Without wasting another moment, Noah headed straight to the repair shop. Evan followed closely behind. The streets blurred past them, but Noah's mind was focused on only one thing...The laptop. This was their last chance. By tomorrow, Kolon would have no reason to wait any longer. Evan would be behind bars. And once that happened, the truth might never come out.
The shop stood at the corner of a crowded street, but the moment they stepped inside, It felt like entering a completely different world. Colors...everywhere. Bright neon strips ran across the ceiling. Posters of old movies, graffiti-style art, and random quotes covered the walls. A small speaker in the corner played upbeat music, not too loud but enough to give the place an oddly lively vibe.
It didn't feel like a repair shop. It felt like a party.
Evan paused at the entrance. "…this is a repair shop?"
Noah smirked slightly. "You'll get used to it."
From behind the counter, a cheerful voice called out, "Well, well! Look who finally showed up."
A man in his early thirties walked toward them, a wide grin on his face. "Long time, Noah."
Noah nodded. "Mike." He turned slightly toward Evan. "This is Evan."
Mike extended his hand instantly. "Welcome to the most entertaining repair shop you'll ever visit."
Evan shook his hand, still looking around. "I can see that…"
Noah noticed his expression and spoke casually, "Mike used to be involved in… not-so-clean things."
Mike raised an eyebrow. "That's a polite way to say 'gangs.'"
Evan looked at him, slightly surprised.
Mike just laughed.
"Relax. I'm retired."
Noah continued, "He helps out now. Fixes things. Sometimes… helps us too."
Evan nodded slowly. "Oh."
Mike clapped his hands once. "Alright, enough storytelling. Let's get to business."
Noah stepped forward. "The laptop."
Mike immediately picked it up from the counter and handed it to him. "I've recovered most of the data," he said. "Hardly anything should be missing." He paused. "But I can't guarantee that." A grin spread across his face. "You won't even know what's missing." He laughed. Noah didn't. He just stared at him for a second, then sighed. "Just give it to me." Mike raised his hands playfully. "Alright, alright. Tough crowd."
Back at the station, the atmosphere was completely different. Silent...Heavy...This was it...Their last day.
Noah placed the laptop on the desk and opened it. Evan stood beside him, tense. The screen flickered to life.Files, folders, dozens of them. They started going through everything. Photos of dogs, sunsets, random recipes. Evan blinked. "She really had time for all this?" Noah didn't respond. He kept scrolling.Then, hey both stopped. A folder. "Important ⭐⭐⭐"
Their eyes met. No words were needed. Noah took a slow breath. Then clicked it open. The screen filled with images. Picture after picture. A man, from behind, different angles, different places, but always the same person.It didn't take long to recognize him...Kai...Evan let out a short laugh. "…this Rhea." Noah shook his head slightly, a faint smile appearing despite everything. "She really didn't hide it, did she?"
But the smile faded quickly. They didn't have time. They searched further. File after file. Nothing useful. Nothing that could help them. Then...Another folder. "Most Difficult Recipe"
Evan frowned.
"What kind of name is that?"
Noah opened it. A password prompt appeared. Both of them went silent. Noah stared at the screen for a few seconds. Thinking. Then suddenly, he picked up his phone and dialed a number. Evan looked at him.
"What are you—"
"Trust me," Noah said.
The call connected. Kai picked up. "Noah?"
Noah spoke casually, "Hey, man. Quick question."
Kai sounded amused. "That already sounds suspicious."
"When's your birthday again?"
There was a pause.
Then Kai scoffed lightly. "What? Planning to celebrate it with me now?"
Noah smirked faintly. "Yeah, why not? Just tell me the date."
Kai chuckled. "Careful. Your wife standing next to you might not like that."
Noah sighed. "Just tell me, idiot."
Kai finally said, "November 27."
"Cool." And Noah cut the call. No goodbye. Nothing.
Kai stared at his phone. The tone of the call had been light. Almost playful. But his face wasn't. Something was off. He could feel it. And he knew, he needed to move faster now.
Back at the station... Noah typed 1127. Enter!! Wrong password!! Evan frowned. "What are you doing?" "Wait." Noah typed again. 2711 Enter!! The folder opened. Evan's eyes widened. "…no way."
Noah leaned back slightly. "How much do you think she liked him?" Evan let out a breath. "A lot." Then added quietly, "Yeah… I can see that."
He hesitated. "Should we tell him?"
Noah shook his head.
"He already knows she's missing."
"But—"
Noah cut him off. "He's staying calm for a reason. Not interfering." He looked at Evan seriously. "You're about to be arrested for something you didn't do. I barely survived. I'm not dragging him into this." His voice softened. "He's… important. I can't lose him." Evan looked at him for a moment. Then stepped forward and hugged him. Noah froze for a second. Then slowly patted his back.
Far away... Inside the quiet house... Kai sat beside Rhea. A damp cloth rested on her forehead. Her skin burned with fever. Her breathing was uneven. He dipped the cloth in water again and gently placed it back. Rhea's eyes were half-open. Weak, but aware.
She looked at him. For a long moment she just watched him. Then her lips moved. Her voice barely a whisper.
"Why… did I like you…?" A faint, broken smile appeared on her face. "Why did I see my future with you…?" A tear slipped from the corner of her eye. "Is this the fever talking…?" More tears followed. "Kai… tell me…" Her voice trembled.
"I'll understand… just tell me…Why are you doing this…? We all love you…We are your friends…Don't do this…Just tell me…"
Kai didn't look at her. His eyes remained fixed somewhere else. Then— He spoke. "Do you still like me?"
Rhea went silent. For a moment, there was only the sound of her weak breathing. Then she answered. "Yes." A tear rolled down her cheek. "Yes… I do. I can't change my heart." Silence filled the room...Long...Heavy.
Then she whispered again, "You know…Even if we went back in time…I'd fall for you again…all over again."
For the first time, Kai looked at her, and in that moment, something shifted. Or maybe not...