While Mr. Park, the head teacher, guided Inspector Han to the library where the victim was, Mr. Choi, Han's colleague, had already begun to make the first findings.
—This is where we found Inspector Han. It's a tragedy for all of us. says Mr. Park
—Thank you, Mr. Park. We will take over from here. Han replied
Han carefully observing the place, she wondered:
—How is it possible that she stayed here after the closure?
—It's weird indeed. Normally, all students and staff must leave the building at 6 p.m. There must be a specific reason for her to stay. Choi replied
Han knelt near the body and examined the wounds with a serious look
—The marks on his neck seem to indicate a struggle. She was fighting against someone or something -And why were these objects scattered in this way?
—Maybe she was trying to defend herself with books? Han replied
Han sketched a smile as he heard Choi's remark
—It's an interesting theory, Choi. Han replied not very serious
Choi straightened up and looked around with a pinch-without-laun look
—Well, inspector, judging by the layout of the scene, I would say that we are dealing with a case of "Murder by library"
Han raised, a mix of fun and skepticism
—You don't think it's too much. she asked
—I know, I know. But seriously, look at what we have here. There is something not clear.
Han reframed his colleague and resumed where they were to stop
—We have to find out why the books and all these objects are here. It looks like a staging, at first glance
—Maybe she was forced to come here? Choi asked
—Possible. We have a lot of questions to ask. Affirmed Han
Han took quick notes as she continued to examine the scene
—The face...look at his expression. She knew she was in danger
Han felt sad for this young girl
So young
—Do you think she saw her attacker? Choi asked
—It's a possibility. We need to get more information about his schedule and who was here last night
While Choi continued his thorough investigation, Inspector Han decided to question Mr. Park to understand why the victim was at school at such a late hour
Han found Mr. Park in his office, busy sorting papers
—Mr. Park, can I ask you some questions about the victim? She asked
—Of course, Inspector Han. I will do my best to help
Han sat in front of him, took out his notebook, and took an attentive posture
—Do you know why she was at school so late last night?
Park thinks for a moment before answering
—I'm sorry, inspector, but I don't know why she was still here at this hour
Han noted this information in his notebook
—Understood. Did she mention anything unusual or disturbing recently? Conflicts with someone, maybe?
Park shook his head
—Not to my knowledge. She was new and rather mysterious, but I can't imagine who would have wanted to hurt her
Han took a deep breath and asked another question,
—She was new, did she have friends?
—Yes, it was transferred here this year. And for these friends, I saw several times with the members of the student office, but I don't know if they were friends.
She could feel that he was not telling her everything. She decided not to insist on avoiding robbing him.
The trembling hands, he is all pale. We acted as if he hadn't noticed.
—Thank you, Mr. Park. You have been very helpful. If you remember anything else, don't hesitate to let me know
—Of course inspector
Han left Mr. Park's office with a new perspective on the case
Why did you stay here so late
Returning to the library, Han found Choi taking a closer look at the books scattered near the body
—Choi, did you find something interesting?
Choi straightened up, a book opened in his hand
—Look at that! Inspector. This book was in the hands of the victim. It could contain clues
Han took the book and quickly flipped through the pages, looking for annotations or marks
—Interesting. We have to analyze to see if there is anything relevant
Choi nodded and they decided to contact the laboratory to analyze the book. They were interrupted by Park who informed Inspector Han that Jimin Lee's parents were in the director's office
Han frowned at the rest of this information, aware that the time had come to meet the victim's parents
—Thank you, Mr. Park. I'm going to see them right away
On the way to the office, Han's mind was scattered asking himself many questions.
Why did she stay so late?
Why would someone want to kill her?
Why don't any of his friends show up? Maybe it's because classes have started.
Why did she feel that this case could put her career at risk?
At the director's office where she found the parents sitting, visibly upset
—Sir, Madam, here is Inspector Han. She is investigating the tragedy that affected your daughter, says the director
The parents nodded, their eyes filled with sadness and misunderstanding
—Sir, Madam, I am sorry for your loss. Can I ask you some questions about your daughter?
Mr. Park discreetly erased himself to leave them privacy during this difficult period
—Of course, inspector. We will do our best to help you says Jimin's father
—Why was your daughter at school so late last night? Do you have any idea what kept her?
Tears eyes Jimin's mother replied -She had revisions for her exams. She was very studious
—We thought she had come home after. We didn't realize she wasn't there until this morning. Continued her husband while trying to console her
They didn't notice that the girl hadn't come home.
In her long career as an inspector, she had learned not to make judgments against parents. It was not the first time that parents did not notice the absence, even the presence of their children.
So she noted their answers carefully
—Have you noticed anything unusual recently? Behavioral changes, conflicts?
—She was concerned about her studies, but she didn't tell us anything special, she was discreet. Replied Jimin's mother
—All right, why did she change her institution? Questioned Han
Mr. Lee replied — We had wanted her to come to the academy for years but she didn't want to and this year, she finally accepted we were happy given the opportunities that the school offered
—I see, she didn't want to come and everything she changed her mind do you know why?
The choice that cost him his life.
It was the thoughts that were in Han's head. She was trying to contain herself. In order not to affect his questions.
Mrs. Lee spoke again at first I found it strange but she told me that her cousin had convinced her
—What is this cousin's name and is she here
A cousin...very interesting
Mr Lee —Yes, her name is Jihye Choi
—Thank you for this information. If you have more information, but the smallest detail, it could help us advance the investigation
The parents nodded, their eyes full of anger and sadness
—I will keep you informed as soon as we have news. And all my condolences.
After these words, the mother burst into tears again. Han found his father's reaction quite strange. He didn't have emotion. At least, she felt that he was pretending.
Another new unanswered question
Han watched them for a last moment before meeting the gaze of the father who had his face closed. She wasn't sure. He didn't look sad at all.
Maybe he wasn't close to his daughter.
She told herself that this was not the first time that parents had no feelings when their children were told about their deaths.
She took the way to the door, always with her thoughts in a mess.
Following the interview with the victim's parents, the inspector felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Arrested in front of the school holding a glass of Misugaru Latté in his hand.
With her eyes lost in the void, she took a deep breath, reflecting on the next steps of the investigation. The sweet and slightly nutty flavor of the drink comforted her slightly, while she gathered her thoughts to advance the investigation.
This moment of calm and tranquility was interrupted by a surprising scene.