he knew Wooyoung was tuned in.
Wooyoung interpreted this as a jab and let out a frustrated yell, shoving everything on his desk in a fit of anger.
Wooyoung knew both Y/N and the foreigner’s cases were somehow linked. All he had was that black jacket with golden embroidery, a sole clue to track down Y/N. Yet, everything took a 180-degree turn, leaving Wooyoung in a blank space.
With determination blazing in his eyes, Wooyoung stormed out of his office, anger propelling his steps. "Sir, where are you going?" Hyeri inquired, but Wooyoung offered no response. She trailed after him as he exited the station.
Wooyoung slid into his car, visibly irked when Hyeri claimed the passenger seat. Before he could protest, she spoke up, "Wooyoung, you're furious. Let me assist you, please."
Wooyoung sighed, but eventually relented, starting the car. He knew there was only one place the injured culprit would be taken.
The car ride was quiet until Hyeri spoke up. "Wooyoung, I'm sorry about yesterday. I went a bit too far—I don't know what got into me." She glanced at Wooyoung, who kept his eyes on the road, his jaw tense.
"I just can't stand seeing you like that again. Five years ago, you were so broken. I can't bear the thought of you ending up like that again, Wooyu," she said, earning a sidelong glance from him, but he remained silent.
"I know you're upset, Wooyoung, but please," she persisted, only to be cut off by him.
"I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at myself. I swore to protect them, yet here I am," Wooyoung said, a sad chuckle escaping him.
"You couldn't have done anything to prevent it, Wooyoung," Hyeri offered.
"I promised them I'd come back. I promised to bring them to Seoul. The man in the black jacket was my only lead, but the case ia taken away from me now," Wooyoung lamented, frustration evident in his voice.
"You were planning to bring them here?" Hyeri inquired.
"What do you mean?" Wooyoung was puzzled by her question, unable to grasp its significance.
"Oh, nothing... Anyway, we're here. Let's go," Hyeri said. Wooyoung found it weird how Hyeri reacted when he mentioned bringing Y/N and Grace to Seoul, but he brushed it off.
Right now, what mattered most was confronting the culprit. If Wooyoung's suspicions were correct, the man with the black jacket was responsible for both kidnappings.
However, what he wasn't expecting was Inspector Han being there, talking to the injured culprit. The last thing Wooyoung wanted was to be in the same place as Han Jisung.
They never had any major issues with each other; it was more of a pure rivalry. It was a rivalry between two block departments of Seoul.
When Wooyoung was transferred to the Seoul department, the inspectors were already engaged in a cold war with the inspectors of the other block. He was told that it had been this way forever, and everyone kept the tradition alive.
At first, Wooyoung didn’t think much of it, but two years ago, when Inspector Han Jisung got transferred to the rival block station, he lost it.
Inspector Han had a very peculiar way of investigating anything, and no matter what cases Wooyoung got, Han Jisung always seemed to have a presence in them. He remembered Hyeri once saying, "And it's their interference that's why we don’t click."
"Hey, General Wooyoung... Long time no see, huh? Bet you missed me," Inspector Han quipped, spotting Wooyoung and Hyeri by the door.
Han lounged on the hospital bed, flashing a grin as he rose. "You're here? Well, don't get too grateful, General. Just doing my duty," he added with a smirk.
"I'm not here to thank you," Wooyoung retorted, his jaw tense.
"Ouch, that stings," Han replied dramatically, hand over his heart. Wooyoung wasn't in the mood for banter; he moved towards the culprit, who lay injured, the scene looking calculated.
"The person who did this knew exactly what they were doing. They didn't want him dead, just hanging on," the doctor explained, noticing Wooyoung and Hyeri's puzzled expressions. "But he can talk, and he should," the doctor said bluntly, eyeing the injured man on the bed.
The whole of Korea was aware of what he had done, and they didn't have any sympathy either. All the doctor wanted was for him to stabilize so the government could deport him to his own country. Wooyoung could see the hatred in the doctor’s eyes.
"Who did this to you?" Wooyoung asked calmly but firmly. The man didn’t reply; he just pretended he didn’t hear. So Wooyoung asked again, this time in an assertive tone. "You better start talking."
"Why do you care, you shit. Just treat me and deport me quick," the man spat through his swollen face. Wooyoung was about to retort, but Han was quick.
He held the injured man by the collar of the hospital gown, scaring everyone in the room.
"The audacity you have after what you’ve done. Be grateful that the general is speaking politely, or you wouldn’t stand for years on your own feet," Han said, every word laced with pure hate. "So, you better start talking, or it won’t end well." The man nodded, and Han released him roughly.
Wooyoung would be lying if he said he didn’t appreciate what Han did just now. Maybe Han wasn't that bad. Yeah, he was nosy, but he wasn't a bad person.
Wooyoung nodded appreciatively at Han and then looked at the injured man again, who was trying to calm himself as he was scared. "I don’t know who it was." The man said.
"We were downtown, running, when this guy pulls up in his van and tells us to hop in if we don't want to get caught by the cops. So, we did, but man, I wish I'd taken my chances with the police instead."
"I have no idea. He threw black sacks over our heads, and when we got there, he locked us up somewhere. There weren't any windows, just a mattress for us to sleep on," the man said, his voice muffled.
"There were two of them, the one who kidnapped us and another who seemed like the boss. They never showed their faces, but they killed my friend right in front of me, after tormenting us for who knows how many days. I loathe you guys, you darn Koreans. You might seem all cute and innocent, but there's something evil lurking behind those faces. I can't wait to get back to my country."
And with that, he got a slap on the cheek, this time from the doctor, who then excused herself out of the room.
"How many were with you?" Wooyoung asked once more.
The man chuckled and replied, "It's funny how well he knows you. He said you'd ask me this and told me to tell you not to waste your time on this and to live your life." Confirming that the same person was behind both kidnappings.
Wooyoung's rage surged at the man's laughter, prompting him to start punching with all his might until hospital security dragged him outside. Han and Hyeri didn't intervene, knowing the man deserved even more than a beating.
"I'll ensure you're treated worse in your own country!" Wooyoung shouted before breaking down in tears, collapsing to the floor. His emotions overwhelmed him. Hyeri moved to approach him, but Han stopped her. "Let him have his moment," Han said.
"General, the other culprit is being deported today; he's on his way to the NIS," Han informed. Wooyoung raised his head, blinking a few times before standing up. "Lieutenant San mentioned he'd meet you at the NIS base," Han continued.
Without wasting any more time, Wooyoung started running. He wanted to reach the NIS base as soon as possible. He didn't wait for Hyeri, and this time she didn't follow. Wooyoung picked up his pace toward the base.
At the same time, he began searching for his phone but couldn't find it anywhere. He needed to inform Yunho about this; after all, Yunho was handling the case, and he also had to meet Changbin.
In less than 20 minutes, Wooyoung reached the base where San was waiting for him. San glanced at his friend, who appeared utterly shattered, and felt a pang of sympathy. He wanted to help Wooyoung, but he wasn't sure how.
Wooyoung hurriedly began asking, "Where is he? I need to talk to him. Where is he?" San tried to calm him down, but Wooyoung was so agitated that San resorted to embracing him, offering whatever comfort he could muster.
Wooyoung eventually broke down, tears streaming down his face. "I have to find Y/N and Grace," he repeated over and over. San only released him once Wooyoung had regained some composure, then guided him to his office.
"You can ask him anything. There's still time before we deport him," San assured, motioning for Wooyoung to take a seat. He then instructed someone to bring the foreigner to his office.
The culprit was escorted in, hands bound in cuffs, and flanked by two burly officers to prevent any escape attempts. But as soon as the man entered, he began pleading,
"Please deport me quickly. I swear I won't ever return to Korea." Wooyoung listened intently, while San remarked, "He's terrified. They must have tortured him to this extent."
The guy was made to sit on the floor, and as he glanced around, his eyes landed on Wooyoung, widening in surprise. San and Wooyoung both noticed this reaction.
"He said you'd come," the man blurted out.
"Who?" Wooyoung inquired.
"I don't know. He never showed his face, but he sounded like he'd planned everything beforehand. He showed me your picture and said, 'This man will approach you,'" the man explained, pausing briefly. "And he told me to pass along this message."
"What message?" Wooyoung pressed.
"That you should forget about her. She's living her life, and you should too," the man relayed.
"Was there a woman named Y/N and a child with her?" Wooyoung asked, visibly agitated.
"No, I don't know," the man replied, prompting Wooyoung to tighten his fist. San signaled his men to escort the man out of the office.
"I need to reach out to Yunho; we have less time I presume," Wooyoung declared, rising from his chair. San felt the urgency in his words.
It had been over a month and a half, and still, there was no trace of Y/N and Grace. "Just call me whenever you need me," San offered, but Wooyoung only nodded before leaving the office. He had to inform Yunho, yet he hadn't even sent a text or made a call since yesterday.
As he drove to the station, his expression was so lifeless that even a corpse would seem more animated in comparison. Wooyoung knew he couldn't afford to waste any time.
With the case closed, he could now assist Yunho in the search for Y/N and Grace.
As he finally arrived at the station, the clock struck 7 PM. Time seemed to fly by like a gust of wind, leaving Wooyoung feeling as if he had just blinked and the day had slipped away.
Despite the whirlwind of events that had unfolded throughout the day, it all felt like a fleeting moment to him.
As Wooyoung reached the station, his heart weighed heavy with anticipation. There, waiting for him, was Changbin, his expression unreadable.
Wooyoung knew there was a conversation that needed to happen between them, a conversation he had been avoiding. Yet, standing face to face with Changbin now, he realized there was no escaping it.
"Hey," Changbin greeted softly, and Wooyoung nodded in response. "Mind if we chat for a bit?" he asked, and Wooyoung motioned for him to follow to his office. The other officers exchanged glances, sensing the weight of the moment.
The room filled with a heavy silence as neither Wooyoung nor Changbin spoke for a while. Changbin could sense the burden etched on Wooyoung's face, yet he harbored no anger.
Clearing his throat, Changbin spoke up, "Wooyoung, I can see it in your eyes, but it's not your fault. Don't carry this weight alone."
Wooyoung was taken aback by Changbin's understanding. He had anticipated anger, not this empathy. "But I promised you and Yun Hee that I'd crack the case, that I'd bring the culprits to justice, and I haven't even found a clue," Wooyoung admitted, his voice heavy with self-blame.
Changbin felt a pang in his chest hearing Wooyoung's self-criticism. "Wooyoung, we all know now that this was a meticulously planned conspiracy, and we were mere pawns. The person behind this wanted to shatter you from within. Yun Hee and I have never doubted your abilities; we understand the dirty games played against you. We're relieved the culprits are caught, dead or alive. But that's not why I'm here," Changbin reassured. "I'm here for you, amidst all this chaos. I want you to know that I'm by your side, and I'll do whatever it takes to help you find Y/N and your daughter."
"I'll take a look at the business the Lee's have and let you know if I find anything. But I really should head out; Yun Hee's alone at home." Changbin rose from his seat, a hint of concern in his voice as he moved to leave.
"Oh, and Yun Hee wanted me to remind you that you're not alone." With a grateful nod from Wooyoung, Changbin exited the room.
Wooyoung hastily searched for his phone after Changbin departed. He needed to call Yunho, but before he could, Hyeri burst into his office, causing him to jump at the sudden intrusion.
"What's going on?" Wooyoung asked, his tone edged with frustration at the interruption.
"Excuse me, Sir, but I have some urgent news," Hyeri said, her voice trembling. "The Jeju police department contacted us and gave us this." She handed an envelope to Wooyoung, her fingers shaking.
Wooyoung's heart pounded as he tore open the envelope, dread pooling in his stomach. He could see the fear in Hyeri's eyes as she nervously bit her lip.
As Wooyoung unfolded the letter, his world seemed to tilt. Questions and doubts swirled in his mind, each one more frantic than the last. "They sent this just now, but they made the decision yesterday," Hyeri explained, her voice barely above a whisper.
Wooyoung's grip on the paper tightened until the edges crumpled, his anger palpable. Hyeri watched him, a sense of foreboding settling in. She knew she had more to reveal, but fear kept her silent.
Wooyoung took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He set the now-crumpled paper aside, his voice a mix of disbelief and fury. "An official notice that the case is closed," he murmured, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. "Just because they couldn't solve it, they labeled Y/N as a runaway." His fists clenched, knuckles white with rage. "On what grounds? What proof do they have?" he demanded, his voice rising.
Hyeri, almost stuttering, couldn't find her voice. Instead, she took out her iPad, her hands trembling, and showed him the next piece of the puzzle, the unspoken truth hanging heavily in the air between them.
"They sent us this." There it was, a picture posted on Instagram—many pictures, actually, of Y/N, smiling and happy on vacation. But what was wrong with that?
The unsettling fact that Y/N was with someone who didn’t look like just a friend. In the picture, Y/N was in the arms of a man, slightly lifted off the ground—a man who was not Wooyoung.
"They're going to release a statement tomorrow," Hyeri said hesitantly.
Wooyoung squinted at the picture. He had seen the man somewhere before. Recognition dawned on him: it was Kang Yeosang, the son of Mrs. Kang, whose testimony had led to Mr. Lee's downfall.
Yeosang had been missing for the past two to three weeks, and now here he was with Y/N.
Hyeri watched Wooyoung closely, expecting an outburst, a shattered iPad, something dramatic. But to her surprise, he remained calm, a strange tranquility in his demeanor. He simply handed the iPad back to her without a word.
The case was closed, but Wooyoung’s reaction was anything but what she had anticipated.
His eyes betrayed a storm brewing beneath the surface, yet he maintained a composed exterior, leaving Hyeri bewildered and concerned.
"The Jeju police announced that they plan to address the media," Hyeri began, but stopped abruptly when Wooyoung's stern gaze met hers. "Because Y/N faked her own kidnapping and ran away."
"What?" Wooyoung's voice was tight with barely controlled anger. "If the case is closed, why are they bringing it up publicly now?"
Hyeri took a deep breath before answering, "They consider it an act of treachery. The note they found at her house—they claim she forged it. That's why this is being treated as treachery, and both Y/N and Yeosang are being summoned to the police station."
"Huh, unbelievable. I should talk to Yunho." Wooyoung began searching for his phone, but it was nowhere to be found. He muttered to himself, "How dare they close the case? These pictures are fake, I know it." With frustration, Wooyoung threw his bag to the side and grasped his head, taking a deep breath.
"What if it really is true?" Hyeri said calmly, testing the waters.
"What did you say? These pictures are true?" Wooyoung asked sharply. "Even a high schooler could tell these are fake. The pictures were found, and those foreigners were caught this morning. Doesn't it sound suspicious to you?" His tone was rude. "This is fake."
"But repeating it won't change the truth, Wooyoung," Hyeri countered. "The case is already closed. The world believes in solid proof, not emotions." She was right, and Wooyoung detested the fact that she was.
The world, the police, and the court would only believe in solid evidence.
"No," Wooyoung bellowed, defiance lacing every syllable. “No, No, No….” His shouts reverberated in the room as he swept everything off his desk.
"Why?” Hyeri shot back, her voice rising in frustration. “Why does it always have to be Y/N? Why can't you just forget about her, damn it? She left you.” Hyeri's anger flared. “She wasn't even worth it, just a regular writer who wasn't even a cop. She wasn't even that good of a woman. And that kid she claimed was yours? What if she’s just lied to you?"
Her words cut through Wooyoung like a knife, leaving him reeling in pain and confusion. "Remember those five tough years you went through? It was me who stood by you, through thick and thin, while you battled your demons. I was the one who held your hand, wiped your tears, and cheered you on. Not her.”
A slow chuckle escaped Wooyoung as he turned to face Hyeri. "I see what's going on here. Taking your shot because Y/N isn't around," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "But these pictures mean nothing to me. I know they're fake. Closing the case was the only option to keep me away from finding the truth, and it means I was getting close."
He paused, his expression serious. "You talk about being there for me during tough times, but bringing food doesn't mean you understood what I was going through. How could you, when you don't even know one percent of my struggles? And now, you could be involved with them too, couldn't you? Trying to push Y/N out of my life?"
Wooyoung's tone was firm as he continued, "I won't fall for this. I've suffered from not trusting Y/N before, and I won't make that mistake again." He locked eyes with Hyeri. "No matter what you try, I'll find her. And now that the case is closed, I have more freedom to search. I'll do it my way, on my terms. Just you wait."
Hyeri threatened him, "The chief and board members knew you’d say that," she said. "There are orders, Wooyoung. If you don’t stop your madness, say goodbye to the Seoul Police Department." And as for trust, let me tell you this: the child you're so concerned about, Mingi knew about it. Y/N told him about the child. You didn’t know, did you?”
Wooyoung looked back over his shoulder, a smile playing on his lips. "You think that mere threat would stop me?" he said. With determination, he added, "If this is my restriction, I’m breaking it." Wooyoung tore off the badge from his shirt and walked outside.
Other officers glanced his way, surely overhearing everything Hyeri and he had said, but Wooyoung didn’t dwell on their thoughts. He headed straight for the exit, where he spotted Han with a surprised expression, suggesting he'd also heard everything.
Before Wooyoung could speak, Han said, "I have some really important information about the jacket," blurting it out just as Wooyoung guessed he would. "Come with me," Han asked, gesturing for Wooyoung to follow.
Without hesitation, Wooyoung complied, making his way toward the car and settling into the passenger’s seat.
"I came across a sketch of the jacket when I was assigned to the case," Han explained as he started the engine. "It looked familiar, and after you left the hospital, it clicked."
"Where? Where did you see it?" Wooyoung asked eagerly.
"Relax, he can give you a good answer," Han reassured him as he parked the car outside an art studio.
They entered the studio together. It was breathtaking, with grandeur evident in the large walls adorned with an array of paintings and crayon sketches. People milled about, admiring the artwork or quietly working on their own blank canvases.
"Are you okay?" Han asked softly, his gaze drifting around the art studio.
Wooyoung let out a quiet sigh, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I'm... just here, you know? Neither fully alive nor completely gone. Just holding onto hope that someday I'll find them. It's like I've become numb to everything. Lost..." His voice trailed off, a sad smile playing on his lips.
Han felt a pang of helplessness wash over him as he listened to Wooyoung.
"Can I help you two?" The woman, dressed in formal attire, who seemed to be the studio owner, inquired. “Oh, Han after such a long time?” She said as she saw it was Han.
"Oh, it’s always a pleasure to see you, Alice,” Wooyoung noticed that Han was such a sweet talker, maybe that is his way to find clues. “But we are on duty and we need to see your brother real quick,” Han completed, and a sigh slipped from the woman's lips. She pinched the bridge of her nose and said, "Of course, it is always him."
Han placed his hand over his heart and gasped. “If it weren’t for work, I’d have come here only for you, I swear on my poor heart,” Han replied dramatically, and Wooyoung was sure if he heard another word coming out of Han’s mouth he’d puke.
The woman nodded understandingly and motioned for them to follow her. Leading them down a hallway and through a long corridor adorned with massive paintings protected by glass, she explained that these artworks belonged to the man they sought, Hyunjin.
Finally, she knocked on the red door, but there was no response. Sighing once more, she unlocked the door.
Inside the room, the walls gleamed white, but they were shielded by protective plastic, with paint sprays and spills scattered about.
Amidst it all was a man, slender and wiry, his hair cascading long enough to be tied back with a hairband. He swayed to the rhythm of his music, lost in his painting.
"Hey, Hyunjin," the woman's voice pierced through his concentration as she approached, plucking his headphones away.
"What?" Hyunjin snapped, irritation evident in his tone.
"Got some visitors for you. Next time, either keep your door open or ditch those dang headphones," she scolded, stomping off.
Hyunjin rolled his eyes, then turned his attention to Han and Wooyoung. But his expression shifted when he caught sight of Han.
"My brother, Han," he exclaimed, ushering them inside.
Hyunjin was stunning, like a piece of art meticulously crafted to exude beauty. "Sorry 'bout my sister, she's a bit off her rocker anyway. What brings you here?" he asked, his voice softening with a hint of apology.
Hyunjin settled onto the bar stool and gestured toward the small couch in his studio room.
"You remember that jacket sketch from a few weeks back?" Han inquired, his tone laden with concern. Hyunjin furrowed his brows, trying to recall, then nodded as realization dawned on him. "Can you show us the sketch?"
"Of course, no need to ask, just make yourselves at home," Hyunjin replied dramatically, rising from his seat to search for the sketch. "By the way, why that sketch?" he queried.
"I need to see who wore that jacket," Wooyoung said.
"Well, I don't know if this would be enough, but..." Hyunjin produced a sketch wrapped in protective plastic. "Here you go." He extended his hand to offer the sketch, and Wooyoung hesitated before accepting it, his heart racing.
He was too scared to look at the drawing, but when he saw whose sketch it was, he was shocked to the core.
"So, do you know him?" Hyunjin asked. "I was in Ulsan. I heard there's going to be a demolition of the area near the lighthouse. It was my favorite place, so I went there to bid my farewell. That's when I saw him, and my eyes were glued to him. I drew this after three days, based on my memory," Hyunjin explained, and Han almost clapped at his narration.
“You are gay.” Han blurted out earning a glare from Hyunjin who was ready to throw his speech on how wrong Han was.
“How did you even become a cop?” Hyunjin remarked. “I was saying this on the arts perspective, he looked so good to be sketched, like a sheep in wolf’s clothing, he looked like he was maintaining his demeanor to never be found, I saw the art.” Hyunjin started to banter.
"Ulsan, you say?" Wooyoung repeated and Hyunjin stopped and looked at Wooyoung.
"Yeah, do you know him?" Hyunjin asked again.
"Very well," Wooyoung replied. "Thanks, Han," Wooyoung said as Han nodded in response. Then, Wooyoung turned his attention to Hyunjin and asked, "Hyunjin, can I borrow this?"
Hyunjin tsked and dramatically flipped his hair. "Of course you can, but..." he began, pausing as he was about to step out. "You know, these pieces of art are really tough to make, and there's no such thing as a free meal."
Wooyoung knew exactly what Hyunjin meant. He quickly fished some money out of his wallet and handed it to Hyunjin before rushing out.
"Wait, Chief!" Han shouted, chasing after Wooyoung, who was practically sprinting down the hall. Catching up to him outside, Han panted, "I know you're fast, Chief, but a car would save your stamina and time."
Both men hopped into the car, with Han taking the wheel. Wooyoung frantically searched his jacket pockets for his phone. "Where did I put my phone?" he exclaimed in frustration.
"You can use mine," Han offered, handing over his phone.
"I don't remember the number," Wooyoung replied, just as he felt a vibration from his bag. He had checked there before, but now the vibrating was unmistakable.
Wooyoung quickly fished out his phone and sighed in relief, though his expression turned serious when he saw the caller ID. It was Changbin.
Wooyoung answered the call and put it on speaker. "Wooyoung, I thought you should know this. Among the properties Lee owned, one has been under dispute for over 30 years—the old abandoned inn near the lighthouse in Ulsan. The government has ordered its demolition."
Everything suddenly made sense, the bigger picture becoming clear. "Wooyoung, are you there?" Changbin asked, not hearing a response. "The demolition is scheduled for tomorrow morning."
The call abruptly ended, it was Wooyoung who cut the call and it left him pale and visibly shaken, as if all the blood had drained from his face.
“Han, how fast can we get to Ulsan?” Wooyoung asked.
“If we take the road, it might be quicker but still 3-4 hours, but the streets are really busy today. Remember, there’s a protest against foreigners, so traffic is a mess. Plus, the trains aren’t running for the same reason,” Han replied.
Wooyoung glanced at his watch; it was almost 10 PM, and he desperately hoped morning would never come. “Han, I need to be there as soon as possible,” he said, his voice tinged with fear. “I have an idea. Drop me off here.”
Han hesitated, about to protest, but Wooyoung cut him off. “Drop me here and listen carefully. I need you to use your smooth talking to delay the demolition. Go as fast as you can.”
Understanding Wooyoung’s plan, Han nodded and pulled over. Wooyoung got out, gave Han a determined nod, and ran off to catch a taxi, knowing that going back to the station for his car would take too long.
As soon as he climbed into the taxi, Wooyoung quickly dialed a number, anxiously waiting for the other person to pick up.
"Hey, where are we going?" Wooyoung asked.
"We're heading to Grace’s school to pick her up," Y/N replied, grabbing her purse and car keys.
Wooyoung could hardly believe it. He was actually going to his daughter's school to pick her up—something fathers do. His face almost broke into a wide grin, but he managed to whisper a heartfelt "Thank you" to Y/N.
"Let’s go fulfill your fatherly duties," Y/N said with a calm smile. She knew how eagerly Wooyoung had been waiting for this moment, looking forward to the day he could go to Grace’s school and pick her up.
It was just a ten-minute ride, but those ten minutes truly tested Wooyoung's patience. His feet kept bouncing up and down with nervous energy. Y/N placed her hand on his knee, reassuring him that everything was okay.
The moment they reached the school, Wooyoung happily jumped out of the car and positioned himself right in front of the main entrance, eagerly waiting for his little princess to come running into his arms.
When he finally saw her, his heart swelled with joy. She wasn't alone, though; she was walking with her teacher and a group of other kids. Grace spotted him at the door, her face lighting up with a beaming smile. She gestured for her teacher to notice him too.
The teacher, a polite and good-looking man, smiled at Wooyoung, said goodbye to the other students, and gently held Grace's hand. Together, they walked over to where Wooyoung and Y/N were standing, ready to embrace their little girl.
"Teacher, this is my dad. He's a cop in Seoul," Grace blurted out, beaming at Wooyoung. She never missed a chance to mention her father's profession. Her teacher smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. "Dad, this is my teacher," she added sweetly.
"Hello, nice to finally meet you. I’m Christopher Bang, Grace’s homeroom teacher," the man introduced himself. Wooyoung returned the gesture and introduced himself, noting the awkward glance and smile shared between Christopher and Y/N.
"How are you doing, Y/N? Judging by the smile, I assume you're over the moon," he remarked, causing Y/N to laugh.
"Of course, Mommy is so happy!" Grace shouted in between.
"We should take our leave now. Grace has places to show her father, right, Grace?" Y/N said, and Grace nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course, of course, don’t let me hold you guys back," Christopher said, smiling and flashing his dimples. He was so polite and sweet. "Bye, Grace. Have fun," he said, waving at her. "Bye, Y/N and Wooyoung," he added almost in a whisper, before turning to go back inside the school.
The ride was tranquil, filled with the joy of Grace leading Wooyoung through her favorite park, where they played together. Every moment was a treasure for Wooyoung; he wished time would freeze right there.
He couldn’t believe his luck: being with Y/N again, her forgiveness, and the overwhelming happiness of having a family now. Grace, exhausted from their playtime, had fallen asleep in the backseat, leaving a peaceful silence in the car.
Y/N sensed the thoughts swirling in Wooyoung’s mind. "Christopher Bang was the guy I went on a blind date with. Miss Kim knew him and arranged the date," she revealed, meeting Wooyoung's gaze.
"I trust you, Y/N. I've learned from my mistakes," Wooyoung replied, his eyes reflecting guilt and remorse as he shifted his attention from the steering wheel to her.
"It's just a strange coincidence I noticed, that's all. I trust you," he added.
Y/N lightened the mood playfully. "You know what? You still have some fatherly duties left to fulfill," she teased, earning a puzzled look from Wooyoung.
"Hand me your phone," she requested, and Wooyoung complied without hesitation. Y/N swiftly dialed a number and handed it back to him. "There, Grace's homeroom teacher's number."
Wooyoung chuckled, almost tutting at her playfulness. "It's important, Wooyoung. Parents should always have their kid’s teacher's number handy. You never know when you'll need it," Y/N explained, and they both shared a laugh.
Wooyoung never thought he'd find himself needing to dial this number in a situation like this, but as the call connected, a familiar voice greeted him on the other end. "Hey there, Christopher Bang speaking."
"Hi, Christopher. Or should I say, 'wolf in sheep's clothing'?" Wooyoung quipped, earning a chuckle from Christopher. "Let's cut to the chase. Where are Y/N and my daughter?"
Despite already knowing the answer, Wooyoung wanted confirmation, hoping against hope that his suspicions were wrong.
"Oh, Wooyoung, how's it going? As for Y/N and Grace, I honestly have no clue. Shouldn't you, as her husband, have a better idea?" Christopher's response was casual, but Wooyoung could sense the undercurrent of concern in his voice. "I'm starting to get worried. Are they safe?"
"Enough with the act, Chan. I know you're involved in this," Wooyoung retorted firmly.
"I genuinely don't know what you're talking about, Wooyoung. I have no idea where they are, and you know I don't lie. If I had anything to do with it, you'd know," Christopher replied, his tone shifting to seriousness.
"Keep denying, but just remember, I'll expose you and anyone else involved," Wooyoung warned, his frustration palpable.
"Wooyoung you are mistaken," Christopher responded, his tone still calm as Wooyoung ended the call, feeling a mix of anger and determination.
The taxi was barely moving, inching forward at a frustratingly slow pace. To make matters worse, a massive crowd had begun to block the roads, halting any progress.
The rallies were in response to the foreigners who had harmed Yun Hee. Though they had been caught, the civilians demanded harsh punishment, calling for imprisonment or even stoning.
Wooyoung, however, didn't have time to spare. With only a few hours left, he was confident that the disputed inn was the best place to hide someone. He was becoming increasingly certain that Y/N and Grace were there.
He needed to reach the inn before its scheduled demolition, but the situation was deteriorating rapidly, making him more agitated by the minute.
It was almost midnight, and Wooyoung decided it would be best to run towards Ulsan. "Please, God, please don’t let this happen," he murmured as he pushed his way through the massive mob.
Suddenly, he remembered something important and stopped in his tracks to pull out his phone. He quickly dialed Yongbok's number.
"Yongbok was transferred to Busan last time I checked. He could get to Ulsan fast," Wooyoung thought, hoping for a quick response. What he didn’t know was that Yunho and Mingi were also in Busan. The last time he talked to Yunho, they had been in Incheon.
The call went unanswered, and Wooyoung cursed under his breath. He kept calling Yongbok, desperately hoping he would pick up, but each call went straight to voicemail. Frustrated and anxious, Wooyoung muttered,
"I don't know what to do. God, please help me." Shoving his phone back into his pocket, he started running again.
His mind raced through the chaotic mess of events: the dispute over Mr. Lee's land, Y/N's kidnapping, the foreigners being caught, the fake news about Y/N being a runaway, and the impending demolition.
It all seemed to point to one thing—that someone was orchestrating these events to make Y/N disappear without a trace, and without arousing suspicion.
Wooyoung was running, streams of tears flowing continuously and blurring his vision, causing him to fall hard. He hit the ground badly, scraping his arms and hitting his jaw.
Wooyoung groaned in pain, but his cries were drowned out by the chaos of the mob surging through the streets. He felt utterly helpless, not knowing who to turn to for help. Time was slipping away, and he feared he wouldn't make it in time.
He desperately wished that Inspector Han could convince the officials to stop the demolition. Han was trying his best, but without solid evidence or a compelling reason, the officials refused to budge.
Even though injured, Wooyoung compelled himself to rise, mustering the strength for another attempt to sprint and rescue his love. Having lost her once due to his own missteps, he was determined not to let it happen again.
When Y/N was first introduced to the team as the linguist and handwriting analyst, Wooyoung never imagined they could ever be together.
"Team, please welcome Y/N. She's a language expert, fluent in almost seven languages, and given the escalating nature of our case, her expertise might prove invaluable," announced the team leader.
Y/N stood confidently, exuding an air of authority as she introduced herself. She collaborated frequently with Yongbok, conversing in English, and an immediate rapport was established.
Wooyoung, though the team leader, had yet to approach her, unsure of how to do so without appearing awkward.
Despite being able to concoct any reason to engage with her, he found himself feeling apprehensive, and thus, he never spoke to her—until one day, when the station was deserted, and Y/N arrived early to analyze writings.
Sensing the opportune moment, Wooyoung steeled himself and made his way toward her desk. However, upon reaching her, he found himself at a loss for words, retreating awkwardly.
"Officer Wooyoung," called Y/N, causing him to nearly widen his eyes in disbelief. Slowly turning, he met her gaze.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, sir. I won't bite, and you can speak to me directly," she reassured him.
"What?" Wooyoung nearly blurted out, prompting a chuckle from Y/N.
"Officer, I can sense your inner struggle, whether to approach me or not."
"You're a handwriting analyst, not a mind reader," Wooyoung retorted, attempting to maintain a semblance of authority but immediately regretting his words.
"Of course," Y/N whispered, returning to her work. Wooyoung began to retreat to his own office but paused before leaving. "If you come across anything, meet me in my office," he instructed.
Y/N almost smiled to herself, murmuring, "Of course, you're the one handwriting as beautiful as I wish to read," making sure Wooyoung heard her, which he did.
Wooyoung found himself constantly switching between taking taxis and sprinting through the streets. He knew that if he kept up this pattern, it would take him forever to reach Ulsan.
Determined to expedite his journey, he finally opted for the subway. Despite his fatigue and a slight limp, he managed to board the train with heavy steps.
Thankfully, the trains were running behind schedule due to the chaos in the city. He counted himself lucky to have caught the last train to Ulsan at 12:15, though it also meant a longer journey ahead.
As he settled in, he couldn't help but pray fervently that he would arrive before the demolition, clinging to the hope of even the slightest chance to rescue Y/N and Grace.
At first, the train ran slowly, taking almost two hours to cover half the distance. However, once it reached Andong, it picked up speed and resumed its original pace.
It was nearly 2:45 AM, and Wooyoung's eyes were growing heavier. He was hurt, tired, and filled with sadness. Fighting against his exhaustion, he struggled to keep his eyes open.
Just then, his phone rang. With a groan, he pulled it out of his pocket and saw that it was Yunho calling. At first, he considered not answering, but an inexplicable urge compelled him to pick up the call.
"Wooyoung, where are you? I've been trying to reach you for two days," Yunho blurted as soon as Wooyoung picked up the call. "I have something very important to tell you, Wooyoung. Y/N’s case got closed."
"Wooyoung, are you listening?" Yunho asked.
"I know it got closed, and I also know why. That bastard played it well, and he kept denying everything," Wooyoung said, his voice filled with bitterness. Yunho fell silent for a moment.
"Who?" Yunho finally asked.
"I found the man with the black jacket," Wooyoung replied.
"What are you talking about? I called you to tell you that I found the jacket—the same black jacket," Yunho said. Wooyoung's ears perked up. What was Yunho talking about?
If Yunho had found the jacket and the man, then what was Christopher Bang doing in the sketch? The case suddenly became even messier.
"Me and Mingi, we came to Busan yesterday. I was in Mingi’s apartment when I saw it—the jacket. It was Mingi’s, and he confirmed it. I couldn't believe it, but it was evidence, so I had to call the team.
Mingi doesn’t know about it yet, but they’ll come today to arrest him for interrogation," Yunho explained.
But all Wooyoung heard was that Yunho and Mingi were in Busan.
"Yunho, are you in Busan?" Wooyoung asked, trying to keep his voice calm despite his nervousness. When Yunho confirmed with a yes, it felt like a divine answer to his prayers.
"Yunho, listen carefully. I don’t think it’s Mingi, but right now, I need you to get to Ulsan as fast as you can." Wooyoung quickly explained everything to Yunho.
As Yunho understood the gravity of the situation, a series of curses escaped his mouth, and he almost immediately rushed off.
Wooyoung almost cried thinking about how much time he could have saved if he had known Yunho was in Busan earlier. Now, they both had an equal distance to cover to reach Ulsan.
Demolitions were usually scheduled for the morning hours to avoid crowd interference, and this case was no different. Dawn had already broken; it was just a matter of minutes now.
Despite his exhaustion, Wooyoung dragged his injured feet off the train and made his way towards the lighthouse as quickly as possible. The birds had started to sing beautifully, but it was the last thing on Wooyoung’s mind.
His mind, overwhelmed by the urgency and fear, began to play tricks on him.
He had to keep going, no matter the cost.
Wooyoung clutched his bleeding side, his limp growing more pronounced with each painful step. Desperation fueled his every movement as he made his way toward the road.
He spotted a taxi parked at the curb, its driver reclining indifferently in the seat. Summoning his last reserves of strength, Wooyoung rushed over and knocked on the window.
"Please, take me to the lighthouse," Wooyoung begged, his voice hoarse with urgency.
The driver looked at him, unimpressed. "No way. It's too far and too late."
Wooyoung's heart sank, but he quickly pulled out a wad of cash, practically shoving it into the driver's hands. "I'll pay you double. Just get me there fast."
The driver's eyes widened at the sight of the money, and after a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Alright, get in."
The car roared to life, and they sped off into the night, urgency driving them forward. Wooyoung's eyes flickered to the clock on the dashboard, each ticking second hammering his nerves.
Every moment felt like an eternity, anxiety coursing through his veins as he grappled with the realization that time was slipping away.
"Faster," Wooyoung urged, his voice quivering with desperation.
The driver pressed the pedal to the floor, weaving through traffic with reckless abandon. The city lights blurred into streaks of color, a chaotic backdrop to their race against time.
Wooyoung's mind was a maelstrom of fear and hope, each passing second bringing him closer to the moment he dreaded most.
Finally, the lighthouse loomed into view, silhouetted against the predawn sky. But as they approached, Wooyoung's heart plummeted. The demolition had already begun.
The relentless sounds of machinery and the sight of workers moving with purpose filled him with a sense of impending doom.
"Stop here!" Wooyoung shouted, thrusting a handful of bills at the driver before stumbling out of the taxi.
Ignoring the searing pain in his leg, he ran towards the site. He spotted Yunho, engaged in a frantic argument with the workers, desperately trying to break through.
"Let me through!” Yunho's voice cracked with a mixture of anger and fear.
Wooyoung pushed through the crowd, his cries melding with Yunho's. "Please, stop! There are people inside!"
The workers remained steadfast, their faces cold and unyielding. Wooyoung's heart pounded as his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Han.
With trembling hands, he answered the call, clinging to a fragile thread of hope. "Han, tell me you did it. Tell me you stopped the demolition."
There was a heavy pause on the other end, then Han's voice came through, strained and filled with regret. "Sorry, Chief. I tried my best, but it was too late."
The words drained the very life from Wooyoung, leaving him a hollow shell. He stood there, eyes locked on the site where workers, oblivious to his anguish, completed their grim task. The final demolition charges were set. The countdown had begun.
"No! Stop!" Wooyoung's voice was a raw, desperate plea as he fought to reach the workers, but their grasp held him back. His cries echoed futilely, lost in the indifferent clamor.
Yunho rushed to his side, his presence a small comfort in the midst of chaos. But there was nothing he could do. They could only watch, helpless and horrified, as the inn—their inn—crumbled before their eyes.
Three explosions. That was all it took.
The first blast tore through the morning, the ground trembling beneath them as a cloud of dust and debris filled the air.
Wooyoung's legs buckled, and he fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. Beside him, Yunho stood frozen, his face a mask of shock and sorrow.
The second explosion followed, a deafening roar that ripped through their souls, tearing their hopes apart. The inn's structure sagged, collapsing in a slow, agonizing descent, each moment stretching into an eternity of pain.
By the time the third blast echoed, the inn was nothing more than a pile of rubble. The finality of it shattered Wooyoung’s spirit. A guttural scream tore from his throat, a raw manifestation of his unbearable anguish, reverberating through the now silent morning.
Everything was gone, right before Wooyoung’s eyes. His last desperate attempt to save his love lay in ruins before him. The mechanical sounds and Yunho's frantic calls seemed distant, muted by the roaring silence of his grief.
His vision blurred, and the pain of his injury paled in comparison to the ache in his heart. The weight of his despair crushed him, and his body gave out. He collapsed onto the dust-laden ground, unconscious, wishing with all his being that he would never open his eyes again.
It was the end of winter, the end of the cold and freezing snowy fields, and the beginning of summer. Three long, excruciating months had passed since the demolition in Ulsan.
The world seemed to have returned to its usual routines—no more rallies, no more mobs on the streets, no more strange behavior from foreigners.
The world was at peace. But what is peace? Is it the contentment we feel in our hearts, or is it merely the silence that surrounds us?
Wooyoung's life was far from content. His world was shrouded in silence, but could this truly be called peace?
Rumors about Y/N still swirled around, whispers that cut deeper than any blade. People pitied him, believing the love of his life had run away with someone else.
Was this peace? Or was it the sight of his friend Mingi still fighting for his innocence, out on temporary bail, his future uncertain and fragile?
Mr. Lee had vowed to turn Wooyoung's life into a whirlpool, a storm from which there was no escape. He succeeded. Not just Wooyoung, but everyone around him felt the weight of Mr. Lee’s vengeance.
These three months had been the coldest of Wooyoung's life, freezing him from within.
He withdrew into hibernation, never opening his door to anyone. The memories of Y/N and Grace haunted him every moment. He tried to find solace in Y/N's house in Jeju, but it only deepened his despair, driving him back to Seoul.
Yet, he never returned to the police department. The general tried to reach out, but Wooyoung refused to listen. The news had died down, but the seeds of scandal had already taken root in people's minds.
Even at his friend Changbin’s wedding, Wooyoung found no peace. He was genuinely happy for Changbin, but it was the first time in three months he had left his home.
As he sat around the round table with Han, Yunho, and Yongbok, attending Changbin and Yun Hee's wedding, he felt the weight of the past pressing down on him.
It was a new beginning for Changbin and Yun Hee, a bright dawn after the darkest night. Changbin and the others were happy to see Wooyoung, but no one spoke of the past.
"Chief, are you okay?" Han asked, breaking the fragile silence.
"I'm good," Wooyoung replied with a tight smile.
"Chief, I need to..." Han began, but Wooyoung cut him off, knowing where the conversation was headed. Han earned a glare from Yunho.
"Not now, Han. Please," Wooyoung said, excusing himself. "I'll be back." He left the table, seeking refuge in the smoking area.
Wooyoung didn’t cry, but his heart wept constantly. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves as he frantically checked his pockets for his medication—pills he had been taking for panic attacks for the past two months.
No one knew about his struggle. As he gulped down the bitter pill, a waiter approached with a drink.
"I didn't order this," Wooyoung said, but the waiter insisted, handing him a note along with the drink.
Wooyoung squinted, scrutinizing the faces in the room before slowly opening the note. His eyes widened as he read the words written inside.
"I know what happened to Y/N."
Those few words shook him to his core. The story hadn’t ended with the demolition; it was just the beginning. There was more to uncover. The truth still awaited Wooyoung, and his journey was far from over.
