The peaceful days at Haneul High School continued. Joon-woo enjoyed his free time with Ji-ho, training on the school field, and chatting with So-yeon in the library. School life, though still harboring underlying tensions, felt lighter than before. However, Joon-woo knew that this tranquility wouldn't last forever.
One evening, after an intense training session with Ji-ho, they both sat on the edge of the field to rest. Ji-ho took a deep breath, looking tired but satisfied. "You're really amazing, Joon-woo," Ji-ho said with genuine admiration. "I don't know how you can move so quickly."
Joon-woo shrugged, not making too much of the compliment. "A lot of practice," he replied briefly. "And maybe a bit of luck."
Ji-ho chuckled softly, but his gaze revealed something more serious. "Hey, Joon-woo... Have you heard about the Gangnam district?"
Joon-woo frowned, slightly surprised by the question. "Yes, I've heard of it. Why?"
Ji-ho looked hesitant for a moment before continuing, as if struggling to find the right words. "Some kids at this school are involved in things they shouldn't be in there. I heard they're dealing with big gangs. You know, people who are really dangerous."
Joon-woo looked at Ji-ho with a flat expression. This kind of information wasn't something he wanted to hear, especially after he had worked hard to stay away from problems that weren't his business. Yet, he knew Ji-ho wouldn't mention this if it weren't important. "Do you know someone involved?" Joon-woo asked finally, keeping his tone calm.
Ji-ho shook his head. "Not directly, but I've heard rumors. You know how people like to talk. Some say that a few students here are forced to deal with those gangs because of debts or family issues."
Although Joon-woo listened, he didn't feel compelled to get more involved. He didn't care about students he didn't know. To him, they were just part of his school life. However, he also knew there was a limit to how cautious he should be, especially if this issue started to disturb his peace.
"We should be careful, Ji-ho," he said finally, trying to close the conversation. "Don't get too involved in things like that."
Ji-ho nodded, though it was clear he was still worried. "I know. But I just wanted to make sure you're aware too. I don't want you getting caught up in big trouble."
Joon-woo merely nodded without thinking too much about it. To him, this was a warning he could keep in the back of his mind. As long as the issue didn't affect people he cared about, like Ji-ho or So-yeon, he wouldn't bother with Gangnam gangs.
That night, Joon-woo returned to his apartment with a more peaceful mind. He wouldn't let the rumors about gangs in Gangnam disrupt his tranquility. However, he remained vigilant. He knew that if something happened, he needed to be prepared to act, especially if people he cared about got involved.
In his simple yet comfortable apartment, Joon-woo opened his bedroom window. The cool night breeze came in, offering a soothing, refreshing sensation. From his apartment on the outskirts of Gangnam, he could see the city lights sparkling in the distance. Out there was a world much harsher and more disordered than what he faced at school.
As he gazed into the distance, his phone buzzed on the table. It was a message from his mother. "Don't forget to have dinner with the family tomorrow night. Your father wants to talk to you about the future of the company."
Joon-woo read the message with little emotion. His family was very wealthy and influential, but he always felt that his world was different from his parents' business world. Although he knew he would inherit that wealth and influence someday, Joon-woo was more interested in handling his own issues without relying on his family's power.
His thoughts began to drift back to the past when he lived in his family's large house. Memories of how those around him were always cautious, even afraid, when speaking to his family, made him uncomfortable. The power his family held often made others feel small, and it was something he always avoided.
"You need to learn not to rely too much on the power of others," his father once said when Joon-woo was young. "The world is harsh, Joon-woo. But you must be stronger than anyone."
Joon-woo knew his father's words were true. But even though he had grown up with that principle, there were times when he felt that his family's power was a burden. A burden that made him feel isolated from the outside world. People might see him as someone lucky to have everything, but they didn't know that Joon-woo preferred to earn his own power, without his family's shadow.
The next day, Joon-woo went through his school day as usual. He attended classes, trained with Ji-ho, and occasionally spoke with So-yeon in the library. However, he kept his distance from other students, maintaining a simple life.
During break time, So-yeon approached him in the library as usual. She sat across from Joon-woo, noticing his expression was more serious than usual. "Is something bothering you, Joon-woo?" she asked gently.
Joon-woo looked up, trying to smile to reassure So-yeon. "No, I'm just a bit tired. Lots on my mind."
So-yeon looked at him attentively, as if she could see something deeper. "You know, if there's anything you want to talk about, I'm always here."
Joon-woo nodded slowly. "Thanks, So-yeon. I'll keep that in mind." Although he appreciated So-yeon's concern, Joon-woo remained cautious about opening up. He knew that this world could be dangerous, and he didn't want to involve others in his problems.
"Joon-woo," So-yeon continued more seriously, "I just want you to know that you don't have to face everything alone. Sometimes, sharing the burden can make it lighter."
Joon-woo gave a thin smile, understanding So-yeon's meaning but remaining firm in his stance. "I know, So-yeon. But I'm used to this. I don't want to trouble others."
So-yeon sighed, looking like she wanted to say more but eventually just nodded. "Alright, but remember that you have friends here. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help."
Joon-woo nodded again, though he knew he wouldn't involve So-yeon or Ji-ho unless absolutely necessary. To him, protecting them meant keeping his distance from problems that could be dangerous.
That night, Joon-woo arrived at his family's grand house in the elite Gangnam district. The house resembled a mansion more than a regular home, with expansive grounds and tight security. As he entered the living room, he was greeted by his mother, an elegant woman who always looked flawless.
"You're right on time," his mother said with a smile. "Your father is already waiting in the dining room. He wants to discuss something important with you."
Joon-woo nodded and followed his mother to the large, opulent dining room. There, his father, Kang Dong-ho, was seated at the head of the long table, waiting for Joon-woo. After Joon-woo took his seat, dinner began quietly, accompanied only by the sounds of utensils clinking against porcelain plates.
After a while, Dong-ho set down his fork and looked at Joon-woo with a serious expression. "Joon-woo, there's something we need to talk about."
Joon-woo put down his fork and met his father's gaze. He knew that when his father spoke in this tone, it usually meant something significant. "What do you want to discuss, Father?"
Dong-ho sighed before speaking. "You're growing up, Joon-woo. And as a member of the Kang family, there are responsibilities you need to take on. I want you to start thinking about your future, both in terms of your education and your role in the family business."
Joon-woo nodded, though he wasn't particularly interested in the business world. "I understand, Father. But you know I prefer to focus on my studies right now."
Dong-ho gave a thin smile. "I know, and that's good. But you also need to be prepared to take over if needed. Our company is large and influential, and many people rely on the decisions we make."
Joon-woo understood his father's point. Even though he wasn't very interested in the business, he knew he had to be ready if he was ever required to take a bigger role in the company. "I'll think about it, Father. Thank you for the advice."
Dong-ho nodded in satisfaction. "That's what I hope for. Remember, Joon-woo, we shouldn't be afraid of anyone. Our family is strong enough to face whatever comes our way."
Joon-woo couldn't help but give a thin smile. Although he knew his family's influence was a powerful protection, he also wanted to handle his own problems. He didn't like relying on his family's wealth and influence, even though it was always there if he needed it.
"So, how was your day at school?" Dong-ho asked, trying to shift the conversation to something lighter.
"It was fine," Joon-woo replied briefly. He didn't feel the need to discuss the details of his school life, especially things he thought weren't relevant to the family. "I'm getting used to the new environment."
His mother smiled softly. "Good. We want you to feel comfortable at your new school. If anything bothers you, you know you can rely on us."
Joon-woo simply nodded, though he didn't want to rely too much on his family. "I know, Mom. But so far, I've been able to handle everything on my own."
After dinner, Joon-woo returned to his apartment, feeling slightly more at ease after talking with his family. Even though he didn't want to depend on their wealth, he knew that having a strong family backing him provided a sense of security.
The next day, Joon-woo went back to school with a calmer mind. He went about his day as usual, keeping his distance from other students except Ji-ho and So-yeon. He wasn't interested in other people's problems unless they involved people he knew.
However, as he walked through the corridors, he noticed that some students, including Ji-ho, seemed more anxious than usual.
After school, during their training session, Ji-ho finally mustered the courage to speak. "Joon-woo, there's something you need to know. Some students here are involved with gangs in Gangnam. They don't have a choice because of debts or family issues. And now, they're starting to target other students."
Joon-woo looked at Ji-ho with a sharp gaze. "What do you mean? Are they trying to recruit students here?"
Ji-ho nodded, his face showing concern. "Yes, and I've heard they're not afraid to use violence if you refuse. I just want you to be careful."
Joon-woo listened attentively but maintained his calm demeanor. "I'll be cautious," he replied briefly. To Joon-woo, this information was only important as far as it affected the people he cared about. As long as there was no direct threat to Ji-ho or So-yeon, he wouldn't get more involved.
Yet, deep down, Joon-woo knew this was no longer just a school issue. It was a larger conflict, and he had to be ready to face whatever came, both inside and outside the school. He knew that his family's influence could be a shield, but he also wanted to resolve this in his own way.