''~°.HIDE AND SEEK.°~'' | YEONGYU

THE INVESTIGATION #2

Yeonjun didn't move at first.

His tall frame blocked the doorway, shoulders squared just enough to send a silent message..."You're not walking in unless I let you."

But Soobin didn't seem fazed.

The detective's sharp gaze flicked briefly to Yeonjun, then past him...locking onto the boy standing slightly behind.

"I believe Choi Beomgyu lives here?"

Beomgyu felt his throat tighten. His fingers were still curled as if gripping the coffee mug, but it wasn't there anymore..left abandoned on the nightstand in his rush to follow Yeonjun.

"I..." His voice cracked. He swallowed hard and tried again.

"I'm... Choi Beomgyu."

Yeonjun glanced back at him. Their eyes met for a brief second. Yeonjun's dark, steady, wordlessly asking "You okay?"

Beomgyu gave a small, shaky nod.

Only then did Yeonjun step aside, just enough for Soobin to get a clear line of sight. But he didn't move far. His tall frame stayed close, his presence radiating quiet vigilance...like a protector keeping guard.

Soobin inclined his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

"Good morning, Beomgyu." His tone was even, professional, neither warm nor accusing. "I'm here because I need to ask you a few questions regarding the incident at your school."

The word incident hung heavy in the air.

"Would it be alright if I come in?"

The principal shifted behind Soobin, her mouth pressed in a thin line. She offered Beomgyu a small, tight smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Beomgyu's hands twitched at his sides, and for a heartbeat, he didn't respond.

Then he stepped back...small, hesitant.

"O-Okay..."

Yeonjun's eyes stayed locked on Soobin as the detective stepped over the threshold. Yeonjun's posture was deceptively relaxed, but every subtle line of his body screamed readiness. One wrong move and he'd be there.

Soobin moved through the apartment with quiet precision.

His sharp eyes swept the space methodically...lingering on the sofa cushions slightly out of place, the faint ring of coffee on the nightstand, the closed bedroom door. His gaze never lingered long enough to seem intrusive, but it was clear he didn't miss a thing.

Not invasive. Not nosy.

Just...thorough.

Beomgyu stood near the entrance like a deer in headlights, his fingers knotting in his sleeves. Yeonjun remained beside him, taller, broader, his presence a steady barrier between Beomgyu and the detective.

Soobin turned back to them, his tone even and professional.

"Sit down," he said, gesturing faintly toward the small dining table. "I need to ask a few questions about the incident at your school."

Yeonjun didn't move.

"We're not answering anything," he said coolly, his voice deceptively calm, "until you explain why you're really here."

Soobin's expression didn't shift. His hands remained clasped neatly in front of him as he regarded Yeonjun with unreadable eyes.

"This is standard procedure, Mr. Choi. No one is being accused. I only need a clearer picture of events."