Mind the gap

After calming down, Si Mok knew it was time to call for backup. He took out a phone and contacted the people he trusted the most. He informed Man-ho about the gathering, and they both headed to the airport, preparing to pick up their friends as they arrived.

The first flight to land was from France. Out stepped Han Park and Kwak Park, both in their uniforms as soldiers of the French Foreign Legion. They exchanged nods with Si Mok and Man-ho, their expressions serious, ready for whatever was to come.

The next flight was from the USA. This time, Osamu Akiura emerged, wearing his USAF gear, followed by Don Lee, a Navy SEAL. Both men looked cautious, their eyes scanning the surroundings. They knew the risks of being involved in Si Mok's fight, but their loyalty was unshakable.

Finally, the flight from Korea arrived. Jiho Park, a skilled hacker, and Seo Youngchan, a prosecutor demoted for his past involvement with Si Mok, stepped out. With them came Jichang Hwang, Si Mok's older brother, and a police chief. Each of them had given excuses to their workplace, careful not to arouse any suspicion before leaving.

The group gathered together, exchanging greetings before splitting up. They got into different vehicles, ensuring they weren't being tailed, and made their way to Murree, the secluded hill station where they could safely discuss their plans.

Once they reached the guesthouse, they all settled into the large living room, an air of tension hanging over them. Si Mok took a deep breath, looking at the faces of his trusted friends and allies.

"Thank you all for coming," he began. "I know the risks you took to be here. I need your help. The situation has gotten out of control, and there's no one else I can trust."

He explained everything—how he had been framed, the assemblyman's plot, and his near-death escape from Turkey. As he laid out his plan for revenge and how he needed each of them, he could see the expressions on their faces change—from surprise to anger to understanding.

As he finished speaking, the room was silent for a moment, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Then, suddenly, the door opened, creaking softly.

An unfamiliar man stepped inside. He had a calm but imposing presence, his voice low as he spoke.

"Mind the gap," the man said, his eyes locking on Si Mok.

Osamu's eyes widened, his face going pale as he looked at the man. "How did you find us, Goto?" he asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and fear.

Everyone froze at the mention of that name. The mysterious man was Goto Suguru, Osamu's brother, and someone they all had reason to be wary of. Goto wasn't their friend—in fact, he had fought against each of them in the past, during the infamous "Crew Wars" seven years ago. His sudden presence brought an immediate tension into the room.

Goto's arrival was like a dark specter from their past—one that none of them had forgotten.

Goto shrugged casually, a smirk forming on his lips. "You should know by now—I always know where my brother is. And when a group of you gathers like this, it's hard not to notice. I'm with the military forces that oppose the assemblyman. I'm here to help you."

The group exchanged confused glances, still unsure of Goto's intentions. The memory of their last encounter with him was still fresh in their minds, even after all these years. He wasn't someone who could easily be trusted, even if he claimed to be on their side.

Si Mok clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. "Why are you really here, Goto?"

Goto looked around the room, taking in the anxious expressions of everyone present. He let out a sigh, his demeanor unfazed. "Listen, I've fought against you all in the past, but the assemblyman has gone too far. He needs to be stopped, and you all need more help if you want to have any chance of succeeding."

The tension in the room eased slightly, but there was still an underlying sense of caution. Goto had always been unpredictable, and his offer of help came as a surprise.

"You're about to dive into something that could get you killed," Goto continued. "Revenge might sound appealing, but it's rarely worth it. If you want to go through with this, I'll help—but understand that this isn't about some childish sense of justice."

Si Mok took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "I understand the risks. But I can't just walk away."

Goto nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "Very well. I'll be around, and if you need my help, you can get my number from Osamu." He paused, glancing back at Si Mok. "And one last thing—do not die."