THE WINTER SEASON filled the air by the time the young man gotten out of the car. There were several gravestones there in the quiet place. It was not a particularly large place.

The young man took a deep breath, exhaling the chilling air in his lungs. He walked through the cemetery holding a bundle of mixed flowers he helped put together, including some of the ones he helped grown — one of them being a Beotkkot or as many would call them Cherry Blossoms.

He finally found the gravestone he was looking for.  It was simple but well-kept, the marble smooth and clean as if the loss it marked was still fresh. The young man replaced the old bundle with the new ones. He swallowed and stared at the grave, it's been a while, and he still hasn't known what to even say.

He had often come here frequently, whenever he felt loss or not knowing what to do. Or even process on the fact that the person didn't make it through the end... somehow, he always seems to find himself emotional as the first time.

Some things never changed; He thought with a chuckle.

He finally took a breath, still looking at the bundle of flowers in his hands.

"Hey." He began, trying to find the words. "Sorry about the late of absence. It's just a lot has happened over the past three years, and I don't know where to even start."

There was a pause. He closed his eyes, letting a cold breeze blow his way, his hair following through the wind.

"You're not going to believe what's has changed since then.... since after the games. The world is actually a lot different than the one we knew before. I got a new job — something steady. Feels weird to say that, too. Stability was never part of the plan before, was it?"

The young man shook his head and laughed. "You'd probably say I'm talking out of my head and honestly, you'd be right...."

He weakly smiled and stared at the gravestone. He read the name etched on the marble and an ache was felt in his heart.

"You're family's doing well though. Like I promised. I just...couldn't tell them."

A single tear dropped from his eye as he felt the cold breeze pass by and hit his face.

"I still think about that day. What you did and how often I try to convince myself that..." he paused, trailing off in distant thought before he continued. "That there could've been some other way."

He swallowed, rubbing his nose and lowering his head. A single tear slid down his cheek, quickly swiped away with a gloved hand.

"Every day." he murmured. "I just wish... I wish you could've been here. That you could've..."

His fingers brushed the stone again, lingering as if the cold marble could somehow bridge the chasm between them.

"I hope you're doing alright though." He told him. "That you finally found your way to the Jeju Island in some form or way. Though, I guess it's not my place to know."

He stood slowly, brushing the snow from his knees. The ache in his heart hadn't lessened but there was nothing else he could do, and he made peace with that. A warm and sad smile appeared across his lips.

The young man took a step back, his gaze lingering on the gravestone one last time before he turned and walked away.

"I know I'm not one to talk but... take care, okay? I'll see you again someday."

Behind him, the name etched in marble remained stark and clear, framed by the delicate cherry blossoms swaying in the cold wind.

• • YEARS EARLIER; MAY 9TH, 2020 • •

THE NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD RODE his bike through the streets of San Luis Obispo. It was a rather nice and clear day despite the rough morning he received.

His eyes caught a glimpse of a newsstand and the front pages that were displaying reports of recent brutality that transpired out in Minneapolis. Not that he paid any mind to it, he was only focusing on heading to his job today.

The boy was riding his bike down the sidewalk, passing a few other students who were walking to school. The memories of his time back then filled his mind. How often he wished he could go back there where things were so much simpler and promising then.

He finally made it to his workplace, stopping his bike near the Scout Cafe where he worked as a barista. Not the exact job that he ever imagined settling but given his circumstances, he didn't want to be further eradicated by the burdens of life and forced to slip over. Not to mention it was either that or Walmart or on the streets.

He hopped off his bike, parking it into the rack, and walked inside. Burst open the café doors as he passed by locals and students walking inside the cafe.

"Yo, kid! Get the fuck out of my way!" A man's voice was heard.

The young man quickly muttered an apology to the person who walked out the door before heading over to the counter. Where he met with his co-worker.

"Daelin!"

Lila was the same age as him, a student-athlete at Cal Poly who also worked part-time in the cafe to pay for her degree. The two met back at his first day and was kind enough to help him around the place. He almost developed a crush on her till he learned she already had a boyfriend who was leagues compared to him.

The young man gave his co-worker, Lila, a polite wave. "Hey, Lila, what's up?"

"What's up? I thought you weren't gonna show!" Lila smacked his shoulder lightly.

"Another ten minutes, and I would've made twenty bucks," Evan quipped from behind the counte. He leaned against the espresso machine, arms crossed. "Marissa bet you'd flake. I said you'd crawl in eventually."

"Hold on now, I made it before 9, didn't it?" Daelin raised his hands up.

"I told you, Evan. I knew the kid would show up. Even if he was hung over by a pillow."

Daelin turned to see Marissa refilling the display case while glancing over with a smirk. He furrowed his eyebrow unsure if that was a jab or not before he shook his head and turned to Lila apologetically.

"Again sorry, Lila. I kinda got hung up."

"Hung up?!"

Lila shook her head as she grabbed his apron off the hook. "Whatever. Just put this on before the boss comes back."

Daelin quickly shed his hoodie, fumbling to tie the apron around his waist. The two went to the tables and got to work on getting the coffee mugs and utensils cleaned. As they did so Lila became the first to start the conversation.

"So, how was your morning?" Lila asked.

Daelin shrugged. "Okay, I guess. Might've stayed up too late scrolling Tumblr."

Lila snorted. "Same. What character x reader did you fall into this time?"

Daelin hesitated, cheeks flushing. "Er...Wanda." he muttered.

Lila burst into laughter, nudging Daelin. "Honestly? Real. Was it a spicy one?"

"No! It was...actually kind of cute." Daelin whispered, feeling the heat rise to his face. "They were holding milkshakes and, like, fiddling with each other's fingers."

"Damn... so, you got a crush on a fictional character."

"Nah, well I did but not at this age." Daelin snorted. "It was a nice story. Kind of jealous though."

"Aww, don't be like that." Lila said, patting his shoulder. "You'll find the love of your life someday."

Daelin chuckled lightly. "Not like the universe will let me. I don't exactly have the best luck."

"Don't be silly. The universe knows. It's just giving you time to figure things out first."

"Sure, if you say so." Daelin started wiping down the counter, trying to shake off the awkwardness. After a moment of hesitation, he glanced at Lila.

"Uh, so I don't really have plans this weekend. Was thinking maybe we could hang out or something? Catch a movie?"

Lila frowned. "Oh, sorry, I kinda have plans already. My birthday's this weekend, actually."

Daelin's jaw dropped, feeling the heat rushing up his cheeks. He could feel himself getting embarrassed. He didn't mean to sound like he was trying to hit on her, which was far from his intention.

"Oh shit, that's right. My bad. Uh, happy early birthday."

"Thanks," she said with a warm smile. "Don't worry, it's just a small thing. Nothing fancy."

From behind them, Evan smirked. "You didn't invite him, Lila? Rude."

Lila smacked him. "Shut up. Sides, I didn't think he would want to go."

"Well now you can ask him." Evan gestured to the nineteen-year-old.

"It's okay." Daelin gave a polite smile. "I got plans too, I just forgot. Besides, I don't wanna feel like a burden."

She didn't look offended or anything, so Daelin felt a bit relieved. He stepped over to the cash register as more customers entered in order to let the topic simmer away. The conversation and banter drifted without him so there wasn't any point on lingering on.

He spent the next few hours busing himself as the day carried on. Students, locals and the occasional tourist trickled in and out, the smell of coffee and baking muffins wafting in the air.

"Okay, here you go! Added some specialties to it as well!" Daelin smiled at the lady.

He handed her the ordered coffee with a work of art that was quite similar to the icon on her laptop.

"You're sweet." She giggled before walking out of the cafe.

"Hey, uh, Daelin? Can you come over here and give me a hand?" Lila called him.

"Yeah, sure thing," Daelin answered.

The boy finished the orders and was just about to come over when suddenly he heard someone call out his name from the other side of the counter.

"Well, well, well. This is where the mighty have been."

Daelin's stomach tightened. He looked up, his eyes narrowing as they landed on a guy about his age standing on the other side of the counter. Mark, someone he knew back at high school. They used to butt heads back then, sometimes him alone or something his friends also.

"Can I help you, Mark?" Daelin asked, his tone neutral.

"Oh, yes you can," Mark replied, glancing up at the menu. "See I was out visiting some family, you know? Bored as hell. How lucky I get to run into you, Daley boy."

Daelin almost flinches at that name. He hated that nickname and the way he uses it. Daelin let out a slow exhale as Mark leaned forward.

"Say, how's that Hollywood dream of yours going? Still waiting for your big break?"

"Look, are you gonna order here or not? You're holding up the time."

Mark scoffed before glancing up at the menu. "Grande soy no-foam latte. Randy wants a double shot of espresso, half a cup of fat-free milk, and a scoop of vanilla powder."

Daelin stared at him for a moment before speaking. "Do you want whipped cream or sugar?"

"Yes."

"Yes, to which one?"

"Both." Mark blathered before scoffing. "Jesus."

Daelin glances at him skeptically before he punched the order in the system, suppressing his hard sigh.

"Anything else?" He asked.

"Actually, yeah. Throw in a scone. And a blueberry muffin. But not the one on top—that one looks stale. Give me one from the middle of the tray. The last thing I need is a rock-hard pastry."

Under his breath, Daelin muttered something in Korean, his voice too low for Mark to catch.

'Fat ass'

He set about preparing the order, his movements sharp and precise. Just as he was about to hand over the food, a voice called out from across the shop.

"Sparrow! A word, please?"

Daelin glanced up to see his manager, Rodriguez, motioning him over.

"Sure thing," Daelin called back before turning to a fellow barista. "Hey, can you take over for a sec? Thanks."

He shot Mark a quick look as he stepped away. "Enjoy your coffee," he said, his tone clipped but polite.

As he walked toward Rodriguez, he couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh. It was shaping up to be one of those days. He just hoped the day didn't get any worse as he stepped into the office.

"Boss?" He nodded. His boss exhaling a heavy sigh.

"Hey, kid." Rodriguez said gently. "Pull up a chair."

Daelin's stomach tightened as he did just that. He glanced at Haley, one of the supervisors who avoided his gaze, scribbling something on the clipboard. This wasn't starting off great.

"What's up?" Daelin said, nervously clasping his hands. "Something wrong?"

Rodriguez leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. "As a matter of fact, yes."

Daelin blinked. "Was it this morning? Did I... do something wrong?"

"You tell me." Rodriguez replied. "We've had a couple of complaints recently. Customers saying you've got an 'attitude.' Care to explain?"

"Attitude?" Daelin repeated, frowning.

He was confused at first but then his mind immediately flashed to Mark and his obnoxious order.

"Wait- are you talking about the guy out there? Mark?"

Rodriguez tilted his head slightly. "No rather it's more with a customer last week, O'Neill."

Daelin's stomach dropped. Oh no. He lowered his head.

Brian was a difficult customer that he was warned about. He constantly complained about services whenever he would order. And when it comes to the orders, the customer was always right no matter how ridiculous it was. Daelin's patience was tested and tested it was during those weeks.

Last week however, O'Neill crossed a line when he yelled at Lila and got her to accidently drop his coffee and gave harshly comments.

The manager sighed. "Now I don't know what happened and I don't want to know. The fact is that you've a bit snippy with a customer, and a highly paying one at that. Now he and a few others are filing complaints."

Daelin sighs, shooting a glance at Haley who he assumed told him about the incident. The older supervisor looked up from her clipboard at the young employee with an apologetic expression.

"I don't want you to take any offense to this, Daelin." She assured calmly. "I've just noticed you seemed a bit... tense."

"Tense?" Daelin snorted in disbelief. "That's crazy. I didn't do anything wrong. All I said was-"

"It doesn't matter what you said. That isn't the point!" Rodriguez cut him off with a firm tone. "I don't care what was the issue, the point is that you upset some costumers."

The two stared at one another in a moment of silence. Rodriguez sighed before continuing,

"Look, I know this is your first job, but this isn't just about making coffee. It's about making people, no matter who it is, feel welcome."

Daelin looked at the man for a moment and just nodded. As much as he wanted to just argue back and counter that he was just simply standing up for himself and for a co-worker against a loudmouth customer, he didn't. It wasn't the place nor the time. Especially at this moment of time.

"I'm sorry." Daelin nodded. "You're right, and I'm sorry for snapping. It won't happen again."

Rodriguez sighed and sat up. "I wish it were that simple, Sparrow."

The employee looked up at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I won't go into details, but costs are being cut and I'm afraid we can't keep everyone here." The manager opened a desk drawer. "Your good kid but I haven't seen what you could do so far, and I need some of the others on board."

Daelin was about to open his mouth when the piece of paper laid down in front of him. The young man stared at it before hesitantly grabbing it.

He skimmed the sheet, and his eyes widened as the words came into focus. "You're firing me?! Already? Look-"

"I know. If it was up to me, I'd give you another chance. This isn't easy for me either."

Daelin looked pained hearing that. "But I've only worked here for short while month!"

"I'm sorry, kid. Believe me." Rodriguez looked at him. "But you're the most recent hire. We can't afford to keep everyone. If there's a position open later, we can rehire you. You'll just have to find work somewhere else in the meantime."

The young adult felt his throat tighten as he shook his head. All that search and finding some way to get money and provide and just when he was getting used to everything around, he loses it because of unknown circumstances.

"There's gotta be something I can do!" Daelin protested, his heart raced. "Please...there's gotta be something I can do?!"

"There isn't. The decision's been made. You're done." Rodriguez sighed.

Daelin stared at him for a moment then at the paper before swallowing, nodding and got up.

"Okay, fine. I hope you're happy."

The young man turned his back, heading out the door and slamming the door behind him. He stormed by Lila, who held a confused glance as she saw him walk towards the door.

"Daelin, what are you-"

He stops abruptly and turns around. "If you're gonna keep overcharging customers while using cheap expired syrups. Be discreet about it. Thought every welcomed customer should know about that."

Daelin yanked off his apron and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Tossing his apron into a pile near the garbage can, Daelin stormed to the bike rack. 

As he reached for his bike, he heard Lila call out from behind.

"Daelin, wait! What was that about?" she asked.

Daelin let out a bitter laugh. "I got fired, that's what happened."

"Are you kidding?!" Lila eyes widened. "For what?!"

"Because they needed to let some people go and I was just easy to let go."

He quickly felt his high emotions start to pop from the inside. He didn't want Lila to see him like that as he gripped the handler tightly.

"I'm sorry. Really, I am." She said sincerely. "I didn't know they were doing layoffs. If I had—"

"Save it. It doesn't matter now." He cut her off, his voice sharp. Then he exhaled shakily, mounting his bike. "You should get back in there. Wouldn't want to lose your job too."

Before Lila could say anything, the kid already pedaled away. She remained in the alley with her arms crossed and a pained expression on her face.

• • •

DAELIN RODE HIS BIKE down the street. He was trying not to think about what just happened but was having little luck. The thoughts just kept running through his mind and he felt a lump forming in his throat. 

It's not fair, it's not right.

He pulled his bike up near a park that he found but hadn't taken the time to go there. It wasn't as good as the lake-park he had back at his old house but it was worth a try. He just wanted to get away from the world and let the thoughts out.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid." He muttered to himself. He was feeling all kinds of emotions.

Anger. Sadness. Shame. Disappointment.

It was hard to put his finger on one. But the one he was feeling the most was anger. Angry that he got fired because of a random dice that always happen to land on him. Angry that he lost another opportunity in making a living and maybe have things change for once.

He walked to the swing set and sat down on one of them. He fidgeted his hands together.

He had stayed there for a couple of minutes. Maybe longer than he should. Scrolling around Tumblr or Wattpad and diving into stories. Stories that made him feel something. It wasn't like he begrudged others but sometimes it stung. Reminding him on the persistent that that maybe some certain dreams or ideas weren't cut out for him.

After wiping off the tears, Daelin took out a piece of gum from his EXTRA pack to try and calm his nerves before staring out at the sky.

He couldn't recall how long he should stay there. Only that for a while the day was pretty nice. Not too hot and not many people around so he could reside there for as long as he wanted. He looked up at the sky, listening softly to the hues and colors slowly fading in. The sun was still shining but the air started to cool a bit.

As his gaze wandered, something caught his eye. Something he never noticed before till now.

A small cluster of flowering bushes near the edge of the park. The way their branches curved sank deep into the teen, but it was the choice of flowers that really got to him.

"Those are hibiscus," he murmured to himself. He learned of the name back when he was little.

Daelin got off the swing and walked toward the bushes. A faint smile tugged at his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. As he straightened up, his gaze drifted back toward the park. 

It was quiet except for the occasional chirps or the rustle leaves in the breeze. Yet, even in the stillness, his thoughts raced. The flowers reminded him of his home. His old home and it reminded him of someone else too.

Someone he hadn't thought of in years.

"We're still brothers, right? No matter how far-"

"Nothing will ever change that."

"How did this all happen?" Daelin mumbled, thinking about how a lot has changed in five years.

First it was the first move, then it was his struggles in High School. But he pulled past that despite his freshman and sophomore year, things did look like they were going to get better after 1st year of Junior Year.

Till his older brother diagnosed with kidney disease and his first brief relationship failed out of the blue. But even still, even after graduation and not really completing his primal goals within the four years. He was still hopeful. That he would get into university and do all that he promised...

But life was just too cruel.

It was times like this where he questions if there's any endgame. Or is it pointless.

He shook his head. Quickly brushing those thoughts away and chewing his gum until it lost its flavor. For a fleeting second, the intrusive thoughts in his head quieted, replaced by the rebooted beauty around him.

Maybe he'd stay a little longer after all.

• • •

DAELIN RODE BACK home after he stopped somewhere to catch a piece of mind. He unlocked the front door and stepped into the tall house he called his home, at least for now. It was 2 pm by now but still early as he often arrives home by 4 or 5.

He could hear some quiet typing noise from upstairs, telltale sign that his mom was still hard at work. Daelin gave out a sigh before he kicked off his shoes by the door and trudged toward the kitchen. He opened the fridge, staring blankly at the shelves for a minute. After a while, he took out a can of soda and opened the tab.

He was chugging down the drink when he heard a familiar voice coming from the living room.

"Daelin? Is that you?"

Daelin groaned softly, sitting his can down on the counter.

"Yeah, mom it's me." Daeiln called back in a low voice.

He heard footsteps, and a moment later his mom walked into the kitchen, looking like she'd just come from work.

"Why are you home so early?" his mother asked, frowning. "It's barely past 3."

Daelin was just staring at her with an annoyed glare before he let out a scoff. His mom frown turns into a glare as she folded her arms.

"What happened and I want the truth."

"Nothing it's just..." Daelin shrugged. He couldn't help but think back to this morning. How things could've ended differently. "...I just wasn't feeling well. Got sent home early. Nothing bad."

"Nothing bad?" his mother raised a brow. "Then why are you drinking soda in the middle of the day?"

"I'm thirsty."

"Well, then drink water."

"I'm fine." He dismissed, leaning beside the counter.

His mom stared at him, shaking her head and exhaling in frustration. "You got fired, didn't you? Or you actually did quit! Why do I even ask."

"There's nothing, mom." Daelin shook his head.

"Stop lying!" She exclaimed; her tone laced with anger. "You worked hard to finally get that application accepted only to now be back to square 1, not even a year. You're never going to get anywhere or find a girlfriend if you're like this."

Daelin stared at his mom in disbelief. "I'm trying to figure things out alright. I didn't choose to lose my job today!"

"Maybe you shouldn't have skipped your shifts, Daelin."

"I didn't skip. It was some stupid little cut-off, and I told you many times that was an accident that day!" Daelin explained, forced to repeat his story once again. "I had to take another route."

"Well, did you call?" his mom asked, raising her brows.

"Yeah! Why are you bothering me with this?!"

"Yes, did you call? To inform that you would be late or that you were unable to make it?"

"I didn't think it would've been a big deal." Daelin answered. "I didn't think I was going to be late that day."

His mother just rolled her eyes. "Of course not. And of course, they don't call me for that, huh?"

"They didn't want to bother you or anything."

"Bother you?! You used to want to wallow and sit on the couch watching TV all day, and you're the one who gets bothered?" She scoffed.

Daelin sighed. He hated it whenever his mom brought up his 'laziness'.

"You need to do more than just sit back and hope, Dael. Life isn't going to hand you anything on a silver platter!"

His jaw tightened. "I know and I'm trying to do something about, Mom. I'm trying! Why isn't that enough?"

"Because I'm trying to understand this!" His mother retorted. "You're a bright young man, Daelin. You might not believe that I think you are, but I do! I just need you to help me."

"You should've told them you make cartoon sketches. They'd probably keep you for that."

Daelin turned to see his little brother, Jamie chime in across the living room, eyes fixed on the screen with a controller in his hands.

"Shut up, Jamie. You're not helping."

His mother crossed her arms, her tone softening but still pointed. "I know it's hard, honey, but you've got to keep pushing. It can't always just be me and your sister. I mean, you're brother. He's been putting himself out there, volunteering, building up his resume—"

"Great, so I'm failing compared to that, huh?" Daelin muttered, his voice a little bitter.

"That's not what I'm saying!" his mother protested, exasperation creeping back into her voice. "But you can't just coast, Daelin. You need a plan!"

"Yeah, well, plans don't seem to work out for me, do they?" He pushed off the counter, heading upstairs. "I'll be outside."

Daelin went upstairs, passing by the room where his sister was in and making it inside his room. He ignored any past shouts or lectures from behind. He already got the memo.

The young adult closed his door shut and sat down at his desk. He stared at the blank laptop screen in front of him. His gaze drifted over to the pile of sketches and drawings that were piled up, all from various projects he tried to start but ultimately failed.

'Failed.'

Daelin looked away, his eyes falling on the calendar hanging above his desk. He thought back on how he was so much determined to change things around 2020 despite their circumstances.

'So much for new changes in 2020. Four months yet same old luck'

How the mighty have indeed fallen.

For the next two hours, Daelin pulled open his desk drawer and opened his notebook where his lists of jobs were written down. Crossing Scout's Cafe with an X. 

He scanned some other jobs that he could take in the city, such as a bookstore or a local cinema. Something that he was able to lend some money on the table until he was able to finally attend the university out in the city accepting that he might never actually make it through UCLA. There was also a bakery shop nearby he was considerate. Given that he used to try culinary class.

Another hour of searching and he came across the local grocery store. His heart dropped a little seeing he'd have less freedom as he did back at the cafe.

'What other choice do I have?'

The boy sighed and thought of resting for a bit. He felt bad at snapping at Lila that day and considering calling her first thing tomorrow.

Just then his phone suddenly began ringing. Initially he thought it was Lila but instead it was someone who he hasn't talked to.

"Hey old buddy. How's it going?"

Daelin's face fell into a mix of disbelief and deep-down happiness that he hadn't felt in a while.

"No-hyun?"

No-hyun walked down the busy streets of Seoul, his AirPods in and checking the money he won betting. It was just on time as he walked to where the station was. As if luck was on his side, he gained even more money that he could perhaps indulge in something for himself.

There was one thought that he had in mind. But he'd thought to leave it as a surprise.

First things first, he would need to pay back one of the loan sharks whom he might've borrowed a little cash during one of his gambling habits. He promised to double and pay the guy back. 

As he grabbed out his phone and tried looking for the next music to play, a sudden jolt nearly sent him pushed back. The boy stumbled, barely even regaining his own balance.

"What the hell?" He snapped as a young woman barreled past him.

The woman darted past him. She didn't stop, barely glancing back as she mouthed what might have been an apology before vanishing into the crowd.

"Fucking weirdo." He muttered.

He popped the AirPod back in, trying to ignore the annoyance bubbling up in his chest. For some odd reason he could help but feel a sudden gnaw at the back of his mind, but he ignored it, continuing to walk until he finally arrived at his destination.

"There you are," A burly man with tattoos on his arms leaned against the wall, the cigarette dangling from his mouth. He looked almost the same age as No-hyun, partially around his early 20s same as the other three boys with him.

"I see you managed to double my money?"

"Yeah, I got your petty ass money." No-hyun then winched realizing who he's talking to. "I mean...I got it like promised. Took a hell of a lotta hours and a little luck but hey. At least we both have go to our own Hawaii and drink some of that delicious latte, right?"

The young gambler forced out a laugh as Kim-Soo raised an eyebrow. The boy kept on rambling.

"Or...maybe go to an expensive restaurant and have a few of those lobsters and shrimp? What about that? Oh! I know...maybe we could get a girl. Or a few. Or all the girls. I don't mind sharing." 

Kim-soo rolled his eyes, plucking the cigarette from his mouth. "You done?"

"Yeah. But point is...." he said humbly. "I hope there's not any more problems going forward."

"There's gonna be some problems alright. If you're scamming me..."

No-hyun gulps as he witnesses one of them cracking their knuckles. Another pulled out a switchblade. They really meant it.

"So glad you asked, but uh...let's get things straight." No-hyun pointed. "Two thousand won. Not another more."

Kim-Soo chuckled darkly. "You testing my patience boy."

"Welp alright." No-hyun wasted no time to reach down into his pocket to grab his cash.

Then his confident smile turned into a frown. The envelope was gone.

"What the—?!" He froze, pulling his jacket pocket inside out. It had been sliced cleanly open. His heart sank as he glanced back at the boys. "So uh..."

Kim-Soo's smirk faded, replaced by a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"So?" Kim-Soo's tone went sharp. "Where's my money?"

No-hyun forced a nervous chuckle, holding up his hands.

"Uh... yeah about that, funny story actually. Hold on, the envelope should be somewhere in my pocket- AHA!"

Before the man could react, No-hyun reached into his pocket and hurled pockets of sand at the loan shark's face and did what every smart man would've done — Run.

"Oh shit, shit, shit! Oh, I'm dead! I'm so fucking dead! It's over!"

Kim-Soo swore and then No-hyun ran down the streets. The boy cursed under his breath. Of course, they were gonna chase him. Why else would things ever got his simple. No-hyun ran across the street, barely making a few steps.

"You little shit!" He heard the man's bark from behind. "You think you can take my money?! And leave!"

A honk blared as he darted into the street, narrowly avoiding a car that came to a halt. No-hyun couldn't apologize as the driver cursed at him and vaulted over a low railing through an alley before hiding behind a stack of crates.

"Where the hell is he?!" one of them growled.

"Split up! He can't have gone far!" Kim-Soo barked.

"You can run from us, yah little shit! We know you're fucking face!"

No-hyun remained where he was and waited until they walked out. Once he was sure no one was around, he gave a shaky exhale. But it didn't last long as a minute later, a voice spoke out.

"You can come out now, Mr. Lee. They're gone now"

No-hyun froze. His head snapped up, eyes darting around the alley. Standing at the other end of the alley was a man in a business suit. His face looked genuine and polite while holding a briefcase in hand.

"How did you..."

"I'm pleased we could meet with each other given your predicament."

No-hyun blinked, his mind racing. "What predicament? I don't—"

The man raised a hand before continuing. "No need to explain. Though, you do look like you've had quite the day."

"Tell me about it." No-hyun's throat tightened. "So, what do you want if you're not with those guys?"

The man's smile widened slightly. He opened his briefcase to reveal stacks of cash and two-colored tiles.

"Would you like to play a game with me?"