THE PROFESSIONAL DETECTIVE - PART 12 (Patreon)

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Note: This story is intended for mature audiences (18+) and all characters depicted are 18 years of age or older.

Part 12: Love From Both Sides

Duke asked boredly: “Detective outfit? Looks like you're not going to hide your identity anymore, are you?” I nodded: “Yes! After today, I don't plan to continue this role.” Duke pulled out the chair next to him and sat down: “Tell me... What do you want to find out about me? My past?” I shook my head: “No, I already knew you were a former gangster. That doesn't need to be investigated anymore. I'm just taking on a boring request that all detectives in this country are used to.”

Duke was surprised: “You know that I have been a gangster since the beginning?! Then are you afraid of me?” I thought for a moment and then answered him: “Well… in the beginning, yes. But then not.” Duke continued to ask: “Why?” I shrugged: “Perhaps my love is big enough to overcome my fear? I don't know either.”

Duke was even more surprised: “Love? Do you really love me?” I said without hesitation: “Yes! I just confirmed it recently. But you don't have to worry about that. The love between us will never happen.” Duke asked: “Why? Because I was a gangster and you were a detective? I don't care about your identity! I don't care what you approached me for. You just need to know… my kiss last night was genuine! The reason I feel frustrated is because I realize I've been tricked once more.”

I put my face down and said: “I don't deny that. But I really don't want to lie to you anymore! My love for you and my passion for professional detective work are constantly fighting for the number one spot in my heart. Therefore, I have decided to continue my task, but… I hope to be discovered by you, so that I can put an end to this!”

Duke asked: “You said you want to be discovered by me? Does that mean you admit to having more love for me than passion for your profession?!” I nodded softly: “I don't want to admit it, but it's true!” Duke suddenly stood up from his chair and rushed towards me: “If so, why can't we come together? I love you and you just admitted that you love me!”

I said calmly: “First of all, you are a married man. It was your wife who asked me to find out if you were having an affair.” Duke interrupted me: “Don't worry about that! I swear to God, I've never had an affair!” I said: “I soon believed it! But if you do this to me, you will officially become an adulterer!”

Duke pouted: “As if I care! She was the only one who betrayed me! Well, that's not true… actually, from the beginning, I was a pawn that was freely held by others. She was never mine, so how can I say she's an adulterer.” I said: “But that's not the main reason. The main reason is… if I really come to you, you will be deceived again.”

Duke bitterly asked: “Why?! Can't a gangster be happy? Please explain what you just said.” My eyes dropped a tear: “I don't want to explain… I love you… I don't want you to know the truth about me. Let me delude myself about this unreal love a little longer… It will all be over when you know the truth.”

After listening to my words, Duke quietly said nothing. After a while, he lifted his head to the ceiling and flashed a self-deprecating smile: “If you didn't want to talk, I couldn't force you either. Looking at you now reminds me of someone I've met in the past. He is a young man who also immersed himself in the dream of becoming a professional detective. He was the one who comforted me when I was at my worst. But this painful time… it seems that no one will comfort me anymore.”

I walked over to Duke and said: “I'm sorry for everything. I'm the one causing you pain this time, so surely it can't be me who soothes your soul. But I still want to give you a gift… as a thank you. Thank you so much for helping me to recognize my true self. Thank you for showing me what love is.”

Saying this, I handed the hat I was wearing to Duke: “I'm just a poor detective. I have nothing else to give you other than this. I think a pipe would make more sense as a souvenir, but unfortunately, I don't have a pipe.” Duke took my hat and asked: “A detective in the style of Sherlock Holmes without a pipe?”

I smiled: “Of course I have one! But I gave it to a man eight years ago!” Duke suddenly changed his face, he shook my shoulder and asked: “Eight years ago?! Who'd you give the pipe to? Where?!” I was surprised at Duke's urgency: “Give it to whom? Um… a man I met at the hospital.”

After hearing my answer, Duke let go of his hand from my shoulder. He suddenly lowered his face to the ground, making me feel confused. Then Duke laughed: “Oh… why didn't I notice it sooner? The outfit you are wearing is no different from the outfit that the detective boy wore eight years ago. I just can't imagine this. Because… your gender is different. But now I believe that you and the person I met in the past are the same person!”

I was confused: “Huh? I don't quite understand what you mean!” Duke took out a pipe from his jacket and held it in front of me: “Do you recognize this pipe?” I was stunned: “Why… This pipe... Could it be that you are the same person I met at the hospital eight years ago?” Duke nodded: “Yes, I guess that's why from the moment I stood next to you in the elevator, I felt so familiar! In short, you were the one who healed me eight years ago… and now, you're with me again!”

I sighed: “If that's the case, you must have guessed the reason I mentioned earlier, right? That's right, I'm not a girl! I'm just a poor detective guy who dreams of encountering a difficult, thrilling situation! I'm sorry I fell in love with you. This love is not allowed to happe…”

Before I finished my sentence, my mouth was blocked by a blast of heat! Duke is kissing me, this time a kiss on the lips, not on the cheek like last night. I froze at this unexpected situation! What is this?!

It took a while for Duke to leave me. My face was hot from his kiss, my breathing a little rushed. Duke put his hand on my face and smiled: “You're so cute! Again, I want to repeat this: I love you!”

I started to cry: “But… why? I am not a woman...” Duke said gently: “It is often said that a gangster often has a different mindset than normal people. In the past, I didn't pay much attention to this statement, but right now, I think it's absolutely true. I don't care if you're male or female! I don't like lies, that's why I will never lie to myself! My feelings for you are real and always will be! You're always there for me when I feel the worst! You are the sunshine that warms my frozen heart. Then… why can't I love you?! Gender is just a boundary set by this society, and a gangster like me does not belong to this society! That's what I was thinking. So… I'll ask you again… can you be my girlfriend?”

I burst into tears, rushing into Duke's vast chest. I kept saying: “I love you! Love you! I love you so much! Thank you for accepting this sentiment! I just want to be the little girl who curls up in your lap! I don't care about this detective work anymore! I betrayed my client… I don't deserve to be a detective anymore! But that does not matter. As long as I'm by your side, everything doesn't matter.

Duke said nothing but smiled and looked at me, one hand holding my head, one hand constantly patting me. After a while, I calmed down. Waiting for me to wipe my tears, Duke said: “You did not betray your client. Your client asks you to find out if I am having an affair. So if you tell her the truth, you're still a reputable detective.” I shook my head and said: “No… I don't want that!”

Duke waved his hand: “I don't mind! But, for now, let's forget about it. I still remember… you said you wanted to experience a thrilling situation once, right? Then I will help you!”

PART 13 >>