IOTF Ch 16

A knife twisting in my gut churned once inside. With a crunch, bones shattered as it aimed to pierce somewhere else among my internal organs.

“Fuck! Just die already!”

The mercenary sent by Kim was pretty good with a blade. His blue eyes marked him as a Russian bastard. He looked familiar, perhaps from the pitbull fights, but seeing him with Kim, it seemed he didn’t know who the real traitor was.

“Why are you lot so damn stupid? Can’t figure out who to side with or who to stab and dunk?”

One mercenary charging at me had a broken porcelain plate lodged in his neck. The ones below him had rushed in a pack, but after getting their eyes and throats stabbed with their own stolen knives, they’d grown too scared to come at me again.

I was breathing hard and rough, but they were small fry. Still, the two remaining mercenaries were seasoned killers. The stench of human fluids, thick and raw, oozed from their eyes and the breaths they exhaled.

Then the Russian shouted. Six bodies were sprawled over the table where Sunjung and I had been sitting. There were still a dozen or so left, but if the knife stuck in my left hand kept cutting well, I could finish this in ten minutes.

“Hand over Cheon-gwang quietly. He’s Kim’s lover, got it?”

A killing blade grazed past my eye. Slash, it stabbed into the spot right beside me, quick and agile. It pressed hard to gut me again, but my left hand was faster. The knife hit the bastard’s solar plexus dead-on. Using the vibration in my grip as recoil, I drove it into his throat. It wasn’t a deep enough blade to be fatal, but the body pinning me fell off. Locking eyes precisely, I stabbed his neck again.

I always aimed for the throat. It always worked. I’d missed before, but never failed. Wiping the blood-soaked face, I gripped the killing blade the Russian had held with both hands.

Blood kept spurting from torn guts. His head twisted, still impaled. Knives were lodged in his thighs and forearms too, blood leaking from every hole like a punctured plastic bag.

Annoying and tiresome. One of them needed to live to relay my message to Kim, but these grunts wouldn’t survive here. Even if I let them off easy, my boys would catch them and tear them to shreds.

“And you stab me without knowing that? You ruined my date. If Sunjung finds out I ended up like this, he might cry. What if my precious baby, too dear to even hurt his eyes, cries?”

At the mercenary’s signal, eight rushed me at once. I yanked up a fallen one as a shield. His hefty body screamed as blades pierced it. The big frame was decently useful, and the killing knife sank in wherever I stabbed, dropping humans like flies.

Ditching the now-useless Russian, I grabbed another’s head and stabbed his neck. Blood burst as I used him as another shield. The terrified ones stopped charging. They knew getting caught meant getting sliced up beyond just stabbed. They backed off.

“You’ve seen stabbing, but not slicing, huh? I’ll show you.”

I bared my teeth with a grin. At that moment, clank! Men stormed in. The fastest were the newbies. They swung nail-studded bats in a flash, bashing the ones I hadn’t killed yet.

I took in the scene, then jerked my chin at the mercenary. Come here. Baekil appeared like a ghost, snapping his wrist and neck. He pinned the mercenary to the wall and drove a knife into his shoulder. Blood sprayed as Han Doopil bowed politely, readjusting his axe handle.

“Both sides, boss?”

“One left, one right. Cut ‘em.”

“No objections here. But you look mighty tired, boss. I’ll chop ‘em clean, so how about you head in early and rest? If you go with Baekil hyung first, I’ll bring ‘em to you nice and neat.”

Han Doopil’s cheekiness brought Jang Woosung rushing in, throwing a towel over my stomach. Pressing it hard, he lit a cigarette. Inhaling the damn good smoke deeply, Han Doopil started hacking at ankles.

“Hey! Stay still a sec! You’re a mercenary and can’t handle this?”

Screams erupted as Han Doopil, in his signature style, relentlessly carved and smashed bones.

Han Doopil diced arms and legs based on my condition. Today, it was extra messy. He targeted nerves obsessively, shattering bones beyond repair.

“Boss, let’s go.”

“Should we deal with Kim first?”

“Prep’s already underway.”

“Who’d they stick on us?”

No way someone slipped a rat in while we were hosting boat guests. Even if they had, we’d have sniffed it out fast. Baekil was a clean freak about this, and I knew how harshly Han Doopil drilled the boys. Me, I saw through schemes like a damn psychic.

“After we crushed the yakuza, the leftover scraps might’ve latched onto Kim. The guy Doopil’s working on now, called Bamboo, used to back the yakuza in the brothel market, earned their trust.”

“So they’ve been tailing me since I wiped out the yakuza?”

“Didn’t get that vibe.”

Baekil scrunched his brow, adding like the OCD freak he was,

“If I had, I’d have cut that bastard’s dick off and shoved it down his throat. I’d have gutted him to check if it settled in his stomach, live.”

Nodding, I left the blood-drenched restaurant. Blood poured from me. I could barely walk. It was clotting on my clothes and shoes, and the grunts waiting outside fussed.

“Can’t you shut up?”

Baekil’s word silenced them. The scared newbies huddled around me.

“No, but you’re too hurt! Gotta get to the hospital quick!”

“Shut it and bring the car.”

I smirked at the sight. My quality beige coat was soaked red, not a spot spared.

“Sunjung’ll freak out like this too, huh?”

“With his soft heart, more than enough. Those big eyes’ll pop wide open. Lucky if he doesn’t faint on sight.”

Baekil, unusually chatty, meant I was pretty banged up. Fair, my side ached, and I felt drowsy. If Lee Soyoon lowered then raised those long lashes to look at me, it’d be perfect.

Those deep brown-rimmed eyes, delicate double lids. From the first glance, they’d hooked me, those unique brows, small white face. The red tongue peeking through neat teeth was as tempting as it was tasty, but laced with poison, so I had to handle it carefully. To keep him tame like today, I’d need to avoid startling his sensitive temper.

“Call Dr. Park. Clear the VIP room.”

“Hospital stay, boss?”

Baekil whipped his head around, shocked.

“You never stay an hour in a hospital! You call everything to the hotel!”

“Go like this? Scare the kid off?”

“Then maybe auntie’s place…”

“She’ll nag. Already glares at me for keeping a kid around. Feeding him meds, trying to domesticate him. Don’t give her ammo. Book the stay.”

In the car, torn guts pressed, blood gushing with a squelch. The towel couldn’t soak it all. Red streaked the seat. Baekil started the engine.

“When should I bring him?”

Feeling the holes all over, I turned to the sunset. Just earlier, I’d watched it with Lee Soyoon. His soft breaths beside me, shyly turning his head. His flushed cheeks matched my heart now.

Miss him. Fuck.

“He’ll be trembling like a rabbit. Let him wander a bit, then bring him when the stitches are done. Get stuff he likes.”

Blood flowed freely. Can’t even do him ‘til this heals. What’ll I do with Sunjung’s bored hole? Maybe open my mouth for a change, let him use it. Service him, lick him lying back, suck his balls thoroughly. Busy work. He could jerk me off instead. Damn. Who’d have thought I’d have this much to do at my age?

Hated women, hated raising kids from flings. Thought I’d just make money and die. Then a young guy slips in, and everything changes.

No saintly turnaround. I’d keep doing my thing. But even a beast like me could build a home.

A big house with an ocean view, stuffed with pricey stuff Lee Soyoon loves. Living, screwing, eating, sleeping together. He’s not even thirty. Teach him Chinese, let him learn whatever he wants.

With that face, opening a café would draw crowds. Water trade’s a no-go. I’d teach him brainwork. He’s sharp with money. Tax accountant exam, maybe? I smirked.

Imagining Lee Soyoon poring over books, my heart stacked up, unlike the blood pooling down.

“Baekil, play Sunjung’s eighteenth song on the way.”

At my word, Baekil hit play. Karaoke tracks kicked in, and Soyoon’s secretly recorded voice flowed. I tapped my blood-soaked shoes to the beat.

A heavenly voice, no less.

Nothing happened, more than I’d expected. Maybe ‘cause I was living thoughtlessly. Fear and frantic urgency would hit, then my mind would blank out, leaving me wondering what I’d been doing. Spacing out, a day would pass.

Night and day were stark, and winter settled in fully. I couldn’t keep borrowing the son’s clothes, so I asked the hostess to buy me thick ones. Got a hat and mask to hide my face too. For a fugitive, winter was the worst and best season.

So, I packed a bag at dawn. Left money for the hosts in an envelope on the desk and stepped out. The gate creaked open. Hood up, scarf wrapped tight, eyes wide. I saw a guy in military fatigues walk in.

I recognized him instantly. The face from the big family photo in the living room.

“Oh, hi. I heard about you. Uncle Jaeseok’s nephew, right?”

First I’d heard of it, but I couldn’t outright deny it.

“I’m Kim Seonghyeon. As you see, a soldier, this house’s son.”

With discharge nearing, he had plenty of stripes.

“I’m Lee Soyoon.”

“Nice to meet you. I was thrilled to hear there’s someone my age here. But where you headed this cold dawn?”

My eyes flicked up, wary. He took off his cap, rubbing his short hair.

“My face might look rough, but I’m not weird. I go to Kyungdae, got friends, a sister too.”

Never thought he was weird. I nodded vaguely and tried to pass when the hostess, just awake, spotted her son and ran out barefoot.

“Oh my! My boy’s here! Said tomorrow, how’d you come today!”

She dodged me, rushing to him, puffing white breaths, rubbing and squeezing her precious son’s cheeks.

“Mom, it’s cold. Let’s talk inside.”

“Oh, right, my baby! You met Soyoon, yeah?”

“Yeah. Was just greeting him to head in.”

Too caught up in her son, she didn’t notice my bag. I stood there, hollow-eyed, then went back inside.

True, snow was forecast today, and I had no real destination. Even if I did, I wasn’t ready for Jaehoon hyung. They’d have contacted Seoul first after I vanished, asking Jaehoon, who’d sent me to Yeonsan.

Now I regretted calling him before leaving. Should’ve stayed quiet. If I’d known I’d bolt with the boss’s wallet, I’d have waited and gone later. A burner phone would’ve done.

Leaving him, my head finally worked right. With the boss, I’d shut my brain off. Now it was ticking again.

“Cold, huh? Share the second floor with Soyoon. Your room’s still there. Use it.”

“Okay. I’ll do that.”

“I’ll greet Dad when he’s up.”

“Sure, he’s snoring, tired from two long hauls yesterday. Go up quick. Mom’ll make a tasty breakfast.”

Like I’d never seen a loving mother-son duo, I stood there a bit. The son smiled awkwardly, heading upstairs first.

“I’m full of aegyo, you know. Sometimes more than my sister.”

His big bare feet, military boots off, weren’t like his dad’s, but huge hands and feet reminded me of the boss’s. His soldier slang snapped me out of it.

Upstairs, he kept talking. Army stories, thanks for looking after his parents. This village, deep in Icheon, had few young folks, he said.

“Kimjang season, and delivery trucks barely come. Had to haul stuff from the big mart often. Thanks for helping.”

But I hadn’t done much, just ate, slept, and shat like a bum.

“Your mom tried to make me human.”

“Why you, Soyoon? What’s wrong that she’d fix you?”

He asked back, but I had no words. I just set down the bag I’d been clutching and went to my room.

His leave flipped the house’s vibe.

Every ten minutes, the phone rang, knocks hit the gate. Villagers trickled into the living room, checking the son’s face, unloading fruits and meat.

I stayed upstairs, too awkward. They’d called me down at first, but my souring face stopped them. Holed up, I waited for sunset.

Sure enough, dusk brought his phone ablaze. Friends, I guess, hunting him down. They spilled past the living room, his room, into mine.

After a quick dinner, I was undressing for bed when—

A knock.

“Soyoon, asleep?”

It was 8 p.m. Even if I were, the phone chatter would’ve woken me.

“Can I come in a sec?”

Annoying, but I couldn’t ignore him. Come in. In a thin short-sleeve tee, he spoke awkwardly again.

“Soyoon, you drink?”

“Huh?”

“Friends wanna drink. Come with, they say.”

Unexpected, no quick reply came.

“It’s rural. Nights drag. Let’s wet our throats and come back.”

“Where to?”

“Ten-minute walk. Bundle up.”

He left no room to refuse. Missing my chance, I dressed. Stepping out with no expectations, he waited against a snowy backdrop.

“Guys I’ve known since we were kids. Real nice, gentle. Young folks left here. We’re all that’s left. Heard about you, kept saying come along. ‘How can a long winter night miss booze and songs?’ They wore me down.”

“That why the phone kept ringing?”

“Yeah. Nice but dumb. Keep at it ‘til I say yes. Haha. Sorry, country bumpkins.”

Ridiculous. No wonder the calls were loud. They were after me.

We walked the cold night, up a small hill. A brightly lit sign read “Hyundai Supermarket Tobacco.”

“There. Owner’s son’s named Hyundai. Kid nickname was Bbabbang. You know, horn sound, bbabbang!”

Icheon or Yeonsan, there’s always someone with lame flirting. Not flirting for him, just bad humor that nearly made me cringe.

“I’m here. Open up.”

Hands in his jacket, he kicked the lit sash door. Bang bang. The noise paused, then it opened.

“So slow, damn it.”

Warmth hit my face with a thick oil smell. Familiar beer and dried squid wafted through, three pairs of eyes on me.

“Soyoon, it’s cold. Go in first.”

I bowed in greeting. My deep hood hid my face, so the chubby guy who opened the door lowered his gaze with me.

“So your name’s Soyoon.”

“Yeah, Lee Soyoon. Our age.”

At the son’s words, all three greeted me. Thankfully, new faces, far from “depravity.” One was a woman, long hair tied back, no makeup, in a drab pigeon-gray thick knit.

“I’m Lee Wonmi. That’s Kim Hyundai, the owner here. This tall lanky guy’s Byeongmo, taekwondo major. Noisy about being a bodyguard someday. Anyway, nice to meet you.”

Unlike her easygoing look, she was sharp. Feeling rude in my hat, I took it off for a proper intro.

“Lee Soyoon. Nice to meet you. Thanks for inviting me.”

Silence fell. Byeongmo stared, letting his pancake burn. The woman peeling a red apple paused, as did Hyundai fetching a chair. The son broke it.

“Pour the drinks already. You drag someone out and don’t serve?”

He pulled up a round table chair. In this rural corner store, I was the outsider.

“No, he’s too handsome. I’m speechless.”

“You guarded idols in Seoul, saw tons of hot guys. Said we’re from different planets?”

At Wonmi’s words, Byeongmo nodded, plating the slightly burnt kimchi pancake.

“True. I’ve seen plenty, but he’s different?”

The son, passing me a beer glass, chimed in.

“Idols and actors are worlds apart. Those are idols. Soyoon’s actor material. Got it?”

The three, with their simple looks, nodded easily. I drank among them. First booze since then, sweet, cool, no stale stench. In rooms, the aftertaste was thick with heavy air. Here, it was crisp.

The burnt kimchi pancake sizzling on the gas stove was tasty, torn cheap snacks crisp. Low-grade finger sausages paired well with somaek, and Wonmi’s peeled apple was cool and appetizing.

They didn’t pry. Treated me like an old friend. Hyundai played guitar like a pro, old songs like vintage records. I didn’t hum, but locking eyes with the son coming in from a smoke, I nearly recalled lyrics I’d sung for the boss.

Songs under psychedelic lights. Me, a mad bastard, tossing the mic to rush him.

“Uh, you smoke?”

I lowered my lashes, shaking my head. Mood fouled by stray memories, I stood. Seonghyeon asked again.

“Bathroom?”

“Yeah.”

“Through the kitchen. Lights are on, you’re good.”

Music restarted as I went deeper. A cozy side room smelled faintly metallic, aged. Worn wallpaper, clean but time-worn. Thick bedding felt homely; a tiny TV made me smile.

As a kid, I lived in a place like this.

Sleeping tight with Grandma in a palm-sized room. Summer heat meant no sleep without her fan; rainy seasons soaked the walls.

How pure and clean my childhood was.

Why no mom, why called dirty, I endured. Even hit, a kid who never cried, just quiet, quiet.

“Soyoon, you okay?”

A voice behind startled me, shoulders flinching. Turning, the son stood there.

“Oh, yeah, yeah.”

“That room, Hyundai’s parents used to nap there running the store. They’re in the city now; Hyundai uses it. He’s holed up here writing fantasy novels.”

His lidless eyes curved down. Bragging about a friend? For a moment, he looked like Jang Woosung.

Maybe the short, round haircut. Similar age, no lids, long slits, hard to call ugly, reminded me of lowlife thugs calling me hyung, boss, sister-in-law.

“All sorts of…”

“Huh?”

“No, nothing. Here for the bathroom. Wanna go first?”

“I’m fi…”

A spark crackled from the small bulb overhead. Pop pop pop pop, he shoved me back. Tripping over the ledge, I landed in the side room. He’d pushed me to safety, expecting the bulb to blow, and stared at me.

In the dark, tight space, his eyes loomed. Not as big as the boss, but solid shoulders and legs. Even playing innocent, lust could turn him into a wolf too.

“Bulb’s out. I’ll swap it quick.”

The driver’s son stepped out, returned with a new bulb, and installed it. Light flared, revealing me again. Arms crossed, lips tinged with oil and apple scent.

“Thanks for the intros, but I won’t come to these anymore.”

“Why?”

“Not someone to get close to.”

“Us? Or you?”

Should’ve answered, but I laughed.

You guys? Nah, it’s me, the rotten bastard.

My laugh shut him up. Shoulders shaking, tears welled up. So funny my gut twisted. Soon, the others crowded the narrow hall.

“You crack a joke? Soyoon’s reacting to your gag?”

“No way. This lame-ass making Soyoon laugh? Probably just flopped. Right? Kim Seonghyeon, what’d you botch now? Always been a reckless klutz.”

Laughter wouldn’t stop. The drunk crew joined in. Nearing midnight, I left with the son. “See ya” lingered as we walked the cold dawn. Moon bright, snow stopped.

He said,

“Let’s hit the city tomorrow.”

“Told you, not someone to bond with.”

“You need a phone, right?”

My steps halted.

“Mom said it seems you don’t have one.”

What’s this situation, this perceptiveness?

“I’ve got an old one lying around. I’ll activate it. Use it. Won’t charge you, so stay here comfy and…”

“Why should I?”

“To keep in touch.”

“Five days left. After that, I’m back ‘til discharge, no way to reach you. House phone’s a hassle, can’t talk long.”

Hah, my mouth gaped, breath puffing out. Drunk and dizzy, I stared up at him.

“What’s your game?”

“Be friends.”

“You know who I am?”

“Live in this backwater, peers are gold.”

“You’ll get it.”

Crazy? But I nodded. True, his dad took in a death-faced stranger, even faked a guesthouse. His mom, so kind. Never a sour look despite me lazing all day, serving me soups and sides.

Braving comfort, warming sausages in the cold. Raised by them, he’d value people. I’d assume that.

Grew up in a world apart from mine.

Then I clicked my tongue inwardly. With the boss, I thought we were different breeds. But now, the real aliens were them, Kim Seonghyeon.

I was the boss’s kind, dancing, singing clowns on the same stage.

Realizing we were alike fouled my mood but eased my heart.

“Fine, thanks. I’ll take it.”

He shrugged. I buried my nose in my jacket, stepping on frozen ground.

Sour booze and lost apple scent lingered.

Bustling footsteps echoed. Finishing up stitching big and small wounds, wrapping the last bandage, Baekil entered, followed by a pale Jang Woosung.

“Baekil.”

“Yes.”

“Step by step. Line it up perfectly. First.”

I sent Dr. Park and the nurses out. Slipping a cigarette in hand, Baekil lit it. I took a deep drag and continued.

“When’d I hit the OR?”

“Around 4:50 p.m.”

“When we got off the boat?”

“4:30 p.m.”

“When you reached the restaurant?”

“Hit the marsh at 3:50 sharp, stormed in at 4:00.”

“Right. I booked the place from 3:00, so you timed it loose for 4:00 to watch me fuss over Sunjung. See me pamper him, tease the boss acting like a mother bird, huh?”

Baekil didn’t reply.

Woosung hung his head low.

“I sent Sunjung out alone at 3:15. Held out solo for thirty-five minutes, then.”

I sucked the cigarette deep, chest heaving, nicotine seeping into every hole.

“So he’s been wandering alone for five hours now. I can’t wrap my head around it.”

Three-and-a-half-hour surgery, longer than expected. Boredom hit briefly, but picturing Lee Soyoon’s face waiting made me smirk, earned me a “stop laughing” from Dr. Park.

But Lee Soyoon’s gone. Given the mess, I sent him off alone, and now they can’t bring him to me.

“Probably hiding, spooked. Scary stuff for him.”

“Sure. But this ain’t Seoul turf, Baekil.”

I stubbed the butt on the bed sheet, tilting my head.

“It’s Yeonsan.”

No corner my reach can’t touch.

“Takes this long to fetch one kid? Doesn’t that mean Sunjung walked out of Yeonsan on his own?”

I know it’s a rush judgment. Lee Soyoon’s type, he’d bury his head somewhere, then slink back. A host, but responsible about his gig, and above all, loved money.

He wouldn’t ditch now, not with his earnings and my comfort.

That mess a while back, booze dulled it, and he’d started mumbling to me again. So I took him out for air, only for Kim to backstab me into this shitshow.

Fuck. Said I was smitten, guess I really am with Lee Soyoon. Mad over a young fling, blind to Kim’s mercenary play, flailing ‘til I scared the kid off.

He’d have seen those gleaming knives before bolting, shaking, thinking he’d die.

“Dropped his phone near the dock and walked off somewhere. Witness says he left the public lot, but too many people, they lost sight.”

“Secure CCTV.”

“Working on it. Earliest, dawn. Latest, morning.”

At Baekil’s words, I bit the filter and asked,

“Unusually high tourist bus traffic?”

“Big temples in Jecheon and Changwon came for a release ceremony. Tourist and release buses mixed in, public lot, no reservations needed, so it’ll take time.”

I pulled out a new cigarette and put it in my mouth. Jang Woosung knelt as if he had committed a mortal sin. However, just because I dealt with a small fry like him, it doesn’t reduce the possibility that Lee Soyoon might have taken a tourist bus and left Yeonsan.

I exhaled the smoke with a huff. I imagined a face that would widen its eyes upon seeing the stitched-up wound, and I tilted my head side to side.

My conclusion is simple.

“Bring him here.”

“…….”

“Intact, just as he was.”

Baekil nodded his head. At that moment, Han Doopil placed Soyoon’s bag, which I had told him to bring, on the floor. When I opened the zipper, everything inside was untouched, exactly as it had been.

It would’ve been nice if he’d stayed this obedient.

“There’s more you need to see.”

“What is it?”

Instead of answering, Han Doopil rolled his eyes. I got rid of that bastard Jang Woosung from my sight and listened to Han Doopil’s story.

“…….”

The story that began was not an easy one. I let out a hollow laugh and stubbed the cigarette butt into the leather of the Boston bag, where Lee Soyoon’s touch still lingered.

What Han Doopil handed me was a black USB.

˚｡⋆

Icheon was definitely different from Yeonsan. They sold the same herbs and fruits, and there were fish shops too, but something felt different. Even though both places were equally bustling, the feeling that bustle gave off was entirely distinct, and the air here didn’t carry that fishy smell.

I followed the son through the market streets. The phone had already been activated and was now in my pocket. Even though it was a model from two years ago, it was usable, and honestly, I was a bit dumbfounded to suddenly have a phone I hadn’t even thought about.

“Anything you want to eat?”

Another thing that had changed was that the son now spoke to me informally. But I didn’t speak informally to him. It wasn’t because that was some line I had to maintain, but simply because the words didn’t come out casually.

“Didn’t we just eat buckwheat pancakes a little while ago?”

“You’re full from just that?”

He took me to a sundae soup restaurant, flaunting his large frame. The rich smell of offal mixed with the sour scent of ripe kimchi stirred my appetite, and it did feel like what I’d eaten earlier slid right down.

“Mix it with the innards and eat. It’s delicious.”

“You’re treating me to this too?”

“Don’t nitpick, just eat with me. When I was in the army, I stayed up all night craving this soup.”

The son had a hearty appetite. Even in the morning, he ate two bowls of rice that the hostess scooped for him and snacked in between. Having lived among guys who were always hungover from drinking and slurping down broth, seeing Seonghyeon eat so well felt a bit novel to me.

Two steaming earthen pots were placed on the table. Seonghyeon poured some radish kimchi broth into his and stirred it vigorously. I knew a lot of people ate it that way, that it was just a matter of preference, and I’d occasionally eaten it with the red broth too, but for some reason, it didn’t sit well with me.

No, I just didn’t like it. The boss, who was bigger and bulkier than the son, didn’t eat like that. When he sat at the table, he’d check on me first and never spilled a drop of broth. His hands, peeling crab and fish flesh, were neat, and he never used the chopsticks he’d eaten with to pick up more. He didn’t make chewing noises or scarf down food that hurriedly.

Suddenly, I recalled moments when the boss, who’d greedily sucked everything from my mouth with a kiss, felt dirty and vile. I remembered glaring at him, snapping, “Let me eat first!” in irritation. Even at the last barbecue place, he’d pushed the burnt meat aside and taken care of me.

Fuck… But so what?

In the end, he was a bastard who raped, assaulted, made illegal porn, and did every filthy thing imaginable. Still, he was a pure thug without a shred of shame. If he were just a lowlife, I could’ve at least humiliated him as such, but he wasn’t even that kind of lowlife.

“What’s wrong? Too spicy? Should I order a soda?”

I shook my head as if shaking off the thoughts. I scooped out the round lump of seasoning paste from the soup and shoveled it into my mouth.

“You’re eating well. I was a bit nervous you might say you didn’t like this stuff.”

I chewed the finely chopped liver and innards with the rice and shot him a glance. It probably wasn’t visible under my hat, but the son was grinning like something was hilarious.

“No, I just had a feeling. Like you’ve only eaten fancy, expensive stuff…”

“Stop talking nonsense. I eat this kind of thing just fine and really like markets. I even wandered around markets for a while because I got hooked on that old-school vibe.”

At my words, the son beamed brightly, then immediately shifted to a curious expression.

“You like that old-man vibe, huh?”

Without realizing it, I clenched my jaw tight.

I don’t know why that word popped up out of nowhere, but while the boss was technically an “old man,” he wasn’t really an “old man.”

“Why would I like old men?”

“Huh? No, I meant the old-school…”

“He’s not that kind of old man. Something you wouldn’t…”

Understand? What’s so charming about him? Even if there was, this guy would never want to know, and if he figured out I’d been with a man way older than me and then ran, he’d definitely stop treating me like a human.

That’s why. That’s why I didn’t speak casually to this guy. People always reveal traces of their lives at some point, no matter where or when, and it slips out in the briefest moments. It was happening now too, so I put down my spoon, pulled out the phone, and checked the time.

Since it wasn’t in my name, what I could do was limited, but I could sync it with the internet and email. I skimmed through the pile of email subject lines. Some were from picky clients, the rest spam. Since I wasn’t using cards, I skipped the ones from card companies too.

Then one email caught my eye. Marked with a star, it was from a girl I’d been casually seeing. She was a student in the U.S. who’d come to Korea, met me as a client, and we’d kept in touch until early this year. After that incident blew up, I’d completely forgotten about her.

My fingers itched, but I didn’t click it.

It was definitely from her, so it wouldn’t hurt to look, but still, I had to be cautious for now. Swallowing my curiosity, I stood up, and it was already evening.

I sat with the son at the bus stop, waiting. It was cold, and with a mask, scarf, and fur hat, he looked at me and laughed.

“Why are you laughing?”

“You’re cute.”

“You know we’re the same age, right?”

“I know. But since you keep using formal speech with me, it makes you feel more like a little brother, so I keep looking at you.”

There’s no comeback to his innocent words. We got off the bus and walked over ten minutes on a freezing dirt path. There was a village bus, but it was too late, so we walked alone. Then we hitched a ride in the uncle’s car on his way home from work.

As we got out, the son rattled off everything that happened today, and I followed silently behind.

The brightly lit house was filled with the smell of braised cutlassfish.

“My partner’s back? Our boys are here too! Hurry, wash your hands and come eat.”

For this family in December, a day is ordinary, uneventful, simple yet abundant. The auntie was already guessing who’d win the grand prize at the year-end awards, and the uncle kept asking what to get for their grandkids.

After dinner, I went up to my room to sort my thoughts. It’s been almost a week since I left Yeonsan. There’s been no movement from the boss. Since I’m holed up here, of course he wouldn’t know. Part of me wanted to leave right now and escape to a busier place, but it was winter. It was cold, and if I got sick by mistake, it’d only hurt me.

Then, out of nowhere, I remembered the email I hadn’t checked earlier. The last time we talked, she’d said she was going back to the U.S. and would stay for about a year. She wasn’t good at long-distance but said I could contact her anytime I missed her.

My heart suddenly started pounding. My narrow perspective opened up, and a destination appeared.

Instead of scraping by in Korea, I could just leave for somewhere new. If I booked a flight, went to her, and got her help, I could live quietly for a few months. Even though it seemed far-fetched, my heart raced. Absurd things always happened to me, and this was no different.

I cautiously clicked her email, and after a clean English greeting, Korean text flooded my eyes. Lying in bed reading it, I bolted upright.

She said she’d be coming to Korea this month and wanted to travel with me if I had time. If I was okay with it, she’d like to tour Europe until her break ended. My eyes widened, and a sweet taste suddenly filled my mouth.

I couldn’t help trembling. My grip tightened on the phone, and it felt like my stomach was clenching hard. I jumped up and turned on the room’s lights. I opened the drawer and grabbed the boss’s wallet.

To charm her, I’d need flashy clothes and luxury goods. I had to look like a top-tier host still, and to use her as a mark for a Europe trip, I’d need some cash—but I had nothing.

The wallet had the boss’s cards and checks, but I couldn’t use them. If I got caught carelessly using them, it’d be a disaster. Going back to host work was out too. If I went to Seoul, word would spread, and Incheon would be the same. Even if I somehow ended up in a shady joint like Queens again, one wrong move, and the boss would gut me.

Reality hit, and the sweet excitement fizzled out fast.

Hope flared up only to crash back down, making me feel like a lunatic. I suddenly thought of the son who’d given me this phone.

‘If it’s him… maybe…’

I knew it was a shitty thought, but I couldn’t help it. Right now, I had no skills, and if there was anyone I could use, I had to use them, no matter who.

I mussed up my hair and opened the door. I checked downstairs, where the auntie and uncle were sleeping, then knocked on his door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Soyoon.”

An unexpected rustling came from inside. A moment later, the door opened, and a big guy stood against the bright fluorescent light. I looked up and gave a small smile.

“Were you asleep?”

“No… not yet…”

“What were you doing?”

I lowered my eyes to the phone in his hand. As expected, the screen was filled with stock charts.

“Just looking at something for a sec…”

“Have you been into stocks for long?”

I knew he was into stocks. The moment he shed his uniform, he couldn’t let go of his phone—it was obvious. He checked stocks while drinking, smoking, even eating.

“Oh, I just picked it up in the army.”

“Did you make some money?”

“Not a ton, but I’ve never lost any.”

“So you’ve made a decent amount?”

“Not huge, but they say I’m good at picking stocks. A senior who hit it big with crypto taught me step-by-step how to build seed money, so it’s been pretty good. I make about a big company salary monthly, so for a soldier, I’ve got some cash.”

A big company salary—400 to 500 thousand won a month. If he saved it diligently without wasting it, he’d have tens of millions in hand.

“Jealous. I don’t even know the ‘S’ in stocks.”

I nudged him back slightly. As I stepped into the room naturally, the bed and pillow were mussed up, showing he’d been lying there on his phone.

“You just need to read the situation well. It’s not a big deal.”

“Really? Well, there’s nothing to do here, and since you gave me a phone… should I try learning?”

I tilted my head down to peek at his phone. The charts and tiny stock names looked like he’d picked some winners.

“But I don’t get it even when I look.”

“…….”

“Can’t you explain it simply?”

His eyes wavered. His stubbly blue jaw twitched. My late-night visit was both welcome and flustering to him.

“Oh, I don’t mean to force you…”

“No, it’s fine. Of course I’ll teach you. Come here.”

Seonghyeon grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the messy bed. Feeling the swaying mattress, he sat close beside me.

“It’s your bed—sure it’s okay?”

“What’s the big deal? We’re both guys.”

Seonghyeon sat right next to me and cleared his throat. I didn’t feel anything strange. But seeing him so obviously tense despite saying “we’re both guys” made it feel like I was hitting on him or something. It wasn’t a pickup—it was a con, a backstab—but so what? When was I ever not a bastard? Serving drinks to women for a con or sweet-talking a guy to fleece him—it’s all the same.

“It’s simple. The principle of stocks is pay money, make money. Back in the day, people saw it as an investment, but not anymore. You just have to be good at grabbing and running. Holding out doesn’t always pay off—you need to read the trends well. Ever tried crypto?”

“No. Never.”

“Soyoon, you really have no interest in this stuff, huh?”

“Yeah. None. I spent what I had, and when I didn’t have it, well, I just didn’t…”

Suddenly, a spark lit up in his eyes. My ignorance about money—and not being ashamed of it—did he find it cute? Or think I was an idiot?

“How’d you live without money?”

“I earned and spent it.”

“What did you do?”

“Promoted websites, modeled for online shops… sometimes did temp gigs…”

It was my usual lie, so it came out smoothly. Seonghyeon suddenly curled his lips up.

“I knew it. You totally seem like someone who’d do modeling or broadcast stuff. Even with all the good-looking guys out there these days, you’re different. You never did trainee stuff?”

Before becoming a host, I did dance and sing, so I just laughed it off.

“Wow, am I sitting with someone who almost became an idol?”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“Why not? The moment I saw you, my eyes popped. You’re so pretty.”

The sudden vibe wasn’t surprising. I’d half-expected this guy to catch feelings for me, and I was here to exploit that.

“Look, you’re really pretty.”

Seonghyeon gazed at me, momentarily entranced. Then, staring at my cheek, he cautiously opened his mouth.

“…Hey, can I touch it once?”

“…….”

“Not to do anything weird. You’re just so pretty.”

When I didn’t refuse, his hand touched my cheek. It was rough, but nothing compared to the boss. His neatly trimmed nails brushed my earlobe. He pressed the spot the boss used to bite and suck, then let out a hot breath between his lips, unable to hold back.

“You’re really this…”

“Calling a guy pretty?”

I shot my eyes up sharply. Reacting prickly, he snapped out of it.

“The vibe got weird, huh?”

“Weird? What…”

“It’s weird, isn’t it? Like I came here to do this with you or something.”

He’d probably grab me. But I couldn’t let him catch me here. If I gave him a taste and walked out, Kim Seonghyeon would spend the night thinking of me. Come morning, he’d hover by my door, texting me constantly even while we’re in the same house.

Then I’d play dumb, tease him more, and on a quiet night when everyone’s asleep, I’d answer his knock. No need to drag it out. No, he’s back to base the day after tomorrow. So I’d fast-talk him into opening an account in his name with this phone and ask for 10 million won as seed money.

Since it’s his phone and I don’t know stocks or crypto, I’d say I’d just follow his lead. Giggling a few times while peering at the tiny screen together, letting him touch my cheek and ear—he’d fall harder and want to push further.

That’s when my con would kick in. I’d play up my ignorance to gain his trust, drag him to a bank with a clueless face about money. Dropping lines like, “Can you make a bouquet out of 50,000-won bills?”—he’d end up handing over cash himself. Then I’d leave his phone behind and bolt.

No need to contact Jaehoon hyung. I’d charm her, crash at her place for a few days, then head straight to Europe—safe from exposure for months.

That was the plan so far. It could shift midway, so I started to leave the room when—

“Soyoon, am I weird?”

“Huh?”

“Would it be weird to do this with me?”

His eyes had completely changed. While I was calculating, he’d cooked up some odd heat.

Seeing that look, I suddenly recalled the floral wallpaper I’d stared at while the boss fucked me. The dusty whir of a cheap fan, tacky psychedelic lights. The karaoke track had long stopped, and the sour stench of cum filled the air as I was pinned down. That moment of submission under his twisted lust hit me, and I shook my head fast.

“No. It’s not weird.”

“Then, with a guy too…”

“We’re both being too hasty today. I’ll head out.”

I stood up like I was done.

“Soyoon.”

“If you can’t sleep, text me. I’ll reply to texts.”

Even now, leaving room for more, I disgusted myself. My ingrained tricks and knack for fleecing people worked too perfectly. The moment I reached my room, Seonghyeon started texting—random emojis and photos he’d picked up somewhere. It was boring as hell and left me feeling detached.

˚｡⋆

The next morning, both parents got into the taxi together. The auntie was all excited, and the uncle loaded his homemade liquor into the trunk, saying,

“You two behave. We’re just going to see the elders and come back.”

“Boys, I left curry and bear soup simmering, so eat it on time, got it? Don’t go into town just to buy booze! I’ll be back the day before you leave.”

It was unexpected. After last night, we’d be alone together so soon. But the son seemed thrilled, urging his parents off.

“Have a good trip. We’ll be fine.”

After seeing them off, he made breakfast himself. We sat face-to-face eating curry. He tried hard to act like nothing happened last night with a docile face. But when our eyes met, he’d tense up again. With him heading back the day after tomorrow, I couldn’t waste time.

“There’s a place I want to visit.”

At my words, his brown eyes sparkled.

“That bathhouse only locals can use? They say there’s one.”

He looked surprised but quickly grinned wide.

“Oh, that place is great. The water’s hot, and it’s an open-air bath with a view. It’s cold now, but the water’s so warm it might be fine. Why, you wanna go?”

“Yeah. I was supposed to go with the auntie after making white kimchi, but something came up, so we couldn’t. If it’s okay, I’d like to go together.”

Showing skin was the fastest way. I couldn’t strip outright, but a place where he couldn’t pounce because of others.

“Let’s go. We can head out right after eating.”

He shoveled down the rest of his food, and I went upstairs to pack a sports bag I’d bought at the market with some clothes. I stuffed the boss’s wallet deep inside, along with a hat and scarf. Heading downstairs, he’d finished prepping too and was staring at his phone.

“Checking stocks?”

“No, the weather.”

“Not stocks?”

At my words, he shook his head vigorously and held out his phone.

“Actually, I opened a new account. Wanna see the name?”

The screen nearly made my jaw drop. A 10-million-won account had my name on it, unbelievably.

“What do you think?”

My heart raced with anticipation, but I kept my face blank.

“Why’s my name on it?”

“Why else? To roll it well and treat you to something tasty.”

“That’s not something you can just decide.”

“No, it’s climbing already. The vibe’s so good it’s hard to believe.”

The hard-to-believe part was me. I didn’t expect such an instant reaction. Maybe because he’s a soldier, he’s moving like a loyal dog to my tune.

“I don’t get it even if I look.”

“This could double in a month.”

“So what? It’s not my money anyway.”

I stuffed my hands in my jacket pockets. As I started toward the yard, Seonghyeon spoke, lost in thought.

“I’ve got three months left ‘til discharge.”

“So?”

“I’ll teach you stocks, so you can pass the time doing it.”

He wanted to keep me. But he clearly didn’t know where or how to start. That’s why he opened the account—to tie me down.

“How do you know if time’ll fly or crawl?”

“You can use phones now, and the base isn’t far—takes an hour to get here.”

“So? You want me to visit the base?”

My snark seemed to overwhelm him, and he sighed slightly. But unlike the boss’s son, he’d been in relationships. Not sure if with guys, but he spoke softly to my prickliness.

“You could ride Dad’s car—it’s not that far. Not saying it’s a hassle, just that I’ll miss you too much…”

“Wow, someone might think we’re dating. I just said one thing yesterday.”

I cut him off sharp, and he lowered his eyes, turning more serious.

“I’m not joking.”

“Who said you were?”

“I really think I’ll miss you.”

He hesitated but said everything. Time’s short, so he’s rushed. Or maybe he needs a quick fuck to settle down, but it’s not that stage yet, so he’s burning up.

“That’s, well… your deal.”

I pushed past him and walked out. I didn’t care if he was joking or not. I needed to snag that 10 million fast and leave, so he had to feel more desperate. I brushed by him coldly and stepped into the yard, noticing something by the mailbox.

I bent down to look at a doll propped beside the red mailbox. A brown teddy bear with a floral ribbon around its neck.

“Oh, that’s probably Mijeong’s.”

I turned my head, still crouched, at the voice behind me.

“Mijeong?”

“The kid next door—she drops stuff a lot. Leave it there; she’ll pick it up.”

I looked at the doll on the ground again. It didn’t seem dropped—propped neatly against the wall, no dust, no fingerprints or dents.

“Should we get going?”

Since it had an owner, I couldn’t linger. But something felt off. A chill I couldn’t explain. While I was scheming against this guy, the air around me seemed to shift slightly.

What was it? But all I saw was winter fields and paddies. A distant mountain, power poles linked by wires, barking dogs, plastic tangled in frozen dirt. Nothing else. The quiet winter scene of a remote village had nothing odd enough to notice.

Then he spoke up.

“So, when was your last relationship?”

I reluctantly stepped forward and answered.

“Don’t know. Can’t remember.”

“What? Nothing? How long ago?”

“Got screwed over big at a part-time job, became a debtor, and forgot while running.”

“Screwed over?”

“They framed me as a thief for skimming store money. I just did what I was told, but I ended up the crook.”

His face visibly heated up as he asked,

“What job?”

“Just a regular shop. Some promo gig—I ran errands there. The sales manager ran the show. I tagged along a few times, handed out flyers, that’s it. But they said I pocketed event cash or something.”

I spouted a half-baked story as I climbed the hill.

“How much?”

“Ten million won.”

I tossed the bait carelessly, and he paused behind me, thinking. I kept walking, not caring if he pondered or not. He caught up fast and licked his lips.

“Was that tough?”

“…Yeah, something like that.”

“So that’s why Uncle Jaeseok asked us to let you stay?”

I let him misunderstand. I didn’t say it was his dad’s made-up lie. I climbed the hill with a dazed look. We’d reached Sutan Pavilion—cleaned-up folks were heading down.

“I figured there was a story like that.”

I bumped into someone then, but couldn’t see their face. He kept following, and the steep path wasn’t familiar to me. I barely made it to the entrance and crossed the threshold. The narrow, steep climb took effort, and I sighed. His face crumpled hard—he’d bought my bullshit completely.

Feeling my heart thump steadily, I headed to the lockers. I opened one, started stripping—jacket, sweater, jeans into the locker. I tossed in my sports bag too and stood in briefs. Seonghyeon bit his lip, watching.

“You’re skinny… Always like this?”

He looked shocked at my bare body.

I’d lost weight since the boss, so I shook my head.

“No.”

“…Couldn’t eat properly because of the debt?”

“Stop talking about it. Gonna spread around the village that I’m a debtor?”

I grumbled on purpose. Was he really falling for it? Still, it felt too soon. Part of me just wanted to blurt, “Lend me some money?”

“Let’s go. Bank.”

His eyes hardened instantly.

“First-tier bank default? Or second-tier?”

He pulled out his phone, opened a banking app, and asked if I knew the account number. His sudden move made my steady heart feel like it’d burst. Adrenaline surged—I wanted to chew my lips raw.

“You can’t say, so I guess I’m right.”

He grabbed my clothes from the locker and handed them back.

“Get dressed and come out.”

He made a call somewhere. Phone to his ear, he said, “Hyung, it’s me,” and turned away. Soon, his voice faded—he’d stepped outside. With him gone, I couldn’t hide my expression. I clenched my fists. Things were moving faster than I’d planned.

I’d meant to con him more today, but he’d decided quick, so I had to adjust. Then someone blocked me with a thud. Looked bulky, but I had no time to care. I grabbed my bag and rushed out. As expected, Seonghyeon was on the phone, face serious.

He glanced at me, then stared hard somewhere. Wondering where, he suddenly pulled me close.

“Stick tight and follow.”

I didn’t know why, but there was no time to ask. I followed him back down to the village. The cold bit harder than before, like it’d slice my nose off, and I didn’t notice someone trailing us while my mind raced.

“Wait at Hyundai Supermarket.”

“Huh? Not home?”

“When we get there, Hyundai will give you a car key. Take it and hold onto it. I’ll change clothes and come right out.”

“Where are you going?”

He turned toward the house, then back to me. He continued speaking calmly, as if he’d genuinely decided to pay off my nonexistent debt.

“I’m just going to trust you.”

“What?”

“First, I’ll pay off your debt. Like you said, I have to return to base in two days, and no matter how much money I make, I can’t give it to you right away.”

I should’ve protested here, asked what he meant, gotten angry. That’s the standard for a con, and pretending to refuse now would’ve driven the nail in properly.

“My hyungs are asking why I’d pay off some random kid’s debt. But I can earn it back. Ten million won is something I can make quick. The account in your name—those hyungs will manage it for you. So don’t feel burdened. If I can’t even cover ten million and still ask you to wait, that’d be shameless.”

Did that mean he was admitting he had feelings for me? When we hadn’t even done anything together? Yet he looked serene. It was clear he intended to settle everything before heading back to base.

“So tell me. It’s loan sharks, right? Or you got tangled with people like that.”

Right? he seemed to ask, and my head nodded on its own. In that moment, he smirked as if he’d known it all along. As his shoulders relaxed and I wondered why he’d make that face, he stepped closer and said,

“Don’t be too scared. Just wait. I’ll handle it and come right back.”

Don’t be scared? What did that mean?

“I’ll tell Hyundai again, so stay with him. Got it?”

I nodded. Seonghyeon told me to go ahead. Heading to Hyundai Supermarket, unease and excitement crashed over me at once.

I don’t even remember how I got there. My head was filled with nothing but, “He’s probably going to take me straight to settle it—how do I snatch that money in the middle?”

When I opened the sliding door, the guy named Hyundai was waiting. He held a car key and waved me over. He seemed oddly subdued, and I followed him to the back door.

It was when we stepped out along the narrow path. A blue Porter truck was parked there.

“Get in.”

“…Seonghyeon told me to wait.”

“He said he’d call when he’s done. Until then, hang out with me for a bit.”

Just then, Hyundai’s phone started ringing. He answered it while climbing into the truck. He put me in the passenger seat and started driving. From somewhere, another identical Porter followed us down the narrow road. Hyundai drove silently along the dirt path. As we turned onto a route where village buses ran, a truck loaded with farming tools blocked the way behind us.

“Seonghyeon will explain what’s going on later. For now, just ride around with me.”

I couldn’t make sense of it. Then I saw two black sedans parked on the narrow road. So, with one road between them, the incoming and outgoing cars were tangled up. In that moment, it felt like my lungs suddenly tightened. Like I’d sensed something, my throat felt strangled by an invisible hand.

“What’s that…”

“It’s fine. Nothing to worry about.”

Hyundai sped up, the engine roaring as he drove fast. The truck behind us picked up speed too and kept pace.

“Country folks have strong loyalty and are tougher than you’d think. So don’t worry. And Seonghyeon’s a really smart guy. He said he’d take care of your debt, so trust him.”

If it was nonsense, I could just ignore it. But somehow, I felt like I understood what was happening. Who was he paying my debt to? A debt that didn’t even exist—how and to whom would he pay it? Why was he deliberately taking this long detour like he was shaking someone off? And why had Seonghyeon suddenly mentioned loan sharks, smirked, and told me not to go home?

“Don’t worry,” he’d said, but my heart pounding like it’d explode—all of it pointed in one direction.

“Who’s Kim Seonghyeon with right now?”

“Don’t worry. He’s strong, and the local hyungs have all headed out too. It’ll be handled smoothly.”

“…Hyungs?”

“They’re human too—they won’t act reckless with a crowd around. They’ll take the money and be done.”

My vision went dark. I couldn’t think anymore. I pressed my forehead against the window. Breathing out foggy air, I dared to guess.

The boss. He’s here.

The boss, who’d been silent all this time, suddenly came looking for me. Even if he’d found out I was here, how did Seonghyeon know he’d come? If the boss was here, he wouldn’t be alone—he’d have Baekil and his crew with him. But I didn’t see them. It was just open fields and old folks with weathered bodies.

The boss wasn’t the type to hide and watch me. Even if he came looking, what could a simple soldier do about it? Even if the honest country hyungs banded together, he wasn’t someone who’d be dealt with like that.

“I don’t know how much it is, but he said he’d handle it, so he will.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fucking hell!!

Unable to hold back my anger, I slammed my head against the window. Startled, Hyundai tried to stop me, but it was pointless. I hit it a couple more times, hard, trying to shake off my terrified brain.

Bang bang bang bang.

The boss came looking for me.

I ran off with his wallet.

The money in it isn’t even ten million won.

Kim Seonghyeon said he’d pay my debt for me.

They say once the boss starts collecting, he’ll rip out your organs.

Even if all that’s true! How did the boss figure out I was here… Then a scene flashed through my mind. The email inbox I’d checked. The boss had my phone, and he might’ve used it as bait to track whether I’d opened my emails.

I’d thought he’d given up on finding me since it’d been quiet for nearly a week—that was my mistake.

My flesh trembled like I was going insane. When Hyundai tried to stop the car, I shouted,

“Don’t stop! Terminal. Not Icheon. The nearest terminal from here!”

“Terminal?”

“To the nearest terminal!! Fuck!!”

The boss was never a man with normal morals anyway. From the moment he took an interest in me, he was unhinged. If that kind of boss really came all the way here for me, I couldn’t act sane either.

To survive, I had to be just as crazy. To live, I had to be ready to lose organs if it came to that and act.

“If you don’t want to die, turn the car around! Now!!”

Hyundai jerked the wheel. The truck and other Porters trailing us turned too. But no black sedan followed. The car kept moving without stopping. I punched the glovebox with my fist.

Panting, fear-laced breaths burst out as my insides twisted and burned.

I clenched my teeth to hold back tears.

Praying the boss hadn’t come was useless.