From Murim to Metropolis

[Outside the Hospital]

The gang leader storms out of the hospital, his face a mask of frustration and anger. He stops by his sleek black car, his fists trembling with suppressed rage. Unable to contain it, he slams his fist onto the hood of the car, the loud thud echoing in the parking lot.

Leader: [gritting his teeth, his voice filled with frustration] "Who the hell is that guy?!"

As if on cue, his phone buzzes in his pocket. The sudden ringtone cuts through the silence, and he pulls it out, glancing at the screen. His eyes widen slightly.

Leader: [hesitating, muttering to himself] "The boss is calling… Does he already know what happened?"

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he presses the answer button. His voice, initially hesitant, shifts into forced calmness.

Leader: [clearing his throat] "Y-yes, boss. I was about to—"

The voice on the other end speaks firmly, and as the conversation progresses, the leader's tense posture relaxes. By the time the call ends, he exhales deeply, tucking the phone back into his pocket.

One of his men, standing nearby, cautiously approaches him.

Gang Member: [nervously] "Boss, what should we do about that boy?"

Leader: [calmly, but with a cold undertone] "Just observe him. Don't do anything for now."

Gang Member: [confused, pressing further] "But… what about our men? They're all—"

Leader: [cutting him off, his voice dropping to a dangerously cold tone] "I said, just observe him. That's an order."

The gang member steps back, startled by the sudden shift in the leader's demeanor. He watches the leader turn away, his calm exterior masking the storm of thoughts raging inside. The gang member mutters to himself:

Gang Member: [thinking] "Why the sudden change? He was furious a moment ago…"

[At Jin Wook's Home]

The door creaks open as Jin Wook steps inside, the warm aroma of cooking filling the air. His tired face softens slightly as he takes a deep breath.

Jin Wook: [calling out] "Mom, I'm back! Wow, what a nice smell. What are you making for dinner?"

Jin Wook's Mom: [cheerfully, her voice warm] "Welcome home, Jin! I'm making your favourite dish. Xia's helping me in the kitchen, so it'll take a little time."

Jin Wook: [smiling faintly] "Thanks, Mom."

Jin Wook's Mom: "Go freshen up and rest a bit. Dinner will be ready soon."

Jin Wook nods and heads to the bathroom. He washes his face and hands, staring at his reflection for a moment. The events of the day replay in his mind—Dong Ha, the gang, the blood, Seojin's trembling hands. His expression hardens briefly before softening into a quiet resolve.

Jin Wook: [thinking] "So much happened today… but I'll never let anyone bully me again. And I'll never let anyone hurt my family. Ever."

With that thought, he heads to his room. The moment his back hits the bed, the exhaustion overwhelms him, and he drifts into a restless sleep.

[In Jin Wook's Dream]

The dream is hazy, but a single image stands out: a warm, radiant smile. The smile seems familiar yet distant, and soft, indistinct words echo faintly. Just as Jin Wook tries to focus on the smile, it begins to fade, disappearing into the void. He jolts awake, his breath heavy.

[Door Opening Sound]

The door creaks open slightly, and Xia peeks in, her face filled with concern.

Xia: [softly] "Brother, are you okay? What happened? Why are you crying ?"

Jin Wook: [confused, touching his face] "Tears…? No, it's nothing. Maybe it's just water."

Jin Wook forces a small smile, shaking his head.

Jin Wook: "It's nothing, really. Don't worry about me. Let's go—dinner should be ready, right?"

Xia: [nodding hesitantly] "Yes, brother. Come downstairs when you're ready."

As Xia leaves the room, Jin Wook sits on the edge of his bed, staring at his hands. A faint trace of the dream lingers in his mind, but he pushes it aside. He takes a deep breath, wipes his face, and stands up.

[At the Dinner Table]

Jin Wook comes down the stairs and takes his seat at the dining table. The warm glow of the room and the delicious aroma of his favorite dishes bring a small, fleeting sense of comfort. His family gathers around, their cheerful chatter filling the space. Plates are passed, food is served, and everyone begins eating.

Jin Wook picks up his chopsticks and takes his first bite. The flavors are familiar and comforting, yet something feels… off. A strange emptiness lingers, creeping into his heart. His chest tightens, and he freezes mid-chew, his mind suddenly clouded by an unshakable feeling of loss.

His thoughts drift as a faint image begins to surface in his mind—a radiant smile. It feels so vivid yet so distant, as though it belongs to someone he knew but can't quite place. His heart aches, and his brows furrow in confusion.

Jin Wook: [thinking] "Whose smile was this? Why does it feel so… familiar?"

*Suddenly, a name flashes in his mind like a jolt of lightning—Hye Rin.

The moment the name surfaces, the hazy dream from earlier clears. The memory of the smile sharpens, and so do the words it carried: "I am waiting for you." The realization hits him like a wave, and before he can stop himself, tears well up in his eyes. They stream down his face silently, the emotions he doesn't fully understand overwhelming him.

Jin Wook's Mom: [startled, leaning forward] "Jin Wook! What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Xia: [wide-eyed, concerned] "Brother? Are you okay? What happened?"

Jin Wook's Dad: [frowning slightly, his voice calm] "Son, talk to us. Is something wrong?"

Jin Wook snaps back to the present, quickly wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. He forces a small smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside.

Jin Wook: [shaking his head lightly] "It's nothing, Mom. The food is just… it's so delicious. I couldn't help it."

Jin Wook's Mom: [tilting her head, skeptical but gentle] "Are you sure it's just the food? You've been acting strange lately."

Jin Wook's Dad: [interrupting softly, giving Jin Wook a knowing look] "It's okay, son. Enjoy your meal."

Jin Wook's dad exchanges a subtle glance with him, silently signaling, "Take your time. Talk when you're ready." Jin Wook catches the signal, nodding almost imperceptibly. His mom and sister remain unaware of the unspoken exchange.

Jin Wook: [quietly, his voice steady but subdued] "Yes, Dad. Thank you."

The family resumes eating, though the air is tinged with a subtle tension. Jin Wook takes another bite, but the taste barely registers. His mind is still reeling from the sudden clarity of his dream and the echo of that smile—the words, "I am waiting for you," looping endlessly in his head. He grips his chopsticks tightly, feeling a mixture of longing and confusion he can't yet put into words.

Across the table, Jin Wook's dad glances at him occasionally, concern etched in his features. He knows something is troubling his son deeply, but he also knows Jin Wook needs time to process it on his own.

Jin Wook: [thinking as he chews, staring down at his plate] "Hye Rin… I really miss you.

The scene ends with Jin Wook lowering his gaze to his plate, his family continuing their meal. The laughter and warmth around the table feel distant to him as his mind remains consumed by the lingering memory of the smile and the name that now refuses to leave him.