AN: So this is a short piece, cut off from the previous update. I divided the chap as it turned long and because I wasn't sure. Yes, I feel this part brings Seyon and Thiya even close to each other but... I didn't want the scene to be draggy. I still am posting this because we need to address the strange tattoo Aran had on his arm? 🧐What are your thoughts on the story?😲

In case you've been reading this story, please vote comment and share your opinion. It only takes a moment but will mean a lot to the writer! Anyway, on with the update~💗

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Towards the end of the day, Mira and Soham join the ACP to assist with the symposium preparations. Seyon and Thiya follow a lead that has them driving to Marina Beach and hiking a nondescript patch of cliffs in search of a cave of sorts.

The new software she put together finally yielded results. She cracked the code hidden in Aran's tattoo. The design depicted endless darkness or a black hole; also indicated a treasure trove of the sinister. The fine micron-sized numbers etched into were coordinates pointing to a certain location.

She wasn't entirely sure of pursuing this lead, but Seyon wanted to check it out. "A location in the city unremarkable enough, it's detached and hidden from the crowds. What if it's the killer's hideout?"

That was her speculation, too. But that's what it is. Speculation.

Finally. As the cave comes into the vicinity, and the sound of dripping water reaching his ears is louder than the waves lapping in the distance, Seyon heaves a sigh.

He's sweaty from trekking and hiking. The breeze from the sea has been cooler, but the humidity is the culprit. The summer sun has everyone at its mercy, especially outdoors. It's why he takes off his blazer. He should have taken it off and put it in their car. He'd do better off without it.

He runs a hand through his bangs and is subject to Thiya Arun's disapproving stare. Why does she disapprove? She changed her dressing style, too, choosing thin cotton shrugs and loose-fit shirts. Even her trousers appear to be pure of khadi. They suit her too well, and her hair has grown a bit. A bit, ahem.

Thiya glances at the entrance of the cave, ignoring Seyon's questioning gaze. The look in his eyes sometimes... His presence is a lot more distracting these days. Little gestures he does for her, little changes he makes to himself. She can't help it. Her eyes follow his movements closely. That scathing look she sent him earlier was directed mostly at herself.

He praised her work ethic earlier, but there's a ton to do. She has yet to process the data they got from Aran's laptop. The process would have sped up if they involved the CID's computer specialists. But with the theft inside hall 57, and with all the lack of clues so far, she didn't want to entrust vital information to anybody in the CID.

She never wanted to. Seyon also said, "the case details should stay between the four of us in SIT. I doubt Aran or whoever the slasher is, has insider help everywhere he goes."

A while ago, as they were discussing purely the case, undistracted, he fanned his face with his hands, glaring at the fan that was running slowly. She resumed typing on the computer. Seconds later, produced a printout from the newly instated printer of Soham's courtesy. Could someone ask Soham to install an AC? 'The summer's sweltering,' she heard Seyon murmuring.

She wasn't sweating like him because she remained indoors, she mused before dropping the thought.

"The script in the tattoo is a mix of Mayans and ancient Greek. See?"

She pointed to her tablet's screen. He fell into deep thought, listening to her explanation. "Everything you say makes sense."

"I talked to the Navi Colony inspector."

Seyon recalls the rest of the conversation they had. About how he thought the inspector was more open to women than men. The cop was ready to cooperate with Mira too. Of course, it was only opening up about evidence. And the fear Thiya instilled in him was alive.

Seyon felt it was because she was a woman and there was no imminent competition between the two. Not debasing women, but few male officers tend to go soft on the ladies, perhaps thinking of them as inferior. Blighted atrocious they wouldn't treat women as their equals but hey it has its perks.

"The inspector said the tattoo couldn't belong to a mob. He's noticed no criminal wearing it."

Thiya could gain information because of this blighted atrocity.

"Are we following the hidden meaning in a tattoo of a guy we're not even sure is the slasher, Seyon?"

Her eyes were still clouded by doubt; Seyon's were clear when he answered her with a yes.

***

Thiya faces Seyon, still apprehensive about her deductions. What if she's wrong? What if this is a trap? Or if it's totally harmless and they find nothing. What then?

That's even worse as it makes this outing more date-like, that too while they are on the clock.

Seyon parked his car in a paid parking slot outside a shopping outlet. And if they were to drive out again, they'd look like an average couple! Sure, few shoppers are out in the sunny weather. The beachgoers are equally scarce. Enough.

She checks her earpiece and wants to double-check everything, but Seyon says they have wasted enough time mulling over things.

"I'll go in first."

Seyon asks her to keep an eye out on the surroundings as he checks the inside of the cave. Someone has to play the guard. She accepts his proposal.

Outside, the sun is sinking over the horizon. Seyon keeps his gaze forward, walking ahead against the tiny, tiny wavelets slashing against his boots.

Thiya checks her watch, tearing her eyes away from the orange-hued skies. Sunset already? Judging by the heat earlier and not checking the time, she assumed it was afternoon. Well, that changes nothing. It's still sweltering.

Her eyes focus on the weird set of symbols of the tattoos etched weirdly into the stone next to the cave opening. Does this mean they've come to the right place? Will this give them a clue?

This sure is a serene place. But cut off from the beach. Maybe over time, there'd be more visitors? Another weird set of symbols catch her eye scribbled right below the symbols etched on the cave's entrance. Subtle but present. Thiya pulls her tab out of her blazer's inside pocket. No communication signal here. She calls for Seyon and receives no reply.

An entire set of new symbols on the stone wall here. But one thing's sure, someone has come to this far end of the beach.... I'll run one last check to confirm what these new symbols mean.

She taps her tablet's screen, thankful that she can run the commands even without the internet. And is horrified at the results. The bottom symbols mean death by bee stings?

"Seyon..."

No response. Comm devices aren't working. Ugh! The dude has to dash forward and check things!

These newly scribbled words mean it's a trap. Aran could want to send anyone looking into him or his tattoo straight into the arms of death. He sure was near this cave to engrave these symbols here. Even the symbols from his tattoo etched here don't look like they are ancient. Was it Aran who did or .... These half-Mayan, half-Greek symbols and masonic sigils have such complex meanings—

Thiya trails off, suddenly realising that Seyon is still inside. No time to think about the case. She must save him!

"Seyon!"

Screaming his name, she dashes into the cave. She assumes something gloomy and dark awaits her, but the ceiling has enough holes to let sunlight penetrate and illuminate. The drip-dropping waters also pave the way to a dry path. She picks up pace, her sneakers clacking against the wet sand.

"Seyon!" She screams, hoping her voice could stop Seyon from dashing into danger. "Seyon, stop! It's a trap."

She screams out of her lungs again, and here's a response. She's run headlong. The cave is long enough and ahead the sunlight is disappearing, giving way to two underground stone tunnels.

An underground passageway? Fascinating, but if they are laden with beehives... Did Aran truly intend to use his tattoo as a warning to his pursuers? Does it truly carry a meaning? Is it significant? What are the chances of an engineering student setting up such an elaborate plot? None. Unless he's in a crime syndicate.

"Seyon!" Her scream is less intense now. She has already run a marathon that her legs may collapse and she certainly can't decide which tunnel she must choose to go into. "Abort! I said abort, do you hear me?"

Running isn't her cue. The downward unruly ground isn't pleasant under her feet and she must not pursue danger, but she can't turn back. Just then, she hears Seyon's response faintly echoing around. It's hard to tell where his voice is coming from but she can hear his footsteps as well now and his answer.

"Roger! I'm returning to you!"

She stopped him in the nick of time. Her breath comes in gasps, all that running squeezing the wind out of her lungs. She latches onto his hand for support when he appears before her and regrets it a second later.

"How could you have walked this far?" She chokes out a few words. Seyon tightens his grip on her hand.

"Who says I walked? When I could have ran to discover what was inside." With a laugh, he confirms hearing buzzing noises from a tunnel and taking the other.

"You... are okay. I... made it... It was a... trap. I... need to catch... my breath."

She's panting the whole time, relieved to see not a scratch has found its place on him. He thanks her and lifts her up in his arms.

"Seyu, put me down!"

Seyon quirks a brow. Seyu again. She doesn't notice she called him by his short name. It's cute. Even the way she huffs and puffs is adorable. He has her in his arms. It's almost like they are together again. Despite everything, even this crazy investigation trail they followed. It's... pleasant.

Below the jagged cliff, the waters are lapping peacefully as ever. He carries her out and makes her sit on a rock. Her heartbeat is rapid. He could feel it by the way she clasped his hand as he carried her. An unconscious act. Now she releases his hand.

"Seyon, what if my heart stops?"

Seyon knows this fear of hers stems from her dear friend who died in the running examination in the police recruitment drive. Thiya managed well but the incident left a permanent impression on her. It's a legit fear. One she has conquered but it resurfaces at times. Hey, no one's invincible.

"I don't wanna... Not before the case is solved. What if I..."

Seyon places his index finger on her lips, stopping her from speaking further."You won't."

He can't keep the grin off of his face. "You haven't changed. You are always the same. Running headlong into things only to worry later."

She glares and warns him not to smile. But his grin cracks her up a little. She finds the look on his face rather sweet. He holds her hand until it calms her heartbeat. Until her heart races for a different reason remembering the heartbreak from 8 years ago.

She looks away from him, her emotion taking a bitter turn. An oblivious Seyon takes her discomfort as sheer embarrassment and nothing more. He picks up the blazer he discarded before going into the cave and the tab that Thiya must have dropped rushing to save him.

He's not sure what the future holds for them or the slasher case. The lead they followed today was of no use. Each day so far has been unpredictable.

Her tab isn't broken, thankfully. As Thiya recovers and they walk to his car, Seyon hopes all these things will soon find a fitting conclusion.

***

AN: That's all! <3 See ya in the next.

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