Unmasking the Stalker
Stalker? Well, today was a day off from schedules. But I'd been ridiculously busy. I'd been in constant contact with Do-hoon, prepping a ton of stuff. And I'd gotten loads of materials from Ho-seong too.
Why had I been fumbling around until now? If I just switched up the target, the clues all clicked into place.
Today, I was catching the stalker. Exposing him, then executing him!
So around early evening, I headed out with my noona.
I glanced back casually. "Noona, sorry about this."
"Huh?"
"Dragging you out on a day with no schedule. You probably wanted to rest."
"Hehe, no way. I'm actually grateful."
Noona wrapped her arms around my left arm with a subtle smile. Her sweet body scent hit me full force. The massive presence of her mama dispenser enveloped me completely. Pure bliss.
Noona whispered sweetly. "I was a little shocked at first. But knowing you're gonna expose the stalker? I'm thrilled. For real."
"Really?"
"Yeah. You've been rushing around half the day for this."
"Yep."
Deep down, I was thankful to noona. When someone recognizes your hard work, it gives you strength. Whether you're grinding in the shadows or out in the open, effort is effort.
People always draw stupid lines, though. That's why defenders are the most crucial in soccer but the most hated position.
Noona seemed oblivious but knew it all. She was rock solid. That meant she really cared about me, right? Thinking that way made everything feel awesome.
Not gonna lie, it pumped me up. Great mood too.
I rode the subway with noona. We usually took the agency van, but this felt everyday—like a real date. It was all fake, of course.
No schedule, so calling a van felt off. Plus, the stalker might be watching.
Still, it was nice. When was the last time I'd felt this? Had women ever felt "normal" in my life? It'd only changed recently.
Like new colors splashing into my routine.
I grinned, savoring the time with noona. Even in a packed subway, being with her made it all good. People shot us envious looks.
Public place, so they can't say shit.
So I leaned in harder. I stroked her cheek like I wanted them to see. Our eyes met. Noona looked surprised.
"Noona, did you put on lotion?"
"Huh? No. Why? Something wrong?"
"Nah, you smell amazing. Must be the girlfriend vibe."
"Ugh, what're you even saying. Hehe."
Noona blushed and giggled. I smiled warmly back at her. Sighs rose from the crowd around us.
Forgive me. You could have this too! Sorry, but it was a blast.
We're here.
I looked up at the agency building. We went in together. The mood was heavier than usual.
A few models, including Do-hoon, were already in the lobby.
They're victims too. Just not as bad as noona.
Do-hoon greeted me as I approached. "You made it."
"Yep."
Casual hellos—that's how guys do it.
So-dam looked shocked. "W-Wait, the stalker's really showing up today?"
"Yeah. Solid evidence."
I pulled out the USB. Ho-seong had pulled an all-nighter prepping this gem for me. Weirdly, the stalker's face was caught on it.
Only the on-site CCTV was disabled. The ones nearby were fine. Not that civilians could access them.
Praise Ho-seong for making it happen.
Do-hoon came over. "What if it's another false alarm like last time?"
"Hey, suck it up. Who? When? Ahem, this time it's ironclad."
"Good then."
Do-hoon smirked. The other models just tilted their heads. Why drag up my black history? Sigh.
I handed Do-hoon the USB. "Can we view the evidence right here?"
"Yep. We can set it up now."
"For real?"
"See those lights? They're beam projectors too."
"Whoa, no shit."
Lobby lights doubling as projectors. Guess investment pays off. Random thought as the building doors opened. Someone was coming in.
"He's here."
I announced it like a fact.
It was Lee Seung-tae, the balding reporter. He strolled in with a bright, casual greeting. "Nice to see you! Good evening!"
"Yeah."
"This for real? The big reveal today? Man, should I even scoop this solo?"
"Go for it. You qualify."
Seung-tae thumbs-upped at my reply. Gross.
"Hahaha! Thanks. So who's doing the reveal?"
"Me."
"Huh?"
Seung-tae squinted, then chuckled. "Oh, the temp manager from before?"
"Yep. Good memory."
"Gotta have it for journalism. You know that elbow guy with the killer elbows? He praised my memory too."
"Uh-huh."
I let his empty chatter flow in one ear and out the other. I nodded at Do-hoon. As he inserted the USB, I crossed my arms and declared to everyone.
"Everyone, I'm revealing the stalker right here!"
Shocked faces all around. Seung-tae overdid the surprise.
I'd dragged this out way longer than needed. Good thing it wasn't a total detour.
Seung-tae spat as he asked, "Whoa, yeah, it's been buzzing lately. How'd you figure it out? Detective?"
"Hey, Reporter Seung-tae. Got your phone on you?"
"Nah. We journalists check 'em at the door."
"Oh yeah?"
I smirked. That wasn't his real phone anyway. Do-hoon whispered, "Setup's done."
"Perfect. Everyone, up till now, our shining star models—like Bae So-na here and the others—have been stalked relentlessly. This creep's been cowardly switching numbers for his nasty shit. I'm exposing him now."
"Ooh."
"It's that guy!"
I pointed at Seung-tae. The models were speechless. Do-hoon glared, sighing low. Noona gasped.
"N-No way, him?!"
Seung-tae looked back, tilting his head. Cool as ice. "Huh? No one's behind me."
"I'm talking about you, Scum-tae."
"It's Lee Seung-tae. I don't like jokes. I can sue."
Sue first? Predictable. I smirked and nodded at noona.
"Noona, hold my phone for a sec. Pull up those texts."
"Okay."
I showed the stalker texts on my phone. "Everyone, these are what I and noona got from the stalker."
"Oh my god!"
Murmurs rose. I glared at Seung-tae. "Just in case, I tracked the location from these. Guess what? Led right near this building."
Seung-tae grinned slyly, nitpicking. "Sorry, but I live in Siheung. How could I be the stalker?"
"What's stopping you? What if you disguised yourself during stalking ops and only messaged from around here on purpose?"
"Ha, writing novels now? This is a law-abiding country. You ready for the consequences? I know a judge—the one who stopped the martial law crap!"
I burst out laughing, shaking my head. Pathetic life. Always threatening lawsuits or bragging about connections.
"Trash reporter—no, journalist. You're kinda pitiful."
"What, you little shit?"
"Nothing else to brag about? Zero self-esteem?"
"Huh?"
"Why's everything you tout other people?"
Seung-tae flinched. I sighed. "What kinda life turns you into this? Pitiful. Those connections even know you exist?"
"Th-They do!"
I pressed. He froze. I signaled. "Beam projector."
"Got it."
The ceiling lights blazed. Images projected on one wall. CCTV footage—of the stalker sending messages near the building then leaving.
"That's CCTV."
"W-Wait, wasn't the stalker never caught on CCTV before?"
So-dam asked. I nodded.
"Yeah, but turns out he was. On ones a bit away from the scenes."
"Does that ID him for sure?"
"Of course. He slipped once. Kept switching numbers to message me and noona."
"Hmm?"
"If he hadn't, no location pin. Quiet stalking, no clues like this."
The footage switched, zooming in. "I hustled for this. Max zoom, please."
Do-hoon zoomed. I pointed and grinned. "That black-masked guy's the stalker. I've got printouts matching locations and dates to our messages."
"Ooh!"
"Other footage shows him disguised like that near every stalking incident on you all."
I handed out evidence to the models. Seung-tae fidgeted. I mocked him. "Now, the stalker unmasks. Getting stuffy?"
His face appeared. Crystal clear. Models panicked. Do-hoon growled at him, teeth grinding.
"You're a vet reporter? This okay?"
"You're all being manipulated! I'll call my lawyer to verify!"
"You need lawyers? Noona and the models do. Why's the criminal yapping?"
I sneered. Seung-tae shook with rage. He was losing it.
"You punk, got proof I sent those?"
"Yep. Check your phone. Forensics."
"Hahaha! Nothing on my phone?"
"Won't be. On the illegal modded burner you 'surrendered'."
His face hardened. I nodded, savoring it. "Your real phone will have it. Do-hoon, metal detector?"
"Obviously."
"Scan him. Real phone's hidden."
Do-hoon grabbed the prepared one, impressed. He approached. Seung-tae sweated, shaking his head.
"D-Don't come closer! It ain't me!"
"If you're innocent, explain why you're always around during the stalkings—in different clothes from your building visits."
"Th-That's..."
"Can't, huh? Criminal."
"P-Presumption of innocence!"
Do-hoon sighed, barking. "That's why we're checking. Cooperate."
"Fuck off! Stay back! Calling cops!"
"Know this, Seung-tae?"
I grinned, glaring. He peeked over Do-hoon's shoulder. I shrugged.
"Managers have guard duty. At least here."
"What?"
"If you're threatening or harmed a protectee, we can restrain legally. Like now."
Whoosh—bam! Do-hoon grabbed his collar in a flash, slamming him down with a thud.
"Agh, fuck, shit!"
Metal detector beeped wildly. Do-hoon rummaged—real phone. He checked, chuckling dryly.
"This psycho didn't delete a thing. Folder named 'Our Memories'? Insane."
Models gasped as Do-hoon sneered. Truth out.
"No way, Sunny Boy Lee Seung-tae?"
"Vet reporter, why?"
"Fucking gross. Rot in jail."
"Execute scum like him. Screw criminal rights!"
I smirked. Noona glared down at Seung-tae with pure contempt.
"Don't ever show your face again. We're keeping your phone. Sue the agency if you want."
She turned from him to me. "Si-hyeok, it was real. Thank you so much!"
"Haha, no biggie."
I grinned. Other models, So-dam included, crowded in. Their smiles lit up the room.
"Thanks a ton!"
"Stalker wrecked my digestion."
"You're awesome!"
"The best!"
I chuckled lightly. Felt my shoulders broaden.
Noona pulled me aside, beaming. "You saved me."
"Nah, not that dramatic."
"Date first?"
"Date?"
"Yeah, but..."
Her eyes narrowed slyly. "Shove a rotor in my pussy."
What event is this?!