“Okay, before you say anything, I have something to tell you.”

Haru breathed in as she thought over her words while her guidance counselor sat back into his seat and waited.

“I don’t have an answer for you yet but I have an idea.” She quickly said before he could interrupt.

“So…what’s this idea?” He didn’t know if this was another one of her ploys.

“Right now, I’m doing volunteer work at the police station – “

“Something we have yet to discuss – “ He added at the reminder, his voice already taking a scolding tone.

“ – Yeah, I know. But, back to the important point here.” Haru muttered. “We caught a thief the other day and it felt…” How should she say it? Like she gave the person what he deserved? That he had it coming and it was awesome that she was the one that gave it to him? “Exciting.” She chose to say instead. 

“Good.” Mr. Jung responded with a smile. “This is progress.”

If progress means not getting yelled at – sure. “So, what I’m saying is…I should – “

“Continue.” He said. “Continue what you’re doing.”

Pressing her lips together, she offered him a smile. “Great.”

***

“Sungwon said you were being very rude to him.” 

It felt like she was sitting in the principal’s office after some kid tattled tale on her. Staring at Youngjae, Haru didn’t take his words seriously. How could she? The accusation was ridiculous.

“Did he cry while he was at it?” She retorted. 

“ work?” 

Did she say that? “It was just a description.”

Youngjae breathed in and leaned back into his chair. “Look, do you want to increase your hours here?” That should get a better a response out of her.

“You can’t do that.”

“You can start back at the beginning again.” Youngjae threatened.

Throwing her foot down, Haru leaned forward and toward the desk. “For saying ‘ work’? Isn’t that a bit excessive?” She already got 20 torturous hours done.

Youngjae doesn’t respond right away but Haru saw his mind working. “We are always told to deal with the root of the problem, not just the surface – “

What did he mean by that?

He bends over behind his desk and Haru curiously watches him. Though she tried peering over the top of the desk, she couldn’t see what he was up to. Yet, within seconds, her question was answered. 

In Youngjae’s hand was a small blue ball that fit perfectly in his hand.

Haru’s eyes darted from the ball to Youngjae’s face, hoping to hear some explanation. “What joke is this?”

“It’s a stress ball.”

“I don’t have stress.”

“You have anger issues.” Youngjae didn’t want to say it so bluntly but he knew Haru could take it. “It’s good for that too.” He was starting to wonder why she wasn’t sent to anger management class but instead sent here. If anything, being here would encourage that behavior.

“…Are you kidding?”

“Does it look like I’m trying to be funny?” He questioned back.

Haru stared at him in complete disbelief. She couldn’t even say anything and instead, a scoff left through her lips.

“Haru, are you ready to go?”

Even though she heard Yongguk’s voice, Haru couldn’t tear her eyes away from Youngjae. Clicking her tongue, she took the blue ball from his hand and got up from her seat. Looking to see where Yongguk was, she headed over. 

Whatever. Agreeing to the stress ball was better than doing 20 more hours again.

***

Curiously, Yongguk eyed the bright blue object in the girl’s hand. “Where did you get that from?”

“Youngjae.” 

“Is that his dog’s ball?”

Haru knew Yongguk didn’t mean anything by it. It was his curiosity speaking, but she couldn’t help feeling even more irritated. “Did you end up doing Songwon’s or Sungwon’s reports?” Whatever the tattle tale’s name was.

“Huh?” Yongguk returned his attention back on his driving. “Oh, no. He came and took it back.”

Haru nodded her head, satisfied that at least her words did have some impact…even if she got threatened by Youngjae in the process. “So, what are we doing today?”

Yongguk smiled in response. “Patrol. Chief was happy with the arrest of the thief.”

“No scolding?”

“Nope.” 

“So, he’s happy as long as we arrest people?” And the gears in her mind begins turning.

“I wouldn’t say that…”

“Hey, Yongguk.” Haru begins once more, already consumed by the idea in her mind. “How would you like to stop getting yelled at for good?” Well, anyone would jump at that option.

“How do you plan I do that?”

“Make more arrests, give out more tickets…things of those sorts.”