The man, who eventually introduced himself as Park Ji Ho, picked Kang Min up in front of the school in a black sedan. Kang Min seemed reluctant to get into the car, but after staring at Ji Ho for a moment, he finally opened the door and sat in the front passenger seat.
"I don't have much time," Kang Min said in a cold tone. "So, quickly tell me what you have."
Ji Ho just smiled slightly as he started the car engine. "Take it easy, Kang Min. I'll take you to a place that will answer all your questions."
Meanwhile, in the distance, Lee Jong and Sung Jae had just come out of a convenience store with ice cream in their hands. They had just finished playing PS at an internet cafe, when their eyes caught the sight of Kang Min getting into Ji Ho's car.
"Uh, that's Kang Min, right?" asked Lee Jong as he pointed with his ice cream.
"Really, yes. That's no ordinary car. The person who picked him up looks suspicious," Sung Jae replied with a sharp glance.
Lee Jong finished his ice cream quickly, then tapped Sung Jae on the shoulder. "I suspect this has something to do with all the weirdness he's been having lately. Let's follow him, Ja."
Sung Jae nodded in agreement. They immediately jumped onto Lee Jong's vespa motorcycle. With the distinctive sound of vespa exhaust, they started following Ji Ho's car from a distance.
However, Sung Jae couldn't resist commenting. "Bro, I really want to know where this is going, but your vespa is really slow. If they speed up, we'll be left behind!"
Lee Jong gave him an annoyed look. "You think this is a race? I'm driving a vespa, not a sports bike!
" "Are you sure your vespa won't break down?" asked Sung Jae with a laugh.
"You just shut up!" grumbled Lee Jong, but he still tried to keep his distance so as not to be spotted by Ji Ho's car.
Kang Min who was sitting in the car occasionally glanced at the rearview mirror, then smiled slightly. "My best friend followed me on a vespa."
Ji Ho furrowed his brows. "Are you sure? I should have made a better plan."
"Take it easy. I won't let them interfere if this situation becomes dangerous," Kang Min replied casually.
Ji Ho glanced at Kang Min with a curious expression. "You're really relaxed, aren't you? What you're dealing with is no joke."
Kang Min grinned. "I have no other choice, right?"
The car continued to leave the city center, while Lee Jong and Sung Jae tried to follow on their bikes. The question is, will they manage to stay undetected, or become part of the chaos to come?
The black sedan began to pull off the main road into a warehouse on the edge of town. The area was deserted, with only a few large trucks parked on the side of the road. Ji Ho slowed down and parked in front of an old warehouse. Kang Min got out slowly, his hands in his jacket pockets, making sure his pocket knife was still there.
In the distance, Lee Jong and Sung Jae stop their vespa behind a large electric pole. They looked at each other with serious faces.
"I swear, what's Min doing in a place like this?" whispered Sung Jae.
"I don't think she realized we were following her. Come on, let's get closer," Lee Jong replied as he turned off the vespa's engine to avoid attracting attention.
They walked sneakily, trying to approach Kang Min without being noticed. However, the sound of Sung Jae's footsteps that were too loud on the gravel made Kang Min immediately turn to them.
"I know you two are following me!" Kang Min exclaimed as he stared intently at the electric pole.
Lee Jong and Sung Jae came out of their hiding place with guilt-filled faces. "Min, what are you doing here?" asked Lee Jong in a serious tone.
Kang Min let out a long sigh as he approached them. "I don't have time to explain everything right now. You guys better go home. This is business you don't need to know about."
"But you've been weird lately! Do you think we're not worried? It's like you're hiding something," Sung Jae said loudly. "You're our best friend, Min. If you're in trouble, we need to know!"
Ji Ho, who was standing not far from them, looked at the situation carefully. He walked over and observed Lee Jong and Sung Jae. "Are they your friends?" he asked Kang Min.
"Yes, but they don't need to interfere with this," Kang Min replied firmly.
Ji Ho smiled slightly. "If they've gotten this far, maybe it's better for you to be honest with them. After all, I don't think they'll stop until they find out what you did."
Kang Min looked at Ji Ho sharply, then sighed. "Okay." He turned toward Lee Jong and Sung Jae. "I can't give you all the details. But I'm here to investigate something related to my family."
"The fact that you didn't come right out and say it makes us even more suspicious," Lee Jong said, crossing his arms. "If you don't tell the truth, we won't go."
Kang Min knew that persuading them to go was futile. Finally, he just nodded and said, "But if it becomes dangerous, you'll have to leave. Understand?"
Lee Jong and Sung Jae looked at each other, then nodded. "Deal."
Ji Ho looked at Kang Min with some concern. "Are you sure they won't be a burden?"
"Take it easy," Kang Min replied. "If they're my friends, they should know how to handle problems."
Ji Ho just nodded, then motioned for them to follow him into the warehouse. Kang Min glanced at Lee Jong and Sung Jae briefly, then walked after Ji Ho. His two friends, though confused and curious, followed behind. They didn't know what they would find inside the warehouse, but they knew that this was the beginning of something big-and dangerous.
The warehouse was dark and filled with stacks of old wooden boxes that looked dusty. The light from the fluorescent lights on the ceiling flickered, creating a tense atmosphere. Ji Ho walked ahead calmly, while Kang Min, Lee Jong, and Sung Jae followed him carefully.
"Why is this place like a crime movie set?" Sung Jae whispered to Lee Jong.
"You think this is a comedy?" Lee Jong replied softly while patting Sung Jae's head. "Focus, dummy."
Kang Min glanced back at them, trying to stifle a small laugh amidst the tension. But he soon became serious again, as Ji Ho suddenly stopped in front of a large table with stacks of documents.
"We're here," said Ji Ho as he opened the brown folder on the table.
"What's this?" asked Kang Min as he approached.
Ji Ho took out several photos and placed them on the table. The photos showed the face of a middle-aged man in an expensive suit, standing in front of a luxury car. One of the other photos showed the man talking to someone inside a building that looked like a police station.
"He killed my brother," Ji Ho said in a voice full of emotion. "And he's also the one who framed your father."
Kang Min looked at the photos with a sharp gaze. "Who is he?
" "His name is Han Dong Wook. He's one of the big businessmen in this city, but underneath he has a lot of illegal businesses," Ji Ho explained. "He uses his influence to bribe police, prosecutors, and even judges. And when your father was a key witness in one of the big cases, he framed your father for murder."
Kang Min's eyes widened. He clenched his fists tightly, feeling both angry and confused. "Are you serious? Do you have any evidence?"
Ji Ho nodded. "I'm gathering everything. But it's not easy. If you want to help, we can uncover this together."
Lee Jong and Sung Jae, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "Min, are you sure you want to get involved in something like this? This is no joke," Lee Jong said.
"I don't care," Kang Min replied firmly. "If this can prove that my father is not at fault, I'll do whatever it takes."
Sung Jae scratched his head, looking confused. "Then, we have to help you too. There's no way we can let you walk alone."
Ji Ho looked at the three of them. "If you want to come, you have to be prepared for the consequences. It's not just about fighting corrupt rich people, it's a matter of life and death."
Lee Jong patted Kang Min's shoulder. "If you're ready, we're ready too. Friends don't leave their friends alone."
Kang Min smiled a little, feeling a little relieved. But he knew that whatever they faced ahead would be much more difficult than they had imagined.
Ji Ho opened the desk drawer and took out some additional documents and a flash drive. "This is important data that I stole from one of Han Dong Wook's men. It contains suspicious transactions, including proof of payment to some police officers."
Kang Min took the flash drive carefully. "Are you sure this data can bring him down?
" "If we can get additional evidence and get this into the right hands, yes," Ji Ho replied. "But that means we have to be more careful from now on. Han Dong Wook has spies everywhere."
Lee Jong, who had been watching the warehouse with wariness, asked, "I'm just curious, why don't you give this data directly to the non-corrupt police?"
Ji Ho chuckled, but bitterly. "You think it's easy? Even a clean cop can't fight someone as powerful as Han Dong Wook without risking being destroyed first."
"So we have to find another way," Kang Min added, his tone serious.
Sung Jae sighed heavily. "I know this is important to you, Min. But you realize, right? If we make the wrong move, we could end up as targets."
Kang Min looked at Sung Jae with a stern look. "That's exactly why I need you guys. I can't do this alone. But if you're not sure, you can back out now."
Lee Jong immediately stood beside Kang Min. "I won't back down. If you step forward, I'll step forward too."
Sung Jae rolled his eyes, then folded his hands with an annoyed expression. "Ah, damn it. What do you guys think I'm a coward? I'm going too."
Ji Ho smiled slightly. "I like your spirit. But you have to know, this won't be done in a day. We have to plan the steps well."
Kang Min nodded. "Okay, let's start from here. But I have another question, Ji Ho. Why do you trust me? You don't even know me."
Ji Ho gave Kang Min a sharp look. "Because I know what it means to lose someone you love because of someone like Han Dong Wook. You have the same motivation as me. I believe you won't give up until the truth is revealed."
After the discussion was over, they left the warehouse with mixed feelings. Ji Ho left first in his car, while Kang Min, Lee Jong, and Sung Jae returned by motorcycle. On the way home, the three were silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
Upon arriving home, Kang Min went straight to his room. He looked at the flash drive in his hand before putting it away in the desk drawer. "Dad, I promise I'll fix your name," he muttered quietly.
However, he knew this struggle had only just begun. What lay ahead was still fraught with danger and uncertainty.
Kang Min sat at his study table, staring at the flash drive he kept carefully. Every step he took brought him closer to the truth that could possibly destroy everything-including himself. He took a deep breath and turned his gaze to the window, looking at the darkening night sky.
Suddenly, her cell phone vibrated on the table, breaking the silence. It was a message from Ji Ho.
Ji Ho: "Lo ready for the next step? We need to act fast before they realize we're moving."
Kang Min stared at his phone screen, then typed a reply quickly.
Kang Min: "I'm ready. What should we do?"
Not long after, his cell phone rang again.
Ji Ho: "There's a secret meeting tonight. You and your friends come to this place. Don't bring many people."
Kang Min knew this was the decisive moment. He grabbed his black leather jacket and the pocket knife he always carried. Before going out, he checked himself in the mirror one more time. His face was serious, no laughter or jokes, just determination.
Lee Jong and Sung Jae who had just arrived home, immediately looked at him worriedly when they saw Kang Min getting ready to go out again.
"Where are you going, Min?" asked Lee Jong, still with a worried look.
Kang Min looked at them for a moment, then answered briefly, "To an important place. Take care."
Sung Jae opened his mouth to say something, but Kang Min was already out of the house, locking the door quickly. He stepped onto his motorcycle and immediately drove to the meeting point Ji Ho had mentioned.
Upon arriving at the mentioned place, Kang Min parked his motorcycle carefully and turned off the engine. The place was quiet and dark, there were only a few vehicles parked in hidden corners. He felt anxious, but still walked forward with firm steps.
He entered a small, inconspicuous warehouse, the place where Ji Ho had told him to come. Once inside, Kang Min saw that the man was already waiting for him in the corner of the room.
"You came too, Kang Min," Ji Ho said in a low voice. "Now we have to move fast. They won't let us go any further if we're slow."
Kang Min nodded. "I'm ready. What's the next step?"
Ji Ho took a deep breath. "We have to destroy their evidence-the documents that can show the truth about Han Dong Wook and his people. Are you ready?"
Before Kang Min could answer, a voice came from behind him, making him instantly alert.
"What are you guys doing here?"
Kang Min turned around, only to see a figure he never thought would appear in this place: Choi Sang Woo.
Kang Min immediately clenched his fists, ready to face anything. However, Choi Sang Woo smiled slightly and raised his hand, signaling Kang Min not to rush.
Kang Min was silent, his sharp eyes still looking at Choi Sang Woo warily. The atmosphere became tense, and every second felt longer than usual. However, what surprised Kang Min was the confession from Ji Ho that came a few seconds later.
"He's... my brother," Ji Ho said, his voice almost inaudible, as if he was holding back the heavy feelings that were overwhelming him.
Kang Min looked at Ji Ho, as if he couldn't believe what he just heard. "Your brother?" asked Kang Min, trying to digest the sentence.
Choi Sang Woo stared at Ji Ho with a sharp gaze, as if there was a tension that stretched between them. Kang Min could feel the sudden difference in attitude, and he began to pay close attention.
"You can't involve him," Choi Sang Woo said, voice firm and full of warning. "Kang Min is a minor, Ji Ho. We can't burden him with things like this. He doesn't know anything about the game we're playing."
Ji Ho was silent for a moment, looking at his brother worriedly. "But he has potential, Sang Woo. We need everyone who can help us, and Kang Min could be the key to unlocking everything."
Choi Sang Woo shook his head, his expression firm but full of worry. "I know, Ji Ho, but this isn't a game for him. This is more than just revenge or uncovering the truth. This is a much darker and more dangerous world than you can imagine. I won't let him get involved any further."
Kang Min, who heard the conversation, felt that something was unclear. "So, you don't want me to interfere, but you also can't reveal everything yourself?" asked Kang Min, slightly annoyed with their conversation.
Choi Sang Woo looked at him with a serious look. "That's right. We can help you with information, but for now, it's best for you to stay out of this. You don't need to be directly involved in the dangers we face."
Ji Ho glanced at Kang Min, looking a little disappointed. "Are you sure? I know you want revenge, but we can't play around here."
Kang Min was silent, contemplating Choi Sang Woo and Ji Ho's words. Although his heart was churning, there was a stronger feeling inside him: the desire to reveal the truth about his father, even if it meant he had to step into a much darker world.
Finally, Kang Min spoke with a firm voice, despite the doubts in his heart. "I won't back down. But I won't depend on you guys. I will find my own way."
Choi Sang Woo let out a long breath. "I hope you can survive, Kang Min. But remember, this is a very dangerous path. Don't lose your way."
Kang Min nodded slowly, then turned around and walked towards the warehouse exit. Every step was hard, but he knew this was his decision. He could no longer retreat, even though the road that lay ahead of him was full of dangers that he could not predict.
That day, the weekend that was supposed to be a relaxing time for Kang Min, turned into a nightmare. He and Hanna were playing PS at an internet cafe, accompanied by laughter and jokes that they often did. Lee Jong was busy with his own business, as was Sung Jae. Only Hanna accompanied Kang Min this time, making the atmosphere a bit quieter than usual.
However, the tranquility was shattered when they left the internet cafe. Outside, on a quiet street, a car with glass that looked like it had been shot at was parked, catching their attention. Kang Min who felt something strange immediately stepped closer.
Hanna who was behind him also felt worried. "Min, we don't need to get close. It'll be dangerous," Hanna said, but Kang Min ignored her. Arriving near the car, Kang Min's gaze immediately fell on the motionless body inside the car. Quickly, he approached, and his heart trembled when he saw the figure lying on the driver's seat. It was Kang Soo Hyuk's older brother.
Blood flowed slowly from Soo Hyuk's body, and Kang Min's entire body felt stiff. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. "Brother... Soo Hyuk..." he mumbled, his voice almost inaudible.
Hanna who saw the scene immediately panicked. "Min, we have to get out of here!" Hanna shouted, but Kang Min was too transfixed. His eyes saw the blood still dripping from Soo Hyuk's body, and it made him unable to move.
Kang Min clenched his fists, angry and confused, trying to hold back the tears that had started to well up. With quick steps, he ran to a nearby café, a place where CCTV might be able to provide clues. Inside the café, he immediately approached the employee and threatened him with a cold and angry voice.
"You have to give me access to the CCTV now, or I won't leave here!" threatened Kang Min, his voice heavy with pressure.
The employee looked scared, but didn't dare to oppose Kang Min's request. Quickly, the employee showed the screen and gave access. Kang Min immediately downloaded the CCTV footage that could provide clues about what happened to his brother.
After finishing, Kang Min rushed out of the cafe with quick steps. However, when he returned to his original place, the police had already started to arrive. They immediately secured the area and investigated the scene. Kang Min stood still, feeling like something broke inside him. He saw his brother's body being carried away, and his tears finally fell.
With a trembling voice, he immediately took out his cell phone and called his mother. "Mom... Brother... Brother Soo Hyuk... he..." Kang Min said in a voice that he could barely control, tears continuing to flow.
His mother on the other end of the line looked surprised and immediately asked frantically. "What happened, Min? Tell me!"
Kang Min sobbed. "Mom, Brother Soo Hyuk... he's... gone..." he said, voice filled with sadness and confusion.
Kang Min felt as if the world had stopped turning, and feelings of anger and sadness welled up within him. However, underneath it all, he knew that the road to uncovering the truth had just begun, even though he didn't know what would happen next.
Kang Min was silent for a few seconds after breaking the bad news to his mother. On the other end of the line, he could hear his mother sobbing, which he couldn't calm down. All that was on his mind right now was anger and a deep sense of loss.
"Mom... I promise I'll find out who's responsible," Kang Min's voice was firm, even though his heart was breaking. He knew that this wasn't just about losing his brother, but also about finding the long-buried truth.
His mother, who was still sobbing, tried to strengthen his voice. "Min, be careful... don't mess with them. They've made us this way... they're strong. Take care of yourself."
"Calm down, mom. I can... I have to know who did this," Kang Min replied, even though he knew it was a dangerous path. However, the sense of loss and the desire for revenge made him unable to back down.
After hanging up, Kang Min stood at the spot, staring at the car that was now filled with police. The police were still securing the scene and examining the evidence. However, Kang Min couldn't wait any longer. He had to act immediately.
With quick steps, Kang Min headed to the parking lot of his motorcycle, determined to take the next step. He knew he couldn't do everything alone, but with all the information he had, he felt there was no time to hesitate.
On the way to a place that he felt could provide more clues, he remembered Ji Ho and Choi Sang Woo. They both had more information than he thought. Kang Min knew that if he wanted to uncover who was responsible for Soo Hyuk's death, he had to work with them. Although full of doubts, he knew that this path was the most likely.
His cell phone vibrated again. This time, the message came from Ji Ho.
Ji Ho: "I heard about Soo Hyuk. We should meet soon. I have new information."
The message gave Kang Min a little hope. He immediately replied.
Kang Min: "I'm going to the usual place. Hurry up."
With a stronger determination than before, Kang Min drove to the meeting place that had been agreed with Ji Ho. Arriving there, he was immediately greeted with Ji Ho's serious face.
"Kang Min, I know it's hard, but we have to know who's behind all this. I've gotten something that can bring us closer to them," Ji Ho said with a slightly breathless voice.
Kang Min looked at him with a sharp gaze. "We have to reveal everything. I don't care what the risks are. I can't let them get away with it."
Ji Ho nodded. "We can do it together. But, be careful. It's bigger than we imagined."
Kang Min looked at him seriously. He knew that this was just the beginning of a dangerous journey that would lead them down a path filled with confrontation and betrayal. However, what was clear in his mind now was one thing- avenging his brother's death and uncovering the truth that had been hidden.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure everything ends right," Kang Min replied, his voice colder and more determined.
Now, there was no stopping him.
Days passed by at school, and Kang Min was still devastated. The loss of his father and brother had not subsided. That night, after coming home, Kang Min sat in front of his computer and checked the CCTV footage he had taken earlier. When the picture of the man in the news appeared, with the characteristic that he couldn't forget, Han Dong Wook's face, he clenched his fists with burning anger.
After watching the footage, Kang Min felt that all the feelings of anger and resentment he had harbored for years were becoming unstoppable. Without hesitation, he put on a hat, black hoodie, gloves, and sneakers, covering himself to go to Han Dong Wook's apartment.
Kang Min disguised himself as an officer, trying not to attract anyone's attention. He managed to get into the apartment easily, and without any guilt, he went to Han Dong Wook's room who seemed to be fast asleep. Without further ado, Kang Min immediately covered Han Dong Wook's face with a pillow, trying to asphyxiate him.
However, Han Dong Wook woke up quickly, trying to fight back. He managed to roll Kang Min over, but Kang Min, who was trained as a boxer, immediately fought back. "You framed my father a few years ago, and now you killed my brother! What do you want?"
The panting Han Dong Wook stared at Kang Min with a hateful gaze. "You son of a bitch! Father? What do you mean?"
Kang Min clenched his fists tighter. "What? You're talking again! I won't tell you until you remember! Do you remember the taxi driver you trapped? A father!" Kang Min began to pull Han Dong Wook's neck, gripping it tightly, making the man choke.
"A-okay... okay! I'm being honest!" Han Dong Wook gasped. "Yes, I framed the driver! And about your hyung... I also killed him because he was related to Kim Dal! Kim Dal was the one who was paid by his biological father to kill my father. It was all because of business competition! And now I'm taking my revenge on him!"
Kang Min was shocked, but his anger grew even hotter. "It's that easy, huh?! So why did you kill my brother too?!"
Han Dong Wook just smiled sarcastically. "You're a psychopath, aren't you?!"
With a face full of hatred, Kang Min shouted, "It will all end here!"
Without mercy, Kang Min hit Han Dong Wook's head with a glass bottle. The blow was hard enough, making Han Dong Wook fall to the floor motionless. Blood flowed from the man's head, while Kang Min just stood there, his breathing heavy, still trembling from adrenaline and burning anger.
Kang Min stared at Han Dong Wook's body lying lifeless in front of him. For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent, and although he had just gotten his revenge, an empty and hollow feeling came over him. There was no relief, only temporary satisfaction, and the pain that still lingered in his heart.
Kang Min stood still, his eyes blank. He stepped back, then turned around and left the apartment, leaving behind everything that had changed in his life.
The next day, Kang Min felt something was different about him. He was not his usual self-not cheerful, not showing his usual spirit. Since last night, an empty feeling and inexpressible sadness haunted him. She was mostly silent, lost in her own thoughts. His three best friends, Lee Jong, Sung Jae, and Hanna, began to sense the change. They felt uncomfortable seeing Kang Min so gloomy.
That day, the atmosphere in class was a bit different. Suddenly, the class president stood up and announced, "Mr. Choi Sang Woo has quit and stopped being our homeroom teacher. He went back to his old job because of his busy schedule."
Kang Min, who had been silent in his seat, immediately stood up and left the classroom without saying a word. Everyone in the class was shocked and looked at each other in confusion.
"That boy always has a buzz," Kim Hanna muttered quietly, still surprised by Kang Min's drastic change in attitude. Lee Jong and Sung Jae exchanged glances, worried about what had happened to their best friend.
However, Kang Min had already left the classroom and headed to the teacher's lounge.
"Mr. Choi!" called Kang Min upon seeing Mr. Choi Sang Woo in the hallway.
Mr. Choi stopped for a moment and looked at Kang Min with a flat expression. Kang Min approached with firm steps, trying to hold back his emotions. "Why don't you stay? Didn't you say to keep teaching us?" asked Kang Min, his tone of voice slightly high, trying to suppress the feelings burning in his heart.
Mr. Choi averted his eyes. "Don't bother!" he replied in a harsh tone. "The culprit Han Dong Wook is dead. Are you the mastermind?"
Kang Min was silent for a moment, considering the answer he should give. However, with a cold stare, he finally replied, "You don't need to be nosy!"
Without saying anything else, Kang Min turned around and left Mr. Choi who now looked even more suspicious of his attitude. Behind, Mr. Choi Sang Woo stood for a moment, contemplating, then whispered softly, "That kid is suspicious. If he's the mastermind, I'll kill him."
Kang Min quickly left the school, while feelings of regret and questions raged inside him. He didn't want anyone to suspect him, but in reality, he felt more and more trapped in the web he had created himself.