A few days had passed in a serene stretch, a rare calm that Park Woojin found almost surreal. The absence of Donghyun's group, a result of Renji's intervention, was a welcome relief. For once, he wasn't subjected to the bullying and mistreatment that had been his norm.
Though the occasional glares and hostile looks still came his way, they were mere inconveniences compared to the relentless harassment of the past. He was so absorbed in this newfound peace that he barely noticed how much time had flown by—almost a month, in fact.
Today, as usual, he headed to the park near his home, a short walk away. Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and black jogging pants, Woojin began his run around the park, a routine he had adopted over the past two weeks.
The conversation with Renji served as a wake-up call, prompting him to start taking better care of his body by eating healthier and exercising more. Renji didn't immediately agree to his request but advised him to build his stamina and gain weight first, as he was notably thin and short for his age. Hearing this from Renji made him more determined than ever to toughen up his body, preparing himself to endure everything Renji would teach him.
With each run, he could feel himself growing stronger and more self-assured. The fear that had once gripped him was gradually being replaced by a sense of empowerment.
The park was lively with people jogging, walking dogs, or sitting on benches enjoying the tranquility. As Woojin finished his run, he took a moment to drink from his tumbler, steadying his breath.
He was in the middle of drinking when someone called his name. It was his classmate, Song Kang Dae. He was stunned, as this guy never spoke to him before.
Woojin blinked in surprise, staring at Song Kang Dae. The classmate who had always seemed distant now stood before him.
"Ah Park Woojin? What are you doing here?" Kang Dae asked in surprise, holding his dog close.
Park Woojin avoided his gaze and looked down at his tumbler.
"Running. You know, to stay healthy," he replied, still not meeting his eyes. He didn't want to see his expression, fearing he might laugh at him.
But he didn't hear any laughter from him. Instead, Kang Dae sat on the bench beside him and looked around the park.
"Do you come here often? Because I do. I always walk Daewoong here." He laughed. Noticing Park Woojin's puzzled look, he scratched his head shyly and pointed at the dog. "His name is Daewoong. My grandma gave him to me before she passed away." There was a tinge of sadness in his voice as he petted the dog's fur. The dog responded with a bark.
Park Woojin couldn't explain the feeling. This must be how it feels to talk to someone other than Renji who doesn't bully him.
He sat next to Kang Dae, still catching his breath from running.
"Sorry to hear that." He said awkwardly. Kang Dae nodded slightly. "Do you live nearby? I haven't seen you here before." He asked.
"I only started running here two weeks ago. But my house is close by."
"Ahh..." Kang Dae paused for a moment. "By the way, you're friends with Renji, right?" He asked hesitantly.
"Sort of." Woojin admitted shyly.
Kang Dae's face suddenly became serious. "I'm not sure if I should tell you this... I'm just concerned, but you should probably tell Renji to be careful." He spoke seriously, looking directly at Woojin.
Woojin couldn't help but feel nervous hearing that.
"W-Why? Did something happen?" He asked worriedly.
Kang Dae avoided his gaze and turned his attention to the dog, who almost escaped from his arms. "I overheard some of the higher-ups in the other section talking... since Renji is the new King... his position is in jeopardy."
"It seems Donghyun can't accept the fact that he's no longer the King of 1-A, so he sought help from the other section. But it's not that simple. I don't know what Donghyun is offering them to get their support, but the thing is... their goal is Renji. I just don't know how they'll do it... you know..." he stopped then looked at me. "To forcefully remove Renji from his position." He continued.
Woojin didn't know what to say. Fear and worry enveloped him because of what he heard.
"It's up to you to tell him, Park Woojin." Kang Dae gave a faint smile and stood up. "I'll head home now. My mother might be looking for me." He said goodbye and left.
Even as he went home, Woojin kept thinking about what to do.
He thought it was over. He had gotten used to the peace. It felt like reality slapped him in the face because of what he heard from Kang Dae.
He needed to tell Renji about this.
_______________________
The dimly lit room was a smoky, underground billiards hall with peeling wallpaper and flickering neon lights casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Two people were playing intently. One, tall and wiry with a sharp, angular face, leaned over the table, his eyes narrowed in concentration as he lined up his shot.
The cue ball clicked against another, sending it rolling smoothly into a pocket. The tall guy straightened up, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. He went by the name, Wang.
After he made the shot, he turned to his friend.
The other one, named Yoo Minhyuk, wore a casual black hoodie and faded jeans. He had a more relaxed demeanor, his movements smooth and unhurried. While Wang's sharp focus was evident, Minhyuk seemed to be more laid-back, his easy grin and casual posture contrasting with Wang's intense concentration.
"Hey, Minhyuk! Do we really have to do what that bastard Donghyun asked us to do?"
"Shut up, Wang."
"Tsk. It rubs me the wrong way." Wang scratched his head.
Yoo Minhyuk rolled his eyes and coldly shifted his gaze to the table.
"If Donghyun hadn't given us important information, I wouldn't follow his orders either," he said with a grin, taking another shot. The last billiard ball went into the pocket.
He stood up straight and tossed the cue stick to his companion before slumping onto a worn leather couch.
He lit a cigarette and watched the smoke escape his lips.
A couple of leather couches, though worn, were comfortable and positioned at one end of the room. A small bar stocked with an assortment of liquor and glasses stood in the corner. The faint scent of cigar smoke lingered in the air.
Minhyuk's eyes narrowed as he blew out a plume of smoke, the swirling tendrils blending seamlessly with the shadows that danced in the dim light.
He hadn't expected Donghyun to have such significant connections. Especially not the long-sought information he wanted.
That bastard actually has some use. He smirked at the thought.
Wang approached him and lit his own cigarette.
"So...? What's the plan?" Wang asked with a hint of annoyance, which Minhyuk ignored. "It looks like Donghyun is in a hurry. If he wasn't an idiot, he wouldn't have lost to just one opponent, right?"
Minhyuk fell into deep thought and looked at his friend.
"What was his name again?"
Wang thought for a moment and then snapped his fingers. "Kang Renji. I wonder, is he really that strong? Based on what we've heard from Donghyun's group, he seems formidable." He laughed, taking a drag of his cigarette.
Minhyuk's expression darkened. The dimly lit room highlighted his face, hidden in the shadows.
"We'll see."