"Are you…" Before Jaebum can finish he's question, his cell phone rings.
Noticing the name he answers, "Ryujin, did you miss me?" he questions in a flirty tone before almost instantly turning serious.
"Yes, yes…. Any evidence that its linked?"
"Why would he target him? Isn't his M.O usually a little less high profile? It's like he tried to get … attention"
"You sure… it's the shadow killer?" He asks
As soon, as Jang-Hyuk hears the term he turns to Jisoo for guidance.
"So… what's the shadow killer?"
"Do you know how there's been an increase in high profile celebs committing suicide in Seoul?"
Shaking his head, Jang-hyuk shakes his head as Jisoo continues, "Jae, has this theory that its due to someone in the …. Pardon the pun.. shadows"
Pausing his phone, Jabeum turns to his sister giving her an eyeful.
"The shadow killer? How appropriate. Sounds like a bad bond villain" He says through his laughs
"I called him that" She says with a bright smile, at her naming sense.
"Is your brother trying to find him? Has he had any success?"
"Like a kid waiting up to see Santa Claus"
"None?"
"None"
"What do you think?" He asks looking into her wide hazel eyes, which is crescent like the moon.
Capitulating under his stare, she turns away, before shyly asking, "What do I think you?"
"Santa Claus"
"Well … if he exists, he still hasn't brought my ultimate barbie doll house from when I was 12. He has really bad customer service"
"And the shadow killer?" He questions with a slight smile on her face.
"Well" She takes a moment to think, before relaying her thoughts, "I think he kills for two reasons"
"Come on Sherlock, deduce" He questions, interested in hearing her answer.
"Firstly, I think he commits these crimes because "
"Because?"
"He enjoys killing. He finds pleasure in it. Not in the showing off , of it he is not a traditional killer who wants others to know that he exists, rather he wants to enjoy his meal in private."
'For a pretty face, what twisted thoughts you have my dear' Jang-Hyuk can't help but admit that there may be some truth in her words.
"And secondly?" He questions curious to find what other thoughts she may have.
"I think he's hurt"
"What can hurt a monster?" He says no longer smiling back.
"A monster is made not born. He was hurt by others and now he's seeking to hurt them back. You could say these acts are him releasing his anger and hatred against others. But.."
Jang-hyuk stays silent as his playful nature has long gone. All that remains is stoic face and cold eyes.
"But he has his own moral compass. From what Hyung has told me. He never goes after good people. The is always a reason , so if he killed the guy who … I won't thank him. But I wont blame him either"
Her eyes, those innocent youthful eyes.
Jang-hyuk tenses up as he couldn't bare the idea of someone knowing him, the real him.
"This might seem weird, but I kind of want to meet him someday. Just so I could talk to him." She chuckles.
"You're … not scared that he might just be crazy"
"Maybe or maybe he's just looking for someone to talk to"
Getting up on his feet, he couldn't stay any longer. Not there, not now.
He felt vulnerable. No he was vulnerable.
He hated that feeling, it made him weak and being weak was not something he would ever be comfortable with.
"I – I'm sorry, but I forgot I had a meeting. I have to go."
"But your pancakes." She pleas with those doe like eyes.
"Maybe next time"
He doesn't wait for her approval or disapproval, walking quickly to the front door as she follows behind.
"Is everything okay?" She asks as he quickens his pace.
Putting on the façade he usually carries, he looks down at the girl leaning in slowly just short of a kiss, "If your brother wasn't here, I'd be better" he says as he gets into his car and shuts the door behind him.
.........…
"How? How? How!" He shouts in frustration as his hands slam against the cars steering wheel.
The couple driving next to him can only conclude that the handsome man must have gone through a tough break up.
"Why do I care what that teenager thinks?" His eyebrows furrow as he questions his reflection in the mirror.
Her actions were protecting her from him.
She is the first person he has ever wanted, not to play a game, but to play many.
The idea of toying with her longer than those that came before just caused him excitement beyond compare but just knowing her meant he will also try not to destroy her, as she would say his 'fucked up moral compass' wouldn't allow that.
Yes, adulterers, murderers and rapists – were fun , but they were also justified.
There is no justification for the hurt he wants to inflict besides it being deliciously, tantalizingly exciting!