Chapter One: Speak and I’ll Kill You
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School.
A single word, enough to quell the restless energy of a dozen bored teenagers. School was, admittedly, a sanctuary. A brief respite from the carefully constructed chaos of my mornings. Getting ready—the ritual of it all—could be…stressful.
I maintained the illusion of normalcy. Average grades, amicable acquaintances. It was all a facade, meticulously crafted to conceal the truth. I’d grown accustomed to the routine, the predictable rhythm of deception.
It always unfolded the same way.
Wake, endure the predawn run, slip into the uniform, navigate the school commute—avoiding, or at least appearing to avoid, the inevitable “mafia” encounter—and finally, endure the hours until dismissal. Though, truthfully, my day truly began *after* the final bell.
Jung Seo-Yun
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“Good morning, Mother.” The rasp in my voice echoed in the chill of the room.
She nodded, eyes glued to the newspaper. “The mafia has abducted another teenager. Fifth one in two weeks. Be vigilant.” I nodded, bowing my head slightly. She swept her long, black hair back, tucking it behind her ear.
“I will.” I smiled. She turned, adjusting her deep blue glasses, fixing me with a gaze. Her grey eyes were darker than usual, but I dismissed it as fatigue. My lips curved into a smirk.
The mafia again, then?
I moved to the kitchen, retrieving a slice of toast still warm from the toaster. I nibbled slowly, then returned to my room to gather my necessities.
‘Pencil case’ Check.
‘Binders’ Check.
‘Knives’ Check.
‘Pepper spray’ Check.
‘Calculator’ Check.
‘Phone’ Check.
Everything accounted for.
“I’ll see you tonight, Mother. I have…homework to complete.” I uttered, stepping through the heavy wooden door. I walked several streets before reaching school. I heard the murmur of students, their laughter. A comment pierced through the noise.
“Did you see the news!”
“Yeah! About PD fighting the mafia! It was insane. She’s so cool. I’d die to be her friend!” The girl squealed.
I smirked, turning towards them. They glanced at me, confused, then returned to their fantasies. They wanted *me* to be their friend.
I entered the locker room, stowing my bag, retrieving my books. History. I dragged myself to class. Time seemed to crawl. I learned the abducted teenager attended this school. The class dissolved into a discussion of the mafia, abandoning the topic of wartime atrocities.
“Why isn’t PD doing anything!”
That caught my attention. “Why isn’t she?” I asked, hiding my smirk. “She probably exhausted after battling the mafia a few days ago.” I nodded aggressively. “Yes, yes, she must be tired. It’s not every day someone challenges the mafia.” I smiled. The others seemed to agree.
“Class, let’s not stray—” The teacher began, but the principal interrupted. We stood, greeted him.
“I have urgent news. Another teenager abducted by the mafia. I urge everyone not to walk home alone. Travel in groups. We cannot afford another loss.” He glanced at me, his expression unreadable.
“Ms. Jung, would you please reiterate my warning?” I smiled, repeating his words verbatim. His lips tightened. He sighed. “Good. Thank you. Please, continue the lesson.”
“So, as I was saying, the essay—” My mind drifted. It was a habit. Blanking out. The sensation of *nothing*. I smiled, running a hand through my hair.
The bell rang.
A chorus of sighs. “Hey Seo-Yun, want to walk to our next class together?” A classmate asked. “Sure,” I replied, offering a practiced smile.
The rest of the day flowed on. Identical, monotonous. School lacked excitement. The final bell rang. Before I could leave, an announcement halted everyone. “Reminder: walk home with someone. Be safe.” The principal’s voice was cold, almost threatening.
Of course, I, in my rebellious fashion, chose the cliché shortcut: an alleyway. But my intent wasn’t to play the damsel. It wasn't to *be* rescued.
It was to find the bloody scum we call the mafia. --------------------------