Bleeding Darkness

Chapter 17

The next day, we got the news that Choi Myunghee had been killed. The police reported that she had been burned alive and that there was zumba music playing on a speaker when they arrived at the scene. We were seated on the Plaza's rooftop, admiring the sunset while drinking coffee.

I said, "Jang Hanseok must be scared for his life. As he should be." Hanseo said, "Hyung, I have an idea. Jiyu noona told me about the different ways the Mafia used to kill people." I caught onto his idea immediately and said, "The Spear of Atonement! The one that the Russians told us about! It's a dental drill that will penetrate an enemy 5mm every five minutes until they die. It's perfect!". And so, we began planning.

That night, we had Jang Hanseok chained up to the machine as he screamed curses at us. I said harshly, "You deserve this, you monster! You will die slowly and painfully, and the entire time that you are in immeasurable agony, you will remember those that you killed. That is your punishment!". Vincenzo said, "They will find him in the morning. He'll be dead by then. Dead, with his organs torn to pieces, his lungs filled with blood, and his eyes gazing blankly at the sky, while crows and insects feed off his body! That is the fate he deserves! Come, let's go." With that, we left.

Again, we gathered at the Plaza's rooftop. This time, we were having ramen and some fried chicken. I admitted very reluctantly, "Um, since our enemies are dead, I asked Mr. Ahn to book a flight ticket. I leave tomorrow. I'm sorry." Vincenzo slammed his fist on the table and stormed off to the far side of the rooftop. Hanseo said, visibly upset, "I'll go ask Mr. Ahn about the details then. Excuse me." With that, Hanseo left.

I walked over to Vincenzo, preparing myself for the storm of anger that was coming. As expected, Vincenzo said darkly, "Lee Jiyoung, how dare you not tell me before! How dare you ignore the fact that you should've told me! How dare you do this!". I admitted, "Vincenzo Cassano, I have never felt regret for leaving before. This is the first time." 

Vincenzo cooled down and said, with a desperate wildness in his eyes, "Then don't! Don't leave." I said sadly, "I completed my promise. I have to go." Vincenzo said, "No! I want a promise from you then. Stay, just stay with me, and don't leave. I won't ask you for anything else." 

I saw how desperately Vincenzo wanted me to stay and how he never asked anyone for anything. As he stared at me desperately, I gave in to what I truly wanted. I hugged him and said, "Okay, I promise. I won't leave. But I'll go tomorrow to tell my family and to pack up my house. I won't leave, Vin. I promise." Vincenzo hugged me back, relieved. 

Just then, Hanseo arrived. I pulled him into the hug as well and said, "Alright, I'll stay. But it might take me a month or so for me to properly move here." Hanseo crushed me in a hug and said happily, "Yes! You're staying, noona! The tenants will be so happy!". And then Hanseo spun me around, both of us laughing while Vincenzo chuckled, watching us.

The next day, Hanseo and Vincenzo dropped me off at the airport. Before I entered my boarding gate, Vincenzo patted me on the head softly and said, "Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.(To find a true friend is like finding a treasure). L'amicizia è un'anima che abita vive in due corpi.(Friends are like one soul in two bodies). Lee Jiyoung, don't get hurt, because it'll hurt me too." I nodded and said, "I'll be back soon, Vin."

Hanseo said, tears in his eyes, "Come back safely, noona. And don't get hurt. Eat well, okay? And get some rest." I hugged him and said adoringly, "Alright, Hanseo-ah. Don't cry. I'll be back soon. Take care." 

With a last glance, I walked away. I was sad, but I knew I'd see them again.