Chapter 12: Puzzle

“Target 2 spotted behind the door.”

“Roger!”

“Yong kong-ssi, please take care of yourself. Beware of other hidden targets.”

“Roger!”

Bang ya! Bang ya!

“Ahh…” Moonbyul sighed, slapping her own forehead lightly.

“I’m shot.” Solar raised her hand, embarrassed.

“One down...”

“Ding dong. Ding dong.” The game ended quickly.

“Solar unnie, why are you so weak?” A kid smiled innocently at her.

“Tears.” Solar showed her signature hand gesture.

“All right kids! Let’s gather.” The kindergarten teacher called them in.

“Hi…” Moonbyul awkwardly waved to the cheerful kids.

“1,2,3…” Solar counted the time slowly and sofly beside moonbyul.

“Yong-kong, Byul-kong! Byul-kong, Yong-kong! Moon and sunrise!” They did the ending pose with folded arms.

“Gosh.” Moonbyul couldn’t lift up her head.

“Solar unnie! Moonbyul unnie!” The kids cheered loudly, giving them a warm welcome.

The day before,

“Officer moonbyul and officer solar. Can you come in for a while?” L called them into his office out of a sudden.

“Is there anything wrong?” Solar broke the silence first, in his room.

“Well, nothing actually. I just need to inform you guys about something.” L explained, subconsciously rubbing his neck. “Wow, relax. It’s really nothing serious.” L reassured them. Moonbyul and solar were so tensed up. The thought of being called into their head’s office for no odd reasons, is indeed nerve wrecking.

“After the mart incident, I’ve thought for quite a while. It’s time for the two of you to take a short break.” L continued. “A break?” Moonbyul raised her voice slightly, clenched her fists behind her back. “?” Solar wasn’t aware of the situation. “Yes, a break. Starting from tomorrow till next week.” L added on.

“But…we are about to crack this case. We just have to locate him and make an arrest plan.” Moonbyul tried to decline his offer. After the mart incident, section 01 was assigned to follow another case. A serial killer strangling middle aged ladies to death. After days of overtime work, they have finally tracked down his identity.

“Can’t we take a break after this case ends?” Moonbyul voiced out her thought. “No.” L said sternly, passing them a piece of paper. “Officer moonbyul and Officer Solar will be assigned to pay a visit to daycream centre….” Solar read out the content of the letter. “Daycream centre?” Solar had a small frown on her face.

“It’s a kindergarten centre.” Moonbyul answered, staring hard at the letter unpleased.

“Everything have been decided. No objections will be accepted.” L crossed his arms, leaning back on his chair. “And yes, please pass all the relevant information regarding the case to me by today.” L ordered lastly, when they were about to leave the room.

“Sure.” Moonbyul replied reluctantly, closing the door with a little more strength.

Present,

“There isn’t time for this now.” Moonbyul murmured her words, looking out of the window.  The smiles of the kids didn’t help to reduce the anxiety of moonbyul.  The kids kept pestering the troubled moonbyul. On the other hand, solar was having a good time with the adorable kids.

“Yong sun unnie.” A little girl pulled Solar’s skirt lightly, with a bright smile on her face. “Yes?” Solar turned back and bent forward. “Nothing.” The girl continued smiling, holding on to Solar’s hands. “Ahh! How did you know my real name?” Solar realized a little late. “Can’t you remember me?” The little girl gave a mysterious smile.

Solar was dying to know. Her past. The old solar. It felt like her life’