❝ CANDICE'S DIAMOND GALLERY.

@Lee Soohyuk Shock. That was what coursed through her veins when his rough hand grabbed onto her slender one. The warmth that radiated from him was comforting compared to the words she so received, but Candice had never been good with speaking or words. She found herself enthrall end by the smooth and perfected nature he had, causing her to merely stare back at him.

"If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you took me straight to my place. I just need rest," she spoke, sitting back into the seat that was now dry from before. The rain was still pitter-pattering against the surface of the car, his compliment still echoing in the core of her ears. "Whatever you need, the gallery, files, cameras, they are there," she continued, "But please leave the back room untouched. I left it the way it was." Candice looked back the partial silhouette of him and tried to turn whatever negative feelings she had into slightly lighter ones.

"Thank you, Officer." Her voice cracked as she spoke her last words. Candice quietly folded the fleece jacket he had lent her and set it in the front passenger's seat. As she reached over, she turned her head just slightly to look over at his profile once again. Poised. That's all Candice could get from a look at his face. He had poise and an air so dominant, it really did make her breathe in awe. "As they say, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, right?" A light chuckle left her lips as she thought back to handiwork and him; the two were too different from each other, but he and those bright jewels were simply.... stunning.

@Candice Zhao Soohyuk could sense the tension in the air as Candice seemed to becom impatient with his nervous rambling therefore he shut it off, lips pressed firmly together to resist the temptation of open his mouth again, eyes focused solely on the road ahead as they crawled through the traffic gradually. Life wasn't as easy during the rush hour, it took much longer to get where he wished and the officer wasn't exactly one to keep a level head at all times and this was made obvious as fingers curled languidly around the steering wheel, knuckle white. Pursing his lips into a straight line to stop the profanties slipping from his tongue. The male simply dismissed the feeling eye boring into the back of his neck, goosebumps prickling along his skin as the slightly hairs rose on the back of his neck.

Soohyuk turned in his chair slightly with the intention of checking on Candice's injured hands, discovering his somewhat caring natur towards the female that made him frown momentarily and when the slightly calloused skin of the others finger tips pressed against the smooth skin of his cheek, the cuts grazing against the spot. And when she began to pull away, Soohyuk wouldn't allow it, his fingers now circling her wrist instead of the steering wheel, stilling her fingers against his features. "You are hurt, like I said though, not seriously. You're... You're very beautiful." Quietly releasing her from his grip, Soohyuk turned back to the road, recalling the smooth curve of the women's neck and the bridge of her nose, the soft but contoured highlight of her cheekbones.

He was slightly in disbelief at the fact he'd just told someone he hadn't known for long, that he thought they were beautiful. The officer said wasn't one generally to show emotion but currently, his head was swimming.

@Lee Soohyuk Candice sat rather quietly in the back seat and allowed him to ramble on with his explanation on the process. She found herself, even after the somewhat comfort she received, uninterested and now, slightly angry. She just wanted the peace returned to her life, but now, that would be easier said than done. Candice one again, turned her attention towards the confident man that navigated the streets from up front. With the few minutes she had to spare, she decided to analyze his appearance detail by detail since she hadn't before. Her hyper-awareness allowed her to practically dissect each colored detail that met her eyes, bringing light from more than enough ankles.

His build was large, strong, and lean. The angles and lines that formed the muscles on his shoulders and neck were perfect; the way the planes intersected and met were created at the hands of God, himself. The sculpt to the back of his cranium was ideal, and his posture was magnificent. This was the first time Candice had seen a human being so perfectly created, it caused her own existence to shrink into a small mass of self-consciousness. That was how structured his creation was. The droplets of water seemed to peacefully slide down his hair and just slip down his neck to his nape. Candice stared, and couldn't help but wonder what tools could have been put to use.

Hurt? Candice took a quick look down at her fingers and noticed they were beginning to cease their bleeding. The wounds were slowly becoming visible and the blood on her fingers were beginning to turn dark, a sign that they were drying. "I'm not hurt... At least," she answered, rubbing her palms on her knees, keeping herself from going stiff from the extended car ride. She looked up and once again, found herself marveled at the smoothness to his physical appearance. Maybe it was the fascination with how he looked, because somehow the next thing she knew, her fingertips were laid upon the apple of his cheekbone. It was so sharp... Candice gasped and jerked her fingers away.

@Candice Zhao Soohyuk had always loved the rain, the gentle patter of droplets against the pavement, the scent that drifted into his nose and the way the water clung the the curve of his eyelashes, holding on for dear life. The police officer was a little shocked at how much trust Candice had placed in him and he ran a hand through the mop of black hair atop his head that was once styled, but now the heavens had opened, it pressed itself close to the back of his next and the urge to squirm was overwhelming. But he dismissed it because his professionalism was more important than the urge to fix his hair. Catching one of the droplets with the tip of his tongue, he paused for a moment to enjoy the scene before clambering into the inaturally sleek interior of his car with a grace with made out that clumsiness didn't exist for the male.

Turning in his chair to click the seatbelt into place, Soohyuk flashed a warm smile once again at the female in the back of the car, more cat like than before but still welcoming. He wanted her comfortable, because comfortable witnesses meant better reports and that meant a better promotion for him when it came. Starting up the engine and clearing his throat in though, the officer pulled away from the pavement with ease, jaw clenched slightly as they shifted onto the main road, only to find a string of backed up traffic stopping the -annoyingly- from reaching their destination.

"Sorry about this, and yes it's either a statement or a report, depending on the person. A personal statement is what a witness usually gives. It's just to see wether there is anything you can tell us that might help us find the culprit and then we may be able to stop him from doing it to another place. I'm just glad you weren't seriously hurt." Shaking his head in disgrace at the thought of the robber that broke into Candice's diamond gallery, Soohyuk still didn't understand why people would even think to do something like that. But Seoul isn't an easy place to be poor in, getting out of poverty isn't the easiest goal to have either. Pursing his lips in thought before rolling his head, the soft click from his neck made him sigh in relief, muscles shifting tensely beneath skin.

@Lee Soohyuk Clearly there was no guarantee as to whether or not the burglar would be given justice, but just the promise of effort gave enough security to her current unstable stature. He exuded confidence and security in his occupation, giving Candice the sort of comfort she needed; his strides were long and easily seemed to avoid the malevolent pieces of glass that lay scatted upon the gallery floor. The few seconds it took for him to go to his vehicle and back seemed to pass in a frame by frame motion; she saw things in a picture by picture still, her eyes darting through each detail and every shade. For a police officer, he seemed a little to sculpted to be real.

Maybe she had been too absorbed in her own thoughts once again, because it wasn't until the scent of masculine cologne wafted into her nose. She couldn't tell what it exactly was, but it smelled expensive and sharp; the source was from a warm jacket that had been draped upon her shoulders, belonging to the man that was taking precautionary measures to this situation. Rain began to fall mercilessly, and Candice felt herself calming down, as the heavens were opening up to stand beside her.

When he took her hand to get a peek at the little remnants of diamond work, Candice jerked her hand away and gave him a dubious look. "I entrust this to you. I have no power even though I wish I had so I could prevent this," she spoke, her voice finally reaching a level of composure that allowed her to think and speak rationally. Even though he was probably the most professional at his work, the sudden touch given to her hand was a little startling. Maybe it was because of the partial pain that shot through... Or maybe it was because of her reluctance to open herself to others.

However, his smile gave her a little ease. It at least gave her a sense of warmth, and again, she found herself a little startled when he began leading her to his car. "Statement? A report, you mean?" Candice after all this, became slightly interested in how her gallery would be put back together after such a night. The hot cocoa didn't matter as much, but she figured it would be better if she didn't prove to be a problem and just followed through with his orders and procedures. Candice stepped into the back seat of his vehicle and wrapped the warm fleece tightly around her shoulders as she got comfy in the leather seats, the heating thawing her stiff muscles and nerves. She looked up at him through the windows and then looked straight ahead in front of her.

Candice held onto the fleece tightly and held it in her hands as she remembered the diamond rose she had abandoned in the back room. Hopefully, it would be in the same spot she left it when she returned to finish up the last few touches. It was near perfect. Candice tightened her grip onto the jacket just a little more before remembering - her fingers. She dropped her grip upon the fabric and took a look at her fingers. They were dry! The fleece, in turn, had been stained with red and marked it with her being. "Shoot..." She bit her lip and slid the fleece off her, laying it on the empty seat next her as discreetly as possible. Hopefully, he wouldn't notice it through the commotion.

@Candice Zhao Eye contact wasn't really Soohyuk's forte but he knew for a fact that it would be a possible comfort technique for the woman infront of him and he began to realise that he should probably stop referring to her as a female, and as Mrs. Zhao instead. He often classed this as one of his flaws - manners were something he often forgot in the mist of his job, which often needed brutal power and an iron heart. Drawing in a sharp breath that could've easily been mistaken as a tired sigh, he tucked away the notepad. He knew he'd get nothing from Candice in her current state but he sympathised her greatly, he knew diamond cutters were often people who took pride in their work. Wetting his lips with the tip of his tongue, Soohyuk took a few steps back to his car, only to return moments after with a thick fleece: his fleece, to be exact. The heady scent of his cologne dashed across the fabric and he carefully laid it across the store owner's shoulders, the wind outside picking up as rain slammed into the ground like bullets.

"I'll get my boys to check out the cameras, we've already got people searching the area. From what I can see, he wasn't a professional jewel thief and I wouldn't be surprised if he's hiding in a garbage bin round back. As stupid as it sounds, it happens more often than expected." Without a thought, Soohyuk gently took hold of Candice's hand, turning it over so the back pressed into his palm. The cuts weren't deep and they had no glass in them, which in his eyes was a success. After all, hospitals weren't his favorite place.

"I'm going to take you to the station, I'm not going to interrogate you but I am going to have to take a statement. I know you probably feel sick to your stomach but it's something that has to be done while it's still fresh in your mind. On a lighter note, I'll get you a cup of cocoa, it usually helps calm people down." The officer wasn't good at being reassuring but he felt proud of himself as his fingers curled around the others shoulder, the skin of his hand tingling pleasantly as he flashed her the best smile his could, lips curling at the corners. With a sweeping gesture of his hand, he motioned Candice towards the car, it's warm interior calling to Soohyuk.

@Lee Soohyuk Such luck she had. Candice quivered as she tried to pick up the precious little gemstones that seemed to scream out in pain and agony to her. They called her name in sorrow, and she tended to their needs. "Ow...," she hissed to herself, instinctively looking at her finger to see a new wound begin bleeding freshly. Furrowing her eyebrows together, Candice held her finger close to her chest as she tried to steady her racing heart and pumping blood; her fingers were hurting just a little more than usual. After a few minutes of huddling to herself in silence, the sound of blaring sirens reached her ears from afar.

Flashing lights and emergency sirens marked the grand entrance of police enforcement and detective squads. Being her first time asking for their assistance, Candice felt small and slightly intimidated. Those lights and sounds held so much power compared to a normal citizen - they controlled. Upon their arrival, Candice squinted her eyes and stepped over many shards of glass as she did her best to approach them in her distressed state. "Stay calm, Candice. You'll be okay," she coaxed herself, watching a rather young officer step out of a designated vehicle. He definitely looked the job; his posture and pose as a deputy was immense, apart causing her own confidence to crumble. His build was form fit and held a certain authority over the situation he had reported to. Candice took a deep breath and nodded in response to his first question.

"Yes, that is I. I-I wish I could tell you or help you, but--" Candice paused in her words and looked around at the devastation done to the gallery she had worked so hard to bring to life. She turned back to the officer and shook her head, "I can't. I don't know. I was just dong my job in the back, and then. This!" She bit down onto her lip and picked up another two small diamond rings and placed them in her slightly bloody palm. Candice stared at them for a moment and then looked up to lock eyes with the official, finding his gaze a little too intense in the moment their were in.

"The security cameras should still be intact because I didn't see anyone suspicious the entire day," she explained. Candice stepped aside for the officer to walk past, giving him access to any security footage he would need. How would this all be rectified. It would cost at least a million to repair and replace. "Please, whatever you need. Just please promise that you can find him..." Candice curled her fingers into fists so tight, her knuckles grew pale and eventually white. "You will be able, to right?"

@Candice Zhao Soohyuk often felt that his previous nights sleep had become erased, the heavy weight on his chest caused eyes to droop slightly as the warmth of the spring night lulled him to sleep, his muscles slipping from their constant tense state to one that expelled a relaxing air. A small smile danced across the police officers lips, feet perched on th desk in front of him, shoes shined to the post where it was possible to see the sharp features and complex that belonged to him. Disappoinment coursed through his body like a tidal wave when the familiar sound of the emergency phone ringing became the background noise to his calmed state. With a hefty sigh, Lee Soohyuk dragged his procrastinating body from the confines of his small office and walked steadily down the cold corridors of the station, fluroscent lights flickering as they had still yet get the fault in the electrics fixed. Budget cuts were a , often meaning that multiple items that had obvious need were removed from his team. Watching as a stumbling crowd of bodies pushed themselves through the two small doors and into a heap on the pavement, a throaty chuckle left Soohyuk's throat and his eyes sparkled in amusement. He could easily hear them all muttering about what the call was about, there was no need to ask.

Soohyuk prided himself in the presentation of his uniform, shirt fitted tightly across his chest and the waistcoat slung over the top was padded, his radio crackling to life every so often. Finding comfort in the growl of the car he'd lowered himself into, he fell into line with the other vehicles making there way steadily towards the well known diamond cutters. Memories flooded through the male's thought process and he quickly ushered them away, teeth gritted as he pulled up to the curb and cut of the engiene, the crunch of glass beneath his feet as he approach the shop front caused him to cringe, dark locks fluttering in the gentle breeze filtering through the streets.

He wasn't one to dawdle and he didn't approach with caution, but the sight of a distraught women caught his eye, it was obvious she was distressed and he took one glance around the room to instantly know why.

It was a complete wreck, the counters that were once glass were now just frames, small diamonds glittering as light danced off them and the bloodied fingers of the stranger caused him to raise his eyebrows, both worry and wonder were dancing through his mind currently.

"Ma'am, are you the owner of this store? Miss Candice Zhao? I'm Officer Lee Soohyuk, you called a moment ago about..." Taking another glance around, Soohyuk smiled sympathetically before continuing: "A robbery, am I correct? I'm sorry to hear that, it's rare that we have a situation like this. I hope you don't mind but I need to ask you some questions regarding security cameras etcetera." Pursing his lips for a moment as he studied the area around him, Soohyuk allowed his gaze to return to the features of the woman in front of him, which he hadn't paid much attention to at first - it was hard to deny that she was attractive but the police officer often avoided corrupting his work with such thoughts. Tugging a notepad and a pen from his back pocket, he scribbled down certain details that were essential.

@Lee Soohyuk Days would pass and nights would die as Candice would lose herself in a rift between space and time. It was a usual occurrence for her to become so lost in such simple action - after all, her mind barely belonged to her. Her hands would move on their own and her eyes would dry up from extended wakes, but that was the only thing she knew. Diamonds were girls' best friends, weren't they? Candice would spend days just chiseling and chipping away at millimeter of the beautiful gemstones to produce a creation so beautiful. Whether it be a large sculpture or the tiniest ring, she would spend hours with patience and accuracy. Her mind became a vortex...

Some days, she would lose customers because she would miss their entrance, and other days, she would have a surplus of a customers. Did they know how many gashes and cuts she would sustain just to make such beauty? Her fingers would blister... And bleed. Tonight, Candice had already gotten four cuts while trying to carve and cut this annoying diamond into a rose; it had already been three hours after closing and she really did think she was going insane. It was just a little past eleven at night and Candice wanted to stop, but her hands wouldn't let her... It was as if they had a mind of her own and knew nothing else. She was oblivious to the ominous air outside her gallery, her thoughts ranting on their own.

Outside, a man poverty stricken lurked with hopes of claiming a few jewels of his own. He peered into the glass of Candice's sleek gallery, but could not see any individual since she was locked away in her back room far from view. It was safe right? Acting quickly, the man unsheathed a sharp, serated dagger and pierced it through the glass window, instantly shattering it. As he expected, a burglar alarm went off with shrill rings and he dashed to the glass cases, breaking them and grabbing the necklaces and rings. They went into his pockets and shoes.

Candice, hearing the sudden mess of noises, shot up from her seat with bloody fingers and a pounding heart. Frantically, she unlocked her back room and went straight to the main gallery in hopes of catching the thief, but she was too late. The man had vanished into oblivion and all that was left was a disaster... Glass everywhere, cases broken, jewels destroyed, and many missing... She didn't know why; what had she done to deserve this? Candice panicked and reached for the phone to dial any emergency contact number.

The phone rang once and a voice answered. "Hello? Hello?" Her voice was shaky and unsteady, "I've just experienced a major theft! Everything's been destroyed! They're gone, the diamonds!"

"Ma'am, please calm down," spoke the emergency personnel, "We'll dispatch a team right away."

Candice thanked the officer and hung up, still panicking from the tornado storm that had whipped through her precious gallery. All she could do was wait.