Relentless Hero 2

I was pacing the small living room, my heart heavy with worry. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that crept across the floor. Jinwoo had been coming home later each night, and I felt the distance growing between us. I couldn't remember the last time we had a real conversation. He would leave before I woke up, and when he came back, it was almost dawn, leaving me with only his quiet presence and a note reminding me to eat.

Today, I had resolved to confront him about it. I needed to know what was happening, what he was doing to keep us afloat. As I stood by the window, I could feel my pulse quickening with each passing moment. The soft rustle of the wind outside matched my growing anxiety.

"Oppa!" I called, my voice bright but shaky. "Can we talk for a minute?"

But before he could respond, the sound of loud, aggressive knocking reverberated through the room. My heart dropped, the joyous moment between us shattered.

It has been week had passed since the those men first barged into our home, their presence a dark cloud looming over us. I could still feel the weight of their threats hanging in the air, a constant reminder of the precarious situation we were in. I tried not to think about it, but every time I heard a car drive by or footsteps outside, my heart raced with anxiety. Jinwoo had been working harder than ever, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Today, they returned.

Jinwoo stood in the living room, cash clutched tightly in his hand. I could see the tension etched across his face, a mixture of determination and exhaustion.

"How did you get this much money, oppa?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry. My big, trusting eyes searched his face, desperate for reassurance amidst the chaos.

Before he could respond, one of the thugs counted the cash, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Looks like you've been working hard. Good job, kid. But there's still more to pay."

I felt a surge of panic as I watched Jinwoo's fists clench at his sides, his body tensing as if preparing for a fight. It was instinctual; he always felt the need to protect me. When the thug made that disgusting suggestion about me working at their bar, my stomach dropped. My heart raced with anger and fear. How dare they think they could talk about me like that?

Without hesitation, Jinwoo stepped in front of me, his eyes blazing with fury. "Don't you dare suggest that," he growled, his voice low and threatening. I could feel the heat radiating off him, his protective nature shining through.

The thug chuckled, momentarily taken aback, but soon he smirked again. "Whoa, easy there, protective brother. I was just trying to help you out. You look tired—probably haven't slept in days. Think it over. But if you change your mind, here's our address." He tossed a card onto the floor, his eyes lingering on me with a predatory gleam. "You'd make a killing, sweetheart."

My heart raced as I watched the thugs saunter out the door, leaving behind a thick tension that felt suffocating. Once the door closed, I turned to Jinwoo, my voice trembling. "Oppa… how are you getting this much money? What are you doing?"

He forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I, uh… I got promoted at the chicken restaurant," he lied, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. My heart sank; I knew he was hiding something. I wanted to reach out and shake him, to make him open up, but I held back, not wanting to push him too hard.

Before I could ask him more, he pulled out a wrapped box from behind his back. My breath caught in my throat, curiosity flooding my senses. As he handed it to me, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Tearing open the wrapping, I gasped at the sight of a second-hand laptop nestled inside. Tears welled in my eyes as I looked up at him. "Oppa… you didn't have to… this must have cost so much." My heart swelled with gratitude, but a part of me felt guilty. I could see the toll all of this was taking on him.

"I promised you a laptop, didn't I?" he said, his smile bittersweet. Without thinking, I hugged him tightly, relief flooding through me. "Thank you, oppa. But… you're not… you're not doing anything illegal, are you?" My voice came out soft, almost fearful of his answer.

For a moment, he stiffened, and I felt a knot form in my stomach. But then I hugged him even tighter, hoping to reassure him. "It's fine. Really. I'm just so happy… thank you." I smiled up at him, desperately trying to chase away the shadows of worry that lingered in the air.

As I ran off to my room to set up the laptop, a mix of joy and unease washed over me. I wanted to believe that everything would be okay, that we could get through this together. But as I glanced back at Jinwoo, standing there with his conflicted expression, I couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.

The sun was starting to dip below the horizon when Jiwon arrived at the small chicken restaurant where Jinwoo supposedly worked. The smell of fried chicken wafted out the door, making her stomach growl, but her focus remained elsewhere. She scanned the small restaurant, her eyes searching for a familiar face among the workers inside. Jinwoo wasn't there.

Her brow furrowed in confusion, and she approached the counter, feeling a little out of place in her school uniform and oversized cardigan. "Excuse me," she called, catching the attention of the middle-aged man behind the counter, who she assumed was the owner. "Is Lee Jinwoo working today?"

The man gave her a puzzled look, wiping his hands on his apron as he approached. "Lee Jinwoo? The delivery boy?" His expression turned thoughtful as he scratched his head. "He hasn't been by in a few days, actually. I was starting to worry myself. He usually doesn't disappear like that."

Jiwon's heart skipped a beat. Hasn't been by in a few days? She blinked, her mind racing. Jinwoo had told her he was promoted—he should have been working more, not less. Her lips parted, but no words came out at first. "Are you sure?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the growing anxiety twisting in her chest.

The owner nodded, frowning. "Yeah, haven't seen him. Thought maybe he'd quit, but no word from him. You his sister or something?"

Jiwon nodded stiffly, her mind already reeling. "Yeah… thank you," she mumbled, turning on her heel and walking out of the restaurant. Her heart was hammering in her chest now. If he wasn't working here, where was he? She glanced down the street, her thoughts swirling. The chicken restaurant had always his part-time job, so what was he doing with his time? And more importantly—how was he making that much money?

---

The factory was her next stop. Jinwoo mainly worked there as his main job, taking on late shifts or weekend jobs. Jiwon pushed through the factory doors, her shoes echoing in the large, noisy space. She was immediately overwhelmed by the sounds of machinery and the smell of oil, but she pressed forward, weaving her way through the factory floor until she spotted a group of workers chatting near one of the machines.

"Excuse me," she said hesitantly, her voice almost drowned out by the clanking and hissing around them. One of the workers, a stocky man with grease stains on his overalls, turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "I'm looking for Lee Jinwoo. Has he been working here recently?"

The man scratched his head, recognition dawning on his face. "Jinwoo, huh? You must be his sister. He always talks about you. Says you're studying hard at medical school." He smiled faintly, but it faded when he saw the worry etched across her face.

"He hasn't worked here in a while, kid," the worker added, his tone softening. "Quit a few days ago, actually. Said he had some other things going on. Last I heard, he'd been hanging around with a guy named Kwungsoo. Not the best crowd, if you ask me."

Jiwon's stomach dropped. Kwungsoo. She didn't know much about him, but the name had a reputation attached to it—one that sent chills down her spine. "What do you mean 'not the best crowd'?" she asked, her voice a little shakier now.

The worker glanced around, lowering his voice. "Rumor is, Kwungsoo's got connections. Gangs, mostly. Around Itaewon. Don't know much more than that, but if your brother's hanging around him, you might wanna check in on him." He paused, concern flickering in his eyes. "Jinwoo's a good kid, but sometimes… people get desperate."

Jiwon's heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a surge of panic rising inside her. Gangs? Her brother was always strong, always doing what he had to do for her, but the thought of him getting mixed up in something illegal—something dangerous—made her hands tremble.

"Thank you," she managed to whisper before turning and hurrying out of the factory, her thoughts a jumbled mess of fear and guilt.

This is my fault. The realization hit her like a punch to the gut. If I could just take care of myself, he wouldn't have to work so hard. If I didn't rely on him so much… he wouldn't have to do something like this. She walked quickly, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. He wouldn't have to put himself in danger just to keep us afloat.

Jiwon's thoughts spiraled as she made her way back to the coffee shop, her feet moving on autopilot. She had always admired her brother's strength, his unwavering determination to support her, but now she saw the cracks in that strength—the sacrifices he had made for her at the cost of his own safety.

Sitting down at one of the coffee shop's tables, she buried her face in her hands. I need to fix this, she thought, guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders. I can't let him go down this path because of me.

But deep down, she wasn't sure how to pull him back from the edge.

Lee Jiwon wandered through the narrow, dimly lit streets of Itaewon, her mind weighed down with worry. Where are you, Jinwoo? she thought, her steps heavy with guilt. She knew her brother was probably out somewhere, doing something dangerous, something he shouldn't have to, all because of her.

"Where are you, oppa?" she whispered to herself, biting her lip as her eyes scanned the faces of strangers, hoping, just hoping she might spot him. Her breath fogged in the cool night air, and the weight of her helplessness pressed down on her chest.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she turned a corner and found herself face-to-face with the last people she ever wanted to see—the loan sharks. The same men who had been harassing her and her brother for this pass weeks. Her heart sank, and instinctively, she started to turn away, but it was too late. One of the thugs spotted her.

"Well, well, look who we have here," one of the men sneered, stepping into her path. His greasy grin sent a chill down her spine. "Little Jiwon, all alone. You after our offer from last time?"

Jiwon clenched her fists, disgusted by their audacity. "I'm not interested," she snapped, her voice sharp. She tried to sidestep them, but they only shifted to block her again. "I'm just looking for my brother."

The thug took a step closer, his lips curling into a sly grin. "We thought you'd come around. "Last time we came to your house, we made an offer, didn't we? A little job at our bar could take care of a lot of your problems. Think about it—easy money, and your brother wouldn't have to suffer anymore."

Jiwon recoiled at the suggestion, her face twisting in disgust. "I told you before, my brother would never allow me to work for scum like you." Her voice hardened, the anger bubbling up despite her fear. "And I'm not interested in whatever disgusting 'job' you have."

The thug's eyes gleamed as he and his group surrounded her, cutting off any hope of escape. One of them, a man with a leering expression, stepped closer and, without warning, reached out to touch her face. His fingers were cold and rough as they brushed her cheek. "You've got a pretty face, you know. I'm sure you'd bring in plenty of customers. That body of yours? Cherry on top."

Jiwon recoiled, slapping his hand away. "Don't touch me!" she hissed, her voice trembling with anger and disgust.

The man looked surprised, then smirked, as if amused by her reaction. "Acting all hard to get, huh? Well, maybe if you don't want to help out, we'll just go after your brother harder. Maybe we double his debt, make his life even worse." He leaned in closer, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Wouldn't want to see him suffer more, would you?"

Jiwon's heart skipped a beat. The thought of her brother suffering even more because of her made her stomach churn with guilt. This was her fault, wasn't it? He was in this mess because he'd sacrificed everything for her. Maybe… maybe she owed him this. Maybe this was the price she had to pay.

"I…" Jiwon hesitated, her voice shaking slightly. "What do I have to do?"

The man's smirk widened, and he gestured toward the alley behind him. "Smart girl. Come with us."

Jiwon's legs felt like lead as she followed the thug down a dark, narrow alleyway that opened into a grimy, neon-lit bar. The heavy bass of music thudded through the walls, and as she stepped inside, the air was thick with cigarette smoke, the pungent scent of alcohol, and something far more sinister. The place was packed with men and women, some drunk, others openly taking drugs, their eyes glassy and distant. In darkened corners, couples were locked in brazen acts that made her stomach churn.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to keep walking. She couldn't back down now—not if it meant protecting her brother. The thug led her through a side door and into a cramped room where other girls were getting dressed. some adjusting their makeup, others slipping into revealing outfits that left little to the imagination. A woman, older than the others and with a hardened expression, approached them.

"Who's this?" she asked, eyeing Jiwon with suspicion.

"Our new girl," the thug replied, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

The woman's gaze lingered on Jiwon, her eyes narrowing. "She looks young. How old are you?"

Jiwon swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I need the money."

The woman sighed, shaking her head. "Desperate, huh? Well, we all are at some point. Here." She handed Jiwon a skimpy outfit, the fabric so small and tight that it barely covered anything. "Put this on. It's what we wear if we want to make money around here."

Jiwon stared at the outfit in disbelief, her hands trembling as she clutched it. This is what I've come to? She wanted to scream, to throw the outfit back in the woman's face and run as far as she could. But then she thought of Jinwoo, of the weight he carried every single day, and her heart sank.

With shaky hands, she started to change, her college uniform falling to the floor as she pulled the revealing clothes over her body. She barely recognized herself in the mirror—a young woman who had once been filled with hope, now dressed like someone else entirely. What would Jinwoo think if he saw me like this?

But she pushed the thought away, her eyes hardening. I'm doing this for him.

Jiwon was assigned to entertain a group of customers tonight, and though she plastered a bright smile on her face, her thoughts were far from cheerful. She poured drinks into their glasses, laughing when they made crude jokes, but inside, all she could think about was her brother. I just want to help him... to ease his burden somehow. She had taken this job hoping it would bring in extra money, something to lighten the load her brother had been carrying alone for so long.

The customer she was serving eyed her body from top to bottom, his gaze lingering a little too long. Her outfit—a skimpy, tight-fitting top that barely covered her chest and a short skirt that left little to the imagination—made her feel exposed. The red neon lights of the bar reflected off her smooth, pale skin, highlighting the curves of her body. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, contrasting with the bold red lipstick she wore, giving her an almost dangerous allure. Despite her delicate features—soft, doe-like eyes, a small nose, and full lips—the way she was dressed made her look more mature, more seductive than she really was. It was a look she hated but needed to maintain for survival.

What am I doing here? She wondered, guilt gnawing at her heart with every passing second. She thought about her brother, Jinwoo, who had sacrificed so much for her. The image of him working so hard, day and night, so she could study and chase her dreams, played over and over in her mind.

Now, she was here—trapped in this place—because of that same selfishness. Because she couldn't stand the thought of him suffering alone any longer. The loan sharks had come to her, offering her a "way out" for her their debts. The thought of them harassing him even more, making his life even harder, was unbearable. She had told herself she was doing this for him, to ease his burden. But the shame and fear that filled her chest told her otherwise. Would he forgive me? Could I even forgive myself?

Lost in her thoughts, Jiwon didn't notice someone approach the bar until she felt a heavy coat being thrown over her shoulders. The sudden warmth made her jump, and she looked up in shock.

"Jinwoo?" Her voice trembled as she saw her brother standing there, his eyes wild with anger and disbelief. The sight of him here, in this awful place, made her heart sink into the pit of her stomach.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" His voice cracked like a whip, filled with a mixture of fury and fear. His hand gripped her arm tightly, and before she could explain, he was pulling her away, dragging her toward the exit.

"Wait, oppa! Let me explain!" she pleaded, her voice breaking. But Jinwoo didn't listen—he was too consumed by his protective instincts, too blinded by the need to get her out of this nightmare.

The bouncer stepped in their way, blocking their escape, and Jiwon's heart sank even further. "You can't take her," the bouncer sneered, looking at her like she was just another commodity to be controlled. Is this what I've become to them? She shuddered at the thought.

Her brother's grip tightened on her arm, and Jiwon felt his body tense. She could feel the storm building inside him, the rage that had always simmered beneath the surface, ready to explode when it came to protecting her. And then, without warning, Jinwoo's fist collided with the bouncer's face with a sickening crack.

The world around them erupted into chaos. People screamed, tables overturned, and Jiwon was swept up in a blur of panic and fear. This is all my fault. If she hadn't agreed to come here, if she had been stronger, none of this would be happening. Her brother wouldn't be fighting for their lives.

More bouncers came, and Jiwon could barely keep track of what was happening. Her mind raced, panic closing in on her as Jinwoo kept fighting. The men were coming for him, and she felt helpless, useless—just as she had always felt. Always relying on her brother to protect her, to save her.

"Take her," Jinwoo ordered, shoving her toward his partner, Kyungsoo. Jiwon's legs felt weak, her whole body shaking, but she couldn't leave him behind. She couldn't just run while he stayed behind to face the danger.

"Oppa, no!" she screamed, but her voice was drowned out by the chaos around them.

Suddenly, she was grabbed by one of the thugs, his hand cold and rough against her skin. The sharp blade of a knife pressed against her throat, and terror surged through her like a tidal wave. Her mind went blank, and for a moment, all she could feel was the cold metal, the weight of her own helplessness.

But then something snapped inside her. The fear, the shame, the guilt—all of it coalesced into a single, burning resolve. I can't let him die for me.

With a sudden burst of strength, she wrenched herself free from the thug's grip, her hands moving instinctively as she grabbed the knife and held it out in front of her, shaking but determined. The thugs hesitated, surprised by her defiance, and for the first time in her life, Jiwon felt like she was in control, like she could protect her brother for once.

Jinwoo fought his way through the crowd, his face bruised and bloodied, but his eyes were locked on hers. When he finally reached her, he gently took the knife from her trembling hands, his expression softening. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I should've protected you. I should've been there for you."

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She shook her head, her chest aching with guilt. "No, oppa. It's my fault. I asked too much from you. I didn't think…"

He cupped her face in his hands, his touch warm and comforting despite the chaos surrounding them. "Don't worry about that. I promised I'd always protect you. I'll keep that promise, no matter what."

But before she could say anything more, a gunshot rang out, and everything seemed to stop. Her body jerked as pain seared through her, and she gasped, her legs buckling beneath her. Jinwoo's arms caught her as she fell, cradling her against his chest.

"Oppa," she whispered, her voice barely audible as darkness began to creep in at the edges of her vision. "I'm sorry… Thank you for always being there…"

She felt his tears on her skin, his hands trembling as he held her close. As her vision began to blur, a single thought consumed her mind. What if I hadn't relied on Jinwoo so much? What if we had worked together, supported each other instead of me always being a burden?

Those 'what ifs' lingered in her thoughts as the pain began to fade and her vision dimmed. She could feel her brother's arms around her, his voice calling her name, but it sounded distant now, as if he were miles away.

I'm sorry, oppa, she thought as darkness began to overtake her. I'm sorry I wasn't stronger for you.

Just as everything faded, a blinding light appeared, engulfing her in its warmth. It was sudden, intense, and then, in an instant, the light took her.

As her vision cleared, Jiwoo found herself standing in a realm that defied description. The air was thick with a sense of calm, illuminated by a gentle light that enveloped everything in a warm embrace. The horizon stretched infinitely before her, an expanse of pure tranquility, unmarred by the darkness that had consumed her life moments ago.

Confusion gripped her, and she looked around, heart pounding. Was this the afterlife? Had she truly escaped the nightmare? The thought brought a mix of relief and sorrow. But then she saw them—others standing nearby, their faces mirroring her bewilderment. And there, amidst them, was Jinwoo.

"Oppa!" she gasped, her voice breaking with disbelief. She felt a rush of emotions flooding her—relief, joy, but also an overwhelming sense of regret. Why hadn't she reached out for him sooner? Why had she let him bear the weight of their struggles alone? Those questions twisted in her mind, each one a reminder of the burden they had both carried.

"Is it really you?" she thought, her heart swelling at the sight of him. He looked different here, unburdened by the weight of their harsh reality. A small smile broke through the haze of despair on his face, igniting a flicker of hope within her. But she could also see the shadows of pain still lingering in his eyes.

As she took a step closer, a wave of warmth washed over her, almost as if the realm itself was wrapping her in comfort. Yet, the memories of her last moments flooded back—her desperate struggle against the thug, the searing pain of betrayal, and the suffocating darkness that followed.

"What if…?" she pondered, grappling with the regrets that haunted her. What if she hadn't relied on him so heavily? What if they had worked together, supported each other from the start? The "what-ifs" lingered in her mind, each one a painful reminder of their shared suffering.

In that moment, Jiwoo realized she didn't want to lose him again. No more reliance or burdens. She wanted to stand beside him, to share the weight of their lives and fight together against whatever darkness lay ahead.

As her thoughts spiraled, she felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through her. The blinding light that had consumed her moments before returned, filling her vision until everything faded into a brilliant white.

And then, she felt it—the connection to her brother. No matter what this new realm held, she was determined to find a way to protect him, to stand united against the shadows that had once threatened to tear them apart.