Early morning, 3:02 Am
The streets of Seoul were unusually quiet at that hour, Vasco and Minsoo walked side by side.
"Jace was pretty excited when he started telling your old stories," Minsoo said after a moment, breaking the silence with a tone that carried amusement "The kind of justice you used to hand out, the things you did I must say, you were quite the hero in their eyes."
Vasco scratched the back of his neck, his ears turning slightly red Compliments always made him awkward "Ah… thanks," he said shyly, glancing down at the ground "And, uh, thanks for coming to our little party too, I'm sorry it dragged on this long."
Minsoo chuckled, waving a hand "It's no big deal, I sometimes stay out even later than this, Honestly, the party was fun Especially your Burn Knuckles guys the Seven Executives, They were hilarious I didn't expect them to be that lively." He laughed again, shaking his head as though recalling some of their Things "They were funny as hell."
Hearing that made Vasco relax, his lips curling into a faint smile Parties weren't really his thing, but knowing Minsoo had enjoyed himself was enough to ease his guilt.
After a while, Vasco tilted his head toward the end of the block "Let's stop by the convenience store, I need some juice."
Minsoo followed his gaze and saw the faint green glow of the store's sign in the distance The familiar color lit up the dim street, almost like a small beacon A smile tugged at his lips He knew that store knew it all too well.
"Sure," Minsoo said "Let's go."
The bell above the sliding glass door gave a soft chime as Vasco and Minsoo stepped inside, the cool air-conditioned breeze washing over them.
Behind the counter stood a boy with round glasses, his face flushed as though even breathing made him nervous His green t-shirt was tight around his round belly, his shoulders hunched as if he wanted to disappear.
"Hi," Minsoo said with his usual smile.
Daniel froze, his heart hammering, His hands twitched at the counter, unsure if he should look up or keep staring at the barcode scanner like it was the most important thing in the world "..Hi."
That single word came out small, shaky.
But then Minsoo's smile softened, his eyes kind, and Daniel felt something inside his chest loosen, He didn't look down on him, wasn't mocking him and wasn't like the countless others who sneered when they saw this body.
"Minsoo, you want something?" Vasco asked, holding up two cans of energy drink.
"Yeah, but I'll take it myself, You just grab your things I'll have a word with this guy." Minsoo nodded toward Daniel.
Daniel's palms grew sweaty instantly, A word? Oh no.
But Minsoo simply leaned closer, his voice calm "Relax, Why are you so nervous? You remind me of someone I know, What's your name?"
Daniel blinked, stunned, He?.. His lips trembled before he forced them into a small smile "Daniel, Daniel Park."
Minsoo chuckled "Daniel Park? What a coincidence, My classmate has the same name as you He's a good guy too."
For the first time in forever, Daniel felt his chest warm He smiled, really smiled, not the fake one he put on to survive "Yeah? That's… pretty Good."
By then Vasco had joined them, sipping his drink already "What's funny?"
"This guy," Minsoo said, pointing with his thumb at Daniel, "he's Daniel Park, Same name as our classmate."
Vasco's face lit up like a child "No way! That's awesome Two Daniels, Which one's better though?" He laughed, and the energy in the store lifted.
Daniel laughed nervously, but his laugh it was genuine "Definitely the other Daniel."
Vasco shook his head furiously "Nah, don't say that You just need to cut down some weight, Easy fix Look, do ten push-ups right now and you'll already be on the path!"
"What, here?!" Daniel's eyes widened in panic.
"Yeah, here!" Vasco crouched, slapping the floor "Come, I'll coach you."
Daniel hesitated, but when Minsoo gave him a nod and an encouraging grin, he found himself kneeling down, His arms trembled as he lowered his body for the first push-up.
"One!" Vasco barked like a sergeant.
Minsoo folded his arms, laughing "Don't break the floor, big guy."
Daniel puffed out air between his teeth, cheeks red as he struggled for a second push-up Vasco clapped loudly "Yes! You're doing it, Two, Come on!"
The bell above the store rang again.
A girl walked in, her steps light against the floor, She was beautiful in the way that made even Vasco freeze mid-cheer, her hair flowing past her shoulders, her skirt brushing against her knees, Her kind eyes scanned the room, until they landed on Daniel, huffing and puffing on the ground in the middle of his push-ups.
Daniel froze mid-push-up, face redder than ever.
The girl tilted her head, a small smile forming. "working out?"
Minsoo and Vasco exchanged a glance, Vasco was the first to speak "Of course he does He's training with us Gotta build some muscle under there."
The girl chuckled softly "Really? That's good, I work out too in these timings."
Daniel's heart skipped, she was gentle
Before he could reply, his arms gave out and he collapsed face-first on the floor, Vasco immediately squatted beside him, patting his back "Don't worry, Daniel We'll get you there, You're just starting!"
Daniel groaned, embarrassed but for once, it didn't feel humiliating With Minsoo smiling at him, Vasco cheering him on, and the girl looking at him with curiosity instead of disgust, something bloomed in his chest.
For the first time, he felt… like normal.
---
10 Minutes Later
The laughter stopped inside store, Daniel sat behind the counter again, wiping sweat from his forehead, still breathing hard from Vasco's "training session." Minsoo leaned casually against one of the snack shelves, sipping juice.
Crystal Choi adjusted the hem of her skirt, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she turned toward the three of them.
"Nice knowing you guys," she said warmly, Then her gaze lingered for a moment on Daniel, her smile softening just slightly "Mostly Daniel, he's sweet."
Daniel's ears went red instantly, his head Down "Uh, th-thank you."
Crystal gave them a polite wave, her charm radiating effortlessly, The automatic doors slid open as she left.
Outside, parked just off to the side beneath a dim streetlamp, was a sleek black car, Leaning casually against the door was a tall figure in a perfectly fitted suit, His posture was relaxed, Gun Park.
His hands rested in his pockets, his head tilted slightly down as his wearing dark glasses
As Crystal approached, he spoke "Ten minutes for this?"
His eyes flicked toward the small bottle in Crystal's hand.
She smiled faintly "I found some interesting guys in there, We talked a little, names, introductions That's why." She slipped into the passenger seat.
Gun gave a single nod, but as he pushed himself upright from the car, his gaze drifted back toward the convenience store His expression didn't change, but his tone calm.
"Oh?" he murmured, lips curving faintly. "Minsoo Ji-Seop."
From inside the car, Crystal glanced up at him in surprise "You know him?"
Gun smiled, a grin "Yes, Someone powerful enough to catch the Chairman's interest, Especially his little brother, Sun-ho." his jaw tightened, as if remembering the clash he once had with Sun-ho, The memory made him grin wider.
Inside the convenience store, Minsoo had just stepped out behind Crystal, carrying a bag of drinks His eyes landed immediately on the suited figure by the car.
Gun.
Their gazes locked across the parking lot.
Gun tilted his head slightly, the corner of his mouth curving into a knowing smile.
Minsoo's lips tugged upward too, a quiet acknowledgment, his expression steady.