Chapter 44.1

Chapter 44.1

Before Heeju realized it, Yunam was behind her, pulling her by the arm as if he’d been waiting for the moment, guiding her away from the car.

“Let’s go.”

“You’re really letting him go alone?”

“Hyung-nim will… be fine.”

His expression was rigid as stone. The tone made it sound more like a wish than a certainty. Leaving the two of them behind, Gukhyun’s car drove off without hesitation.

When Yunam opened the gate, two men waiting inside bowed their heads.

“Stay alert around the perimeter. If you spot anything suspicious, skip the report and respond immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

The mansion, wrapped in darkness, was quiet as always, yet a strange tension filled the air. It felt like the calm before a storm. Men with earpieces stood hidden in the shadows at every corner, keeping watch in silence.

“I need to head out right away. Please, don’t act on your own.”

Escorting Heeju to the front door, Yunam opened it and said,

“I’m sorry to put it this way, but bringing you back here cost us time we could’ve spent finding Sungang. Stay inside. Stay quiet. It’s dangerous outside.”

Heeju nodded and stepped into the foyer. The housekeeper was already waiting by the door.

Even without Yunam’s warning, lying low and wasting time inside the house had become the one thing she was good at lately.

“Please take care of Miss Ko, ma’am. I’m counting on you.”

“Yes, sir. Don’t worry, I’ll look after her. Please be careful yourself.”

Yunam gave a short nod and left the mansion. The housekeeper turned to Heeju with a gentle voice.

“You must’ve been frightened out there. Come in and warm yourself up.”

Heeju staggered inside.

“I’ve prepared dinner. Would you like to eat right away?”

“No, thank you, ma’am. I’ll… eat later.”

Even though she couldn’t see, the housekeeper’s face took on a pitying expression, as if she could see Heeju Ko’s half-vacant look.

“You should eat something.”

“Yes… but when the Executive Director comes back…”

“He’ll be late tonight.”

“Still, I’ll wait.”

Leaving the worried housekeeper behind, Heeju walked to the bathroom and turned on the tap. Ssshhhhhh. Cold water gushed out. She dipped her hands into the icy stream and stared at her pale reflection in the mirror.

She couldn’t stop thinking about Sungang’s severed ear. The corners of her eyes, stiff with tension, suddenly burned hot. Bending forward, she splashed the frigid water over her face.

—

An indoor fishing pond on the outskirts of Seoul. Neon signs flickered nonstop. The air reeked of a foul, fishy smell. Jeobeok-jeobeok. Soft footsteps. A man standing at the entrance called out, his voice tight with tension.

“Who’s there!”

“…I was invited.”

Dim moonlight caught the man’s face. Recognizing Gukhyun, the guard quickly drew his Glock and leveled it at him.

“Stop right there! Come any closer and I’ll shoot!”

“I told you. I’m invited.”

Cheolkuk. The sound of a round chambering snapped through the air.

“Hands up over your head. Turn to the wall!”

“Are you alone?”

Gukhyun didn’t stop walking. Ttubuk-ttubuk—his steps drew closer. The man aiming the gun faltered, retreating in confusion.

“Pathetic. Perfect day to die.”

“I—I—I’ll really shoot!”

The muzzle aimed at Gukhyun’s chest trembled violently.

“Doesn’t look like you can.”

“I said I’ll really shoot!”

“Call for backup. You look scared just standing here alone. Where’d they even find a rookie like you? Useless.”

Gukhyun stepped forward until the shaking barrel pressed against his chest. The man was panting now, almost ready to collapse.

Just as the man’s finger began to tighten on the trigger, Gukhyun calmly drew a Colt from inside his coat and offered it to him.

“Here. My weapon.”

Then he carelessly lifted his pant leg. Pulling a knife from the sheath strapped to his garter, he tossed it aside. Chalgeurang! The knife skidded across the floor, ringing as it slid down the corridor.

“S-sir, I’ll have to search you. Please turn around and face the wall.”

Without a word, Gukhyun placed his hands against the wall. The man aimed the gun at his back and began patting him down, starting from the chest and slowly working his way down.

When his hand brushed over Gukhyun’s hard abdomen and down to his thigh, it suddenly froze. What the…? Still unsure, the guard pressed the same spot again—

“That’s my d*ck,” Gukhyun said smoothly, glancing back at him.

“S-sorry…! You can go in now!”

The man jerked his hand away and hurriedly knocked on the door.

“Executive Director Kwon is entering.”

The door opened from the inside on its own. Once Gukhyun stepped through, it shut behind him with a heavy bang.