PTT - 39

Gwak Seon-gi’s treatment was carried out as swiftly and simply as possible. Though his injury required at least three days of rest, the urgency to uncover the truth behind the terrorist act necessitated bringing him to the interrogation room as soon as possible.  

The second-in-command, the overall director of the operation, chose Baek Siheon to lead the interrogation. Not only had Siheon played a pivotal role in resolving the situation, but his eloquence and sharp insight were unmatched. While handling such a high-profile case was undoubtedly burdensome, he accepted the assignment without hesitation.  

The issue lay with who would accompany him into the interrogation room.  

〈Baek Siheon. You have someone named Yoo Raon on your team, right?〉  

〈…Yes, that’s correct.〉  

〈Bring her along. You’ll need an assistant anyway. I worked with her last year when she was in the Industrial Security Team, and she’s quite capable. She has a knack for noticing things others miss. She’ll be helpful.〉  

At this, Siheon silently nodded. Orders from above were absolute. Moreover, there was no official reason to exclude Raon from collaborating with him. Since their heated exchange the day before, they hadn’t exchanged a single word.  

Running a large hand down his weary face, Siheon finally opened the door to the control room. It was a space equipped with a one-way mirror that allowed observation of the interrogation room. Dual monitors displayed live footage, filling the screens with real-time recordings.  

And there, sitting in the room, was Yoo Raon. Technically, four people were waiting inside, but to Siheon, she was the only one who registered. For a fleeting moment, their gazes met in the air. Her eyes, lacking their usual vitality, sent a sharp pang through his heart.  

“You’re here? Nox.”  

“…Yes.”  

The awkward and painful silence was broken by Deputy Team Leader Jung Ichul of the Counter-Terrorism Center. Only then did Siheon quietly greet the other agents. Raon, her face pale and lips tightly sealed, turned her head toward the monitors.  

Gwak Seon-gi had already been waiting inside the interrogation room for ten minutes. His bandaged wrist showed no signs of discomfort as he calmly awaited questioning.  

“From what I’ve seen, that guy isn’t ordinary, so this won’t be easy. Raon, Nox. We’ll need your best efforts.”  

“…I’ll do my best.”  

Raon’s calm response was followed by a slight nod as she rose from her seat and moved to stand in front of the door connecting to the interrogation room. As Siheon approached, the familiar woody scent tickled his nose.  

It had only been an hour since they received the order to interrogate Gwak together. Raon knew well that personal emotions shouldn’t interfere with professional duties, but putting that into practice was easier said than done.  

No matter how hard she tried to clear her mind, his presence kept piercing her heart like a dagger. How many times had she been stabbed? Her battered heart felt bruised and numb.  

If she revealed everything, would Siheon believe her? Could a once-broken trust be restored? The image of his disappointed expression as he pressed her lingered, refusing to fade.  

“…Would you like to enter first?”  

Releasing the doorknob she had been holding, Raon stepped aside. Watching her, Siheon silently opened the door and entered the interrogation room ahead of her. An indescribably uncomfortable atmosphere pressed heavily against them both.  

The interrogation room, roughly five square meters, was surrounded on three sides by gray walls. A one-way mirror reflected the silhouettes of the three individuals inside. The dim lighting made it impossible to gauge the time.  

“Let’s begin.”  

With an indifferent expression, Siheon pulled a chair and sat directly across from Gwak Seon-gi. Raon stood to their right, ready to intervene if the subject became unruly.  

“I believe I’ve already explained everything at the Constitutional Court. Do you still have questions?”  

Smiling faintly, Gwak slowly lifted his eyelids. Deep wrinkles formed around his eyes, giving him an even more benevolent appearance. Leaning back in his chair, Siheon regarded him with amused eyes.  

“There are a few.”  

“If there’s anything I can answer, I’ll gladly share. So, what would you like to know?”  

“It’s been reported that you’ve refused meals since your arrest. Aren’t you hungry?”  

Siheon’s question was simple yet pointed. True to his words, Gwak should have been starving, yet he hadn’t touched any food or even water. His voice, dry but calm, responded evenly.  

“I am already dead in spirit as of yesterday. Hunger or appetite holds no meaning for me now. I humbly accept the fate bestowed upon me.”  

“That’s quite dramatic. Are you willing to die just to change this country?”  

As if uninterested in the investigation file, Siheon casually set it aside and rested his chin on one hand. Tilting his head slightly, he glanced up at Gwak.  

“You mentioned having comrades. Do they think nothing of your death?”  

“The sacrifice of an individual for a greater cause is, strictly speaking, not a sacrifice but a dedication. Isn’t this National Intelligence Service also… an institution that dedicates itself beneath the surface for the nation? If you think about it similarly, it might be easier to understand.”  

A profound silence settled over the room. Soon, the conversation shifted from words to gazes. Gwak’s serene face mirrored perfectly in Siheon’s dark eyes.  

Was he maintaining a flawless poker face to conceal his true thoughts? Or was he truly devoid of fear regarding death? To uncover the truth hidden behind the mask, Siheon didn’t blink once.  

Suddenly, Gwak’s speech-like declaration at the Constitutional Court pierced Siheon’s mind like a sharp needle.  

〈All these outdated, power-corrupted laws must be obliterated, and we must rebuild step by step—all to create a land filled solely with peace and happiness… I do not wish to harm any of you. That is my intention—and His will as well.〉  

Finally, Siheon broke the silence. His sharp, low voice cut through the stillness.  

“You mentioned ‘His will.’ That you pursue a life free from harm and full of happiness.”  

“Heh… Correct. Your memory is remarkable.”

“Who is this person? Is he a god you believe in?”  

At Siheon's low, probing question, Gwak Seon-gi intertwined his fingers and slowly shook his head. Staring into the void as if deep in thought, he responded in a tranquil tone.  

“I don’t believe in gods. Instead, I believe in the strength and hope that humans possess. That person… well, rather than a god, they are more like a comrade. A pioneer who showed me the right path when I was lost and wandering.”  

“So you don’t worship this person as a deity?”  

“That’s an absurd notion. We do not believe in transcendent beings or await revelations. Nor do we revere that person as a leader who paved the way before us. We simply strive equally to create a better world for everyone.”  

“Such elaborate nonsense becomes problematic when it drags on like this…”  

Siheon slowly raised an eyebrow and tapped the edge of the file folder against the desk a couple of times. At this, Gwak, still wearing his benevolent smile, turned his gaze toward Raon.  

“The female agent over there seems bored just standing by. How about we have a more intimate one-on-one conversation, just the two of us? Heh.”  

At his words, Raon, who had been standing at attention with her hands clasped behind her back, slightly lifted her chin and locked eyes with Baek Siheon. For three silent seconds, an unspoken exchange passed between them. His gaze seemed to ask what course of action she thought best, and he quickly made his decision.  

“Raon, step out. Leave this to me.”  

“…Understood.”  

Without hesitation, Raon opened the heavy iron door and exited into the control room. From the moment she had entered the interrogation room, Gwak had already identified who was in charge. By suggesting she leave, he was essentially telling her not to waste energy since she was merely an assistant. This was a common scenario during hostage negotiations.  

Though the possibility of an unexpected emergency was considered, Baek Siheon was not someone who would be outmatched by his opponent, whether through physical force or intellect. Deputy Team Leader Jung Ichul was well aware of this fact, so instead of ordering her back inside, he gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.  

“You’ve done well, Raon. Watching closely, do you think he’ll start talking?”