"Those punks are going to regret this."
A loud commotion reverberated through the empty factory that morning.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Bang Tae-gyu kicked three students who were kneeling before him, knocking them down one by one.
"Did I or did I not tell you to bring 200,000 won each?"
"Ugh…."
"What? Are you dumb? Do my words make no sense to you?"
"Wait, just… ugh!"
His soccer kick landed squarely on the student's philtrum.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The students groaned, curling up like turtles as the beating continued.
"Stop it? Stop it? Lift your heads."
The bullies watching from behind erupted in laughter at the sight of Bang Tae-gyu physically tormenting the students, grabbing their hair and slapping them.
Yet, despite the bravado, he was internally anxious.
He was intimidated by Bang Tae-gyu's ferocity.
'Typical of Bang Tae-gyu. He shows no mercy, even to loners.'
'Even seniors from other schools only dare to talk nonsense around him.'
'No matter what happens, I can't provoke Tae-gyu.'
Standing at 185 cm, Bang Tae-gyu was notably large for a second-year middle school student.
Naturally, he towered over his peers.
He was also known for his fighting skills, earning a notorious reputation among bullies.
"Shit, I was planning to buy a motorcycle today, but you idiots haven't helped me out since this morning."
Bang Tae-gyu grumbled, glancing back at the bullies who had been watching him.
"Hey, any of you got some cash?"
"Huh? Uh, us?"
"I can promise to pay you back next month."
The embarrassed bullies scratched the back of their heads, looking sheepish.
"Uh, sorry. I only get a little pocket money from home… sometimes."
"Me too. I don't have enough saved up for cigarettes. Hahaha…."
Desperately trying to avoid angering him, they could see that Bang Tae-gyu's expression was already turning sour.
"You useless brats. I guess it's time to beat the lot of you."
"Huh?"
"What did you just say to us?"
"Yeah, you punks. If you can't even lend me money, what makes you any better than these pathetic losers here?"
Bang Tae-gyu's anger was genuine.
Realizing this, the bullies lowered their heads and began to apologize.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help…."
"I'll try to save up some money so I can buy a motorcycle…."
"Yeah, damn it. When are you planning to buy it for me with what little you have?"
Bang Tae-gyu, always irritable, kicked the fallen students one last time.
Thud! Thud!
"This is all their fault!"
Thud! Thud!
"If these kids had just brought their money on time, damn it!"
Only when the students appeared utterly exhausted and could no longer whimper did Bang Tae-gyu finally cease his assault.
"Hey, you worthless punks. Phew!"
Bang Tae-gyu spat and pointed at the bullies.
One of them hastily produced a cigarette and handed it to him.
"Heh…."
As Bang Tae-gyu puffed on the cigarette, creating a relaxed atmosphere, he turned back to the bullies.
"Hey, how can we make money?"
"Huh? Where can we get some cash?"
"Alright. Is there a way?"
"Hmm…."
"Well…."
The bullies stroked their chins, pondering as if it were their own dilemma.
If they failed to come up with some money, they might end up in hot water themselves.
"What about opening a convenience store?"
"Then you'd be going to jail."
"Or robbing money from homeless people begging near the station?"
"Yeah, how much do you think a homeless person makes?"
"Then how about mugging other students on the street?"
"Now that sounds practical."
"But where are we going to find students out here? They're probably all stuck at home on vacation."
"If you look around PC cafes or karaoke rooms, you might find some."
"It's tough these days because of all the CCTVs."
"Then we just have to cover our faces well while we work."
As they were plotting their next crime without a care in the world…
"Oh, by the way, Tae-gyu."
One of the bullies nudged Bang Tae-gyu.
"Why not give that kid a call?"
"Who?"
"That shuttle from your class."
"Oh, you mean that loser Ryu Won?"
A bitter smile crept onto Bang Tae-gyu's face.
"I'm planning to call him today anyway. I need to teach him a little lesson to ring in the new year."
"And what if he doesn't come when you call?"
"Don't sweat it. I know where that kid hangs out."
"I guess I can squeeze some money out of him then."
"Exactly. That'll work."
While the bullies agreed, Bang Tae-gyu shook his head.
"That kid's a beggar. He claims to be so broke that he only eats ramen when he gets home."
"Huh? Really?"
"You think I'd tell lies?"
"Ah… sorry."
"But how poor do you have to be to only eat ramen?"
"Right. If anyone can afford to live in Seoul, they must have some cash."
When questioned by his friends, Bang Tae-gyu shrugged.
"I have no idea. But he must really be struggling if he didn't bring home a single won after I gave him a beatdown. He lives in some rundown building."
"Oh, really?"
"But it's a little suspicious. How can he possibly live like that and still go to school in Seoul? His parents must be crazy."
"That kid doesn't have a mom or dad. I heard they died in a car accident, so he lives with his older brother."
While some felt a twinge of sympathy, the bullies merely laughed.
"Man, what a sad life. No parents. Heh heh heh."
"That's why he's a beggar. Pathetic."
With laughter came rumors and conspiracies.
"Tae-gyu. When I saw him, he didn't seem like a beggar."
"I think so too. He must have inherited something; there's no way he claims to be broke."
"They say that these days, kids without parents often do better because they get welfare so quickly."
"Exactly. I think he was just trying to avoid getting ripped off."
"Maybe afterward, he's going out for a fancy steak dinner?"
Bang Tae-gyu's expression flickered between anger and disbelief at such claims.
"You little punks, how dare you tease me? I need to call him now and wipe that smirk off his face…"
But Bang Tae-gyu suddenly paused, his eyes narrowing.
"What's wrong, Tae-gyu?"
"Wait. Do you hear that?"
The bullies listened carefully to his words.
Thud thud—
Footsteps echoed in the quiet abandoned factory.
Not just one set but multiple.
Before long, two figures appeared before the bullies.
One was someone Bang Tae-gyu instantly recognized.
"Huh? You...?"
Ryu Won had been the center of their conversation just a moment ago.
Sighing deeply, Bang Tae-gyu relaxed, feeling his previous anxiety dissipate.
"Looks like a tiger came to me... wait, no, is that a tiger?"
Upon seeing him curse, Ryu Won's face instantly paled with fear.
While a part of him felt satisfaction at that sight, he couldn't shake off the unease from the man standing beside him.
'Who's that kid? That little brat looks infuriating.'
Bang Tae-gyu nodded, his expression sour.
"Who's that kid next to you? Is he the new loser you brought with you since you thought I might get bored?"
"Hey, this is…"
Before Ryu Won could respond, Ryu Min stepped forward.
"I'm Won-i hyung."
"Brother?"
A derisive chuckle escaped Bang Tae-gyu's lips.
"I warned you before—keep your mouth shut if you don't want to get caught. But you had to tell your brother this time, even giving him directions to my hideout?"
"Oh no! I didn't say anything…"
"You little brat. Today's your loss, both you and your brother."
Bang Tae-gyu's piercing gaze locked onto Ryu Min.
Although Ryu Min maintained an expression of indifference, Bang Tae-gyu could sense him flinch slightly.
'Hehe, you dimwit. Why are you scared of this?'
He thought the boy might be slightly upset due to his expression, but clearly, it was different.
'No, it's too soon to judge.'
Bang Tae-gyu glanced behind Ryu Min, searching for others.
No further footsteps echoed, almost confirming that it was just the two of them.
'You must have some idea of my reputation, yet you both came here? Really?'
Bang Tae-gyu had faced numerous opponents in his time as a bully.
Among them, there had been smaller fighters like Ryu Min.
'It's foolish to underestimate your opponent because of their size.'
It was essential to gauge their capabilities.
Bang Tae-gyu signaled to his friends, who nodded and stepped forward.
"Wow, things have really changed. We've got a loser talking back to Tae-gyu."
"Is your brother a good fighter? If you're so confident, why not have a go at it with us?"
The three bullies neared, grins spreading across their faces, but Ryu Min showed no sign of fear.
'This kid's got some guts to come this far. Let's see how capable he really is…'
The distance between the bullies and Ryu Min was now close enough for them to reach out and touch him.
'A fight between two would definitely be entertaining.'
Just when Bang Tae-gyu was preparing to enjoy the spectacle, something unexpected occurred.
Bam!
The first attack came boldly from Ryu Won's side.
"Ugh, that bastard!"
One of the bullies swung a fist that connected with Ryu Won's face.
Swish! Swish!
Ryu Min nimbly dodged the incoming attacks before striking back with a punch to the jaw.
Suddenly—
One of them collapsed, helplessly.
The remaining bullies, angered, rushed in.
"You bastard!"
But they were no match for Ryu Min's skill.
Bam! Bam!
One by one, the bullies fell as Ryu Min relentlessly landed kicks, breaking their front teeth in the process.
"Ugh…."
"Ahhh!"
It didn't take long for all three of them to hit the ground.
Bang Tae-gyu's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
'That kid…'
He had wondered how someone of Ryu Min's size could fight, and now he was calculating his odds.
'He's just a beginner.'
While it was evident he had some training, it didn't appear substantial.
'You think you can take me on with those pathetic skills?'
To Bang Tae-gyu, who was well-versed in real fighting, Ryu Min's abilities seemed like child's play.
"Hey, Won-i hyung. Where did you learn to box like this?"
Bang Tae-gyu stepped forward, passing by the fallen bullies.
"Haven't you learned how significant the weight difference is in boxing?"
"…"
As Bang Tae-gyu loomed over him, Ryu Min looked up.
Bang Tae-gyu was 185 cm tall with a stocky build.
Ryu Min, standing at only 165 cm, was thin and undersized.
Even a casual observer would easily predict the outcome without a fight.
But surprisingly, Ryu Min didn't show signs of intimidation.
"I guess you haven't heard the news?"
"What news?"
"Tsk."
As Ryu Min clicked his tongue in disappointment, a vein bulged in Bang Tae-gyu's forehead.
"What news, you punk!"
Fuelled by rage, Bang Tae-gyu threw a punch.
Most people would be knocked back by such a hit.
Whoosh—
Ryu Min smoothly evaded the attack.
Angered, Bang Tae-gyu threw another, only for it to miss as well.
The third, fourth, and fifth punches all failed to connect.
His strategy to dominate the fight was backfiring dramatically.
"This little flying squirrel!"
Bang Tae-gyu, now irritated, unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks.
He figured he could land at least one strike, but that was a clear underestimation.
"If you'd seen the news, you wouldn't be attacking me, a player."
While effortlessly evading Bang Tae-gyu's strikes, Ryu Min counterattacked.
Bam!
"Ugh!"
Connecting solidly with Bang Tae-gyu's face.
However, he found it challenging to take Bang Tae-gyu down; the bully had considerable stamina.
"You little shit! Where did that little mosquito bite you? That's just a tickle…."
Bam!
As he spoke, Ryu Min landed yet another punch.
"My nose is cold."
"Kill him!"
With fists swinging with lethal intent, Bang Tae-gyu continued to miss.
Bam! Bam!
As more damage accumulated on his face, he lost the ability to even respond anymore.
"Kwaaah!"
His vision started to blur due to blind rage.
Bam! Bam!
Despite the relentless onslaught, Ryu Min kept targeting Bang Tae-gyu's face.
No matter how weak he was, he couldn't escape the consequences of repeated blows to his face.
As evidence, Bang Tae-gyu's nose was now flattened and lips bruised and bleeding.
Since Ryu Min was consistently the one attacking, there wasn't even a need to consider weight class differences.
'Damn it, if I can just land one solid hit…!'
Even as he was pummeled, Bang Tae-gyu refused to give up. His pride wouldn't allow it.
"This is no time for pride."
Ryu Min's fist connected with Bang Tae-gyu's face again.
'I got hit again—dammit!'
He couldn't count how many times he had been struck.
At this point, he could barely feel any pain on his face.
His earlier movements had been so simple that they were almost deceptive.
Bang Tae-gyu's hook came swinging in fast.
When he missed, Ryu Min quickly closed the gap and landed a punch to his jaw.
"Ugh…."
For a brief moment, Bang Tae-gyu felt dizzy and saw the punch veering in once more.
He hated to acknowledge it, but it was clear that simply attacking wouldn't be the solution.
Instinctively, he raised his hands to defend himself.
Clang—
Unexpectedly, instead of deflecting the attack, his fingers were caught.
Thud!
"Kwaaaaak!"
Bang Tae-gyu screamed as his fingers twisted painfully.
But as he bent down instinctively, Ryu Min's knee struck him in the face.
"Cough!"
"Hey."
In an icy voice, Ryu Min spoke again.
"Do you know what will happen if you touch my little brother?"
"Khuhuh… Khuhuh…."
"Aren't you going to respond?"
"Oh, okay. Okay, I won't touch him."
At that moment, Bang Tae-gyu, tears and snot mingling on his face, nodded slowly.
Clang—
Ryu Min seized one of Bang Tae-gyu's arms, as if determined not to stop there.
"What are you planning to do…?"
"I need to make sure, in case you change your mind later."
"Please, don't do that! Don't!"
Against Bang Tae-gyu's desperate pleas,
Poke!
"AAAAAHHHH!"
Ryu Min twisted Bang Tae-gyu's arm in an agonizing manner.
"Just try to get revenge or tell the police. I swear I will hunt you down and break your other arm."
"Khuhhhhh… okay… uh."
Thus, fear was firmly etched into Bang Tae-gyu's mind for the first time.