#15. The Meeting

A few days later, Seo-wan returned from fieldwork to find the Metropolitan Investigation Unit’s office as busy as ever.

The detectives wore their usual blank, weary expressions. Phones rang without pause.

In the middle of the office stood the briefing board for Kim Yu-jin’s disappearance.

“Detective Choi.”

Team Leader Lee Su-hyeok spotted her and leaned against the partition beside her desk.

“Yes, sir?”

“That psychiatrist. Seo Min-gyu, was it? Didn’t you go to question him the other day?”

No one had accused her of anything, yet her gaze flickered.

“…Yes.”

He set down his notebook and lifted his chin slightly, curiosity showing on his face.

“Apparently, he’s in an interview room right now.”

“…An interview room?”

“Yes. We didn’t call him in. He came of his own accord. Said there was something he wanted to discuss about Kim Yu-jin’s disappearance.”

For a moment, Seo-wan simply looked at him, her expression thoughtful.

“A little unusual, isn’t it? Coming all the way to headquarters voluntarily. Did you notice anything out of the ordinary last time?”

“No. Nothing in particular.”

Her answer was composed. She did not feel that way.

If it was about Kim Yu-jin, he could have contacted her directly. Or mentioned it during her last appointment.

Why come here himself?

She wondered what he was thinking, yet felt a strange irritation. She clicked her pen over and over.

“Choi Seo-wan! What are you so lost in thought about?”

“Oh. Um, sir?”

“What?”

“Has… Mr. Seo finished his interview?”

“I think they finished a little while ago. Nothing much. He brought her medical chart and some counseling notes.”

“Counseling notes?”

“Yes. Delivered them himself, too. Hmm. Must have a strong sense of responsibility.”

“…”

“What are you thinking about? Come on. Let’s get lunch.”

Seo-wan rose and followed the others out of the office.

The team leader insisted on spicy seafood noodle soup, while the youngest detective declared it was time they started eating separately, bidding farewell to their lunch arrangement.

Another detective argued that when opinions differed, a set meal was the best solution. He enthusiastically recommended a workers’ canteen that had recently opened beside a construction site.

They kept up their earnest debate, each trying to win over Seo-wan, who had remained neutral.

Just as she was growing thoroughly tired of the men’s noisy chatter, she paused at the sight of a familiar silhouette at the foot of the stairs.

She had never seen him from behind before, yet she recognized him immediately.

Seo Min-gyu.

He turned and looked up at her, as though he had known she would come.

Their eyes met. A quiet smile held a restrained hint of pleasure at seeing her.

“Detective Choi?”

He spoke first.

Seeing him so unexpectedly brought a flicker of pleasure—and, just as quickly, wariness.

As always, he crossed the line with such effortless ease.

He might seem casual, but she was certain every move was calculated.

Seo-wan tried not to show her surprise, but her heart beat uneasily.

“Oh. I heard you were here.”

Her colleagues looked back and forth between them with undisguised curiosity.

“It was lunchtime, so I thought I’d wait in case I saw you. Just to say hello before leaving.”

Seo-wan turned to her colleagues, who were staring as though they were visitors at a zoo.

“Go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”

“Oh. Right. Sure. Take your time.”

As they moved away, Seo-wan slowly approached Min-gyu.

“So this is where you work.”

He smiled as he looked around the police headquarters, but her expression remained stiff.

“I understand you provided Kim Yu-jin’s medical chart. What made you change your mind?”

“I was concerned that the investigation seemed to be dragging on. She is my patient, after all. Do you think it might help?”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Min-gyu noticed her checking the time on her phone.

“Oh. Am I keeping you?”

“No. It’s my lunch break. It’s fine.”

“I’m glad. Have you been sleeping well lately?”

“Yes. Thanks to you.”

At her rather formal, guarded manner, Min-gyu backed off.

“That’s good to hear. Enjoy your lunch, then.”

“Thank you. Have a safe trip back.”

Seo-wan watched him walk toward his car.

Had today’s encounter really been a coincidence?

***

1:47 a.m. Seo-wan was staring at the ceiling again.

The lights were off, and the room was quiet. Her mind was not.

Closing her eyes only brought her thoughts into sharper focus.

Should I take one again?

Beside her bed lay the sleeping pills Min-gyu had prescribed a few days earlier and a cup of chrysanthemum tea that had gone cold.

Two tablets remained. She reached for one, then withdrew her hand.

She was fighting not to give in, yet she knew she had already lost her battle with sleep.

With each tablet that disappeared, she feared she might find herself wanting to seek him out again.

That fear made her hesitate all the more.

His words returned to her.

-“All treatment begins with facing yourself and acknowledging your vulnerability.”-

For some reason, the memory brought a sting to her eyes.

Her own weakness, laid bare by sleeplessness.

All that time she had struggled to keep it hidden, and he had drawn it out as though it were nothing.

The endless battle for sleep had worn her down.

3:40 a.m.

At last, she swallowed a tablet and closed her eyes, its bitterness lingering in her mouth.

Now she had only one left.