The atmosphere at the station carried a different kind of weight that morning.
Not urgency.
Not panic.
Something steadier.
The kind that came when a case had stretched long enough to settle into everyone's routine without losing its importance.
Files were open. Screens were active. Notes had been rearranged more times than anyone could count. Every member of the team was already working when the message came in.
The forensic doctor had arrived.
Kang Min was the first to step into the meeting room, followed by Ara, Bong Soo, Su Young, and Tae Jun. By the time they settled, the doctor was already standing near the table, a folder in her hand.
She greeted them briefly before getting straight to the point.
"I've completed the examination of the most recent victim," she said.
No one interrupted.
She placed the file on the table and opened it, revealing printed images and detailed reports.
"What we're seeing now is consistency across all confirmed cases."
Ara leaned slightly forward.
"In what way?"
The doctor adjusted one of the images.
"The external condition of the bodies shows no signs of resistance. There are no defensive wounds, no bruising suggesting physical struggle."
Kang Min nodded.
"That matches what we've seen."
"Yes," the doctor said. "But there's more."
She flipped to another page.
"The cause of death is identical across victims."
The room grew more attentive.
"They are rendered incapable of reacting almost immediately," she continued.
Su Young leaned forward.
"How is that possible?"
"There are no chemical traces," the doctor replied. "No evidence of poison. No marks indicating force."
Ara's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So the method leaves almost nothing behind."
"Yes."
The doctor tapped the report.
"But one thing remains consistent."
All eyes were on her.
"The positioning of the bodies. Each victim is arranged deliberately after death."
Tae Jun spoke calmly.
"That suggests intent beyond killing."
"Exactly," the doctor said.
Kang Min crossed his arms slightly.
"Anything from the internal findings?"
The doctor nodded.
"There are signs of sudden neurological disruption."
That drew attention again.
Ara spoke,
"Meaning?"
"The brain activity appears to stop abruptly. Not gradually."
Su Young frowned.
"That's unusual."
"It is," the doctor agreed.
Kang Min looked at the report.
"So the method is precise."
"Yes."
"And practiced."
"Yes."
She closed the file.
"That's all for now."
Kang Min nodded.
"Thank you."
The doctor left the room.
⸻
They moved back into work immediately.
Ara updated the board.
Bong Soo added the new findings.
Su Young connected the details digitally.
Kang Min stood in front of the board, studying everything.
Victims.
Patterns.
Now—
method.
"It's consistent every time," Ara said.
Kang Min nodded.
"No room for error."
Tae Jun added,
"That's what makes him dangerous."
No one disagreed.
They continued working.
⸻
By the time Ara got home, dinner was already prepared.
Ha Eun was in the kitchen.
"You're back."
Ara nodded.
"You cooked."
"Yes."
They sat and ate.
After a few minutes, Ha Eun asked,
"How far have you gone?"
Ara looked at her.
"We got the forensic report today."
"And?"
"All victims show the same pattern. No resistance. Same cause. Same positioning."
Ha Eun listened carefully.
"So they don't see it coming."
"Yes."
"And the method?"
"Still unknown."
Ha Eun nodded slowly.
"But it's consistent."
"Yes."
They continued eating, discussing quietly.
⸻
Kang Min stepped into the house and closed the door behind him.
The place felt calm.
Normal.
He loosened his tie slightly as he walked into the living room and dropped his keys on the table. Without thinking much, he sat down and pulled out his phone.
Messages.
Updates.
Nothing urgent.
He scrolled through absently, his mind not fully on the screen.
Minutes passed.
Five.
Maybe a little more.
The quiet settled deeper around him.
That was when he noticed it.
Something wasn't right.
The house was too still.
He lowered his phone slowly and looked around.
No sound from the kitchen.
No movement.
No television.
Nothing.
His brows drew slightly.
"Ji Won?"
No answer.
He stood up.
Walked down the hallway.
Her door was slightly open.
He pushed it gently.
"Ji Won?"
She was on the bed.
Curled slightly under the blanket.
At first glance, it looked like she was sleeping.
But something felt off.
He stepped closer.
"Ji Won."
No response.
He moved to her side and reached out, touching her arm—
And immediately felt it.
Her body trembled.
Shivering.
His expression changed instantly.
"Ji Won."
He placed his hand on her forehead.
Heat.
Too much.
"Ji Won, can you hear me?"
She murmured faintly.
Her breathing uneven.
He didn't hesitate.
He turned and rushed to the kitchen, grabbed a bowl, filled it with water, and took a clean napkin.
Back in the room, he sat beside her and placed the damp cloth on her forehead.
He worked quickly, changing it, wiping her face gently, trying to bring the temperature down.
"Stay with me," he said quietly.
She shifted slightly, still weak.
Minutes passed.
Her shivering eased a little.
But the heat remained.
He stood up immediately.
That was enough.
He wasn't waiting.
He carried her carefully and headed out.
The hospital lights were bright.
Staff moved quickly as he brought her in.
She was taken for examination without delay.
Temperature checked.
Vitals monitored.
Kang Min stood nearby, watching everything.
Waiting.
After some time, the doctor returned.
"She'll be fine," he said.
Kang Min nodded.
"What caused it?"
"Exhaustion," the doctor replied. "She's been pushing herself too hard."
Kang Min's expression tightened slightly.
"She hasn't been getting enough rest."
Kang Min nodded again.
"Thank you."
The doctor gave a brief nod and left.
Kang Min stood there, looking at Ji Won.
She was asleep now.
Her breathing calmer.
But the words stayed with him.
Too much pressure.
Not enough rest.
He stepped out of the room and pulled out his phone.
He dialed the tutor's number.
The call connected.
"Hello—"
"You won't be teaching ji won again."
"She is in the hospital now because of the stress she's going through is too much for her, sorry for the late call and I will send this month salary to you tomorrow, thank you."
The words were firm.
Clear.
The tutor sounded confused.
"Sir, I don't understand—"
Kang Min ended the call.
No explanation.
No discussion.
He lowered the phone slowly.
Then he looked back into the room.
Ji Won was resting.
And in that moment, one thing settled firmly in his mind.
He would protect her.
No matter what.