“So, what was it that you were convinced about?”

Yongguk looks away from the white board. To other people, the notes written in black marker may appear like nonsensical scribbles. “Huh?”

“You told Haru that she convinced you.” Youngjae clarifies from his seat at his desk. Sungwon was off somewhere and it was a perfect time to ask. 

“That there was hope that she isn’t in too deep.”

“You were questioning it?” Youngjae asks. 

Yongguk didn’t know how to respond and Youngjae decides he didn’t want to explain. 

“Have you thought about it, Yongguk?” He directs his attention back down at the paper in his hands. “About why Haru returned to her gang the same day you were rescued? I think you should ask her.”

***

The next day was characterized with anxiety and worry that the apartment would be discovered. There was no way anyone could get any shut-eye with the urge to look out the windows into the streets in search of red and blue blinking lights. Haru couldn’t stand the fact that Barom and Jongup were nowhere to be seen last night and only coming back with an explanation that they were only doing their job and of what boss had them do. 

“How could you just leave me behind?” She voices her unhappiness.

“You should have just slept.” Jongup responds.

“In this kind of situation?” Haru retorts. “I’m busy worrying about how traumatized Hercules must be after moving places so often.”

Jongup shoots her a look. 

“Congressman Sungjin has already changed sides.” Seyong, from Mogi, alerted the group of them and bringing Haru back to the problem at hand.

“What did Geomi promise him?”

“Protection and a share of their profits when they start doing business again.”

Haru turns away from the conversation once more and places her attention on Jongup and Barom, both of whom are on both sides of her. “It didn’t once cross your minds to just abandon a sinking ship?” Pretty much everyone else is doing it.

“Is that what you think of us after all this time?” Jongup retorts.

“I personally would have.” She muttered under her breath. 

“You still can.” Barom remarks but already knows those words of hers weren’t spoken truthfully. 

And soon night arrived.

“Haru, you should get some sleep.” Jongup advised. 

She was going to refuse the idea when her dad’s sudden declaration stole their attention. 

“Get me an audience with Jinyoung.” 

Not one person in the room, for one second, thought it was even a remotely good idea. Nabang and Mogi quickly voice their protests that there isn’t any way the damaged relationship would be salvaged nor would any compromise be reached. It was an equivalent to surrendering if they do what he asked.

Haru felt the same way. She was going to crush them before they crush her. 

Jongup felt something in his pockets and dug his hand in for his phone. After glancing at the message, he nudges Haru. 

“Is it time?” She asks. 

“It’s time.”

***

It was strange to come to Baesin pier when there weren’t transactions. It was so empty that Haru had to make sure that it was the right place. 

With her arms crossed upon her chest, she stares out into the waters at the sight of a large fishing boat approaching. Jongup and Barom are beside her, watching the same scene as Youngjae, Yongguk, and Sungwon walk up behind them while bracing the wind.

“He had a new identity and hid pretty well.” Youngjae comments. “But, a bank account under his real name became active.”

“He must have been pretty desperate to do so while in hiding.”

Yongguk steps forward and looks towards Haru. “So, transactions are like this.”

“Except, we’re not selling but they are paying.” She’s going to make sure they do. 

The boat finally docks and from the ship’s platform, someone is tossed over. His body thudding upon the pier with a muffled groan. Haru walks over and turns the man’s bounded body around so that she can have a look at him. Even with the tape across his mouth and the various bruises scattered on his skin, she would recognize him anywhere.

“Long time no see, Dali.” She grins do