Chapter 12

[Car | 11:45]

It was about 12 p.m., and the buddies were on their way to Yejoon's work at the Jack'n'Jill restaurant.

Subin drove them to their destination today. They didn't have anything to do, so they decided to hang out at the restaurant where Yejoon works.

Katsumi's gaze was drawn to the view outside the window, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't get her mind off the Plan she devised to take vengeance for Yejoon's recent discharge.

But the more she thinks about it, the more she realizes that seeking vengeance isn't always the best approach.

Revenge isn't such a peaceful idea, and it could injure the lads even more, especially Yejoon. That is not what Katsumi desired.

She should not act in accordance with what she was taught as a child. This is her new life, and she needs to break her old habits.

Nonetheless, it will take some time to get used to breaking old habits, which is probably for the best.

Namgyu, on the other hand, couldn't get his mind off the argument he and Katsumi had the day before. He had no intention of hurting or severing their friendship. He didn't mean to say anything that made Katsumi think he didn't consider her a friend.

But in the last several hours, she has demonstrated how humble and earnest she is about getting to know the others. She has also demonstrated that she can learn from her mistakes.

He discovered Katsumi was a highly understanding person because of the bond they had during their farming sessions.

She had empathy, and even if she couldn't understand another person's circumstances, she went out of her way to learn more about that individual.

They arrived just in time a few minutes later, and everyone was starving. Katsumi sat down, promising she wouldn't cause any more problems for Yejoon this time.

If Nabi and Jiwoon decide to make a scene at the restaurant, she will keep her cool and protect the guys without exploding.

Katsumi took out her phone after they had ordered their dinner and messaged her twin about her whereabouts. If something happened to her or if he wanted to join them, he could.

The server had served their appetizer as soon as she put her phone down. Everything they tasted in this restaurant was delicious and they enjoyed every bite of the meal!

The meal, drinks, and snacks—before they knew it, they had ordered everything on the menu, costing them thousands—nearly millions! They were promptly served three types of bingsu, for free, which they all eagerly consumed.

Katsumi's phone rang in the middle of their dessert, drawing their attention. It was from Kento.

"Who's it from?" Subin inquired, which surprised Katsumi.

"Uhm... my uncle texted me and asked how I was," she lied.

"That's sweet."

Katsumi chuckled. She was embarrassed to have to lie. However, if she doesn't want her new life to end, she must keep her secret hidden.

Hour had passed and it was now 6:30 p.m. They stayed at the restaurant until Yejoon's shift ended, spending roughly a million won in the process.

During the wait, they did little but talk, eat, and keep an eye on Yejoon. Nonetheless, they had a good time together.

She'd learned a lot more about Subin and Namgyu, and the two had learned a lot more about Katsumi.

Namgyu and Katsumi were inside, paying for their dinner while waiting for Yejoon, and Subin was on his phone right outside the entry door.

A black car drove past, and inside were Jiwoon and his companions. Jiwoon's companion noticed Subin outside the restaurant she was driving to and notified Jiwoon.

"Drive closer," Jiwoon said, and his order was carried out.

The boy had planned to slap Subin on the head as a prank, but his friends decided it wasn't "exciting" enough.

"Come on, give them a break; we've already taken Yejoon's job; what else do you want?" Nabi jokes.

"Watch me," Jiwoon's companion said, then opened the window with a little bottle of empty beer.

"I don't think that's a good idea, man," Jiwoon responded too late. His stubborn pals had smacked Subin on the head with the alcohol as they approached the child.

Nabi and Jiwoon were horrified when they saw what had happened, while the rest of their friends were cheering.

As they came to a halt, they noticed Katsumi and Namgyu running out of the restaurant, yelling Subin's name in agony.

Nabi and Jiwoon looked back at the crime scene and saw Subin's body lying in his blood.

"Do you want to lock us up?" Nabi yelled in dread.

"This wasn't the right thing to do," Jiwoon continued.

They were both terrorized by what their friends had done. They bullied them, but they were not murderers.

"After everything you've done to them, you're saying that now?" they chuckled.

"Leave him alone; he has enough money to heal."

They drove away as the two looked back at the crime scene and caught Katsumi's gaze. She was furious. If looks could kill instantly, they'd be dead by now.

Worse yet, they had no idea how to deal with situations like this. They were terrified just thinking about what Katsumi and her companions could do to get back to them.

Before they lost Subin, Katsumi had to drive him and the others to the hospital. Namgyu and Yejoon were in the back, with the boy attempting to cover the wound. Subin was brought to the operating room as soon as they arrived at the emergency hospital.

The three stood outside the room, their clothes, arms, faces, and hands all covered in blood. Their hands shaking in terror, their eyes and noses stinging from crying—who would have guessed that this pleasant day would take a turn?

They sat on the bench, anxiously waiting.

A bottle of alcohol has the power to kill you. Normally, bottles do not shatter. Assaults are often characterized by repeated blows. Although the skull is extraordinarily tough, it is not invincible.

The surgeon approached them around minutes later. He bowed, and they did as well. Anxiety filled the air, and everyone hoped that whatever outcome came would be positive.

"How's Subin, doctor?" Katsumi inquired.

"We had taken out any excess shards of glass; thankfully, only small crystal shards were found," he explained. "Mr. Subin will remain in the hospital for us to monitor, and we will need to notify his parents or any relatives about this unfortunate incident."

As Yejoon and Katsumi approached the room where Subin would be resting, Namgyu immediately contacted Subin's parents.

This was the most extreme "punishment" Jiwoon and his friends had ever done. What they did had the potential to kill Subin. This was no longer punishment; it was murder, and such an act will never be forgiven.

Murder. Katsumi was reminded of her ex close friend's betrayal just by thinking about the word. To her, it felt like re-living the same scenario but with another victim.

Katsumi had decided not to pursue her vengeance any further, but Jiwoon had pushed the limit, and her vengeance will now continue. And she had a plan.

It may not be as aggressive as what they did to Yejoon and Subin, but it is the best approach given everyone's circumstances. Excluding herself.