An Unexpected Encounter

After Jin knocked out the two thugs — one unconscious from the clean uppercut to the jaw and the other writhing on the ground after the cruel spinning kick to the groin — the last man standing, seeing his friends laid out, lost his nerve.

Without saying a word, he let go of the girl and ran off down the alley, leaving his buddies behind like garbage on the street.

Jin let out a breath and walked over to the girl. She was still sitting on the ground, visibly shaken but unharmed.

— Hey, you okay? — Jin asked, offering her his hand.

The girl looked up, her clear eyes wide with surprise. She took his hand and let him help her to her feet.

— I… thank you. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't shown up. — she said, cheeks slightly flushed.

She looked him up and down, impressed by the strength Jin had just shown.

— I'm Eliza. — she introduced herself, a faint pink still on her face.

Jin scratched the back of his head, a bit awkward now that the adrenaline was wearing off.

— Jin. No big deal, just did what anyone should.

Eliza hesitated for a second, then with a bashful smile asked:

— I… um, would it be a bother if I asked for your number?

Jin blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected that. Still, he shrugged and passed her his number.

— Sure. Why not.

What Jin didn't know was that Eliza wasn't just any girl. She was the daughter of a very important man — someone Jin's father was actually planning to meet soon.

After that, Jin decided to walk with Eliza for a while, wanting to make sure she was okay. She explained she was new in town and had just been sightseeing when those punks cornered her.

They walked a few blocks together until they reached a small plaza.

— Here's good. My dad's coming to pick me up soon. — Eliza said, smiling warmly.

Jin nodded.

— Alright then. Take care, Eliza.

They said their goodbyes, and Jin turned to leave. As he walked, hands in his pockets, Jin thought to himself:

— Lately, I've only been running into beautiful women… guess I'm a lucky guy.

Lost in his thoughts, Jin suddenly felt a heavy hand land on his shoulder.

Reacting on pure instinct, he grabbed the arm and, using his back and shoulder, threw the person over in a smooth judo-like motion.

But what happened next surprised Jin. The boy managed to plant his hand on the ground mid-throw, twisted his wrist, and landed on his feet right in front of Jin before his face even hit the floor.

It was none other than Leon.

— Whoa… that was dangerous, man. — Leon chuckled, brushing the dust off his pants.

Jin let out a small grin.