The streets felt colder tonight. Minjae walked quickly, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, head down as the weight of the debt message crushed his chest like a vice.
He had spent the whole day avoiding his friends, dodging Hyunwoo's calls and ignoring Jisoo's lazy texts. He couldn't face them — not like this. Not when he had no answers. Not when his peaceful life was about to implode.
He reached the convenience store where his mother worked late shifts. The flickering neon sign buzzed softly overhead. He stood outside, unsure if he could even look her in the eyes tonight.
But he didn't have a choice.
Pushing open the door, the familiar chime rang out. His mother, tired but smiling, looked up from behind the counter. "Minjae? What are you doing here this late?"
Minjae hesitated, the words catching in his throat."I… I just wanted to walk you home."
His mother's face softened, brushing her bangs back. "That's sweet. But you should be home studying, not wandering around like some street punk."
Minjae forced a laugh. If only she knew how far he'd already stepped into that world.
As they walked home together, the silence stretched awkwardly between them. His mother hummed a quiet tune, a habit from his childhood, while Minjae stared at the ground, his heart pounding like it was ready to explode.
Then, out of nowhere, two men stepped out from a side alley, blocking their path.
Minjae instantly recognized the snake-like smirk of the debt collector from yesterday.
"Well, well, look who's here," the man sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Did you bring the money, kid?"
Minjae's mouth went dry. "I-I don't have it yet. Please… I just need more time."
The collector's eyes darkened. "I gave you time. This is your last chance."
Minjae's mother, confused, stepped between them. "What's going on? Who are you?"
The man chuckled. "Your sweet little son here owes money to the wrong people. Big money. The kind that doesn't go away with 'please'."
Her expression shattered in an instant. "Minjae… is this true?"
Tears welled up in Minjae's eyes as he dropped to his knees. "I'm sorry… I thought I could fix it. I didn't know it would get this bad…"
His mother clenched her fists, turning back to the collector. "I'll handle this. Please, give us some time."
But the man wasn't interested. He motioned for his thug to grab Minjae.
Without thinking, his mother shoved the thug away."Touch my son, and I'll never let you sleep easy in this city again."
The collector laughed at her bravery. "You've got guts, lady. Shame guts don't pay debts."
Everything happened too fast.
The thug swung a metal pipe — aiming for Minjae.His mother shoved him aside — taking the full hit to her ribs.
Minjae screamed, scrambling to catch her as she collapsed in his arms.
The collectors, startled by the noise and worried about police, quickly retreated into the shadows.
"Mom? MOM! Stay with me!" Minjae's voice cracked, panic rising in his throat.
She coughed, her breaths shallow. "Minjae… I'm sorry I dragged you into this…"
"No—No! I did this! I—I'll fix it! I promise, just don't—"
Her hand gently touched his cheek. "You always… got lost in those stories. Promise me… you'll write your own."
Her hand slipped away, and the light in her eyes dimmed.
Minjae's world shattered.
His manga. His games. His safe, quiet life. All of it — gone in an instant.
Rain poured harder as he screamed into the empty street, clutching her lifeless body.
There was no reset button.No save point.
Just him… and the fight that was now his to finish.