Chapter Text
You think the devil has horns
Well so did I
But I was wrong his hair is combed
And he wears a suit and tie
He's nice,polite
He'll catch you by surprise
A smile so bright
Youd never bat an eye
Said he was in a hurry
That's when he met him sunday
Walking down the street
He dropped his bag
And it felt to his knee
He got down on one knee
He handed him the purse
And gave a warning to him
Saying "you know,
The devil has horns he's out tonight
Walking round downtown
Carrying a gun and knife
He'll fight,you'll die
But you'll see him clear his light
An evil sight,you should know the warning signs
----
I should have known.
I should have seen it from the very beginning.
The way his smile curved too easily,
the way his eyes lingered too long,
the way his presence felt like sunlight in the dark.
I should have known when his hand brushed mine and set fire to my veins.
When his laugh carved warmth into the cold nights at the precinct.
When every word he spoke sounded like the truth,
even when the truth was nowhere to be found.
I should have questioned it—
the way the clues bent to his will,
the way the answers came too clean,
the way his arms wrapped around me as if they belonged there.
But I didn’t.
I was drowning in grief, and he was the only one who held me up.
I was breaking apart, and he pieced me back together.
I was empty, and he filled the silence with a love I had been starving for.
So I let myself fall.
Deeper and deeper, into the warmth of him.
Into the safety of him.
Into the lie of him.
Because I loved him.
God, I loved him more than I should have.
And he—he loved me too.
But his love was not gentle.
His love was not safe.
His love was a blade dressed in velvet,
a cage built from kisses,
a storm disguised as shelter.
He told me I was his everything.
And I believed him.
I believed him even as the world around me burned.
Even as the people I loved vanished one by one.
Even as his shadow stretched over every corner of my life.
Now the truth screams through the silence.
Every smile was a mask.
Every embrace was a chain.
Every whispered promise was a curse.
I should have known.
I should have seen it.
I should have stopped before it consumed me whole.
Because the man I trusted with my life,
the man I gave my heart to,
the man I loved more than anything—
was the devil in disguise.
----
Felix sat at his desk, coffee in one hand, pen in the other. He sipped slowly, eyes burning as he flipped through the files spread before him. Finally, with a sigh, he tossed the pen down and leaned back in his chair, exhausted.
“This makes no sense,” he whispered, dragging his fingers through his hair.
And it didn’t. He’d been working the case for hours, but there was nothing—no background, no family, no hospital records. Just a name, an age, and a single photograph.
Five days ago, a fifteen-year-old girl had been murdered. She’d been living in an apartment with her best friend. She claimed her parents were dead, and the best friend… a runaway from abusive, now-deceased parents.
To anyone else, the answer would’ve been obvious the best friend should be the prime suspect.
But her body had been found too, burned beyond recognition.
Sensibly, people would just say it was hers. Case closed.
But Felix couldn’t accept that
How can they know it was her best friend?
And wasn’t it strange that the killer burned only one body and left the girl’s untouched?
He rubbed at his tired eyes, exhaling another weary sigh. Reaching for his phone, he checked the time
12:45 a.m
And then he remembered it was Sunday.
No wonder the precinct had been so quiet all night. Everyone else had gone home to their families, their lives. But not him. He was the only one stubborn enough to drag himself in, chasing answers that refused to be found.
The building was silent when he packed his bag
Empty
Lonely
He walked downstairs, punched in the code at the door, and approached the elevator.
The doors were just about to close when he noticed someone already inside. “Wait-please hold it!” Felix called out, quickening his steps.
The stranger inside pressed the button without hesitation, keeping the doors open. Felix rushed in, juggling his bag—only for it to slip from his shoulder and tumble to the floor. Files scattered everywhere.
“Damn it,” Felix muttered, crouching down, but the stranger was already kneeling beside him.
“Here, let me,” the man said smoothly, gathering papers with quick precision. When he handed them back, Felix’s gaze finally lifted.
And froze.
Oh. Wow.
The man was… handsome. Striking. His dark hair, grown out just enough to fall neatly over his forehead, framed his sharp jaw. His eyes were deep and dark, the kind that pulled you in, soft yet unreadable. And when he smiled—Felix swore his heart might have stopped.
“Thank you,” Felix murmured, still caught off guard.
“No problem.” The stranger straightened, brushing imaginary dust from his coat. “You work here?”
“Oh. Yeah. Detective.” Felix gave a small nod, adjusting the strap of his bag.
“Really? Same. Hwang Hyunjin, by the way.” He extended a hand, steady and confident.
Felix blinked, startled, before shaking it. “Oh my—I’ve heard so much about you. It’s so nice to finally meet you!” His surprise melted into a bright smile. “You’re really popular around here.”
“Not really.” Hyunjin shrugged with a laugh.
“Not really? Please. Your father was one of the best lawyers. I was practically a fan. And you? You’re incredible. One of the sharpest detectives I've heard of"
“You flatter me.” Hyunjin’s smile widened, but his eyes glimmered with something unreadable.
Felix was about to say more when the elevator dinged. The doors slid open.
“Looks like it’s time to go,” Felix said softly, lips curling into a small smile. “Have a good night.”
“You too, Felix. Stay safe.”
Felix smiled again, turning away with a flutter in his chest. He felt like a schoolboy meeting his crush for the first time. Something told him he’d be seeing Hyunjin again.
He just didn’t realize he’d never told Hyunjin his name.
----
Felix’s apartment was quiet and orderly, just the way he liked it. He turned on the light and was greeted by the familiar sight of neatly arranged furniture. Slowly, he sank onto the couch, clutching the files to his chest for a moment before setting them carefully on the coffee table. He sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips, before sprawling out and letting the exhaustion sink in.
Hyunjin lingered in his thoughts. Perfect—his height, sharp jaw, deep eyes, lips, even the subtle curve of his eyebrows. Everything about him seemed impossibly precise, like he’d been designed to unsettle and captivate at the same time.
Finally, Felix got up, letting his jacket rest on the table. He filled a glass of water and wandered down the hallway toward his bedroom. He collapsed onto the bed, still in his white shirt and black pants. Too tired to care, he let darkness swallow him, exhaustion dragging him under.
---
The alarm rang. Again. And again. Felix groaned, rubbing his eyes. **10:45 a.m.**
FREAK.
“FREAKING HELL!” he shouted, scrambling toward the bathroom. His precise routine—waking at six every day for years—was shattered. Hair half-dried, shirt half-buttoned, tie crooked, he threw on his jacket, grabbed his phone, and rushed out.
---
He arrived at the building just five minutes before the meeting. Bags heavy, nerves taut.
“There you are,” Seungmin said, arms crossed.
“Yeah… yeah, I’m here,” Felix muttered, sliding into a chair.
“Oh, looks like the meeting’s started—let’s go,” Chan said, moving toward the screen. Felix’s stomach churned at the sight of a new victim: a boy, lifeless, mangled. He closed his eyes for a second, then forced himself to focus.
“As we know, there’s a serial killer active in Twin. Thirty-five bodies recovered, seven missing. Patterns are emerging—victims are all males, late teens to early twenties, similar lifestyle indicators…” Chan explained.
Felix leaned forward, scanning the photo and mentally mapping connections. The position of the body suggested the killer wasn’t in a hurry—careful, meticulous. The location: low-traffic street, near an alley. Witness statements? Sparse. He noted every anomaly: inconsistencies in times, discrepancies in witness accounts, possible misdirection in victim selection.
*If the killer is methodical, the next target will be someone in the same social circle…* Felix thought, running through a mental map of Twin’s neighborhoods and residents. *Timing seems random, but there’s a pattern in vulnerability. Someone with no strong support network, easy to isolate.*
And then he froze. Hyunjin. Sitting a few rows ahead, focused, professional. Felix’s pulse jumped. How had he not noticed him before? And yet… something about the way Hyunjin scanned the screen, subtly analyzing, gave him away. He was thinking—like Felix was thinking—but sharper.
Hyunjin looked up, caught Felix’s gaze, and smiled. And Felix felt his heart stumble.
“Mrs. Lee? Are you okay?” Chan’s voice snapped him back.
“Oh… yes, sorry,” Felix said, standing quickly, adjusting papers.
---
After the meeting, colleagues whispered about the case’s brutality.
“I’m going to grab coffee. Want some?” Jisung asked.
“Uh… yeah, sure,” Felix murmured, still lost in thought. He was replaying every detail from the photos, cross-referencing dates, times, and locations but then suddenly drifted back to hyunjin
Seungmin noticed. “You okay? You’ve been zoning out all morning.”
“Nothing… just thinking,” Felix said, small smile.
"Mr lee" Hyunjin was beside him, calm, smiling. Felix froze. Every glance, every smile—he couldn’t breathe properly.
“I wanted to discuss the case,” Hyunjin said, eyes soft yet sharp.
“Oh, yes… of course. Shall we do it here or—” Felix began, then remembered his files.
“My office will be fine,” Hyunjin suggested.
“Y-yeah… sure,” Felix stammered, gathering his papers.
Hyunjin held the door open. “After you,” he said, and Felix stepped in, sitting in the black leather chair, trying not to stare too blatantly.
---
“I’ve gone through the reports for the last five cases,” Hyunjin began, opening a file. “Victim profiles, locations, timing, witness statements… I’ve mapped them against potential escape routes and camera blind spots.”
Felix leaned in, heart hammering. “I noticed the killer seems to avoid main streets, using alleys and backdoors. And the victims’ social connections… they don’t overlap much, except a few isolated incidents at the same community center.”
Hyunjin nodded, impressed. “Exactly. I think they’re calculating psychological vulnerability, not just opportunity.”
Felix felt a spark—working with him was… thrilling. Dangerous, but thrilling. “We could cross-reference the hospital records with those social groups. Check for anyone with recent psychiatric visits or known trauma histories.”
“Agreed. And I’ve started noting anomalies in witness statements. Some are inconsistent in timing like they’re hiding something. Or maybe the killer is feeding misinformation.” Hyunjin’s eyes met Felix’s. “We’ll need to interview each witness ourselves.”
Felix’s chest tightened at the proximity, at the way Hyunjin leaned slightly closer. “I… I can start drafting the interrogation schedules.”
Hyunjin smiled. “Perfect. I think this much is enough for today. Tomorrow we continue.”
“Of course,” Felix said, small smile tugging at his lips.
Hyunjin leaned back slightly, gaze softening. “Why don’t you give me your number? It’ll make communication easier.”
“Oh… sure,” Felix said, heart racing as he shared it.
“Have a good day, Felix,” Hyunjin said, watching him leave.
Felix walked out, mind spinning, chest pounding. Detective instincts buzzing, files running through his head and yet, every thought circled back to Hyunjin. He didn’t know how or why, but he already knew he’d be seeing him again.
Chapter 2: 2
Chapter Text
It had been a while since Felix had friends over, but tonight they insisted. So here he was apron tied, spices lined up, stirring a pot while the others sprawled in his living room.
“How long is this going to take? I’m starving,” Jisung groaned, throwing his head back dramatically.
“We could’ve just ordered takeout,” I.N muttered, cheek resting in his palm.
Felix didn’t even look up. “Absolutely not. Outside food is unhealthy—and you guys eat enough of that junk.” He tasted the broth, adjusted the seasoning, and nodded with satisfaction.
“Okay, mom,” Seungmin said, rolling his eyes before getting up. “I’m making myself a snack.”
He grabbed bread and a jar of mayo.
“EWW!” Jisung gagged. “That’s a crime against humanity.”
“What?” Seungmin said, spreading the mayo anyway.
“Plain bread and mayonnaise? No. Just no. At least add cheese or ham or something
“I’m too lazy. And it tastes good this way.”
“No, it doesn’t,” Jisung muttered. “Ugh. Blekh. I’d rather eat bread with ketchup.”
“EW,” Seungmin and Felix said at the same time.
“See? Even Lix agrees with me.” seungmin pointed at Felix, who just shook his head.
“Enough. Dinner’s ready.” Felix began filling bowls with chili.
---
“This is so good, Lix!” Jisung exclaimed, over-the-top dramatic as usual.
“Really? I tried a new recipe,” Felix said, cheeks flushing with quiet pride.
“I’m already full,” I.N said, leaning back with a smirk after polishing off his bowl faster than anyone.
Seungmin stared at him, dumbfounded. “How the hell did you eat that so fast?”
I.N only smirked harder.
“Anyway,” Jisung piped up, “how are you guys doing on the case?”
“Ugh, can we not talk about work while eating?” Seungmin groaned.
“No one cares,” I.N said flatly, sitting up straighter.
“You’re literally partnered with Minho,” Seungmin shot back.
“Well, duh. We’re basically husbands. Best team ever,” Jisung said proudly.
“Yeah, the last time you were paired up you got caught kissing in the—”
“Shut. Up.” Jisung snapped, glaring.
I.N smirked. “Speaking of partners, have you guys met that Hyunjin guy Felix got paired with?”
“Oh hell yeah,” Seungmin said. “Dude looks like he walked out of a magazine.”
“Right? Are we sure he’s not secretly a model?” Jisung added.
“What’s he like, Lix? Funny? Cold? Nice?”
Felix hesitated, then smiled softly. “He’s… nice. Really nice. Almost like—an angel.”
Jisung gasped. “I heard he does charity, too"
"Really what a sweet guy-"
Seungmin yawned and stood. “Alright, I’m heading home. Work tomorrow.”
“Work? More like a date with Chan,” Jisung teased, earning a glare.
“I’ll go too-I don’t have a ride,” I.N said, hopping up to follow.
“Thanks for the food, Lixie. Love you!” Jisung said, hugging him before skipping out.
Felix chuckled to himself as the apartment finally quieted. He gathered the dishes, washed them quickly, and then flopped into bed, phone in hand.
A notification lit up the screen.
Hyunjin
Hello.
9:20 p.m.
Felix’s heart lurched
Hyunjin
I hope I’m not disturbing you?
9:20 p.m.
He scrambled to reply, fingers trembling.
Me
Oh no, I was just scrolling.
9:20 p.m.
The dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again. Felix held his breath.
Hyunjin
Oh thank god. I thought you might be asleep.
9:21 p.m.
Hyunjin
I wanted to ask… would you like to meet tomorrow? There’s a café near the station. We can discuss the case. 5 p.m.?
9:21 p.m.
**Hyunjin**
Only if you’re free, of course.
9:22 p.m.
Felix stared at the screen, pulse racing. Before his brain caught up, his fingers typed on their own.
Me
Is that your way of asking me on a date?
9:22 p.m.
Send.
Oh no. His stomach flipped. Why did I do that?!
The dots appeared instantly. His breath caught.
Hyunjin
Do you want it to be?
9:22 p.m.
Felix’s face burned. His anxiety melted into something else entirely. Something dangerous, fluttery, sweet.
Me
Maybe.
9:23 p.m.
Hyunjin
Then it’s a date. 5 p.m. I’ll send you the location
9:23 pm
Felix set his phone down, pressing it to his chest, and let out a shaky laugh.
“God… how can someone be so perfect?” he whispered, grinning to himself until sleep finally tugged him under.
----
Felix let out a small sigh of relief as the clock finally ticked past the end of his shift. The stack of reports on his desk had been handled, and his notes were neat enough that Seungmin wouldn’t nag him later. He quickly shoved his files into his bag, glanced at his phone, and smiled.
4:35 p.m.
Plenty of time.
His legs carried him faster than usual down the sidewalk, the late afternoon sun draping the city in warm gold. His chest buzzed with nerves, but it wasn’t the usual anxiety from work—it was anticipation. Excitement.
When he reached the café, he hesitated for just a second outside the glass doors. Through the window, he spotted Hyunjin already there, seated at a corner table. His long hair was tucked behind his ear, sunlight catching on his features like he belonged on a canvas. He was scrolling through his phone, the other hand wrapped around a coffee cup.
Felix took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and walked in.
Hyunjin looked up instantly. And smiled. “You’re early.”
Felix rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. “Didn’t want to keep you waiting.”
“sweet” Hyunjin teased lightly, standing just enough to pull the chair out for him. “Sit, I already ordered us drinks.”
Felix blinked, then sat down, heart stuttering. “You… didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to" Hyunjin said simply, leaning back with an ease Felix envied. Then, almost seamlessly, his expression shifted into something more focused. “So, the case"
Felix nodded quickly, pulling his files from his bag, grateful for the distraction. “Right. I’ve been looking into the timeline of the victims. Most were reported missing between eight p.m. and midnight. Always in crowded areas but disappearing without anyone noticing. Thats unusual”
“Which means the killer is careful. Patient,” Hyunjin said, tapping the side of his cup. “And bold. To take people in public spaces, they’d need charm—or some way of lowering their guard.” His eyes flickered up at Felix as he spoke, dark and sharp.
Felix swallowed, trying not to read too much into the glance. “Exactly. And-uh there were faint traces of chloroform on two of the recovered victims. Could mean chemical use in some cases.”
“Mm. Smart.” Hyunjin tilted his head, studying Felix. “You’re thorough.”
Felix’s ears turned pink. He ducked his head into the files. “Just… doing my job.”
Hyunjin smirked faintly, but he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned closer across the table, his voice lowering. “So… if the killer uses charm to lure victims…” He paused deliberately. “Think I could do it?”
Felix’s head shot up, startle " wh-what?”
Hyunjin chuckled softly at his reaction, eyes glittering. “Relax. I mean hypothetically. Do I look like someone people would follow without hesitation?”
Felix blinked, lips parting. His brain screamed yes but his mouth refused to cooperate. He quickly turned back to the file, mumbling, “I… guess so.”
“That was a terrible lie,” Hyunjin said, amused. “Your ears give you away.”
Felix slapped a hand to his ear instantly, mortified, which only made Hyunjin laugh harder.
“Anyway,” Hyunjin said, mercifully shifting back to business, “I think we need to cross-check the missing persons’ last-known contacts. If it’s charm, maybe the victims mentioned meeting someone new before disappearing.”
Felix nodded quickly, trying to refocus, scribbling notes. But Hyunjin’s words lingered in his head.
Do I look like someone people would follow without hesitation?
The answer was obvious.
And Felix was afraid he already had.
The server arrived with two cups, setting them down neatly. Felix blinked in surprise when he saw his drink—perfectly made, just the way he liked it.
"You know my order?" Felix asked
Hyunjin stirred his own coffee lazily, lips curving. “Really?that was a wild guess,you really look like someone who enjoys sweet things”
Felix’s chest warmed, and he quickly took a sip to hide his smile. The steam fogged his glasses a little, which only made Hyunjin lean forward, tilting his head. “Careful, it’s hot.”
“I—I know,” Felix muttered, fiddling with his spoon. But the way Hyunjin said it, gentle and low, sent his pulse racing.
They shifted back into the case, Felix opening a folder with crime scene photos. “I marked the common streets—if you notice, three of the victims vanished near the same subway exit. Security cameras don’t catch anything suspicious, but…” He trailed off, biting his lip. “I think someone knew the blind spots.”
Hyunjin leaned closer, his shoulder brushing Felix’s as he peered at the map. “You’re right. Look at this alley if someone walked through here, they’d disappear off footage for almost five minutes.” His finger tapped the page lightly, and Felix swore his skin buzzed just from the proximity.
“You’re really sharp,” Felix murmured without thinking.
Hyunjin glanced sideways, catching his gaze. “I’ve been told.” His smirk softened into something warmer. “But you’re sharper.”
Felix’s throat tightened. “I-I don’t know about that.”
“I do,” Hyunjin said simply, leaning back at last. He folded his arms, watching Felix like he was studying him instead of the files. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You see things others miss. That’s… rare.”
Felix’s stomach fluttered at the sincerity in his tone. He forced himself to laugh it off, though it came out shaky. “You’re… very confident, you know.”
“Confidence makes people trust you,” Hyunjin replied, eyes crinkling. “It works in interrogation rooms.” Then, softer, “And outside them too.”
Felix nearly choked on his coffee. “Are you-”
“Flirting?” Hyunjin arched a brow, playful. “Maybe is it working?”
Felix buried his face in the file. “Focus on the case.”
Hyunjin chuckled, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he closed the folder gently and stood. “Alright, Detective Lee. You’ve worked hard enough for today.”
Felix blinked up at him. “But we barely-”
“Tomorrow,” Hyunjin interrupted smoothly, holding out his hand to help him up. “You look exhausted.”
Felix hesitated, then slipped his hand into Hyunjin’s. The warmth, the easy strength, sent a rush of heat up his arms. Hyunjin pulled him up effortlessly, steadying him even though Felix didn’t stumble.
"I'll text you next time" hyunjin smiled
As they stepped out of the café together, Felix realized his heart hadn’t slowed once since he walked in.
-
Notes:
Thank you so much for reading kudos and comments are appreciated
Chapter 3: ~3
Summary:
No summary
Chapter Text
Felix stood beside Hyunjin, the harsh glow of the projector flickering across their faces
The board was plastered with photos victims, crime scene snapshots, maps with red pins scattered across the city like drops of blood. Felix tapped the most recent photo with the end of his pen.
“See this one?” His voice was low, focused. “She was found in an alleyway behind a bookstore. No sign of forced entry at her apartment. She must’ve been lured out.” He bit at his nails, his nerves bleeding into the room.
Hyunjin studied the image, eyes narrowing. “Background check?”
“I asked a friend to run it.” Felix reached for a file, flipping it open. “Her name was Hannah Kim nineteen she used to live with her best friend, Sarah, until she moved in with her boyfriend. No criminal record. No reports of abuse. Pretty clean.”
Hyunjin tilted his head thoughtfully. “Boyfriend?”
“Traveling abroad at the time. Confirmed by immigration records,” Felix replied, though there was a faint uncertainty in his voice.
Hyunjin’s lips pressed together, a habit Felix had already noticed meant he was thinking deeply. “Then Sarah might know something. If the pattern holds people close to the victims may be at risk.”
Felix nodded quickly. “So we go to Sarah.”
Hyunjin glanced sideways at him, then smiled. “Exactly We’ll pay her a visit today”
And just like that, the tension in the room eased. Felix found himself smiling back without even realizing it.
---
A few hours later, Felix sat quietly in Hyunjin’s car, watching the blur of city lights streak past the window
His blonde hair fell neatly across his face, illuminated by passing headlights. Hyunjin’s hands rested casually on the wheel, but every so often, his gaze flicked toward Felix soft, unreadable.
Then, suddenly, Hyunjin pulled the car over.
Felix blinked, startled. “Why are we stopping?”
Hyunjin unbuckled his seatbelt, smiling as he reached for the door. “Because I’m not letting my partner starve to death. Or fall asleep on me. I’ll grab us something to drink.”
Felix’s brows furrowed. “You really don’t have to-”
“But I want to,” Hyunjin interrupted gently, flashing a grin before stepping out.
Felix sat there, heart fluttering, his lips quirking into a helpless smile.
Minutes later, Hyunjin returned with two drinks in hand a black coffee for himself and a pale pink smoothie for Felix. He slid into his seat, buckling up before handing it over. “Here its Strawberry figured you’d like something sweet.”
Felix blinked, then took a tentative sip. His eyes widened. “Oh,Oh wow. This is so good.” He quickly took another, and another.
Hyunjin chuckled, sipping his own coffee. “You like strawberries?”
“Like them? I love them,” Felix said, his voice softer now, almost sheepish. “They’re sweet and familiar I guess.”
Hyunjin glanced sideways, a smile tugging at his lips. “Fitting.”
Felix blinked at him. “Fitting?”
“You look like one.”
Felix choked a little, coughing. “Wh-what? No I dont-”
“You do,” Hyunjin said smoothly, eyes still on the road. “Especially when you blush. You go red, just like one.” He tilted his head ever so slightly toward Felix catching the exact moment his partner’s cheeks flamed.
Felix ducked his head, muttering, “You’re imagining things” but his heart was slamming so hard against his ribs, he was sure Hyunjin could hear it.
Hyunjin smirked into his coffee, sipping casually as though he hadn’t just set Felix’s entire world spinning "You look like one right now, too"
And this time, he didn’t even try to hide the amusement in his voice.
It had been hours since they’d started driving
The night stretched long, the hum of the tires against the road almost hypnotic
Felix had fallen asleep somewhere between towns, his head tipped against the window, arms folded loosely in his lap. His blonde hair spilled softly across his face, his chest rising and falling with gentle rhythm.
Hyunjin glanced sideways, his hands steady on the wheel. Beautiful,he thought with a small smile
Too beautiful.
He slowed as they reached a parking lot, the shift of motion stirring Felix awake. Felix’s eyes fluttered open, glassy with sleep. He stretched his arms above his head, rubbing at his face like a child.
“Are we there already?” His voice was husky, still caught in dreams.
Hyunjin smiled. “Not yet. It’s late. We’ll find a hotel and start fresh tomorrow, yeah?”
Felix blinked at the dark sky outside, disoriented. “What time is it?”
“Almost eleven.”
Felix frowned faintly. “At this hour? Will we even find a place open?”
Hyunjin’s voice softened, steady. “Hey. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it” His smile was easy, reassuring. And somehow, Felix did feel reassured
"I won't let you sleep in the car strawberry" hyunjin winked
---
It took some searching, but eventually, they stumbled across a small but clean hotel. Hyunjin approached the counter, leaning lightly against it.
“Room for two, please.” His polite smile made the receptionist blush slightly before she looked at her screen.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “We only have one room left and it’s a single bed. Will that be alright?”
Felix froze mid-step
One bed?
With Hyunjin?
His thoughts immediately tangled awkwardness, nerves, a faint spark of excitement he couldn’t push away.
Before he could answer, Hyunjin nodded without hesitation. “That’s fine.” Then, as though remembering, he turned back to Felix. “Only if you’re comfortable with it.” His eyes searched Felix’s, giving him the choice.
Felix swallowed hard. “Yes..of course” a smile tugged nervously at his lips.
----
The room was neat, warmly lit, and faintly perfumed with flowers. Felix collapsed onto the bed with a sigh, tugging off his jacket. “God, I’m so tired.”
Hyunjin’s laugh was soft, almost fond. “You should shower before you knock out.”
“Too lazy…” Felix mumbled into the pillow, his words muffled.
“Then I’ll go first,” Hyunjin teased, grabbing a change of clothes and disappearing into the bathroom.
Felix must have dozed again because when the bathroom door creaked open, he blinked awake only to wish he hadn’t.
Hyunjin stepped out with damp hair tied loosely into a bun, water still clinging to his skin. His shirt was slung over one shoulder, leaving his toned torso exposed Only his boxers clung to him, low on his hips.
Felix’s breath hitched. His eyes widened before he could force them away.
Hyunjin caught the look, pausing mid-step. His brows rose before a smirk curled on his lips. “I thought you were asleep.”
Felix’s face burned. He whipped the blanket over his head. “I-I wasn’t looking!” His voice cracked with panic
A laugh, low and warm, filled the room
“Felix” Hyunjin’s voice softened, teasing but gentle. “If you’re going to stare, at least don’t hide after.”
Felix peeked out from under the blanket, his cheeks crimson. “I wasn’t staring!”
“Mm,” Hyunjin hummed, slipping into his pants with an infuriating ease. “You blush too easily for a detective, you know that?”
Felix’s stomach flipped, and he buried himself back into the blanket. “Shut up.”
Hyunjin chuckled again, shaking his head as he tugged on his shirt. “Cute” he muttered under his breath, though just loud enough for Felix to hear.
And Felix’s heart raced so hard, he swore it might betray him.
----
Felix’s morning began with the quiet hum of life beside him. Hyunjin sat at the edge of the bed, damp hair falling against his forehead, a cup of coffee in one hand and a book balanced in the other. He looked calm composed—the kind of presence that made the world feel a little safer just by existing.
Felix blinked slowly, caught staring before he even realized it. How does he look this put together already?
“Oh you’re awake.”
Felix startled when Hyunjin spoke, his lips curving into a soft smile.
“Mmhm" Felix hummed, sitting up, rubbing his eyes, stretching his arms
above his head.
“Do you want something to eat?” Hyunjin asked, gently setting the book aside. “Room service might still be available.”
Felix shook his head. “Not too hungry…”
Hyunjin tilted his head, the corners of his mouth lifting not teasing, but kind
"How careless of you strawberry" hyunjin said fake mock in his voice "Skipping meals is not ok and I can't let you go weak on me we have a long day to get through so how does French toast sound?"
There was no room to argue not when he said it like that. Felix gave a small smile. “good.”
---
A little later, they were back in Hyunjin’s car. Felix held a half-finished strawberry smoothie in his lap, courtesy of Hyunjin’s insistence he take it “for the road.”
“Don’t forget to finish it,” Hyunjin said calmly as he steered them onto the highway.
Felix let out a quiet laugh, raising the cup for another sip. “You don’t let me off the hook, do you?”
“Not when it comes to your health.” Hyunjin’s eyes flicked toward him for a brief second before returning to the road. “Detectives have to take care of themselves, too. You can’t pour from an empty cup now can you strawberry?"
Felix looked down at the smoothie, warmth spreading through his chest that had nothing to do with the drink
“So you gave me a nickname, huh?” Felix chuckled, trying to play it cool even though his ears were burning.
“Of course,” Hyunjin replied easily, one hand steady on the wheel. “I like to name things I love.” He threw in a quick wink before turning his eyes back to the road.
Felix froze.
His heart stopped
The air left his lungs, replaced by a swarm of butterflies battering against his ribs. He swallowed hard, sneaking a glance at Hyunjin, who sat there calm, collected, as if he hadn’t just dropped a line that made Felix’s entire world tilt.
Hyunjin didn’t push, didn’t even glance at him again just let the silence buzz heavy between them until the car slowed.
“We’re here, Strawberry,” Hyunjin said smoothly, flashing Felix a small smile as he opened the door. “Let’s go.”
And Felix, red-faced and dizzy, thought he might actually melt into the seat.
Felix slowly stepped out of the car, the half-finished smoothie clutched in his hand. His cheeks were still burning from Hyunjin’s last words, no matter how hard he tried to will the blush away.
Hyunjin walked beside him, calm and collected as always, his stride unhurried.
“Which one’s the house?” Felix asked, his eyes darting across the narrow street lined with worn fences and uneven stone paths.
“It’s about a five-minute walk from here,” Hyunjin replied. “The streets ahead are too tight for the car.”
Felix hummed, lips forming a small “O” as they fell into step together. But his thoughts wandered
was Hyunjin truly interested in him, or was it just harmless teasing?
Something deep inside him whispered that Hyunjin wasn’t the type to play with hearts. He was too much of a gentleman. Too much of an angel.
The quiet hum of the countryside wrapped around them. Hyunjin tilted his face up, eyes slipping shut as the wind brushed against his skin. “It’s peaceful here,” he murmured. “Almost feels untouched.”
Felix found himself smiling at the sight. “It really is. Reminds me of my hometown back in Australia. I grew up in a place like this small streets, close-knit neighbors, the kind of quiet that feels like safety.”
“Oh?” Hyunjin glanced over, genuine interest lighting his gaze. “I’ve always wanted to go. Chan tells me stories, but I’d rather see it myself.”
“You should,” Felix said softly, his smile warm, unguarded. “I’d show you all my favorite places.”
Their eyes lingered on one another, words suspended in the air like fragile glass, before Hyunjin finally cleared his throat, gaze shifting forward. “We’re here,” he said, his tone calm again, though the corner of his lips still hinted at a smile.
The house was small, paint peeling in mismatched colors. A section of the fence leaned precariously to the side. Felix felt unease creep in as they approached.
Hyunjin raised his hand and knocked, each movement controlled and deliberate.
Elegant
Everything he did seemed elegant.
The door creaked open, revealing a teenage girl with hollow eyes, dark circles etched beneath them. She wore a baggy hoodie and shorts, her hair tied into a low ponytail.
“W-Who are you?” she asked, voice defensive, gaze flicking nervously between them.
“Detectives Hwang and Lee,” Hyunjin said smoothly, offering a polite smile. “We’d like to ask you a few questions about your best friend hannah.”
The girl flinched at the name. “Why? What does that have to do with me?”
“It has everything to do with you,” Felix said, voice steady but gentle. “You were her closest friend-her only family.”
“I-I… you can’t force me into this,” Sarah stammered, her hand tightening on the doorframe. She moved to shut the door, but Hyunjin slipped a hand against it, calm but firm. He held up a paper.
“We have a warrant, Miss Sarah,” he said evenly. “We just want to talk.”
Sarah’s jaw clenched. “…Fine.” She stepped back reluctantly, rolling her eyes.
“Thank you,” Hyunjin replied smoothly, his smile never faltering as he entered the dim house. Felix followed, scanning every detail.
The house was dim, shadows pooling in the corners. Felix glanced around quickly empty ramen cups on the counter, a faint sour smell clinging to the air. The kind of neglect that grows from grief… or guilt.
They sat across from Sarah in the cluttered living room. She curled herself into the farthest corner of the couch, hoodie sleeves covering her fists.
Hyunjin leaned forward, posture open but steady. “Sarah, we know this is difficult. But your testimony could help us understand what happened to Hannah.”
Sarah avoided his gaze. “I told the officers everything already.”
“Then you won’t mind telling us again,” Hyunjin said gently, but there was steel beneath his words. “When was the last time you saw her alive?”
Sarah shifted. “I-I don’t know. A week before? Maybe longer. She was with… with him.”
Felix, notebook in hand, tilted his head. “You mean her boyfriend?”
Sarah’s jaw tightened. “Yeah. Mark. She moved in with him, said he was better for her than I ever was.” Her voice cracked, bitterness seeping through.
Hyunjin’s eyes flickered briefly to Felix a silent note “And how did you feel about that?”
Sarah’s shoulders rose. “How do you think? She was my best friend. My only friend. And she just left.”
Felix scribbled the words down. He caught the way her fingers trembled, how her eyes darted not toward grief, but toward something heavier. Resentment?
“You argued with her, didn’t you?” Felix asked carefully.
Sarah’s eyes snapped up. “What? No—”
“You fought,” Hyunjin said, calm as water. “Neighbors reported shouting the week before Hannah disappeared.”
Sarah’s mouth opened, closed. “…She wasn’t listening to me. He was bad for her! He hurt her!”
Felix leaned forward, voice steady. “Did you see him hurt her?”
Silence. The air hung thick.
Then Sarah muttered, “She had bruises. She said they were nothing, but I knew.”
Hyunjin exchanged another brief glance with Felix both noting the shift. Abuse. Possible motive.
“Do you have any photos of Hannah?” Hyunjin asked at last, tone softening again. “Anything that might help us remember her as she was.”
Sarah blinked fast, swallowed. “…Yeah. I’ll get them.” She stood quickly and disappeared down the hall.
The room fell quiet. Felix tapped the end of his pen against his notebook, his eyes wandering the space. It was then that he noticed the hallway door ajar. The light spilling faintly from inside.
And what lay beyond it.
A figure. Still. Pale. Unmoving.
His chest tightened. He swallowed hard, fingers gripping the edge of his notebook.
“Hyunjin…” Felix whispered, his voice so low it was almost a tremor. “There’s someone in that room.”
Hyunjin’s gaze followed his. His body stilled, the faintest shift in his posture giving away the tension snapping into place.
Hyunjin and Felix exchanged a quick nod before following the hallway to the room. As they stepped inside, Felix's eyes widened.
A teenage boy lay on the floor, brown hair matted and dirty, eyes closed. His shirt was soaked and half torn, dried blood streaked across his mouth and stomach, severalwounds marking his body.
Felix froze, looking to Hyunjin. The older
detective's calm gaze gave him a momentary sense of steadiness. Felix bent down and pulled a photo from his pocket.
"H-Hyunjin... this is him. Mark... Hannah's boyfriend,"he whispered, pointing to the
picture.
Hyunjin crouched next tn the body, examining the cuts. They weren't fresh-old-wounds but still grim.
Before Felix could process it, a scream ripped through the air.
"NO! NO, THIS CAN'T HAPPEN!"
They turned toward the doorway. Sarah
stood there, panic written across her face,photos scattered at her feet.
"You weren't supposed to know!" she yelled,shaking violently.
Hyunjin instinctively pulled Felix behind him.
"Sarah-"he began, but she cut him off.
"NO! You weren't supposed to know!" she screamed, grabbing a knife from the counter.
She lunged at Hyunjin first. He dodged, the blade slicing the air.
"You both have to die!" she screamed, striking again-and this time, the knife sank into Felix's shoulder.
"FELIX!" Hyunjin yelled, shoving Sarah back against the wall before she could strike again.
He dropped to Felix's side, hands shaking slightly as he held him.
"No, Felix! Stay with me. Look at me!"
"I.. I'm fine.." Felix muttered through gritted teeth, clutching his shoulder.
"No! You're not fine! You just got stabbed!" Hyunjin snapped, pressing his hand firmlyover the wound to slow the bleeding.
Sarah tried to strike again, but Hyunjin
grabbed her wrist, holding it tight.
"You have to die! You have to die!" she
screamed, tears streaking her face.
Hyunjin slammed her back into the wall; herhead hit the wooden table with a thud.
She collapsed, unconscious.
Immediately, Hyunjin's attention returned to Felix, who had fainted.
"Felix?"
Notes:
I'm so sorry I know this chapter was shitty-