HE'S AS GOOD AS THE MURDERER

**Episode 3**

"We're here to take Kim Min-Jun into custody for the murder of actress Park A-yeong." Detective Jun declared.

Gasps echoed among the group, shock rippling through them like a wave. Min-Jun stumbled on nothing, almost losing his footing. The words hung in the air like a heavy fog, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. His heart raced, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. His mouth rambled for minutes with nothing coming out and when he finally found his voice, he said,

"Wait, what? An arrest?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Manager Ma, though taken aback, had sensed this coming but then, he knew he'd to figure something out in his rescue.

"Detective, what do you mean he's being charged for murdering actress Park A-yeong?" he asked, trying to mask his growing anxiety.

"You can come with us if you wish to know more, but for now, I advise you to remain quiet." With that, he gestured to his officers. "Take him."

They handcuffed Min-Jun, dragging him toward the police car while he struggles.

"Let go of me! Let go of me!" he shouted, struggling against their grip. The other members stood frame with dropped jaws.

Manager Ma rushed forward, desperation in his eyes. "Detective, please! This is a mistake!" He tried to explain but it seems far to late.

"Call my lawyer!" Min-Jun yelled as they shoved him into the back of the car, the door slamming shut behind him. The engine roared to life, and they drove away.

"Damn!" Manager Ma cursed, frustration boiling over as he slammed his foot against the ground. Just then, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. It was Director Chow calling.....

"Hello, Director," he answered, trying to keep his voice calm and steady. It better to keep this mess away from the direction for now, he thought.

"Meet me at my office this minute!" Director Chow commanded before abruptly hanging up. Manager Ma took a deep breath and made his way to the director's office, dread pooling in his stomach.

As soon as he entered, a magazine flew through the air, striking him squarely in the face. He caught it and glanced down at the cover, his heart sinking. The headline screamed: "Kim Min-Jun Found Guilty in the Death of the Actress and model, Park A-yeong."

"What nonsense is this?" Director Chow barked, his eyes blazing with fury. "Is that news valid?"

Manager Ma stood frozen, unable to meet the director's gaze. His eyes were glued to the floor, as if it might offer him a reasonable explanation. His hands clasped tightly behind his back, still clutching the magazine, his silence spoke volumes. Just hours since this came out and it already on the out go.

"How long has this been circulating?" Director Chow pressed, his voice low but dangerous.

"This morning, sir," Manager Ma finally managed to reply, his voice barely above a whisper.

"And you did nothing about it?" The accusation hung heavy in the air. "Find a way to clean up this mess immediately before it goes even more viral."

Exactly what he would've done, but it already quite too late. It's better he comes clean with the director and together they could find a way to save Min-Jun from the already made mess.

"I'm afraid it can't be cleaned up just yet, sir. The cops were already here earlier, and they took Min-Jun away."

"What?" Director Chow roared. "As his manager, how could you let that happen?" Director Chow's voice rose in anger. He glared at Manager Ma, who remained rooted to the spot, his gaze still fixed on the floor.

"Did you know about all this?" The question struck Manager Ma like a physical blow. He hadn't anticipated such a direct inquiry. For a moment, he was speechless, the words caught in his throat. When he finally found his voice, it came out shaky and uncertain.

"Answer me!" Director Chow roared, slamming his fist down on the table, sending papers scattering.

"I told him not to meet her at the hotel, but he stubbornly insisted," Manager Ma replied, his voice tinged.

"Jezz…!" Director Chow exclaimed, frustration boiling over as he hurled a stack of books across the room. "Find a way to clean up this mess. We can't let this affect the image of this company."

"Yes, sir," Manager Ma replied, his heart heavy with the weight of the situation.

"Leave my office."

Manager Ma nodded, turning on his heel and walking out, the door closing behind him with a finality that echoed in the silence of the hallway. As he stepped into the chaos outside, he knew the battle to save Min-Jun and the company's reputation had only just begun.

At the Tango police station, a throng of journalists gathered outside waiting for the suspect, Kim Min-Jun. Their cameras ready and questions flying as soon as the police car arrived. Min-Jun stepped out alongside the officers, and the reporters rushed forward, bombarding him with inquiries.

"Kim Min-Jun, did you really kill her? Why did you do it? How did you murder her? I heard she was your ex; did you kill her because she broke up with you? What do you have to say to your fans and the late actress's fans?" The barrage of questions was relentless, but the officers managed to shield him and usher him inside.

Min-Jun was melting in shame as the police shielded him inside. How on heaven name did this happened in a blink? Just yesterday, everything seems fine and now this...

Who could've done this to him, who could've wished such fate on him to this extend, just who? His head was ringing in unanswerable thoughts.

In the interrogation room, Min-Jun sat at a table, handcuffed, facing Detective Jun, who looked him straight in the eye. Even when clear and convincing evidence was presented, the detective was still finding it quite hard to believe the whole situation. Tho, he look harmless but those that got that look are the worst of evil. But he's still growing in his agency, how could he get himself into this shit? Detective Jun thought.

He keep staring at him for minutes trying to catch a thing or two in his eyes, but Min-Jun was looking down lost all through. tons of unanswerable questions were messing up his stability at the moment.

"Why did you murder her?" the detective asked, his voice steady. He continues when he got nothing out from him. "I heard you guys were dating but broke up recently, did you kill her because she dumped you?"

Min-Jun remained silent, his gaze unwavering.

"Look, I understand you're an idol who does what you want, but in here, you need to comply with me or—" Detective Jun began, but Min-Jun cut him off. "I won't say a word until I see my lawyer."