The city pulsed with life as Yu-jin walked through the crowded streets, her eyes wide behind her tinted glasses, taking in the sights. Towering buildings loomed over her, their sleek exteriors reflecting the bright afternoon sun, while street vendors lined the sidewalks, their voices blending with the hum of traffic. She found herself both lost and exhilarated by the sheer scale of it all.
Lost in thought, Yu-jin didn't notice the man until it was too late. They collided, her shoulder catching his with a light thud.
"Watch out, boy!" the man grumbled, barely looking at her as he passed, a frown etched into his wrinkled face.
For a moment, Yu-jin paused, feeling a flicker of confusion. Boy? She glanced down at her reflection in a shop window. Her loose clothes she'd chosen for comfort apparently had disguised her figure. Her round tinted glasses only added to the ambiguity.
She touched the frames delicately, making sure they were still secure, then adjusted her hat. They were important, more than just a fashion choice. Beneath them, her emerald eyes shimmered with an intensity that always drew too much attention. As much as she loved the city's anonymity, she knew the eyes and the color of her hair were too distinctive. It wasn't the kind of attention she needed right now.
Pulling the brim of her hat lower, Yu-jin smirked at her reflection. She continued down the street, her thoughts swirling as the man's muttered boy still echoed in her mind. She couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself. Joo-hyun's wardrobe works wonders. This can work.
Yu-jin continued down the bustling street, her pace unhurried as she scanned the buildings and alleyways for a place to eat. The aroma of grilled meats and fresh pastries wafted through the air, but her mind was on practicality. She had brought a large sum of money with her—enough to afford a meal at one of the city's best restaurants, but that wasn't the point. If she was going to start a new life here, she needed to be cautious. Without a job, her savings would only go so far.
As she turned a corner, she spotted a small diner tucked between two towering shops. The simple wooden sign above the door read Tae-ju's Kitchen, and the modest crowd inside gave it a cozy, unassuming feel.
Pushing open the door, an old bell chimed overhead, announcing her arrival. Yu-jin quickly glanced around—no one seemed to pay much attention, which was a relief. She walked up to the counter where a woman in her late forties stood, wiping down a stack of plates.
"Welcome! What can I get you?" the woman asked, her tone brisk but not unfriendly.
Yu-jin glanced at the handwritten menu behind the counter. "I would like to have... beef stew with rice, please."
The woman raised an eyebrow at Yu-jin's accent, her movements pausing for a brief second. Yu-jin cursed herself inwardly. She had slipped into her old dialect, the one from her estate, far too formal for the city.
Quickly, she corrected herself. "I mean, just the beef stew with rice, please." Her voice came out more casual, with the city's cadence, and the woman seemed to relax.
"You're not from here, kiddo." Grinned the woman, which Yu-jin particularly didn't quite appreciate, "Got it. Take a seat, it'll be out soon." The woman replied, resuming her cleaning as if nothing had happened.
Yu-jin exhaled quietly and made her way to a small table by the window. She pulled off her hat, running a hand through her hair before placing it on the seat beside her. As she leaned back, her gaze wandered to the street outside, the constant flow of people moving like the current of a river. She had never been in such a lively place before.
The sounds of the city hummed around her, the clatter of dishes and quiet conversations within the diner blending seamlessly into the noise outside. But as Yu-jin settled into her chair, something caught her attention.
In the corner of the diner, at a table half-shrouded in shadow, a young boy sat sandwiched between two much larger men. His head was bowed low, his hands fidgeting nervously in his lap, but Yu-jin's sharp eyes noticed something strange. The man beside him was sliding a purse—clearly not his own—across the table, a grin spreading across his face as he poked the boy with the money inside.
Yu-jin's stomach churned at the sight, and not just because of what the boy was involved in. It reminded her all too clearly of why she had left home. Her life hadn't always been her own, shaped and manipulated by those with more power and influence than she could ever hope to fight.
The arranged marriage had been planned long before she was born. A contract, a deal between her family and another powerful estate, sealed with a promise she had no say in. Her parents had raised her in that world, molding her for a future that wasn't hers to choose. But she had chosen. This morning she left, she had broken free from that suffocating path, determined to live life on her own terms.
Watching the boy now, it was hard not to see herself—trapped by circumstances he had little control over, pushed into something that wasn't truly his choice.
Yu-jin's gaze lingered on the scene a moment longer, the stirrings of an old anger rising within her. But she forced herself to look away, breathing deeply as she reminded herself of the new life she was building.
Her meal arrived, and she thanked the woman, trying to shake the image of the boy from her mind. I ran away for a reason. I have my own future now, she thought, picking up her chopsticks.
At the corner table, the conversation between the two men and the boy began in hushed tones, but Yu-jin could catch snippets of their voices from where she sat. The boy, no older than twelve or thirteen, kept his head down, hands trembling as they played nervously with the frayed edges of his shirt.
One of the men, his voice gravelly and thick with authority, leaned closer to the boy. "You don't wanna disappoint us, do you, kiddo?"
The boy flinched, barely lifting his gaze. "I-I got the purse. Just like you said."
The other man, broader with a scar cutting across his cheek, chuckled darkly. "A purse? That's nothing, boy. You think that's enough? We gave you a chance, and now you owe us more. You've gotta pull bigger scores."
The boy's voice shook. "I… I don't know if I can."
The gravel-voiced man leaned back, crossing his arms. "You don't get to decide. You're in this now, whether you like it or not. You do as we say, and maybe you'll get out clean. Keep that up, and you won't have to worry about a thing." His words dripped with menace, every syllable laced with a threat that made the boy shrink further.
Yu-jin's grip tightened around her chopsticks. The scene was a mirror of the control she had escaped, and something about it twisted inside her, reigniting the anger she had tried to suppress. She had run away to avoid living a life dictated by others, and now here was this boy, cornered by those who sought to rob him of his choices. She set her chopsticks down loudly on the table, her fingers itching to intervene.
Just as Yu-jin prepared to stand and speak up, another figure walked in the scene. He moved with deliberate, slow steps, his black coat swaying slightly with each step. His presence immediately filled the room, though his expression was calm, almost unnervingly so. The man stood tall, with sharp, calculating eyes that scanned the diner with a faint smile playing on his lips.
He made his way over to the corner table, where the two men and the boy sat. Without invitation, the stranger pulled up a chair, sitting down with a smooth, practiced ease. The larger men stiffened, their previous confidence fading as the stranger's eyes settled on them.
The scarred man grunted, his previous bravado faltering under the stranger's gaze. "Who the hell are you?"
The stranger didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, folding his hands on the table. His smile remained, but it was far from friendly. "I believe you're bothering the boy."
The gravel-voiced man sneered, attempting to regain control of the situation. "This is none of your business. You should walk away, pal."
The stranger tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with a quiet, unsettling authority. He chuckled, low and deep, the sound almost a growl beneath the surface of his calm demeanor as he lit the tobacco he had just placed between his lips. "Is that the decision you'd like to make today?"
The two men exchanged uneasy glances, and for a moment, the air in the diner grew thick with tension. Even from where she sat, Yu-jin could feel the shift. There was something about this man, something more dangerous than the thugs harassing the boy. His smile remained fixed, but his eyes told a different story—a promise of consequences if he wasn't obeyed.
The scarred man was the first to crack, standing abruptly when his eyes darted down at the crest of the gun on the stranger's waist. "Come on," he muttered to his partner. "Let's go."
The other man hesitated, but after a moment, he too stood, his eyes darting between the stranger and the boy. They both left in a hurry, pushing past the door and disappearing into the bustling streets outside.
The boy, still frozen in place, looked up at the stranger with wide, fearful eyes. "Thank... you..."
He stood up, his coat swaying as he turned toward the exit, casting a quick glance in Yu-jin's direction. Their eyes met briefly, and though he gave no outward sign of recognition, Yu-jin felt the intensity of his gaze. She could sense it—this man was no ordinary bystander.
Without another word, the stranger left the diner, the doorbell chiming softly in his wake.
Was he in here the entire time? I didn't even notice him. Yu-jin sat back in her seat, her pulse racing. The boy still sat at the table, staring at the empty spot where the men had been. She exhaled slowly, her fingers trembling as they hovered over her chopsticks. The city had just shown her another of its faces—one filled with shadows and dangers she hadn't yet imagined.
As the boy sat there, staring at the empty corner table, Yu-jin felt a pull toward him. She hesitated, then made her decision. Leaning slightly over her table, she beckoned him with a subtle wave. "Hey, come here."
He looked up, startled, his eyes darting between her and the door. "I... I should go." He stammered, glancing back toward the exit.
"Just for a moment," Yu-jin urged gently, her voice low and inviting. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to talk."
After a brief moment of hesitation, he slowly stood and approached her table, the weight of his uncertainty evident in his posture. "Why do you want to talk to me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I noticed you looked like you could use a meal," she replied, motioning to the empty chair across from her. "Please, sit down. Let me buy you something to eat."
He shook his head, a mix of fear and pride flashing across his face. "I don't want to bother you. I'm fine."
Yu-jin leaned back, her expression softening. "It's not a bother at all. I can't just sit here and watch you leave without eating. Please, it's okay."
The boy hesitated, then, as if the allure of food was too tempting to resist, he slid into the chair across from her. "Okay." he mumbled, glancing at the steaming bowl of beef stew she had barely touched.
"What's your name?" she asked, a friendly smile breaking through her earlier tension.
"Min-jun," he replied, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "What about you?"
"Jin-ah," she said, her voice steady as she introduced her false name. It felt liberating to adopt a name that at least hid her indentity in the capital city. "So, Min-jun, do you come here often?"
He shook his head, his curiosity piqued. "Not really..."
"Do you live around here?" she pressed, trying to draw him out.
Min-jun's gaze flickered toward the door as Yu-jin's question hung in the air, his fingers twitching nervously. He shifted in his seat but didn't answer, choosing instead to stare at the table. His silence spoke louder than any reply could.
Yu-jin watched him carefully, noticing the way his small frame seemed to tense whenever the conversation veered too close to his personal life. The boy was clearly on edge, and whatever those men had been involved in, Min-jun wasn't a willing participant.
She gave him a small, reassuring smile, pushing the bowl of beef stew toward him. "Here, why don't you try this? It's fresh and warm. You must be hungry."
Min-jun hesitated, eyeing the food. His pride was at war with the gnawing hunger in his stomach, but eventually, hunger won out. Slowly, he picked up the spoon, taking a tentative bite. The rich flavor of the stew seemed to melt some of his reservations, and he quickly took another bite, eating faster now.
Yu-jin watched him eat in silence for a moment, thinking about the interaction she'd witnessed earlier. The men had spoken to Min-jun with a cruel kind of authority, the kind that came from knowing they held power over him. It was clear that he wasn't working for them by choice.
"They didn't seem like the kind of people you should be around." Yu-jin said gently, breaking the silence.
Min-jun froze mid-bite, the spoon halfway to his mouth. He lowered it slowly and looked up at her, his eyes guarded. "It's not like I have a choice..." he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yu-jin's heart clenched. She had suspected as much. "They're threatening you, aren't they?"
He didn't answer, but his silence confirmed her suspicions. Yu-jin leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice. "You don't have to do what they say. There's always another way out, Min-jun."
He looked down at his hands, which were now tightly clenched in his lap. "You don't understand. It's not that easy. They... They can hurt people I care about."
"Min-jun, you don't have to tell me everything," she said softly. "But I can help you, if you want."
He looked up at her, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. For a moment, it seemed as if he might trust her, might open up more. But then he shook his head, retreating back into himself. "I don't want to get anyone else involved." he muttered.
Yu-jin sighed inwardly but didn't push further. "Alright, Min-jun," she said quietly. "But if you ever need anything, you can come to me, okay? I'll be around."
He gave her a small nod, finishing the last of the stew. "Thank you... Jin-ah-ssi," he murmured, his tone more respectful now, as if recognizing her kindness despite his reluctance.
Yu-jin smiled. "Anytime." she took a moment, gathering her thoughts before shifting the conversation. "So, Min-jun," she began, her curiosity piqued. "What about that man who just came in? The one who scared those others away? Do you know him?"
Min-jun shrugged, his eyes darting to the floor. "I don't know who he is," he said quietly. "I've never seen him before."
Just then, a voice piped up from the table next to theirs. A boy with messy hair and deep-set eyes leaned over, looking half-asleep yet surprisingly alert. "You're talking about Sun-jae, right?" he said, his tone lazy but his gaze sharp.
Yu-jin turned, intrigued. "You know him?"
"Yeah," the boy replied, stifling a yawn. "I mean, who doesn't? Those guys... talking back at him, hah, they probably never seen him before. It was kind of dumb. They should throw a feast for getting out alive, at least. But they definitely knew the crest he was wearing."
"The crest?" Yu-jin asked, leaning forward. "What do you mean?"
He lifted his hand lazily, palm up, as if he were asking for something. "Before I spill any more, how about a little compensation?" he said, his tired eyes glinting with mischief.
Yu-jin exchanged a glance with Min-jun, who looked equally confused but slightly amused. "What do you want?" she asked, bemused.
"Just a few coins," he replied nonchalantly. "Information isn't free, you know."
Yu-jin hesitated but then pulled a couple of coins from her pocket, placing them in his outstretched hand. "Alright, now tell me about this Sun-jae."
"First off, my name's Dong-hui. You don't sound like you're from around here, so if you need some intel, you can always find me here. Information for a few coins, yes?" Dong-hui grinned, pleased with the trade. "Anyway, I've seen him around the city, usually with some important people. Higher ups, the gangs, jokingly I'd say he swings both ways." He guffaws, proud of his own jest, "He's got connections—people don't mess with him. At least, those who recognize him."
Yu-jin's eyes widened slightly. "You think he could help me with Min-jun's situation?"
"Maybe," Dong-hui replied, shrugging. "But I wouldn't count on it. You'd either be a new interesting chess piece or a boring speck of dust. Those guys may not have recognized him this time, but they'll find out. And when they do..." He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.
Yu-jin leaned back, absorbing the information. "So he's important, then." she glanced at Dong-hui, sensing he wasn't finished. "Is there more?" she asked, curious.
"Of course," Dong-hui said, leaning closer. "But that'll cost you a bit more." He raised an eyebrow expectantly, his hand still open for more coins.
Yu-jin hesitated but eventually fished out another coin, handing it over. "Alright, what else?"
Dong-hui grinned, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Sun-jae's also known as 'Mad Dog' around here. People fear him not just because of his connections but for his brutal ways. If you cross him, you might find yourself in a very... uncomfortable situation." He smirked, as if the idea amused him.
Yu-jin's face fell. "Brutal how?"
"Interrogation, torture—you name it," Dong-hui replied, his tone now more serious. "He's got a reputation for getting information out of people, no matter what it takes. Some say he enjoys it too much. That's why you don't want to get on his bad side."
Yu-jin felt a chill run down her spine. "So he's dangerous, then?"
"Extremely," Dong-hui confirmed, his voice lowering. "People around here know to steer clear of him unless they really have to. If you're looking to approach him, be careful. He doesn't take kindly to strangers. Just remember, you're walking a fine line here." Dong-hui said, flashing a toothy grin. "Just don't forget to keep paying for my services, or I might stop sharing the good stuff."
"Right," Yu-jin replied, trying to keep the mood light despite the unsettling news. "I'll keep that in mind."
Yu-jin felt a weight settle in her stomach as she processed Dong-hui's warning. Approaching Sun-jae seemed too risky; the last thing she wanted was to cross paths with someone known for brutality. "I think I'll skip asking Sun-jae for help." she said, forcing a casual tone.
Dong-hui leaned back, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Smart move. But hey, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. Let's be good pals, yeah?"
"Haha.. sure." Yu-jin stood up forcing a chuckle, gathering her belongings. "Min-jun, why don't you come with me? I'm looking for a cheap apartment."
The boy hesitated, glancing back at her. "Are you sure? I mean, I..."
"Absolutely," she insisted. "I could use some help looking for one anyway."
Min-jun nodded slowly. "Okay, then. I'll come."
As they moved toward the door, Dong-hui called out, "Hey! If you're looking for a good place to stay, I know one. Just a few coins, and I'll tell you!"
Yu-jin turned, shaking her head. "No thanks, I can manage on my own. I appreciate it, but I'll find something."
"Suit yourself," Dong-hui replied, his grin unfazed. "But don't say I didn't warn you if you end up somewhere sketchy!"
Yu-jin pushed the door open, stepping into the bustling street. The noise and energy of the city enveloped her, and she took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease. "Let's go, Min-jun." she said, glancing back at him.