Chapter 18: Enigma: Too Hard To Solve
I do know you,
I know you,
I think I know you.
Do I know you?
Y/N's P.O.V-
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
Slow step takes the clock.
The steam from the cup in my hand brushed against my face. I stared down at its prevailing dark brown shade, the face reflected on its surface with gloominess sketched on it. Last few days were tiring for me. Finishing work in the Big Hit office, I had to go to the base every night. Office to base, base to home- I was barely getting time to breathe properly.
Recalling about the dead body for the thousandth time, I shifted in disgust. It was not like I first time ever witnessed a dead body. It was not like I first time ever saw a killing like this.
Yet I felt disgusted about it.
The person's name was Duk Soo. Lee Duk Soo. He was nothing but a minor criminal. Too minor to make me think, how come a gang like BTS had any work with him. He had a few criminal records on stealing and etc. From the items received from his pockets, it was unanimous that he was an addict to drugs. Besides, he was also a lurker in drug marketing. He got arrested in a few raids but was able to bail out quick. Except for that, nothing else could be found that hinted about his connection with BTS, or their purpose behind to murder him. The department had been working on to find out further information. I was told I would be informed instant once after more details are found.
I clustered the files lazily.
Let's get back to work now.
> > > > > < < < < <
'What is this, Y/N?' I just stood, culpable.
'Your work performance is not satisfactory. You were doing well at first, but what is going on now? All of a sudden, your performance level just dropped down on the floor. Is everything okay?'
'Everything's okay with me, sir. Don't worry, I will get everything done quickly. I just need some time.' PD nim leaned back on his chair pausing for a second then asked, 'The boys have their photo shoot today, don't they?'
'Yes for the High Cut magazine. They will be starting after a while. One hour or so.' 'The boys have their show just after two weeks. You see we don't have much time left-' Just then, the doorknob was twirled and someone's head peeked in.
'Yah, Hoseok, Jimin ah.'
'You called us, PD nim?' one of the 'someone's said in reply. 'Get in,' he turned back towards me, 'Y/N, as you are new in here, I am taking your faults lightly, but better get yourself together fast.'
'I will, thank you. You will find everything done before today's shift ends.' 'I will look forward to that. And this time better not be making any mistake.'
Without laying my eyes on anything or anyone else, I bowed and straight darted myself out of the office. Closing the door, I thumped my fist on the wall in frustration.
Everything had been going wrong with me since the very first of this week!!
I was buried under tons of works, most of them left off by that shitty manager. Then I was stuck with this mission unable to find a proper clue yet. Just nothing is working. Then, that PD nim guy just admonished and lectured me for delaying works. Well, I am not a robot. I can't be blamed. How am I supposed to do everything in such a short period all alone by myself?
The partial reflection over the wall glass on my left depicted the dullness spread over my face, and the partial dark circles under my eyes, marking the buried in stress and lack of sleep for nights. Handling two jobs was getting really difficult when both are pressurizing to accomplish work for them. Grabbing another cup of coffee on the way, I went back to the office.
I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. For the second time in my life, I felt completely given up on myself. My mind kept wandering off blankly until something lightly stroked my forehead. I flicked my eyes open and looked forward.
'Oh, hello. Good morning, Park Jimin.' I shrugged off the presence of the person who was aiming my forehead crumpling another paper. With a chuckle formed on lips, he stroke my forehead again, making me look up at him in annoyance, 'The morning doesn't seem to be appearing good for you though. May I know why our dear manager is sleeping in the office?' I asked instead of replying, ignoring his question, 'I didn't see you getting in. When did you come?'
'Just now, you were too busy napping that you didn't notice.' Taking a glimpse over my face, he exclaimed, 'Omo! You look horrible! Didn't you grab any sleep at night? You look like a dead person.'
A dead person… yeah sure I do...
I looked away. My mind wandered around the past incidents I witnessed with them involved.
Two members went out of the alley that time; it was they who committed the murder. Darkness hid their identity, also they had covered their face well. One of them was Yoongi for sure, who was the other one? It couldn't be any of Jin, Namjoon or Taehyung as their voices proved their presence in the car that moment. Therefore, the members left are - Hoseok, Jungkook, and Jimin. Couldn't it be Jimin?
If it was, then a cutthroat is standing before me right now whose hands were soaked with the blood of a victim not too long time ago, whose frozen heart didn't tilt just like his fingers before painting that deep red line to bring an end to someone's life. My hand rolled up to a fist itself and I quickly relaxed it. I was unable to do anything out of the blue before further information and pieces of evidence were found out.
'Earth to miss Y/N. Hello!' a hand waved in front of my face, snapping me back to the reality, 'Are you sleeping with your eyes open now?'
I just stared at him blankly. That glow of smile on that face, beneath it hidden tons of who-knows-what pages of cruelty, that never cared for anyone's tear, or laugh. The innocent and seemingly babyface in front of me now, who did it belong to? Which Park Jimin?
'Jimin, I am sorry but can you please leave now?' I spoke in a tired voice, 'I have works to do. What are you doing here anyway?'
'Why?' He pouted, 'Can't I even spare a short visit to our manager now?' Being clingier than ever, he brought his face closer, 'See my face and your day will get better!'
'Jimin, please!' I pushed him away, 'I am not in the mood of playing around with your cheesiness right now. Please. Leave.' 'Whoa!' maintaining his balance on the floor from my push, he said, 'I was just joking.'
'Y/N ah,' He studied my face for a while then asked with an unexpected concern revealing through his voice, 'is something bothering you?'
'Yes, it's you who is bothering me.'
'I am being serious.' The playful look on his face was now gone. Instead, he just stared still with no emotions playing on the left out empty space, 'I saw you getting scolded by PD nim a moment ago. Are you upset because of that? PD nim does scold sometimes if he disapproves someone's work, may get rude at times, but he is good and kind by heart.'
Perceiving no reaction from my side, he asked, 'then what is it?' I pursed my lips. My anger was rising so high, there was nothing right now to be able to appease me. He's a killer, all that I know, I just, hated him.
'May I ask…having problem with somebody? Any friend?' he hesitantly added after a second, 'Umm...Boy…friend?'
I scoffed, 'Yup, you can say that.' However, he was unable to detect the sarcasm in my voice. His eyes widened in full surprise. 'Oui? Really? You…have a boyfriend?'
'Yup. I do. Why won't I? Everyone does! And then why are you so much interested in my personal life? If something's bothering me, then let it do so. Whether I am okay or not, why do you CARE? Who am I to you?!'
I regretted my words immediately I blurted them out, I wish I could take them back. There was a hurt expression getting sketched on his face. Maybe I just went too far. Jimin pursed his lips to a thin line and looked down.
'Sorry to bother you then, manager ssi.' He turned around and proceeded towards the door, but I immediately stopped him grabbing his arm.
'I am really sorry Jimin. Don't take my words too seriously. I didn't mean to hurt or something. It's just- Ugh!' I held my head and shook firmly, letting out a sigh, 'I am going through a lot lately. I am unable to remain myself.'
Observing me for a second, Jimin came forward and softly ruffled my hair, I was surprised. 'It's okay.' His small hand gently patted my shoulder, 'I can understand. You must feel really troubled.' His soft sweet voice whispered in a melodic way, 'I go through these shits too.'
His touch was too tender and calming for me to deny brushing it off. I just nodded. 'C'mon.' Before I could realize, I was dragged off my chair.
'Wae?' I was surprised by his sudden action, he dragged me out of the office and proceeded towards the elevator, 'Where are you taking me to?'
'Just stick along.' Was all that he said.
'Jimin, are you planning to leave now?' I tried to catch up with his fast pace as he pulled me along to exit the building, 'You can't leave. You will have to head for the shooting just a few whiles after along with others. And neither can I leave. I have work to do.' He didn't pay even a bother to my words.
'Umm...what is this?' I stared at the guy confused. We were standing before a bunch of bush with no path forward.
'It's a shortcut. C'mon.' he crawled down and moved forward. I had no other choice, so I just followed him from behind. Once after the bushes ended, I went up and released a breath, 'Whew! It was…Oh my-!' I stood stunned. No word would escape my mouth.
It was heaven.
A vast blue sky was cut off and embedded on the ground in front, appearing like a lake. The waves were dancing in the direction of the Zephyr, hitting against the tiny grasses peeking out on the frontage. The dismal weather was adding a touch of sophistication along with it. Just one glimpse over the whole environment was able to calm down one's mind.
'Nice.' I murmured. 'It's a small part of the Seoul Forest.' Jimin appeared beside me. (A/N: Seoul Forest is just a vast public area conquering a large region. Idk if it's near to the Big Hit. So, I used it off anyway)
'You come here a lot?' I asked. 'Yes, whenever I feel the need to lighten up.' he spread his arms out, 'is it working?'
'You sneak in like this every time?' I quirked. 'Er…' he chuckled, scratching his neck. I shrugged and stared at the trees concealing the view. The wind brushing against the trail of leaves in the playground of the trees' heads, the psithurism was like a song sung to reach any distressed heart. Verily, it felt like a track by a cherub. Or a Koel at least.
'Spread your arms like this,' he moved my hands up to both sides and said, 'Now take a deep breath closing your eyes.'
All that I could think of was how close he was standing next to me at that time. His scent was refreshing, his touch was alike. 'Like the breathing yoga thing?' I did what he said and took a deep breath. It was working. All the stress and anxieties embedded inside my brain went away immediately. The mission, the objective to keep your eyes and brain all sharp at all point, the numerous files lying on the desk on the desk of my office-- were replaced with the vibrant ray of smile on my face.
'Feeling okay now?' He smiled observing my face, then took a seat on the grass bed. I sat beside him. Silence prevailed, but there was no awkwardness triumphing within it. He said after a while.
'You know, you can talk to me if you ever feel troubled. I will listen. We are a family.' I looked at him, trying to know if he meant what he said. His words did seem genuine for the while. A family? The word hit me.
What is a family? How could I be their family?...
I would have never thought of him so caring for others, I just knew him to be the bad, the worst, the Maleficent. Then again, Maleficent from the screen cared for Aurora. I didn't think of him to be that either. Why could I just not...understand him?
I glanced around casually, enjoying all the moment for myself for the time being. This side of the place seemed to be less visited by people, probably a bit desolated than other parts. My eyes fell on a few people, who were slowly proceeding near the spot. Foreigners, a small family comprising of four members. Maybe they were out for a picnic. I sat cross-legged laying my eyes on them, especially on the tiniest member. A small kid, probably had passed four or five years of life until now, was dashing around in excitement, leaving his rest of the family behind, too eager to acknowledge everything of this world with his tiny dreamy eyes. I smiled at his cuteness and looked forward.
'Ouch!' not after much time, a small groan of child's voice made me look back again. The kid was sitting on the ground holding his knee, groaning under his breath in pain. Before I could get up and head towards the boy, I found Jimin heading to him faster than I was.
'Are you hurt?' he knelt down and spoke softly to the boy. The boy just stared at him with a touch of fear in his eyes, meeting a stranger. His pant had got a bit dirty, him still holding the knee. 'C'mon. Show me. Don't be afraid.' Jimin spoke in a friendly manner to dust off the fear of the boy's mind. The kid hesitantly removed his hands. The area showed a bit swollen up, turning red.
'It hurts.' His small pouted lips mumbled, placing his pain before the hesitation to talk at least enough. Jimin observed the wound a bit and said smiling, 'It's a small cut. Don't worry. You will be fine.' he turned towards me as I joined in, 'Y/N ah, do you have any handkerchief or tissue? Mind if I use one?'
As I brought out one, he soaked it in the water of the lake and gently started to wipe off the specks of dust smeared on the wounded part.
'May I help?' I asked, 'I am good with these works.' 'No, I can do it myself.' he replied. 'What's your name?' he asked continuing with his broken English to initiate a casual conversation with the kid. 'Andrew.' Said the boy.
'Aw, you have a very cute name.' he ruffled the boy's hair, making him smile. 'What's yours?' Andrew asked.
'I am Jimin.' He pointed at me, 'And this is Y/N.'
'Bangawo…Jimin, Y/N.' Andrew made a small bow. 'Woah! You speak Korean?'
'No, that's the only Korean phrase I know.' He chuckled cutely. 'Is that your family over there?' I pointed at the couple standing with their teenage daughter in a distant.
'Yes.' He replied. 'You shouldn't run around leaving your parents behind. You may get lost.' Jimin said.
'They walk too slowly. So I just leave them behind.'
'Aw, are they the one too slow or are you the one who is too fast?' Jimin poked Andrew's baby cheeks, both starting their laughs. Their conversation went on; I just sat like a silent audience and observed the two of them.
The way Jimin acted, talked, treated, behaved, clearly expressed his love for Andrew, and kids like him. Both of them seemed to grow bondage already as if they knew each other for years. I just stared at his loving nature with wonder.
At one time, he makes me think that he's just a complete jerk. Another time he makes me realize him to be nothing but a heinous criminal. And now...he is cute and so...human?
Once I feel disgusted about him, and the very next moment he amazes me showing off his lovable side, making me think that there can actually remain a good side of him. More like a mirage he was. The Fata Morgana. I just didn't know which one to believe, which one to not fall for.
I really didn't.
'Andy, I told you not to run around like that-' the mother finally came by in search of her son, then stopped seeing him with us, 'Uh?'
'Hello, you must be Andrew's mom.' Jimin bowed, getting up. Andrew ran to his mother. 'Oh! You got hurt, I spare you free for a second and look what you get into.' finishing scolding the little boy, she looked at us with a grateful smile, 'Thank you for taking care of him. And I am sorry for the trouble he caused.'
'Not a problem.' Andrew held Jimin's hand for the last time with his small palms and flashed the sweetest smile, able to melt any steel-plated heart. Jimin waved at the departing figure of mother and son. The smile on his face was the biggest I had ever seen on him until now.
'Jimin.' He looked back at me. 'Ne?'
'Maybe we should go back now.'
> > > > > Time Skip < < < < <
Weekend's tomorrow.
I dragged myself on the pillow and took the phone out in a snail's motion. I barely checked out my phone during the past few days. As I expected, a pile of Liza's messages waiting for me on the screen to be opened. I sighed and clicked on it.
Liza : Y/N!
: I actually, for real, thought you were dead. Where had you been? I had been texting you like crazy and what you gave me in reply? Just a hi? Seriously?
: I know the boys are addictive but how come you forget your BFF for that? T-T
: Are you gonna reply to me now????!!!
: Great! You're gone again!
Y/N : Hola.
The moment I switched off the light and snuggled myself under the blanket, the phone flashed up, crying out its ringtone. Checking the person's name on the screen, I picked up the call with a silly smile on.
'Yoboseyo?' No sound from the other side except for some small growls. 'Helloooo??'
The growls just intensified louder. 'Liza, I can't understand alien talks.'
'Y/N!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' I held the phone away in a distance unable to handle the sharp screech traveling out the phone's speaker. 'I hate you-'
'Okay, okay I know, stop. I am sorry." I pouted, trying to sound cute. 'Sorry? You think that one word of five alphabets can calm me down? Tell me how much I texted you the past days. And what did you do?' She scoffed, 'HI first? Now a hola? You know how much I hate it when someone doesn't reply to me?'
'I am really sorry, Lizi! I had so much work!' 'Oh so lame!' I could guess her widening eyes in pure disbelief, 'You think I am going to fall for that?'
'Liza, I ain't lying. That Big Hit is screwing my head off stuffing works on my head.' 'You see, greed brings disaster. Those moral lines you learned at pre-school were not all void and stupid.'
'Blah!' I poked my tongue out. Liza paused for a moment, calming down a bit before speaking again, 'I missed you, Y/N.' 'I missed you too, girl.' I smiled. 'But that doesn't mean I am going to forgive you that easy.'
She continued, 'tomorrow, you will have to spend the whole day with me and I. Will. Not take any excuse.'
'That's a punishment? I would love to get some as such more then.' 'I am not finished yet. Wherever we'll go, whatever we will be doing, you're going to pay for all of them.' 'Oh, okay. Now that's a punishment.'
'Yay! We get to hang out tomorrow!' she cheered in joy, 'And as I know you too well, don't you even dare even think to delay in getting ready. I will pick you up from your home.'
'Okay. Lizi, I am too sleepy right now. So let's talk later sometime.' The yawn leaving my mouth proved what I said, 'Good night.'
'Annyeong. Sleep tight. Wait-' I disconnected and kept the phone beside the pillow. Immediately after I closed my eyes, the phone beeped.
Liza : Y/N!
Y/N : What is it?
Liza : We didn't decide where we will hang out.
Y/N: Anywhere you wanna go.
Liza: Alright. Deal it is. Good night.
I almost threw the phone at the side. It beeped again, making me growl loudly in annoyance. This girl is going to screw my head off. Sometimes she can be really annoying.
I grabbed the phone to send Liza a cold reply but I had to stop. It wasn't Liza. Some text from some unknown person, that I didn't know. Being curious, I clicked on it.
... : Hello, Y/N. Awake still now?
Y/N : I am sorry but, who is it? Do I know you?
... : You don't know me?
Y/N : I don't think so?
... : But I know who are you, Y/N.
... : In fact, I know everything about you.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone