It was a Thursday, marking the third day since confronting the harsh reality within the judicial Colosseum. As a prosecutor, Yi-soo found herself immersed in a sea of pending tasks, each intricately entwined with complex issues demanding her attention.
The toll of her relentless dedication manifested in the form of exhaustion, having allowed herself only a meager four to five hours of sleep each night, coupled with relentless overtime. Yi-soo could sense the weariness reaching its zenith.
“I might land in serious trouble if I persist like this,” she mused, acutely aware of the potential consequences. The memory of a previous incident where she had passed out during work hours lingered in her thoughts.
Conscious of the need to maintain her stamina, Yi-soo reached for a vitamin bottle conveniently placed next to her pencil holder. Swallowing a pill with a sip of water, Chief Choi observed the scene with a sigh, accompanied by the sound of a leisurely stretch.
“Our esteemed prosecutor seems to be withering away day by day. What shall we do?” Chief Choi pondered aloud. “By the way, where are you planning to have lunch today? The director is inquiring about your preferences.”
“Today is open for me,” Yi-soo replied.
“Then let’s have lunch together. We’re thinking of trying out the newly opened bossam restaurant nearby. It’s crucial for our prosecutor to nourish herself and prioritize well-being,” Chief Choi suggested.
“Really? In that case, I’ll wrap up the indictment, and I’m all in for lunch,” Yi-soo responded with a grateful smile.
In response to Chief Choi’s suggestion, Prosecutor Yi-soo nodded hesitantly and briefly shifted her gaze to the computer screen. Just as she was about to express her ability to wrap up the task in approximately 10 minutes, a cautious knock interrupted the moment.
“Who could it be?” The trio’s attention instinctively gravitated toward the office door. Prosecutor Yi-soo withdrew her hands from the keyboard and uttered, “Yes, come in.”
To their pleasant surprise, Inspector Ahn entered the room with a friendly greeting. “Oh, are you all still here? Long time no see, Chief Choi.”
“Oh my, who is this! Isn’t it Inspector Ahn?” Chief Choi exclaimed, exchanging warm greetings with Se-young.
“Long time no see, Inspector Ahn. What brings you here?” Ho-yeon inquired, displaying genuine enthusiasm. Chief Choi and Ho-yeon welcomed the visitor with friendly expressions. Ahn Se-young, a familiar collaborator who frequently assisted them in their investigations, held a white plastic bag in her hands.
“I have something to discuss with the prosecutor. Let’s have lunch too. Prosecutor Yi-soo, do you like tteokbokki?”
“Oh, yes. But… you’ve come all the way here,” Prosecutor Yi-soo hesitated, expressing gratitude and concern.
“Oh, then maybe the prosecutor should have lunch with Inspector Ahn today?”
Ahn Se-young chuckled, “Was there a prior arrangement? Oh, today, I need to steal the prosecutor away. I apologize.”
“We have to treat the prosecutor to bossam… Let’s make sure you have it next week. Let’s go eat, Prosecutor.” Chief Choi declared with a hearty laugh, grabbing his coat from the chair. While engaging in a casual conversation with Ho-yeon, he closed the door behind him as they left.
As the office settled into a quiet atmosphere, Se-young offered a warm smile and playfully shook the plastic bag.
“I’m really hungry, Prosecutor. Shall we eat and talk?” he suggested, breaking the silence. Yi-soo, who had been immersed in solitary contemplation, couldn’t help but release a relieved laugh. It felt like the right time to delve into discussions after a satisfying meal.