Previous Chapter,
Ha-Joon stood, silent for a moment before reaching out for a cigarette on the nearby lacquered table, lit it, and took a long drag.
"I'll stay here for today. During this time, maybe visit Somi. She must be fully recovered in a few days, and can start her part of work in here."
"And I can resume my unfinished business in South Korea."
....
Early Morning,
Ha-Joon stepped out from the Oyabun's estate without a sound, cigarette dangled unlit from his lips, forgotten as he made his way toward the hospital.
As he step outside the boundary of Hangure, his mind drifted towards his thought.
I hope by the time I return, they'll have gathered enough talent for me to put to use.
Though he could gather loyal followers while hunting the regional kings, they may not necessarily abandon their country and work under him, in his home country. So, he had them to search for talent in different field, not necessarily for fight.
As he silently mused about the probability of finding geniuses, he had unknowingly arrived at the hospital gate.
He entered the hospital silently, though his presence draw a startled glance from a nurses at the hallways.
Room 402.
Ha-Joon opened the door and stepped inside.
Park Somi lay beneath white sheets, lost in her own thought. Her body was still thin from the recovery. As soon as, he stepped inside the room, she snapped out of her thought. He lifted her gaze towards Ha-Joon, surprised to see him early on the morning.
She spoke softly. "You're early."
Ha-Joon didn't respond but nodded briefly and approached the window, drew the blinds halfway to soften the light.
He pulled a chair close to her bed and sat down with a sigh, resting his elbows on his knees.
"How're you holding up?" he asked, voice filled with warmth.
Somi gave a half-laugh, touching the bandage near her side. "Still breathing. Doctor says I'll be out in a week, give or take."
Ha-Joon nodded slowly, watching her for a moment. "Good. Once you're out… I need you to pick up where we left off."
She looked at him, a little surprised, but there was no protest in her expression, only understanding.
"You're not wasting time, huh?"
"We don't have time to waste," he said quietly. "I'll be heading back to South Korea soon. Things are moving fast. I need eyes and hands here when I'm gone."
Somi leaned back against the pillow, thought swirling about the plan. She took a deep breath and sighed as she spoke. "I figured as much. Don't worry, I won't slow you down. Once I'm out, I'll get to work."
Hearing he reassurance, Ha-Joon sighed in relief and gave a slightest hint of smile. "That's what I like to hear."
Without hesitation, Ha-Joon stood up, stretching his shoulder.
"Rest while you can. Things are only going to get louder from here on."
Somi gave a soft nod. "You to."
He chuckled under his breath, halfway to the door."No promises."
Ha-Joon paused by the door, hand resting lightly on the frame. His thought going back to the day, Somi was beaten almost to death.
He turned back.
"Hmm.." Somi raised an eyebrow. "Forget something?"
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he walked back to the chair and sat down again.
"Back at the compound," he spoke, "when I saw you like that… I thought you were already gone."
Somi didn't smile this time. Her eyes lowered to her blanket, fingers fidgeting at the hem.
"I was close," she said. "Didn't think I'd wake up, to be honest."
For a moment neither of them spoke. She knew what it meant to stand too close to death. So, she could understand his concern over her.
Due to his mistake, he almost lost his only relative, and always blamed himself over the danger faced by her.
Somi leaned back, letting her head rest against the pillow, closing her eyes for a moment and sighed. "You do know, I chose to follow you right..! So, there's no room for regret."
Ha-Joon nodded. Slowly. Then, with a slight shift of expression, he asked, "You ever think of leaving it all behind?"
Somi's eyes opened again.
"Sometimes," she admitted. "Mostly when I'm lying in a hospital bed."
"But I know myself too well. I'd just come crawling back." She smiled faintly. "You?"
Ha-Joon leaned forward, for a moment his entire presence covered the room. Somi was startled by his presence, but stilled herself as she gazed towards him.
"No," he said. "I was born into this. Might as well finish it."
Somi watched him for a second, then smiled softly, "Just don't lose yourself finishing it."
Ha-Joon nodded and stood up, this time for real.
"You'll have backup once you're out," he said. "Hangure will assign you ten men, suitable for your work.... I'm having them comb through the old Osaka contacts."
Somi gave a short nod. "I'll put them to work."
As he walked to the door again, she called after him.
"Joon."
He stopped but didn't turn.
"…Thanks. For coming back for me."
He stood there for a second. "I always will.... even its for the sake of Gun."
The door clicked shut behind him, as he walked outside.
Somi looked out the window at the pale morning light. The sky outside was clear. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the sun hit her skin.
....
Stone ?
I wanted to make their relation stronger, and had to sort out their conversation. So, this chapter is short. Hope ya'll understand
But man, I really felt cringe writing this chap. haha