#WIEUDHEWKDHADUHWED

[jeoseungsaja]

Hello Inspector Im, don’t mind me, I just have a few questions for you!! Feel free to elaborate ( or not ) as much as you please 😊 okay so you consider yourself to be a certain ( former ) detective’s sidekick…what’s the story behind that? why keep in touch with him when he insists on being in solitude? I also heard from a little birdie that you were a fan of the black knight. Why do you like him so much? Doesn’t that conflict with your job seeing that he should probably be arrested? And finally, what are your thoughts on wrinkly paperwork, specifically origami?? ( not me, wanting to know more about ur wonderful npc 😂 but also feel free to ignore this- have a wonderful day alex!! )

@ofgentleresolve ♚ not me being over the moon due to these wonderful questions brought by a super duper amazing person by the name ferre---

♔ ———–

Jae-Hwan is, in the beginning, a little startled by the sudden rain of questions. It shows in the way he freely chuckles, laughter born out of surprise and a teeny tiny bit of amusement. Amusement, because he’s used to be the one making the questions, not the other way around. Still, he doesn’t show any discomfort toward them. If anything, he straightens his spine; shoulders rolling back in a lax manner as a plastic bag dangles from calloused fingers. A bit of wariness cloaks his soul, though. He knows he has to be careful when dancing around particular topics --- especially the ones which include a particular (former) detective. 

They don’t even say his name, but Jae-Hwan is aware.  And, it seems, current companion is also aware of the link between them. Sidekick. The usage of word allows an amiable smile to settle on face; crooking lips to a side just slightly. He enjoys being called that way when it comes to the bond he has with Detective Lee; doesn’t mind admitting that they’re Hyuk’s apprentice --- even if that might earn them a grimace from the acidic detective. 

As for the whole story behind that...well. Forgive him, he’s not about to fully disclose this so earnestly, mostly because he’s taking Detective Lee into account when it comes to this, and how he doesn’t like to open up, preferring to maintain certain (if not most) of his life private.  

“Hmm...aren’t the ones who stubbornly say they don’t need something, the ones who actually need it the most? Sometimes people insist on solitude to protect others from what’s truly damaging them, but I think solitude is something no one likes. It’s dark, it’s horribly invasive. No one...should have to deal with that.” 

And sure, sure, sometimes he gets scolded by Hyuk when getting worried about him, or when wishing to keep him company late at night. Detective Lee insists on Jae-Hwan going home so he can get some sleep, but how endearingly hypocritical is that? Sending someone to sleep when he doesn’t even get a minute of shut-eye. Might as well join the boat once in a while, right? Regardless of the reprimands, Jae-Hwan sticks by his side because the Inspector has seen glimpses of Lee Hyuk’s heart and his sharp mind. A soul like his shouldn’t go to waste; shouldn’t be abandoned...or so, that’s what Jae-Hwan thinks.

“The Black Knight? Do you happen to know who this little birdie is? They know too much.”

Another chuckle, along with a nod. Yes, yes he is. A fan of the masked vigilante, of this mysterious shadow which is more helpful than detrimental to society. And yes, he’s...received a few reports of possible illegal actions (most of them fabricated, truly, because the Black Knight is clever enough to hide or disguise his tracks through techniques that are somewhat familiar for Jae-Hwan) done by the vigilante, but they’re all inconclusive. 

Some of Jae-Hwan’s colleagues even complain when Jae-Hwan themselves respond to these reports, because they constantly provide valid points that benefit the Black Knight, instead of siding with the ambition of Seoul’s headquarters. Well, what can they do? Lie about it? Not a chance. They’ve learned from Detective Lee that it’s best to stick to the truth rather than fibbing for tranquility’s sake. Besides, peace born out of deception ends up being uncomfortable. 

“Of course I am a fan! Have you seen how cool he is? And how smart! He’s been doing this for a while now and we basically know nothing about him, nothing! Other than just this nickname and the articles and reports made out of pure hypothesis. It must be tough, to keep that shell for so long and being able to do it so...seamlessly. At least, from what we get to see. Do you think he has a team? Woah, imagine being able to work alongside the Black Knight ---” 

His eyes look like they’re twinkling.

“With my job? Hah, well, if you consider that he’s much faster than we are. One of the differences between the Black Knight and the people at my job is that the Black Knight doesn’t have to strictly stick to laws or rules or pesky formats that take ages to get validated and accepted. Another difference is that it...looks like the Black Knight tries to stick to a purpose without the intention to harm people who doesn’t deserve it. From what I’ve gathered. And my job...hmm. Let’s just say the Black Knight might do a dirty job in the eyes of people who are doing dirtier jobs, so.” 

Truth be told, one of the main reasons why they keep enduring their job is because Detective Lee needs the information they can provide from the precinct’s database. Otherwise, they’d probably join the independent side of things. 

“And he seems more trained in fighting than some people at my job. Not that I’ve seen him fight, but if he could get Det---” 

He clears his throat. Maybe he shouldn’t talk about the day the Black Knight and Detective Lee had an encounter. Jae-Hwan also realizes that one of his hands has turned into a hovering fist, as if wanting to resemble someone holding a sword of some sort, getting excited due to his storytelling. He slowly puts it down. 

“Sorry, what was--oh, yeah! Origami? Is...this about a certain Origami Machine, by any chance?” 

Jae-Hwan’s seen it. Different figurines standing on Detective Lee’s shelf, one he helps to dust off once in a while. Some of them seem moderately recent, but others have gained the color of yellow due to months (perhaps years) of existence. Jae-Hwan remembers seeing paper cranes, pigeons...and hedgehogs. It seems they’re all dear to Detective Lee, even if he might not admit it, even if he might sound annoyed whenever he says a petite-looking but spirited Origami Machine made them. 

“I’m not sure if someone out there would be a fan of wrinkly paperwork, but if it’s in the shape of Origami, it’s worth the wrinkles, no? It’s nice to look at. If my paperwork was like that, I’d have a hard time unfolding it because I wouldn’t like to ruin the shape. I’d probably request new prints so I could keep this kind of wrinkly paperwork.”  

A gentle smile is given, lifting the hand that’s occupied with the plastic bag. Warm food is inside; he managed to get cheese tteokbokki -- one of Detective Lee’s favorites. Not that Hyuk’s told them, no. Jae-Hwan’s just noticed how the stubborn detective leaves no trace when they get this for him; no leftovers (which are usually saved in the mini fridge he has in his office) in sight.

“I have to go now; gotta deliver this before it gets cold. Take care,”

a small bow of their head takes place,

“and hopefully I’ll see you again? Maybe you can tell me more about yourself next time, rather than me talking your ear off. Have a nice day!” 

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