Chapter 9: Whispers in the Shadows

The night air was crisp as Shin Ji walked down the quiet streets of Seoul, his hands tucked into his pockets. His fight with Yeji's cousin still lingered in his mind, a stark reminder of how much he had fallen from his prime. He had barely managed to keep up—no, he had been forced into a defensive position the entire time. It wasn't like him. And he hated it.

Yet, at the same time, a part of him felt alive again.

Yeji had remained quiet after the fight, though her father had given him an approving nod. It was strange. He wasn't sure if that meant he was now "allowed" near Yeji or if it was just respect for standing his ground. Either way, he didn't feel like celebrating.

As he turned a corner, his instincts flared. Someone was following him.

Shin Ji let out a slow breath, his senses sharpening. He kept walking, pretending not to notice, but his muscles tensed in preparation. He led his pursuer into a narrow alley, the neon lights of the city fading into the darkness.

"You're as sharp as ever, boss."

A familiar voice echoed behind him. Shin Ji stopped in his tracks, recognizing the tone instantly. He turned around, his eyes meeting the mischievous grin of a young man leaning against the brick wall.

"Seok." Shin Ji sighed, shaking his head. "Didn't I tell you not to call me that?"

Seok Joon, also known as "Baekho," one of the old members of The Breakers, chuckled. "Old habits die hard. You look like you've been enjoying the peaceful life."

Shin Ji snorted. "Yeah, if you call getting dragged into fights 'peaceful.'"

Seok pushed off the wall and stretched. "Well, you might wanna rethink that. Trouble's brewing."

Shin Ji frowned. "What do you mean?"

Seok's grin faded. "Word's been spreading. Some big names from Incheon have been sniffing around. They caught wind of a certain someone being in Seoul."

Shin Ji's expression darkened. "They don't know it's me, do they?"

Seok smirked. "Nah. But they know The Breakers are here. And where there's smoke… well, you get the idea."

Shin Ji sighed. He had wanted a normal life, but the past never let go so easily. "I assume you're not here just to warn me."

Seok grinned. "Bingo. I came to let you know before things get messy. You might want to stay sharp, boss. Seoul's about to get interesting."

Shin Ji exhaled, looking up at the night sky. Maybe peace was never an option for him.

"Guess I'll have to be ready."