@☲ detective “Didn’t I tell you already not to interrupt me when I’m playing?” said Tadashi to his butler, barely taking his eyes off the screen. However, the older man slipped the headphones off him and forced him to listen, what caused the young male to immediately say goodbye to his friends and follow the other to the door.
After a short ride, the boy arrived at his destination: the police station. It was his first time there, but well, it wasn’t surprising that he was summoned there after what had happened two days before. He wasn’t exactly a close friend of Jihyun, sometimes he wondered if they were friends at all, but seeing the girl laying on the ground in a pool of blood was the most shocking and perhaps one of the saddest moments of his life.
A police officer behind the counter asked his name and told him to wait, which he did until another officer led him into a room farther into the building. “It's February 16th, 2021, 7:34 p.m. Your name is Fujihara Tadashi, correct?” said the detective as he plopped down onto a chair, then picking up a few paper sheets from the table in front of him and immediately starting to write. The younger male agreed and the officer proceeded to explain the legal implications of the interrogation and of possible false statements.
A few minutes had gone and other officers had stepped into the room when Tadashi was finally asked about what had happened two nights before. “I was in the lounge, at Jihyun’s party. I and some friends were talking to a few girls we had met there, we were close to the dancing floor. Then some people started heading towards the front windows, others went after them, it was a big commotion so we knew something had happened and followed the crowd,” the boy tilted his head down and furrowed his eyebrows. “It was when we saw it… Jihyun…”
Questions about his friends and the girls followed, just asking general information about them. Then the officer tackled Jihyun again, when was the last time the boy had seen her? “At the party, a little after I arrived. I only greeted her shortly, I had already wished her a happy birthday earlier so I didn’t wanna bother her much. I left her with her friends and went to search for my own,” he replied. “When did I wish her a happy birthday? In the afternoon, around 3, maybe. I went to her apartment to give her a gift. It was my father who told me to do so, I don’t even know what exactly he bought her - or what my mom bought for her, my father wouldn’t pick a gift for a girl. But I think it was jewelry, there was Cartier written on the bag.”
“My relationship with her… That’s a tough one,” replied Tadashi, then pausing to think. “We’ve known each other since forever, but we would only meet once or twice a year when our families were on vacation. Our fathers are close friends, they met during college. A few months ago I was transferred to Chunga High and we started living in the same building, but still we wouldn’t talk much. Sometimes I have lunch at her place, but only because of Minhyuk, I think my father asks him to check on me.”
The detective asked for a few more details before his pen halted writing. The younger male confirmed the registered information and signed some papers, then left the station and finally went back home. His friends must be mad at him for leaving the game suddenly, but he hoped they’d accept him back, as he needed something to get his mind off the interrogation and the unpleasant night he was forced to remember.
@☲ detective — Date: February 16, 2021 ; 11AM [ !!! trigger warning: mentions of self-harm and suicide !!! ]
When the familiar sight of the dim interrogation room greets him, Sungchul finds himself barely able to suppress a bitter laughter from escaping his mouth.
Once upon a time, his mother had appeared with a silver briefcase in hand, arms trembling as she handed it to the same police officer who had interrogated (tormented) him days before they sent him to a juvenile hall. “300 million won in cash as promised.” She had spoken in hushed whispers, but that part in particular had reached his ears — and perhaps it was indeed intentional. And once he was released, his mother had told him that he would never have to endure whatever it is they subjected him to ever again. No policemen, no detectives, no interrogations, no prison — /nothing/.
Yet here he is after merely four years, trying his best to make himself comfortable in the same interrogation room just because a detective had told him to do so.
The first couple of minutes of the interrogation was a breeze — he declines the glass of water offered to him and replies with a curt “yes” when the detective asks him if he understands his rights. It doesn’t take long for the glint of recognition to appear in the detective’s eyes as he flips through his files, and Sungchul can’t help but roll his eyes at the amused smirk playing on his lips. “Mm, that explains why you don’t seem that nervous.” The detective nods. “Am I right in assuming that this isn’t your first time here?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m not here to interrogate you about that.” He closes his file and returns his attention back to Sungchul. “Anyway, for the sake of formality, can you confirm your full name and address for me please?”
“Lee Sungchul. 51st floor of the Perseus.”
“Alright, let’s cut to the chase now, shall we? What is your relationship with the deceased, Go Jihyun?”
“She was a former classmate of mine.”
“Can you think of anyone at school who might have had a grudge against her? A rival, perhaps?”
Sungchul purses his lips and casts his gaze away from the detective — and even so, he can sense the latter’s expectant eyes on him, scrutinizing each and every movement he makes. “No,” he says after a long pause of silence.
The detective only chuckles at his response. “Ah, right — you were expelled in your second year, weren’t you? Can’t blame you for not remembering much about your school life.”
Sungchul bites back the urge to say, “I don’t see how it’s relevant to this case.” — because /of ing course/ it is. Of course they’d suspect the kid with a nice criminal record (not to mention assault!) to his name. That would be convenient, now wouldn’t it? It’s only a matter of time before they mention whatever it is they caught on camera.
The detective proceeds with the questioning before he could lose his temper, much to his relief. “Did you attend the party, Mr. Lee?”
“I did not.”
“What were you doing that night then?”
“I was planning to kill myself.”
The detective’s eyes narrow at him, and Sungchul realizes a second too late that he probably should have waited a beat or two before answering. His response came out smooth — too flawless for it to sound believable. His fingernails dig into the worn-out denim of his jeans as he musters a small, apologetic smile and shakes his head. “I’m sorry, that was a little—”
“No worries, Mr. Lee.” The detective raises a hand up as he scribbles on his notepad with another. “Although I would have to apologize for the next few questions now that we’re here.” He puts his pen down and gives the recorder a gentle push towards Sungchul’s direction. “Can you tell me where you’ve been?”
“I went up the elevator from the 51st floor. This was around… 11:45PM, I believe.”
“Which floor were you headed to?”
Sungchul frowns upon hearing the question. Shouldn’t they know this already? “I… had no particular destination in mind,” he tries, “I just wanted to leave my place.”
“Were you alone in the elevator? Did you see anyone along the way?”
His grip on his jeans tightens as he opens his mouth to answer. “I met Na— Jang Nari on my way out.”
“So you went out on the 89th floor, correct?”
Perhaps this is just an elaborate test to see how credible Sungchul’s statement is, but the look on the detective’s face says otherwise. “Yes,” he says, albeit a little cautious this time.
“Were you carrying anything with you?”
“... I had a knife. It’s the one you confiscated from me.”
The detective seems pleased with his answer. “It had yours and Ms. Jang’s fingerprints.” He nods. “Can you tell me what happened between the two of you?”
He takes a deep breath and relaxes his arms. “I was going to hurt myself,” he says. “Nari stepped in before the blade could touch my skin. She wrestled it away from my grasp, and I just… snapped out of it, I guess.”
“Again, my apologies for making you recall those events, Mr. Lee,” the detective offers. “But do tell me, what happened after that?”
“I— we were exhausted. She offered me to rest in her place, so I did. Then we woke up to the news of Go Jihyun’s death the next morning.”
“... is that all?”
Sungchul nods. “Yes.”
The detective clicks his pen and shoves it back into his pocket. “Alright, that should be it for now. Thank you for your time, Mr. Lee.” He pushes the stop button on the recorder and lets out a sigh. “Didn’t expect to be back here so soon, did you?” His tone is almost condescending when he speaks. “I sure hope that this would be the last time I see you.”
Sungchul does not respond. He offers the detective a light bow and turns towards the door. He should be relieved — yet he finds himself unable to shake off the feeling that something is not right.
Or maybe he’s just tired.
“You rich folks,” he hears the detective mutter behind his back. “I wonder if the culprit will bail out of this one too.”
@☲ detective [ DATE : February 16, 2021 ; 10AM ]
tw. mentions of self harm!
Nari sits down in front of the officer, eyes cast down as her expression remains dark, ridden with fear. Her hands are placed on top of each other above her thighs, dressed more casually than the rest as she has already changed into her indoors attire. The urge to hold onto something is strong, but instead she wills herself to calm down by biting onto her lower lip.
"Miss Jang?" The detective calls her back to attention, and she blinks, tilts her head upwards to look at the man. He utters words in attempt to calm her down, but it does little to help her as her hands only move to slide over her arms, hugging herself. The questions come quickly after she gives him a nod, and she finds herself calming down even more as the questioning begins.
"Can you state your name, age and the floor you live in at the Perseus?"
"Jang Nari, 20 years old. 89th floor."
"Can you tell me more about you?"
"I'm... Well, I was a student at Chunga High along with Go Jihyun. Some of our batchmates might even tell you about our relationship ― we used to be the bestest of friends, until we had... our differences, and then when we graduated we moved into different universities. I've been a model since I was young... so I was also a bit absent during my academic years."
The detective's eyes narrow at her, but Nari keeps her demeanor as is.
"Would you mind telling me about ah... your differences with Jihyun?"
Nari's jaw hardens at the question, though it's something she's already expected the moment she heard she was getting questioned.
"We... had a disagreement over something — you know how teenage girls work," is what she decides to say, tone becoming softer, a little more regretful. "If I had known this would happen this soon..." her eyes grow teary, "then I would have tried harder reconciling with her."
A moment of silence.
"I see." The detective writes something, and Nari's eyes squint a little to see it. "So what were you doing on the 14th of February, between 8:30PM and 12AM?"
"I... I can't remember the time exactly, but I had arrived from a photoshoot near 9PM, I believe. You can check the cameras if you want proof, or... you can also ask my co-workers. Then I rested for a while in my unit, before I began preparing for the party. I believe... I think I arrived at the party a little past 10PM, but I had to leave early because I had felt so tired."
She shoots the detective a hesitant look.
"Go on."
"I went back to my floor — I believe this was around quarter to 12 — but then I realized I had left an earring back at the party, so I went back... or tried to, at least. This is when I meet Lee Sungchul... I found him with a knife in his hands, planning to hurt himself, and I—"
"A knife, you say?"
"Y-Yes," she breathes out, and she hugs herself even tighter. "I was so, so scared, but I knew that I had to help him somehow." Her eyes try to focus on the detective, screaming desperation. "Please—Please tell me he isn't a suspect for this, because he isn't! He meant no harm for anyone but... but himself. He's just scared... and lost and... I—I just know that he's not at fault for this. And—"
"—Calm down, Miss Jang. Remember why you are here. I just wanted to ask you a few questions."
She takes in a deep, shaky breath. "I'm... Okay, I'll... I'm sorry. I lost my cool. I'm just..." She laughs nervously, dryly. "I'm just shaken, I guess."
The detective offers a smile, though empty. "It's fine, Miss Jang. Tell me, how did Lee Sungchul look to you? You said he was scared, but of what, do you think exactly?"
"Of what?" she replies, a little exasperated. "I... He was scared of hurting himself, detective. He was about to harm himself! If I hadn't stepped in—"
"—Miss Jang, please calm down. We simply just wanted to know," the detective says, a little more firmly, guised in a gentle tone. "To be clear, Lee Sungchul stayed with you until the news of Go Jihyun's death reached you?"
"... Yes. We were both in my unit. I was the first to learn about Ji... Jihyun's death through the groupchat."
"Would you mind if I asked what your relationship with Lee Sungchul is?"
"I... We're friends. I hope we are, at least."
The detective scribbles something once more, humming a little in slight response. "Thank you for your time and cooperation, Miss Jang. We will call you when we need you again."
DETECTIVE: Here are the rules, officer, you answer my questions, no do-overs, you don’t want to look bad on those you have to at least know that.
Gentle chuckles can be heard on the record.
DETECTIVE: they can pull the security video feed of this room if you make this a joke.
SHIN M.: Yes. Someone died, this is no game, until you go on interviewing the cashiers of the shop levels, the cat of my neighbor Tom, the plants in the lobby…
DETECTIVE: If you mention your neighbor Tom, he better be real or that would mean you lied on that. What is your relationship with Go Jihyun?
SHIN M.: None.
There’s a pause, tapping on a surface.
DETECTIVE: Did you ever see her? Did you know of her existence? Have you ever spoken to her, did you know her name?
SHIN M.: Yes, Yes, Yes and I am not sure.
DETECTIVE: Then please define how you came to know her, where did you see her last and what is the last thing you spoke about with her.
SHIN M.: I thought this was an interview, you’re jumping to questioning here. Dare I say, interrogating?
Another pause and a sigh.
SHIN M.: She is one of the kids, I know their names more or less, but truth is, I was not able to tell her apart from a few more girls around that age. I crossed paths with them but that is about it. Last time I can guarantee I saw Go Jihyun was soon after I moved in, I heard someone call her when going in the elevator and so I knew. As for the last thing I spoke about with her, I can not be sure. Depends if it really was her, and it was probably about the weather or some fallen item? Irrelevant to this case for how old it is.
DETECTIVE: We will do the sorting between relevant and irrelevant. Where were you yesterday between 8 pm and midnight?
SHIN M.: Home.
DETECTIVE: can anyone vouch for that? What did you do on Valentines’ night?
SHIN M.: Oh someone can, Her name’s Vanellope, brunette, petite, likes to sneak into people’s apartments, love of my life. And I don’t believe you need more details, I was free, we could have been on a date, Detective, but here we are.
DETECTIVE: Shin Myungsoo this is recorded. And your spoiled cat does not count. Now do you have any idea what happened?
A pause.
SHIN M.: I don't. But there is enough security tapes to dig in. I can look into it if you put me on the case.
DETECTIVE. We’ll see about that. You’re dismissed.
@☲ detective .
interview transcript
—『 feb 15, 2021 + 18:37 』
—『 interviewee: kim youngho 』
D: The time is currently eighteen thirty seven, February the fifteenth, twenty twenty one. If you could please state your name, age, occupation and address for the record?
(silence, then the whisper of fabric brushing fabric, someone sniffing)
Y: Kim Youngho, twenty six, software developer, the twenty seventh floor of The Perseus.
D: And the company you work for?
Y: Matrix.
D: Alright, thank you. And what was your relationship to the victim, Go Jihyun?
Y: Strangers.
D: ...could you please elaborate?
Y: (sighing) I'd only talked to her a handful of times, usually at The Perseus since she lived there. We weren't from the same social circles so there wasn't any reason for us to get closer.
D: And you never saw the victim previously at Chungha High?
(silence stretches on for almost a minute)
D: Mr. Kim, we are aware that you have a sister, Kim Rahee, age twenty, currently in a coma at the Asan Medical Center, in Seoul. She was a fellow classmate of the victim at Chungha High. Did you or did you not have any previous contact with the victim before moving to the Perseus?
Y: Yes, I did see her at Chungha High.
D: Is there any reason you didn't share this information right away?
Y: Excuse me if I don't want to talk about something incriminating, like the fact that Jihyun is the entire reason my baby sister has been stuck in the ICU in a coma for the past three years.
D: Incriminating? Are you implying you had something to do with the victi-
Y: No! I didn't do anything to her. She jumped, didn't she?
D: Yes. (silence) There's no need to worry, Mr. Kim. This is just a simple procedure to get as much information about the incident as possible. Can you tell me where you were the night of the victim's death?
Y: In my apartment.
D: Did you see the victim at all between 8:00 and 9:00PM?
Y: No. I was in a conference call.
D: With who?
Y: My co-workers.
D: Can you give me their names?
Y: Kim Yoona, Park Seojoon and Lee Jinho. They all work for Matrix.
D: Thank you. And your whereabouts after 9:00PM, until 12:00AM?
Y: The conference call ended at 9:45. I stayed in my apartment and had dinner, then I went to sleep around 10:30.
D: Did you see the victim fall from the roof at precisely 11:59PM?
Y: No.
D: You weren't woken up by the fireworks being set off at the time?
Y: No.
D: Mr. Kim, I find that hard to believe-
Y: I said I was sleeping, alright? You can check the security cameras if you want. I didn't leave my room the entire night.
D: Okay. And you weren't woken up by the commotion of the victim's appearance at the foot of the statue?
Y: No. I didn't find out about the whole thing until this morning.
D: So you were asleep the entire night, and didn't find out about her death until the morning?
Y: Yes, that's what I just said.
D: Do you have any further details you'd like to include in your statements?
Y: (a long silence) No.
D: Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Kim. You may-
D: It is February fifteenth, twenty twenty one. Current time: six o' five a.m. I'm the Detective in charge at Seoul's Police Station. Ma'am, can you please state your name, age, occupation and address for formalities?
M: (clears ) Uhm, yeah sure. Hwa Miyoung. I'm thirty years old, and I work as a Personal Injury and Family lawyer under the Hwa Firm.
(silence is heard for a few seconds.)
D: And, your address?
M: Oh, yes! Sorry, it's too early and I haven't had my coffee. Er, The Perseus, seventy seventh floor where I reside with my husband, Ahn Huijun.
D: No worries, Mrs. . . . Ahn?
M: Anything is fine.
D: Alright, and your husband he's currently here in Seoul or-
M: Yes, very much so. He actually accompanied me here. Going next, I believe.
D: We appreciate your cooperation. (sounds of pen being tapped against the table) So, Mrs. Ahn, what is your relationship with Miss Go Jihyun?
M: (humming) Well, I think the best way to define our relationship is purely as acquaintances? I had never gotten the chance to properly converse with her, unfortunately. Uhm, instances in where I've met or seen her. . . around the lobby or elevators. Or, in Chungha High. I go there a few times since I'm on the School Board of Directors. If anything, I'm more related to her aunt, Go Hyori?
D: And how so?
M: Well, we were school mates in the past. But, she is currently my sister-in-law. She's married to my husband's brother, Ahn Jiho.
D: (sounds of scribbling) Noted. Where were you on the night of her death from 9PM up until the time of death, Mrs. Ahn?
M: Oh. Hm. Wow, (mumbling) this sounds a bit insensitive now, but I was spending the entire time with my husband, officer. From 7pm to around 11:45 pm? Yeah, should be around those hours. We noticed we were late. . . /after/ and then headed up at around 12:10 am.
D: You went up to the penthouse after the time of death?
M: Yes, precisely. We were. . . quite confused to see a bunch of commotion but after we found out. . . well, yeah. It's unfortunate.
D: And, may I ask what you were doing from 7pm to 11:45pm? Where were you with your husband?
M: Uhmm. . .(long dragged out humming) well, it /was/ Valentine's day. My husband and I were enjoying a date like we always do within our home.
D: To clarify, you and your husband remained inside your home for the entire 5 hours. . . Yes?
M: Yes.
(sound of fingers tapping lightly against the table filling up the silence.)
D: (humming)
M: Detective, if you must know, no the date did not take up the entire 5 hours. We were late because I was busy ing him.
D: Oh- I- (awkward chuckling) That's uhm, that's quite alright, thank you for informing me. . and clarifying.
M: Sorry, was that too vulgar for recording- wait, we were making love, I think is a lighter term.
D: (stifled chuckling followed by a clear of his throat) Yes, I. Yes, thank you, Mrs. Ahn. Continuing on. . . (shuffling of papers) Is there evidence to vouch for your timeline of events?
M: The CCTV's I presume? There's one on our floor that could prove that we haven't left the house from 7pm until midnight. And the camera within the elevator should have taped us heading up around 12:10 am. Oh, and we have a camera inside the entrance hall of our home, with a sensor of sorts? To be honest, Detective, I'm not sure how those things work, but if there was a way it may have logged our entrance and exits, I could have them check, I guess?
D: Ah, that won't be necessary for now, Mrs. Ahn. For now, can you just explain what you saw when you headed up to the penthouse at 12:10 am? Did you find out about her death then?
M: (long exhale and sounds of shuffling within the seat) I'm sorry if I can't be too detailed about it, I was still a little drunk on wine. But, I recall just silence throughout the Perseus when we got into the elevator. Which, wasn't anything suspicious considering everyone would've been at the party- at least, to our knowledge. When we got to the floor. . . all I remember was pale faces. And confusion - just an. . . an air of confusion. Nobody seemed to move around us except for a few crowding by the glass windows. . . and it didn't take long for us to find out Jih- ah, Miss Go had, well, passed.
D: Mhm. [sounds of crossing out and scribbles upon the paper before a final dot breaks the silence.]
D: Alright! Thank you for coming over on such a short notice. Quite the early bird, huh?
M: It's nothing at all, I have business to attend shortly.
D: [sound of door clicking open] We'll be in contact if we need further assistance.
M: Of course. I'm a busy woman, but I'll make time to assist in a murder investigation of such a young girl, of course. I've dealt with a few myse-
D: I'm sorry, Mrs. Ahn, did you say murder?
[brief pause]
M: Well, do you believe it was a suicide, Detective?
[sound of door being pulled opened.]
M: I apologize, I'm a bit desensitized to deaths and cases such as this because of my work. No worries, good luck, Detective.
D: Ah, yes, er. . . Thank you for your time, Mrs. Ahn.
@☲ detective Interview Transcript For: Ahn Huijun
Date & Time: 15 Feb 2021, 0645
[ record scratches before a clearing of someone's throat. the sound of a chair being shifted soon follows. ]
D: Again, thank you for coming down at such short notice, sir. Could you identify yourself once more for our records— your name, age, occupation, place of residence.
H: Ahn Huijun, but I also go by Ivan. I'll be 28 this year. I'm a fashion designer— I have my own brand that I'm running; though I still model from time to time as well. I'm sure you know I reside in The Perseus, 77th floor, with my wife.
D: And again, for our records, could you identify your wife?
H: Hwa Miyoung. Or Liliana. She was interrogated before me, so this should be fast, right? My statement would be the same as hers . . . [ trails off ]
D: Yes but, we have a protocol to follow, we'll need your word playable on tape. How would you describe your relationship with Go Jihyun? How was she like?
H: I've only seen her a few times in The Perseus, really. Barely spoken to her, exchanged greetings whenever I would bump into her in the elevators. Acquaintances? Although, it's ironic since she's the niece of my step brother's wife.
D: So . . . To clarify, you have family ties with her?
H: [ light chuckles ] Yes but also, no. I don't think she knows I'm tied to her like that either. We're just not close.
D: Understood. Mr Ahn, where were you the night of the incident? Or more precisely, where were you from 7PM to 11:45PM, and what were you doing?
H: At home, with my wife. It's valentines— need I say more?
D: [ brief pause and shuffling of paper ] Could you specify, please. Were you with her the whole time? And doing what, exactly?
H: Wasn't my wife's statement taken? Are you doubting my wife's credibility, and possibly mine too? Why is there a need for all these questions if this was a suicide, as the police has proclaimed?
D: I'm afraid we can't disclose this information, Mr Ahn. I seek your cooperation, could you please— [ words get cut off ]
H: A valentines date. It's a special occasion and we've both been busy with our careers. I just want one day to ourselves, where I could spend quality time with her and all. I've been with her since the morning, all the way till the party. 7PM to 11:45PM? with her.
[ long pause ]
D: Alright, thank you for your . . . honesty, Mr Ahn. Now, how did you find out about the incident?
H: Witnessed the commotion at around 00:10 when I finally headed down to the party with my wife. It's hard not to pry when there's such a big crowd gathering around the statue with terrified voices and yelling all over. Something unexpected— The Perseus is supposed to be one of the safest places around after all. I hope it's safe. Are there any other questions for me or could I take my leave now?
D: No further questions for you, Mr Ahn. Thank you for your time.
H: Likewise. Hope my answers could assist in your investigation. Good luck and just leave a call if I'm needed once more.
“Sir, since you’re waiting for your files, I hear they need to interview you about the incident that took place yesterday? At your residency?”
Funny questions from someone who usually answers his and fetches files for him. It is clear asking the man known around as a Prosecutor has been a serious topic for this officer. Dohyun halts on his way to the coffee machine and he turns, soles in charge of the hissing he cannot possibly let out. It’s just a waste of his time, and it will soon be a nightmare for the police officers to review all of the people living in Perseus. Yet a prosecutor refusing a preliminary interview on any account would set him on a high road and while he has no intention in trying to get this case, Dohyun plays nice; he nods and follows the officer. The comfort of getting a nice coffee fades as they take the elevator down to the second floor. Dohyun knows the quality of the coffee machines decreases with the floor number in the station as it does at the court. His stomach twists when he accepts the brown paper cup anyway in the interview room, instinctively. It’s a prop, they both know it: the officer interviewing him and he, Ahn Dohyun, Prosecutor.
He sits and he cannot help glancing around the room he usually sees from a different perspective. He pulls a fancy pen from the inner pocket of his expensive jacket, inking away the information paper. Not that he has not read hundreds of those since the beginning of the year. He fills the paper fast and entirely, for he knows how those are examined afterwards. His silence and obedience only makes the familiar officer speak, nervous.
“It is weird, seeing you in this seat.”
Dohyun's eyes drill into the table, a look that would express how this officer should not get used to seeing him here, in about every language on earth. Still the officer’s not in his best conversation, as any would feel if they were to interview their boss or some very well-known judge. It looks like an insult to have people running this place or the court getting questioned as mere suspects, but Dohyun humbly nods, trying to hide the minor inconvenience he feels and the recording of the interview begins. He lets the officer guide him through the regular process as if he did not know those laws and regulations by heart.
“Thank you for filling your contact information.” The officer states, as if they did not have a dozen ways to reach formally and informally. He asks questions for the record and comes the answers. “I am Ahn Dohyun, 32, married to Mio Kurosawa. I work as a prosecutor and I live on the 96th floor of the Perseus residence.”
Dohyun answers, eyes studying the officer and pausing to study the warm drink when he fears the officer is feeling scrutinized. Knowing how the interviews work, he says just what he is asked. The interviews are a formality that is not necessary in cases of a suicide but it does not take a Prosecutor to figure this could not be a suicide. The timing, the place, they made it all so unlikely.
"Where were you yesterday from 8 pm to midnight?"
A pause, because in that lapse, Dohyun was with someone he would rather not tell anyone, because of how it would hurt his reputation, his wife and his best (and married) friend. But it was no use misplacing himself, if he would tell a lie, it would be half a lie, strictly what he felt okay telling. He trusted the actual culprit would be found, he remembered paying an extra bill for an increase in security in their building. Or what was that about?
"From 8 to 9:30 I was downtown on a few errands." Alone the other would understand and Dohyun hoped for that, "for work." Sure, this detail could be debated on but he was betting high that his work would not be questioned.
"Then I went home. With the traffic I reached the underground parking about 10 pm. I dropped by the bar before I went to the apartment to get ready for the party. I was there at 10:43, I remember checking the time before I decided against texting my wife: I was late. I looked for her but I found her later that night. By 11, I went back home, for good.”
The officer has something to scribble down but Dohyun disregards this tactic, awaiting the officer’s next and expected question.
“What was your relationship with Go Jihyun?”
“I knew her family. I saw her a few times around but that was it. I dated her Aunt, Go Hyori, for a few years. So we introduced each other to our families. I am the godfather of Hyori and Jiho’s child so I still saw her on occasions. I never got to know her sadly.”
He slides the pen back into his jacket pocket and watches the officer, this time not minding the other’s level of comfort. The only reason he does not stand is to be polite keeping his judgement about this questioning of an entire building to himself. Dohyun knows his questions should find an answer out of the police station.
“You have all you need to reach out to me if needed. My files may be ready and they are the reason why I came by the station. Is this going to carry on or..”
“Thank you for your time.” The officer stands and Dohyun bows, prompting his departure with a small smile, before he makes his way back to the case archives without an .
D: This is the detective at the Seoul police station. Currently it’s…. 6:11 pm and I’m interviewing, if you can say your name sir.
H: My name is Park Hyunsoo. English name would be Alexander Park. I’m 30 years old, CEO of Primasoft Holdings, living in the 98th floor of the Perseus.
D: Well, you certainly downed the starters there. Oh and… good evening, sir.
H: Likewise, detective. My wife mentioned the basics earlier so I figured it would make your job easier. Also, I’m actually running on a tight schedule so if we could make this brief, that would be deeply appreciated.
D: … o-of course. I know you’re a busy man and I wouldn’t want to keep you here for long. Let’s start. How are you related to the deceased?
H: I’m friends with her father but I rarely see her as I’m not around the Perseus as much due to schedules. And when I do, we seldom strike a conversation.
D: I see. What were you doing on the night of her death, sir?
H: I was spending time with my wife, given that it is Valentine’s Day and ended up coming to the party late. Think it was around 11 when we went down to the party. We didn’t spend a long time together though. I’m sure my wife told you the details. I had an emergency meeting that time so we parted around 11:30. She went with her friends and I, back to the office. I arrived there around 12 or something.
D: Hmm, you said you went to your office…
H: Yes. An unlikely time for a meeting, I know, but my clients are from New York, making it pass 10 am for them when we proceeded. Time zones can be demanding in my line of work, detective.
D: Do you always prefer to work in the office, Mr. Park?
H: I don’t think that question makes sense but if you’re trying to ask why I had to work in the office instead of the comfort of my own home then the reason would be my files. The ones I needed are in my office. I forgot my back up too. I could’ve sent someone to get it but that would take too much time, time that I can’t obviously afford, seeing that it was an emergency after all. I didn’t go home until the next day. Now, if any need for a proof arises, I’d personally send a copy of CCTV footages on our floor and in my office building. You could check the time stamps.
D: O-oh, that’s very considerate of you, sir. I’d let you know. Lastly, how did you know about Ms. Go’s death?
H: It was all over the news the following day. Would there be anything else, detective?
D: I think that would be all, Mr. Park. Thank you so much for your time.
H: It’s an honor to help out. My deepest apologies for being in a rush.
@☲ detective ╙ part two. —❛ fast forward, Feb 15th, 7:43AM. [ mentions of blood!! ]
She looked like a mess, chin length hair unkempt and a wild disarray of dark locks. The bags under her eyes were ghastly, her cheeks rid of color. Sungah had a blanket around her, a fuzzy warm thing to keep her from either out of the sight of people or the insipid February cold that morphed into a harsher air; for reasons she knew now. The moment she’d woken up, with IVs strung to her arm and her leg wrapped in a bandage, she was bombarded with questions. “Where were you?” “Who did you go off with?” “Did you do it?”
The headache that throbbed at her temples rose into searing pain and had to bite down the snarl that threatened to spill past her lips. Could they just shut up? Thankfully enough, the doctor who had been standing with the crowd at the foot of her bed came forward, easing everyone of their questions. “Whoa, whoa- let her be for a moment, she must be very disoriented.” Why yes, to say the least. A glass of water had been ed into her awaiting palm and she drank it all, like a parched man at a fresh oasis on the hottest day of the year before she was finally told the story.
And she understood the assault of questions, all begging for answers she didn’t have. Well, those they needed anyways.
So there Lee Sungah sat alone, at the desk of a detective who looked at her with a prying gaze, trying to figure out whether she was telling the truth.
“You mean to tell me, Ms. Lee that you fell down and scratched yourself on a marble statue? Does it make sense for you to be there at that moment but not have noticed more? How can I believe that?” the detective scoffed, discarding the padlet he had been scrutinizing earlier onto the table; it held all her information, from contact details of her alibis and so forth.
Sungah pressed her back against the chair, her fingers finding each other under the blanket and stared at him deadpan, void of emotions. She couldn’t show him she was nervous. Not when she had so much more on her hands than it looked like.
“Why is it not plausible? I have an alibi that I was on a phone call with my father’s secretary at that time and if you’re trying to accuse me of what I’m thinking of, you should know that forensics would be able to tell that the blood and footprint wouldn’t surpass the staircase.”
The detective sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. “And what of your relationship with Jihyun? Were you two not in the same class? I understand she was a good student, one who came at the top of the class so did that stem off any rivalry of any form?”
Her brows furrowed, knitting in the middle; what was he saying? She wanted to rebut, fill her tone with as much sweet yet venom as she could but she knew where to play her pieces. Those wits got her to where she was in society after all. She shook her head, tongue swiping out to lave at her parched lower tier.
“Not really. I barely knew her other than she once bought me strawberry milk out of thanks for helping her with a math problem. But I’m allergic to strawberries so I refused. And if she came top of the class, it didn’t really matter. I still graduated valedictorian,” she shrugged, looking down at her blanket. “There was no rivalry, hell I barely even saw her at the Perseus. But damn, she’s gone, huh?”
The detective kept quiet, his jaw tightening for just a fraction of a moment. Something didn’t quite sit right with him but he would have to give her the benefit of doubt for now- one was always innocent until proven guilty. Exhaling a sharp breath, he raised himself from his chair, beckoning his hand towards the door.
“Well noted, Ms. Lee,” he spoke, tone just a tad softer. “We shall keep your contact details in case you are needed here again.”
hyori stepped into the interrogation room in a daze, decked head to toe in black. despite the of bewilderment on her face, she looked put together, with a simple oscar de la renta maxi dress and ferragamo pumps adorning her feet. "is there something wrong? i was told jihyun fell from the perseus..." she looked at the officer with her wide watery eyes questioningly.
"here have a seat ma'am. we just want to find out more about jihyun, this isn't an interrogation." the detective tells her with a warm smile.
so they didn't have a suspect and jihyun's death was no accident. hyori didn't spend all those years in law school to not know how all this worked but she was going to show all these law enforcers how confused and foolish she was. she knew what she looked like to others who barely knew her, a rich girl with more carats on her fingers than wits.
"okay. i don't know too much about jihyun. we didn't have a very personal relationship but i watched her grow up and i was fond of her. i know she liked to play music and she was a very sweet girl but we rarely talked about personal things- when she fell, was it something she did or an accident or was it you know... homicide?" she asked with a shudder.
"unfortunately we are still investigating ma'am but, we will try to let you know when we can." the elderly detective tells her.
"do you think i can see her? i bought her a gift when i was in vienna. she loves music so i got her an original score book from the baroque period."
"unfortunately her body is with the medical examiner, we cannot let you see her yet. when did you return from vienna?"
"just this morning at about 7am. that was when i found out the news."
"this must have been very shocking for you, that will be all, have a good evening, ma'am."
She arrived at the station promptly as she had done on all other critical occasions. Neatly-pressed pristine clothes sharpened her appearance. Not even a stray strand of hair or lint could be found clinging onto her wool, emerald green coat; a pair of patent leather Jimmy Choos adorned her dainty feet, the clicking sound of her heels ricocheting off of the stone-grey pavement as she made her way up towards the entrance. Han Seunghee was the epitome of a menacing blue-blood. The only thing that seemed out of place, though, was the smile she wore on her face.
"Oh. Morning, Ms. Han."
One of the officers greeted her as he was leaving the building, and Seunghee bowed her head in his direction, flashing him a warm smile. "Good morning, Officer Kang. It's nice to see you again." She had an aptitude for remembering faces and names, something her father trained her in, in her earlier years to prepare his daughter for the battlefield of business and success. But this talent of hers served her well in others ways too.
"What are you doing here at the station? Another drunkard attempting to buy services from female guests?" he laughed, halting in his path to converse with the female.
"Fortunately but unfortunately so, no." Seunghee masked her grimace at his assumption behind yet another smile. Her voice grew dim. "I'm here to submit my statement for the Go Jihyun case."
"I see.. well, off you go! I'll bet you we'll be taking and reviewing statements around the clock for the rest of the week. That goddamn building is so big. I probably won't make it home in time for my son's birthday.. Oh, well. At least I'm getting paid for over-time. One of the pros, I guess, for working on a rich kid's death case, ey?"
She could only nod along as he spoke. Sure, she appreciated the work they did to uphold justice and community safety but at times, their desensitized attitudes made her sick to the stomach. Have some humanity for crisis' sake. "It would be a shame if you missed your son's birthday. I'm sure he's looking forward to having you there with him very much. In that case, I should go have my statement taken now to save you more time, Officer."
"Yes, yes. You're obviously a busy woman as well. I shouldn't hold you out here any longer. Take care, Ms. Han."
"Of course. You take care too, Officer Kang! And please, wish your son a 'happy birthday' for me."
. . .
[ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴏғ ᴅᴀʏ // sɪx ғᴏʀᴛʏ-ғɪᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ ]
Following the death of Go Jihyun, a student she tutored for piano, Seunghee knew she would find herself there at the police station sooner than later. Even if she was not directly related to the poor girl, the former had a reoccurring placement in Jihyun's weekly routine and to make matters worse, she had been at the birthday party the night the twenty-year-old was thrown over the ledge. She could've easily panicked, gone into the whole "it-wasn't-me" vindication, but that wouldn't have boded well for herself or for the deceased girl. And needless to say, it would've been out of character for her to lose her .
She held herself together as the detective scribbled onto a paper from across the table. The interrogation room was cold—the metal chair she sat on, colder. She shivered, wondering if the chilling temperature had anything to do with how they went about getting suspect statements. It felt like ten minutes went by before the detective spoke.
"State your name, age, floor level, and apartment number, please."
"Oh." She sat up in the chair, ready with hands folded in her lap. "My name is Han Seunghee. Twenty-five years of age. And I live on the ninety-fifth floor of the Perseus in apartment one."
She offers a smile, but the detective doesn't look up from the clipboard--and instead, continued to write what Seunghee could only guess was the information she just told him. "Okay, Ms. Han. What is your occupation?"
Easy. "I work as a co-director for the CEO of DIONYSUS, Han Woonyoung. He's my father."
"DIONYSUS." the other repeated with a noticeable nod. "Alright then.. you knew Go Jihyun, yes?"
"Yes."
"Then can you describe to me your relationship with her?". The detective lifted his gaze to look at her now, perhaps watching—waiting to catch any subtle signs of dishonesty in her saintly visage.
"Oh right, of course." Seunghee paused for a moment as memories of her piano student repainted themselves vividly inside of her mind. A gentle smile graced her face before she continued. "Jihyun and I, we've known each other for two years. After she graduated from Chunga High, she became one of the students I tutor for piano, an—"
"Wait a moment. You're a tutor? You said that you're a co-director for DIONYSUS, did you not?"
"Yes, I did say that. I am a co-director, but I also offer tutoring for piano on Tuesdays and Thursdays after I get off work. I apologize if that wasn't clear."
"That's fine. Be as thorough as you can though, Ms. Han. Continue what you were saying, please."
"Of course, Detective. As I was saying, she became one of the students I tutor for piano. I was taken back when she first played for me. Jihyun was an ineffably talented musician, perhaps one of the most gifted. We enthused about piano sonatas together during our sessions; and I would tell you we were close if we were but aside from her musical endeavors, I'm afraid Jihyun didn't share much else with me."
"Thank you, Ms. Han. Now the next question I'm going to ask, I need you to think carefully." The detective met her eyes, and she peered back at him without a moment of falter despite knowing what was coming. She swallowed down thickly, breath nearly hitching in as she nodded her head. "Ms. Han, where were you on the night of the incident between 11pm to midnight?"
"Between 11pm to midnight, I.." For a second, her gaze fell to the table, her blurred memories of that night slowly gaining traction in her current state of sobriety. "I was at Jihyun's birthday party until 11:45pm. Then I remember I left because it was getting late, and my feet were hurting.. and I had been drinking.. I got on the elevator to head back down to my apartment. It must have been 11:55pm when I arrived on the ninety-seventh floor by accident, so I—"
"Wait, you said the ninety-seventh floor, correct?" the detective interjected, inquiring with a curious raise of his brow.
"Correct."
He quickly jotted something down on the sheet of paper then looked up at her again. "Continue."
"Um.. so.. when the elevator doors opened, I was about to get off, but then I realized that it wasn't the ninety-fifth floor—Even with how intoxicated I was, it was a natural instinct, if you know what I mean. I've lived at the Perseus since it first opened, and I've ridden the elevator back and forth between our apartments plenty of times before to meet with Jihyun for our piano sessions. The feeling was wrong, so I got back into the elevator and finally went down to my apartment and went to bed. Then the next morning, I received news of her death."
In the midst of her statement, tears had pooled in her eyes, the steadiness of her voice gently wavering by the time she finished.
"Ms. Han—" He appeared as though he wanted to say something more, but he caught himself and spoke of it no further. "Ms. Han, I think that should be all for today. Thank you for coming in to submit your statement. You are free to leave now, but please do not travel too far."
the detective takes a seat before him, sliding a can of soda towards the sullen man before him. “first off i want to say i’m sorry for your loss, sir.” silence. minhyuk doesn’t even bother to lift his head to look at him. this was expected, after all this was a man who had just been told his daughter was dead. no amount of consolation would be able to change how he must be feeling right now. his daughter’s body was still warm but here he was, in a chair in an interrogation room instead of mourning his loss. he knew this man, he was the current acting ceo of one of korea’s well known family-run conglomerates and philanthropist. his daughter had been popular on social media too, for her good looks and prodigious music abilities.
“we will try our best to find out what happened but we need your help. could you tell us if jihyun had any enemies or if there was anyone that would have wanted to hurt her?” he began.
minhyuk, visibly distraught, raised his reddening eyes at the man before him. “my daughter was an angel. she was kind and sweet to everyone she met. she wouldn’t have enemies but i wouldn’t be surprised if there were people who were jealous of her. or my business rivals.”
“can you give me some names?”
“those friends of hers from highschool, especially min songyi but i can’t think of anyone who would want to have her dead. she is a good girl.”
“when was the last time you saw her?”
“she left the house at 8pm to go to the party, that was the last time i saw her.. if i knew...” minhyuk clenched his fists and let out a shaky exhale. “i should have accompanied her to the party, i never should have let her out of my sight. “
“why weren’t you at the party that night?”
“i was busy with work, there was an issue with our daegu factory, and it was urgent. usually on her birthday we would celebrate at home, just the two of us. then last year we had a big party to celebrate her coming of age and she liked it very much so i wanted to give her a surprise this year too. they say you never know how many birthdays you get to celebrate for your children so i wanted... i wanted to give her a happy birthday while i still could.” his voice cracked and he bowed his head, unwilling to maintain the eye contact.
“so you were at home the whole night? alone?”
“yes, i stayed in my home office the entire night. i only came out to watch the fireworks but i didn’t...” minhyuk rubs his face, his voice choking up.
the detective slips a phone wrapped in a plastic bag in front of minhyuk.
“we found this when we searched her room for clues. it is the cellphone of kim rahee. do you know what was your daughter’s relationship with kim rahee?”
“they were friends. rahee used to come to our house to play. then the accident happened at school and everyone thought jihyun did it. she didn’t do it, my jihyun would never hurt rahee, they were best friends. it has been so long since the accident but jihyun still visits rahee at the hospital every week and our family is paying for all her hospital bills. whoever hurt rahee framed jihyun for it. officer, you have to find out whoever did this to them. my jihyun never did anything wrong.” he finally raised his head, desperation evident in his eyes that rarely bore much emotion.
“we will try our best, sir. thank you for your cooperation.”
@☲ detective transcript of interview: esther park
date and time: feb 18, 2021. 5:46 pm
.
D: Now, before we start, I want to thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to meet with us. I understand it wasn't easy to secure a spot in it.
E: Oh, no worries, detective. It would be inhumane of me to brush off the fact that a child fell to her death in a building I consider my home. I completely understand. It's no hassle.
D: Thank you, Mrs. Park. We'll proceed with the questions now. (clearing their throat) For formalities, can you tell us your name, age, occupation, and address please?
E: My birth name is Hwang Eunhye, but I'm sure you and many others know me as Esther Park. 29, turning 30 next week. I run my own fashion brand and currently occupy the entire 98th floor of the Perseus along with my husband.
D: Again, for formalities, your husband is?
E: Park Hyunsoo. I'm sure I don't need to elaborate further.
D: (chuckling) Indeed you don't. (sounds of paper shuffling) What is your relationship with Miss Go Jihyun?
E: Well, to be quite frank... I don't have one. I'm aware that she's the daughter of my neighbor—I think his name's Go Minhyuk, he's a friend of my husband's—and I'm sure I've seen her once or twice in passing during social events that the Perseus holds, but I have no recollection of ever talking to her. There's just no reason for me to interact with my neighbor's child.
D: Understood. What were you doing on the night of her death, Mrs. Park? Specifically from 9PM onwards?
E: Well... I spent the first half of the night with my husband. It was Valentine's Day, so... (nervous laughter) We spent the day together on our floor until around 11PM, in which we realized we were a bit late to Jihyun's birthday party. We headed down to the venue together before—
D: I'm going to stop you for just a bit there, Mrs. Park. Is there proof of you two being together at that time, other than for your words?
E: Pardon? (a long moment of silence) There are CCTVs in the Perseus on every floor, and ours is no exception. I'm sure you can go ask the security team for a copy of the tape on our floor at that time. If that doesn't work, we have a separate security system of our own with both cameras and a system that can detect anything that comes onto our floor along with the time they do. We also have our security team lined up outside our door, so I'm sure you can ask them too. (a brief pause) I have to say, though, detective... It seems that you don't trust my words. I'm a bit hurt.
D: (nervous laughter) It's not what you think, ma'am. I'm only doing my job. (clearing their throat) Can you tell me what happened after you two arrived at Miss Go's birthday party?
E: We were together for a while before we separated with each other to go meet our friends. I think it was around 11:30 PM? I found one of my close friends—Mio—by the bar and we originally planned to head out with our other friend—Miyoung—but she didn't pick up our calls. We assumed she was also spending her time with her husband so we let her be and went to go stay at a hotel. We checked in to it around midnight and we were there until the next morning. (brief pause) And before you ask, I'm sure you can also verify that with blackboxes from our cars and the hotel's CCTVs.
D: Is there a reason why you two decided to leave Miss Go's birthday party that night and go to a hotel instead?
E: There is, but I can assure you it's not because of Miss Go or any of her loved ones. We just needed some time away from it all. The hustle and bustle of the Perseus can be quite draining at times.
D: Understandable. Were you aware Ms. Go was dead? If not, how did you find out about her death?
E: It was the next morning, actually. Mio and I were heading to go get brunch at the hotel's restaurant when we stumbled on the death being reported by the news on the lobby TV. We found out together, actually.
[ a moment of silence, where you can hear the sound of a keyboard typing and someone taking a deep breath ]
D: Well, those are all the questions I have for you, Mrs. Park. Thank you for your time and cooperation. I apologize if I offended you in any way during this process.
E: (a brief silence) It wasn't a suicide, was it?
D: Mrs. Park, I'm afraid—
E: It's alright, detective. It must be tiring.
D: (a brief silence) What is?
E: To lie about a child's death and merely call it a "suicide", unable to really justify the reason as to why the entire police force is questioning every Perseus resident who was in town that night.
[ a rather long silence ]
D: Thank you again for your time, Mrs. Park.
E: My pleasure, detective. I wish you and your colleagues the best of luck in your investigation. Do let me know if I can be of any use.
@☲ detective TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW [ KUROSAWA MIO ]
Date & Time: February 19, 2021 / 19:56.
D: Thank you for taking the time to answer to heed to our request, Miss Kurosawa.
M: I do not mind. On the contrary, I do apologize for only managing to find the time to do this so late.
D: Oh, no, no need to apologize, Miss Kurosawa! We understand that you have quite the schedule.
M: Thank you.
( the detective clears his throat. )
D: For now, please state your name, age, occupation and address.
M: My name is Kurosawa Mio, 30 years old. I am the owner of the Silver Sun Funeral Services. I live with my husband, Ahn Dohyun at the Perseus on the 96th floor.
D: What is your relationship with Go Jihyun?
M: None at all. I have never talked to the girl, and if I have ever done so before, I cannot recall. As far as I am aware, she is only the niece of my... neighbor, Go Hyori. I do not tend to concern myself with matters that do not directly involve me.
D: Hm... Even if there is death involved at the place you live in?
M: My family owns a funeral service, detective. I have worked around death since I was younger. This is a young life lost, and I send my condolences to her family, but this is hardly unusual for my line of work.
D: ... I see. How long have you been working at the funeral services?
M: Officially? I would say since I was twenty-three... so I suppose that makes it seven years this year.
D: I see how you'd really get used to it, huh... That's quite a long time to work with death.
( mio lets out an amused chuckle. )
M: Family business, is all it is.
( the detective hums. )
D: Can you tell me what you were doing on the 14th of February, from 8:30PM to 12AM?
M: I was with a friend of mine in a bar outside of The Perseus. Ahn Hajoon, you most likely know who he is. I had wanted to... destress, so to speak, and he took me to a nearby bar. He was already quite drunk by the time we went back to the penthouse — which is around 9:45PM, if I recall correctly. I had separated with him then to rest and also prepare for the party in my shared unit with my husband. I met with my husband a little near 11PM, but I could be wrong, I did not really think to look at the time then. Around 11:30PM or so, Esther — or Hwang Eunhye, if you know her by that name — had taken me out of the party to stay at a hotel. I was with her until morning.
D: And how did you find out about Go Jihyun's death?
M: I found out through the news, actually, and Esther. We were together when we found out about the... death.
( a moment of silence. )
D: That's all, Miss Kurosawa. Once again, thank you for your time and cooperation.
M: Am I allowed to ask a question of my own?
D: Of course. What is it?
M: I cannot help but notice that your way of questioning is... rather odd. I was under the impression that this death is suicide, but you did not ask me about her behavior for the past few days that may have led to such an outcome.
( a moment of silence. )
M: You seem to be looking for a motive instead. And what is a motive for? Murder. You believe that Go Jihyun was murdered, rather than the death being a case of suicide. Or perhaps you already have evidence to pursue this line of interrogation.
M: Am I correct?
( a long beat of silence. )
D: ... I'm afraid I can't disclose that—
M: Oh no. I've already gotten my answer. I hope you have a good evening ahead of you, detective. Make sure to get enough rest. You are showing more than you should be.
@☲ detective Transcript of Interview of [AHN HAJOON]
Date and Time: February 17, 2021, 13:32
Detective: First of all, Mr. Ahn, I'm a huge fan. It's unfortunate we had to meet like this, but—
Hajoon: You want an autograph, don't you? Aha, that's totally fine with me! Do you have something I can write on?
( Scribbling can be heard on the record. )
Detective: Thank you so much, Mr. Ahn. My wife will be so jealous.
Hajoon: It's no problem— and please, call me Hajoon. I mean, if that's like... legal, or something.
Detective: Maybe when I'm off duty, Mr. Ahn. But for now, please state your name, age, occupation, and address for the record.
Hajoon: Ahn Hajoon, 29 years old. Actor. I live over at the Perseus, on the 97th floor.
Detective: Did you have any relation to the victim?
Hajoon: Go Jihyun, right? Well, not really. She lived two or so floors above me, as far as I can remember. I didn't really get to know her, but I think she might have been a fan. Guess it's too late to give her my autograph now, huh?
( Hajoon chuckles sadly. )
Hajoon: She was so young, too. It . That age can be really tough, but she seemed like a good kid. It's a shame, really.
Detective: That it is. Can you tell me what you were doing on the night of her death, Mr. Ahn?
( Hajoon laughs sheepishly. )
Hajoon: Oh, that... It's kind of embarrassing, really. But I was with a friend of mine— Kurosawa Mio. Not sure if you've met her, but we were drinking at that nearby bar. I probably shouldn't be saying this, but I think she was upset with her husband or something... so I was there to listen to her vent. Might have drank a bit too much, because I was pretty wasted by the time we got back at the Perseus for that party... drank a little more, and then ended up puking by the end of it all. I passed out before she... uhm, well... fell, I guess— so I only found out in the morning. Gives me the chills, really. I feel awful for the people that saw. That's some traumatic stuff.
Detective: It is indeed, Mr. Ahn. I think that will be enough for now— is there anything you'd like to add?
Hajoon: Well... not really, I guess. Just ask your wife if she'd like an autograph from me too— kinda decided to be more open to fans, you know. After this incident.
( The detective is silent for a moment. )
Detective: Will do, Mr. Ahn. Thank you for your time.
@☲ detective Transcript of Interview of [LEE JUNSEO]
Date and Time: February 16, 2021, 8:23
Detective: Name, age, occupation, and address for the record, please.
Junseo: Lee Junseo, 27, teacher. I live on the 69th floor at the Perseus with my daughter.
Detective: Did you have any relation to Ms. Go Jihyun, Mr. Lee?
Junseo: I did. She was a student of mine at ChungA High. I teach English and Korean Literature there, but I haven't kept in contact with her since she graduated.
Detective: How was she as a student, Mr. Lee?
Junseo: She was gifted, but difficult. She was one of the more popular kids, and you know how students are at that age. Her father always got her out of trouble, though.
Detective: Can you elaborate?
Junseo: ...what do I need to elaborate on?
Detective: Oh, well— what kind of trouble did she usually get into?
Junseo: Bullying.
( The room is silent for a moment. )
Detective: ...is that all you have to say?
Junseo: It is.
Detective: Alright, then. Where were you on the night of her death?
Junseo: I was with Jihye. She wanted to stay at the party a little longer, but there were a few people getting too drunk for my liking. I brought her up to our apartment and watched the Frozen movies with her until she fell asleep. She really likes Elsa, you see.
Detective: ...ah. I think that will be all for now, then.
Junseo: May I ask a question?
Detective: Yes, what is it?
Junseo: Jihyun's death was a suicide, wasn't it? If it was, then... why are you interrogating so many Perseus residents like this?
@☲ detective the air is filled with the smell of chemicals and metal, with a mix of sweat from a overworked police or a nervous suspect; songyi tries to ignore how disturbing the scent is to her nose, pushing down the instinctive urge boiling inside her as she heads deeper into the police station. her eyes scan around the place, officers and civilians sitting by the counter across each other, voices can be heard everywhere- and that only adds to her already messy thoughts. she lets out a sigh, lowering her head as she walks down the hallway, eyes darting from door to door as she looks for a certain room. it only came to her late realization when she has walked past a few same doors, with some officers eyeing her as she heads deeper, with her being the only civilian walking into the not so public section of the station.
she turns her heels at another officer who is almost walking past her, and the officer also halts immediately- maybe he has been waiting for her to come to him somehow, or he will be stopping her from trying to walk down to places she doesn't have access to go through. she presses her lips into a thin line and it feels so dry- god she should have applied lip balm but this is just not the best time to even do so.
"uhm, hi, i...am supposed to talk to a detective?" her eyes blink a bit rapidly facing the officer's curious eyes staring straight at her. gosh, are they trained to look at people like that to make them nervous? if they are, then he obviously did it.
"for...?" the officer a brow at her before something hits his mind as he lets out a small 'ah'. "for the perseus, right? i will take you there." and with a small nod, she follows the officer, eyes on his back while looking to her left into the glass, probably in hopes of seeing something, but it is all frosted glass- of course, the police wouldn't let anyone see anything that easily.
her thoughts come to a pause when the officer comes to a halt, her body inclining to the back when she pulled an emergency break on herself to not bump into him. "here it is, you can head in now, miss." the officer smiles at her and walks away, left with the door that is opened slightly.
you did nothing, so don't be nervous. she pushes the door open and sits down across the man who seems around her age, or maybe older- but certainly smart when his eyes are already scanning her, as if he is trying to gain any information from the first few seconds of their meeting.
"just relax miss, i promise this will be quick." the detective clears his throat and looks at the paper laid on the table. "could you please give me your name and the floor you are living at the perseus?"
she gulps, feeling the cold air restricting her ability to speak as it dries out . she clears and looks at the top of his head as he stares at the paper. "min songyi, 70th floor."
the detective grabs the pen and does a small tick at somewhere on the paper. maybe that is a list of the residents, she thinks to herself. "thank you for dropping by, miss min. i know today hasn't been a very peaceful day."
"it sure is." her eyes stare at the list, not knowing the detective has been staring at her when she looks up from it, taking her aback. will her behavior make her extra suspicious even when she did nothing? she wonders, trying to push down the nerves that are threatening to engulf every breath she takes as they suppress against her insides.
"so, could you tell me where are you and what are you doing on the 14th of february- as in today- from 2030 to 0000?"
just relax, she tells herself, forming her sentences carefully as she looks into the detective's eyes, trying to look calm. "i was at home, marking some homework by my students."
"oh...are you a teacher, miss min?"
"no. i am an university student, but i tutor students part time."
"is there anyone with you at that time?"
"no...my parents are overseas."
"could you tell me what is your relation to Go Jihyun?" the detective's eyes shine when it comes to /the/ question, and a part of her is itching to tell a half lie. she doesn't want to seem too suspicious, even when she did nothing- well, she can't say for sure if she tells the absolute truth, the police will not list her as a prime suspect, right? she was alone- which was the truth, but that in any drama is only a big suspicion for suspects. maybe if she pretends to be distant to Jihyun, they wouldn't think much about her. but then, she did say what she said- the text. her eyes widened at the thought, her phone, minhyuk's phone, their text history was still there, and she said she would....she would kill her...but she didn't !
"miss min?" the detective's voice rings upon her ears, and she looks up at him in fear. she must have looked so suspicious to them, she should have calmed down and told them the truth, or the half lie, no matter how fake or fishy it seems...damn it!
"i am tutoring her. she is also my student." she sighs, the mental energy used in those thoughts only made her panic, and that is not even good for her situation right now.
"have you seen her tonight, miss min?"
"...no."
"are you sure?"
"yes. i did plan on...looking for her, but i didn't. i must have confused myself because, i kept imagining how it would be if we actually met."
"could you elaborate on that?"
"i-" words have come to her tongue, but she stopped herself. what did she just say? it just made her look odd, and how is she going to tell the detective that she is a sugar baby of Jihyun's father, and she was planning to go for the extreme at this very same night?
"she wasn't very engaging- very...cooperative in our tutoring session." she gulps. right, this could be a good half lie. "i have told her to be responsible for her studies, and there used to be some...fights."
she watched the detective scribbling on his notebook before looking up at her. "is there anything else you would like to add on?"
"nothing." it almost comes off as a whisper, mixed with a bit of relief, when she is seeing the end of this. she could feel the muscle in her tensed up in a painful way, forcing her to face the music.
"i think that's it for our session here. thank you for cooperating, miss min. we will call you in if there's anything else we need from you." she stands up as the detective gets up, reaching her hand out to his for a handshake and turns to the door, leaving the room. the warm air brushes against her skin, and that disturbing smell of everything- now it doesn't seem that nauseating, when the space earlier had been draining every last bit of her energy. she heads out the police station, hailing the first cab she sees by the roadside before heading straight home.
jihyun, it is not me; if you want to revenge, find the person who did this to you.
@☲ detective He was flustered to say the least, a bit nervous when he stepped into the police station. He glanced down at his watch, the diadem showing as 02:30AM. It had barely been an hour since he’d gotten off work and the moment he’d reached home, he’d been assaulted with a frenzy.
A suicide. Jihyun. Perseus.
That’s all he could make out from the onslaught of questions he’d been prodded with. It took him a moment to register it completely, the incident taking him aback— he didn’t expect his end of day to end with such bewilderment but then again, doom and death lurked in the shadows, unexpectedly raining their tragedy on those who suspected the least.
The bright lights of the police station hit him hard, a grimace on his face as he stood at the entrance. He took a moment to compose himself, visage set into a somber moue despite his tiredness.
“Hi, I’m here to meet the detective?” He murmured, addressing a policeman who brushed past. It wasn’t really a question but being in such an unfamiliar setting, it was simply nerve-wracking. Thankfully enough, he was pointed to a man in a suit, one who looked like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Haon approached the man carefully, hand stuck out in a greeting. “Hello. I’m Yoo Haon. I was told to speak to you about the incident at the Perseus.”
“Ah, Mr. Yoo! Please have a seat!” The detective exclaimed, beckoning Haon to the chair at the desk. He was a built man, his salt and pepper hair deceptive. He regarded Haon with a set of warm gaze, as if in thought as he handed him a padlet and a pen.
“Could you fill these for me with your name, contact details and Identification Card numbers first?” The detective asked, folding his hand over the wooden desktop. It was a messy space, loose papers sticking out of even messier laid folders. Haon in a breath, beginning to write.
“As you know Mr. Yoo, there is a resident of the building, Ms. Go Jihyun who fell to her death. Do you have any relations with the young lady?”
Haon shook his head, thick brows knotting in the middle. “I’ve met her once, in the elevator a couple of months ago. And we only exchanged words because of the wine bottle I had then. Someone in her acquaintances liked Pinot ’89.”
The scratches on the pad of paper continued, his tendency to be neat and complete every single formality perfectly itching his fingers. He paused briefly to fish his wallet out of his pocket, swiping his ID card out to write down the numbers as needed.
“And where were you tonight, Mr. Yoo?”
It took a moment to finish jotting down the numbers of his ID, the pen put down the moment he was done. Haon lifted his gaze from the padlet, handing it to the officer right away. “At work. I am a chef and we had to plan for the spring menu tonight so everyone didn’t get off until about an hour or so ago. I can show you the CCTV of the kitchen if you would like. And the blackbox of my car.”
Haon counted two breaths before the officer spoke again, his nod stern. “Alright, thank you sir. If needed, we will get in touch with you again.”
His fingers found the cuff of his sleeves as he walked back outside, distractedly folding it up to his elbows. His mind was preoccupied, a thousand and one thoughts rushing in them. But ultimately, he settled on a simple one: may Go Jihyun Rest In Peace.
