A suspicious silence filled the office of CEO Han Sera, broken only by her uneven breathing behind the closed office door. The tension clung to the atmosphere like a heavy fog, until a firm, dignified knock shattered it.
A man in his forties entered, preceded by an official presence marked by his elegant suit and a brown leather briefcase that seemed to carry secrets far heavier than its contents.
The CEO gestured for him to sit, while her eyes drifted into the empty space of the room. She whispered in a trembling voice:
"Lawyer Jung… what I feared has happened."
The lawyer replied with professional coldness, keeping his expression as rigid as marble:
"This was the expected course of events. There is no need to panic, Miss Han Sera. We are dealing with a purely routine procedure. Your role now is limited to silencing any loose tongues and maintaining absolute control over the flow of information to the media."
But Han Sera's fear did not fade. Instead, it carved itself deeper into her features as she continued:
"As you told me before, the police interrogated everyone who stepped into the building that night. What truly terrifies me is Min-Su… I'm afraid his testimony may contradict the others. You know how easily he loses focus when it comes to details."
She unconsciously pressed her thumb against her nail while trying to maintain her professional composure.
"Lawyer… I need you to handle this."
The lawyer nodded.
He fixed his gaze on the CEO, his eyes reflecting calm professional confidence.
"I will do my best. I understand the sensitivity of the situation."
At that moment, the door opened and Min-Su entered wearing training clothes. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his exhausted breathing told the story of intense physical exertion—an attempt to escape his own reality.
He looked from the lawyer to the CEO, instinctively sensing the presence of a predator.
The CEO straightened in her seat, trying to gather herself and project a false sense of calm for Min-Su. She knew one wrong word under pressure could drag everything into chaos.
Min-Su spoke, his voice disturbed:
"What is it, Lawyer Jung?"
Jung offered a firm, emotionless smile and said:
"Nothing to panic about."
He glanced briefly at the CEO, who closed her eyes and nodded, giving him silent permission to reveal the truth.
The lawyer continued:
"The police are requesting your official testimony regarding the murder of Lee Woo-jin."
The moment the name was spoken, fragments of memory exploded in Min-Su's mind: Woo-jin's necklace glinting under dim light, the howl of a chainsaw tearing through silence, and screams of terror still echoing in his ears.
He swallowed hard, struggling to stabilize his collapsing composure, and whispered:
"I… I will give my testimony. Can you explain more?"
The lawyer stared more sharply:
"Mr. Park Min-Su, controlling your fear is your first weapon. Information leaked from the investigation suggests that the victim, Lee Woo-jin, did not return home after meeting you. Everyone has been interrogated—from the director to the production staff."
Min-Su rubbed his palms together, trying to warm the sudden cold spreading through his body, and asked in a hoarse voice:
"When?"
The CEO answered firmly:
"Tonight."
Min-Su's eyes widened in shock.
"Tonight?! Don't you think this is moving too fast?"
The CEO's tone was decisive, leaving no room for argument:
"This case is extremely sensitive, and time is not on our side. I coordinated with Detective Kim; your testimony will be taken here, inside the company, away from police stations and the media. Lawyer Jung will be your shadow throughout the session."
The lawyer added in a warning tone:
"The questions will be general… about behind-the-scenes events that night, the nature of your conversation with him, and any unusual observations. You must recall every second. We will review everything now."
Min-Su lowered his head, hiding the strange movement of his eyes as he rubbed his thumb tightly. He had no other choice—flames were closing in from every direction.
At exactly ten o'clock that night, Detective Kim and his assistant Lee entered the silent corridors of Kafa Company. They were dressed in civilian clothes; the detective casually dragged his black coat behind him, while the rhythm of his footsteps on the marble floor felt like a countdown to an unknown fate.
A receptionist greeted them and led them to the office where anxiety resided.
CEO Han Sera stood there with a polished smile, attempting her usual hospitality ritual:
"Please have a seat… I'll arrange coffee right away."
Detective Kim cut her off with a dry tone devoid of any courtesy:
"I only agreed to come here to avoid media noise. Can we begin immediately?"
The CEO hesitated for a moment but kept her composed mask:
"Of course… would you prefer to stay in my office, or move somewhere else?"
"It doesn't matter, as long as we have complete privacy."
At that moment, the door was knocked on.
Lawyer Jung entered, followed immediately by Min-Su, walking with steady steps—false calm. A cold drop of sweat slid down his neck as his Adam's apple moved twice while he swallowed.
He wasn't afraid of the interrogation itself… but of Min-Su—the beast buried inside him—awakening at the worst possible moment.
He feared the appearance of the Blue Jay bird.
Because if it appeared now, and his mask fell in front of Detective Kim's cold eyes… it would be his unavoidable end.