The autumn air was crisp as Daigo and Nam-Soon walked home from school, their bags slung casually over their shoulders. The quiet streets of the neighborhood were a welcome change from the tension-filled atmosphere of J High School.
"I still can't believe you shoved that guy into a trash can," Nam-Soon said with a laugh, recalling an earlier encounter.
"He deserved it," Daigo replied, smirking. "He was lucky I didn't toss him over the wall."
Their banter was interrupted by the sound of shouting coming from an alley up ahead. Daigo's sharp ears caught the words—taunts, jeers, and the unmistakable sound of a fist meeting flesh.
Nam-Soon's expression hardened. "Another group of idiots looking for trouble?"
"Seems like it," Daigo muttered, quickening his pace.
As they turned the corner, the scene unfolded before them. A group of boys surrounded a lone figure, a large boy with a round face and hunched posture. His clothes were wrinkled, and his expression was one of resignation as the ringleader shoved him into the wall.
"Hey, tubby! You think you can just walk through our turf without showing respect?" the ringleader sneered, his cronies laughing in agreement.
The boy, who couldn't have been older than 16, stammered, "I-I didn't mean to—"
"Didn't mean to?" one of the bullies mocked, stepping forward and giving him another shove. "You didn't mean to what? Exist?"
Nam-Soon clenched her fists, anger flashing in her eyes. "That's enough."
The bullies turned to see Daigo and Nam-Soon standing at the alley's entrance. Daigo's hands were in his pockets, his expression calm but deadly. Nam-Soon, however, looked like she was ready to throw the first punch.
"Who the hell are you?" the ringleader demanded, glaring at them.
"Just two people who don't like cowards ganging up on someone," Daigo said coolly. "Walk away now, and we won't have to make you regret it."
The bullies exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. "You think you can take all of us? There's five of us and only two of you!"
Nam-Soon stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. "Yeah, but we're worth at least ten of you."
Before the ringleader could respond, Daigo moved. In a blur of motion, he closed the distance between them, delivering a sharp kick to the ringleader's chest. The boy stumbled back, hitting the ground with a wheeze.
The others hesitated for a moment before charging in. Nam-Soon met them head-on, her quick reflexes and precise strikes taking down two of them before they could even react. Daigo handled the remaining two with ease, his movements fluid and calculated.
Within moments, the bullies were on the ground, groaning in pain. Daigo stood over the ringleader, his foot pressing down on the boy's chest. "If I ever see you pulling this crap again, you'll wish you'd never met me. Got it?"
The ringleader nodded frantically, his face pale.
"Good." Daigo stepped back, letting the boy scramble to his feet. The group of bullies limped away, throwing terrified glances over their shoulders.
Nam-Soon turned to the boy they had defended. He was still leaning against the wall, wide-eyed and trembling. "You okay?" she asked gently.
The boy nodded hesitantly, brushing off his clothes. "Y-yeah. Thanks. I'm Park Hyung Suk."
"Daigo," Daigo introduced himself. "And this is Nam-Soon."
Hyung Suk managed a small smile. "Thanks for helping me. Most people just ignore it."
"We're not most people," Nam-Soon said with a grin. "You don't have to put up with that kind of crap."
Hyung Suk hesitated, then asked, "Why did you help me?"
Daigo shrugged. "Because someone needed to. Besides, I don't like seeing people get bullied. Makes me angry."
As they walked Hyung Suk home, the three of them talked. Hyung Suk shared bits of his life—his struggles with bullying, his insecurities, and his dreams.
By the time they reached his house, Daigo and Nam-Soon had made a silent agreement. Hyung Suk might not have had anyone to stand up for him before, but now he did.
"You ever need help," Daigo said as they parted ways, "you know where to find us."
Hyung Suk nodded, his smile a little brighter. "Thanks. Really."
As Daigo and Nam-Soon walked back to their apartment, Nam-Soon glanced at him. "Think we'll see him again?"
"Definitely," Daigo replied with a smirk. "People like him always end up surprising you."