“Do you want the bar or – “

“The bar.” Haru responds before Junhong could finish his question.

Seeing how she was so adamant, he merely nods his head. “Try not to complain this time.”

She shrugs. They both knew she would end up complaining regardless. After getting dressed, she stepped out and behind the bar’s counter. The night brought in all sorts of visitors while Haru tried her best to cater to their wants – whether obnoxious or not. 

While cleaning a glass, Haru looked out into the bar’s open space as a familiar face entered her line of vision. With a small motion of his head, she looked around to see if there were possibly other customers before leaving her position. Leaving through the side door, she meets up with Jongup.

“You really like to annoy me.” Haru comments, “is this your job now?” What an easy way to get paid.

“The other day – “ He looks at her, observing her features. “Some of Nabi’s men were arrested. Word was, they saw an officer and a young girl that looks curiously just like you.” 

Haru crosses her arms across her chest. 

“Tell me it wasn’t you that was there that day.”

“It wasn’t me.” She tells him what he wants to hear. “Is that all?” As she started to turn away, Jongup made sure she knew he wasn’t done talking to her yet.

“If this is your way of retaliating, know that he won’t let you get away with it.”

“I’m seriously trembling.” Haru turns away before hearing his last words. 

“Haru, take the warning sincerely.” 

Waving him away, Haru continues inside. If it wasn’t obvious already, she didn’t care one bit. 

***

Leaving the closed bar together, Hyosung locked the door while Junhong and Haru stood waiting. A sigh leaves the boss’ lips as she turned around to face them.

“Geez, I always wondered why two high schoolers were working here.”

“Easy money.” They both respond in unison which urges a smile upon Hyosung’s face.

“Stay in school.” She says lastly before they all part for the night. 

“Hey, be careful walking back.” Junhong says as he begins to walk away. “…Look over your shoulder once in a while.”

“Speaking of which…” Haru drawls and the boy stops in his movements to look back at her. “There are some guys looking at you from across the street.” She says without glancing in their direction which made their conversation all the more casual. 

Junhong’s expression stills. “You noticed that.”

“They aren’t really acting discreet or anything.” It didn’t seem like they were friends waiting to meet up either. “Want me to handle it?” She offers, though it only encouraged a snort from Junhong.

“You?” 

She was half his size. Sure, he has seen her confront rude customers but that was something quite different than this situation. 

She merely shrugged in response. “Then, I’m going home.” As they headed in separate directions, she still couldn’t help but to observe the same boys that were watching them from the other side. 

Finding no one to be around anymore, she breathes out and continues down the path with a lighter heart. 

***

“Did you get your assignment today?” Haru asked Yongguk once he was before her. 

Looking down at the sheet again, he had a hard time believing he was entrusted with something like this. When others were getting these kinds of assignments, he was off watching in envy.

“…We’re observing today.” He informs her with a smile on his lips.

After the weekend’s big achievement, only good things could be predicted. “Looks like it’s going to be exciting.” Haru beamed up at him. “What is it?”

Getting caught up in her anticipation, his smile widens. “There are a string of robberies –“

Before he could even finish, Haru closes her eyes in pure bliss. This is what she’s talking about. 

Excitedly, Yongguk went on. “It’s a small neighborhood nearby and – “

“Not so fast.”

The two suddenly stop their moment and turn to look at the intruder. Well, this sure is a different look than from the usual. He was always doing paperwork so it was strange to see him doing something else other than that. 

“Your desk looks cleaner today, Detective Youngjae.” Yongguk comments with a smile.

“I’ve finally caught up with my work.” He responds.

“So, what is it?” Haru questions, not forgetting his previous interruption. 

Not saying a word, he gets up from his seat and grabs the jacket hanging off the back of his chair. “I’m joining you both today.” 

In such a situation, Haru found herself strangely not liking it. Her smile spontaneously falls from her face. 

“What?” Youngjae asks upon seeing the look she was giving him.

“I think it’ll be fun.” Yongguk comments while looking down at Haru. “Don’t you think so?”

“Mhm.” She hums a half-hearted response. 

As Youngjae leads them out, Haru couldn’t help feeling that Yongguk didn’t know people. After a few meetings with the detective, she is capable of describing him in one word – rigid. 

In conclusion, this was not going to be a fun time. 

***

Sitting in Youngjae’s car, Haru had one reason to be thankful for. If this were the cop car, she would surely feel like a criminal if she were separated from the two by a screen. 

Looking back down at her phone, she continues to scroll through the various news articles. For the day, the top article was about a charity obtaining a huge anonymous donation but she was on the lookout for one specific update and when she finally found it, her face lit up. Leaning forward and putting herself between the two front seats, she offers the phone to Yongguk. 

“Look, your arrest made the news.” 

“Did it really?” Yongguk never checked himself. He leans over to take a closer look. “It really did.” He comments to himself softly, in shock at what he was seeing.