Husband!seungcheol - Tumblr Posts
Found You | Choi Seungcheol
Pairing: Husband!Seungcheol x Wife!reader (ft. Jeonghan and Mingyu)
Genre: Angst, Mystery, Alter Ego, Established Relationship
Summary: His wife suddenly goes missing. There are only two options, she left him or his bestfriend has been hid her from him.
Author Note: This was a series i posted but i decided to revised them and post it as a oneshot. Enjoy!
Day 1
"Do you know where my wife is?"
Jeonghan was taken aback by Seungcheol's question. He had been immersed in preparing for an upcoming meeting with directors when Seungcheol stormed into his office, his face flushed and breath labored.
"Take a deep breath, Cheol," Jeonghan advised calmly, gesturing for Seungcheol to take a seat. "Now, tell me, what's wrong?" he inquired after they were both settled.
Choi Seungcheol's agitation contrasted sharply with his friend's composed demeanor. Suddenly hit by a wave of dizziness, he recounted how he woke up that morning to discover your absence. His priority had been his son, Dowon, as he juggled parenting and work. It was only then he realized that you, his wife, were nowhere to be found.
Yoon Jeonghan, a friend introduced to him through you, was someone he trusted unequivocally. Jeonghan had been his lifeline when he had been let go by his previous company, connecting him to his present job. Jeonghan was, in a sense, the reason he had become a manager today, a fact he himself had acknowledged. Yet, as of late, Seungcheol had noticed a series of peculiar incidents.
First, Jeonghan's coat was in your home. As far as he could remember, Jeonghan's last visit had been during Dowon's third birthday celebration, nearly half a year ago. You hadn't mentioned any recent visits by Jeonghan, so Seungcheol was taken aback when he spotted his familiar coat hanging in your closet.
Second, in an offhand comment, Jeonghan had let slip that he had helped you fix your car. While you had mentioned your car's recent troubles, you hadn't said anything about asking Jeonghan for assistance. This revelation came after a phone call you'd made to Seungcheol, asking him to pick up Dowon from daycare since your car had given out. In response, Seungcheol, being the attentive husband and father he was, had dropped everything to respond to your call for help. He had said, "I'll pick up Dowon and come to where you are." However, he distinctly recalled hearing Jeonghan mumble, "Good, she didn't ask me this time!"
Third, just two days prior, he had learned from Dowon that he had gone to the arcade with you and "Uncle Jeonghan" while Seungcheol had been on a business trip. That revelation had struck him deeply. He saw you and Jeonghan every day. Jeonghan had the habit of visiting his office, checking in on him, and then leaving daily. How could he have missed these visits?
So, when you, his wife, suddenly went missing, wasn't it natural for him to approach Jeonghan for answers? After all, he was your best friend, and surely he would know something.
"I'm not following, Cheol. What do you mean?" Jeonghan asked, confusion evident in his expression.
Seungcheol exhaled deeply, a sigh heavy with worry. He realized that his decision to confront Jeonghan had been hasty. His doubts regarding you had been rash. He stood up, preparing to leave Jeonghan's office, but Jeonghan caught his wrist.
"Is y/n somewhere else? Are you two fighting?" Jeonghan inquired.
Seungcheol shook his head. "She's missing, but we're not fighting."
Jeonghan's shock mirrored Seungcheol's distress. "When was the last time you saw her?" he inquired.
"Last night, after dinner," Seungcheol replied. The memory of your shared meal, playing with Dowon, and washing dishes together flooded his mind. It had been a rare moment of connection between the two of you, devoid of any arguments—just quality time and conversations accompanied by a bottle of wine.
"Is she at work?" Jeonghan ventured, attempting to inject a note of optimism. But Seungcheol had already contacted your workplace, learning that everyone was looking for you.
"Let me know if you hear anything about her."
Day 2
Seungcheol stirred awake, realizing he had gone to bed in his work suit. Glancing at the nightstand clock that read 7 in the morning, he hurriedly prepared himself and his son for the day. He couldn't recall when he had last moved so quickly through his own home. Rushing, almost running, he prepared breakfast for himself and Dowon.
"Where's Mom? She wasn't here yesterday," his three-year-old son inquired. Seungcheol met his son's gaze, searching for answers in his innocent curiosity.
"Is she on a business trip? Usually, it's you, Dad. Why is everyone going on business trips? Can I go on one too?" Dowon's questions were met with a weak smile and a nod from Seungcheol.
"You can when you're older. Finish up quickly," Seungcheol instructed before attending to his own breakfast. He heard his son muttering something about his food—possibly a critique of the taste. In comparison to you, he was nothing in the kitchen. You had effectively been the family chef during your dating days, impressing him and his friends with your culinary skills.
He was determined to find you.
Day 3
It had been 48 agonizing hours since your disappearance. Seungcheol had transformed into a possessive husband, frantically calling all your friends to inquire if you were with them. But his efforts yielded nothing. He even reached out to your parents, although he couched his questions with subtlety. Using phrases like, 'Is she already there? We're planning to leave Dowon with his grandparents while she and I go on a business trip,' he uncovered that you weren't with them either.
After dropping Dowon off at your parents' home, an act for which he profusely apologized, Seungcheol went to work and submitted a vacation leave. He knew he wouldn't be able to focus on locating you while juggling his professional responsibilities. This would be his first vacation since the one he took when Dowon was born—almost three and a half years ago.
"Need some company?" Jeonghan asked while Seungcheol was in his office, preparing to report your disappearance to the police. Seungcheol debated internally. He needed support; these past three days had been a living hell. Having someone to lean on was crucial for maintaining his sanity. Yet, Jeonghan's role in all this was still a lingering doubt.
A nagging voice in his mind whispered that Jeonghan might be concealing your whereabouts, that you might have reached out to him. Another voice planted the insidious idea that you could be having an affair with Jeonghan. Seungcheol despised entertaining that notion. He had faith in both you and Jeonghan. You had been friends long before you'd started dating and eventually got married. The thought of you and Jeonghan being involved romantically was preposterous. But the unsettling signs were hard to ignore. Lately, you'd been evasive around him, not confiding in him as you once had. You'd never mentioned your clandestine outings with Jeonghan.
If he were being honest with himself, he had sensed a shift in the way you looked at him. Previously, your gaze was warm and loving, but recently it had become tinged with fear, anxiety, and boredom. His insecurities surged, and even though he wanted to decline Jeonghan's offer, he knew he needed someone for his own sake. He eventually nodded at Jeonghan.
He had to keep himself together.
Day 4
Following his meeting with Officer Kim the day before, the official declaration of your disappearance was made. Seungcheol offered another round of apologies to your parents and entrusted Dowon to their care while he continued the search. He'd broken the news gently to them, knowing how his in-laws would react. Naturally, they were shocked, just as everyone was upon hearing the news. The outpouring of support he received was heartening.
Seungcheol had been engrossed in disassembling your possessions, hoping to uncover any clues. He knew you enjoyed writing and recalled seeing stacks of journals you refused to discard. Writing was your outlet, your way of expressing yourself without having to voice your emotions.
You'd even confessed your feelings to him through an email. It had happened when you were collaborating on an essay, exchanging emails. Two years into your friendship, you sent him a confession email before leaving for the US to pursue further studies. He still remembered the subject line, "It's always you."
He'd waited two years to ask you out in person. From the moment he'd read that email, he'd realized his fascination with you went beyond mere curiosity. You were intelligent, enigmatic, and adorable. What he once found cute had now taken on a different hue.
Questions about you swirled in his head. Where were you? Were you safe? Had you been hurt? Or worse, had he hurt you in some way that made you flee? The thought of being the cause of your disappearance weighed heavily on him. The idea that he might have inadvertently hurt you with his words, leading you to leave, felt like a punch to his gut. Others might consider it childish, but your feelings were vital to him.
"Any news from Officer Kim?" Jeonghan's voice echoed through the phone. Jeonghan had been a pillar of support, offering help since day one. On this day, work commitments prevented him from physically joining Seungcheol, but he still checked in regularly.
Shaking his head instinctively, as if Jeonghan could see him, Seungcheol replied, "No updates yet. Some of her friends have called me, but nothing substantial."
"How about her parents? Have you spoken to them?"
Seungcheol hummed in affirmation, his voice heavy. "They're as shocked as I am. But for now, all they can do is look after Dowon."
"Okay, I'll catch up with you later. I've got to run."
Before Jeonghan could end the call, Seungcheol's voice caught him. "I'm sorry. And thank you."
"She's my best friend, Cheol."
The call ended.
Day 5
Officer Kim's visit to your house was met with tense anticipation. He inspected the premises before sitting across from Seungcheol on the couch. He indicated that he needed some personal information about you.
"Is she involved in any criminal activities or gangs?" Officer Kim's query made Seungcheol shake his head weakly.
"Do you have a son?" Officer Kim continued, his questions probing. Seungcheol nodded. "Is there any condition your son has that could have led to her disappearance?" Officer Kim added, coughing slightly afterward.
Seungcheol offered Officer Kim a glass of water, which he accepted graciously. "No, our son is in good health, and they share a strong bond. I've never seen my wife express any negativity towards him, if that answers your question," Seungcheol responded.
"Thanks for your cooperation, Mr. Choi. But we need more of your belongings to gather additional evidence—such as your car's black box data, CCTV footage, and your wife's internet history," Officer Kim informed him, signaling a potential collaboration.
As they conversed, Officer Kim's phone suddenly rang. He swiftly excused himself to take the call. By an uncanny coincidence, Jeonghan's call came in at the same time.
"Have you seen the news?" Jeonghan's voice emanated from the other end. Before Seungcheol could fully comprehend the question, Officer Kim hurriedly returned to him with an urgent look on his face.
"We've found her" Officer Kim exclaimed, his words laced with excitement.
Surviving a week after your funeral felt like a miracle to Seungcheol. Your body had been found in a lake, in a distant location far removed from your town. The journey there took nearly three hours by car, making it improbable that you had traveled there alone without a vehicle.
Seungcheol's mind was plagued by questions, primarily centered around the question of "who." Who could have been with you? The idea of you taking your own life was too painful for him to accept. You were a radiant presence, an angelic figure in his life, and he refused to believe you would have ended your own life. The idea of someone else causing harm to you gnawed at him even more. The torment of these thoughts weighed heavily on him, but he staunchly resisted letting them take hold.
Jeonghan's constant suggestions of seeking psychiatric help had become more frequent. He understood that everyone was mourning, yet he couldn't deny that the magnitude of your absence weighed most heavily on your husband. Jeonghan recognized the profound role you had played in Seungcheol's life. From their university days onward, he had observed how you had transformed Seungcheol into a better version of himself.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Seungcheol. I miss her too. I know it's incredibly difficult for you to accept this reality. You've suffered losses with your parents in the past and now with y/n. But please, remember that Dowon needs you. He needs his father now more than ever."
After days of cajoling from Jeonghan and your parents, Seungcheol finally yielded, letting Dowon's innocent words and your memory melt his resistance. The dam of his emotions finally burst, and in front of his son, he released the pent-up anguish that had gripped him. Tears streamed down his face as he promised Dowon to get better and be strong for both of them. It marked a turning point, leading Seungcheol to take a seat in front of Dr. Boo, a psychiatrist and also a friend of Jeonghan's. With each passing session, the barriers to opening up grew less formidable.
"She held incredible importance in my life," Seungcheol admitted, his voice heavy with emotion, when Dr. Boo inquired, "Just how significant was she to you?"
"Unbelievably significant. She made me a better person."
"I lost my parents in a tragic accident, and I was the sole survivor."
"Life lost its color for me after that accident. But her presence brought back the vibrancy."
Dr. Boo arched an eyebrow. "Did you seek psychiatric help after the accident?"
Seungcheol nodded. "She encouraged me to. I was on medication for a while, but I stopped taking it about six months ago, around my son's birthday. I started feeling better."
A faint smile played across Dr. Boo's lips. "Your son must be an immense source of strength for you."
Seungcheol managed a small smile, Dr. Boo's words reminding him of the resilient force that was Dowon — a living testament to the love he shared with you.
He missed you more than words could express.
*
A month after your funeral, the official investigation commenced. The forensic analysis indicated signs of foul play. While Jeonghan was adamant about discontinuing the investigation to spare Seungcheol further pain, the urge to unearth the truth remained strong within Seungcheol. He met once again with Officer Kim, the man who had been assisting him since the beginning.
"I consider you my best friend now, Cheol. I'd rather not know more about her," Jeonghan stated as he prepared to leave Seungcheol's office.
"Why?" Seungcheol pressed, his curiosity piqued.
Jeonghan sighed, the weight of his words carrying a sense of vulnerability. "I can't bear the thought of hurting more. That's why. And you? Why are you allowing them to continue? Don't you think about Dowon? I doubt he'd ever want to know if his mother was murdered."
"Justice," Seungcheol replied firmly. "That's what I want to bring her."
Jeonghan took a deep breath, turning to walk away. Just as he reached the doorway, he uttered words that were barely audible, yet Seungcheol caught them.
"Justice won't bring her back, Seungcheol."
Peace, though elusive, seemed to be the elusive goal. For Seungcheol, Dowon, your parents — justice for your death offered the promise of a semblance of tranquility. Discovering the truth behind your demise, identifying the perpetrator, and bringing them to justice was a step toward peace for those left behind. As sleep continued to evade him, Seungcheol's nights were spent anxiously checking on Dowon, guarding him against any potential harm.
Jeonghan's lack of understanding frustrated Seungcheol. He failed to grasp the depth of his pain, having never experienced such loss himself. While everyone mourned, Seungcheol's sorrow was compounded by his previous losses. Losing his parents had imbued him with an overwhelming fear of losing those he loved.
The fear that your parents might take Dowon from him intensified his determination to fight for his son. This fear had been a driving force for him to seek psychiatric help, to prove his capability as a father. He recalled how he had been fearful of losing you to Jeonghan when you were alive. With his parents gone, the fear of loss became an ever-present companion, an unrelenting specter.
Yet, no one seemed to fully understand him.
*
"Oppa! Help me... Wake up! Wake up!"
For the first time since the accident, your presence found its way into Seungcheol's dream. While he could barely make out your form, your voice rang clear and strong, sending shivers down his spine. The experience must have been even more haunting for you. As the days progressed, Seungcheol found himself waking earlier and earlier. The tasks of preparing breakfast had become a routine mastered through time, and Dowon had also grown more self-reliant. Seungcheol felt a mixture of pride and heartache as he watched his son navigate his mornings, remembering the times you used to stand by his side, guiding him through his morning routine while Seungcheol crafted delicious breakfasts in the kitchen.
Over a month had passed, and the ache of your absence gnawed at him incessantly.
"Do you miss your mom?" Seungcheol inquired of Dowon.
Dowon nodded solemnly.
Jeonghan's words resonated in Seungcheol's ears. "But, Jeonghan uncle said mom is in a beautiful place now, where she won't feel any pain again." Dowon's innocent words held a depth that caught Seungcheol's attention.
"What do you mean, she won't feel pain? Was she in pain?" Seungcheol asked, his concern evident.
Dowon nodded in response, his voice low. He turned away from Seungcheol, placing a small hand over his back. "Mom had pain here," he whispered, indicating his arm, "and here. She used to cry at night because of it."
Dowon's revelation sent a torrent of thoughts swirling through Seungcheol's mind, thoughts that lingered even as he arrived at work. He recalled instances of seeing bruises on your arm, but he had never probed further.
Three months prior, he had noticed you wince when he playfully grabbed your left arm. His intention had been a joke, but your reaction had spurred his concern. He had motioned for you to leave Dowon to his own devices and had led you to the bedroom.
"What happened earlier?" Seungcheol inquired, his eyes intent on your face. He reached out to touch your arm, but you stepped back, evading his grasp.
Though you smiled, your gaze dropped to the ground, avoiding his eyes. "It's nothing, just a minor bruise."
Unsettled by your response, Seungcheol sighed. "Okay, let's call it a minor bruise. But can I see it?" A brief pause hung between you two before you shook your head, denying his request.
He sensed your discomfort and gathered you into his embrace. "You know I love you, right?" he whispered, his heart aching as he felt your sobs against his chest.
"It's okay, my love. I'm here," Seungcheol murmured, gently patting your back.
Finally, you had opened up, sharing the story of a challenging day at work and an elevator malfunction in the building. Forced to use the stairs, you had taken a tumble, leaving a painful bruise on your arm. Seungcheol had rolled up your sleeve to reveal a palm-sized, purplish mark on your skin.
"You fell down the stairs?" he inquired, seeking clarification.
You nodded, assuring him, "Yes, just a simple fall."
Seungcheol's eyes bore into you. "If anyone ever hurts you, promise me you'll tell me, alright?" His words held a note of protectiveness, a silent vow to shield you from harm's reach.
"I promise, oppa."
*
Seungcheol returned from his appointment with Dr. Boo, having been prescribed the same medication he had taken in the past for panic attacks. Since Dowon now lived with him, he recognized the importance of maintaining his emotional stability. After his son had fallen asleep, Seungcheol was preparing to wash up when a call from Officer Kim disrupted his routine.
"Good evening, Mr. Choi. I apologize for calling at this hour. But you had mentioned that your wife enjoyed writing in her diary, correct? Would it be possible for us to collect any of her written materials from you tomorrow?" Officer Kim's voice was apologetic yet determined.
Seungcheol replied, "Of course, I can drop them off at your office tomorrow morning if that works for you."
"That would be excellent. Thank you so much, Mr. Choi."
Ending the call, Seungcheol found himself appreciating Officer Kim's cheerful demeanor. He had been an invaluable source of assistance throughout the investigation, and Seungcheol made a mental note to express his gratitude at a later time. As he considered Officer Kim's character, Seungcheol recognized him as an outstanding police officer and an exceptional person.
Making his way to your shared office, Seungcheol confronted a collection of books containing your words, thoughts, and emotions spanning years. Sitting in front of them, he began to count. There were twenty journals in total, each labeled by month and year. Seungcheol chose the one marked "January-June," dated from three years earlier. In it, he found an entry that made him chuckle:
"Damn, I'm craving another PC Bang donkatsu." He continued reading, smiling at your candid thoughts.
"It's 2 a.m., and Cheol just took his medication, so he's fast asleep. I made him go get me donkatsu from the same PC Bang four hours ago. I bet if I asked him again, he'd do it. But how can I wake him up? He's so adorable when he's asleep. My pouty baby:("
Without realizing, two hours had flown by as Seungcheol immersed himself in your diary. He marveled at getting a glimpse into your thoughts and emotions from before you two were a couple. The diary entries revealed a side of you he had never fully understood. He yearned to ask you, to confront you: "Why is it so hard for you to share what you feel? To tell me what you think?"
Sighing, he admitted to himself that he never could.
Gathering your diaries, Seungcheol moved them to the kitchen counter, setting them down next to a box. As he arranged them, a small piece of photo card slipped from one of the journals. Turning it over, he saw the date "06/04" and the words "Happy birthday, my Aries Boy!" He flipped it to reveal a picture of a younger you with a familiar man. Examining the date once more, he realized it was from six years ago, before you two had met. He opened the diary to that year and discovered an array of photographs that had fallen from the pages.
"Anniversary of Two Aries!"
"Mingoo, my favorite boy<3"
"Taken by the amazing Mingyu:D"
"Y/n, Mingoo's favorite journalist."
"A silly picture of Kim Mingyu, Future Criminologist."
Seungcheol muttered, "It's Officer Kim." The pieces were falling into place; he was beginning to comprehend the connection you had with the police officer who was helping with the investigation. He knew you in ways he had never imagined.
"You knew that?" Seungcheol's disbelief was palpable.
Jeonghan simply nodded, his nonchalant demeanor contrasting with Seungcheol's shock. "Yes, I knew that."
The revelation felt like a sudden blow to Seungcheol's head. "How could you not tell me?"
Jeonghan rolled his eyes, offering an explanation. "What would be the point? Besides, it's all in the past, Seungcheol. Mingyu was y/n's ex, but that was nearly seven years ago, even before she met you."
The realization slowly sank in, though Seungcheol struggled to grasp how Jeonghan had concealed this information. Finally understanding why Officer Kim had been so invested in the case, Seungcheol couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Mingyu had once held a place in your heart, and Officer Kim had been driven by his past feelings for you. A curse word echoed in Seungcheol's mind as the pieces fell into place.
"He left her. He left her to chase his dreams, and you know y/n, she's selfless. She let him go. She had been hurt before she met you, and you healed her. You have nothing to worry about."
Seungcheol let out a sigh. "I'm not worried about anything."
Jeonghan looked at him, a pause hanging in the air before he calmly stated, "Yes, you are."
Their eyes locked for a moment before Jeonghan announced his intention to return to his office room. It had been five years since Seungcheol had met Jeonghan through you, yet there was still so much he didn't know about him. Beyond his name, Yoon Jeonghan, and the fact that he had graduated from the same university as you and Seungcheol, majoring in Agricultural Economics and Business, Seungcheol was clueless. Personality-wise, he was on par with you in terms of emotional expression, but he was more vocal about his thoughts. Jeonghan's claim that you were selfless mirrored his own kindness, though it often led Seungcheol to wonder if Jeonghan's feelings for you extended beyond friendship, perhaps romantically.
His mind echoed with the words, "It's always you, I promise!" Seungcheol impulsively picked up his phone and messaged Jeonghan, "Let's meet for a drink tonight."
Jeonghan's response came quickly, "Already miss me, huh?"
Seungcheol facepalmed at the playful reply. "You can't drink, dude. You're undergoing treatment. How about we grab beef?"
*
The sizzling sound of meat on the stone grill stirred Seungcheol's appetite. He hadn't experienced much hunger lately, eating more out of routine than true desire. However, the sight of the pork belly that Jeonghan was expertly grilling was irresistibly tempting.
"Is Dowon with y/n's parents?" Seungcheol confirmed Jeonghan's assumption.
He nodded, explaining, "Her sister is leaving town this week, so Dowon wants to spend this last week with her."
Jeonghan deftly transferred a freshly cut piece of pork belly onto Seungcheol's plate. "I'm guessing you want to talk to me, but you're trying to be casual about it. Is it alright if I mention her a lot?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Seungcheol chuckled, "You talk as if you've never mentioned her before." Both men acknowledged how their conversations had increasingly revolved around you in recent times.
Jeonghan chuckled in agreement, but then turned more serious. "I apologize if my words have ever hurt you. It's a defense mechanism. I can be insecure at times."
Seungcheol appreciated the honesty. He decided to share his own sentiments. "I also owe you an apology. I used to think you had feelings for her, that you liked her romantically. I trust my wife, and I trust you, bro. But sometimes, a guy's instincts get the best of him when it comes to his girl."
Jeonghan's gaze locked onto Seungcheol's. "Choi Seungcheol, do you realize how obsessed you are with her?"
Seungcheol stared back, taken aback by the bluntness of Jeonghan's statement. "I miss her like crazy," he admitted. "If that's what it means to be obsessed, then yes."
Just as the conversation deepened, Seungcheol's phone rang. The caller ID revealed it was your mother. He exchanged a look with Jeonghan before answering. Even amidst the chatter of the restaurant, Jeonghan could hear Dowon's voice whining through the phone—a trait he had inherited from you.
"Is everything okay?" Jeonghan asked.
Seungcheol chuckled. "Dowon doesn't want me to pick him up until his cousin leaves for Jeju. He wants to spend this last week with them."
Jeonghan handed Seungcheol a piece of pork belly he had just cut. "He's at the perfect age to have a sibling. Why did you guys hold off on having another child?"
Seungcheol explained, "It was me, actually. I didn't feel ready for another kid. I told her, and she understood."
As they savored the grilled meat, Jeonghan's tone shifted. "By the way, I'm going to be interviewed tomorrow. I wanted you to know my response before I share it with them."
Seungcheol's curiosity was piqued. "Go ahead."
"Y/n called me that night."
"And?"
Jeonghan's gaze bore into Seungcheol's. "She was drunk, and she was with someone."
*
"Are you ready for the interview?" Officer Kim, also known as Kim Mingyu, asked Jeonghan. Jeonghan nodded, and Mingyu signaled to the man seated next to him to begin recording and typing Jeonghan's testimony.
"Where were you when the accident happened?" Mingyu inquired, referring to the night you went missing.
"I was at home from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. You can verify my alibi through the CCTV footage in my apartment," Jeonghan answered.
Mingyu nodded, moving on to the next question. "Had she contacted you before she went missing?"
"Yes, she called me three times at 2 a.m. I was sleeping when I answered the call."
Mingyu probed further, "Could you tell us the nature of those calls?"
Jeonghan paused, his expression showing hints of discomfort before he responded. "She sounded drunk and was crying."
Mingyu tried to reassure him, "She was probably just an emotional drunk."
Jeonghan's unease was palpable as he continued. "She was more than that. She was crying for help. She called me asking for help, but she was with someone. I assumed it was her husband."
And then, in a rare moment, Jeonghan broke down.
*
'It's only you. I promise! It's only you.'
Seungcheol couldn't discern if he was truly hearing your voice or if it was merely his mind playing tricks on him. Since that dream, your voice had become a constant echo in his head, growing louder and clearer, enough to bring tears to his eyes. He yearned to halt these encounters, yet your presence lingered persistently.
He wanted to believe it was you reaching out to him, but he knew it could also be a side effect of his medication, a continuation of the hallucinations and delusions he had experienced before. Sometimes he saw distorted images of you from the last time he saw you. Other times, it was just your voice, varying from crying to screaming. Although unnerving, he cherished these moments as fragments of you that he could still hold on to. He didn't want these encounters to stop, regardless of their authenticity or healthiness.
As Seungcheol pulled out his desk drawer to retrieve another pill, he considered that he would soon reunite with you. Placing the pills back and locking the desk, he held onto the hope that he would see you again.
*
Three days after Jeonghan's interrogation, it was Seungcheol's turn. This marked his third round of questioning in relation to the case. Your family members and some of your work friends had also been interviewed. Seungcheol's prayer was that these collective efforts would eventually lead to uncovering the truth and delivering justice for you.
"Are you prepared for your third interview?" Mingyu inquired.
"Yes," Seungcheol replied, his voice steady.
Mingyu broached a sensitive topic. "We've encountered difficulty investigating your car's black box. Both your car and your wife's were repaired both before and after the incident, is that correct?"
Seungcheol confirmed, "Yes."
Mingyu then revealed an image of a car seen near the location where your body was discovered. Seungcheol's eyes widened at the sight of his company car in the photo.
"Are you familiar with this car?" Mingyu inquired.
"It's my company car," Seungcheol admitted, his mind racing as he struggled to understand.
"We cross-referenced this car and discovered that a company vehicle with the same license plate as shown in the picture was assigned to you six months ago."
Seungcheol felt confusion clouding his thoughts. He had been driving a company car for six months? Glancing at the form, he saw his signature confirming the car's assignment.
"I don't recall doing this," Seungcheol admitted.
Mingyu presented another file, containing records of parking slot rental submissions, all signed by Seungcheol. The slots were set to expire in the coming six months.
"You purchased a year-long parking slot for this vehicle, and we also retrieved the car's black box data. Would you like to see it?"
Seungcheol began to protest, but before he could finish, Mingyu played a video captured by the car's black box.
'I don't do anything, I swear, oppa!'
'Help me! Help me!'
'Wake up, oppa! This is me! Wake up!'
Mingyu closed his eyes, reacting as he had the first time he viewed the footage—with disgust. The image of you being brutally beaten on the hood of the car, by your own husband, was something he struggled to erase from his mind.
Seungcheol's voice erupted in the room, the word "liar" echoing with intensity. His voice quaked, unable to watch the video once he realized it depicted himself.
Mingyu's tone remained steady as he concluded, "You can watch the rest of the video in court, Mr. Choi. You are under arrest for the murder of Lim Y/n. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation."
*
"Do you know why she stopped writing her journal?" Mingyu inquired of Jeonghan. Jeonghan met Mingyu's gaze and replied, "She never stopped."
Mingyu's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Really? Then why did she only send you entries up until last year?" He mumbled to himself.
Jeonghan heard his muttering and responded, "I have the rest. She gave them to me. She wanted to ensure her husband wouldn't discover what happened this year."
"What did happen this year?" Mingyu's tone was curious, yet serious.
Jeonghan sighed, his expression heavy. "I'm not sure how believable this will sound, but she shared something unsettling with me. Y/n's husband, mentally, he's been suffering. He used to take his medications consistently, but he stopped taking them of his own accord about six months ago."
Mingyu leaned in, his interest piqued. "Why did he stop?"
Jeonghan confessed, "I can't fully grasp the reason, but she mentioned that he began experiencing hallucinations related to a past accident that killed his parents. He started believing that he was the one responsible for the accident, having tampered with the car's brake cable, and that he falsified his testimony, pretending to be in the car to survive."
Mingyu exhaled audibly, dropping his pen onto the table. "Damn it! How did you let her marry this guy? You always resented me, yet you let her marry someone unhinged?" His frustration was palpable as he lashed out at Jeonghan.
Jeonghan's voice wavered as he responded, guilt consuming him since the day you went missing. "I only found out a month before she disappeared. She told me about the abuse she was enduring. She asked me to accompany her... to the ob-gyn."
Jeonghan realized that he had sensed the truth all along. It was Seungcheol on the other end of the phone call that night. And he was even more shocked that Seungcheol had confronted him in the morning, inquiring about your whereabouts. When you'd mentioned Seungcheol's Shield Personality, Jeonghan had already envisioned this scene, where he would ultimately end you. But he was powerless, knowing that you didn't care, you'd return home, subject yourself to his abuse, convinced that he couldn't remember his actions during his other personality phase. Blinded by the love he would offer you again once he returned to his normal self, the person you loved.
"Sh-she was p-pregnant?" Stuttering, Jeonghan nodded, "She considered an abortion, but I persuaded her to approach her husband about having another child. But it was too late. Maybe that's what they argued about, or something else that pushed her to her limit. She couldn't restrain him. She couldn't prevent him and, tragically, she couldn't save herself."
Mingyu's voice was thick with the weight of the situation. "This is a twisted mess. We're all ensnared in this, Jeonghan."
*
"Life sentences are handed down to Choi Seungcheol for attempted murder of Lim Y/n, and to Choi Daekbyeo and Kim Jehwa."
"Isn't this the justice you were seeking, Seungcheol?" Jeonghan mumbled as he walked away from the courtroom, a complex blend of emotions clouding his expression.
'What if we stop taking these?'
'You won't be able to control yourself.'
*
"You would never be like your parents, trust me."
"How do you know?!"
"Because I know you, and witnessing your love for our son is enough for me to realize that you're different from them, oppa. You're an amazing dad."
Seungcheol's breath came out in labored bursts, his emotions intense. "When Dowon was born, I was filled with anxiety. What if I ended up like my father? What if I repeated his pattern of abuse every time I made a mistake? What if I became like my mother, who always expressed regret for having me as a son? Y/n, I wasn't prepared to be a father. You pushed me into it, and I still don't feel ready!"
"I'm pregnant!"
"I'm pregnant, and I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that you've had to endure all this turmoil due to your parents. I'm sorry that your emotions have been suppressed by this baggage. But I'm here, working on this with you, oppa. You have me! You might want to hit me, punch me, or scream at me, but I know you wouldn't do that to our child."
Seungcheol stood there, frozen, as you took a step back, creating a small distance between you. "I'm doing everything for you, as long as you fight for us," you whispered.
*
"Taking these might cause distortions. People may think it's just their imagination when, in reality, they're beginning to remember things because of what they've seen and done without the medication—things that were previously considered imaginary."
*
"That's not my child."
You looked at him, bewildered. "What do you mean?" Your voice wavered, lodged in your throat due to his statement.
"You're cheating on me, with Jeonghan."
You found yourself laughing in disbelief. You were well aware that your own actions were questionable. Your husband's infidelity was growing apparent, and you had no grounds to laugh at his suspicious thoughts. Yet, you couldn't fathom how he could think you were having an affair with Jeonghan, a man who'd been your close friend for a decade.
"I found his coat in your closet."
Your eyes widened as you realized where he'd drawn his conclusions from. "It's not—"
"Dowon mentioned that you went to the arcade with him. You must have enjoyed yourselves while I was away."
"Oppa, listen..."
"I saw the two of you visiting the ob-gyn."
***
"What?! Is that all?!"
Seungcheol barged into your shared room, brandishing a tablet that displayed the last page you'd written. You gave him a feeble smile and shrugged. He sighed dramatically, pulling his glasses off and placing them on your nightstand. Carefully, he climbed onto the bed, mindful of his movements so as not to disturb the monster of discomfort lurking within you.
"That's it? He's sentenced, and all Jeonghan has to say is, 'Isn't this the justice you wanted?' Come on! I want a scene of him as a prisoner, at least. Maybe show him getting bullied by other inmates and—"
You burst into laughter at your husband's words.
Seungcheol stared at you in disbelief. "I'm being serious here, babe. He deserves to be roughed up a bit by other prisoners." Your amusement seemed lost on him.
Your laughter was starting to make your stomach ache, and you suspected you weren't the only one amused by your husband's antics. Struggling to sit up, your big tummy made the process slow and cumbersome. Sensing your efforts, Seungcheol gently assisted you, making sure not to jostle you too much. You whispered your gratitude, overwhelmed by his tenderness. Looking at him, you mused, "I thought you hated the story," and reached for the tablet he held.
Seungcheol rolled his eyes, his annoyance palpable. "I said I hated you using our names as characters, not that I hated the story." His irritation was evident in his tone.
Giggling, you pinched his cheek, saying, "What do you think, love? As the first reader." You kept the tablet within your reach, the other hand still resting on your husband's cheek. He smiled at your affection and leaned his head toward your hand, letting it support his head.
"I love it. But I think some readers might not like the ending. I still think he deserves a scene where he gets bullied." His dissatisfaction with the narrative conclusion was clear.
"Babe, I created this for parenting purposes. Why include a bullying scene?" you countered, pressing a gentle kiss to his temple.
"But I can add an extra chapter, exclusively for my husband, if he gets me some spicy chicken nuggets." Hee groaned, collapsing onto the bed in mock protest.
"Didn't you just devour two packs of apple pie?" you inquired.
You nodded, a mischievous grin playing on your lips. "But spicy chicken nuggets make a great dessert too. Pretty please?" you pleaded, your adorable pout melting his resolve.
"Fine, I'll get them for you. And, speaking of which, I'm thinking about talking to the shop owner about investing there."
"Just get me those spicy chicken nuggets!" you huffed, tossing a pillow at him as he quickly dashed out of the bedroom.
"I'll buy you the entire shop, love!" he shouted from the hallway.
"You're such a goof," you mumbled, returning to the task of creating an additional chapter for your husband.
The End.