From Murim to Metropolis

Jin Wook steps through the front door, kicking off his shoes as he calls out:

Jin Wook: "I'm home, Mom!"

He expects the usual warm greeting, but instead, silence fills the air. As he takes another step inside, he hears hushed voices coming from the living room. Something in their tone makes him pause.

Jin Wook's Dad: [voice heavy with worry] "Honey, I don't know how we're going to deal with this… They're accusing me of leaking company resources, and they've fired me. Now they're saying I should prepare for a court notice."

Jin Wook's heart skips a beat. His grip on his backpack tightens as he stands frozen in the hallway, processing what he just heard.

Jin Wook's Mom: [voice trembling] "What? How is that possible? You've worked there for years! You would never do something like that!"

Jin Wook's Dad: [sighing deeply] "I know… but someone must have set me up. They won't even listen to my side of the story."

Jin Wook clenches his fists. His father had always been an honest man, someone who worked tirelessly for their family. The idea of him being accused of something like this was absurd. His mind races—who would do this? And why?

Jin Wook (thinking, his heart pounding) "Is this... happening again? Just like in my past life? Back then, my entire family was destroyed under the emperor's scheme… I won't let history repeat itself. I won't let anyone harm my family."

Forcing his expression to remain neutral, Jin Wook steps forward, pretending he hasn't heard a word of the conversation.

Jin Wook: (calmly, as if nothing happened) "Mom, I'm home."

His parents immediately tense, exchanging quick, nervous glances. His mother is the first to recover, forcing a warm but shaky smile.

Jin Wook's Mom: (hurriedly) "W-Welcome home, Jin! Did you have a good day at school? I'm about to start dinner, so go upstairs and rest a bit. I'll call you when it's ready."

Jin Wook watches her carefully. Her usual warmth is there, but there's something else—a subtle tremor in her voice, the way her hands fidget as she wipes them on her apron. His father, usually calm and collected, is staring at the floor, deep in troubled thought.

Jin Wook tightens his jaw.

They're trying to hide it from me… just like before.

But this time, he won't be powerless.

With a small nod, he heads toward the stairs, his mind already racing with thoughts.

Whoever did this… they're going to regret it.

Jin Wook steps into his room, shutting the door behind him. His mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, but his movements remain steady. He sits on the edge of his bed, slipping a hand into his pocket. His fingers brush against the cool surface of the card the man in black had given him earlier.

This is reckless… but I have no choice.

With a deep breath, he pulls out his phone and dials the number.

The call connects almost instantly.

???: (playful, teasing tone) "Oh my, I knew you'd call~"

Jin Wook's expression hardens, his voice dropping into an icy tone.

Jin Wook: "Are you the one who made trouble for my dad?"

???: (mock surprise) "Oho~ Straight to the point, huh? I like that. But no, that wasn't me."

Jin Wook's grip on the phone tightens.

Jin Wook: "Then who?"

???: (chuckles) "Now, now, where's the fun in giving away free information? Let's make a deal, shall we? You help me with something… and I help you solve your little family crisis."

Jin Wook's jaw clenches. He doesn't trust this person. But right now, he doesn't have the luxury of refusing.

Jin Wook: "What do you want?"

???: (purring tone) "Oh, nothing too hard, don't worry. Just meet me first. I'll send you the address. Tomorrow. Don't be late… dear~"

The call ends before he can respond.

Jin Wook stares at his phone, his eyes darkening.

Whoever they are… I'll play along for now. But if they think they can toy with me—

They're dead wrong.

Dinner time arrives, but tonight, the atmosphere at the table is different—heavier, quieter. Unlike their usual lively meals filled with laughter and conversation, tonight's dinner feels forced, as if everyone is simply going through the motions.

Jin Wook picks up his chopsticks but barely eats, his gaze shifting between his parents. His father stares at his plate, lost in thought, while his mother barely touches her food, her hands trembling slightly as she grips her spoon.

His younger sister nudges him gently and leans in, whispering.

Younger Sister: "Oppa… what's wrong? Are Mom and Dad fighting?"

Jin Wook snaps out of his thoughts and forces a small smile, patting her head lightly.

Jin Wook: "No, it's just… couple things. Don't worry. Everything will be fine by tomorrow."

His father looks up at him, his expression unreadable. He heard Jin Wook's words clearly. A pang of regret stirs in his chest as he grips his spoon tighter.

Jin Wook's Dad (thinking): Sigh… I don't even know if I can eat tomorrow dinner happily.

Despite the unspoken tension, they quietly finish their meal. No one brings up the incident from earlier, but the weight of it lingers in the air.

After dinner, everyone silently retreats to their rooms.

As Jin Wook lays on his bed, staring at the ceiling, he clenches his fists.

Tomorrow… I'll make sure to solve this problem for dad

Morning – Zenith Group Building

Jin Wook stands in front of the towering Zenith Group building, staring up at its glass and steel exterior. He holds his phone in one hand, the message still fresh on the screen:

"Zenith Group – Top Floor. 9 AM. Don't be late, dear. 😉"

Jin Wook's gaze hardens, his mind racing with thoughts. He takes a deep breath and steps forward, making his way into the building's grand lobby. The sleek, modern interior is busy with people moving in and out of elevators, but Jin Wook remains focused on his mission.

Inside Zenith Group – Lobby

Jin Wook approaches the receptionist desk, his heart pounding in his chest. He opens his mouth to speak, but before he can say anything, the receptionist looks up with a knowing expression.

Receptionist: "Please take the right elevator and go to the top floor. "

Jin Wook blinks

He gives a small nod, swallowing his surprise, and moves toward the elevator. He presses the button for the top floor, his thoughts racing. Who is this person? What do they want from me?

The elevator hums as it ascends, and Jin Wook's mind is filled with unanswered questions