I parked my car outside of our house. I crawled out slowly. I made my way inside. Our house was nothing special. It was my safe haven – no, our safe haven. It’s the only place where we can get a little peace and quiet after hearing gunshots and noises. We didn’t have many servants (except for our very loyal Mrs. Kang who placed her life at stake just to serve us) so that we can protect our deep secrets.
I am no ordinary girl. I am aware of that. At the age of six, I saw my father holding a gun. I saw men with tattoos around their arms. My mom told me it was Dad’s hobby. But when I reached the age of ten, I understood everything. I learned the presence of gangs and mafias in South Korea. I began to wonder if Dad was part of these groups.
My parents explained to me about the mafia. At first, I couldn’t really understand why Dad had to form this kind of monkey business. He can build a shop. He can work in an office. Instead of living normally, Dad chose another path. He went on with smuggled cars, weapons and firearms, drugs and loan sharking. Mom died at a mafia war when I was twelve years old. I saw her bleeding. I saw her suffering. I wanted her to live. I wanted her to see me get high marks in school. I wanted her to be with me. I wanted her to give me suggestions on what to wear and which boy I should say ‘yes’ to.
I missed her.
I lost her.
All because of this shitty mafia Dad’s handling.
After my Mom’s death, Dad trained me for self defense. He knew that my life was threatened. He knew it wasn’t safe for me. He promised me he would take good care of me and he would still love Mom and take daily trips to her grave.
I learned to hold guns and kick ass during my teenage years. I always keep a small wallet with sharp daggers inside just in case I get into trouble with other Mafias. But when I reached the age of seventeen, Dad’s promises faded. He didn’t really care anymore. He had a relationship with the Mafia Underboss’s daughter. And I hated Dad for that.
I wish I had a normal life. I wish I could live a life wherein I wouldn’t have to worry about being chased or being threatened. I wish Dad paid attention to me. I wish Mom didn’t die. But these wishes are useless. Nothing can change the current state of my life.
I saw Kai standing by the kitchen, stirring the hot chocolate he just made. He looked at me and called me by my alternate name. “Jin Ri.”
We had alternate names to confuse people about our identities. Mine was Jin Ri whilst Kai’s is Jong In. Kai is my brother. We’re not blood-related. But Dad adopted him and placed his name on the family registry. Dad will give the Mafia to him because he knows I don’t have any interest in continuing the shit he started. Kai is Dad’s right hand. My relationship with Kai is quite okay. We never really argue. We treat each other as great friends and biological siblings. But Kai’s personality is quite complex. I couldn’t understand him completely since he kept some things to himself. He is quite different from other boys. Kai never really killed anyone yet. He fought. He tortured useless people. But he never killed anyone. It was some sort of principle Kai kept. He never really “finished” the job given to him. He still has a light side compared to my merciless father.
I don’t know what will happen to him if he takes over the Mafia. But I know that Kai is a kind man. He forgives people. He was raised in a Christian orphanage. So, it isn’t that easy for him to forget the teachings he learned.
“Where’s Dad?” I ask him.
“He’s with Agent Kwon again. They’re inside the bedroom.” He answered. He knew I never really liked Dad’s new ladylove.
“Again?” I grumbled.
He nodded his head and took a sip of the hot chocolate.
“I’m leaving. Don’t worry; I’ll be back in a while.” I told him. I don’t want to face that bitch again. They never get tired of making love. I don’t know if Agent Kwon really loves my Dad. I doubt it. Their age gap is 13 or 14 years. Dad’s a rich man. Agent Kwon is desperate because she knows how much money Dad has. Plus, Agent Kwon is the daughter of the Mafia Underboss. In case Kai gets killed, the Underboss takes over the mafia. That is why I always pray for Kai’s safety every day. I don’t want Dad’s efforts to be thrown to worthless assholes.
Kai nodded his head once again and watched me walk away. I closed the door behind me and got inside my car. I don’t know where exactly I’m going. I just want to get away from here. I just want to break free. Before I drove away, I texted Victoria where she’s at. Krystal still had an exam. I didn’t mind to bother her. I do hope Victoria is free.
I stepped on the gas.
“…..This is the game of love”
Good girl Victoria Song replies on time. As the headlights went red, I read her message.
You bored? Well then, come to the subway. We’ve got cookies. I’m sure you’ll have fun here.
Okay, that was weird. I guess I’ll have to go then.