The cold wind hit Jin's face as he watched the city from the rooftop of the school. Lunch break was almost over, but neither of them seemed in a hurry. Leon sat on the ledge, fiddling with his phone while Jin took a deep breath, feeling the lightness of the wind contrast with the weight of everything he had to handle.
"We're taking over this place too fast," Leon commented, without taking his eyes off the screen.
Jin gave a slight smile, one of those side smirks, loaded with arrogance and calm.
"This is just the first step. This school will be mine before the semester's over."
Leon put his phone away.
"And after that?"
Jin looked ahead, his eyes sharp.
"After that… I'll take the rest. Cities, gangs — anyone in the way is going down."
The bell rang, announcing the end of break.
"Let's go," Jin said.
The two headed down as if nothing had happened.
---
After school, Jin went straight home. As usual, his mother greeted him at the door, but this time without scolding or lectures. Just a tired look and a slight smile.
"Dinner's ready, son."
He just nodded and sat down to eat in silence. The food was good, but in Jin's head, only images of fights, training, and blood flashed. His mother had long since stopped trying to pull him off that path.
After dinner, Jin went up to his room. He took off his shirt and stood in front of the mirror, checking his reflection. The result of his insane training with Seo Mira was clear as day.
9% body fat. His abs were shredded, arms veiny, and his face chiseled. Even his gaze looked colder.
"My face looks pretty damn good now that it's this defined…" he muttered with a smirk.
But he wasn't stopping there.
He laid on the floor, grabbed a 3kg weight, and placed it on his back. Started a plank. One minute. Two. Three… Six full minutes, sweating but refusing to drop.
Next, he pumped out 150 squats, feeling his legs burn, but enjoying the pain. It was the price to reach the top.
Sitting on his bed after the workout, Jin thought:
"This first year's full of trash. No one here can touch me. It's time to aim higher."
He showered and went to bed, sleeping like a rock.
---
The next morning, Jin woke up early as always. Got ready and left the house, finding Leon on the way.
"Busy day, boss?" Leon asked.
"We're taking the second year today," Jin answered flatly.
"About time."
Once at school, Jin and Leon went straight to the main building.
"Go get Baek Doo-Hwan," Jin ordered.
Baek was a monster, ugly-faced and broad-shouldered. He'd gotten wrecked by Leon weeks ago when Jin sent him to test Leon. Since then, he'd been keeping low but still held a grudge.
Leon went to get him, and minutes later, Baek showed up, scowling.
"What the hell do you want?" he growled, though he knew he had no standing here.
Jin crossed his arms.
"I've got a plan. We're taking over the second year. Once they're ours, we go for the third. This whole school will be my territory. Anyone who doesn't fall in line gets crushed."
Baek clenched his fists but remembered the humiliating beating from Leon. He swallowed his pride.
"And… if I agree?"
Jin smirked.
"You'll lead the second year under my orders. Step outta line, and you get wrecked again."
Baek took a deep breath, hesitated… then caved.
"I'm in."
Leon cracked his knuckles, satisfied.
"Smart choice, big guy."
Jin took a step forward.
"During break, gather the second-year leaders at the court. I want to see every one of their faces."
Baek nodded and left.
Leon laughed.
"This is gonna be fun, boss."
Jin stared ahead, eyes like blades.
"This… is just th
e beginning."
To be continued…