Chereads / INTERCEPT / Chapter 5 - "Traces of the Night"

Chapter 5 - "Traces of the Night"

The next morning, Taeyang and Jiwon were already preparing for their long journey. They met early at a small café to work out an itinerary. Taeyang is dressed in practical clothes, a leather jacket and cargo pants that allow him to move easily. Jiwon looked a little more put together, wearing a thick jacket and comfortable shoes, ready for the long journey.

"Are you sure about this route?" asked Taeyang, his eyes focused on the map they had spread out on the table.

Jiwon nodded. "There's no other choice. This is the only clue we have. We have to get there, no matter what."

Taeyang looked at Jiwon for a moment, sensing a strong determination in her. Although he knew this journey was full of risks, he also knew how important it was to Jiwon. "Okay, here we go. Don't worry, I'll make sure we arrive safely."

They both stood up, then walked out of the café to the car. Taeyang drove fast, avoiding the heavy morning traffic, while Jiwon looked at the map carefully. The silence between them was quite tense, yet there was an unspoken mutual trust.

After a few hours of traveling, they arrived at the border of the city and began to enter an increasingly remote area. The roads were broken and deserted, with only the occasional vehicle passing them. The surrounding landscape became darker, filled with dense trees and a fog that began to descend.

"This is a really remote area," Jiwon said, a little worried.

Taeyang looked ahead thoughtfully. "We have to be careful. Places like this can be very dangerous, especially if someone doesn't want us to find something."

They continued on their way, through the thickening fog. So far from the city, even their cell phone signals began to disappear. There was no sign of life, only the sound of car engines echoing along the silent road.

Suddenly, a suspicious car appeared behind them. It seemed to be following them from afar, and Taeyang began to feel something was wrong. He stepped on the gas a little faster, hoping to leave the car behind. However, the car continued to follow at a short distance.

"Looks like we're being followed," Taeyang said as he watched the rearview mirror.

Jiwon looked back, feeling something was wrong. "Should we stop?"

"No," Taeyang replied firmly. "Keep going, we need to find a safe place."

They sped up the car, traveling faster on the narrowing road. Taeyang knew they had to find a place to hide soon or prepare themselves for something worse. But the feeling inside him told him that this was no coincidence-someone, whoever, must know where they were going.

After a few minutes, they finally found a small path that opened up on the left side of the main road. Without hesitation, Taeyang made the turn, taking the car into a narrower, more isolated lane. The car following them looked hesitant, but kept trying to catch up.

"Looks like they have no intention of giving up so easily," Taeyang muttered, his eyes fixed on the mirror.

Jiwon was getting anxious. "What should we do now?"

"Prepare yourself, we might have to face them," Taeyang replied as he accelerated the car, trying to break away first.

Their car took a sharp turn, entering into a thicker forest. It was getting darker, and Taeyang knew they had to act quickly.

Taeyang's car sped through the dense forest, dodging every tree branch that almost touched the window pane. The road was getting narrower, but Taeyang kept driving confidently. Behind them, the following car was getting closer. Taeyang looked in the rearview mirror and saw that the vehicle showed no signs of stopping.

"Don't panic, Jiwon. We'll take another road," Taeyang said calmly, although in his heart, he knew this situation could turn out to be very dangerous.

Jiwon looked back anxiously. "They won't stop, will they?"

"Apparently not," Taeyang replied shortly. "But we'll make sure they can't catch up to us."

They continued to drive on the rocky road, the sound of the roaring car engine growing louder among the lonely forest. Soon, they came to an intersection that led to a steeper, narrower road. Without thinking, Taeyang turned the steering wheel towards the road, hoping that the car following them would have trouble traveling the more challenging road.

However, unexpectedly, the car following them continued to drive at high speed, as if unfazed by the worsening road conditions.

"Jiwon, get ready," Taeyang said, his tone starting to get a little more serious.

Jiwon began to prepare herself, her eyes full of determination even though she didn't know what would happen next. In her heart, she felt certain that they couldn't keep running away. Perhaps it was time to confront the followers.

"Wait here," Taeyang ordered as he stopped the car abruptly. "I'll check on them."

Without giving Jiwon a chance to ask further questions, Taeyang opened the car door and got out with firm steps. He saw that the car following them was almost there. Without hesitation, he walked forward, blocking its path. Taeyang's eyes were full of firmness, ready to face whatever came.

As soon as the following car stopped, a large man got out of the car with an unfriendly face. He was wearing a black jacket, and although he wasn't carrying any obvious weapons, his expression suggested that he was ready for action. Behind him, several other men got out of the car, ready to confront Taeyang.

"Detective Taeyang, huh?" the big man raised an eyebrow, his voice sounding mocking. "You're very brave. But you'll regret dealing with us."

Taeyang remained calm, his eyes focused. "What do you guys want? Why follow us?"

The man chuckled, looking at Jiwon who was still in the car. "We just want to make sure you're not too far from your home, Detective. There are things you should know, and you'll know everything soon enough."

Jiwon, who was prepared for this situation, didn't stay silent. She opened the car door, her steps steady and her face serious. "What do you want with my brother? Are you responsible for all this?" she asked, voice full of anger.

The big man looked at Jiwon with a slight sardonic smile. "Your brother is not the problem, little girl. This is about bigger information, and you two won't be able to deal with it."

Without giving her time to speak further, the man moved forward, but Taeyang was ready. He moved quickly, locking the man's movements with precise martial arts moves, knocking him to the ground with surprising force. Some of the other men tried to fight back, but Taeyang was already trained with deadly and effective moves.

Jiwon was surprised to see Taeyang's incredible skill, but he knew that this was a big warning. They had entered much more dangerous territory than they thought.

"Go!" Taeyang shouted to Jiwon while keeping their enemies at a safe distance. "Take the car and run. I'll hold them off."

Jiwon didn't hesitate. Despite her shock and anxiety, she knew it was time to act. She ran back to the car, started the engine, and backed away quickly. As soon as the car was away from the crowd, she turned around and saw Taeyang still standing firmly in the middle of the road, facing the men.

Jiwon bit her lip, praying that Taeyang could get out of this situation safely. Meanwhile, Taeyang fought back with everything he had, knowing that this fight had only just begun.

"This is far from over," Taeyang muttered, his eyes filled with determination.

While Taeyang struggles with the men chasing him, Jiwon drives fast, trying to avoid the increasingly chaotic situation. However, the anxiety that haunts her begins to turn into silliness as she tries to focus while driving.

In the middle of a narrow road, her car suddenly got stuck in a small hole on a bad road, causing the wheels to fall off. The car came to an abrupt stop, startling him. "Aishh, why now!" complained Jiwon, hitting the steering wheel in frustration.

She tried to push the gas pedal, but the car wouldn't move. Jiwon kicked the gas pedal once more, trying to move the car forward, but it only brought the car to a deeper halt. In desperation, she got out of the car to check what was wrong. In her high heels, she slipped slightly on the muddy ground.

"Ouch!" she shouted, almost falling over, but she managed to balance herself. However, it made her look like she was fighting against fate. Raising his head, he stared at the road and thought, "Why now? Why am I always the unlucky one!"

Before she knew it, the men from the car following them were getting closer. Jiwon panicked and ran back to the car, but in her agitation, she hit the car door and almost fell again.

Suddenly, she felt someone approaching. "What's wrong, little girl?" a man asked with an evil smile, his eyes filled with mockery.

Jiwon gathered courage, albeit with a worried face. "I... I just want to leave, okay!" she replied as she looked around. However, unintentionally, she hit the brakes causing the car to slide slightly and almost hit the man.

"Wait!" the man shouted, surprised to see the car moving closer. Jiwon hurriedly pulled the wheel quickly, causing the car to change direction at high speed and spin around.

The man backed up quickly, trying to dodge, while Jiwon struggled to control the car that almost flipped over. "Aish, why is this happening?!" she yelled, feeling both anxious and confused by the increasingly chaotic situation.

The funny moment was enough to startle the men in the back, and finally gave Taeyang the chance to get closer and sort out the mess. Meanwhile, Jiwon stared at Taeyang who finally managed to defeat the men with one move, leaving her mesmerized.

"Well, it was... a bit chaotic, right?" Jiwon said awkwardly, trying to ignore the funny incident she had just experienced. Taeyang just chuckled at Jiwon's confused expression, still looking down in embarrassment.

"Don't worry. Maybe you need to learn a little more about driving in rough terrain," Taeyang replied with a smile.

The two of them looked at each other for a moment, but there was a sense of relief between them, despite the chaotic situation they had just experienced together.

Jiwon looked down, feeling somewhat embarrassed by what had just happened. "I'm not very good at driving... especially in situations like this," she said in a low voice, trying to smile even though her face was still flushed.

Taeyang, who had taken the situation in stride, simply nodded and gave an even wider smile. "At least you have guts. That's more than enough." He teased her slightly to reduce the tension in the air.

Jiwon just laughed awkwardly, fingering her messy hair. "Thanks, but... I think I need more practice," she replied while looking at the road that was full of dust and car tracks.

The two of them then continued on their way to a safer place, though the road was still deserted and filled with the shadows of the dark night. Jiwon got back into her car, this time being more careful while driving, while Taeyang was beside her, his eyes staying alert for possible danger.

When they arrived at a small, quiet cafe, Jiwon stopped the car and looked at Taeyang. "I think we can talk more calmly here. That situation earlier... it felt really chaotic."

Taeyang nodded, staring out the window for a moment before turning back to Jiwon. "I know. But we can't stay silent for too long. They're still following us, and I'm sure they won't stop just because we got away earlier."

Jiwon nodded, though a little worried. "But why are they chasing us? Does it have something to do with the case you're working on?"

Taeyang looked at her seriously. "Most likely. They're not just anyone. This is about something bigger, and I can't let them keep interfering."

Jiwon, who was now starting to feel more serious, was determined not to be just a spectator. "I want to help, Taeyang. I know I'm not as good as you at this, but I can't just stay silent."

Taeyang looked at her for a moment, his eyes calculating. However, he then smiled slightly. "You are different, Jiwon. But, this is not something that can be dealt with carelessly. Let me take care of it."

But Jiwon remained adamant. "I can help. I won't just back down."

There was a bit of silence between them, before Taeyang finally nodded in agreement. "Alright, but you have to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."

Jiwon smiled determinedly, even though she knew that this wasn't just a simple matter. "I'll be careful. But I want to get involved."

Meanwhile, outside the cafe, the group of men who had been following them began to gather at a farther distance, preparing for their next move. They knew that they could not stop just because of the first failure. They had bigger plans to carry out, and Jiwon and Taeyang had just entered a game that was more dangerous than they imagined.

Neither knew that tonight would be the beginning of many unexpected events that would change their lives forever.

The small cafe seemed deserted, with only a few patrons engrossed in their activities. Taeyang and Jiwon sat at a corner table, away from the crowd, trying to talk without drawing attention. However, even though their conversation seemed casual, both of them knew that the situation was getting urgent.

Jiwon observed Taeyang seriously. "We can't keep dodging like this, right? If they're really after us, we should have a plan to fight back, or at least to know what they want."

Taeyang sighed, then drank his coffee slowly. "You're right. It's not about dodging anymore. They're after something bigger-something related to my case. It seems like they know more than I thought."

Jiwon gave Taeyang a curious look. "What do you mean, what do they want?"

Taeyang hesitated slightly, his eyes beginning to dart outside the café window, as if observing something Jiwon couldn't see. "There's someone I'm after... and that person is very dangerous. He controls a lot of things behind the scenes. I'm just starting to uncover bits and pieces, but they're starting to realize and try to stop me."

Jiwon nodded, understanding the tension in the air. "And they must know that the two of us have started to approach them."

"That's right," Taeyang replied, looking at Jiwon seriously. "You have to be careful, Jiwon. It's not just about the two of us anymore. They could be more ruthless than we think. You could be the next target."

Jiwon looked at him with determined eyes. "Don't worry, Taeyang. I won't back down. I also want to know who's behind all this."

Taeyang looked at her with sharp eyes, as if he was gauging Jiwon's strength of will. "You have guts, Jiwon. But remember, this isn't an action movie. I don't want to see you get hurt."

However, Jiwon raised her chin slightly. "I won't let you face this alone, Taeyang. We're a team now."

Taeyang was silent for a moment, as if contemplating Jiwon's words. There was silence between them, and for a few seconds, the two just looked at each other. However, Taeyang finally nodded, though there was still worry in his eyes.

"Alright," Taeyang said slowly. "Then, we should start planning our move. We need to find out who these people are, and what they want."

Jiwon smiled, feeling slightly relieved by Taeyang's decision. "I'm ready."

Suddenly, there was the sound of the café door opening, and two men walked in with strides. They looked like people who didn't want to be disturbed, and their gazes went straight to Taeyang and Jiwon. The two men walked slowly to their table, and without much ado, one of them spoke.

"Taeyang, right?" The big man said in a low voice. "We have a little business with you."

Taeyang instantly raised his gaze, his eyes narrowed sharply, ready for whatever was to come. "What do you guys want?"

Jiwon, feeling a little anxious, sat up straighter, trying to keep some distance between herself and the two men. However, Taeyang remained calm, his face not showing the slightest tension. This was not the first time he had faced a situation like this.

"Our business has nothing to do with her," the second man said in a calmer tone, looking at Jiwon. "But we want to talk to you, Taeyang. In private."

Jiwon was slightly surprised, but remained silent, waiting for Taeyang's reaction. He could feel the tension beginning to build in the air.

Taeyang finally stood up, letting the men take a step closer. "What do you want?" this time, his voice was sharper, and he was prepared for action.

However, before anyone could move, the cafe door opened again, this time with a loud bang. Another man entered with a serious expression. This wasn't someone they knew, and his eyes were immediately fixed on the two men.

"Enough!" the man shouted. "Leave her alone, or you'll regret it."

The atmosphere became tense, and Jiwon felt increasingly anxious. Taeyang remained calm, though he could sense that the situation was about to get more complicated. The man who had just entered seemed to know a lot more than Taeyang had expected.

"Who are you?" Taeyang asked, his voice lower, but still firm.

The man turned his gaze to Taeyang. "Someone who knows a lot more than you think," he replied in an enigmatic tone.

And just like that, a much bigger game than they had imagined began to unfold.

The man who had just entered stepped closer to their table, his eyes enigmatic. He was wearing a black suit with a neat tie, and his face was very serious. After a few seconds of silence, he finally opened his mouth.

"My name is Kwon Joon," he said in a low but firm voice. "And I have the information you need."

Taeyang furrowed his brow, feeling like something was off. He wasn't too fond of strangers suddenly appearing out of nowhere, especially with all the secrets he carried.

"What information?" asked Taeyang, his eyes alert.

Kwon Joon sat down on a chair near them uninvited, looking like he was pretty sure. "I know who's after you. They're not ordinary people. They have a direct connection to the case you're working on, Taeyang."

Jiwon, who was beginning to feel threatened by Kwon Joon's arrival, looked at him with concern. "What do you mean, what do they want from us?" she asked in a worried tone, but still trying to be firm.

Kwon Joon sighed, and then took out a folder from his bag. It looked quite thick, and he opened it in front of them. "I know you've started to sniff something out. But you don't know who's behind all this yet. I can tell you, but there's a price to pay."

Taeyang and Jiwon looked at each other. Taeyang knew that they were too far involved to back down, even though Kwon Joon seemed like a person who couldn't be trusted right away.

"What price to pay?" asked Taeyang, his eyes remaining sharp.

Kwon Joon shrugged his shoulders, as if not really caring about the tension in the air. "It's simple. I want to work with you guys. I have the resources, but I also need the information you have. It's not just about you and me, Taeyang. It's about big people who are already moving in the shadows. And we're just at the end of the rope that's been pulled. If we don't work together, things will end up worse."

Jiwon looked at Kwon Joon skeptically. "Why do you want to work with us? What makes you believe we can help?"

Kwon Joon smiled slightly, though it didn't look entirely friendly. "Because you two are already part of this game, even if you don't realize it. And because I know more about you than you think."

Taeyang held back his anger and tried to remain calm. "You said you know who's after us. Give me that information, and we'll think about working together."

Kwon Joon nodded. "Okay, but not here. We don't want to attract attention." He stood up and looked at the two. "Follow me. We're going to a safer place to talk things over."

Without waiting for a response, Kwon Joon turned and walked towards the door, leaving Taeyang and Jiwon to stare at each other. Although they felt uncomfortable with this situation, they knew that the path they had chosen could no longer be changed.

Jiwon finally stood up and looked at Taeyang. "Are we going with him?"

Taeyang nodded, though hesitation still lingered within him. "We have no choice. But still be careful. If he really knows something, we should utilize that information."

They both then followed Kwon Joon out of the café, not knowing that their decision that night would lead them deeper into a mystery that was darker and more dangerous than they imagined.

They continued on their way, following Kwon Joon who led the way at a brisk pace, as if he was very familiar with the streets of this city. Taeyang and Jiwon walked with him, feeling increasingly anxious but also curious about what they would encounter. The night city looked different-the glittering streetlights and the roar of vehicles gave a feeling of alienation, as if they were stepping into a world they didn't recognize.

After walking for a while, Kwon Joon led them to a tall building located in the city center, away from the crowds. The building looked modern, with a minimalist design that added a cold and mysterious feel. They passed through the main door guarded by several security guards, then headed for the elevator that led straight to the top floor.

"Why this place?" asked Jiwon in a disgruntled tone, although she felt a little depressed by the darkening atmosphere.

Kwon Joon only glanced at her for a moment, then replied in a flat tone, "It's a safe place. No one can spy on us here."

Arriving at the top floor, they exited the elevator and walked towards a room that seemed to be very simple, with no flashy decorations. Once the door opened, they were greeted with a minimalist meeting room, furnished with a long table and a few chairs. There was nothing special about it, except for the seriousness that was felt throughout the room.

Kwon Joon sat at the end of the table and looked at the two. "Now, we can talk," he said, looking at Taeyang and Jiwon in turn. "I know you both want to know who's after you, and more importantly, what's really going on."

Taeyang stepped forward and sat on one of the chairs. "Let's get started, Joon. We're pretty tired of all these games."

Kwon Joon nodded, then opened the folder he had brought. From it, he pulled out several documents and photos which he immediately placed on the table. "These are the people you're looking for," he said, pointing to the pictures spread out in front of them. "They are part of a large network that controls many illegal businesses in Seoul. And they've started targeting you because you've gotten too close to what they're hiding."

Jiwon examined the photos carefully. Some of the faces in the photos looked familiar, while others were not so clear. "So, who are these people?" she asked.

Kwon Joon took a deep breath. "They are part of a criminal organization that has been operating for years. They're involved in everything from smuggling to extortion to murder. But there's one much bigger thing they're planning right now."

Taeyang leaned closer, staring more intensely at the images. "What are they planning?" he asked, his voice growing serious.

Kwon Joon looked at them, his eyes full of warning. "I don't know everything, but what I do know is that they're looking for something very valuable. Something that could give them more power than you can imagine. That's why you two are involved. You've gone too far without realizing it."

The atmosphere in the room was getting tense. Taeyang and Jiwon looked at each other, trying to digest the information they had just received. "What should we do now?" asked Jiwon, feeling more confused than ever.

Kwon Joon stood up, looking at them seriously. "You have to find out what they want. And you have to do it quickly, before they find out what you know. Your time is up."

With those words, Kwon Joon motioned for them to follow, and Taeyang and Jiwon knew that they couldn't back down anymore. They had become entangled in a bigger game, and what they did next would determine not only their lives, but also the lives of many people they didn't know.

After leaving the building, the three of them walked towards the city center. The sky was beginning to lighten with the glittering street lights, but the atmosphere around them was far from relaxing. Taeyang walked in front, still wracking his brain over the information Kwon Joon had just given him.

"I still can't believe it," Jiwon said, breaking the silence. "Why am I involved in all this? I don't even know who they are."

Kwon Joon, who was walking behind, smiled slightly. "Sometimes, innocent people can get caught up in big situations just because of one small coincidence."

"Small coincidence?" Jiwon glanced sharply. "I don't even know what coincidence got me here now."

Taeyang stopped his steps, then turned to Jiwon. "Like it or not, you're a part of this now, Jiwon. There's no point in asking why or how. We just need to focus on finishing this and making sure we get out alive."

Jiwon snorted softly, but she knew Taeyang was right. He had no choice but to go with the flow.

---

A few minutes later, they arrived at a small, deserted-looking restaurant. Taeyang chose the place because of its secluded location and away from the crowds. Inside, they sat at one of the tables in the corner, while an elderly waitress approached to take down their orders.

"We need a place to strategize," Taeyang said after the waitress left. "Kwon Joon, I want to know more about what you're hiding. I know you haven't told me everything."

Kwon Joon snorted softly, folding his arms across his chest. "I'm not hiding anything. I've told you everything I know."

"No way." Taeyang squinted. "You're too calm for someone involved in a situation of this magnitude. You must have other plans."

Jiwon, who was sitting next to Taeyang, eyed Kwon Joon suspiciously. "I also feel that something is strange. You know too much, but you don't seem scared at all. Are you one of them?"

Kwon Joon chuckled. "Part of them? No, I'm not part of that criminal organization. But I have my own reasons for getting involved. Reasons that you probably don't need to know."

"You have no choice," Taeyang retorted in a cold tone. "If you're not honest, we can't work with you."

Kwon Joon was silent for a moment, then finally spoke. "Okay. If you want to know, I have a personal relationship with one of the people in that organization. That person... is my brother."

Jiwon and Taeyang were surprised to hear the confession. "Your brother?" asked Jiwon in a disbelieving tone.

Kwon Joon nodded. "He worked for them, but I don't know the extent of his involvement. The only thing I know is that he's caught up in something much bigger than himself. I want to help her out, but I can't do it alone. That's why I approached you guys."

Taeyang was silent, trying to digest the information. He knew that Kwon Joon was hiding many things, but he didn't expect this to be one of them.

"Are you sure he wants to be rescued?" asked Taeyang finally. "What if he's already too deep to get out?"

"That's what we have to find out," Kwon Joon replied in a firm tone. "But I won't give up until I know the answer."

Jiwon looked at Kwon Joon skeptically, but she couldn't ignore the sincerity in his voice. Even so, she still felt like something wasn't right.

"Alright," Taeyang said finally. "We'll work together, but on one condition. You can't hide anything from us anymore. If you try to play games, I'll get rid of you myself."

Kwon Joon smiled slightly. "You have a deal."

That night, the three of them began a long discussion about what steps to take next. They knew that they were entering a terrain full of danger, but they also knew that there was no turning back. What lay ahead of them was a great mystery that could change their lives forever.

After a long discussion, the night was getting late. Taeyang glanced at his watch and found that it was already two in the morning. He took a deep breath, feeling a little tired but still fully focused.

"We have to stay overnight somewhere," Taeyang said finally. "We can't continue our journey or risk going back to our respective places tonight. Too many eyes might be lurking."

Jiwon, who already looked sleepy, leaned her head on the chair. "Stay? You mean... here?" She glanced at the small restaurant which was not an ideal place to spend the night.

Taeyang shook his head while rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course not here. I'll arrange a safer place."

Kwon Joon nodded in agreement. "I know one place. I have a contact who can provide temporary lodging, away from the city center. No one will suspect us there."

"I hope this contact of yours doesn't cause any new problems," Taeyang replied coldly. He was always cautious about trusting people, especially someone who brought them deeper into this complicated situation.

"Take it easy," Kwon Joon replied. "He's an old friend who's helped me a lot. He knows how to stay undetected."

---

After paying the restaurant bill, they left the place and headed for the location Kwon Joon mentioned. The streets were quiet that night, with only a few vehicles passing by. Jiwon yawned occasionally, trying to stay awake despite the fatigue starting to attack her.

"This place is so far away," Jiwon complained, staring out the car window. "Isn't there anything closer?"

"The further away from the city center, the safer it is," Kwon Joon replied without turning around. "We can't take any chances."

Finally, they arrived at a small house hidden in the suburbs. The house looked old but well-maintained, with a small garden in front. The yellow light from inside gave a warm impression, contrasting with the cold night air.

An old man opened the door as they approached. His face was friendly, with a small smile that showed he wasn't surprised by their arrival.

"Kwon Joon," the man greeted. "It's been a long time. Come in, the house is safe for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Kang," Kwon Joon replied, giving a small bow. "We'll just stay here tonight."

Taeyang and Jiwon followed Kwon Joon into the house. Inside, the atmosphere was simple yet cozy. There were no luxurious items, just wooden furniture and carpets that gave off a warm feeling.

"This is better than I thought," Jiwon murmured, finally feeling a little relieved.

Mr. Kang showed them to their rooms. "There are two rooms here. One is big enough for two people, and the other is smaller. You can arrange who sleeps where."

"I sleep alone," Jiwon said quickly, raising her hand. "I don't want to share."

Taeyang just gave a small snort. "Suit yourself, as long as I don't have to argue."

After they each chose a room, Taeyang went into the larger room with Kwon Joon. He threw himself onto the bed without hesitation, trying to relax his body.

"Tomorrow morning we'll continue the conversation," Taeyang said. "Tonight we'll rest first. If you have other plans, take care of them yourself."

Kwon Joon just nodded as he sat on the edge of the bed. He looked like someone who never really rested, Taeyang thought. There was something in the look in his eyes that made him always alert.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Jiwon tried to close her eyes, but her mind kept being filled with the strange events she had just experienced. She never thought her normal life would change this quickly.

"Do I really have to be involved in all this?" she muttered softly, before finally falling asleep from exhaustion.