Chapter 9

As the twins had predicted, when they arrived at their destination, their friends appeared puzzled. They had returned to Katsumi's apartment complex. But they didn't say a word and followed Kento to his unit, which was just in front of Katsumi's unit. The boys noticed this coincidence and couldn't help but comment on it.

Subin questioned, "Wait, that's where you live?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Katsumi lives right in front of you," Yejoon said.

Kento entered the house and stated, "I guess we're neighbors then."

These men made the decision to set aside the questions they had, despite the fact that they still had many. They removed their shoes before entering fully and followed Kento into his unit.

Even Katsumi had never been inside his house before, and she was attracted by its interior design. It was nothing like hers, with everything covered in monotonous colors. Whether it was the wall or the furnishings, the simplicity was pleasing to the eye and it was calming to be there.

They were met by an Akita dog, which barked at them from upstairs and joyfully wagged its tail. When the dog saw Kento waving at him, it ran down the steps to meet its visitor up close.

The velvety fur and adorable features made the visitor go soft on the inside. It was so lively and engaged with its guests that everyone could give it a pat on the back.

"Her name is Snowball," Kento introduced.

And when they greeted the dog, their voices rose, making Snowball even more hyper.

As they sat on the couch in the living room, Kento handed his friends some water. The atmosphere was quiet, and everyone was repenting for what had just happened.

Yejoon couldn't believe he'd be dismissed so easily for something he wasn't even responsible for. It was an injustice, but it is the reality of their brutal society. Katsumi felt compelled to lend a hand to him when she noticed his concerned expression. At the very least, assist him in finding another job.

She was upset. She was remorseful since she could have been the cause of this whole catastrophe. Yejoon would not have been fired if Katsumi had simply shut her mouth and stopped saying unnecessary things.

She said softly, "I'm sorry."

Yejoon questioned, "Why are you apologizing?"

"You wouldn't be in this state if I didn't shut up," she sighs. "I'm really sorry."

Yejoon smiled.

"It's fine; I've got two other jobs to somehow help me cover up the coverage of my previous job."

"You do?"

"Mhmm, I've messaged my boss at the Jack'n'Jill restaurant to see if I can work there today."

Katsumi was relieved to learn that Yejoon's employment at the Moonbucks Café wasn't his only one. Although she is aware that the employment he still has is insufficient to support his family, especially because he is only working part-time, the compensation is awfully low.

A few minutes later, Yejoon abruptly stood up, surprising his friends. As he picked up his coat to put it on, the child appeared to be in a hurry.

"Is everything alright?" Subin inquired.

"Yeah, my boss agreed, so I'll go right now."

"Are you just going to walk?" Namgyu questioned.

"I don't own a vehicle, so I have no choice."

"We can use my car; I'll send you there," Kento offered freely as he took his keys from the table and stood.

"Thank you," Yejoon says before departing.

Friends said their goodbyes to Yejoon. Namgyu felt bad about what he had done after they left. This all started when his request for help for Katsumi on the streets two days ago occurred. And if he hadn't somehow stood up for himself that night and ran away with Katsumi, Yejoon wouldn't have been fired.

Namgyu thought it was all unfair.

As the boy was lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that he was gazing directly at Katsumi. And when the girl noticed the boy's glare, she became nervous. She realized she had done something wrong, and it's natural for them to be upset with her.

"Is there any other way to give Yejoon back his job?" she wondered.

"Unfortunately, no. Unless you have a higher position than Nabi's father, in which case I don't think so," Subin replied.

Katsumi let out a sigh. She truly felt remorse and powerlessness for being unable to assist Yejoon.

"Out of all the punishments, why did they have to bring Yejoon's personal life into this?" Namgyu questioned, stunned.

"Were they always like this?"

"No, their attitude has shifted dramatically since their eighth year of junior high, and we have no idea why," Subin explained.

"Have you asked them?"

"Of course not. We've been too scared to." Namgyu groaned.

Katsumi felt nostalgic in this setting. She had been through something similar, and even to this day, she still doesn't have the answer. She had been betrayed by a close friend since birth. The day she was going to ask why that friend did such a thing, he wasn't available. She and he were both forbidden from ever seeing each other again.

That's why Katsumi believes there must be a cause for Jiwoon and Nabi's behavior toward her pals. She wasn't able to obtain the answer she was looking for with her close friend before. So she would go to any length to assist her friend in the present and solve this situation.

Namgyu noticed Katsumi's frightening expression and understood just what she was thinking.

"Please don't do anything further, Katsumi."

The girl returned the boy's stare, saying nothing. Her expressions were easily read by someone as observant as Namgyu, so it didn't surprise her.

"Respectfully, we don't need what you're planning to add to our mountain of problems." He sternly continues, "As much as you seem fearless against Jiwoon, we aren't the same. Our wish is to remain lowkey and enjoy life without unnecessary rebut just to hurt more of us. So please, if you want to dominate using violence that badly, then I'm afraid you're on your own."

He stood and left the unit as Subin spluttered. And when he was alone with Katsumi, he could feel the strain in her. He understood Katsumi was trying to help, and he appreciates that. But, because they only met two days ago, she still doesn't know much about them or why Namgyu was acting like that.

"Namgyu was only concerned about Yejoon."

"If he is, then why...?" Katsumi sighed.

"Once you get to know Yejoon better, you'll figure it out."

Subin stood and excused himself, and Katsumi was left with many unanswered questions.

Choosing a plan that considers everyone's particular position rather than the one that will terrify the opponent the quickest is something they all considered before taking action; Katsumi has still yet to understand that.

She sighs as she returns to her bedroom. Although she didn't want to do anything unnecessary, she also didn't want to sit back and do nothing when, obviously, something had to be done in this situation.

Using Namgyu's remarks, Katsumi devised a strategy to assist Yejoon without causing further harm or trouble to any of her friends.

However, in order to create a proper plan, she must first identify her target. At least, that's what Katsumi was taught.

She swiftly takes out her iPad and texts her information seeker. That person is someone she has a close relationship with. Someone she can rely on and who is quick at her task is none other than Katsumi's older sister, Kazuha.

Kwon Jiwoon and Kim Nabi are her targets for this mission. Seeking their whole biography, which covers their family background, personal background, history background, and school background

Katsumi couldn't forgive the two for what they did to Yejoon, however exaggerated. It was about time they got the same treatment.

A message was returned a few minutes later. Kazuha had accepted the request without hesitation.