NOGEUROPTTA

I

Heavy breaths echoed through the basement as a man staggered forward, blood and bruises marking his body and face. He raised a trembling hand, clutching a gun. Opposite him, a girl stood, her own gun aimed directly at him. Their eyes locked in a tense standoff. Just as the man lowered his weapon, a deafening shot rang out.

In-Sung jolted awake, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding painfully in his chest. He instinctively grasped at the scar where the bullet had struck so many years ago. Rising slowly, he moved to the mirror and gazed at his reflection, fingers tracing the old wound. With a sigh, he pulled his shirt back on and headed out of the house.

Outside, his two friends awaited him. Seung-Ryeong was busy with a pen and paper, meticulously checking off ingredients, while Sung-Kyun, having just finished a call, slipped his phone into his pocket.

Seung-Ryeong looked up first. "Did you have that dream again?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

In-Sung nodded, a silent confirmation that made both friends exchange worried glances.

"It's been 15 years since that incident," Sung-Kyun said softly, trying to mask his worry.

In-Sung sighed heavily. "Where is Jung-Ha?" he asked, changing the subject.

Sung-Kyun responded, "He went to get some items in the market."

As In-Sung, Seung-Ryeong, and Sung-Kyun walked through their village, they were met with warm greetings and smiles from the children playing in the streets and the elderly sitting on their porches. It was a place of simple joys, where community bonds ran deep.

Their peaceful walk was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a commotion. Alarmed, the three friends exchanged quick glances and rushed towards the noise. When they arrived, they saw a young man beating an older, frail man.

"What happened here?" In-Sung demanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

One of the young men involved in the altercation looked up, his face twisted with anger. "We caught Ahjussi stealing again," he spat out, shoving the older man to the ground.

Taehyun, the older man, began to cry. "I was just trying to get food for my brother," he pleaded, his voice breaking with desperation.

The young man sneered. "But Ahjussi doesn't have a brother."

In-Sung sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the situation. He reached for his wallet, but his pockets were empty. Frustrated, he looked over at Seung-Ryeong and made a subtle gesture, asking for his wallet.

Seung-Ryeong hesitated, clearly torn. He sighed deeply but complied, handing his wallet to In-Sung. In-Sung opened it and pulled out some money, handing it to Taehyun.

"Take this," In-Sung said gently, placing the money in Taehyun's trembling hands. "Go get something to eat. We have a restaurant nearby—you can go there and eat for free sometimes."

Taehyun looked up, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, Mister ! " he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

In-Sung offered a small, reassuring smile before he and his friends turned to walk away. As they continued down the road, Seung-Ryeong sighed again and Sung-Kyun is controlling his laugh as he see Seung-Ryeong face looking frustrated.

Jung-Ha strolled through the bustling market, a friendly smile on his face as he greeted the vendors and sampled their wares, from ripe fruits to fresh vegetables to various cooked and raw foods. He was joined by his friend, Do-Hoon, Sung-Kyun's younger brother, who couldn't help but tease Jung-Ha about his leisurely pace.