“You know, I really think it’s that Heechul guy who’s messing up the case,” Hyukjae said, sipping from his cup of coffee. He sighed and leaned against his propped arm. “The problem is that I don’t have proof. Donghae goes nuts when I make empty accusations.”

Ryeowook chuckled and sipped his latte. “Why did you think it was him? I thought he was working closely with Chief Inspector Lee on the case.”

“Which gives him plenty of chances for sabotage. In fact, it could be that he knows who the real culprit is but is only covering up for him.” Hyukjae bit into his sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. “But that couldn’t be it. Heechul doesn’t go along well with anybody at all at the station. He wouldn’t risk his for people he calls ‘swine of the century’,” Hyukjae emphasised with his finger movements. “Swine my . He just hasn’t noticed himself in the mirror yet,” he snorted.

The younger officer laughed heartily with Hyukjae. “Hey, I think I’ve just thought of another joke and I’m gonna be needing your help.”

Hyukjae’s eyes glistened. “Do tell,” he said in interest, leaning forward at once. “I haven’t played a trick on anyone in ages.”

“It goes like this,” Ryeowook began, but then they were suddenly interrupted by the waiter. “Lobster frittata sub and caramelized onion rings?” he announced. The younger officer raised his hand awkwardly and laughed. “That would be mine. Hyukjae’s already eating his sub,” Ryeowook pointed out.

“You’re right, it is yours,” the waiter laughed. Hyukjae grinned at him. “Nice to see you again, D.O.”

“Glad to have you back, of course. Where’s your other friend?” D.O. asked, seeing that Donghae wasn’t around today.

“I’m with him today,” Hyukjae chuckled, gesturing towards the other officer. “Ryeowookie, D.O.; D.O., Ryeowookie. We’re colleagues. He’s a newbie.”

The waiter grinned at Ryeowook and bowed. “Nice to meet you. I’ve seen you before, right? I think it was two nights ago.”

Ryeowook’s face lit up with recognition. “Ah, no wonder you looked so familiar. How did your pie turn out?”

“Fair enough, the crust was a little burnt though,” the waiter chuckled. Hyukjae looked a little lost so D.O. took the initiative to explain. “We met at a bar and exchanged recipes. Though I think he was a little drunk when he gave me the recipe for his apple rhubarb pie. He didn’t even give me his name.”

“I was not drunk!” Ryeowook said, then reddened. “Okay, maybe I was. But I do remember you,” he laughed.

Hyukjae grinned and continued eating as he watched them exchange recipes for shepherd’s pie this time. He then pulled out his phone from his pocket and started scrolling while waiting for Ryeowook to finish his food.

* * *

Hyukjae slinked through the opening and closed the door behind him, wearing a silly grin on his face. Donghae didn’t even have to raise his head to know that it was Hyukjae. He was going through some very important papers and had made it clear that he didn’t want to be disturbed for the next two hours, but clearly Hyukjae didn’t get the memo.

“Hey babe.”

The Inspector nodded and continued reading, ignoring Hyukjae’s presence altogether. Hyukjae didn’t mind. He walked towards the table and sat down on one of the chairs, grinning like an idiot as he patiently waited for Donghae to give him a response.

“What is it? Stop staring at me like you’re gonna eat me up.”

Hyukjae chuckled and defended himself. “In all due respect, your highness, I’m just bringing you lunch. I’ve already had mine. No need to eat you up. Although if you wanted me to, then I guess that could be arranged—”

“Don’t,” Donghae interrupted at once, “even go there. And get that stupid grin off your face.”

“Why?” Hyukjae whined, pouting at once. “Is my baby mad at me? What did I do wrong? Did I forget your birthday? Is it our anniversary today? Did your coffee get cold before you could drink it this morning?”

Donghae furrowed his brows and looked up from the papers. “Shut up. I’ve got a lot of things in my head.”

Hyukjae handed his fiancé the neatly-wrapped sandwich, along with a warm cup of chocolate in a paper bag. “Mommy told me that the best way to cure an angry man is to cure his hungry stomach first,” he said, purposely looking as innocent as he could.

The Chief chuckled and set the papers aside. “I guess your mommy is right, then. Thank you.” He unwrapped the sandwich and began eating, suddenly aware of how hungry he actually was. The sandwich was gone in merely a few minutes. Hyukjae watched lovingly as Donghae finished his food before sitting back with a satisfied sigh. The elder then got up and started massaging his stiff neck and shoulders, making sure to ‘accidentally’ brush over the few sensitive spots on Donghae’s neck to , chuckling as the Chief let out small moans.

“How’s the case going, babe? Anything you wanna share?” Hyukjae asked, gently rubbing Donghae’s temples and inducing a soft groan from him.

“As expected, from the