Growing up later on, Haru grew a talent in noticing the changes in the people around her. Even the subtlest ones. As soon as they looked at her differently, that meant moving will happen in no time. There was always a look in their eye when she would fall in their line of sight – the look of knowing. 

And, no one could know who she really is. 

And when she left two years ago, all she could remember was the anger and frustration. Her sixteen-year-old self just wanted to escape and she did just that. The proudest moment of her entire life. 

Yet, she has returned. Or more like, forced to. And, every day makes her more pissed off than the last when she thinks about it. 

“So, he’s alive and leisurely touring Japan?” Is that what Jongup is telling her right now? Dali – the middle-aged man and leader of the band of idiots who kidnapped her and forced her to return to this world is in Japan? He has the mind to be enjoying a vacation?

“Well, his buddy too.”

Geomi said they took care of the last two but guess what?

They blatantly lied to them- not like they hadn’t expected it and Haru wasn’t surprised but, the confirmation did certainly make her angrier. 

“I thought you said my dad is well respected.”

“He is.”

“Yet, Geomi lied right to his face.”

“With the exception of them.” Jongup ends up admitting. 

“Why doesn’t he do something? Why are there no consequences?” If it were her, she would have definitely taught them a lesson by now. She’ll make sure they wouldn’t do as much as backtalk her. 

“The gangs are watching him. If he does anything without proof, they’ll run into Geomi’s arms. He has to maintain their trust that he would be fair if he wants to continue to lead.”

Leaning back into his seat, Haru stares out of the window of their moving car.

Why did Jieun do that? At first, Haru had doubts that the search of the name would turn up with anything helpful but she was certainly in for a shocker. By the way– 

“Where are we going?”

“The person who helped us locate Dali wants to meet you.”

Why her?

***

Things do keep getting interesting. The extent of Nabi’s reaches was always a mystery and Haru never did have a good idea of it.  

“Who did you say he was again?” Haru wasn’t one to remember names of people who didn’t make an impression on her. And, this old man was certainly included in the category. 

“Kim Sungjin.” Jongup whispers back. “He’s a congressman and remember it this time.”

A politician? 

How did they manage to get connected with a politician?

Like Jongup could see the question on her face, he leans over once more and adds, “Mogi specializes in that.”

The older man in the blue suit sits across from her at the table as he grins at the waitress setting the table. Waking up today, she didn’t think she would be meeting a congressman for a late dinner. 

“Haru, isn’t it?”

Like, he didn’t already know. But, she’ll play along with the small talk. “Yes.”

“How are you healing up? I heard about what happened.”

Did everyone know? “I’m fine.”

Her curt responses do nothing to deter his socializing attempts and she shoots a look at Jongup and Barom sitting on both sides of her. 

“I really wanted to meet you, Haru.”

She wishes she can say the same. A nudge coming from Jongup’s side reminds her what they had spoken about in the car. “Thank you for helping me with my request.”

“Oh, it wasn’t any trouble.”

Haru does wonder if this kind appearance of his is merely a façade. After all, it was this man that controlled a small part of the police and by simply as