PTT - 70

After a brief picnic in the garden, Si-heon and Ra-on returned to the hospital. To reach the elevator, they had to pass through the first-floor central lobby. As they strolled along, chatting casually, the sound of the TV caught Si-heon’s attention and stopped him in his tracks.

“Good grief, this country is going to ruin… How could we elect someone like that as mayor? Who did you vote for?”

“Well, it’s not like I knew this would happen. My wife insisted on voting for Bang Won-gyeol.”

“But didn’t you hear? That aide of his was just as rotten. They say he killed a few people.”

“What? Killed people? For Bang Won-gyeol?”

“That part, I don’t know. But they found several bodies in the mountains.”

Elderly men leaning on canes sat in the lobby chairs, exchanging gossip. Si-heon’s gaze naturally shifted to the TV screen. The headline read, Former Seoul Mayor Bang Won-gyeol Summoned for Prosecution Investigation, while the anchor delivered the news.

[Former Seoul Mayor Bang Won-gyeol has been summoned by the prosecution on charges of sexual assault, bribery, and large-scale fraud. Earlier this month, Bang was formally charged and requested a detention review, but the court denied it, citing the risk of flight. Here’s our reporter, Lee Jung-won, outside the Seoul District Prosecutor’s Office.]

The camera cut to footage of Bang Won-gyeol, wearing a mask, surrounded by reporters. A microphone labeled KBN captured the scene as the reporter provided updates.

[At 11 a.m. today, former Mayor Bang, accused of large-scale fraud, remained silent in response to reporters’ questions. When asked if he acknowledged all charges, Bang kept his head bowed and refused to comment.]

[You bastard! Did you enjoy feasting on chaebol money behind closed doors? Why did you exploit innocent commoners after taking bribes from the rich? Answer us!]

[Meanwhile, Bang is accused of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme targeting residents of “Cheonji Village” near Dorburt, Russia. Allegedly, under the guise of contribution funds, he extorted 3.7 billion won from overseas Koreans and migrants. One victim’s father, Mr. Kim, expressed his outrage by throwing an egg at Bang as he left the prosecutor’s office.]

The camera zoomed in on Bang flinching as egg yolk dripped down his face. Though visibly enraged, he restrained himself, likely mindful of the media coverage.

The screen then switched back to reporter Lee Jung-won.

[Some citizens have expressed disappointment in Bang’s past actions and held protests outside City Hall. Anticipation is high for the upcoming Seoul mayoral by-election scheduled for August. Reporting live from the Seoul District Prosecutor’s Office, this is Lee Jung-won.]

Patients watching the news clicked their tongues and began hurling insults at Bang Won-gyeol. Comments like, “With people like him serving four terms as a congressman, no wonder the country’s in shambles,” echoed throughout the lobby. Amidst the chatter, Ra-on and Si-heon stood silently, their eyes fixed on the TV screen.

The female anchor reappeared, transitioning to a report on Min Young-nam.

[In related news, shocking revelations about Min Young-nam, Bang Won-gyeol’s former chief of staff, have caused further uproar. Born in Russia, Min returned to Korea after graduating university and…]

Listening quietly to the anchor’s voice, Si-heon exhaled deeply. The plot to assassinate the president orchestrated by Min Young-nam and Bang Won-gyeol remained undisclosed—known only within intelligence circles.

It was sufficient for the information to stay confined there. There was no need to alarm the public unnecessarily. What needed to be revealed was exposed; what needed to remain hidden stayed concealed. With a slight nod, Si-heon gestured for Ra-on to move on.

Ra-on, too, felt uneasy after watching the broadcast. Now that the scandal had escalated, it was impossible for Bang Won-gyeol and Min Young-nam to walk free. Particularly, Min faced a minimum of twenty years in prison—a foregone conclusion.

Though the matter was now out of their hands, justice would ensure those who committed crimes paid their dues. Entering the elevator, Si-heon leaned his head against Ra-on’s shoulder. Their height difference of over 20 centimeters made the posture awkward, but neither seemed to care.

She raised her hand to gently stroke his hair. Despite his commanding presence as a superior, moments like these made him seem endearingly cute.

“Are you eager to be discharged?”

“Yes. I’m itching to get back to the field. I’m sick of lying around wasting time.”

“But what if you get hurt again? You always take on dangerous assignments.”

At her words, Si-heon straightened up and locked eyes with her. Brushing her hair behind her ear, he smiled softly.

“Well, injuries happen when you’re working.”

“Then am I allowed to get hurt too?”

“Of course not. If anyone gets hurt, it’ll be me instead. Use me as your shield in emergencies.”

Jokingly replying, he leaned down to lightly kiss her cheek. Just then, the elevator doors slid open. A patient dragging an IV pole stepped in, and Si-heon nonchalantly adopted an innocent expression.

He intertwined his pinky finger with Ra-on’s, lips curling into a smile. Only one day remained until his discharge. Exchanging glances, the two shared a silent laugh.

---

Upon receiving Ra-on’s text, Mabel, Rock, and Ray promptly confirmed their attendance for the team dinner. By 4:55 p.m. the next day, Baek Si-heon, having completed his discharge procedures that morning, mentioned he’d briefly stop by home.

Arriving five minutes early, Ra-on pushed open the door to ‘Ajit,’ the bar frequented by NIS agents. Surprisingly, the interior was dim and quiet—no one else had arrived yet.

“That’s odd. They’re usually early…”

Both Si-heon and Rock were known for arriving ahead of schedule, preferring to wait rather than be late. Placing her bag on the sofa, Ra-on flicked on the light switch. With a soft pop, the chandelier illuminated the room.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here…”

Glancing around, Ra-on settled onto a barstool. The clock was nearing 5:00 p.m. Absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, she waited patiently for her teammates. Her calm demeanor stemmed from trust in their punctuality.

Ten more minutes passed without the door opening. Growing suspicious, Ra-on tilted her head. It was strange for all four members to be absent simultaneously.

Concerned, she double-checked her messages, wondering if she’d misremembered the meeting place or time. Yet, the plan was clear: Ajit at 5:00 p.m.

“What’s going on…? They’re not the type to be late.”

Sliding off the stool, Ra-on rubbed her chin and surveyed the surroundings. Should she call them? After a moment’s hesitation, she accessed her recent calls list. Pressing the top number, she listened to the dial tone.

After thirty seconds, Si-heon’s voice came through the speaker.

- Hey, Yeon-ah.

“Senior. Where are you?”

- Me? I’m with the team.

“…What?”

- Yeon, you shouldn’t be late without notice. We’ve already started drinking.

- Noona, hurry up! I’m starving, seriously.

It seemed he was indeed with the others. Confusion washed over her. She had clearly messaged everyone to meet at Ajit. It appeared she was the one running late.

Clutching her phone between her shoulder and ear, Ra-on hastily gathered her belongings.

“I must’ve misunderstood… Where are you guys? Something feels off. Did I dream this…?”

- We’re in Jongno. How long will it take you to get here?

“Jongno? At least thirty minutes. Sigh. Go ahead and eat without me. Don’t wait.”

- Hmm. I don’t think we can do that.

“No, really, I’m fine. Everyone, start without me. Sorry for being late. I’ll grab a taxi right away…”

Her mind raced as she hurried toward the exit. Just then, the door burst open with a loud pop! startling Ra-on.