Jopok

2: Dead Enemies

Ricky.

"FUCK!" I hollered awakening out of yet another night terror. My heart raced, pounding against my chest like a relentless drum. Beads of cold sweat clung to my skin, a testament to the night terror that gripped me in its cruel embrace. The pool of sweat that surrounded me outlined my body like a crime scene.

"Disgusting." Running a shaky hand through my disheveled hair, I attempted to shake off the residual grip of the dream that still clung to my consciousness. I stand up and remove the comforter and sheets from my bed.

I began having these night terrors off and on ever since I took over for my father 3 months ago. My father had finally decided that it was time for his one and only son to become a Jopok and take over the family business. The weight of leadership, inherited from a father who had ruled the Korean mafia with an iron fist, bore heavily on my shoulders. The transition hadn't been seamless. The shadows of all the people I've killed, the rivalries, and the challenges I've had to face haunted me when I slept. Night after night, the responsibilities weighed upon me, seeping into my dreams, where the boundaries between past and present blurred.

I grab the glass of soju that I keep beside my bed and poured myself a shot. I swallow every last drop. After placing the glass back down I grab my gun and position it in the waistband of my grey sweatpants. I glance at the clock not knowing what time it is, the clock reads 3 AM. I sigh knowing the fact I didn't get much sleep having just fallen asleep around 12:30 AM. I walk over to my washing machine and place my sheets inside, pouring in detergent and fabric softener all over them. I hover my nose over the fabric softener and take in a big whiff. The job that was handed down to me required me to get my hands dirty I guess that's why I loved the smell of clean linen so much.

As I stood in front of the washing machine, watching my sheets go round and round, the silence of the night enveloped me, a stark contrast to the chaotic dreams that haunted my sleep. The weight of expectation, the ghosts of decisions made and those yet to come, pressed upon me like the invisible crown I wore.

Just as I felt a little solace, the door to my room flung open. I instinctively pointed my gun at whoever was dumb enough to enter my room unannounced. Realizing it was Yu-jin I tucked my gun back into my waistband.

"Yu-jin! You almost got your head blown off." I state shaking my head. Yu-jin was the youngest Jopok and sometimes I worried about him.

"Boss, forgive the intrusion," Yu-jin states in a hushed tone, his voice carrying a mixture of respect and urgency. "But some shit just went down."

"Speak freely, Yu-jin. What's wrong?" I question feeling the last bit of peace leave my body. I can never seem to stay happy for long.

Yu-jin hesitates for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It's about the eastern district, Boss. Rival factions are making bold moves, and the balance we've maintained is shifting. There's a rising tension, and some of our alliances are on shaky ground." He informs me.

I furrow my eyebrows as the weight of responsibility descended upon me once more. The tranquility of the night shattered, replaced by the echoes of a city teetering on the edge of chaos. I placed the fabric softener back in its little home on the shelf and made my way to my dresser. I quickly change into a sweater, some slacks, boots, and a black leather jacket. I place my chains around my neck then I grab my keys and motorcycle helmet.

"Any specifics?" I inquire, my voice a low murmur that betrays the storm brewing beneath the surface.

"It seems like someone is challenging our influence in the eastern territories. Rumors suggest a new player has entered the game, and their intentions are unclear. We need to decide on our next move strategically." Yu-jin states like the good soldier he was.