With a goal in mind, Yongguk marches into the station and right up to Detective Youngjae’s desk.

“Yongguk?” The detective watches the officer take a seat across from him at his working station. “Aren’t you supposed to be out of work recuperating?”

It’s been three days. It’s enough. “Do you have any idea where Haru is?”

The mention of the young girl’s name renders Youngjae silent. He didn’t know how to tell Yongguk this. He figured that while Yongguk is at home recovering, he would figure that part out.  

“When we found you, there was no one but you.” The people that supposedly left Yongguk in that state was also long gone when the force arrived. 

“But, she was there with me. We both –“

“There was another set of chains beside you. I believe she was also there but we didn’t see her.”

“Someone came for her.”

Youngjae nods. It makes sense. “You were caught up in it, Yongguk. Whatever that is going on with the local gangs, you were unfortunately caught up in the fire as well.” 

“She’s a good kid, Youngjae.”

“Yongguk – “

“She is the reason why you found me.” Yongguk reveals. He wasn’t in his right mind then but what he remembers isn’t tricks. 

When Youngjae arrived after an anonymous call, Yongguk was already cut from his chains. He was just lying on the ground below the metal bar. For a moment, Youngjae thought they were too late. 

Looking away from the officer in front of him, Youngjae finds the public defender making his way towards them. “Thanks for coming, Himchan.”

Yongguk turns his head to find Himchan now beside him. 

“Geez, Officer Yongguk. A few more days of rest would certainly do you some good.” The bruises were starting to fade but the sight is anything but comforting. 

“What are you doing here?” The officer asks, unable to hide his confusion.

“There was enough information to issue a warrant for arrest.” The public defender takes the sheet out of his brief case and slides it towards Youngjae on the desk. 

“Who?” Yongguk asks. Did they find the culprits?

“Lee Haru.” Youngjae responds. “She’s wanted.”

What? Yongguk couldn’t wrap his mind around the turn of events. “What about a request to appear in court first for a hearing?” They skipped over that completely. 

“Her circumstances are different. She broke probation by not finishing her court order of volunteer work. The fact that she is the daughter of Lee Seonwoong, the head of Nabi, made it really easy to get the warrant.”

But, someone had to have put in such a call. “Why – who –“

***

When did she begin to realize?

Everything turned to the moment the gun went off beside her ear. The loud pop and the sound of a body dropping to the ground still resonates along with the vivid memory. 

That was the first moment at the tender age of nine did she realize what kind of place this was and the kind of place she didn’t want to be. 

From her bed, Haru watches her phone vibrate upon her desk set up against the opposite wall. 

Was it Yongguk again?

She thought if she ignored the first twenty times he called, he would have given up by now. How persistent. “Who is it?”

Barom who had found a home in the chair at her desk, looks down at the screen. “Jieun with a heart emoji.”

Ugh. “Hand it over.” Haru reaches out and Barom places the phone in her hands. Without a moment of hesitation, she answers the call. “I’m still alive.” She would certainly be devastated to learn.

“Haru? Wait, listen to me – “

“Oh, I am done listening to you.” Haru retorts with her cheek still pressed upon her mattress. “I should have listened to my gut feeling the night I took you home.” But, she gave the girl – who in no way deserved it – the benefit of a doubt. 

“You noticed it that night?”

“Yeah, Jieun.” Haru answers in all obviousness. “How couldn’t I? The tattoos