𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 | Vminkook ff [COMPLETED]

Chapter Sixteen

The golden glow that was cast upon the landscape vanished as the twilight was shallowed by the darkness belonging to the night. The streaks of fiery orange, warm pink, gentle purple that shone on the clouds were pulled away, leaving behind grey clouds. In the vast expanse of the darkened sky, the stars timidly emerged, twinkling like distant diamonds.

The detective closed his car door and shifted his gaze from the sky to the sign that displayed the bar's name. Yoongi walked toward the bar, his overcoat gliding with the breeze, looking similar to the cape you would expect a vampire to wear.

As he stepped onto the dark mahogany Luxury Vinyl flooring, blue light emitted from the LED light built into the ceiling, fell upon him. The laughter blended with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations, fused with the soft music played in the background, setting the mood of the social ambiance. The fragrance of carefully crafted cocktails, mingling with the distinct scents of aged whiskey and freshly squeezed citrus, hung in the air.

Yoongi sat down on one of the bar chairs and crossed his arms on the polished wooden counter. He licked his lips while looking at the array of gleaming bottles, showcasing an extensive selection of spirits and liquors. His inner voice reminded him that he should not be drinking on the job. However, soon a glass of whisky was in his hand. He sipped on the drink, glancing around.

A bartender, dressed in crisp attire, appeared and swiftly attended to the awaiting customers. Yoongi's gaze remained fixated on the bartender's every move, observing with a keen eye. As the bartender approached Yoongi, ready to inquire about a possible refill, Yoongi intercepted their approach with a question of his own.

"Why were you 17 minutes late for your shift tonight?" Yoongi asked, causing the bartender to halt abruptly in their tracks.

The bartender, rather than answering the question, responded with a question of his own, infused with a hint of defiance. "Why are you here again, Detective?"

A playful smirk danced across Yoongi's lips as he retorted, "You already know the answer, so I'll spare my breath."

"I told you last time, I won't provide you with the footage, no matter what you say or how much money you offer me," the bartender responded, his annoyance obvious.

"Come on, I made the effort to visit you in person. Isn't it obvious that the footage is very important?" Yoongi leaned in closer and whispered, "Many people have been harmed, and many more will suffer if I don't get that footage."

"It's not as simple as you think," the bartender argued, their voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and caution. "You have no idea what I've heard around here. Now, are you going to pay or not?"

Rolling his eyes in mild exasperation, Yoongi slid his card across the counter. The bartender took a few steps back to retrieve a card machine and returned to complete the transaction. Handing Yoongi his card, a small frown wrinkled Yoongi's forehead as he sensed something unfamiliar on the backside of it. After securing the card and the mysterious object within his overcoat pocket, Yoongi's fingers continued to explore the object's edges.

A memory stick.

"Good night, Detective, and please don't come back here," the bartender stated firmly, their tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Good night," Yoongi replied, maintaining a sense of professionalism.

Once inside his car, Yoongi quickly took his card out of his pocket. He flipped it over, revealing the memory stick. Carefully removing the tape and cradling the stick in his palm, Yoongi marvelled at the bartender's genius plan. The cameras that captured the footage Yoongi needed, are the cameras that also watch the bartender like an unwavering hawk. Those who were behind it all would certainly not appreciate it if a bartender's cooperated with the police.