Zero Hour Part 1
Title: Zero Hour
Pairing: Yongguk/Himchan
Minor Pairings: Daehyun/Jongup, Youngjae/Zelo
Part: 1
Rating: PG-13
Genre: drama
Disclaimer: they own each other
Warnings: language
Summary: A bank robbery gone wrong has life-changing consequences.
Accident/Astute
It was purely by accident that Daehyun ended up where he did.
Although Daehyun had intended this weekend to be one of numbers and dead politicians and too many hours in front of the computer to be healthy, it was a Saturday morning, the bright, unclouded kind that compelled people to leave the isolated caves they called home to picnic at the park and soak up some vitamin D the old-fashioned way. What really broke his determination, though, was Jongup- Jongup and his sunny beam showing up on Daehyun’s doorstep unexpectedly at nine on the dot with proposals of a date and a pleading look that Daehyun could never resist.
Daehyun good-naturedly rolled his eyes and informed his mother that he would be out for the day. She pressed some bills into his hands for the date because Jongup is a lovely boy and do buy him something nice to eat and have fun, but be back before dinner, honey. Daehyun assured his mother that he will and maybe if Jongup could stay for dinner, would that be okay? Of course it is, Jongup is practically family now, but don’t keep him waiting, go enjoy your youth with all those teenage impulses you should be indulging in.
And that was how Daehyun ended up on the streets with about fifty dollars in his pocket, walking hand in hand with Jongup on this beautiful Saturday morning. Everything was sunny, serene, surreal…
Jongup noticed, of course, and inquired if something was wrong, concern written all over his features. Daehyun shook his head, more to shake the persistent feeling that something was wrong than to answer. No, nothing is wrong, Jongup, sorry for acting weird.
Jongup believed him- he had no reason not to- and squeezed Daehyun’s hand happily, exclaiming that today was going to be so fun and they were going to do so many things.
Daehyun smiled and tried to believe him.
Black/Bank
The plain van pulls up in front of the building. He tries to keep calm despite the vicious roiling of his stomach. Shakily, he puts the van in park and takes a moment to gather up his courage. Drawing in a deep breath, he rests his forehead on the steering wheel and repeats his mantra.
He needs to do this. He has to do this. There is no other way. So much is riding on this. Someone is depending on him to do something.
Biting his lip, he pulls on a pair of black leather gloves. He makes sure that he has everything he needs before stepping out of the van and looking up at the building. This is it.
He zips up his jacket, checks his equipment again and walks through the revolving doors of the building without a second thought.
Clock/Casualty
Tick tock.
He almost can’t hear the sound of the clock on the far wall ticking over the sound of his blood rushing and his heart thumping, but it’s there nevertheless, relentlessly mocking him, urging him on in the worst possible way.
Tick tock tick tock.
It’s almost time, he thinks, dread coiling at the bottom of his stomach. Is it? No, no, not yet.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock.
Almost time.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock.
Just a little more.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock.
Time.
That’s what he needs.
Ticktockticktockticktockticktockticktockticktock.
Date/Deficient
It was one of their usual date spots, a quaint little café that was located snugly on the corner of the main street. It was at this café that Daehyun and Jongup had their second date many moons ago after a mediocre and mildly awkward first one (why they both agreed to a second one in the first place was still an unanswered question, but Daehyun thanked whatever Powers That Be that they did).
They had sat in the corner table, Daehyun still trying to repress memories of soda accelerating out of a cup and creating a receptacle out of Jongup’s lap before the movie even started. Jongup made some little quip about not spilling drinks this time around as coffee to certain parts would be unforgivable, even for someone as cute as Daehyun. Daehyun looked up from the grains in the table, and in that moment, gazing into Jongup’s teasing eyes, he knew. What he knew, he was still uncertain of to this day, but the feeling of certainty lingered, never going away, only growing.
As did his feeling that something was wrong.
Entropy/Eviscerate
They stepped out of the coffee shop, bell tinkling as the door swung shut behind. The morning sun shone down on them, creating a halo of gold in Jongup’s hair. It was mesmerizing. In a daze, Daehyun reached out to capture this act of alchemy with his hands. Jongup turned around at that moment, and it was gone. Daehyun allowed his hand to fall limply by his side, shrugging at Jongup’s quizzical look.
Not seeming to notice the strange feeling that was spreading across Daehyun’s chest, Jongup asked if his drink was okay because he ordered his usual iced coffee and, for some reason, it just tastes weird today, he can’t place what exactly. Daehyun casually mentioned that there might have been a new worker or something, but his tea tastes fine, there is nothing wrong with it. What he didn’t say was that he hadn’t actually tasted his tea at all, nothing about the drink really registering until the hot liquid scalded half the taste buds off his tongue.
Jongup clucked his tongue in mild disapproval, but the displeased expression soon melted into the sunny smile he could never keep in for too long. Reaching over, he took Daehyun’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and led Daehyun down the sidewalk back towards the main road. He wanted to go to the bank to withdraw money because he wants to buy something, he doesn’t know what yet. Daehyun allowed himself to be led, used to Jongup’s sudden whims, but felt the need to remind the younger boy not to spend too much money because certain people putting the money into Jongup’s bank account in the first place may not be too pleased. Jongup flashed him a smile and assured him that he won’t, he won’t, don’t worry so much, Daehyun’ll become bald which would be bad since he likes Daehyun’s hair quite a bit.
Daehyun chuckled softly as they entered through the revolving doors of the building, the air-conditioned room a sharp contrast to the heat of outside. They got in the neat line in front of the desks. Jongup reached for his wallet and assured Daehyun that this wouldn’t take long, and sorry for making him come in the first place. Daehyun said it was okay.
Then everything was not.
Fire/Fusion
A gunshot goes off, sound amplified by the wide, open space of the bank lobby. There is a moment of silence, of eerie stillness.
Then the screaming starts.
Gun/Grip
The gun feels hot and heavy in his hand, holding the weight of the dozens of lives in the trigger. His hands are trembling badly, but it’s nothing compared to the shaking of his heart as it seems to work to the point of near explosion. It comforts him though, the pounding of his heart- it reminds him, reminds him of why he has to do this.
Hostage/Heart
Jongup wasn’t stupid; he knew something was up with Daehyun from the moment they left his house, probably before Daehyun even realized it himself. He also knew something was up when they were in line at the bank. Jongup may not be the high-achieving academic star that Daehyun was, but he prided himself in having sharply honed observation skills.
While waiting in line, a flash of black caught Jongup’s eye. A person in black. Huh, interesting. Upon closer inspection, Jongup realized it was a black hoodie. A person in a black hoodie on a sweltering, hot day. Huh, interesting and odd. Jongup watched the man for a moment, paying careful attention to the way in which the man checked the clock every few seconds. Jongup dropped his gaze to the black bag the man had over his shoulder. Huh, interesting and odd and fishy.
“Next in line, please!”
The line moved up, and Daehyun nudged Jongup forward. Without tearing his eyes away from the man in black, Jongup took his phone out of his pocket and sent a quick text.
“He’s bored,” Jongup explained to Daehyun. “They have him pushing papers in the office when there’s nothing to do.” Daehyun snorted, clearly amused. But the worried look in his eyes still didn’t go away.
“This won’t take long,” said Jongup apologetically, wanting to get out of the bank quickly so they could do something that would take Daehyun’s mind off of whatever was bothering him. “Sorry for making you come in the first place.”
“It’s okay,” Daehyun said. And Jongup knew that he meant it. Daehyun was a person of few words, but he always meant what he said.
When the gunshot went off, Jongup heard it almost as though it were underwater. He reacted immediately. By the time the screaming and panicking started, he had already tackled Daehyun to the floor, pulling the both of them under a small wooden desk. It wouldn’t hold up to bullets, but it was better than being out in the open.
Daehyun looked at Jongup, eyes wide. Jongup put his finger to his lips in an unnecessary gesture and peeked out. Some people had escaped, but the man in black, the one he had seen earlier, was now approaching the counter, gun in his hand.
“Shut up!” the man shouted to the remaining people quivering on the floor. “Do what I say and no one gets hurt!”
Infamy/Important
“Hand over all the money,” the man commanded the bank teller gruffly. He tossed a burlap sack over the counter at her. “Fill this up.”
The woman, in an exceptional feat of emotional control, nodded, and opened the cash drawer, not a trace of fear in her demeanor. She carefully started filling the bag with stacks of cash, ever wary of the gun.
Silent alarm, thought Jongup. It’s probably gone off by now. Help should be coming.
The man stood silently as the teller filled the bag, glancing nervously out the door and windows. Probably his first time committing such a large-scale crime, judging by his fidgety behavior and the clumsy execution. Any self-respecting bank robber would know about the silent alarms. Jongup strained his neck to see more of the man.
Daehyun yanked Jongup’s arm, pulling him back under the table. He shook his head, clearly not wanting Jongup to gain the man’s attention. Jongup tried to put a reassuring expression on his face, gesturing towards his ear. Daehyun’s look of confusion, which would have been comical in another situation, melted into one of understanding as the sound of police sirens started to fill the air.
The man in black cursed and grabbed the partially filled bag from the teller, spilling some bills as he swung it over the counter and made a dash for the door. Jongup knew it was too late when the comforting red and blue colors lit up on the wall.
“Shit, shit, shit!” the man shouted frantically as he realized the building was surrounded.
“This is the police,” the loudspeaker announced. “We have the building surrounded. Surrender now.”
The man took several breaths, clearly contemplating his next course of action. Jongup’s heart dropped when the man looked at his gun, at the people still in the room, and then at the police cars outside. This couldn’t be good.
Joker/Juxtapose
There was only one piece left to complete the picture, this perfection that he himself had created. Just one more, almost there, so close…
“Himchan!”
Himchan started as the door to his office slammed open to reveal his captain, Hyosung, with a frown gracing her normally cheerful features. He quickly closed his Solitaire window.
“What’s up, Cap?” Himchan said casually, turning back to his monitor. “I’ve finished all the paperwork you assigned me and-”
“We have a situation,” she interjected brusquely. Himchan sat up immediately, senses automatically going on alert. “My car. Let’s go.” She whirled around and walked briskly to the parking lot. Himchan scrambled out of his chair and dashed after her.
“What’s the situation?” asked Himchan, buckling in as the car peeled out of the parking lot and onto the road.
Hyosung’s lips tightened into a thin line, hands clenching the steering wheel. “Robbery gone wrong on Main. The suspect attempted to empty the cash drawers and escape, but found himself surrounded. And now he has at least fifteen hostages in there.”
Himchan frowned as he checked his phone, pressing his lips together. “Sounds bad.” He straightened his shirt and tie and ran a hand through his uncombed hair. “I assume there’s no other way.”
At this, Hyosung cracked a small smile. “I wouldn’t have gotten you if there was.”
“I am the ace of our team,” Himchan preened, the corner of his mouth tugging up as they engaged in their usual banal banter.
“You’re more of a joker,” she shot back. “Or just a joke.”
Before Himchan could think of a proper comeback, she made a sharp turn and skidded to a stop in front of the bank. Himchan got out of the car, taking in the scene before him. A crowd was starting to gather, but luckily, there weren’t too many cameras on the scene yet.
Turning, Himchan located the familiar white van and jogged over to it. “Hit me up, Sunhwa,” he said to the person sitting at the back, surrounded by computer screens.
She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Hi to you too, Himchan. I see you have been sleeping during hours again.” Ignoring his spluttered protests, she reached beside her and handed him a headset. “The suspect has not attempted to make contact yet.”
“Perfect,” murmured Himchan, fixing the device into his ear. “Better strike while the metal is hot, eh? Call the desk phone. Let’s find out what he wants.”
Kaleidoscope/Kinetic
The ringing of the phone on the desk breaks the heavy silence of the room. He eyes the piece of technology warily. Deciding that it can’t be booby-trapped, he crosses the room in wide strides, giving the people on the floor warning glances as he passes, and picks up the phone.
“Yes?”
“Hello.”
He tenses up at the sound of the voice. Definitely male. Calm sounding. Probably police. “Who’s this?” he demands roughly, feeling the panic rise again. “What do you want?”
“My name is Kim Himchan. I’m the hostage negotiator for the police.”
“And?”
“Do I get a name in exchange? For reference. I don’t want to call you ‘Mr. Gunman’ throughout our entire interaction.” The tone is light, kidding almost. He bites his bottom lip and considers carefully before answering.
“Jepp,” he says finally. “Jepp Blackman.”
“Jepp Blackman. May I call you Jepp?”
“Um, yeah, sure.”
“Alright, Jepp. I would like you to call me Himchan. Can you do that for me?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Great. Can you do something else for me, Jepp? Can you tell me how many people are in there with you right now?”
He looks at the group of people he herded to the center of the room. “Seventeen.”
“Okay. Are any of them injured or harmed in any way?”
He bristles slightly at the question. “No.”
“Good, good. Now here’s a question for you: can you tell me what you seek to gain from all this?”
He lets out a bark of laughter, irony coloring his tone. “Gain? There’s nothing to gain from a situation like this, Himchan. I’m only doing what I need to do.”
Last/Lacrimosa
This is going to work. It is going to work. And when it does, everything will be okay.
He repeats it to himself like a mantra.
Man/Madness
Himchan turned to Sunhwa the moment the call disconnected. “Did you get all that? And how are things going with the visual?”
Sunhwa gave him a thumbs up. “Got all of that. Still working on the visuals, but getting there.”
“Good.” Himchan ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I need my caffeine. Now.” As though on cue, Hyosung was standing there when he opened the doors of the van, a cup of latte in her hand.
“Cap, you’re a lifesaver,” groaned Himchan, taking the drink from her gratefully. “You’re perfect. Marry me.”
“Not in this lifetime, buddy.” Hyosung clucked her tongue disapprovingly as Himchan downed half the drink in one go. “One of these days, you’re going to overdose on caffeine and die.”
Himchan chuckled. “Well, if it does happen, you’ll get the pleasure of saying ‘I told you so.’”
Negotiate/Name
“Hello, Jepp.”
“What do you want?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“I want you to let me go.”
“You’re free to walk out anytime you wish.”
“Might as well just walk myself into a prison cell then. I want you to let me go, Himchan.”
“Why are you doing this? Why are you so desperate, Jepp?”
A pause. “Because there’s no other way. I promised. I promised that I’d do it no matter what.”
Part 2
Pairing: Yongguk/Himchan
Minor Pairings: Daehyun/Jongup, Youngjae/Zelo
Part: 1
Rating: PG-13
Genre: drama
Disclaimer: they own each other
Warnings: language
Summary: A bank robbery gone wrong has life-changing consequences.
Accident/Astute
It was purely by accident that Daehyun ended up where he did.
Although Daehyun had intended this weekend to be one of numbers and dead politicians and too many hours in front of the computer to be healthy, it was a Saturday morning, the bright, unclouded kind that compelled people to leave the isolated caves they called home to picnic at the park and soak up some vitamin D the old-fashioned way. What really broke his determination, though, was Jongup- Jongup and his sunny beam showing up on Daehyun’s doorstep unexpectedly at nine on the dot with proposals of a date and a pleading look that Daehyun could never resist.
Daehyun good-naturedly rolled his eyes and informed his mother that he would be out for the day. She pressed some bills into his hands for the date because Jongup is a lovely boy and do buy him something nice to eat and have fun, but be back before dinner, honey. Daehyun assured his mother that he will and maybe if Jongup could stay for dinner, would that be okay? Of course it is, Jongup is practically family now, but don’t keep him waiting, go enjoy your youth with all those teenage impulses you should be indulging in.
And that was how Daehyun ended up on the streets with about fifty dollars in his pocket, walking hand in hand with Jongup on this beautiful Saturday morning. Everything was sunny, serene, surreal…
Jongup noticed, of course, and inquired if something was wrong, concern written all over his features. Daehyun shook his head, more to shake the persistent feeling that something was wrong than to answer. No, nothing is wrong, Jongup, sorry for acting weird.
Jongup believed him- he had no reason not to- and squeezed Daehyun’s hand happily, exclaiming that today was going to be so fun and they were going to do so many things.
Daehyun smiled and tried to believe him.
Black/Bank
The plain van pulls up in front of the building. He tries to keep calm despite the vicious roiling of his stomach. Shakily, he puts the van in park and takes a moment to gather up his courage. Drawing in a deep breath, he rests his forehead on the steering wheel and repeats his mantra.
He needs to do this. He has to do this. There is no other way. So much is riding on this. Someone is depending on him to do something.
Biting his lip, he pulls on a pair of black leather gloves. He makes sure that he has everything he needs before stepping out of the van and looking up at the building. This is it.
He zips up his jacket, checks his equipment again and walks through the revolving doors of the building without a second thought.
Clock/Casualty
Tick tock.
He almost can’t hear the sound of the clock on the far wall ticking over the sound of his blood rushing and his heart thumping, but it’s there nevertheless, relentlessly mocking him, urging him on in the worst possible way.
Tick tock tick tock.
It’s almost time, he thinks, dread coiling at the bottom of his stomach. Is it? No, no, not yet.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock.
Almost time.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock.
Just a little more.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock.
Time.
That’s what he needs.
Ticktockticktockticktockticktockticktockticktock.
Date/Deficient
It was one of their usual date spots, a quaint little café that was located snugly on the corner of the main street. It was at this café that Daehyun and Jongup had their second date many moons ago after a mediocre and mildly awkward first one (why they both agreed to a second one in the first place was still an unanswered question, but Daehyun thanked whatever Powers That Be that they did).
They had sat in the corner table, Daehyun still trying to repress memories of soda accelerating out of a cup and creating a receptacle out of Jongup’s lap before the movie even started. Jongup made some little quip about not spilling drinks this time around as coffee to certain parts would be unforgivable, even for someone as cute as Daehyun. Daehyun looked up from the grains in the table, and in that moment, gazing into Jongup’s teasing eyes, he knew. What he knew, he was still uncertain of to this day, but the feeling of certainty lingered, never going away, only growing.
As did his feeling that something was wrong.
Entropy/Eviscerate
They stepped out of the coffee shop, bell tinkling as the door swung shut behind. The morning sun shone down on them, creating a halo of gold in Jongup’s hair. It was mesmerizing. In a daze, Daehyun reached out to capture this act of alchemy with his hands. Jongup turned around at that moment, and it was gone. Daehyun allowed his hand to fall limply by his side, shrugging at Jongup’s quizzical look.
Not seeming to notice the strange feeling that was spreading across Daehyun’s chest, Jongup asked if his drink was okay because he ordered his usual iced coffee and, for some reason, it just tastes weird today, he can’t place what exactly. Daehyun casually mentioned that there might have been a new worker or something, but his tea tastes fine, there is nothing wrong with it. What he didn’t say was that he hadn’t actually tasted his tea at all, nothing about the drink really registering until the hot liquid scalded half the taste buds off his tongue.
Jongup clucked his tongue in mild disapproval, but the displeased expression soon melted into the sunny smile he could never keep in for too long. Reaching over, he took Daehyun’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and led Daehyun down the sidewalk back towards the main road. He wanted to go to the bank to withdraw money because he wants to buy something, he doesn’t know what yet. Daehyun allowed himself to be led, used to Jongup’s sudden whims, but felt the need to remind the younger boy not to spend too much money because certain people putting the money into Jongup’s bank account in the first place may not be too pleased. Jongup flashed him a smile and assured him that he won’t, he won’t, don’t worry so much, Daehyun’ll become bald which would be bad since he likes Daehyun’s hair quite a bit.
Daehyun chuckled softly as they entered through the revolving doors of the building, the air-conditioned room a sharp contrast to the heat of outside. They got in the neat line in front of the desks. Jongup reached for his wallet and assured Daehyun that this wouldn’t take long, and sorry for making him come in the first place. Daehyun said it was okay.
Then everything was not.
Fire/Fusion
A gunshot goes off, sound amplified by the wide, open space of the bank lobby. There is a moment of silence, of eerie stillness.
Then the screaming starts.
Gun/Grip
The gun feels hot and heavy in his hand, holding the weight of the dozens of lives in the trigger. His hands are trembling badly, but it’s nothing compared to the shaking of his heart as it seems to work to the point of near explosion. It comforts him though, the pounding of his heart- it reminds him, reminds him of why he has to do this.
Hostage/Heart
Jongup wasn’t stupid; he knew something was up with Daehyun from the moment they left his house, probably before Daehyun even realized it himself. He also knew something was up when they were in line at the bank. Jongup may not be the high-achieving academic star that Daehyun was, but he prided himself in having sharply honed observation skills.
While waiting in line, a flash of black caught Jongup’s eye. A person in black. Huh, interesting. Upon closer inspection, Jongup realized it was a black hoodie. A person in a black hoodie on a sweltering, hot day. Huh, interesting and odd. Jongup watched the man for a moment, paying careful attention to the way in which the man checked the clock every few seconds. Jongup dropped his gaze to the black bag the man had over his shoulder. Huh, interesting and odd and fishy.
“Next in line, please!”
The line moved up, and Daehyun nudged Jongup forward. Without tearing his eyes away from the man in black, Jongup took his phone out of his pocket and sent a quick text.
“He’s bored,” Jongup explained to Daehyun. “They have him pushing papers in the office when there’s nothing to do.” Daehyun snorted, clearly amused. But the worried look in his eyes still didn’t go away.
“This won’t take long,” said Jongup apologetically, wanting to get out of the bank quickly so they could do something that would take Daehyun’s mind off of whatever was bothering him. “Sorry for making you come in the first place.”
“It’s okay,” Daehyun said. And Jongup knew that he meant it. Daehyun was a person of few words, but he always meant what he said.
When the gunshot went off, Jongup heard it almost as though it were underwater. He reacted immediately. By the time the screaming and panicking started, he had already tackled Daehyun to the floor, pulling the both of them under a small wooden desk. It wouldn’t hold up to bullets, but it was better than being out in the open.
Daehyun looked at Jongup, eyes wide. Jongup put his finger to his lips in an unnecessary gesture and peeked out. Some people had escaped, but the man in black, the one he had seen earlier, was now approaching the counter, gun in his hand.
“Shut up!” the man shouted to the remaining people quivering on the floor. “Do what I say and no one gets hurt!”
Infamy/Important
“Hand over all the money,” the man commanded the bank teller gruffly. He tossed a burlap sack over the counter at her. “Fill this up.”
The woman, in an exceptional feat of emotional control, nodded, and opened the cash drawer, not a trace of fear in her demeanor. She carefully started filling the bag with stacks of cash, ever wary of the gun.
Silent alarm, thought Jongup. It’s probably gone off by now. Help should be coming.
The man stood silently as the teller filled the bag, glancing nervously out the door and windows. Probably his first time committing such a large-scale crime, judging by his fidgety behavior and the clumsy execution. Any self-respecting bank robber would know about the silent alarms. Jongup strained his neck to see more of the man.
Daehyun yanked Jongup’s arm, pulling him back under the table. He shook his head, clearly not wanting Jongup to gain the man’s attention. Jongup tried to put a reassuring expression on his face, gesturing towards his ear. Daehyun’s look of confusion, which would have been comical in another situation, melted into one of understanding as the sound of police sirens started to fill the air.
The man in black cursed and grabbed the partially filled bag from the teller, spilling some bills as he swung it over the counter and made a dash for the door. Jongup knew it was too late when the comforting red and blue colors lit up on the wall.
“Shit, shit, shit!” the man shouted frantically as he realized the building was surrounded.
“This is the police,” the loudspeaker announced. “We have the building surrounded. Surrender now.”
The man took several breaths, clearly contemplating his next course of action. Jongup’s heart dropped when the man looked at his gun, at the people still in the room, and then at the police cars outside. This couldn’t be good.
Joker/Juxtapose
There was only one piece left to complete the picture, this perfection that he himself had created. Just one more, almost there, so close…
“Himchan!”
Himchan started as the door to his office slammed open to reveal his captain, Hyosung, with a frown gracing her normally cheerful features. He quickly closed his Solitaire window.
“What’s up, Cap?” Himchan said casually, turning back to his monitor. “I’ve finished all the paperwork you assigned me and-”
“We have a situation,” she interjected brusquely. Himchan sat up immediately, senses automatically going on alert. “My car. Let’s go.” She whirled around and walked briskly to the parking lot. Himchan scrambled out of his chair and dashed after her.
“What’s the situation?” asked Himchan, buckling in as the car peeled out of the parking lot and onto the road.
Hyosung’s lips tightened into a thin line, hands clenching the steering wheel. “Robbery gone wrong on Main. The suspect attempted to empty the cash drawers and escape, but found himself surrounded. And now he has at least fifteen hostages in there.”
Himchan frowned as he checked his phone, pressing his lips together. “Sounds bad.” He straightened his shirt and tie and ran a hand through his uncombed hair. “I assume there’s no other way.”
At this, Hyosung cracked a small smile. “I wouldn’t have gotten you if there was.”
“I am the ace of our team,” Himchan preened, the corner of his mouth tugging up as they engaged in their usual banal banter.
“You’re more of a joker,” she shot back. “Or just a joke.”
Before Himchan could think of a proper comeback, she made a sharp turn and skidded to a stop in front of the bank. Himchan got out of the car, taking in the scene before him. A crowd was starting to gather, but luckily, there weren’t too many cameras on the scene yet.
Turning, Himchan located the familiar white van and jogged over to it. “Hit me up, Sunhwa,” he said to the person sitting at the back, surrounded by computer screens.
She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Hi to you too, Himchan. I see you have been sleeping during hours again.” Ignoring his spluttered protests, she reached beside her and handed him a headset. “The suspect has not attempted to make contact yet.”
“Perfect,” murmured Himchan, fixing the device into his ear. “Better strike while the metal is hot, eh? Call the desk phone. Let’s find out what he wants.”
Kaleidoscope/Kinetic
The ringing of the phone on the desk breaks the heavy silence of the room. He eyes the piece of technology warily. Deciding that it can’t be booby-trapped, he crosses the room in wide strides, giving the people on the floor warning glances as he passes, and picks up the phone.
“Yes?”
“Hello.”
He tenses up at the sound of the voice. Definitely male. Calm sounding. Probably police. “Who’s this?” he demands roughly, feeling the panic rise again. “What do you want?”
“My name is Kim Himchan. I’m the hostage negotiator for the police.”
“And?”
“Do I get a name in exchange? For reference. I don’t want to call you ‘Mr. Gunman’ throughout our entire interaction.” The tone is light, kidding almost. He bites his bottom lip and considers carefully before answering.
“Jepp,” he says finally. “Jepp Blackman.”
“Jepp Blackman. May I call you Jepp?”
“Um, yeah, sure.”
“Alright, Jepp. I would like you to call me Himchan. Can you do that for me?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Great. Can you do something else for me, Jepp? Can you tell me how many people are in there with you right now?”
He looks at the group of people he herded to the center of the room. “Seventeen.”
“Okay. Are any of them injured or harmed in any way?”
He bristles slightly at the question. “No.”
“Good, good. Now here’s a question for you: can you tell me what you seek to gain from all this?”
He lets out a bark of laughter, irony coloring his tone. “Gain? There’s nothing to gain from a situation like this, Himchan. I’m only doing what I need to do.”
Last/Lacrimosa
This is going to work. It is going to work. And when it does, everything will be okay.
He repeats it to himself like a mantra.
Man/Madness
Himchan turned to Sunhwa the moment the call disconnected. “Did you get all that? And how are things going with the visual?”
Sunhwa gave him a thumbs up. “Got all of that. Still working on the visuals, but getting there.”
“Good.” Himchan ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I need my caffeine. Now.” As though on cue, Hyosung was standing there when he opened the doors of the van, a cup of latte in her hand.
“Cap, you’re a lifesaver,” groaned Himchan, taking the drink from her gratefully. “You’re perfect. Marry me.”
“Not in this lifetime, buddy.” Hyosung clucked her tongue disapprovingly as Himchan downed half the drink in one go. “One of these days, you’re going to overdose on caffeine and die.”
Himchan chuckled. “Well, if it does happen, you’ll get the pleasure of saying ‘I told you so.’”
Negotiate/Name
“Hello, Jepp.”
“What do you want?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“I want you to let me go.”
“You’re free to walk out anytime you wish.”
“Might as well just walk myself into a prison cell then. I want you to let me go, Himchan.”
“Why are you doing this? Why are you so desperate, Jepp?”
A pause. “Because there’s no other way. I promised. I promised that I’d do it no matter what.”
Part 2