"I heard you wanted to become stronger?" The voice came.
It cut through the table's conversation three of them look up.
Hyunjin stood there, Thin, almost fragile-looking.
The kind of guy who looked like a strong gust of wind could knock him over, His frame was light, his shoulders narrow.
His face, covered in strip bandages.
He was smiling.
Zack Lee frowned immediately, eyes narrowing as he looked Hyunjin up and down "Who the hell is this guy?"
Hyunjin didn't react, Instead he stepped forward slightly and extended his hand, as if Zack's tone didn't matter at all.
"I'm Hyunjin," he said casually. "Nice to meet you."
There was a brief pause.
Zack didn't move.
Didn't even try to hide the fact that he had no intention of shaking his hand.
But then.
Vasco reached out first.
"I'm Vasco." His grip was strong, but not hostile.
Right after.
Daniel Park followed with a gentle smile, shaking Hyunjin's hand politely "I'm Daniel Park."
Zack clicked his tongue under his breath "Tch."
Now he had no choice, he grabbed Hyunjin's hand
And squeezed hard.
The pressure shot through Hyunjin's fingers instantly.
His already broken fingers screamed under the force.
For a split second, his smile almost faltered "Hey," Hyunjin said lightly, smiling. "Could you ease up a bit?"
"My fingers are broken."
Zack froze "Huh?" His grip loosened immediately.
He looked down at Hyunjin's hand really looked this time.
The slight swelling the bandaging he hadn't noticed before.
"Oh." Guilt flickered across his face.
"I didn't mean to," He scratched the back of his head slightly, looking away "Sorry."
Hyunjin pulled his hand back slowly "Nah, we good."
Vasco leaned forward slightly, his expression suddenly serious.
"How do I get stronger?"
Hyunjin's eyes shifted to him "Simple."
"Triple your training Or.."
"go back to your master and have him train you."
Vasco's eyes widened a bit "How do you know I have a master?"
Hyunjin didn't even blink, his tone stayed casual "I've heard about you."
Vasco tilted his head slightly "Heard.. about me?"
"Yeah," Hyunjin nodded "Helping people, beating up bad guys."
His smile widened just a bit "I'm kind of a fan."
That was all it took.
Vasco's serious expression broke instantly.
A grin replaced it "Really?!"
"Yeah."
Without hesitation, Vasco stood up and pulled Hyunjin into a hug.
"Then you're a good guy too!" The moment their bodies made contact
Pain exploded through Hyunjin's ribs.
His breath hitched, a involuntary flinch ran through him.
"!"
But, he didn't push him away.
He just endured it, smile still barely holding on.
Nearby, Zack and Daniel Park noticed.
Daniel eyes softened "Why are you injured like that?" he asked "Did something happen?"
Vasco immediately pulled back, looking concerned now.
"Yeah, who did that to you?"
Hyunjin rolled his shoulders slightly, brushing it off like it was nothing "Nothing serious."
"Just some bullies."
"But don't worry." His eyes narrowed just a little.
"I already beat them."
Vasco's expression changed instantly, to anger.
"Who were they?" he asked, his voice firm now "Tell me." His fist clenched.
"I'll deal with them."
Hyunjin shook his head "No need."
"I already put them in the same condition as me."
Zack's eyes narrowed slightly.
Daniel stayed quiet.
And Vasco, just stared.
For a moment, the air around the table felt, different.
Just something like all four of them were quietly measuring each other without saying it out loud.
Conversation started again.
Minutes turned into an hour, An hour turned into two.
Hyunjin was still there, sitting with them.
Talking, listening.
"So," Hyunjin leaned back slightly, resting his arm on the table "Which high school are you two guys from?"
Daniel Park answered "J-High."
Hyunjin blinked "No way." grin spread across his face. "I'm actually joining J-High too." He scratched the back of his head.
"In about a week or two.."
Vasco lit up "Seriously?!" His hand slammed onto the table with excitement.
"That's perfect!" He leaned forward.
"Then we'll get to see each other all the time!"
Hyunjin smiled back "Yeah, looks like it."
The conversation picked up again, this time, a bit more open.
"I'm a Former boxer." Zack Lee said at one point, crossing his arms slightly, there was pride in his voice.
Hyunjin nodded "Really? That's impressive."
Zack smirked faintly "Of course it is."
"I'm the leader of Burn Knuckles." Vasco said it simply.
Hyunjin eyes widened in perfect timing.
Hyunjin let out a laugh, shaking his head "No way, I thought you were a high executive."
Hyunjin nodding "Helping people, taking down bad guys."
"That's rare."
Vasco crossed his arms proudly "That's what we do."
Meanwhile, Daniel Park shared bits about himself simple things, everyday life, school, people.
Nothing flashy.
Time passed again, the café had grown quieter.
Evening settling.
Vasco pulled out his phone "Give me your number."
Hyunjin didn't hesitate, they exchanged contacts quickly.
Vasco even double-checked it, nodding with satisfaction "Now we're officially friends."
Hyunjin glanced at his phone for a second, then slipped it back into his pocket "Yeah."
A faint smile "Friends."
Chairs scraped as they all stood up.
"We should head out." Daniel said gently.
"Yeah." Zack added, stretching his shoulders slightly.
He looked at Hyunjin.
Really looked at him this time.
Zack stepped a little closer "Hey."
Hyunjin met his gaze.
Zack's expression hardened "Get stronger."
"If you're really coming to J-High. "
His eyes sharpened "You're gonna need it to survive there."
Hyunjin didn't respond immediately.
A slow grin spread across his face "Yeah."
His eyes glinted "I figured, and I will."
Zack held his gaze for a second longer, he was surprised to see his will.
Then turned away.
"See you soon!" Vasco said, waving.
"Take care." Daniel added with a small smile.
And just like that, they left.
The café door closed.
Hyunjin stood there alone, his smile slowly disappeared.
"J-High." He muttered the name under his breath.
His hand twitched "Monsters.."
A exhale.
That same grin returned "Good."
He turned toward the exit "I was getting bored anyway."
"Time to rob and.. training."