======= Two Months Later =======

“Hyomin-ssi, are you ready for your first public appearance in months??” a man asked. “You know.. You don’t have to push yourself if you don’t want to.”

A chuckle was given as a response, “Nonsense, if I couldn’t do it today, then when will I be able to..? I have to be strong..” Hyomin replied. She was a bit more… different.

“As you wish,” the man next to her bowed towards her. “Let us go, then. Your first appearance is to come in two hours. We should prepare until then.” He was her personal bodyguard.

He stared at her continuously without moving an inch. Hyomin noticed this.

“What are you thinking about?” Hyomin asked.

“H-huh? Oh.. N-nothing big. I’m just thinking about later today’s schedule and how the people would react after not seeing you for so long.. And also about your health condition,” the man replied.

Hyomin smiled at him reassuringly, “It’s okay, really. I’m fine.”

Are you really? Hyomin? Are you really “fine”? The man thought.

--

“Hey! Did you hear? The heiress Park Hyomin is finally going to make a public appearance once again today!”

“Huh? Why did I just hear this now!? Where!!?”

Two civilians were discussing enthusiastically. Everyone wanted to see the Park Hyomin that they’ve been missing.

“... And not only that, she’s going to donate more money to charity again! What a big appearance that she’s planning to make, again!”

“She’s amazing…”

Jiyeon was eavesdropping, sitting on a park bench nearby. Her eyes widened, What? Has she finally come back? Can I see her again? Can I -- Can I.. Can I -- !? Park Hyomin .. My dear, beloved Park Hyomin… Unconsciously, she gave off a frightening smile.

--

“Eunjung-ssi, you have been struggling for months to find our big serial killer. All you can do is just deduce and come up with more clues and hints, but you’ve never really pointed out directly who the identity is. Why, and what’s taking you so long?” a stern voice asked.

Please Subscribe to read the full chapter