"So Jin" had come to Japan for business, but his visit was far more than just a corporate trip. As the owner of a high-end restaurant chain specializing in Korean and fusion cuisine, he was in Tokyo to finalize a strategic partnership. His goal was to introduce a fine-dining experience that blended the depth of Korean flavors with the elegance of Japanese culinary artistry.
Over the past few days, he had engaged in negotiations with a renowned Japanese hospitality group, aiming to establish an exclusive restaurant in the heart of Tokyo. His schedule was packed with meetings—discussing prime locations, securing top-tier suppliers, and ensuring access to the best ingredients, from premium Wagyu beef to rare seafood. Yet, despite the high stakes of his business venture, another passion of his called out to him—archery.
After concluding a crucial deal in the afternoon, So Jin decided to take a detour before heading back to his hotel. He had heard about the National Archery Tournament being held in Tokyo, and curiosity led him to the venue. He wasn't there to compete, only to observe. But fate had other plans.
Wandering beyond the main arena, he found himself drawn toward a quieter section of the facility. The rhythmic twang of bowstrings and the sharp impact of arrows striking targets echoed through the air. Unable to resist, he followed the sound and stepped into a spacious training hall.
Inside, five archers were perfecting their shots, their disciplined movements fluid and precise. As he scanned the room, something on the floor caught his attention—a finely crafted yumi bow, its sleek frame radiating elegance and power.
Intrigued, So Jin knelt and ran his fingers over the polished wood, appreciating the craftsmanship. He lifted it slightly, feeling the weight, when a voice, soft yet firm, cut through the silence.
"That's my bow."
He looked up and found himself staring into the eyes of a young woman. She had long, silky black hair tied back neatly, and her sharp yet gentle gaze held a mixture of curiosity and authority. There was something strikingly graceful about her presence.
For a brief moment, silence stretched between them. Their eyes locked, neither of them speaking. Then, realizing how it must have looked, So Jin cleared his throat and straightened up.
"I apologize," he said with a polite bow. "I was just admiring the craftsmanship."
The woman's expression softened. "It's hand-carved, custom-made for me. It takes years to master a yumi."
"You must be quite skilled then," he replied with genuine admiration. "I've always had a fascination with traditional bows."
As they spoke, the other archers in the room started to take notice. One of them, a broad-shouldered trainer with a smug expression, stepped forward, eyeing So Jin up and down.
"You? Fascinated with bows?" The trainer scoffed. "Foreigners like you wouldn't be able to handle a Japanese yumi. It's not the same as whatever you're used to."
A hush fell over the room. The air grew tense. Hikari frowned, but before she could say anything, So Jin let out a soft chuckle.
His gaze sharpened as he took a step forward, exuding an air of quiet dominance.
"Watch it," he said, his voice calm yet unwavering. "I have far more experience in this than anyone here."
The trainer sneered. "Big words. Care to prove it?"
So Jin didn't respond with words. Instead, he reached for the yumi, lifting it with effortless precision. The room fell silent as they watched him test the draw weight, his grip firm and practiced.
Without hesitation, he nocked an arrow and drew the string back in a single, fluid motion. The stillness in the air was almost suffocating.
Then, he released.
The arrow shot forward, striking the target dead center. But that wasn't all. The force of the impact sent it ricocheting off the wooden frame, soaring back over the trainer's head before embedding itself in the back wall with a sharp thunk.
A stunned silence filled the room.
The trainer paled. His mouth opened, then closed, unable to form a single word. The other archers stared at So Jin as if he were something beyond human. Even Hikari, who had been watching closely, felt her heart race.
So Jin handed the yumi back to her with a small, knowing smile.
"Seems like it's not so different after all," he said before turning on his heel and leaving the room.
No one spoke for a long time. Then, finally, one of the archers whispered, "Is that even humanly possible?"
Hikari's grip on her bow tightened as she watched So Jin disappear beyond the door.
Who exactly is he…?
..To be continued..