>>>>Voice from TV:
"A series of thefts and the overlapping clues at the crime scene have led to the reorganization of detective units in the country. Police officials thinks the incidents were committed by one person."
Marnie hung her jacket on the hanger and yawned as she took off her high heels.
Marnie: (with a feint smile) "I'm home… Are you There, honey?"
There was no answer. The house was quiet, but it was a familiar silence.
Slowly she glanced around the living room, only the coffee mug on the table and the scattered papers were there. she took a deep breath and headed towards her room.
When she opened the door, she saw Kemu under the dazzling white light. He was looking at the computer screen, his eyes were dark with bruises under them. His long black hair was messy and his fingers were on the keyboard typing vigorously.
Marnie:( puts her hands on her hips,and calls out for kemu slightly irritated but in asarcastic way)
"For God's sake, why aren't you answering? Are you writing a secret love letter?"
Kemu: (turns his head with a surprised but tired smile)
"Ah, I'm sorry.
speaks after a moment of silence
I was investigating the recent spate of thefts. But... it seems like the thief left the evidence behind on purpose. It's very strange..."
Marnie: (crosses her arms and shakes her head slowly)
"You haven't had any sleep for days. I think you should get your head together and then we can go chase the Evidences again."
Kemu: (rubbing his eyes)
"Maybe you're right. But the note left in this morning's incident was very strange. The handwriting was similar to my high school yearbook. It's like someone knows me..."
Marnie: (raises her eyebrows)
"Wow, I don't think exes have the free time to play mystery games with you, but this sounds like a TV show."
Kemu: (laughing)
"If you give me a scenario idea, I'll write it."
Marnie: (sits on the corner of the bed)
"First eat this food and then you can get into hero mode."
Kemu shakes his head and closes his laptop. As Marnie walks into the kitchen, Kemu's eyes catch a photo on his desk. An old class photo.
Kemu:He narrows his eyes and whispers
"The things stolen in this morning's theft were very strange. It wasn't money or expensive items. It was just..."
(pauses, And looks at Marnie)
Marnie: (shrugs)
"What? Cat food?"
Kemu: (smiles but turns serious)
"No. An old pencil set and... a broken music box. It's worthless, but there seems to be an emotional attachment."
Marnie: (hides her smile)
"Maybe the thief's collection was incomplete. People can get obsessed with weird things."
Kemu: (sits at the table, looks at Marnie intently)
"Why do you think someone would knowingly leave evidence?"
Marnie: (a momentary spark of panic sparks inside her but a calm smile on her face)
"Maybe she wants to get caught."
Kemu: (nods, thoughtful)
"Yeah, that's exactly what I think. It's like someone's playing a game with me."
Marnie:
"Maybe it's a puzzle made for you. Maybe... special for you."
Kemu:
"How did you know it felt that way?"
Marnie: (pauses for a moment, then smiles and picks at her food)
"The benefits of living with a detective."
At that moment, a police siren passes outside. Kemu goes to the window without flinching. Marnie secretly glances at the small black gloves next to her bag. Leather fingertips, velvet inside. A piece of rope...
And something in her pocket: the little wind-up key for the music box.
The night progresses. While Kemu is asleep
Marnie quietly gets out of bed, looks at the notes on her computer desk.
Kemu's event map is full of red strings. In the middle it says: "Who is the thief sending a message to?"
Marnie approaches the map. She seems pleased that her name is not mentioned.
But then she notices a file. Among Kemu's notes is a small heading:
"M. W. - Must be investigated before it is revealed
Marnie freezes for a moment.
Then she smiles softly:
Marnie:
"Oh honey... I love you but I have to win this game."
As time went by the sun entered the view
Kemu woke up
When Kemu opened his eyes, there was still warmth in the bed.
Next to him, Marnie was lying on her side, facing him, peacefully asleep.
For a moment, he simply listened to the rhythm of her breathing.
It was perhaps the simplest, yet most beautiful part of his mornings.
He slowly lifted the blanket and got out of bed, careful not to wake her up .
He made his way to the desk — silent and focused.
But when he arrived, his eyes darkened
There was nothing left on the table
Empty.
He didn't speak.
His eyes narrowed, and he stood still for a moment.
Then,precision, he began searching the apartment.
Behind the couch, inside the bookshelf, behind picture frames…
Just then, a soft rustle came from the bed.
Marnie (yawning):
"Hmm… is there someone home, husband, or are you just questioning the house out in the morning?"
Kemu (without looking up):
"I Cant find my files."
Marnie:(rubbing her eyes as she walked over
)
"Seriously? You mean the files you practically spoon at night? Maybe they finally left you for someone less intense."
Kemu (more serious now):
"Statements, maps, analytical charts. They were right here. Now they're not."
Marnie's eyes squinted for a second — but she quickly masked it with a gentle smile.
Keeping her cool, she moved in closer, standing beside him.
Marnie:
"So what now, my strong, clever, über-serious detective husband? Gonna solve this one solo too?"
Kemu (tight-lipped):
"There are backup files. At the office."
Marnie froze for a split second. Her eyes widened.
But she recovered quickly, letting out a light laugh and stepping even closer.
She handed him a cup of coffee, taking another step forward.
Her body was now neatly pressed against his arm.
As she leaned in to pass the mug, her cleavage came directly into his line of sight.
Marnie (softly, with a playful smile):
"The coffee's still hot… but I might be a little hotter."
Marnie started acting like this because he didn't want to see Kemu worried.
Kemu's eyes instinctively dropped — just for a second.
Then he quickly turned his head away and looked at the mug instead, clearing his throat.
Kemu:
"Thanks."
Marnie grinned slightly, catching him red-handed.
She leaned in toward his ear, voice lowered.
Marnie (in a teasing whisper):
"Your gaze is so honest… but your reflexes are still adorably innocent. You're cute, you know that?"
Kemu pulled back a little, clearly flustered.
He didn't respond — but a small twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed a suppressed smile.
Marnie didn't push further.
She took a step back, still smiling warmly.
Marnie:
"Messing with you is so much fun. You guard yourself with such pride, but the second you get flustered, your face turns into a kid's."
Kemu (quietly):
"Marnie…"
Marnie (raising her hands, mock surrender):
"Okay, okay. Morning teasing is over. But… don't be too late tonight, alright?"
Kemu:
"If I am, I'll call you."
Marnie (walking toward the kitchen, not looking back):
"If you call, I'll forgive you… but if you're early, maybe I'll reward you."
Kemu watched her leave, swallowing silently.
As Marnie disappeared into the kitchen, one thought crossed his mind what if...