INTERCEPT

A bright morning greeted Taeyang's new home. He woke up earlier than usual, enjoying a cup of coffee on the terrace overlooking the garden. The cool morning breeze carried the scent of wet leaves, giving him a sense of calm that he rarely felt.

While enjoying the atmosphere, Taeyang heard footsteps in the distance. He turned his head, and saw Jiwon appear in the hallway that led to the entrance of his house.

"Jiwon?" he called, a little confused. "Do you always show up unannounced?"

Jiwon smiled brightly as she waved. "Don't I always come with good intentions? You look like someone who needs someone to talk to."

Taeyang raised an eyebrow, slightly astonished. "You came early just for that?"

"Not really," Jiwon replied casually. "I wanted to see your garden. It must be beautiful if it's well-managed."

Taeyang let out a long breath. He knew Jiwon was the unpredictable type, but he couldn't ignore her presence. "Alright, then. Would you like tea or coffee?"

"Coffee, of course," Jiwon replied as she stepped closer.

As they sat on the terrace, Jiwon began to notice every corner of Taeyang's garden. She made a few comments about how the garden could be beautified by adding flowers or a small stone path.

"You should plant some flowers here," Jiwon said, pointing to a corner of the garden. "That would give it a livelier feel."

Taeyang just nodded as he sipped his coffee. "You always talk a lot for someone who's never even taken care of his own garden."

Jiwon chuckled. "You're right, but I have a good eye for things like this."

Their conversation was interrupted when Taeyang's cell phone rang. He frowned when he saw the name on the screen, then picked it up.

"Yes, it's Taeyang," he said in a serious tone.

The voice on the other end spoke quickly, and Taeyang's expression slowly turned tense. After a moment, he hung up and looked at Jiwon.

"What's wrong?" asked Jiwon, noticing the change in his expression.

Taeyang stood up with a sigh. "There's something I have to take care of. It looks like my leave won't last long."

Jiwon tilted her head, curious. "Is it related to your work as a detective?"

"Yes," Taeyang replied briefly. "It's an old case that came back up. I have to go."

Jiwon looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and worry. "Then, be careful, Taeyang."

Taeyang just smiled slightly, then walked into the house to get ready. Meanwhile, Jiwon remained sitting on the terrace, staring at the garden she had commented on earlier. There was a strange feeling growing inside her, as if she knew that something big was going to happen in Taeyang's life, and somehow, she would be involved in it.

After Taeyang finished taking an important call and got ready, Jiwon, who was still sitting on the park bench, looked around the house with a puzzled look. She muttered under her breath, almost as if talking to herself, "He doesn't even have a maid? A house this big... how can she take care of everything by herself?"

Taeyang, who happened to overhear, stopped at the door and turned to Jiwon. "Did you say something?" he asked in a flat tone.

"No," Jiwon replied quickly while pretending to be busy tying her shoelaces. But she clearly didn't want to admit that she felt strange about the big house that she managed without anyone's help.

"If you don't like it, you can stop coming here," Taeyang replied casually, then continued on his way to the car.

But before he got into the car, Jiwon stood up and walked over to him. "I'm leaving, too. I have some business in town."

"Good," Taeyang replied as he opened his car door. "But you know what, I'm not going to drive you."

Jiwon gave a small snort. "Who said I needed your ride? I can go by myself."

Taeyang raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by Jiwon's demeanor that seemed more confident than usual. However, he just gave a small nod and said, "Alright. Then, be careful on the road."

Jiwon muttered again as she walked away, "He didn't even offer a ride. What kind of detective is he, anyway?"

Taeyang heard her, but chose not to respond. He just smiled a little before starting his car.

When Jiwon gets to town, she takes a stroll around the shopping district to buy a few things she needs. Meanwhile, Taeyang has arrived at the police station, spending time with the reports and investigations that piled up during his leave.

However, as noon approached, they accidentally met at a coffee shop. Jiwon, who had just come out of a clothing store, saw Taeyang sitting alone in a corner of the cafe with his laptop, seemingly busy typing something.

"Wow, you can't even enjoy your leave without working," Jiwon quipped as she approached him.

Taeyang lifted his gaze from the screen and looked at Jiwon. "I was just checking some documents. Nothing serious."

Jiwon seated herself on the chair in front of Taeyang without waiting for an invitation. "I feel like we keep running into each other. Is it a coincidence, or are you following me on purpose?"

Taeyang snorted. "Following you? You think I don't have better things to do?"

"Yes, I know. You're busy working... and living in a big house with no maid," Jiwon retorted with a grin.

Taeyang just stared at her expressionlessly. "My house, my rules. If you don't like it, don't come."

Jiwon chuckled a little, enjoying the way Taeyang responded. "Alright, Serious Detective. But don't forget, I still have a grudge about the cat from this morning."

"The cat was smarter than you," Taeyang replied casually, making Jiwon smack the small table in front of him lightly.

"Stop reminding me!" said Jiwon with an annoyed face, but it was clear she wasn't really angry.

Their conversation continued in a light tone. Despite their frequent jabs at each other, there was a comfortable atmosphere growing between them, something that both of them were starting to feel, even though neither of them wanted to admit it directly.

After lunch and a sarcastic coffee shop conversation, Jiwon decided to continue shopping. However, just as she was about to leave, Taeyang held her hand.

"Wait," he said briefly.

Jiwon looked at him in confusion. "What else? Are you going to insult my shopping now?"

Taeyang shook his head as he stood up. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the car keys, and placed them on the table in front of Jiwon. "I'm taking you home. I know you don't have a car right now."

Jiwon raised an eyebrow. "Huh? So you feel sorry for me?"

Taeyang shoved his hands into his pants pockets as he walked toward the door. "It's not pity. I just don't want to hear your nagging if you get tired of carrying your own groceries."

Although her mouth wanted to retort, Jiwon finally picked up the car keys with a small smile. "Alright, Serious Detective. I'll accept your offer this time."

In the car, Jiwon was busy looking at the interior of Taeyang's luxury vehicle. "So, you're actually rich, huh? I thought you were just a frugal detective."

Taeyang, who was focused on driving, replied without turning around. "There's no connection between wealth and profession. I just don't like showing off."

Jiwon snorted. "Hmm, but your house... your car... I can't help but think that you do live like a rich man."

Taeyang smiled slightly. "Well then, let's just say I'm rich. But, don't expect me to treat you every time we meet."

Jiwon laughed. "I'm not asking for a treat, but if you want to give, I won't refuse either."

Their conversation continued to flow, until suddenly there was a loud noise from the back of the car. "BAM!"

"What was that?!" asked Jiwon, startled.

Taeyang quickly pulled the car over and got out to check. Apparently, one of the rear tires was punctured by a sharp object on the road.

Jiwon got out of the car, looking at Taeyang who was bent over checking the tire. "Gosh, so this is what happens when you show off a fancy car? Nature immediately balances your fate."

Taeyang looked at Jiwon with a flat stare. "If you don't want to help, it's better to keep quiet."

However, instead of helping, Jiwon leaned against the side of the car and watched with her arms crossed over her chest. "I want to see how a tough detective like you handles this situation."

Deftly, Taeyang began to change the tire while ignoring Jiwon's sarcasm. But, when he was about to tighten the last nut, his hand slipped slightly, and that made Jiwon burst out laughing.

"Great, Serious Detective! Even changing a tire you can make it look dramatic."

Taeyang took a deep breath to restrain himself. "If you keep laughing, I'll leave you here and go home by myself."

Although the threat sounded serious, Jiwon knew Taeyang didn't really mean it. He ended up helping Taeyang clean up, albeit with a chuckle.

After the flat tire incident, the trip continued without any problems. As they arrived in front of Jiwon's apartment, she picked up her groceries and turned toward Taeyang.

"Thank you, Serious Detective. You're amazing... in all your silliness," he said with a grin.

Taeyang just nodded slowly. "Don't rely on my luck too much. Next time, prepare your own vehicle."

"Alright, alright. See you soon!" Jiwon said before entering her apartment.

Taeyang just stared at her back for a while before driving the car back to his house. Although he didn't say it, he felt that the day was more colorful than usual, thanks to Jiwon.

Inside her apartment, Jiwon smiled a little as she unpacked her groceries. "Weird detective... but fun," she muttered before resuming her activities.

The two went back to their respective routines, but the day's encounter left a deep impression that neither of them could ignore.