-- September 28, 2017, 07:30 AM --

-- K’s Safe House, Incheon --

Sunmi yawned as she parked her car in front of a warehouse. She had 2 cups of coffee in a tray as well as a bag with sandwiches inside. She looked up at the building that K told her to go to. The meeting place was at 8:00 AM but K texted her to come earlier to meet someone. She entered the building and looked around carefully, checking to see if the place was all clear. K told them to find the mark so that they could be able to meet him. She looked around for a few moments before spotting a yellow book with the Project D Symbol. She pulled the book and as she expected, a secret passageway opened up. She went down a flight of stairs and through a door before she saw a girl around her age, maybe just a little bit older, sitting on the couch.

“Oh, hello.” She said with a smile and a bow as the young woman did the same as well.

“You must be the person K wanted me to meet.” Sunmi told her as she set the food she brought down on the table.

“Hello. K informed me that one of the female members would be arriving earlier than the rest so I could get comfortable. My name is Sejeong. I am 21 years old.” She introduced herself.

“Oh! You’re an unnie. My name is Sunmi. I’m 20 years old.” Sunmi introduced herself. She picked up one of the coffees she bought and handed it to her.

“I hope you like Americano. If not, I asked for a lot of extra sugar and cream.” Sunmi said with a smile as she handed the drink over.

“Thank you! You really didn’t have to.” Sejeong said as she took the coffee from Sunmi. Sunmi offered her a sandwich as well. They sat down and started talking, getting to know each other. They then reached the topic on why she was not around the day before.

“My invitation was actually stolen. I think it was the one used by the impostor. K told me a little about what you guys went through yesterday.” Sejeong mentioned. Sunmi was about to retort when the door opened again and Jaesuk walked in.

“Oppa! Good morning!” Sunmi happily said. Jaesuk smiled at her but was wary of Sejeong.

“Who are you?” He asked her.

“I’ve been invited to join the detective team.” Sejeong explained to him.

“I’m sorry but I’m just wondering… You need to have this mark though.” Jaesuk said as he showed her the mark found on the notebook. 

“You mean this?” Sejeong asked as she turned around and parted her hair to show her neck.

“Oh, yes. This.” Jaesuk confirmed.

“She’s cool, oppa. K sent me here earlier than you guys to help her get comfortable.” Sunmi told him as she offered a sandwich. They talked for a bit and the other detectives arrived one by one.

“There is something K asked me to pass along to you guys.” Sejeong said as she handed Jaesuk an object. Jaesuk plugged it into a projector and the video was shown on the wall in front of them. It showed a man maybe in his mid to late 50s or early 60s.

“Is he K?” Jaesuk asked out loud.

“It’s nice to meet you all, detectives. I’m the leader of Project D and your boss, K.” The man in the video introduced himself and everyone reacted in awe.

“That man is K?” Jongmin asked everyone.

“All of you must have been very surprised by the recent incidents; even I didn't see them coming. Project D aims to eradicate social evils. A long time ago, we analyzed famous detectives’ DNA data and inserted the chip in you guys. However, an unexpected error occurred with those microchips. Due to the side effects, all of you started to lose your memory gradually, so I decided to scrap the project altogether. Some people were against my decision, of course. But I’ve been observing all of you in secret. And I found out that the microchips are still affecting you all. It convinced me that I would be able to start another detective team with you, so I got M to put you through a test called “Murder Game” in order to evaluate your qualifications as detectives.” K explained to them.

“Ah, I see.”

“That’s what happened.” Expressions of understanding were heard throughout the room.

“Through some digging, I found out that Yeonseok snatched the invitation that was supposed to go to Sejeong and joined the team. Then my two best men, M and C, were killed by him. He ran away, so you should all be careful at all times. There might be a mastermind behind him. I feel terrible about losing them, but the incidents certainly proved your capabilities as detectives. Hence, I would like to formally launch a detective team with you and solve cases for clients. Best of luck to you all.” K cheered for them before the video was cut.

“Then I guess we will start getting cases from clients, but are there any now?” Jaesuk asked them.

“I can ask my Appa as well. He might know a few people.” Sunmi volunteered.

“Why? What does your dad do? I’m really curious about this especially since a team of men in suits came to pick you up at C’s house yesterday. Is your dad a gangster?” Jaesuk asked her and Sunmi shook her head with a small smile.

“Well, I guess I can trust you guys. After all, one of the foundations of teamwork is trust.   My Appa is the Korean National Police Agency’s Deputy Chief.” Sunmi admitted to them and they were all shocked.

“That means that your parents are high profile. How did you even end up under Project D if your parents are very known?” Jaesuk asked her.

“I don’t have much recollection of life before my Appa and Eomma. I was adopted at the age of 10. Besides, no one knows that I’m his daughter. My father was very strict with my security, growing up. It wasn’t until I told him I joined a Mystery Club that he let me out of the house without bodyguards or a driver. I’m a blackbelt in Judo and Taekwondo, I can take care of myself.” Sunmi reassured them.

“That’s why you were able to do those high kicks like it was nothing.” Kwangsoo told her and