Face Shift - A Mask You Can't Take Off

Part2 - A Love Stained with Shame

Couple: Boy X Girl, KookJin

The air was heavy with the smell of blood and disinfectant. He stepped a few paces closer. He crouched down beside the corpse and stared at the poor boy's bloody and bruised face. These bruises were not fresh; it seemed he had been in a struggle with someone before. He put on his gloves and began examining his fingers. He called out to his colleague, "Officer Kim..."

Jin quickly approached JungKook. "Yes, sir. Did you discover anything new?"

JungKook focused on the meticulous inspection with a frown and said, "Write down everything I tell you..."

Jin quickly pulled his pen and notebook from his pocket. "Tell me, Kookie..."

JungKook gave Jin a stern glance. "I've told you a hundred times not to call me that when we're working."

Jin, trying to hold back a laugh, brought his hand to his temple and saluted. "Yes, sir."

JungKook was very serious; he always became irritable and grumpy at work and on missions. Jin looked at his handsome face; he loved this serious expression on him. He forced himself to concentrate and write down his words carefully.

JungKook glanced around, a frown etched on his forehead. "He clawed at the ground to escape. I found dark-colored soil beneath his fingernails. All the soil around here is light-colored. So, he must have been murdered somewhere else."

He asked for help from another officer for sample collection. "Please test this soil and give me the exact information."

After the general inspection, JungKook headed toward the patrol car. Jin followed and got behind the wheel. "Ah... JungKook, if we had stayed over him for a moment longer, I would have thrown up..."

JungKook shook his head regretfully. "I really don't understand how they accepted you?"

Jin chuckled. "I can't believe I made such a foolish mistake myself."

JungKook's mobile rang. It was the ringtone for his father. A surge of stress gripped him. "Yes, Dad. What happened?"

Mr. Jeon sounded flustered and worried. JungKook asked with fear, "Dad... is Mom okay?"

"She's fine, son... her heart rate is just a bit high. Can you come? I've tried everything, but she won't go to the doctor."

He was in the middle of his mission and needed to report the day's events, but he was worried about his mother. Jin placed his kind hands on his shoulder. "I'll handle it. You go."

JungKook continued the call with a forced smile. "Okay, Dad, I'll be there in about an hour. I'm outside the city right now."

He hung up the phone. "Thank you, Jin. Please report everything I told you to Colonel Chan... Tell him that..."

Jin grumbled impatiently. "Ya! Kookie, I know my job; you don't need to worry! It's true I can't stand scenes like this, but I do my job well."

JungKook, feeling he had hurt his best friend's feelings, added kindly, "I'm sorry, I know. I didn't mean anything by it; I just get a little stressed when I can't finish an assignment myself."

Jin was staring at the road ahead, his feelings hurt. He expected JungKook to see him as a competent officer.

JungKook looked at his grumpy face and nudged his arm. "Hey... buddy, what's with that face? I know you're very talented, that's why I always tell you to come with me."

Jin, softening up, glanced at his kind face. He wished JungKook always joked like this, wished he was always "Kookie" to him, not Senior Officer Jeon JungKook.

"Kookie... don't worry, your mother will be fine."

Jin didn't know how he said those words, but he felt JungKook was sad, even though he hid that sorrow behind his composed expression.

JungKook said nothing. Any other word might have made him more emotional. He adored his mother; her absence from his life was unimaginable. Nothing could break or bend him except his mother's illness. He couldn't bear the loss of his loved ones. Jin sensed this well. Over the past few years, due to recent events and his mother's heart condition, JungKook hadn't had proper sleep or appetite; he was distraught. Jin understood him. He hoped to bring back his previous peace by being by his side, but he hadn't succeeded.

They reached the city and were once again caught in heavy traffic. Jin slammed his hand on the steering wheel, frustrated. "Phew... what a mess."

JungKook motioned with his hand. "Pull over a little ahead. I'll get out. It will take you too long to drop me off and return to the station. I'll take the subway myself to get there faster."

Jin didn't want to leave him alone in this cold weather, but it was the most logical thing to do.

_________

Tonight, she had to go to the restaurant. Her steps were involuntarily drawn in that direction. The sign on the door indicated it was closed, but ignoring the notice, she opened the door.

Jonghwa quickly lifted his head at the sound of the door chimes: "Jungkook..."

But it was the same girl as yesterday. Disappointed, he rose from one of the restaurant tables: "We're closed. You came too late."

Hyuna stepped inside, apologetically: "I know. I just came to pay the debt I owe."

She turned back as the door reopened, revealing a tall, breathless young man who looked exhausted from running. She had seen him somewhere... Where? Why did he seem so familiar?

Jungkook, paying her no mind, swiftly walked past her toward his father: "Where is Mom?"

Jonghwa headed toward a door at the end of the restaurant: "She's lying down in bed. I gave her the medication, but no matter what I do, she won't go to the doctor. She won't listen to me; maybe you can convince her."

They both headed for that door, leaving Hyuna alone. So, it was him. She hadn't been able to stare at his face or remember his features well, but she easily recognized his large, athletic build. (Why were they so upset? Did something happen to his mother?)

She was worried, though she didn't know why. She was concerned for that kind woman's well-being. She moved toward the door they had entered. It was rude, but she had no choice. She gently knocked and opened the door. No one was there. (They must have gone into one of the two rooms at the end of the hall.) Before she could move, Mr. Jeon, seeing Hyuna again, involuntarily growled: "Didn't you hear me? I said we're closed!"

She quickly moved closer to the room: "Is she unwell?"

He glared at her with a frown: "Please, come back another time."

It wasn't the right time, but she couldn't bring herself to leave: "I... can I work here? You see..."

Her sentence was cut short by Jungkook's arrival. He looked angry, but he said very calmly: "You want to work in my mother's place?"

He was so beautiful. Although she didn't like men, she was involuntarily drawn to this boy's handsome face. She stammered: "Yes... I can help her."

Jungkook glanced into the room: "Okay. She's asleep now. I'll talk to her when she wakes up. Give your number to Dad. If she agrees, we'll call you."

Hyuna quickly jotted her mobile number on a piece of paper and held it out to his father: "Please accept. I'll try my best at the job, I promise. My name is Hyuna. If you mention it to her, she'll know me."

She bowed and left. Jungkook was stunned by what she'd said: "How does she know Mom? Was Mom trying to find another match for me again?"

Jonghwa was too exhausted to stand up.

He sat on the edge of his wife's bed: "She washed the dishes yesterday instead of paying for her dinner. That's how she knows your mother. Now she's got a nerve and came back to apply for a job."

Jungkook glanced at his wristwatch, his mind preoccupied with his work. He sat on the chair beside the bed and leaned on his elbow.

Jonghwa stroked his wife's hair: "But in one way, it's good. We shouldn't let her work too much. Her doctor said absolute rest, but she won't listen."

Jungkook leaned forward slightly: "You should go home. We'll think about it later."

He took his wife's hand, Youngmi's: "Don't go anywhere tonight. You come home too. I'm worried."

Jungkook looked at his watch again: "But I have some work to do. These past few days, I've been busy with a criminal case."

Jonghwa confirmed his son's words with disappointment: "Go tend to your work. I'll look after her myself."

He was upset again. He irritably rose from the chair: "The way you say 'go' makes it sound like I want to be away from here."

Yungmi slowly opened her eyes at the sound of their voices: "What is it?"

Jungkook knelt beside her bed: "Mom, are you okay? You'd better get ready; let's go to the doctor."

She struggled to sit up halfway in bed and placed her hand on her head: "I'm fine, son. I just worked a bit too much today. I know I was careless. I'm sorry for making you worry."

Jonghwa reluctantly remembered the young girl from a few hours ago: "Yungmi... Hyuna came by. The girl who washed the dishes with you last night."

Yungmi paused to think: "Ah, yes, I remember. So? Did she pay her money?"

"No... she came looking for work. She wants to help you."

Jungkook added with a smile: "I think you should agree. I want to be at ease when I'm not around. You're risking your health by working."

Yungmi was delighted: "Really? Oh, the poor girl, so she needed a job... Oh my, I felt strange after she left last night. Even though I haven't seen much of her, I like her. Tell her to come. I don't want to be alone anymore."

Jungkook happy with his mother's consent, kissed her hands: "Thank you."

_________

Jimin knocked on her room door and entered: "Hyuna... come have breakfast."

She had been awake all night, filled with worry and anticipation, thinking about the future and a new life. She was both happy and stressed. What if they didn't accept her? What if her plan failed? Still facing the door, she answered her brother: "I'm awake, but I'm not hungry. You eat."

She shot up like lightning at the sound of her phone ringing. An unknown number. Her heart pounded in her chest. She pressed the answer button: "Hello?... What?... Really?... Yes, absolutely... right now... Of course... Thank you, thank you."

She jumped out of bed quickly and said: "Wow, they accepted! Can you believe it?"

She was flustered, not knowing what to wear. What should she even do first? "Where did I put my coat yesterday? Would that look good?"

Jimin, staring at his sister's strange behavior, gripped her shoulders: "Are you okay? You came home last night, went to your room, and didn't say a word. What's going on now?"

She was ecstatic. She couldn't believe she would see Mrs. Jeon so soon. Why was she so fond of that kind woman? "Chim, you know... they accepted me to work there."

Jimin hadn't grasped the reason for her happiness: "That's great. Then Kwangsoo won't bother you anymore. Your plan is going well."

Hyuna paid no attention to Jimin's words, not because she didn't want to. She was so happy she didn't realize what he meant.

She couldn't stay still: "Oh my, I have to be there within an hour! I still don't know what to wear."

She held a grey knitted sweater up to her face: "How about this?"

She didn't like it and tossed it aside. Jimin sat on the bed to guide her: "I think that maroon one is pretty. Are you going to see the guy?"

She was searching for the shirt Jimin mentioned: "What did you say?"

Jimin frustratingly stood up from the bed: "I better go. You're not listening to anything I say."

She didn't even notice her brother leave. Finally, after turning over all her clothes, she chose one. She quickly got ready, rushed down the stairs happily, and stood by the table. She quickly took a bite of food: "Chim, I'm leaving."

Jimin wanted to call her back, but she had already shut the door: "What's wrong with this girl?"

She stared at the restaurant door and felt intense stress. Why was she like this? She had been so happy. The chimes above the door sounded again as she opened it. It was near noon, and they still had no customers. The restaurant was empty. She walked slowly toward the door at the back of the restaurant.

She saw Mrs. Jeon cooking. A smile involuntarily formed on her lips: "Mrs. Jeon."

Yungmi turned back at the sound of her name: "Oh, look who it is. Hyuna dear, how are you?"

A lump choked her throat. She sounded so kind: "Hello... I'm well, thank you. Are you well?"

She came forward to greet her: "Thank you. I'm so happy to see you again. But I don't want you to work."

She played with her fingers, ashamed: "Ah... no, I have to work."

"Why, my daughter? Is there a problem? By the way, how is your mother?"

Hyuna felt ashamed, but she had to lie. She wished the truth were different. "She's not well. I have to work to pay for her treatment. I lost my last job. I don't need much money, just enough to help with expenses."

Youngmi kindly pulled Hyuna toward the workspace: "You are so kind and responsible. I will help you, too. In a way, it's good; I won't be alone anymore."

They spent a few hours cooking together. Hyuna didn't know much about cooking. She helped with cutting and washing ingredients. However, she also paid attention to Youngmi's movements and words while she cooked.

The restaurant got busy, and the waiter came to the kitchen to take orders. She was so engrossed and busy that she didn't feel the passage of time and felt good. A calm and trouble-free life alongside kind and friendly people.

They sat down at the kitchen table. Yungmi ladled some soup and rice for Hyuna: "Come, dear. You must be very tired today."

She happily took the plate from her hand: "I'm satisfied. I really like this place. I'm happy I met you."

She put the first spoonful in her mouth: "Me too. I somehow took a liking to you at first sight."

They were eating Mrs. Jeon's cooking together when the sound of her phone ringing pulled her away from this intimate space: "Yes... Hello."

Jimin: "Hyuna... we have to go to the bar tomorrow night, just the two of us."

She was so naive to think she was free from her old life! But this life was nothing more than a dream. The smile froze on her lips. A bothersome lump threatened to suffocate her.

"Hyuna, did you hear me? Don't make any plans for tomorrow night, okay?"

She took a deep breath: "Okay."

Yungmi was worried. Why was she crying? Did something happen to her mother?

After hanging up, Hyuna forced a smile onto Youngmi's face.

"My daughter, are you okay? Nothing happened, did it?"

She fiddled with her food: "No, no... it was just my friend."

How miserable she was. How was she supposed to put an end to her dirty past? Another lie. She hated herself and the lies she created.

They worked and cleaned until 10 PM. Although she was tired, it was worth it. For the first time in her life, she was doing something that enjoyed.

Hyuna hung her apron on the wall. Jonghwa went to the door with bags full of trash. Youngmi was tired but didn't show it. She was rubbing her shoulders with her hands.

Before leaving, Hyuna gently stroked and massaged her shoulders. Youngmi smiled, feeling the young girl's hands: "Thank you, dear."

It was good that she was sitting with her back to her so she wouldn't see her sad face. She gently kissed her kind shoulders: "Good night."

Yungmi turned back. But she was gone. This girl was strange, but lovely and kind. Yungmi wished knew more about the secret within her so she could somehow help her.

________

He placed a folder of photographs on his desk: "Here you go... your requests."

Jungkook quickly opened the folder and stared at the victim's photos from various angles: "Thanks, Jin. You can go now."

He didn't intend to leave. It was an excuse to be by his side again: "Are you kicking me out?"

Jungkook burst into laughter: "Are you crazy? What kicking out?"

He sat on the armrest of the sofa opposite his desk: "Jungkook..."

He was still engrossed in the photos: "Hmm?"

He was irritated; he didn't like this lack of attention: "I have something important to tell you. Look at me."

Jungkook raised his head and laced his fingers together: "Go on."

Jin, flustered by his gaze, stared at his shoes. Jungkook's sharp, attractive eyes sent a sweet shiver down his spine: "Come to our house tonight. Mom said you're invited, too. We're having a birthday party for Dad. All our friends and relatives will be there. I want you to be there, too. A party without you isn't fun."

Jungkook, who didn't like crowds and parties, ran a hand through his brown hair and said apologetically: "Thank you, Jin... but you know I'm not much for crowds and parties."

Jin stood up from the sofa armrest and stood beside him. His cool, masculine scent was noticeable even from this distance. How much he loved that smell. Even all the colognes on his desk were Jungkook's scent, but he never used any of them. Jungkook, puzzled by Jin's staring face, asked: "Are you okay? Why are you looking at me like that?"

He blinked a few times in confusion: "Mom... she insisted you come. Why are you being so stubborn? I'm sure it will be fun."

Jungkook, though reluctant, didn't want to hurt his feelings: "Okay. Let me catch up on some work first."

Jin excited, wrapped his arms around Jungkook's arm and pulled him up. Now the scent was closer. He took a deep breath and said happily: "Work is always there. It'll take time for you to get ready. We'll be late, and that's not good."

He dragged Jungkook towards his wardrobe. Jin started unbuttoning his work shirt. His breath hitched when he saw Jungkook's bare chest. His hands were clearly trembling. Jungkook, busy with his phone, looked up when Jin paused: "What is it? Can't you open it?"

He swallowed hard. No, he couldn't. He wasn't capable of doing it. He knew himself; he was afraid of continuing. He stammered his words: "I... I'm going to get ready. You get ready quickly, too. I'll wait for you in the car."

Jungkook was so engrossed in the article on his phone that he merely nodded, using his other hand to unbutton his shirt.

Jin paused at the door. He couldn't turn away from that beauty. He had seen Jungkook naked several times and had been lost for words. How hard it was to give up on him. God knows how many nights he had spent imagining being next to him.

Jungkook slipped his shirt off his shoulders with one hand. That arch in his back, that dazzling whiteness... He felt a strange ache.

Just one simple look at the naked body was enough for jin to get hard. How much he loved him, but Jungkook had no idea. How much he needed to be near him and feel the warmth of his presence, but he was never close. He felt a sharp pain in the middle of his chest. It was the pain of love, the pain of being far from him... the pain of Jungkook's indifferent and cold gazes.

Still nude, Jungkook was reading an article. What was it about this damned job that commanded all his life and attention?

Jungkook sighed and threw his phone onto the couch. How much he detested crowds. But he liked Jin. Jin was his best friend since high school. They grew up together and went to the same university. He knew Jin's pure heart was sore and fragile. This was his only reason for going to the party. He put on a white shirt. He wished had enough time to take a quick shower before leaving and didn't have a tie in his closet. It was strange; he always kept a clean, neat outfit along with the tie his mother had given him for his birthday in this closet. But the tie wasn't there. (I must have left it at home.) He paired a tight black jacket with fitted men's pants. He ran a hand through his messy, tousled hair, pushing it back. He held the lapels of his jacket with both hands and straightened it. The hands of his wristwatch pointed to 8 PM. Jungkook stopped his excessive fussing, picked up his phone from the sofa, and left the room.

Jin was waiting for him in the car, staring at an indistinct point.

He came to himself when the door opened. His tongue was tied by such beauty. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Kookie in those sharp men's clothes.

Jin's staring looks made him uncomfortable: "Shall we go? Before we're late."

Jin's eyes impudently scanned every part of his face. He shouldn't lose his composure, but how could he? Jin forced his gaze straight ahead. With trembling hands, he turned the car key.

Jungkook noticed his state: "Are you okay? Do you want me to drive?"

Jin eagerly reached for the door handle: "Yes, you'd better do it. I don't know what's wrong with me. I think I ate too much for lunch."

What a ridiculous excuse. As they walked past each other, Jin didn't feel his heart beat for a moment.

Jungkook, suspicious of his behavior, paused: "i***t, you are! Look when we had lunch. Are you sure you're okay? Has something happened? Tell me."

He couldn't even look into his languid, captivating eyes. This closeness and standing in front of Jungkook made his whole being tremble.

Seeing his silence, Jungkook was surprised: "Jin..."

Finally, they stared at each other. This damned pounding heart... that captivating voice that could be distinctly heard... was the answer to all his questions.

He didn't think. He didn't know. In a single moment, he pressed Jungkook tightly against himself. He needed this embrace and warmth. Jin touched him with all his being.

Jungkook still didn't understand. What happened? Why did Jin suddenly act this way? He felt the strong beats of his heart on his chest. He was so shocked that he didn't raise his hands to hug Jin back.

Jin took deep, long breaths to inhale his scent. What was he doing? How could he not endure it? He came to his senses at Kookie's muffled voice, crushed under his hands:

"Jin... I'm suffocating. i***t, are you crazy?"

He quickly separated from him. He had no excuse for his action. Jungkook looked surprised and slightly annoyed: "What's wrong with you, man? On the one hand, you say we're late, and on the other, you hug me like a maniac. Let me see, do I have cancer or something that I don't know about?"

Jin started laughing at Kook's words and jesting. He had to put an end to this mess as quickly as possible: "I'm sorry. I had a bad dream last night. I was afraid of losing you."

Jungkook, believing his honest friend's words, gave a small laugh: "Man, you're really missing a screw. You yourself said it was a dream."

Jin, happy with the result, quickly got into the car: "Oh, you're right... We're late. Forget it, let's go."

_________

The noise and crowd were not pleasant for him. Holding a glass, he moved to a corner of the hall.

Jin was looking for him everywhere with his eyes. Their house was so big that with the crowd and guests, he could barely find him. (He was standing by the piano just a moment ago... Did he leave?) His heart tightened again.

Jungkook was lost in his own thoughts. He hadn't even touched the drink in his hand.

Finally, Jin found him. How quietly he was staring into a corner. He was the most handsome and distinguished of all. With long strides, he reached Jungkook: "Hey Kookie, why are you standing here?"

Jungkook smiled: "You know I prefer my own company."

Jin leaned against the wall next to him: "Oh... leave it to you. Poor Mom keeps trying to marry you off so maybe you'll settle down."

Jungkook laughed. That smile and those bunny teeth again. Jin secretly wished he wouldn't marry anyone. In fact, he was grateful that there was no one in his heart or life. But outwardly, he had to support his ailing mother.

Jungkook took a sip of his drink: "Jin... I have to tell you something."

Jin's eyes sparkled with excitement. What was this damned feeling? Why had it made him crazy and frantic?

Jungkook looked at him kindly: "I want you to help me. I only trust you."

The smile vanished from Jin's lips. He waited for him to continue.

"Tomorrow night, I have to go somewhere secretly. Will you come with me?"

Jin, shocked by his words, still hadn't grasped the situation: "Let me see, what are you planning now?"

Jungkook stood very seriously facing Jin: "Jin, I know the path I'm going to take is dangerous, even for you. After hearing what I have to say, you can refuse. I won't be upset at all."

Jin angrily growled at these courtesies: "Shut up. Wherever you go, I go. Now tell me properly what you mean."

Jungkook glanced around and said: "Where is your bedroom?"

Jin stared at the attractive boy in front of him with his mouth open. How many times had he imagined Jungkook in his room, on his bed? Now he was walking into that room himself: "Upstairs."

Kookie grabbed his arm and headed for the stairs. Jin's heart rate spiked to a thousand again from this closeness. He barely opened his room door: "Come in, make yourself comfortable."

Jungkook glanced at the room: "Wow, what a big, cool room."

Jin was always neat. He hoped he wouldn't go near his cologne table.

Jungkook was too preoccupied to pay attention to the room's contents. He sat on Jin's large, double bed: "Hey... do you sleep with someone at night?"

Jin was horrified by his question. He sat next to him on the edge of the bed: "What? No. I've never slept with anyone."

Jungkook laughed and pointed at the bed: "Then you must kick a lot."

Jin, who had just realized the context, started laughing. Kookie laughed with him. But he quickly became serious again: "Jin, I'm following the TMY case."

With his mouth open, he stared at the attractive boy in front of him: "What? Did I hear correctly? You..."

Jungkook nodded: "I've been on it for three months, secretly. In fact, when they told me to stop working on this case, I couldn't back down."

Jin firmly grabbed his shoulders: "Are you crazy? Are you tired of living? Do you think I'll let you?"

Jungkook, resolute in his decision, said with determination: "It doesn't matter. I don't need your permission or anyone else's. I said it at the start... If you want to, come with me. If not, I won't insist. But don't hinder my work. I will never give up."

Jin was scared. He knew this company was more dangerous and terrifying than his imagination and had nearly killed Jungkook once. He also knew that once Kook made a decision, there was no turning back. He reluctantly agreed. He couldn't leave him under any circumstances. He had even taken this job to stay by his side.

"Okay... I'll come with you. I'll help you, all the way."

Jungkook smiled deeply, showing his teeth, delighted by Jin's answer: "Thank you, Jin. You are my best friend."

He loved Kookie. He would do anything for his happiness and satisfaction, even if it cost him his own life.

Jungkook got up from the bed to go downstairs, but Jin pulled his arm, and he sat back down.

This time, he had a reason to hug him.

Jungkook was surprised by Jin's sudden move, but a kind smile settled on his lips.

His arms instinctively went up to hug his dearest friend: "You have to make a promise. You must never... die. Did you hear me?"

Jin, moved by Kookie's loving words, started crying: "Oh Kookie... Kook... I love you."

Jungkook gently stroked his back: "Me too, buddy."

He was in his embrace for a few minutes. He didn't want to part from him. This was the best opportunity to feel him more.

Jungkook grabbed his shoulders to pull him away. He was surprised to see his tears.

Jin, ashamed and downcast, immediately left the room. That emotional space and the bed where he had built his dreams... there was no guarantee of his behavior afterward. He loved him, but when this love was one-sided... he knew an confession would only lead to distance.