So-yeon stepped into the dimly lit room, the sound of her heels clicking sharply against the cold, concrete floor echoing around her. The air was thick with tension, and hanging from the ceiling were two figures—a boy and a girl—bruised, battered, and trembling with fear. They were captives, victims of the ruthless orders she had given moments ago. Yet, her face remained expressionless, carved from stone.
The alley reeked of dampness and fear. The boy stood trembling, shielding the girl behind him as So-yeon walked toward them with calm, calculated steps—her heels clicking on the cold concrete.
So-yeon didn't flinch. Instead, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and dipped him toward the icy water puddle in the alley's drain. Her voice was cold, sharp, and commanding.
> "What did you think? That the things you do stay hidden forever?"
The boy's breath hitched. The girl behind him began to shake, her knees buckling under the weight of fear. Their faces turned pale, eyes wide as they looked at each other—a mix of guilt and panic flashing between them.
So-yeon straightened up, wiping her gloves with a cloth as if their presence disgusted her. She tilted her head slightly and looked straight at them.
> "You took a girl's life."
Silence swallowed the air around them.
No explanations. No mercy.
As she was about to leave, So-yeon heard a faint whisper from one of her workers nearby.
> "Why is she so rude? I don't think she's ever loved someone…"
His words stirred a flicker deep inside So-yeon, a memory buried under years of pain and betrayal. But she quickly pushed it aside and turned away without a word.
As the guards obeyed, So-yeon's mind drifted back to a different time—a time when she was just an ordinary girl stepping into school for the first time, hopeful and full of dreams. Those days felt like a distant memory now, swallowed by the darkness that had taken over her life.
She left the room silently and headed toward a small, familiar corner shop. Grabbing a drink and some snacks, she made her way to a nearby house—the home of her oldest friend.
The door swung open before she could knock.
"Oh, it's you," Minji said, relief flooding her voice.
So-yeon gave a faint smile, grateful for the warmth of a friendly face. They settled down together, sipping their drinks in quiet companionship. Slowly, the harsh edges of So-yeon's cold demeanor softened, if only just a little.
After a long pause, Minji's curious eyes met hers.
"So... are you still not going to tell me about your first love? Not today either?"
So-yeon's gaze dropped to her cup, fingers tracing the rim nervously.
> "I'll tell you… but promise me you won't tell anyone."