Somewhere in Korea
In the dimly lit, cramped room, the only source of light was a flickering bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the peeling walls. The air was thick with the scent of damp concrete and something metallic, almost like blood. Three figures huddled around a small, rickety table, their faces partially obscured by the darkness.
The first man, his voice a low whisper, broke the silence. "Everything is planned. No mistakes, no traces. Both of them are joining hands." His eyes, cold and calculating, darted between the other two, gauging their reactions.
The second, a woman with sharp features, leaned forward, her face partially illuminated by the weak light. "We'll need to know her routine, her weak spots. If we mess this up, we're all dead," she said, her tone devoid of emotion, yet carrying an undertone of urgency.
The third figure, younger and visibly tense, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "What if something goes wrong?" he asked, his voice betraying his nerves. He fiddled with a small knife on the table, the blade catching the light with every anxious movement.
The first man smirked, his expression hidden by the shadows. "That's why you're here. To make sure nothing does. Tomorrow night, while she celebrates her new contract." His words hung in the air like a threat, heavy and ominous.
A silence followed, broken only by the distant sound of dripping water somewhere in the building. The decision had been made, and now, there was no turning back.
---
With Isshin
"So, how's the food?" Yukino inquired, expectation lingering in her voice as she looked at Isshin for a reaction.
"Great, I've never tried something this good. The soup is delicious, the fish is so flavorful, and the kimchi is the best I've had."
"Oh, you love it!" Hearing genuine praise from Isshin made Yukino blush hard, unable to make eye contact with him out of embarrassment.
Isshin, searching for something to ask, inquired, "I didn't ask, Cindy, what exactly do you do? Like, work or study?"
"Both. I'm doing an internship and preparing for higher studies. I'm a good science student, majoring in chemistry and bio," Cindy replied with pride, perhaps hinting that she might be a top student.
"What about you? What do you do, Isshin?" That question shifted the conversation towards a discussion about passion, hard work, and life—topics that Isshin found unexpectedly enjoyable, as he had rarely thought outside of his jujutsu occupation.
Strangely, Cindy brought up the topic of mutants, shifting the conversation. Even Yukino seemed more interested in that particular subject. As they criticized the government, society, and people in general who despised mutants, Isshin felt a slight suspicion but kept it hidden.
"So, what are your opinions on mutants? Do you hate them, like them?" Yukino eagerly asked.
"Well, nothing. As long as they cooperate and I cooperate, everything is peaceful—it's all good," Isshin replied. He had no personal vendetta or grudges against them, so his stance was neutral, which surprised them.
"Have you tried some soju?" Cindy asked. Taking the empty plate off the table alone. Soon, dinner was over, and Cindy brought out some drinks and cups, slowly pouring for each of them even before Isshin could answer her.
"I certainly won't mind," he finally responded. It was a late reply, but still, it was a new experience in a new country. Nothing much happened apart from drinking with Yukino and Cindy, although Cindy was a light drinker and easily got drunk but Yukino was a tough challenge to beat.
With that, the day concluded. It was late at night, but his house was right next door.
"Damn, that was like something straight out of a pornwa," Isshin thought, still a bit tipsy as he drifted off to sleep. With that last thought, he closed his eyes and slept until the afternoon, only to be awakened by someone knocking on his door.
---
The Next Morning
*First Person*
*Knock x4*
*yawn* "What's going on this early in the morning? Oh, it's 3 PM already? Damn, I had a long sleep." The loud knocking on my door finally woke me up. I stretched a little and glanced at the clock, surprised at how late it was, before heading to see who dared to disturb my sleep.
"Cindy???" As soon as I opened the door, I was stunned to find her lying unconscious right next to it. She was sweating profusely, and there was no one else around. I tried to wake her, but she wouldn't budge.
Then, I did what I should as a neighbor and tried to contact her sister, but she wasn't in their house, nor was their mother. Moreover, I didn't have their number. Finally, I did what a friend would do and carried her into my house to look after her.