Jeongcheol Oneshots

The Masquerade Mystery

The night was alive with the hum of excitement as Seoul's elite gathered for the annual masquerade ball at the opulent Choi mansion. This year's theme was "Mysteries of the Orient," and the guests arrived in elaborate costumes, their faces hidden behind intricate masks. The event was the talk of the town, and the Choi family had spared no expense in making it a night to remember.

Detective Jeonghan Yoon stood at the entrance, his mask concealing his identity as he surveyed the crowd. He was here on a tip-off that something big was going to happen tonight. Rumor had it that a priceless artifact, the Dragon's Eye Diamond, was in danger of being stolen. And his prime suspect? Seungcheol Choi, the heir to the Choi fortune.

Jeonghan spotted Seungcheol across the room, effortlessly charming a group of guests. Seungcheol's mask was as elaborate as his persona, but Jeonghan knew the man beneath it all too well. Their paths had crossed before, each encounter leaving Jeonghan more certain of Seungcheol's duplicity.

Seungcheol’s eyes met Jeonghan’s across the room, and a slow smile spread across his face. He excused himself from his conversation and made his way over. “Detective Yoon, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “Enjoying the party?”

Jeonghan’s reply was curt. “I’m here on business.”

Seungcheol’s smile widened. “Always so serious. What are you investigating this time?”

Jeonghan’s eyes were cold. “You know exactly why I’m here, Seungcheol.”

---

The evening wore on, filled with music, dancing, and whispered conversations. Jeonghan kept a close eye on Seungcheol, but the heir was a master of deflection, always slipping away just as Jeonghan thought he had him cornered.

As midnight approached, the highlight of the evening was announced: the unveiling of the Dragon's Eye Diamond. Guests gathered around the grand staircase where the diamond was displayed on a pedestal, its dazzling brilliance drawing gasps of admiration.

The host, Seungcheol’s father, stepped forward to make the announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. It is my great pleasure to present the Dragon's Eye Diamond, a symbol of our family's legacy and honor.”

Suddenly, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into darkness. A gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps and a crash. When the lights came back on, the diamond was gone, and the pedestal lay empty, except for a single black glove.

Jeonghan didn’t hesitate. He pushed through the throng of guests, heading toward the only person he knew could orchestrate such a heist: Seungcheol.

---

He found Seungcheol slipping through a hidden doorway, his movements swift and sure. Jeonghan followed, his heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and determination. The passage led to a secluded part of the mansion, far from the prying eyes of the partygoers.

“Stop right there, Seungcheol!” Jeonghan shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.

Seungcheol paused, turning to face him with a smirk. “Always one step behind, aren’t you, Jeonghan?”

“Hand over the diamond,” Jeonghan demanded, his eyes blazing.

Seungcheol’s expression remained amused. “And if I don’t?”

Jeonghan stepped closer, his jaw set. “Then I’ll take it from you.”

Seungcheol laughed softly, shaking his head. “You really think you can, detective?”