Raehyun returned to his dorm after a shower, finding Injae engrossed in news on his cell phone.
"The son of conglomerate Kim Jong Hyuk, Kim Dong Hyuk, was found dead in his apartment. Initially believed to be a suicide, the police revealed signs of homicide," reported the news.
Quickly seizing the cell phone from Injae, Raehyun checked the date of the incident – January 8, the night he had anxiously waited for In Hyuk.
Retrieving his own cell phone connected to a charging cable, Raehyun stepped into a secluded spot and dialled In Hyuk.
"Don't tell me you're the one who did that?" he asked as soon as In Hyuk picked up the phone.
In Hyuk calmly inquired, "What are you talking about?"
Raehyun responded, "The news about Dong Hyuk, brother."
In Hyuk asked, "Why do you think I did that?"
Raehyun stated, "He assaulted and murdered a minor but was never punished because someone else paid the price."
Dong Hyuk assaulted a 16 years old girl named Seoyeon. Although it was not his first victim for sexual assault but she was really in bad condition after what happened.
Instead of taking her to emergency room, Dong Hyuk killed her and disguised as suicide. Although police found out that it was not a suicide but still there was no solid evidence to prove Dong Hyuk guilty. Someone else was placed as a scapegoat by his mother.
"So, do you believe he deserved punishment?" In Hyuk asked solemnly.
Raehyun retorted, "Can you answer my question properly?"
In Hyuk replied, "I didn't do anything. I'm busy reviewing documents. Hang up." After saying that, In Hyuk ended the call.
Raehyun couldn't believe what In Hyuk had just said. "He must be lying. It's impossible for him to control his anger after hearing what happened," he whispered, closing his eyes and hoping it wasn't him.
***o***
The police entered In Hyuk's office, and one officer presented his ID.
"I am violent crime investigator Kang Haru. We would like to ask you some questions about your cousin. If you have time, we ask for your cooperation, please," In Hyuk, who looked puzzled, replied, "Ah, sure."
In the investigation room, In Hyuk, wearing a suit, sat calmly, appearing puzzled by the unfolding events. Officer Kang Haru entered, seated himself across from In Hyuk, and placed a laptop and case files on the table.
"We have received a tip that your relationship was not good with the deceased. What are your thoughts on it?" Officer Kang Haru inquired.
In Hyuk, maintaining composure, responded, "Yes, that's right. I never got along with him. He was a bully during our time in middle school."
Kang Haru continued, "Have anything happened between you two, like a fight or anything?"
"Yes, I reported him to the police for attempted assault of a girl. It occurred at a business party hosted by my uncle," In Hyuk explained.
The officer, Cha Jin Gyu, around fifty years old, observed In Hyuk from a mirrored wall and instructed his team junior officer, "Chul Woo, check the report records."
Chul Woo replied, "Yes," and left.
Officer Kang Haru asked, "Do you remember anything else?"
In Hyuk responded, "Nothing else comes to my mind right now."
"Kim In Hyuk, where and what were you doing on January 8th at 9 pm?" Officer Kang Haru inquired.
"I was at Han glide automobiles to check on products. You can confirm it with them," In Hyuk replied.
Kang Haru exited after noting In Hyuk's statement.
Chul Woo returned with report records, stating, "It's true. He reported attempted assault, but the victim asked for a settlement, and it ended without any investigation."
Officer Cha Jin Gyu reviewed the records.
After three hours, Officer Kang Haru entered and said, "Kim In Hyuk, we have confirmed your alibi. You are free to go now. Thank you for cooperating with us."
In Hyuk bowed with a smile and left.
In Hyuk occupied the back seat of the car as it smoothly traversed the road on the journey homeward.
He pondered anxiously, "Who tipped the police? No one knows about our relationship except Jiho."
Pulling out his cell phone, he dialled a number.
"Yes, Mr. In Hyuk," responded the person on the other end.
"Someone tipped the police about me. Find out about that person at all costs, as soon as possible," In Hyuk instructed before hanging up.
Later, at home, while changing his clothes, shirtless In Hyuk received a message: "Kim Raehyun from Seoul Taeyang National Police University."
Enraged, he threw his cell phone on the floor, shattering it. Stomping on the ground and running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
He eventually tried to calm himself, pouring a glass of water and downing it in one go.