The rain returned that evening, soft but steady, tapping against Minjae's window like a quiet warning. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the moment when that tall student locked eyes with him outside the ramen shop.
Who was he?Why did he look at me like that?
His phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
Unknown Number:Tick tock, Minjae. Clock's running out.
His throat tightened. This wasn't just about a forgotten debt anymore. Someone was watching him. Someone knew exactly who he was.
I need to tell them.
The next day, Minjae was quiet as he walked to school with Hyunwoo and Jisoo. The usual banter between them felt distant, like a song playing from another room.
"You good?" Hyunwoo asked, nudging him with his elbow. "You've been spacing out all morning."
"Yeah. Just... bad sleep."
Jisoo, walking lazily beside them with her hands in her pockets, raised an eyebrow but didn't push. She was never one for long conversations, especially not in the morning.
The three made their way through the school gates, but the atmosphere felt heavier today. Groups of students whispered in tight circles, glancing at the trio as they passed.
"That's him, right?"
"Yeah, the guy from yesterday."
"I heard someone's looking for him."
Minjae's stomach twisted. Looking for me?
As they approached their lockers, a voice called out.
"You Minjae?"
The hallway fell silent.
Standing there was the same tall student from the ramen shop, flanked by two others. His hands were casually in his pockets, but there was nothing casual about his stare.
Minjae's legs wanted to run, but Hyunwoo stepped forward.
"You got business with him?"
The tall student smirked. "Relax. I'm not here to beat him up. Name's Jinwoo. Seok Jinwoo."
The name sent a ripple through the watching students.
Representative of West Gangbuk High.
"You've got some debts hanging over you, Minjae. Word travels fast. Problem is, debts attract attention. You might not like who comes knocking next."
Minjae's throat dried up. "What do you want?"
Jinwoo's smirk widened. "I want nothing. Just letting you know… you're being watched."
He turned to leave, but not before adding, "Oh, and you might wanna start learning how to fight for real. The streets don't care about otaku dreams."
The crowd parted as Jinwoo walked away, his two guys trailing behind him.
Hyunwoo muttered, "What the hell was that about?"
Minjae's heart pounded. "I think… it's starting."
Jisoo yawned, already walking away. "Took you long enough to figure that out. Come on. We're gonna be late."
Later, over lunch, Minjae finally confessed.
"I've been getting messages," he admitted, pushing his rice around with his chopsticks. "Debt threats. First I thought they were just scams… but now… I think someone really wants to collect."
Hyunwoo's fist clenched. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"
"I didn't want you guys involved."
Jisoo, chewing slowly, looked at him with her usual bored expression. "Too late. We're already involved."
Minjae looked at both of them, guilt tightening his chest. He'd always thought he could hide behind games, behind manga, behind fantasy.
But the real world was here now.
And it wasn't waiting for him to be ready.