Choi San, a revered and feared mafia boss, reigns over Seoul's underworld with an iron fist, his influence extending seamlessly across both legal and illegal domains. But his empire is shaken to its core when his beloved daughter, Eun-ji, is kidnapp...
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As the evening unfolded, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief washing over me. Sitting around the table with everyone, it was like breathing easier after a long-held breath. I glanced over at Wooyoung, humming to himself as he sifted through a pack of sweets. His new hairstyle and the way he dressed marked a significant change—not just in his appearance but in his demeanor.
Gone was the cold, distant posture he once held like armor. Now, he seemed more himself, relaxed and genuine, something that warmed my heart more than I expected. As he discovered a sour candy, his face contorted into a playful grimace, and I chuckled, the sound escaping me before I could think to stifle it.
"He really does look different, doesn't he?" I said, more to myself than anyone else, but Seongjun, sitting next to me, picked up on the comment.
"He does," Seongjun agreed, glancing over at Wooyoung with a knowing smile. "Seems like he's finally letting his guard down. It's good to see him more comfortable in his own skin."
I nodded, watching as Wooyoung laughed off the sour candy incident, his eyes lighting up in a way that I hadn't seen in far too long. "It's not just the outside changes. Something in him has shifted," I observed, my voice low. "He's... happier."
Yeosang, who had been quietly observing the exchange, added, "It's been a tough road for him. For all of us, really. But I think what happened today might have been a turning point."
I sighed, a part of me regretting the distance that had grown between Wooyoung and me, yet hopeful for what the future might now hold. "I hope so," I said sincerely. "I've missed this. Missed him."
The conversation shifted as Mingi brought over a new round of drinks, setting them down with his usual flair. "Alright, everyone, let's lighten up the mood! Here's to friends, to forgiveness, and to new beginnings!" Mingi raised his glass, and one by one, we all joined in.
"New beginnings," I echoed, raising my glass toward Wooyoung, who met my gaze across the table. His eyes held a softness, an acceptance that hadn't been there before. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt like no one else was around.
Wooyoung raised his glass in return, a small smile playing on his lips. "To new beginnings," he repeated, and I felt something in me settle, a promise forming silently between us.
As the evening wore on, the laughter and chatter filling the air, I found myself continually glancing at Wooyoung, each smile and laugh from him bringing with it a sense of hope. The crew was indeed like a family, and like any family, we had our challenges. Yet, it was moments like these that reminded us why we stuck together—why, through all the ups and downs, this bond was worth fighting for.
"Mingiii—" Wooyoung called out playfully, his voice carrying easily over the light chatter around the table. He held out a piece of candy to Mingi, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he passed it over. "You will like this one, it's not sour."
