Chapter 179
Chapter 179
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: Fateful Reunion
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"179."
"Do you know Yoon Haneul? Ah, of course you do. I heard she's from Korea University."
"Ah. Yes."
Kang Hyun wasn't sure what expression to make in front of Jeong Eun-seong, who seemed to regard it as no big deal as if he'd heard it from a junior reporter. He just stared blankly downward, his face expressionless.
A car pulled up in front of the reporters forming a cordon, and someone in a neat dress was being escorted by a burly man toward the TBS building.
It wasn't clear from this distance, but the subject of all those flashing cameras had to be Yoon Haneul.
"This is something only people in broadcasting know, but apparently she went through some tough mental times before blowing up in Milan. She vanished for quite a while, they say."
"...Is that so."
"There was racism too. More than you'd think. Her face doesn't exactly scream model, you know. She's more actress material."
"I see..."
"But her mental strength must be off the charts because she overcame it all and now she's at the top of the modeling world, no question. That's why people love her."
That was the update on Yoon Haneul that he was patiently explaining.
Kang Hyun, his mind a tangle of emotions, focused only on the warmth of the coffee in his hand and racked his brain, lost in thought.
"So that's why back then."
Kang Hyun had a point where misunderstandings could arise.
After years of no contact, it felt like he'd boxed up his feelings for her intact.
It wasn't passionate love. Nor was it simple longing for a friend.
He'd just kept running his own race, believing she'd succeed anywhere. Defining that feeling was hazy for him.
There were grievances, and foolish moments too.
Early on, they'd meet up whenever she returned to Korea.
At some point, though, shadows he couldn't grasp started forming around her.
Just as he'd always watched over her, he must have decided he couldn't pry then either.
Yoon Haneul was challenging herself, and at her core, she was someone who forged her own path.
Of course, he knew. At some point, he needed to help her. But back then, he ultimately couldn't.
If the right timing hadn't come yet...
And if it wasn't too late...
Was that timing still valid now?
Bang.
"Hello, Bureau Chief! Mr. Kang Hyun, it's time to head down."
Time had flown by to 9:30.
The headlines were wrapping up, and his exclusive interview was about to start.
"Whoops, I've kept you too long, Kang Hyun."
"It's fine. I enjoyed the talk."
He flashed a grin.
But most people get swept along by reality, clinging desperately to the tasks at hand.
That went for Kang Hyun himself, and for Yoon Haneul too.
"Well, I'll be off."
"Yes. I probably won't get to say goodbye after. But I'll keep in touch now and then."
Their farewell was brief. Both were busy, and it sufficed.
"Please guide me."
"Sure, this way!"
"Got it."
Leaving Jeong Eun-seong behind, Kang Hyun hurried along with another staff member's guidance. Treat the interview as a breather, wrap it up quick, and get back to the prosecutor's office.
He had no choice but to shelve his tangled thoughts for now.
Live broadcast: TBS News Time.
Dozens of cameras, Kang Hyun seated at the panel desk.
Next to him, the anchor was delivering her lines.
"Prosecutor Kang Hyun has been making waves on SNS daily for his heroic actions, like saving the driver from an overturned vehicle at the Namyangju accident scene. How does it feel?"
"Yes. Thank you for all the attention. But as a prosecutor, my focus is on the victims and their families, so I'll do my utmost to ensure the defendant in this case receives due punishment through proper prosecution."
Even under the anchor's follow-ups, Kang Hyun's expression remained calm and unshaken.
No matter the tension, his innate composure didn't waver.
"Your words alone are reassuring. No wonder you have so many fans, Prosecutor. Did you know a fandom has formed?"
"Ah... I'm just an ordinary prosecutor, not a celebrity or entertainer. If there are people cheering me on, I'm truly grateful, but I'll keep doing my job quietly, putting bad guys behind bars."
A thoughtful response to the anchor's question.
The real-time chat on the newsroom screen was split between shock and praise at Kang Hyun's sudden appearance.
-Kang Hyun!
-What, popping up on the news?
-Crazy. Disappointed I started stanning late.
With nearly 10,000 simultaneous viewers in the morning.
Despite his humble words, his popularity rivaled top celebrities.
"We appreciate your insights. Thank you, Prosecutor Kang Hyun."
"Thank you."
'Whew.'
Even for battle-hardened Kang Hyun, a live broadcast wasn't easy.
Those few minutes had flown by in a blur of intensity.
Still, he'd handled the probing questions well and hinted at his resolve for the investigation ahead.
A successful interview that would help his public image.
'This way, this way!'
Nod.
Following the staff's waving signal to exit backstage, Kang Hyun smoothly left his seat.
Bang. Thud!
"Thank you! Thanks again for coming on!"
The staff bowed 90 degrees, matched by Kang Hyun.
"No, thank you. You made it go smoothly."
"Yes. This way, I'll escort you."
They walked the corridors, passing bustling staff, took the elevator to the lobby.
And at the front entrance.
"...Huh."
Buzz buzz.
Only then did the escorting employee sense something was wrong.
No prior announcement of the interview appearance meant a quiet morning.
But in that short time, reporters had caught wind and were lying in wait, desperate for even one question from Kang Hyun.
-Kang Hyun's coming out!
-Get ready, get ready!
Murmurs.
"Quite a crowd of reporters from other stations..."
"Haha... We just go out, right?"
Both sides of the front exit were packed with people angling for a word on one of two hot issues about Kang Hyun.
The Namyangju intersection accident and the 'indefinite imprisonment' demand.
Or his involvement in the KW building collapse probe.
-This isn't right!
-They snuck in without permits, why can't we?
-We're making the list now!
With no pre-assigned seats respected amid the throng, control was impossible.
Indeed, 'Prosecutor Kang Hyun' was under massive media scrutiny—like a global star's concert or blockbuster premiere.
Step, step.
As soon as Kang Hyun stepped out,
Click, click!
"Is the indefinite imprisonment demand a prosecutor's office decision?"
"What do you expect from the court's ruling?"
Reporters thrust mics at him. With an apologetic look, he tried hurrying past the building.
The crowd was too dense even to stand still.
"Sorry. Sorry. Can't comment on investigations."
Even then, Kang Hyun bowed politely as he moved.
His escort was more stunned than he was.
'This much?!'
He'd expected interest, but not this horde of reporters.
Chaos everywhere.
-BSN News!
-YTS here! Just one word!
So many people.
-Over here, smile once!
-Wave once!
And endless demands.
A single bodyguard might've helped. Kang Hyun navigated a precarious gap in the crush, but it wasn't easy.
-Huh? He's falling!
-Careful! What are you doing!
-Move, move!
Scuffles and fights broke out. Kang Hyun gave up advancing, catching his breath.
'What is this.'
And it wasn't just his chaos.
"JC E&M here. Can't you see the photo line over there?"
"What photo line? Who set it up outside?"
"They put up a makeshift one because of all the reporters!"
"So we wait from dawn, and now move? Wanna fight?"
Entertainment reporters screamed at news crews, shoulders shoving—the narrow path vanished.
Fortunately, TBS news staff and security rushed out, surrounding Kang Hyun.
"Prosecutor! This way. We'll guide you out the side. Didn't expect this... Sorry."
Kang Hyun let them lead, retreating.
"It's okay. I didn't either."
Sensing the issue, staff guided him to a back path. He quickly agreed, hurrying back inside to exit the other side.
"This way!"
"Thanks! You can head in now."
About 15-20 minutes later, Kang Hyun finally caught his breath in a narrow back alley used only by station staff.
"Whew... Gonna be late."
10:10 a.m.
He'd gotten permission for the morning, but the commute took two hours.
Lunch was out; barely make the gate by noon? He grew more urgent.
Hurrying along—
Thud!
"Ah!"
"Eek!"
Crash.
Kang Hyun wasn't watching, nor was the other—collision inevitable.
"You okay? Sorry!"
"No, my fault... I wasn't looking...."
Startled, Kang Hyun grabbed her hand, helping her up as he spoke.
"My bad for not looking. Sorry..."
She lifted her head slightly—a dead ringer for a celebrity, or at least famous.
'Wow...'
Just a touch, and her charm would spread like early spring sun. Glossy black hair, captivating large eyes, porcelain skin, an aura no ordinary person could have—undeniable presence.
Anyone would spot her as a star instantly. To knock her down by accident...
"Sorry..."
As Kang Hyun apologized flusteredly, a breeze brought a scent.
"Huh?"
Faint luxury perfume, mixed with a familiar aroma unmet for years.
No way...?
Kang Hyun's eyes widened.
His body froze rigid.
His already scattered wits blurred further, but he knew her instantly, no matter what.
What was coming had arrived.
"...Kang Hyun?"
"...Haneul?"
180.
Kang Hyun and Yoon Haneul.
Korea's top prosecutor sweeping fame as a genius, meeting the model stunning the world with her beauty and constant buzz.
Their reunion halted everything.
It felt like fate itself had arrived for Kang Hyun.
'Yoon Haneul for real...?'
The woman before him was straight out of heaven—a celebrity angel now.
"Kang Hyun...?"
Her wide eyes looked up, her ticklish voice softly confirming his name.
The scent, her gaze, the subtle vibe she sent—undeniable.
Flustered but glad, her eyes said.
As if waiting for him, Yoon Haneul stood gazing.
"Yoon Haneul!"
"...Huh?"
"Yoon Haneul! Over here quick!"
But voices called her from afar. Kang Hyun released her hand hastily.
They both turned toward the sound.
A burly man idled a large van suited for stars, waiting. Manager or agency staff, likely.
"Uh, uh...."
Yoon Haneul snapped to, straightening her clothes at his waving.
Kang Hyun, meanwhile, couldn't focus amid chaos from the opposite side.
"Found him!"
"It's Kang Hyun!"
"Yoon Haneul!"
Reporters charging for their prey, station staff blocking—the back alley turning to pandemonium.
"Already...!"
Hesitant, Yoon Haneul and Kang Hyun shared awkward glances.
Why no contact for so long?
Why hadn't he sought her?
Why hadn't she sought him?
Amid lingering questions, they blurted urgently—no one first.
Hers just edged faster.
"C-contact me."
"Huh? Yeah! Let's."
Whoosh!
Still a sprinter.
Ignoring her outfit, Yoon Haneul bolted like wind to the car. Kang Hyun, not to be outdone, dashed diagonally, grabbing a low fence to vault.
"Urgh, easy!"
Thump!
Precarious landing.
'What chase scene is this?'
Murmurs beyond didn't stop.
-Running!
-Grab him!
Amid the mess, this bolt from the blue. No room for other thoughts.
Dash!
Kang Hyun clutched his near-bursting heart, fleeing outward.
Thirty seconds sprinting opposite the TBS building toward a back alley off the main intersection.
Passersby recognized and whispered; he weaved through subway crowds.
A minute later, he finally breathed.
"Huff, huff, damn, what the hell. Never coming back to a station."
Biting his lip, he dusted hands and clothes.
Only then, having shaken them, did he exhale in relief.
"Haa, really, gonna be late."
Still, interview success, reconnected with Jeong Eun-seong.
And this unexpected encounter—good or not, who knew.
A string of shocks that'd stun any normal person senseless.
"Whew."
Kang Hyun just sighed deeply to regain composure.
He strode off to work proper.
2 p.m.
"Hello, sunbae. A bit late."
"Say hi to the chief. Heading to the registry office."
"Yes. Why the registry?"
"No cooperation."
Passing through the prosecutor's gate, he brushed past Kang Hyun entering casually.
The war with KW Construction dragged, a tense standoff.
Tedious but crucial groundwork phase.
"Yes, safe travels. I'll tell the chief if he asks."
"Yeah."
Prosecutor Hwang Jae-eun seemed in her usual hectic day.
No interest in his meal or interview, nor why late—thankfully.
Kang Hyun's heart raced heading to his third-floor office.
Truth be told, today could've been a full rest day with excuse, but he chose not.
'Today's finally here.'
He calmed himself.
A special event in Criminal Division Room 323.
'Wonder which investigators I'll get.'
Yes.
Room 323.
Two empty desks welcoming new staff—his two direct investigators arriving for personnel adjustment.
Unconfirmed until yesterday, Kang Hyun itched to meet and greet before leaving.
People to build the office with, solve cases alongside—history's first link.
Ding-dong, going up.
Even in the elevator, Kang Hyun grinned ear-to-ear. Odd for him, riding staff chatted.
"Prosecutor, good news?"
"Ah? Yeah, just."
"Hoho, first time seeing you smile like this."
Face flushed, unhideable even in elevator.
Morning events? Upcoming ones?
Best mood since becoming prosecutor, he reached Room 323.
'Who could it be.'
Prosecutor's office brimmed with ace investigators.
About 5,000 nationwide. Like judicial police, yet distinct.
Unrivaled in skills, specialized in economic and organized crime as prosecutors' aides.
By law, they handle investigations under orders, so top ones process cases solo—prosecutor just decides.
With stars, even routine cases get handled without prosecutor lifting finger.
Thus, offices vied fiercely for talent, even 'personnel markets' at central or Supreme Prosecutors' Office.
Kang Hyun buzzed with joy.
Two at once. Not clerical aides, but investigators.
Their skill could let him focus solely on KW—hope swelled.
But hope brief.
Bang!
"Hello! Good afternoon!"
Opening 323 beaming...
"That's why! With Investigator Choi like that, no wonder files vanish!"
"Section Chief Sung. You're too much! Why's it my fault? It was storage docs lost from Enforcement back then! How many times I gotta say!"
Thud.
Seeing the yelling duo inside, Kang Hyun shut the door quick.
'Anyone's fine, but... this won't be easy.'
Suppressing a sigh, he waited out their fight, staring at the bland hall floor.
Section Chief Seong Tae-o, Junior Staff Choi Tae-ri.
Namyangju's notorious trouble duo, bad blood drawing eyes—regular investigators.
"Everyone calm now?"
"...Yes."
"No, but he keeps..."
"He?! Done talking?"
"Yes, done. Chief. Love hearing that title, huh."
"Investigator Choi! Really, this is..."
Clap clap!
"Again, time to calm down."
"Yes...."
"Sorry... Prosecutor."
His claps refocused them. Seong Tae-o and Choi Tae-ri bowed shamefaced.
First day moving offices—should be handing out snacks—yet fighting before the boss.
'Didn't expect stars, but...'
Kang Hyun eyed his new aides left and right, exasperated.
Section Chief Seong Tae-o.
Sole martial arts special hire in prosecutor civil service history—one class only.
Early 20s judo athlete, injured mid-career, special hired, then field-only till chief: detention, escort, arrest teams for years. First office stint.
Pro at physical work, but procedural skills? Rookie-level suspect.
Grabs and jails fine; paperwork not.
Stubborn, constant brawls, procedural headaches aplenty.
Kicked a stalker till nosebleed, sparred cuffed perp for cursing. Repeatedly.
Surely the fresh, sharp newbie learns faster.
So, fit with Kang Hyun? Questionable.
Opposite sat another wildcard.
Junior Staff Choi Tae-ri. Third year.
Two-and-half at Supreme Prosecutors' Crime Proceeds Confiscation Division.
No direct probes, but field expertise; whiz at financials—bright future seemed set.
Personality tripped her.
Sloppy, careless. Error queen.
Then 'What'd I do?' brazenly.
Thus, shredded key docs in major special unit case—exiled to Namyangju hometown.
"Um... May I say something very important now?"
"Yes."
"Yes."
They tensed at his words.
'Still valuable. Talented; just help fix flaws.'
Kang Hyun sorted thoughts on Seong Tae-o and Choi Tae-ri, steeling inwardly.
'And...'
One priority first.
Growling pair.
Fix those contemptuous glares somehow.
Much to say, but he summed feelings in one line.
"Thanks for the hard work moving to my office today. How about dinner together now?"