Face Shift - A Mask You Can't Take Off

Part 4 - Unwilling Heartbeat

Hyuna quickly left the kitchen, embarrassed. She was surprised by her own action. She had become attached to the woman. Her kindness and the favors she showed her made Hyuna feel involuntarily closer to the family.

That night, she had another work appointment. She reluctantly packed her necessities to go to Kwangsoo's place. Every night, she hated herself and her dirty job more than before. But she had to. She had grown used to it, to this work, to this life. To being Park Hyuna. To being a criminal, as if this was her destiny from the day she was born.

________

An unhealthy life surrounded by people who didn't care about the death or life of others.

He hadn't heard from Jin since the morning when he was looking for the file. It was strange; he hadn't even checked in on him. (What's up with this guy today? I should go see what he's doing.)

He prepared a coffee and walked toward his room. He entered without knocking. Jin wasn't in the room. He placed the coffee tray on his desk. The window of his small balcony was open. (What is he doing outside in this cold?)

He held the curtain that was swaying from the wind. Jin was out there, in his white shirt, smoking a cigarette. It was strange; he had never seen Jin smoke before. He became worried. He would catch a cold in that thin shirt in this weather. Before going out to the balcony, he took his long navy-blue coat from the hanger.

Jin was staring at the city lights twinkling below him. His cigarette was his constant friend in times of loneliness. He took a deep drag and held the smoke in his chest. It burned his lungs. He liked this agony; it reminded him that it was insignificant compared to the torment of being away from his love.

Feeling the coat placed on his shoulders, he slowly exhaled the smoke held in his chest. He couldn't believe it. It felt like a dream; the person standing next to him was his long-time crush.

"Jun... Jungkook..."

Jungkook smiled at his kind face and placed his hand on his shoulder: "Since when did you start smoking?"

Jin quickly put out the cigarette under his shoe. He was flustered. He knew his Jungkook hated cigarettes. He didn't want him to run away from him.

"Oh... This, I smoke occasionally... sometimes..."

His voice, his tone, and the anxiety he displayed clearly showed he was lying. Jungkook had never truly delved into his heart's confessions; he wasn't a good friend to Jin. He had never shared his secrets with Jungkook. He blamed himself.

"Jina... why did you come out in the cold?... You're smoking too... I know something is wrong with you, but you won't tell me... You won't share your feelings with me..."

Jin stared at his black, shiny eyes that were glistening due to the cold. What could he say? If Jungkook found out about his heart's feelings, he would lose him forever. But was he satisfied with his presence just as a friend?

"I wasn't cold... I just came out here to relax a bit..."

Another lie. How clumsy he was at lying. Jungkook worriedly placed his hand on his back:

"Come on, let's go inside. I made coffee. Let's drink it together."

Jin sat next to him on the comfortable armchair in his room. The coffee had gone cold, but it didn't matter. This coffee was made by Kookie's hands.

Jungkook started the conversation.

"You've been here since morning. Why didn't you come to see me?... Is something wrong?"

Jin squeezed the coffee cup in his hands: "Why didn't you come to me?"

Jungkook was shocked by his sudden question. Jin was right. But he had grown used to Jin checking on him, his worries, his jokes. To his constant presence beside him.

He shamefully stared at the thick liquid in his cup.

"You're right... You got me used to your visits..."

Jin smiled faintly. He was used to Jungkook's entire being, every part of his body. To the warmth of his presence. To his beautiful smile.

The sound of Jungkook's phone ringing broke the heavy atmosphere between them. It was the Senior Chief.

"Yes, sir... Who?... Officer Kim? He must have left his phone. About the fax?... Yes, I'll tell him. Thank you, good night..."

He hung up and gave Jin a fake glare: "What exactly were you doing today?... You didn't answer your phone... You didn't send the report faxes to the headquarters... YAAA... Are you in love?"

Jin's heart skipped a beat. He looked at him worriedly. Jungkook's gaze was serious, but he had spoken those words as a joke.

"Yes."

Jungkook laughed and patted him on the back a few times: "Ah, Jina, that was so lame... Don't joke with me, at least. I know you hate girls..."

Jin got up from the armchair: "You're right... Let's go. I'm very tired today."

Jungkook followed him and stood up from the armchair. He put both hands in his trouser pockets: "You haven't done much work, have you? Is that why they were complaining about you?"

Jin threw his coat over his arm and left the room. Jungkook quickly followed him: "YAA... Jinaaa..."

Hearing his name, Jin involuntarily stopped and turned back to him: "Stop it... Don't call me Kook like that anymore..."

The elevator door opened. Before hearing Jungkook's words, he pressed the ground floor button.

Jungkook hated himself for not being able to calm him down. He always made him laugh with jokes and teasing, but this time... (Is he so upset that... he won't even laugh at my words anymore?)

_________

He put the key in the lock. It was past two in the morning. He quietly walked through the hall. But before going to his room, he glanced at the hall sofa. Everywhere was dark; he couldn't see well. He gave up and walked toward his room. Seeing her red suitcase, he was sure she was still there. He was so flustered and tired that he didn't feel like changing his clothes. He sprawled out on the bed and put one elbow over his face.

At the sound of the house door closing, he quickly jumped off the bed. Who was it at this time of night? His police instincts made him react to every sound. He went to the hall and turned on the light.

She put her hand on her heart as the lights suddenly came on; she was frightened. Seeing Jungkook's surprised and angry face, her fear increased. What could she say? He would definitely suspect her.

Jungkook folded his arms: "Is this a hotel? Or a guesthouse?"

She took a deep breath to prepare her fabricated lies: "I know it's late... but I was looking for my misfortune."

He smirked. What a ridiculous lie.

"What do you take me for?... An i***t?..."

He took a step closer, looking at the clothes she was wearing. She was wearing a thick coat, but her legs were bare.

"At this time of night... what place other than..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Hyuna quickly interrupted: "I was with my friend... looking for a house... looking for a place where I won't bother you anymore... so I won't be humiliated less."

She walked toward his room to pick up her suitcase. Jungkook stood in front of the door: "I won't let you go."

Hyuna put her hand on his arm to push him aside, but Jungkook grabbed her wrist tightly: "My mother gave you permission to stay. So, for her sake, I'll put up with you. But... if I find out you've taken advantage of her kindness, I'll make you pay for it for the rest of your life."

Jungkook looked at her angrily and left the house.

A week had passed since Hyuna stayed in that house. He hadn't come home for the entire week. Her plan wasn't just failing; it was getting worse. She went out of the restaurant when Jimin called.

"Yes, Chim."

"Hyuna... Kwangsoo is angry... What exactly are you doing?... Time is short..."

She pushed her hair back: "Jimin... the guy is a stubborn i***t. He's totally different from other men. I've been staying at his house for a while, and he hasn't even given me one bad look. Worse, he hates me."

Jimin almost shouted: "What?!... Hyuna, please... We need those photos and evidence. Get him drunk... be flirtatious, I don't know, do something! This damn Kwangsoo won't give up. I don't know what excuse to come up with anymore..."

She closed her eyes for a moment: "Jimin... I told you he won't look at me, and you say be flirtatious? His mother said he doesn't touch alcohol at all. He hates being drunk. This boy is sick; something is wrong with him, believe me. He's not normal at all. My job is hard."

Jimin sighed irritably: "Hyuna, it's your job. You can do it. He must have a weakness somewhere. Finish the job quickly."

She looked inside the restaurant. They needed her help: "Okay, I'll see what I can do. I have to go now. Bye."

_________

He gave a short bow to Officer Chan and left the room. Jin, seeing him, walked toward him surprised: "Jungkook... What were you doing with Officer Chan?"

He sighed and walked toward the exit: "I asked him to give the young man's murder file to someone else."

They both sat on the bench in the compound.

"Why? You were making good progress."

He leaned against the cold backrest of the bench and clasped his hands behind his head: "I said it was because of my mother's illness, that I wanted to spend more time with her. But all of that is an excuse. Actually, I want to go home and focus on the file I told you about. I can't handle two difficult, important tasks at once."

Jin licked his lips. This action by Jungkook showed that he was overly determined.

"You're right... I don't know, but... I want to help you too."

Jungkook looked at him with a smile: "Thank you... You've always been by my side."

Jungkook sighed and stared at the red sky above him: "I've slept here for a week. I've worked day and night to get to both files, but I couldn't. My mind is preoccupied. My problems aren't just one or two. I can't concentrate easily like before."

Jin leaned against the cold backrest of the bench like Kookie. The cold of the bench made his body shiver, but the warmth of Jungkook's presence beside him reassured him.

"You have a right to feel that way. You've been through a lot of hardships. If I were you, I would have given up. I'm not as patient as you. Maybe... maybe I would even... commit suicide."

Jungkook felt a lump in his throat. But he controlled himself. No one had ever seen him cry, not even when Nayeon died.

"Let's go inside... It's cold."

Jungkook got up from the bench, but Jin turned to him while still sitting: "What are you going to tell Chan? If you don't work, they'll fire you."

Jungkook smiled: "Don't worry. I asked him for a simple theft file."

________

Junghwa and Youngmi were busy preparing dinner in the kitchen. Hyuna was staring at the television opposite her but wasn't paying attention to the program being broadcast. The boy hadn't stepped into the house for a week. She was ashamed of her excuses and staying in that house. On the other hand, she needed the evidence. She didn't know what was hindering her progress.

At the sound of the door opening, she turned her head toward the door. It was him, but he looked tired. He had finally stepped into the house after a week. She got up from the sofa with embarrassment: "Hello."

Seeing the young woman, he frowned. She still hadn't left. He didn't know why, but unlike his mother, he didn't have a good feeling about her. He quietly returned her greeting and went to his room.

Yungmi called out loudly from the kitchen: "Hyuna... Did Jungkook come?"

Hyuna sat back on the sofa: "Yes."

Yungmi hurriedly came out of the kitchen and said at the door: "Go call him for dinner. I'm sure he hasn't eaten anything."

Hyuna wanted to object, but Yungmi had already returned to the kitchen. She got up from the sofa and walked toward his room. She gave a short knock on the door and waited. He didn't answer. She knocked again, and he said softly, "Yes."

She opened the door. Her tongue was tied when she saw his naked body as he was changing his clothes. She quickly looked down: "I'm sorry... Mrs. Jeon asked me to call you for dinner."

He put on his T-shirt, indifferent to her reaction: "I don't want any. I want to sleep."

Hyuna didn't insist and was about to close the door when Jungkook's question made her return to her previous spot.

"Haven't you found a place? I can help you look."

Hyuna was hurt by his words; she understood his meaning. She quietly murmured: "I'll try to leave soon."

She closed the door and left. Jungkook himself didn't know why he didn't have a good feeling about this girl. He was afraid to trust anyone. This was a long-standing fear; she reminded him of his bitter memories. He didn't want to trust anyone again.

This time, his mother came to him and forced him to sit at the dinner table.

Silence reigned at the table. Jungkook was lost in his thoughts and work, playing with the food in front of him. His mother brought him out of his own world with a question.

"Jungkooki, why haven't you come home these past few days? Are you very busy?"

He softened her heart with a smile for his behavior: "I apologize. Work stress makes me feel ashamed. But I won't go back again."

His father was shocked.

"Jungkook... Did you get fired?"

Hyuna was surprised, waiting for his answer. (If he resigned, that would be great.)

"No... I wanted to rest a bit, so I asked them to give me an easy case."

His mother, happy with what he had said, kissed his face hard: "Oh, that's wonderful... That's great. You've been so on edge from being around those criminals and offenders. Maybe this way you won't need to take medication anymore."

Jungkook got angry at his mother's last words.

He didn't want his illness to be thrown in his face in front of a stranger. He got up from the table: "Thank you for dinner."

Junghwa gave Yungmi a glare and gestured toward Hyuna. Yungmi, who had just realized the reason for her son's distress, looked at Junghwa apologetically.

Hyuna was eating with her head down from the beginning to the end of their conversation. How hard it was to live among people whose existence caused them pain. She no longer had an appetite. She quickly thanked them sadly and went to the hall. She was busy on her phone. She missed Jimin; he was the only reason she was alive.

She went to the small balcony of the house and made the call. The winter night air was cold. She wished she had worn warm clothes. But she missed her brother so much that she had forgotten. They hadn't seen each other for a few days. She spoke with tears and longing.

Jungkook was tossing and turning in his bed. He was tired, but he couldn't sleep. He got up from the bed to take his medicine so he might calm down. He opened his room door. Everywhere was dark. Hearing the sound of someone talking, he paused. The sound was coming from the balcony next to his room. He walked toward the sound. Hyuna was sitting cross-legged, leaning against the wall of their small yard. He put his hand on the balcony door handle but changed his mind about opening it.

Talking to her brother hadn't calmed her down; it had only increased her tears. Her heart was full of this life and being family-less. Of the peace she needed but never received. The cold wall behind her made her shiver. She was so troubled and broken that she cared about nothing but finding peace.

After taking his medication, Jungkook looked at the balcony again. She was still huddled in that corner, hugging herself with her hands. (This girl is seriously missing a screw. In this cold, with a thin blouse... Oh my God.)

He walked toward his room but paused before closing the door. (What if she catches a cold?)

He took his coat from the hanger and walked toward the balcony. He was still hesitant. He wasn't the type of person to care about a girl. He was so busy and engrossed in his work that marriage or being with a girl never crossed his mind. He attributed this action to his human duty. Anyone else in his place would be worried.

As the balcony door opened, she quickly stood up from the wall.

Jungkook didn't know how to give her the coat. He wasn't good at interacting with the opposite s*x. He stretched out his hand and said: "It's cold... I thought maybe... you might need it."

She stared at his outstretched hand. She still couldn't believe this boy felt sorry for her.

Seeing her hesitation, Jungkook pulled back his hand and said: "Never mind, I guess the weather isn't that cold. Good night."

He turned his back to leave, but Hyuna's voice stopped him.

"Wait... I... I was cold."

Jungkook turned around again. She was trembling from the cold. Involuntarily, he took a step closer and draped his coat over her shoulders.

Hyuna was shocked by his sudden movement. She stared at Kookie's face in surprise, trying to gauge his emotions at that moment.

He quietly and gently settled the coat on her shoulders and, without looking at her face, said: "Good night."

She continued to stare at the closed balcony door. His large, masculine coat completely enveloped her delicate body. She gripped the collar of the coat with both hands. It was so warm and smelled nice.

The morning began in total silence as they sat across from each other at breakfast. Hyuna watched Jungkook out of the corner of her eye while he ate, his movements slow and quiet. She couldn't stop thinking about how he had acted the night before. Does this mean he's softening up? she wondered.

Jungkook could feel the weight of her gaze. To catch her off guard, he suddenly looked up.

Their eyes met, and Hyuna panicked, immediately turning her attention back to stirring her soup.

Finally, Jungkook's father broke the silence. "It's good to see you taking a break. I honestly can't remember the last time we were all together like this."

His mother added with a smile, "I agree. How about we all go on a trip together?"

The two of them immediately started planning a getaway, but Jungkook didn't seem to care.

He was tired of sitting at that table and exhausted by the girl's constant staring. He set his spoon down. "I'm sorry... I can't join you. I have a case to work on, but I want to do it from here. So, you two enjoy yourselves."

He stood up. "Excuse me... thank you for the meal."

He hurried off to his room. Yungmi, frustrated by her son's behavior, leaned back in her chair and looked at her husband. "This is exactly why I say he needs to get married. His entire mind is consumed by work and that police station."

Jung-hwa locked his fingers together. "What can I do? I can't force him."

Hyuna picked up her and Jungkook's plates and headed to the sink. She gave a short bow and thanked them before leaving the kitchen. She knew she was an outsider, but she had no choice. She could hear them talking from the small kitchen table; she lowered the TV volume so she could listen better.

Yungmi lowered her voice, glancing toward the hallway to make sure Hyuna wasn't listening. "Let's go to Busan. Just for a week to rest."

Jung-hwa looked at his wife in surprise. "Didn't you hear him? He said he isn't coming."

Yungmi leaned in closer, whispering, "I know. I want them to be alone."

"What?" Jung-hwa blurted out. "What do you mean?"

"Shhh, quiet! I just feel like if they're left alone together, they might actually get along."

Jung-hwa lowered his voice. "Them? You mean Kook and the girl?"

Yungmi nodded. Jung-hwa stood up from the table, annoyed. "I still don't trust her, and you want to—"

"She's been with us for over a week," Yungmi interrupted. "The poor girl has no one. I've grown quite fond of her."

Frustrated, Jung-hwa headed toward their bedroom.

Hyuna hadn't caught every word, but as she walked back into the kitchen, she saw Yungmi rubbing her temples. She stepped in to help with the dishes.

After finishing the chores, they got ready to head to the restaurant. Jungkook was still in his room.

Hours passed as they cooked at the restaurant, which was only a block away from their house. Yungmi packed some food into a container and turned to Hyuna. "Honey, could you take this home? I'm sure he hasn't eaten anything."

Hyuna was secretly happy for an excuse to see him. "Of course."

She put on her coat and walked back. The air was biting, and winter snow was beginning to settle on the ground. She sneezed a few times as she unlocked the door. The house was dead silent. She set the food on the table and hurried to the heater in the corner of the living room, rubbing her cold hands together.

The sound of the door and Hyuna's sneezing caught Jungkook's attention. He glanced at the wall clock; he had been buried in case files for hours and had lost track of time. He stretched and picked up his phone. He had five missed calls from Jin. Knowing he'd probably pissed his friend off, he called back.

After two rings, Jin answered. "You idiot."

Jungkook laughed. "Hello, Officer Kim. I'm fine, thanks for asking."

"Shut up, Kook. I was worried sick. Why aren't you answering? I was about to drive over there."

Jungkook stood up and paced the room. "Sorry. My phone was on silent. I didn't realize how late it was."

"Be glad I'm in a good mood today, or I'd give you a real beating."

The sound of Jungkook's voice drew Hyuna toward his room. She paused near the door. His voice was muffled, but she realized he was talking to a colleague.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Jungkook froze when he saw Hyuna standing just inches away. His expression shifted instantly to anger.

"Jungkook? Did you hear me?" Jin asked over the phone.

Jungkook kept his eyes locked on Hyuna. "I'll call you back."

He hung up and stepped toward his desk as Hyuna quickly held out the food container. "I brought lunch... your mom said—"

Jungkook approached her slowly, his gaze intense and silent. With every step he took, Hyuna's heart hammered harder. This guy was unpredictable. Taming him or even just talking to him felt like an impossible task.

He stopped right in front of her and took the food. "So, you're an eavesdropper too?"

Hyuna looked at his indifferent face in shock. "Oh, no... believe me, I... I was just going to call you so—"

Jungkook gave her a meaningful look. "I hate liars."

Hyuna went speechless. Her entire life was built on lies and deception. How could she be honest, especially in front of her own enemy?

Jungkook walked over to a chair, sat down, and began unwrapping the cover around the food. "How long are you going to stand there? Go get two pairs of chopsticks and a spoon."

Hyuna blinked. Does he mean for me to eat with him?

Seeing her hesitation, Jungkook folded his hands. "I was talking to you."

Hyuna was still confused. 'You'? Does he not know my name, or does he just refuse to use it?

She went to the kitchen. The portion Yungmi had sent was enough for two, but she didn't feel comfortable sitting with him. She placed one pair of chopsticks on the table. "Enjoy your meal."

She turned to grab her coat, but Jungkook's voice stopped her. "I can't eat all of this."

She stood there, conflicted. Was it better to stay close to him for her mission, or to keep her distance? "I have to get back to work... your mother..."

Jungkook looked at her anxious face. He hated begging anyone for anything. He turned back to his food. "Fine. Go."

Hyuna sneezed as she put on her coat. Their eyes met again, but this time, Jungkook was the one to look away.

Hyuna felt terrible. She had a pounding headache and felt a fever coming on. She left the house and returned to the restaurant.

She hadn't heard from Kwang-soo in a few days. He hadn't even called her for the usual night shifts, which relieved her but also made her uneasy. She slipped into a quiet corner of the restaurant and called her brother.

"Hi, Chim. You okay?"

"Hey, Hyuna. I'm fine. How are you? What was wrong with you last night?"

"Never mind that, I was just feeling down. What's the news? What's Kwang-soo up to?"

"Um... nothing much. I have to go to Songdae tomorrow night."

Panic flared in her chest. "What? Jimin... who is it this time?"

"Don't worry, I'm not doing anything. Just going to handle some business."

She ran a hand through her hair, frustrated. "Jimin... do you want me to come?"

"No, I've got it. I'll handle it myself."

"Okay. Be careful. I have to go."

She felt weak, her body too exhausted to keep standing. She slumped into a chair. Why was Kwang-soo sending Jimin alone? They always went together.

Yungmi placed her hands on Hyuna's shoulders. "You look exhausted. Go home. There isn't much left to do."

Hyuna tried to stand. "No, no... I'm fine."

Yungmi squeezed her shoulders. "Go home. Take some medicine; I think you've caught a cold. I'll make you some herbal tea when I get back."

Hyuna was too tired to argue. She went back to the house. It was dark; Jungkook wasn't home. She went to her room to change, but her eyes drifted to his work desk. It was covered in papers and folders.

Cautiously, she checked the hallway. Empty. The name "TMY Corporation" on one of the papers caught her eye. Her suspicions were right, he was investigating them. She saw photos tucked under a file and pulled one out. Her heart stopped. It was a photo of Kwang-soo entering the company. She had no idea Jungkook had gotten this close.

She dug further. She found a photo of Jimin. Terror gripped her; her hands began to shake.

"Recognize them?"

The deep, masculine voice made her drop the photos instantly. She turned to find Jungkook leaning against the doorframe, looking perfectly calm. She was speechless. His composure was more terrifying than an outburst would have been.

Jungkook bent down, gathered the photos, and looked at them. "Who are you?"

He asked the question so nonchalantly that Hyuna shivered. Finally, a thought struck her.

"I know them."

Jungkook stopped shuffling the photos and looked at her with piercing curiosity. His gaze was cold. She wondered if he had already figured out who she was.

"Have you worked with them?"

"No! No... I..." She panicked again under his gaze. "I used to work at a bar. I saw them there... a few times."

Jungkook remained skeptical. He wanted to know more about this mystery girl. He tossed the photos back on the desk and shoved his hands into his pockets. Hyuna looked down at the floor, feeling exposed under his scrutiny.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," he said.

Hyuna's heart raced. She knew her eyes held no honesty. She was afraid to look at him, but she did. Jungkook stared into her deep brown eyes, searching for a reason to trust her, while his past experiences screamed at him to be cautious.

Hyuna couldn't get enough of Jungkook's intense gaze. His eyes were beautiful, and never before had they lingered on her for so long.

Underneath Hyuna's captivating stare, Jungkook's heart began to race against his will.

At the sound of the front door opening, they both snapped their heads toward the hallway. Young-mi had returned home with her husband, only to find the two of them alone together in her son's bedroom.

"Kids, come here! I need to talk to you," Yungmi called out.

Hyuna bolted from the room, desperate to escape the heavy atmosphere.

Jungkook remained standing in the middle of the room, his emotions driving him crazy. He hated this feeling، this constant struggle of being torn between trust and caution.

He cast a sideways glance at the photos scattered on the desk. He felt a deep-seated hatred for every single person in those pictures; he had to put an end to this corruption and injustice as soon as possible. At the sound of his mother's voice calling him again, insisting he join them, he finally stepped out of the room.