Haru falls silent. 

Barom and Jongup watched her carefully. They didn’t know how to react when her laughter suddenly met their ears. That wasn’t the reaction they were expecting.

Youngjae wants her arrested. Before she could do anything, he wants her in hand cuffs. 

Well, he started it.

Now, she’s left with no other choice other than to give him a reason and she’ll just see how this plays out.

For the record, she’s going to win.

“You know, if I’m going to end up in jail or prison, I might as well have some fun first.”

Jongup didn’t know how to respond to that statement. Was she really taking this in strides?

“Give me one week and I’ll have Geomi begging on their knees.” She adds. “I am going to get my payback first and foremost – so, tell my dad now instead of later.” 

***

“The boss has tried to cut off Geomi’s every contact. It’s been harder for them to deal business and talk to other gangs of a possible alliance with Nabi hovering.” Jongup explains. “They’re scared to make an enemy out of us directly...they haven’t even owned up to your kidnapping.”

“He’s pulling out all the stops.” 

“Boss can’t risk it – he doesn’t want a repeat of another mistake because he is being lenient.”

Following Jongup’s words, Haru knew which situation he was referring to. And, catching his eyes on her in the rearview mirror of the moving car, she knew he was watching her reaction.

“Is he still hung up on that?” 

Even though it happened so long ago –“It’s not something to be forgotten so easily.” Jongup responds, subtly taken aback by how calm she is. 

Pausing in the topic, Haru diverts her attention out of the car’s window. “So, who am I seeing?”

“We’re heading to Geomijul Bar. One of the higher ups in Geomi owns it – “

“He couldn’t have been more obvious in his choice of a name?” Haru is really questioning their competence. 

Why is everything so damn obvious? Is it an ego thing?

“What are you planning?”

“I just want to meet him.” Haru replies without letting on much. She just wants to see who she’s up against.

“He made your dad, the head of Nabi, wait. He’s not going to see you.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Arriving on Beogeu Street, Barom parks the car parallel to the curb and the three get out. Staring up at the bar, Haru doesn’t hesitate to make her way forward. There was certainly no need for a plan. 

Jongup pulls her back. “Haru, stay behind Barom and I.”

She stares up at him. “…I can handle myself.” With nothing but confidence, she walks inside. As expected, everyone’s attention inside lands on her. With hands on her hips, she leans toward Jongup. “What’s his name?”

He hesitates but gives in. “They call him Eight.”

Eight? “Alright, who is the loser running this place?” Haru ends up saying.

Like their goal was to make her angry, they looked away to return to whatever they were doing before as to ignore her. 

“He’s not here.” The bartender says. 

“His car was parked outside.” Barom notifies Haru, revealing the strange contradiction.

“I told you he wouldn’t see you.” Jongup adds. “Don’t we look like fools now – “

“I’m not a fool, Jongup. You insinuate it again and I’ll kick your .” Haru says before turning around and exiting the place. “Which one is the car, Barom?”

“That one.” He points out willingly.

With a small nod, Haru smacks her lips together when a metal pipe lying on the ground beside the trash captures her attention. Eyeing the nice, sleek, and expensive sedan, Haru quickens her steps just lightly to have some leverage. With a small jump, she lands on the hood of the car.

The bartender from before quickly runs out.

Carelessly swinging the metal pipe in her hand, she gives him one more chance. “Is he going to see me or not?”

She watches him struggle before he makes up his mind. “He’s not here.”

“Okay.” She answers light-heartedly, feigning acceptance. With a stomp aimed at the side mirror, it easily detaches and clatters on the ground. 

The sight triggers shocked eyes from the bartender. Jongup was fidgeting in his spot while Barom seemed to be enjoying it. 

The alarm rings out loudly but it doesn’t deter Haru in the slightest. “Is he still not here?” She asked once more. “Are you sur