After a few days, Ji Hoon started to feel something strange. As long as he left the house or when he went to work as a courier, there was always someone following him from afar. At first, he thought it was just a feeling, but as time went on, he became more and more convinced that someone was watching him.
One night, after delivering a package to a customer, Ji Hoon felt that someone was following him. He tried to pretend that he didn't know and continued to move quickly. However, the longer he walked, the more he felt that the person was not only following him, but also avoiding his attention. Ji Hoon knew something was wrong.
As he turned the corner, he paused and turned around. Unexpectedly, someone wearing dark clothes stood a few steps behind him. Ji Hoon wasn't surprised, but felt confused. "Why do you keep following me?" he asked, his voice sounding firm even though he had no idea who it was.
The person smiled slightly. "I was just following orders," he replied in a calm voice.
Ji Hoon looked at him sharply. "Whose orders?"
"Orders from your parents," the man replied, still in the same tone. "I was assigned to make sure you were safe and under supervision."
Hearing that, Ji Hoon felt angry and confused. "So, my parents sent you to watch over me? Don't they trust me?" he said in a disappointed tone.
The man nodded slowly. "They just want to make sure things are running safely. You know how it is, Ji Hoon. Sometimes parents are just too protective."
Ji Hoon was annoyed. "I'm not a kid anymore!" he shouted, then lowered his head, trying to control his emotions. "I don't want to be watched all the time, especially for no good reason."
The man looked at Ji Hoon for a moment, then spoke in a softer voice, "I understand. But I have to do it, for a while."
With mixed feelings, Ji Hoon continued on his way, even though he knew someone was watching his every move. Although he felt upset and trapped, there was a part of him that felt guarded and protected, even if it was in a way he didn't want.
Days passed with Ji Hoon getting used to the fact that someone was always nearby. However, he still tried to live his life as usual, even though his sense of freedom was constrained. He starts to feel heavier, because behind every action of his, there are eyes watching.
On the other hand, Soo Jin, who is starting to notice Ji Hoon's change in attitude, feels anxious. She knows that Ji Hoon is trying to keep his distance, but can't ignore the feeling of worry about what's going on. Soo Jin tries to get closer to him, even though Ji Hoon is getting more and more closed off.
But will Ji Hoon be able to accept the fact that he's not completely free from surveillance? Or will he find a way to deal with it and still live his life the way he wants?
That night, after a grueling boxing workout, Ji Hoon walked home with tired but satisfied steps. Although his body was sore, his mind was still spinning about the training he had just gone through and his new life. He had just started a new journey in school and lodging, and was trying to forget his troubled past.
While passing by a quiet street, Ji Hoon suddenly saw some strangers standing on the corner. They looked like young people wearing casual clothes, but there was something familiar about the way they stood and spoke. Ji Hoon paused for a moment, feeling something strange.
Suddenly, one of them turned around and immediately greeted, "Ji Hoon! What's up, bro?"
Ji Hoon was surprised and frowned. He took a closer look and realized who they were. "Sung Joon? Kyung Ho?" he asked, still in disbelief.
These were Ji Hoon's old friends, the ones who used to keep him company during hard times. They were part of his old hangout, before Ji Hoon decided to change his life and focus on boxing.
Sung Joon smiled widely, "You haven't changed much, Ji Hoon. We haven't seen each other in a while."
Kyung Ho also smiled, "We heard you're a boxer now. How cool!"
Ji Hoon felt awkward, but on the other hand there was a sense of nostalgia that came when he saw them. They were the friends who had always been there for him, even in bad situations. However, Ji Hoon realized that he had chosen his own path, away from that world.
"Let's eat together," Ji Hoon asked, feeling a little tempted to relive the past. "There's a good restaurant here, where Soo Jin works. My treat."
Sung Joon and Kyung Ho looked happy to hear the invitation, and they both immediately agreed. As the three of them walked to the restaurant where Soo Jin worked, Ji Hoon's mood began to lighten a little. Even though he had decided to change, meeting his old friends made him feel a little like he was back home, a place he knew.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, they are immediately greeted by Soo Jin who looks a little surprised to see Ji Hoon with his old friends. However, Soo Jin welcomes them with a friendly smile and immediately invites them to sit down.
Dinner begins. They eat heartily, talk about many things, and reminisce about their past together. Ji Hoon feels comfortable, even though he knows that he has changed. He is no longer the boy he used to be. The conversation shifted to Ji Hoon's life now.
"So, Ji Hoon, how did you get here?" asked Sung Joon curiously. "I mean, we heard that you ran away from home, right? Why?"
Ji Hoon was silent for a moment, staring at his plate of food. "I... I can't stay at home anymore," he replied quietly. "My parents don't understand my life choices. They only care about money and status, not about me."
Kyung Ho nodded, seemingly understanding. "You're not alone, Ji Hoon. We've all felt trapped in a world we didn't choose."
Sung Joon grinned. "But the important thing is, you have a new path now. We're all rooting for you, bro."
Ji Hoon smiled slightly, feeling a little relieved to be able to talk to them. Even though his path was different, and even though he knew he had to leave the past behind, it was comforting to see the people he was once close to.
The dinner was full of laughter. Even though Ji Hoon was already on his new path, he felt that meeting his friends that night gave him a bit of peace. He knows that even though his journey hasn't always been easy, he still has memories and supportive friends behind him.
After a while of enjoying the food and chatting, Ji Hoon breaks the silence with a question. He looked at his two old friends, Sung Joon and Kyung Ho, who were enjoying their meal. Ji Hoon was curious about how they were doing after not seeing each other for so long.
"By the way, are you guys still going to high school?" asked Ji Hoon, curiosity in his voice.
After asking about school, Ji Hoon's newfound friends looked at each other for a while before one of them, Seok Jin, answered.
"School? There's no more, Ji Hoon. We all dropped out of high school," Seok Jin replied in a somewhat disappointed tone. "Some of us thought about working, but most of us ended up joining the wrong crowd."
Ji Hoon was silent for a moment, surprised by the answer. He had always thought his friends had a bright future, even if they often acted recklessly. However, the reality that Seok Jin and the others faced was different from Ji Hoon's expectations.
"So you're... just... unemployed?" asked Ji Hoon, still trying to understand their situation.
"No, it's more like we're stuck on a path we never chose," Seok Jin replied as he spooned up some food.
Ji Hoon felt a little anxious. Although he was grateful to have escaped and found a new path at his new school, he didn't want his old friends to be trapped in a worse life. "Don't you guys think about going back to school, or... starting over?" he asked quietly.
Seok Jin laughed bitterly. "Going back to school? That's not on our minds, Ji Hoon. But you're still young, and you have more opportunities. Don't be like us."
Ji Hoon felt guilt creep into his heart. He knew that behind all the fun and freedom he had, there were his friends who were now struggling to find their way.
"Don't worry, Ji Hoon. You have a bigger chance. Try to use the opportunity," said another friend, Min Woo, trying to encourage him.
They continued their dinner with laughter, but Ji Hoon began to think more deeply about his life. He was determined that no matter what happened, he would not repeat the same mistakes as his friends.
"When I'm done with school, I'll help you guys, anyway," Ji Hoon says, feeling confident in his decision.
They all smiled, though there was a hint of astonishment in their eyes. Ji Hoon knew that despite their different paths, there was something he had to do for his friends-something more than just enjoying life.
After hearing his friends' answers, Ji Hoon felt his heart getting heavier. He couldn't let them get stuck in a life they didn't want. An idea came to his mind. With excitement, Ji Hoon looked at his friends and said, "You don't have to keep doing this. I won't let you stop here."
His friends looked at each other, their confusion clear. They didn't understand how Ji Hoon was going to help them out of this predicament.
"I have a safe place to stay. You guys can stay at my lodging. And I'll also help you guys find a scholarship school so you can continue studying. I don't want you to just give up," Ji Hoon says, without hesitation.
Seok Jin and the others start to fall silent, feeling surprised and a bit awkward at Ji Hoon's generous offer. However, Ji Hoon remains steadfast in his intentions.
Without waiting long, Ji Hoon opens his cell phone and starts searching for information about scholarship schools. He opened several websites and contacted several institutions that offered educational programs for the underprivileged. "I'll help you apply for the scholarship here. Don't worry about the fees. I'll help you with everything," he said, full of determination.
His friends began to feel a new spirit, and although they were skeptical at first, Ji Hoon managed to convince them. They thanked Ji Hoon, who sincerely wanted to give them a second chance.
"Ji Hoon, are you serious? This is too big," Min Woo said in a moved tone.
Ji Hoon nodded. "I don't want you to give up on the wrong life. You can be more than this, and I want you to know that I will always be there to help."
After that, Ji Hoon called his father. "Dad, I need help. I want to help my friends go to school. Can you help them get a scholarship or tuition assistance?"
Ji Hoon's father, who was surprised to hear the request, was silent for a moment. However, after hearing Ji Hoon's explanation, he finally agreed. "Are you serious, Ji Hoon? Okay, I'll help find them a suitable school and scholarship."
Ji Hoon felt relieved after getting support from his father. He returned to his friends with more enthusiasm. "You guys don't have to worry anymore. I've asked for your help. Soon you will be able to continue your education again."
With Ji Hoon and his father's support, Ji Hoon's friends who had felt trapped began to see a glimmer of hope. They finally agreed to stay at Ji Hoon's place for a while, waiting for the scholarship and school process to be taken care of.
Ji Hoon feels proud to be able to help his friends, and more than that, he knows that with effort and determination, everything can change. Maybe even his own life will be more meaningful by helping others in need.