Innocent [1/2]
Title: Innocent [1/2]
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing: slight!KrisHo
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: Every day people make choices, and every night they must sleep with the consequences of those choices.
Author's Note: Thank you for tikibuddy91 for the beta work and the spazzing moments! Love you :) AND PLEASE, NO TRANSLATIONS ALLOWED!
All things truly wicked came from innocence.
--Ernest Hemingway
Yifan placed his mug of coffee on his desk as he stared blankly at the calendar.
The sounds of people typing on their keyboards and chitchattings in the room bothered him slightly, but the blond male dismissed the feeling of annoyance. Yifan propped himself up on one elbow on the table, resting his chin on his palm as he glanced around. Everyone talked in various tones that all he could hear in his ears was buzzing. The office was noisy, but then again, police stations were always noisy.
Instead of feeling irritated, Yifan curved his lips into a small smile.
It was only a week until his official resignation; he might as well enjoy the environment of what has been his workplace for the last five years. Yifan had filed his resignation letter last month. His boss had offered him an opportunity to transfer to another branch, but he had declined politely.
Yifan was still young. This November, he would turn twenty-nine. His career in the police department as a homicide detective was bright. The male’s sense of justice was strong, and everyone thought it must have been something he inherited from his father, who was also a police officer. Unfortunately, his father died two years ago and his mother soon moved back to Canada. Ever since then, Yifan had been living all by himself in Seoul.
“Earth to Detective Wu!”
A cheerful voice jolted Yifan out of his reverie. He turned his head and spotted a cheeky grin on his partner’s face. Yifan had to prevent himself from rolling his eyes. “You should stop calling me that, Kyungsoo-yah.”
“You’re not allowed to protest,” Kyungsoo pouted childishly. “Besides, I only have a week left to be able to call you that.” The doe-eyed male fell silent momentarily. “So...you’re really going back to China?”
Yifan pursed his lips. “Yeah. I haven’t really decided yet, but I think I want to go to China first before heading back to Canada.”
“Is your mother all right with that? It’s been a long time since you last met her, right?”
Even though they were partners at work, it didn’t stop Kyungsoo to be all nagging and motherly towards Yifan. It was a habit that Yifan had come to accept since Kyungsoo was assigned to be his partner four years ago.
Yifan nodded. “Yeah. She’s okay with that.”
Kyungsoo pressed his lips into a thin line. He stared at Yifan thoughtfully, trying to read the other male’s expression, but he couldn’t read anything. Yifan was famous for his cold face; his expression was grumpy most of the time, and smiling was a rare thing he did. Kyungsoo wondered if Yifan was actually happy about his resignation or not. He never really found out. They had been partners for four years, and yet he never really knew Yifan.
“Yifan-hyung?”
Yifan stared at him. “Yeah?”
“Keep in touch?” Kyungsoo offered with a kind smile. It was the least he could do, and it was the only thing he wanted Yifan to promise.
Yifan’s eyes focused on the bridge of Kyungsoo’s nose before he nodded.
“If you want me to.”
Kyungsoo snorted. Cold people will always be cold.
***
Kyungsoo was thinking of throwing a surprise party for Yifan when Luhan walked to his desk. He knew Yifan hated parties, but this one needed to be done. It wasn’t exactly a celebration of him resigning, more like a celebration for the loss of a good partner and all their four years’ worth of memories they had been through together.
“Hyung, can I ask you a question?” Kyungsoo asked before Luhan even got the chance to open his mouth. “Do you think we should throw Yifan-hyung a farewell party?”
“Well, you know how much Yifan hates parties,” Luhan retorted with a nonchalant shrug. “If you want, I guess?”
“I want to, but I’m not sure if Yifan-hyung would like it...but this is our last week together. He’ll be going to China, and then to Canada, and we probably will never see him again,” Kyungsoo said sadly. “But if I throw him one, you’ll definitely go, right?”
“Yeah sure, why not?”
Kyungsoo grinned at Luhan. His smile faltered upon seeing the folder Luhan was holding. “What is that in your hands?”
“Ah, I have a case for you,” Luhan handed him the folder. “Missing person.”
“Missing person? Are you sure it’s for me?” Kyungsoo blinked in confusion. “Aren’t you supposed to deliver it to Minseok-hyung?”
“Well, the missing person was found dead, so I’m talking to the right person, right?”
“Dead?”
Yifan’s sudden voice surprised both of them. Kyungsoo glanced over his shoulder to see Yifan eyeing the folder curiously.
“I can take care of this myself,” Kyungsoo said as he clutched the folder to his chest. “Why don’t you just relax and enjoy your last week?”
“I want to have my last case with my partner,” Yifan stated firmly as he managed to snatch the folder, and Kyungsoo let out a yelp. “Consider this as our last date.”
Luhan faked a gag and rolled his eyes. “Fortunately I know Kyungsoo is dating Jongin, or else I would think that you two are a very disgusting couple.” With that, Luhan waved a hand and turned around to go back to his desk. “Oh, and keep me posted on the surprise party!”
Kyungsoo’s eyes widened and he felt like throwing Luhan something. Fortunately, Yifan didn’t seem to notice anything since his eyes were fixed on the files before him, his lips moving quickly as he read the reports. His expression changed, and Kyungsoo noticed it was the same expression Yifan wore when he became interested in a case.
“Choi Siwon,” Yifan read quietly. “Cause of death: Drowning.”
“Huh?” Kyungsoo frowned as he stood up, trying to read the same sentence Yifan read on the report. “Could it be an accident...?”
Yifan was quiet for a few more seconds before tapping the report with a finger. “His body was found floating offshore. They assumed he was drowned, but here’s the real deal: blunt force trauma to the head. It’s our case, all right.”
“Hmm. Then let’s go and see the body.”
“The body is still in the morgue. They’re calling the only family member of his to make a statement,” Luhan piped up from his desk when he saw Kyungsoo and Yifan grab their jackets. “You can call Chanyeol if you want to ask the family member a few questions.”
***
Yifan had always hated the morgue.
The place was filled with dead bodies, and he had no idea why someone with a bright smile like Chanyeol would want to work in such a place. But then again, the male had an obsession toward organs and observing corpses in the first place. They had been friends since high school, and Yifan had always thought Chanyeol a bit creepy.
Chanyeol was standing by the doorway when Yifan and Kyungsoo arrived. He acknowledged their presences, but unlike the usual, Chanyeol only gave them a slight nod before shifting his gaze back to whatever it was he stared at earlier. It was a bit weird because Chanyeol was always ecstatic whenever living people, other than his colleagues, came to his work because most of his guests were usually the dead ones. Curious, both Yifan and Kyungsoo leaned closer to Chanyeol to find out what had gotten him so interested.
Kyungsoo’s throat went dry.
There was a beautiful male-so beautiful that Kyungsoo thought an angel had descended to earth. The male was standing beside the dead body-Choi Siwon, apparently-with a blank expression and a hand placed on his chest. For a moment, all he did was stare at the figure. But then Kyungsoo noticed the other male’s eyes becoming teary and the next second, he burst out crying.
Kyungsoo was used to this. He was used to see people crying for the loss of their loved ones. He had seen mothers mourn for their sons. He had seen children lose their parents. It was a common view he saw as a detective. But the very view before him caused Kyungsoo so much pain, so unbearable that he himself felt like crying. The beautiful male didn’t wail, he didn’t whine, he didn’t scream. He sobbed silently into his hands, doing his best not to make a sound, but Kyungsoo could see from his shaking shoulders that he was in deep pain.
The male finally lost his strength as he dropped to his knees on the cold floor, and Kyungsoo rushed to him by instinct.
“Are you part of his family?”
The male looked up with tears still streaming down his face. He stared at Kyungsoo wordlessly. It didn’t seem like the crying male was going to say something soon, but when Kyungsoo offered his hand to help him stand, he took it and feebly gave Kyungsoo a nod.
“My name is Detective Do,” Kyungsoo said softly as they stood up. They probably had the same height. “And I’m here with my partner, Detective Wu,” he pointed at Yifan, who was standing behind them, with a thumb. “We’re here to ask you a few questions about your brother...do you mind if I ask your name?”
The male sniffled as he glanced at his brother’s lifeless body. It was clear that he was sad, and yet his eyes couldn’t hide the fact that he was also scared. His name came out as a whisper.
“I’m Choi Junmyeon...”
***
It was inappropriate to talk in the autopsy room, so they moved to Chanyeol’s office.
Choi Siwon was the last body Chanyeol had to autopsy for the day. After signing the report, he gave it to Yifan, who wordlessly secluded himself in the corner of the room. Junmyeon sat on the couch while Kyungsoo sat on an empty seat across Junmyeon. Yifan had been extremely silent ever since they arrived at the morgue, but it was nothing new. Chanyeol served Kyungsoo and Yifan two cups of coffee and a glass of water for Junmyeon before excusing himself to get ready to go home.
None of them touched their drinks.
“So,” Kyungsoo cleared his throat as he started talking. It’s the 12th of September, he mentally noted. “You reported your brother missing on September 10th.” Kyungsoo got a mute nod as a reply. “What made you think he was missing?”
Junmyeon hesitated. “He didn’t come home the day before...”
Kyungsoo made a few notes on a piece of paper as he nodded. “He didn’t come home on September 9th?”
“Yes...”
“Did you notice anything unusual on the last day he was home?”
Junmyeon looked thoughtful. “I... I wasn’t sure. He went to work as usual that morning and when he didn’t come home that night, I thought he must’ve overslept at a friend’s place...he did it all the time...”
“Your brother was found offshore.”
“Y-yes, so I heard...”
“At first we thought he drowned, but then Chanyeol-the guy whom you’ve met earlier-did the autopsy and your brother...” Kyungsoo paused, wishing that there was a better way to tell him. “...he was bludgeoned to death.”
Junmyeon turned pale and he started to tear up again.
“I know this is hard for you,” Kyungsoo said as softly as he could, like Junmyeon was some kind of an angel and Kyungsoo was scared to hurt him. “But do you have any idea who might want to hurt your brother...?”
Junmyeon shut his eyes and tears fell down his cheeks when he did. “I...” he whispered. “I don’t know... My brother didn’t have a lot of friends, and we don’t talk much... I mean, he was working all the time...”
“I see.”
Junmyeon shifted slightly on his seat and visibly bit his bottom lip. “I’m sorry, but...do we really have to do this here...? Aren’t we supposed to go to the station or something...?”
“That is if you’re a suspect. Which you’re not,” Kyungsoo added quickly when Junmyeon’s face turned even paler. “Like I said, it’s just a few questions.”
“Then...can we move someplace else?” Junmyeon’s expression dimmed as he wiped his tears away and stared at the door. “This place is terrifying...”
Kyungsoo put his pen down and turned his head to his partner. At times like these, Yifan would usually say something as a win-win solution. Kyungsoo waited for any kind of reaction from the Chinese-Canadian male, but the latter did nothing but to keep his eyes on Junmyeon. It was weird, because for the first time in their four years working together, Kyungsoo had a hunch Yifan was caught speechless. It brought a smile to his face as Kyungsoo turned his head back to Junmyeon. “You may go. Thank you very much for your time.”
Junmyeon blinked in disbelief. “R-really? That’s all?”
“Yes. We’ll contact you if we need anything else.”
Junmyeon bloomed with a relieved smile and Kyungsoo was slightly amazed at how beautiful he had become with such a simple gesture. “Thank you. I need to make arrangements of the funeral for my brother...” He was waiting in his seat for a few seconds, looking at Kyungsoo and Yifan in case they changed their minds. After seeing that it was alright for him to go, the male slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Kyungsoo. When Junmyeon was about to reach the door, Yifan spoke in a deep voice.
“Hey.”
Junmyeon halted in surprise and peered over his shoulder. “Yes...?”
“On the night of your brother’s death...where were you?”
Junmyeon’s eyes widened slightly at the question, like Junmyeon hadn’t expected anyone to ask him that. His surprise was genuine, and it wasn’t laced with nervousness or anything. It was pure shock. Junmyeon seemed to be thinking for a moment before answering, “I was with a friend...” He waited if there was going to be another question from Yifan, but the blond male said nothing after that. After several minutes that seemed like forever, Junmyeon turned around to exit the place.
Kyungsoo gaped. “What the hell was that-“
Yifan narrowed his eyes. “He’s lying.”
“Huh?”
“He killed his brother. He’s the killer.”
“How-how can you be so sure? Do you have any proof?”
Yifan stared. “I don’t. I’m just sure of it.”
Kyungsoo stared back at the older male before squinting his eyes into a glare. “We don’t arrest people because of hunch, Hyung. Of all people, I believe you to understand that the most.”
“This one is different.”
“He’s not. Now let’s go home. Junmyeon was right, this place is terrifying.”
“And you just found out about that? We have a friend who likes to work here, you know.”
Kyungsoo went blank. “You’re right. Chanyeol is much more terrifying.”
Yifan smirked.
***
Kyungsoo wished the case stopped there.
He hoped Yifan would just take everything lightly since it was his last week. The Chinese male had taken a day off after the day that he and Kyungsoo talked to Junmyeon. Kyungsoo really hoped that Yifan was actually home, packing for his stuffs and definitely not investigating something.
But when a manila folder with Choi Junmyeon written on top of it was placed on his desk the next morning, Kyungsoo sighed in defeat. Yifan was definitely not doing what Kyungsoo was hoping he would do. Beside his desk, Yifan was staring at his computer screen in a serious manner. The taller male was wearing earphones. Yifan acknowledged his partner’s presence and he only raised his eyebrows as a replacement for ‘hello’. Kyungsoo leaned on Yifan’s desk with a heavy sigh as he pulled one of the earphones deliberately and gave his detective partner a sideways glance.
“What?”
“Don’t you ‘what’ me, Detective Wu. Tell me what you’ve been doing all day, yesterday. Now.”
“I went to Junmyeon’s apartment.”
“Why am I not surprised...” Kyungsoo muttered under his breath. He gave Yifan a bemused look, demanding for more answers. “And did you find anything interesting?”
“Quite a few, actually. Glad you asked,” Yifan finally directed his gaze at Kyungsoo after several times of clicking on his mouse. “First of all, Junmyeon lied about his brother.”
“What did he lie about...?”
“He said he had no idea who would hurt his brother. It’s a bit impossible, considering the fact that a lot of people hated his brother. Here, read this. I stumbled upon an old article last night while searching for Choi Siwon.”
Yifan handed Kyungsoo a piece of paper. It was printed from the internet, and the date went back a few years. Kyungsoo pressed his lips together as he read the headlines and his eyes widened in realization. 24-year-old male went missing, boyfriend was accused to have killed him.
“I remember this case,” Kyungsoo said. “I had just graduated at that moment. Kim Kibum went missing and they suspected his boyfriend to be involved because all the leads went to him, but they couldn’t prove it because the body was never found...wait, so the boyfriend was Choi Siwon?”
Yifan nodded. “Apparently so. Since Kibum’s body was never found, they didn’t have any proof, and they couldn’t link him to it. Siwon was released, but it seemed like a lot of people weren’t happy with that. It seemed like Junmyeon and his late brother received undeniably huge amount of threatening letters that Siwon decided to move away, to their new apartment.”
“Then the ones that would most likely hurt Siwon...” Kyungsoo pondered. “It could be anyone from Kibum’s past. It could be Kibum’s ex-boyfriend-or girlfriend?-who happened to seek revenge. It could also be Kibum’s family-parents? Siblings?”
“Kibum only had a father and he died a year after his son went missing. I think he was depressed...but the father had never filed a lawsuit against Siwon. And Kibum was the only child.”
“I see...” Kyungsoo frowned. “But...does this have anything to do with Junmyeon?”
“That’s what I’m trying to find here,” Yifan sighed as he ruffled his hair in frustration. “What if Junmyeon found out about Kibum? What if he snapped and accidentally killed his brother?”
“That’s a good thought. Now, Yifan-hyung, what if he has nothing to do with it?”
Yifan stared coldly at Kyungsoo. “You think he has nothing to do with it.”
“His alibi checked out, remember?” Kyungsoo raised a brow to counter the older male’s statement. “He said he was with a friend the night of Siwon’s death. Unless the time of death was faked, there was no way-“ He fell silent at his own words. “Did I just say something that doesn’t make sense? Is that even possible...?”
“No,” Yifan grimaced. “It is definitely harder to estimate the time of death if one died because of drowning, but the autopsy told us everything.”
Kyungsoo shrugged. “Isn’t it enough proof? Or if you’re still unhappy, we could confirm with Junmyeon’s friend.”
“There’s no need,” Yifan grimaced and jerked his head toward the computer screen. Kyungsoo squinted his eyes and he realized Yifan was pausing a video. “I’ve asked for the CCTV in the hallway of the apartment, and on September 10th, he really went out with a friend.”
Kyungsoo pressed replay and he watched intently. The video wasn’t edited, he was sure about that. Judging from the autopsy report, Siwon’s time of death was on the same date around 7 in the evening, and the clock on the screen showed that it was 7:20 PM when Junmyeon walked out of his apartment with a friend. Their faces weren’t clear, but Kyungsoo could tell right away that it was Junmyeon in the video. They were walking together with their arms linking.
“Lovers...?”
Yifan pursed his lips in thought. “Perhaps.”
[2]
I WAS DEPRESSED I SWEAR YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THE NEXT PART HUHU T___T
Author: FloweryMisha
Pairing: slight!KrisHo
Warning: BoyxBoy love. Enough said.
Summary: Every day people make choices, and every night they must sleep with the consequences of those choices.
Author's Note: Thank you for tikibuddy91 for the beta work and the spazzing moments! Love you :) AND PLEASE, NO TRANSLATIONS ALLOWED!
All things truly wicked came from innocence.
--Ernest Hemingway
Yifan placed his mug of coffee on his desk as he stared blankly at the calendar.
The sounds of people typing on their keyboards and chitchattings in the room bothered him slightly, but the blond male dismissed the feeling of annoyance. Yifan propped himself up on one elbow on the table, resting his chin on his palm as he glanced around. Everyone talked in various tones that all he could hear in his ears was buzzing. The office was noisy, but then again, police stations were always noisy.
Instead of feeling irritated, Yifan curved his lips into a small smile.
It was only a week until his official resignation; he might as well enjoy the environment of what has been his workplace for the last five years. Yifan had filed his resignation letter last month. His boss had offered him an opportunity to transfer to another branch, but he had declined politely.
Yifan was still young. This November, he would turn twenty-nine. His career in the police department as a homicide detective was bright. The male’s sense of justice was strong, and everyone thought it must have been something he inherited from his father, who was also a police officer. Unfortunately, his father died two years ago and his mother soon moved back to Canada. Ever since then, Yifan had been living all by himself in Seoul.
“Earth to Detective Wu!”
A cheerful voice jolted Yifan out of his reverie. He turned his head and spotted a cheeky grin on his partner’s face. Yifan had to prevent himself from rolling his eyes. “You should stop calling me that, Kyungsoo-yah.”
“You’re not allowed to protest,” Kyungsoo pouted childishly. “Besides, I only have a week left to be able to call you that.” The doe-eyed male fell silent momentarily. “So...you’re really going back to China?”
Yifan pursed his lips. “Yeah. I haven’t really decided yet, but I think I want to go to China first before heading back to Canada.”
“Is your mother all right with that? It’s been a long time since you last met her, right?”
Even though they were partners at work, it didn’t stop Kyungsoo to be all nagging and motherly towards Yifan. It was a habit that Yifan had come to accept since Kyungsoo was assigned to be his partner four years ago.
Yifan nodded. “Yeah. She’s okay with that.”
Kyungsoo pressed his lips into a thin line. He stared at Yifan thoughtfully, trying to read the other male’s expression, but he couldn’t read anything. Yifan was famous for his cold face; his expression was grumpy most of the time, and smiling was a rare thing he did. Kyungsoo wondered if Yifan was actually happy about his resignation or not. He never really found out. They had been partners for four years, and yet he never really knew Yifan.
“Yifan-hyung?”
Yifan stared at him. “Yeah?”
“Keep in touch?” Kyungsoo offered with a kind smile. It was the least he could do, and it was the only thing he wanted Yifan to promise.
Yifan’s eyes focused on the bridge of Kyungsoo’s nose before he nodded.
“If you want me to.”
Kyungsoo snorted. Cold people will always be cold.
***
Kyungsoo was thinking of throwing a surprise party for Yifan when Luhan walked to his desk. He knew Yifan hated parties, but this one needed to be done. It wasn’t exactly a celebration of him resigning, more like a celebration for the loss of a good partner and all their four years’ worth of memories they had been through together.
“Hyung, can I ask you a question?” Kyungsoo asked before Luhan even got the chance to open his mouth. “Do you think we should throw Yifan-hyung a farewell party?”
“Well, you know how much Yifan hates parties,” Luhan retorted with a nonchalant shrug. “If you want, I guess?”
“I want to, but I’m not sure if Yifan-hyung would like it...but this is our last week together. He’ll be going to China, and then to Canada, and we probably will never see him again,” Kyungsoo said sadly. “But if I throw him one, you’ll definitely go, right?”
“Yeah sure, why not?”
Kyungsoo grinned at Luhan. His smile faltered upon seeing the folder Luhan was holding. “What is that in your hands?”
“Ah, I have a case for you,” Luhan handed him the folder. “Missing person.”
“Missing person? Are you sure it’s for me?” Kyungsoo blinked in confusion. “Aren’t you supposed to deliver it to Minseok-hyung?”
“Well, the missing person was found dead, so I’m talking to the right person, right?”
“Dead?”
Yifan’s sudden voice surprised both of them. Kyungsoo glanced over his shoulder to see Yifan eyeing the folder curiously.
“I can take care of this myself,” Kyungsoo said as he clutched the folder to his chest. “Why don’t you just relax and enjoy your last week?”
“I want to have my last case with my partner,” Yifan stated firmly as he managed to snatch the folder, and Kyungsoo let out a yelp. “Consider this as our last date.”
Luhan faked a gag and rolled his eyes. “Fortunately I know Kyungsoo is dating Jongin, or else I would think that you two are a very disgusting couple.” With that, Luhan waved a hand and turned around to go back to his desk. “Oh, and keep me posted on the surprise party!”
Kyungsoo’s eyes widened and he felt like throwing Luhan something. Fortunately, Yifan didn’t seem to notice anything since his eyes were fixed on the files before him, his lips moving quickly as he read the reports. His expression changed, and Kyungsoo noticed it was the same expression Yifan wore when he became interested in a case.
“Choi Siwon,” Yifan read quietly. “Cause of death: Drowning.”
“Huh?” Kyungsoo frowned as he stood up, trying to read the same sentence Yifan read on the report. “Could it be an accident...?”
Yifan was quiet for a few more seconds before tapping the report with a finger. “His body was found floating offshore. They assumed he was drowned, but here’s the real deal: blunt force trauma to the head. It’s our case, all right.”
“Hmm. Then let’s go and see the body.”
“The body is still in the morgue. They’re calling the only family member of his to make a statement,” Luhan piped up from his desk when he saw Kyungsoo and Yifan grab their jackets. “You can call Chanyeol if you want to ask the family member a few questions.”
***
Yifan had always hated the morgue.
The place was filled with dead bodies, and he had no idea why someone with a bright smile like Chanyeol would want to work in such a place. But then again, the male had an obsession toward organs and observing corpses in the first place. They had been friends since high school, and Yifan had always thought Chanyeol a bit creepy.
Chanyeol was standing by the doorway when Yifan and Kyungsoo arrived. He acknowledged their presences, but unlike the usual, Chanyeol only gave them a slight nod before shifting his gaze back to whatever it was he stared at earlier. It was a bit weird because Chanyeol was always ecstatic whenever living people, other than his colleagues, came to his work because most of his guests were usually the dead ones. Curious, both Yifan and Kyungsoo leaned closer to Chanyeol to find out what had gotten him so interested.
Kyungsoo’s throat went dry.
There was a beautiful male-so beautiful that Kyungsoo thought an angel had descended to earth. The male was standing beside the dead body-Choi Siwon, apparently-with a blank expression and a hand placed on his chest. For a moment, all he did was stare at the figure. But then Kyungsoo noticed the other male’s eyes becoming teary and the next second, he burst out crying.
Kyungsoo was used to this. He was used to see people crying for the loss of their loved ones. He had seen mothers mourn for their sons. He had seen children lose their parents. It was a common view he saw as a detective. But the very view before him caused Kyungsoo so much pain, so unbearable that he himself felt like crying. The beautiful male didn’t wail, he didn’t whine, he didn’t scream. He sobbed silently into his hands, doing his best not to make a sound, but Kyungsoo could see from his shaking shoulders that he was in deep pain.
The male finally lost his strength as he dropped to his knees on the cold floor, and Kyungsoo rushed to him by instinct.
“Are you part of his family?”
The male looked up with tears still streaming down his face. He stared at Kyungsoo wordlessly. It didn’t seem like the crying male was going to say something soon, but when Kyungsoo offered his hand to help him stand, he took it and feebly gave Kyungsoo a nod.
“My name is Detective Do,” Kyungsoo said softly as they stood up. They probably had the same height. “And I’m here with my partner, Detective Wu,” he pointed at Yifan, who was standing behind them, with a thumb. “We’re here to ask you a few questions about your brother...do you mind if I ask your name?”
The male sniffled as he glanced at his brother’s lifeless body. It was clear that he was sad, and yet his eyes couldn’t hide the fact that he was also scared. His name came out as a whisper.
“I’m Choi Junmyeon...”
***
It was inappropriate to talk in the autopsy room, so they moved to Chanyeol’s office.
Choi Siwon was the last body Chanyeol had to autopsy for the day. After signing the report, he gave it to Yifan, who wordlessly secluded himself in the corner of the room. Junmyeon sat on the couch while Kyungsoo sat on an empty seat across Junmyeon. Yifan had been extremely silent ever since they arrived at the morgue, but it was nothing new. Chanyeol served Kyungsoo and Yifan two cups of coffee and a glass of water for Junmyeon before excusing himself to get ready to go home.
None of them touched their drinks.
“So,” Kyungsoo cleared his throat as he started talking. It’s the 12th of September, he mentally noted. “You reported your brother missing on September 10th.” Kyungsoo got a mute nod as a reply. “What made you think he was missing?”
Junmyeon hesitated. “He didn’t come home the day before...”
Kyungsoo made a few notes on a piece of paper as he nodded. “He didn’t come home on September 9th?”
“Yes...”
“Did you notice anything unusual on the last day he was home?”
Junmyeon looked thoughtful. “I... I wasn’t sure. He went to work as usual that morning and when he didn’t come home that night, I thought he must’ve overslept at a friend’s place...he did it all the time...”
“Your brother was found offshore.”
“Y-yes, so I heard...”
“At first we thought he drowned, but then Chanyeol-the guy whom you’ve met earlier-did the autopsy and your brother...” Kyungsoo paused, wishing that there was a better way to tell him. “...he was bludgeoned to death.”
Junmyeon turned pale and he started to tear up again.
“I know this is hard for you,” Kyungsoo said as softly as he could, like Junmyeon was some kind of an angel and Kyungsoo was scared to hurt him. “But do you have any idea who might want to hurt your brother...?”
Junmyeon shut his eyes and tears fell down his cheeks when he did. “I...” he whispered. “I don’t know... My brother didn’t have a lot of friends, and we don’t talk much... I mean, he was working all the time...”
“I see.”
Junmyeon shifted slightly on his seat and visibly bit his bottom lip. “I’m sorry, but...do we really have to do this here...? Aren’t we supposed to go to the station or something...?”
“That is if you’re a suspect. Which you’re not,” Kyungsoo added quickly when Junmyeon’s face turned even paler. “Like I said, it’s just a few questions.”
“Then...can we move someplace else?” Junmyeon’s expression dimmed as he wiped his tears away and stared at the door. “This place is terrifying...”
Kyungsoo put his pen down and turned his head to his partner. At times like these, Yifan would usually say something as a win-win solution. Kyungsoo waited for any kind of reaction from the Chinese-Canadian male, but the latter did nothing but to keep his eyes on Junmyeon. It was weird, because for the first time in their four years working together, Kyungsoo had a hunch Yifan was caught speechless. It brought a smile to his face as Kyungsoo turned his head back to Junmyeon. “You may go. Thank you very much for your time.”
Junmyeon blinked in disbelief. “R-really? That’s all?”
“Yes. We’ll contact you if we need anything else.”
Junmyeon bloomed with a relieved smile and Kyungsoo was slightly amazed at how beautiful he had become with such a simple gesture. “Thank you. I need to make arrangements of the funeral for my brother...” He was waiting in his seat for a few seconds, looking at Kyungsoo and Yifan in case they changed their minds. After seeing that it was alright for him to go, the male slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Kyungsoo. When Junmyeon was about to reach the door, Yifan spoke in a deep voice.
“Hey.”
Junmyeon halted in surprise and peered over his shoulder. “Yes...?”
“On the night of your brother’s death...where were you?”
Junmyeon’s eyes widened slightly at the question, like Junmyeon hadn’t expected anyone to ask him that. His surprise was genuine, and it wasn’t laced with nervousness or anything. It was pure shock. Junmyeon seemed to be thinking for a moment before answering, “I was with a friend...” He waited if there was going to be another question from Yifan, but the blond male said nothing after that. After several minutes that seemed like forever, Junmyeon turned around to exit the place.
Kyungsoo gaped. “What the hell was that-“
Yifan narrowed his eyes. “He’s lying.”
“Huh?”
“He killed his brother. He’s the killer.”
“How-how can you be so sure? Do you have any proof?”
Yifan stared. “I don’t. I’m just sure of it.”
Kyungsoo stared back at the older male before squinting his eyes into a glare. “We don’t arrest people because of hunch, Hyung. Of all people, I believe you to understand that the most.”
“This one is different.”
“He’s not. Now let’s go home. Junmyeon was right, this place is terrifying.”
“And you just found out about that? We have a friend who likes to work here, you know.”
Kyungsoo went blank. “You’re right. Chanyeol is much more terrifying.”
Yifan smirked.
***
Kyungsoo wished the case stopped there.
He hoped Yifan would just take everything lightly since it was his last week. The Chinese male had taken a day off after the day that he and Kyungsoo talked to Junmyeon. Kyungsoo really hoped that Yifan was actually home, packing for his stuffs and definitely not investigating something.
But when a manila folder with Choi Junmyeon written on top of it was placed on his desk the next morning, Kyungsoo sighed in defeat. Yifan was definitely not doing what Kyungsoo was hoping he would do. Beside his desk, Yifan was staring at his computer screen in a serious manner. The taller male was wearing earphones. Yifan acknowledged his partner’s presence and he only raised his eyebrows as a replacement for ‘hello’. Kyungsoo leaned on Yifan’s desk with a heavy sigh as he pulled one of the earphones deliberately and gave his detective partner a sideways glance.
“What?”
“Don’t you ‘what’ me, Detective Wu. Tell me what you’ve been doing all day, yesterday. Now.”
“I went to Junmyeon’s apartment.”
“Why am I not surprised...” Kyungsoo muttered under his breath. He gave Yifan a bemused look, demanding for more answers. “And did you find anything interesting?”
“Quite a few, actually. Glad you asked,” Yifan finally directed his gaze at Kyungsoo after several times of clicking on his mouse. “First of all, Junmyeon lied about his brother.”
“What did he lie about...?”
“He said he had no idea who would hurt his brother. It’s a bit impossible, considering the fact that a lot of people hated his brother. Here, read this. I stumbled upon an old article last night while searching for Choi Siwon.”
Yifan handed Kyungsoo a piece of paper. It was printed from the internet, and the date went back a few years. Kyungsoo pressed his lips together as he read the headlines and his eyes widened in realization. 24-year-old male went missing, boyfriend was accused to have killed him.
“I remember this case,” Kyungsoo said. “I had just graduated at that moment. Kim Kibum went missing and they suspected his boyfriend to be involved because all the leads went to him, but they couldn’t prove it because the body was never found...wait, so the boyfriend was Choi Siwon?”
Yifan nodded. “Apparently so. Since Kibum’s body was never found, they didn’t have any proof, and they couldn’t link him to it. Siwon was released, but it seemed like a lot of people weren’t happy with that. It seemed like Junmyeon and his late brother received undeniably huge amount of threatening letters that Siwon decided to move away, to their new apartment.”
“Then the ones that would most likely hurt Siwon...” Kyungsoo pondered. “It could be anyone from Kibum’s past. It could be Kibum’s ex-boyfriend-or girlfriend?-who happened to seek revenge. It could also be Kibum’s family-parents? Siblings?”
“Kibum only had a father and he died a year after his son went missing. I think he was depressed...but the father had never filed a lawsuit against Siwon. And Kibum was the only child.”
“I see...” Kyungsoo frowned. “But...does this have anything to do with Junmyeon?”
“That’s what I’m trying to find here,” Yifan sighed as he ruffled his hair in frustration. “What if Junmyeon found out about Kibum? What if he snapped and accidentally killed his brother?”
“That’s a good thought. Now, Yifan-hyung, what if he has nothing to do with it?”
Yifan stared coldly at Kyungsoo. “You think he has nothing to do with it.”
“His alibi checked out, remember?” Kyungsoo raised a brow to counter the older male’s statement. “He said he was with a friend the night of Siwon’s death. Unless the time of death was faked, there was no way-“ He fell silent at his own words. “Did I just say something that doesn’t make sense? Is that even possible...?”
“No,” Yifan grimaced. “It is definitely harder to estimate the time of death if one died because of drowning, but the autopsy told us everything.”
Kyungsoo shrugged. “Isn’t it enough proof? Or if you’re still unhappy, we could confirm with Junmyeon’s friend.”
“There’s no need,” Yifan grimaced and jerked his head toward the computer screen. Kyungsoo squinted his eyes and he realized Yifan was pausing a video. “I’ve asked for the CCTV in the hallway of the apartment, and on September 10th, he really went out with a friend.”
Kyungsoo pressed replay and he watched intently. The video wasn’t edited, he was sure about that. Judging from the autopsy report, Siwon’s time of death was on the same date around 7 in the evening, and the clock on the screen showed that it was 7:20 PM when Junmyeon walked out of his apartment with a friend. Their faces weren’t clear, but Kyungsoo could tell right away that it was Junmyeon in the video. They were walking together with their arms linking.
“Lovers...?”
Yifan pursed his lips in thought. “Perhaps.”
[2]
I WAS DEPRESSED I SWEAR YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THE NEXT PART HUHU T___T