‘Why would such a thing happen?’

‘Why’ was such a powerful, yet vague word.

Chen sank back into his chair, silently drumming his fingers on the vintage planks of his desk. His eyes flickered in the dim light of the office, fixing its gaze onto one particular photo frame across the room.

Xiumin.

The knock of the door broke the enveloping silence, Jongdae muttering a low ‘come in’.

“Hello?” Chen looked up, plastering on a small smile.

“D.O, my man! Can you go make me-“

“Screw the man, I’m your cook.” He gave him a small glare.

 “-bulgogi?” Chen trailed off slowly, the sudden image of Xiumin popping up once again. Kyungsoo looked at him and sighed, the look on his friend’s face so familiar.

“You’re still not accepting the fact. He’s been dead for over eighteen hours now.”

Xiumin. Partners in crime ever since the beginning of employment. Chen sighed, resting his head on his hands. D.O stared at him for a moment, before deciding to leave the room.

“Wait.”

He turned around, waiting for Jongdae’s reasoning.

“Go find me a second assistance. Right away.”