"I want you to leave my son..."

"I won't leave him, not for you, not for anyone else..."

She needed to fight... but the kindness in her was stopping her... the battle in her was real...

Last night’s conversation with Areum triggered memories of their time in the military academy. People were so quick to judge her without making sure to check the second side of the story. She was also the main subject of rumors, but she could deal with them. Areum was sensitive yet she was a lot stronger than now. 

In the present time, her friend is just too fragile and too obedient. Areum she knew had her voice, she was loud when someone judged her, and she never cared how other people look at her. Or ask for permission. Eunji felt hurt. Because Dal hurt her in such a way just like her own father had done with her mother and her. She was triggered because Eunji apologized for each thing she had done. Her mother-in-law acted like a true mother yet her own didn’t lift a finger to even care what was done to her. 

***

“Eunji.” The woman softly said, placing a hand on her shoulder. 

Eunji only sniffled more tears. 

“I shouldn’t have brought you, I am sorry,” the woman looked at her, “I didn’t know they would...” 

“It’s okay... I know what I am. I am a criminal.” Eunji stammered. 

“Look at me.”

Eunji looked at her softly. “It was self-defense, it was either death or life. You defend yourself and your mother. Many young girls would learn from you. Many domestic abuse victims would applaud you for courage.” 

“My own mother...blames me...” She whispered. 

“And what do you say?” Jongin’s mother said gently, “What does Red say?”

Eunji burst into tears, fell into the latter's arms, and broke down. 

“Cry, let it out. I will be here to lift you up,” she whispered. 

***

Eunji teared up slightly. Baekhyun’s mother has made her blood boil and Eunji knew she had to act like a professional but she couldn’t. What had Areum done to deserve such harsh treatment? As she exited the car, she walked into the building and saw her husband. Eunji stopped and her knuckles cracked slightly. 

Calm down for Areum. You promised you’ll do nothing. Keep walking. She slowly walked. Luna, her assistant, walked next to her. 

Eunji will have to endure this for her. She can’t allow herself to act unprofessionally. She would do her job, do the investigation, interrogate people and the plane and she would be returned back home to Jongin and Jieun.

“She doesn’t seem very kind,” she commented. 

“No. But do not engage in conversations with her, just act professionally.” Eunji told her. 

Chanyeol saw them and walked up to them, smiling. “Hey!”

Eunji smiled. “Cousin!” She hugged him tightly. “You grow thin, do you eat anything?” She asked worriedly. 

“I am fine,” He winked before his attention was on the girl next to Eunji.

Eunji smirked slightly. “Allow me to introduce my assistant Luna Yoo. She will help me and interrogate people as well, at least one group of people while I inspect the plane.” 

The young woman bowed. “Nice to meet you,” she said. 

“Nice to meet you too,” He smiled. “Call me, Yeol.” 

“Oh, just in time, Kim,” Baekhyun said, “Come this way.” 

Eunji glanced at the two and looked at Chanyeol, the way he looked at her. She cleared . “Chanyeol, could you perhaps show Luna the room on the upper floor and just be with her while she interrogates?”

“I got nothing better to do!” He winked. 

Luna blushed slightly as she looked at him. Eunji smiled widely before shaking her head while walking off with Baekhyun.

*

“I have prepared everything that you have asked for,” Baekhyun said. 

“Thank you, Baekhyun,” she told him. 

As they approached, she squinted her eyes. “The cables are untouched. Not cut off at all.”

“Exactly,” Baekhyun confirmed.

“Have you guys gotten a notification beforehand that the plane may crash in advance?” Eunji questioned. 

“It’s a new airplane,” He explained. 

Eunji frowned. New airplane to crush like this. She pursed her lips as she inspected each part. 

“I brought the list of passengers, sir.”

Baekhyun took the list and handed it to her. Eunji’s focus was on the computer inside. She narrowed her eyes. She found the source the moment she turned it on. She took the list and went through it, her eyebrows raised at the name. 

Dal. 

“You.” She pointed at the male, “Have you seen this person among passengers?” 

“I have,” Baekhyun sighed. “The moment I saw his name, I knew who was behind it. I reported it… but his father is the chief of police.”

Eunji nodded. “Unfortunately,” she scoffed. “He can avoid jail without a problem. But I’ll put him behind bars. I promise you that. As for the computer, he already was malfunctioning. Take a look.” 

Males around her look dumbfounded. “But...Mrs. Kim. That’s...impossible, the plane was new, untouched.” 

“New technology is very sensitive, as my former commander would say,” said Eunji.

“Bring me the list of the people who last worked on this plane,” Baekhyun ordered as one of the men left.

“I would need you as a witness in her case, Baekhyun, but as I reminded Junmyeon don’t do anything that may badly affect Ari’s position in the case in any way. I want to punch Dal, believe me. I would...but…”

“Tell me about…” Baekhyun sighed. 

“I must return to the interrogation. You are free to go,” she grinned.

“Whatever you need, just ask.” 

“Just call in Jongin, I must interrogate the ATCs first. I hate to do this...” she rubbed her temples.

“Well you can always ask for help,” Baekhyun said. 

“Just ensure Areum is okay,” Eunji told him, “I went to her place last night, she is in pieces. Don’t tell her I told you.”

Baekhyun sighed. “I am aware of that… but she won’t talk about it. I know that she was hurt because of certain actions last night…”

“Because she doesn’t want to be someone’s burden and see how much she is affected. We act the same, Baek. I don’t tell everyone how bothered I am when kids are mentioned or jail, or domestic violence.“ Eunji told him, “Areum used to be strong but Dal killed her.”

“I want to kill that man!” Baekhyun hissed. “She literally apologies for every single thing!”

“I know, I did the same. Just try to understand her, don’t… tell her harshly she shouldn’t.” She whispered. 

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” He said. “I understand it all, and I want to help her.” 

She smiled. “See you later on a break.” 

“MOM!” 

Eunji turned around. She glanced at Jongin, who grinned innocently. She picked the girl up and hugged her tightly. Jieun hugged Eunji tightly, snuggling. “Hey, you little chipmunk.” 

“I couldn’t stop her,” Jongin smiled. 

“D