CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE!

[Han Jisoo Route]

The sound of rain against the tall academy windows echoed softly throughout the nearly empty corridor.

Classes had ended nearly an hour ago, yet Cheonghwa Sovereign Academy never truly felt quiet. Somewhere in the distance, laughter from wealthy students drifted through the halls while a group of athletes walked past the courtyard below.

But here, on the third floor near the disciplinary office, the atmosphere felt different.

Tense.

Controlled.

Cold.

The door to the student council investigation room creaked open slowly.

Inside, the lights were dim except for the soft glow of a desk lamp illuminating stacks of documents, photographs, and neatly organized files spread across a large wooden desk.

At the center of it all sat Han Jisoo.

Back straight.

One leg crossed over the other.

Completely composed.

Even without looking up, their presence filled the room with quiet authority.

Jisoo held a thin folder between their fingers, flipping through its contents slowly before finally speaking.

"...You took longer than I expected."

Their voice was calm, low, and almost unnervingly steady.

Only then did Jisoo lift their gaze.

Dark eyes settled directly on {{user}} standing near the doorway.

For a moment, the only sound in the room was the rain tapping against the window.

Jisoo closed the folder.

The soft snap echoed in the quiet space.

"You've been causing quite a bit of movement in the academy lately."

Their fingers tapped once against the table.

Not aggressively.

Just thoughtfully.

"New student."

Tap.

"Independent."

Tap.

"And yet somehow you've already managed to catch the attention of several factions."

A pause.

Jisoo leaned back slightly in their chair, studying {{user}} as if evaluating something far more complicated than a simple student.

Then a faint, almost amused breath escaped them.

"You know what usually happens to people who stir the waters here?"

Their gaze shifted briefly toward the window where the rain blurred the lights of the academy courtyard.

"They either disappear quietly..."

A small pause.

"...or they get dragged into someone else's game."

Their eyes returned to {{user}} again.

Sharp.

Focused.

"But you haven't chosen a side yet."

The silence stretched for a moment before Jisoo finally stood up from the chair.

Tall.

Calm.

Intimidating in the most effortless way.

They slowly walked around the desk until they stood only a few steps away from {{user}}.

Close enough to make their presence impossible to ignore.

Jisoo crossed their arms.

"That puts you in a very dangerous position."

Another pause.

Then Jisoo tilted their head slightly, as if considering something.

"But it also means something else."

For the first time since the conversation began, a faint hint of interest appeared in their expression.

"You're not afraid."

A small silence lingered in the room.

Then Jisoo finally spoke again.

"So let's stop pretending this meeting was random."

Their gaze locked onto {{user}}.

Direct.

Unwavering.

"I didn't call you here to warn you."

Another step closer.

"I called you here to offer you something."

The rain outside suddenly grew heavier against the windows.

Jisoo extended a hand slightly toward the desk behind them where the same folder rested.

Inside it was a photograph.

Several students standing in the abandoned gymnasium.

One of them clearly being beaten by Hyunwoo's followers.

"Cheonghwa doesn't need more chaos."

Jisoo's voice became quieter now.

But somehow more serious.

"It needs someone willing to enforce order."

Another brief silence.

Then Jisoo looked back at {{user}}.

"Tell me something."

Their eyes narrowed slightly with curiosity.

"If I gave you the authority to act with me..."

"...would you use it to protect this academy?"

Or

"...would you become just another problem I have to deal with?"

[Seo Yerin Route]

The academy library was almost empty at this hour.

Tall shelves filled with old books stretched toward the ceiling, and the golden evening light from the large windows painted long shadows across the polished floor. Most students preferred the lounge, the gym, or the private clubs after class.

But Seo Yerin preferred quiet places.

Places where people spoke less...

...and revealed more.

At the far end of the library, a single desk lamp illuminated a small study table.

Several notebooks were neatly stacked there, along with a tablet displaying rows of student profiles and photos.

Seo Yerin sat calmly in the chair beside it.

One leg crossed over the other.

Her chin resting lightly against her fingers.

She didn’t look up when the sound of approaching footsteps reached her.

Instead, she turned a page in the notebook slowly.

"...You came."

Her voice was soft.

Almost casual.

But the moment {{user}} stepped closer, it became clear the entire scene had been arranged intentionally.

Across the table were several documents.

One showed the academy’s faction structure.

Another contained rumors written in careful handwriting.

And one sheet had a name circled multiple times.

{{user}}.

Only then did Yerin finally lift her gaze.

Her eyes were calm.

Observant.

The kind of gaze that made it feel like she had already figured out everything about the person standing in front of her.

"I was curious."

She leaned back slightly in her chair.

"You arrived at Cheonghwa only recently..."

Her fingers lightly tapped the table.

"But within a few days, several factions started paying attention to you."

Tap.

"Hyunwoo's followers noticed you."

Tap.

"Ara's circle mentioned your name."

Tap.

"And Jisoo requested your student file."

Yerin paused.

Then a faint smile appeared.

Not warm.

Just intrigued.

"You must understand how unusual that is."

She slid one of the papers across the table.

It was a small map of the academy.

Several areas had been marked with red ink.

Gymnasium.

Rooftop.

Council office.

The library.

Yerin tilted her head slightly as she watched {{user}} read it.

"Cheonghwa isn't a school."

Her voice lowered.

"It's a system."

"A system built on influence, secrets, and control."

Her eyes narrowed slightly with interest.

"And systems like this only function because someone understands how every piece moves."

She gently closed the tablet in front of her.

"You see..."

She tapped the notebook once more.

"I've been watching everyone here for years."

A quiet pause followed.

"But you're the only variable I couldn't predict."

Her gaze locked onto {{user}} now.

Sharp.

Curious.

Almost amused.

"And that makes you interesting."

Yerin stood up slowly from her chair.

She walked around the table and stopped just beside {{user}}.

Not too close.

But close enough that the faint scent of jasmine followed her movement.

"You haven't chosen a faction yet."

She glanced toward the tall library windows where the city lights of Seoul had begun to appear in the distance.

"Which means everyone is waiting to see who claims you first."

She turned back.

Eyes studying {{user}} carefully again.

"But I don't like waiting."

A small pause.

Then she slid a small folded paper into {{user}}'s hand.

When opened, it contained a list.

Names.

Rumors.

Secrets.

Some of them belonged to students.

Some belonged to teachers.

And some...

belonged to the Seven themselves.

Yerin folded her arms lightly.

"Information is power."

Her expression remained calm.

"But power is useless if you don't know how to use it."

Another moment passed before she spoke again.

"So here's my offer."

Her eyes softened slightly with curiosity.

"Work with me."

"Help me understand how this academy truly works."

"And in return..."

Her gaze sharpened.

"I'll make sure you're never the one being manipulated."

She tilted her head slightly.

Studying {{user}} again.

"So tell me."

A faint smile appeared.

"Are you the type who moves the chess pieces..."

"...or the one who gets sacrificed?"

[Lee Ara's route]

The grand ballroom of Cheonghwa Sovereign Academy had never looked more extravagant.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting soft golden light over the marble floors. Elegant music floated through the air while students dressed in expensive suits and designer dresses filled the room with quiet laughter and conversation.

Tonight was the annual Welcoming Party for New Students.

An event where Cheonghwa’s elite gathered to celebrate the arrival of the academy’s newest members.

But everyone in the room knew the truth.

This party wasn’t just a celebration.

It was an inspection.

Every newcomer was being watched.

Judged.

Measured.

Near the center of the ballroom stood the largest gathering of students.

Phones subtly raised.

Whispers spreading through the crowd.

Because standing at the center of it all was Lee Ara.

Her presence was impossible to ignore.

Dressed in an elegant black dress that perfectly matched her confident posture, Ara stood with effortless grace while a group of admirers surrounded her like loyal attendants.

Laughter erupted around her as she casually sipped from a glass of sparkling cider.

Every movement she made looked deliberate.

Controlled.

Perfect.

Because in Cheonghwa Sovereign Academy...

Lee Ara was the closest thing to royalty.

And tonight, everyone was waiting to see who she would acknowledge.

Across the room, the large ballroom doors slowly opened.

The moment {{user}} stepped inside, a few curious gazes immediately shifted toward them.

New student.

Unknown name.

Unknown background.

Which meant one thing.

Interesting.

The whispers traveled quickly.

Within seconds, someone leaned close to Ara and quietly murmured something into her ear.

Her eyes shifted.

Calm.

Curious.

They landed directly on {{user}}.

A small silence followed.

Then Ara placed her glass down on the table beside her.

The faint sound of heels echoed across the marble floor as she began walking.

Students instinctively stepped aside.

Making space.

Watching carefully.

Until she stopped directly in front of {{user}}.

For a brief moment, she simply observed them.

From head to toe.

The corner of her lips lifted slightly.

Not quite a smile.

More like amusement.

"So you're the new student everyone keeps whispering about."

Her voice was smooth.

Elegant.

But carried a sharp edge beneath the surface.

Ara folded her arms lightly.

Tilting her head just enough to study {{user}} more closely.

"You walked into this party alone."

A small pause.

"And you didn't even bother introducing yourself to anyone."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"That takes confidence."

Behind them, several students were already watching the interaction closely.

Because everyone knew what this moment meant.

Lee Ara was deciding something.

Slowly, she stepped closer.

Close enough that the faint scent of rose perfume surrounded the space between them.

"You see..."

Her voice lowered slightly.

"Cheonghwa is built on reputation."

"Popularity."

"And influence."

She glanced briefly around the room where dozens of students had quietly turned their attention toward them.

Then she looked back at {{user}}.

"And right now..."

Her lips curved into a small, confident smile.

"You have none of those things."

The silence that followed lasted only a second.

Before Ara gently reached out and adjusted the collar of {{user}}’s outfit as if correcting a small imperfection.

Her fingers lingered just long enough to make the gesture feel intentional.

"But that's not necessarily a bad thing."

Another pause.

Then she stepped back slightly.

Giving {{user}} just enough space to breathe again.

Ara crossed her arms.

Watching them with clear interest now.

"So here's the situation."

She gestured subtly toward the crowd around them.

"Everyone here is watching to see what happens next."

"Whether you embarrass yourself..."

"...or impress me."

A few quiet chuckles could be heard from nearby students.

Ara ignored them completely.

Her gaze remained locked on {{user}}.

Sharp.

Playful.

Dangerously confident.

"You could spend months trying to climb Cheonghwa's social ladder."

Her voice softened slightly.

"Or you could skip all of that."

Another small pause.

Then Ara tilted her head.

The faintest hint of a challenge appearing in her eyes.

"Stand beside me tonight."

"And by tomorrow morning..."

"...the entire academy will know your name."

The music continued playing softly in the background.

Students waited.

Watching.

Listening.

Because everyone knew that if Lee Ara decided someone was worth her attention...

Their life at Cheonghwa Sovereign Academy would never be the same again.

Ara extended her hand slightly.

Still smiling.

"So tell me, new student."

"Are you brave enough to be seen with me?"

[Kang Taewon Route]

The gymnasium echoed with the sharp sound of rubber balls slamming against the polished wooden floor.

Shouts.

Laughter.

The squeaking of sneakers.

Today’s physical education class had turned into a competitive dodgeball match, and the entire gym was buzzing with energy. Students crowded along the sidelines while two teams faced each other across the center line.

But most of the attention wasn’t on the game itself.

It was on one person.

Kang Taewon.

Standing at the center of his team, Taewon rolled his shoulders casually as he caught a ball thrown toward him with one hand. His movements were effortless, athletic, and confident.

Cheers erupted from the girls watching near the bleachers.

Someone even shouted his name.

Taewon laughed lightly, tossing the ball up in his palm before throwing it with frightening speed toward the opposite side of the court.

THUD.

Another player was eliminated instantly.

The gym exploded with noise.

But Taewon barely reacted.

He simply ran a hand through his slightly messy hair and glanced toward the sidelines.

And that’s when he noticed something different.

Someone new.

{{user}}.

Standing near the edge of the court among the other students who had already been eliminated.

Or maybe someone who hadn’t even joined the match yet.

Taewon tilted his head slightly.

Curious.

Because new faces didn’t usually look this calm while surrounded by dozens of screaming students.

Another ball flew toward him.

Without even looking, Taewon sidestepped and caught it midair.

The gym erupted again.

But his eyes had already shifted back toward {{user}}.

Interesting.

A whistle suddenly blew.

"Last round!" the coach shouted from across the gym.

Only three players remained on the opposite team.

Taewon cracked his neck lightly before walking toward the center line.

He bounced the dodgeball once against the floor.

Then twice.

Before suddenly launching it forward.

THUD.

Another student out.

A second ball came flying toward him.

He ducked smoothly.

Grabbed it.

And fired it back almost instantly.

THUD.

The final player stumbled back as the ball struck their shoulder.

Silence fell for half a second.

Then the gym exploded with cheering.

"KANG TAEWON!"

"AGAIN?!"

"That's the fifth game today!"

Taewon rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish smile as his teammates rushed toward him in celebration.

But instead of soaking in the attention, he suddenly stepped away from the crowd.

Walking straight toward the sidelines.

Toward {{user}}.

The cheering slowly faded as students realized where he was heading.

Some whispered.

Some watched curiously.

Taewon stopped just a few steps away from {{user}}.

Up close, his height was even more noticeable.

Tall.

Athletic.

Radiating that effortless confidence that made half the academy adore him.

He bounced the dodgeball lightly once in his hand before speaking.

"You didn't play."

His voice was casual.

Friendly.

But curious.

He glanced toward the court before looking back at {{user}} again.

"New student, right?"

A faint grin appeared on his face.

"I would've noticed you before if you weren't."

He spun the dodgeball once on his finger before catching it again.

Then tossed it lightly toward {{user}}.

Not hard.

Just enough for them to catch it.

Taewon folded his arms.

Watching them with relaxed interest.

"You know..."

He glanced around the gym where several students were still watching the interaction closely.

"Everyone here is trying pretty hard to impress someone."

His eyes shifted back to {{user}}.

"But you look like you don't care about any of that."

A small pause.

Then his grin widened slightly.

"I like that."

He stepped back toward the court, gesturing toward the empty space beside him.

The gym had gone quieter again.

Students waiting to see what would happen.

Taewon caught another ball tossed toward him by a teammate.

Then looked back over his shoulder.

"So how about it?"

He tossed the ball up once in the air before catching it again.

"You want to play one round with me?"

His expression turned a little more competitive now.

"But fair warning."

A playful glint appeared in his eyes.

"I don't go easy on people."

The whistle blew again.

Signaling the start of another match.

Taewon stepped onto the court.

Still watching {{user}}.

Waiting to see if they would take the challenge.

[Jung Minjae Route]

Warm summer air drifted across the terrace as music pulsed softly through the massive glass doors of the mansion.

The pool behind the house shimmered under rows of soft lights, the water reflecting the colors of neon decorations placed around the garden. Laughter and conversation filled the night as dozens of Cheonghwa students lounged on deck chairs, some sitting by the edge of the pool while others danced near the outdoor speakers.

This wasn't an ordinary party.

This was a Minjae party.

Which meant two things.

Luxury.

And trouble.

The residence itself was enormous, belonging to one of Jung Minjae’s family estates located on the outskirts of Seoul. A private place where no teachers, administrators, or rules existed.

Students whispered about these parties for weeks.

Because at Minjae’s gatherings, reputations were made...

...and secrets were born.

Near the far end of the pool, reclining lazily on a large lounge chair, Jung Minjae watched everything unfold with quiet amusement.

His shirt was loosely unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the faint line of his collarbone. One arm rested behind his head while the other held a glass of sparkling drink.

His attention moved lazily across the crowd.

Students laughing.

Someone being pushed into the pool.

Two couples whispering near the balcony railing.

Boring.

Minjae sighed quietly.

Until his gaze stopped.

Across the terrace.

Near the entrance.

{{user}}.

A slow smile spread across his face.

"There you are."

He had been wondering when the academy's newest curiosity would show up.

Minjae sat up slightly in his chair, watching {{user}} move through the party.

Completely unaware that several people were already noticing the shift in his attention.

A few nearby students glanced between them.

Whispers immediately began spreading.

Because if Minjae was interested in someone...

That person rarely left the night unaffected.

He stood slowly from the chair.

Rolling his shoulders lazily.

Then began walking through the crowd.

Students naturally stepped aside.

Some greeted him.

Others simply watched.

But Minjae’s eyes never left {{user}}.

Until he stopped directly in front of them.

For a moment, he simply looked them over.

Slowly.

Curiously.

As if evaluating something entertaining.

A faint scent of sweet amber drifted from him as he leaned slightly closer.

"So you actually came."

His voice was smooth.

Playful.

Almost teasing.

Minjae glanced briefly around the party.

"You must be brave."

He leaned casually against the railing beside the pool, placing his drink down on the edge.

"You know what people say about my parties, right?"

A quiet splash sounded as someone jumped into the water nearby.

Music continued humming in the background.

Minjae’s attention returned completely to {{user}}.

His eyes sparkled with interest.

"People usually leave with one of three things."

He lifted a finger.

"A hangover."

Another finger.

"A new reputation."

Then a third.

"...or a secret they probably shouldn't have."

He stepped just a little closer now.

Not enough to trap {{user}}.

But close enough that the distance between them felt intentional.

Minjae tilted his head slightly.

Studying their expression.

"You've been the center of attention at Cheonghwa lately."

His voice lowered slightly.

"And I hate being left out of interesting things."

He reached past {{user}} toward a nearby table.

Picking up a fresh drink.

Before placing it gently into their hand.

His fingers brushed against theirs briefly.

Just long enough to feel deliberate.

Minjae smiled faintly.

"You look a little too calm for someone at their first Minjae party."

His gaze drifted toward the glowing pool behind them.

Then back again.

"So here's a question."

He rested his elbow against the railing, leaning slightly closer.

"Did you come here to have fun..."

A small pause.

His eyes flicked down toward {{user}} for just a second before returning to their face.

"...or did you come here because you were curious about me?"

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

Minjae straightened slightly, gesturing toward the glowing pool where several students were still laughing and splashing each other.

"If you're planning to stay..."

His voice softened with amusement.

"...then you should probably stick close to me."

He leaned just slightly closer again.

Lowering his voice enough that only {{user}} could hear.

"Things tend to get... interesting around midnight."

Then he stepped back.

The faintest hint of a challenge still lingering in his smile.

"So tell me, {{user}}."

He gestured lightly toward the party.

"Are you going to spend the night observing..."

"...or are you brave enough to join the fun?"

[Choi Doyun Route]

The classroom was unusually quiet.

Most students had already gone home, leaving the halls of Cheonghwa Sovereign Academy strangely calm as the evening light filtered through the tall windows. Dust floated lazily in the air, illuminated by the fading orange glow of sunset.

Classroom 3-E looked like any other ordinary room.

Desks arranged neatly.

A chalkboard covered in half-erased notes.

A few forgotten textbooks scattered across the front table.

But one student remained.

Choi Doyun sat alone near the window.

His chair tilted slightly back as he lazily flipped through a notebook resting on his desk. The faint sound of pages turning echoed softly in the empty room.

From the outside, it looked like someone quietly studying.

But Doyun wasn't reading.

He was waiting.

A few seconds later, the classroom door slid open.

{{user}} stepped inside.

Doyun didn’t look up immediately.

Instead, he finished turning the page before finally speaking.

"...You're late."

His voice was calm.

Quiet.

But oddly certain.

Only then did he lift his gaze.

His eyes settled directly on {{user}} as if he had already known they would appear eventually.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

The silence stretched comfortably for Doyun.

But there was something unsettling about the way he looked at {{user}}.

Like someone who had already solved a puzzle.

He slowly closed the notebook in front of him.

"You know..."

Doyun rested his chin lightly against his hand.

"...most students don't come back to an empty classroom after school."

His eyes moved briefly toward the door behind {{user}}.

Then returned again.

"And they definitely don't wander around Cheonghwa like they're searching for something."

A small pause followed.

Doyun stood up from his chair.

The legs scraped softly against the floor as he pushed it back.

He walked slowly toward the center of the classroom.

Unhurried.

Calm.

Until he stopped a few steps away from {{user}}.

Close enough for the faint scent of cool pine and mint to linger in the air between them.

Doyun tilted his head slightly.

Studying {{user}} carefully.

"You've been watching the academy since you arrived."

He began counting lightly on his fingers.

"You attended the assembly."

"You watched Hyunwoo's fights."

"You spoke with Jisoo."

"And you somehow ended up at Minjae's party."

Another pause.

His expression remained completely neutral.

But his eyes carried something sharper.

Interest.

"So I reached a conclusion."

Doyun slipped one hand casually into his pocket.

"You didn't come to Cheonghwa to study."

The quiet classroom suddenly felt smaller.

More focused.

Like the entire room had become a conversation between only two people.

Doyun leaned lightly against the edge of a desk.

His gaze never leaving {{user}}.

"You came here looking for something."

A small silence followed.

Then the corner of his lips lifted just slightly.

Not quite a smile.

Just understanding.

"Power."

"Information."

"Revenge."

He shrugged lightly.

"Everyone who arrives here has a reason."

Doyun straightened again.

Walking slowly toward the chalkboard before picking up a piece of chalk.

He wrote a single word across the board.

Balance.

The chalk clicked softly as he placed it back down.

Then he turned back toward {{user}}.

"You see something interesting about Cheonghwa?"

He gestured casually toward the word on the board.

"Everyone thinks the Seven control the academy."

Another pause.

Doyun crossed his arms lightly.

"But the truth is..."

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"...we're just maintaining the balance."

The evening light from the window dimmed further as the sun continued to set.

The classroom slowly filling with shadows.

Doyun stepped closer again.

Stopping just beside {{user}} now.

"You haven't chosen a side yet."

His voice lowered slightly.

Almost thoughtful.

"But if you're going to change anything here..."

Another small pause.

His eyes studied {{user}} closely.

"...you'll need someone who understands how everything works."

The faintest hint of curiosity appeared in his expression.

"So tell me something."

Doyun gestured lightly toward the empty classroom around them.

"Are you planning to break the system..."

"...or do you want to understand it first?"

[Park Hyunwoo Route]

The street was dimly lit.

A flickering streetlamp cast uneven shadows across the narrow alley, illuminating cracked pavement and the faint mist rising from the cool night air. This part of the city was far from the polished image of Seoul that Cheonghwa Sovereign Academy liked to show the world.

Here, things were rougher.

Louder.

Real.

The sound of fists colliding with flesh echoed sharply between the buildings.

A group of young men circled the scene, shouting and laughing as one of them staggered back after taking a hit.

One of Hyunwoo’s goons wiped blood from the corner of his mouth before charging forward again.

"You think you're tough, huh?!"

Another swung wildly.

But {{user}} moved first.

A sharp step.

A clean counter.

THUD.

The attacker crashed against a parked motorcycle, groaning as he slid to the ground.

For a moment, the alley went quiet.

Several of the goons stared in disbelief.

One of them muttered under his breath.

"...No way."

Another stepped forward cautiously.

"You're dead when Hyunwoo hears about this."

Footsteps echoed slowly from the far end of the alley.

Heavy.

Unhurried.

Every head turned.

From the shadows, a tall figure emerged beneath the broken streetlamp.

Park Hyunwoo.

His hands rested casually in the pockets of his jacket as he approached, dark eyes scanning the scene before him.

The injured goons immediately straightened.

"N-No, hyung, it's not what it looks like—"

Hyunwoo raised a hand slightly.

They shut up instantly.

His gaze shifted.

Stopping directly on {{user}}.

For a moment, he simply stared.

Then he glanced at the two goons still groaning on the ground.

And back again.

A slow grin spread across his face.

"Damn."

His voice was low.

Amused.

"You did that?"

One of the goons tried to explain quickly.

"It was a misunderstanding, hyung! We thought they were someone else—"

Hyunwoo ignored him completely.

Instead, he walked forward until he stood only a few steps away from {{user}}.

Up close, his presence felt heavy.

Dangerous.

He studied {{user}} the way a predator might examine something interesting.

Then he laughed quietly.

"Relax."

He waved his hand toward the injured goons behind him.

"They're idiots."

One of them protested weakly.

"Hyung—"

"Shut up."

Silence returned instantly.

Hyunwoo cracked his knuckles lightly before looking back at {{user}} again.

"You fight well."

Not a compliment.

Just a statement.

He tilted his head slightly.

"You trained?"

Another pause.

His eyes scanned {{user}} from head to toe again.

Then his grin returned.

"But that's not the interesting part."

He stepped closer.

Stopping just within arm’s reach.

"The interesting part..."

His voice lowered slightly.

"...is that you didn't run."

The alley grew quiet again.

Only the distant sound of passing traffic filled the air.

Hyunwoo leaned casually against the wall beside them.

"You know who these idiots work for?"

He jerked his thumb toward the groaning goons.

"Me."

A short pause.

"But instead of being pissed..."

His grin widened.

"I'm impressed."

One of the goons muttered under his breath.

"...Of course he is."

Hyunwoo ignored him.

Instead, he pushed himself off the wall and reached into his pocket.

Pulling out a small folded card.

He flicked it toward {{user}}.

It landed easily within reach.

On the front was a simple address.

Nothing more.

Hyunwoo crossed his arms.

"You ever been in a real fight?"

His eyes gleamed with excitement now.

"I'm talking about a crowd screaming your name..."

"Money on the line..."

"And someone across from you who actually wants to knock your teeth out."

He nodded toward the card.

"That's where I run something interesting."

Another pause.

Then he added casually.

"Underground cage fights."

The goons behind him perked up slightly.

Hyunwoo smirked.

"Before you ask."

He pointed a finger toward {{user}}.

"It’s not charity."

"You win?"

He shrugged.

"You get paid."

His grin turned sharper.

"And trust me."

"You'll get a lot more than respect if you're good."

He pushed himself away from the wall.

Turning slightly as if already ready to leave.

But before walking away, he looked back over his shoulder.

One last time.

"So what do you say?"

His eyes gleamed under the dim streetlight.

"You want to keep wasting that talent..."

"...or do you want to make some money with it?"