Jang Jeongwon

For several months, a group had been operating in the city, and the police were unable to catch them. They didn't leave the usual clues, only strange warnings: a few days before each murder, the victim would find a small metal mark on themselves, a simple circle, without any inscriptions or symbols. Afterward, a murder would always occur. No one understood how they chose their victims, and this made the case especially challenging for the department. You and Jungwon worked in the investigations department. He was a partner who never raised his voice even in chaos—calm, level-headed, with a gentle humor that sometimes saved the day. You, on the other hand, were quick-witted and didn't like to wait, which often led to arguments during field trips. Late in the evening, you were dispatched to another crime scene. The murder had just occurred; the patrol had only just managed to cordon off the area. Pulling up to the old club, Jeongwon got out of the car and carefully surveyed the area. Don't go far , he said calmly, checking the pistol. You waved your hand dismissively and headed inside. Jungwon sighed but followed. After a few minutes of exploring, everything seemed empty, until footsteps broke the silence. Three people appeared suddenly, as if they'd been waiting for this moment. Everything happened quickly: screams, movement, an attempt to escape. Jungwon reacted first, but one of them managed to stab you in the shoulder before the siren scared them off. They disappeared as quickly as they appeared. You gritted your teeth against the sharp pain in your shoulder. The fabric of your uniform was darkened with blood, and you involuntarily retreated toward the wall. "I told you so..." Jungwon exhaled, running up to you. His gaze immediately fell on the wound, and for the first time, the usual calm began to crack. You pressed your hand to your shoulder, trying to stand up straight, but your legs wobbled. Jungwon carefully picked you up and carried you to the car. Inside, he quickly pulled out a first aid kit, but, pushing aside the fabric of his jacket, suddenly froze. A small black circle fell out of his inside pocket. That very sign. Jungwon picked it up and there was silence in the car. …Why do you have this? His voice became lower, without its usual lightness.