048. Mysticism #1
Nickname: Mysticism. Real name: Shin So-mang. Her first meeting with Kang Geon dated back about two years, to when she was still in high school.
At the time, Shin So-mang was a student who exuded striking beauty and a unique presence. With a touch of exaggeration, she possessed heavenly looks that captivated everyone regardless of age or gender. Getting hit on wherever she went was routine, and street casting offers came frequently. Aside from her petite stature, her appearance was flawless—a small face and perfect proportions more than compensated for that minor flaw.
Yet despite her stunning looks, Shin So-mang was always trapped in an enigmatic silence. When someone spoke to her, she'd merely nod. Almost no one had heard her voice. She wasn't mute; she simply disliked speaking in front of others. Some students called her rude behind her back, but most were drawn even more to her, enchanted. Her beauty turned that silence into another alluring charm point.
People constantly tried approaching her. But Shin So-mang never allowed anyone close. She kept no one around her, always alone. Solitude was comfortable for her. They say kids showered in love grow up outgoing and extroverted. Shin So-mang shattered that stereotype. Despite being doted on by her parents and everyone around her, she remained introverted and quiet.
And like many beautiful high school girls, she faced risks of getting tangled with bad crowds or straying down the wrong path. But the unusually mature girl rejected all such temptations. She believed that a soiled body dirtied the mind, and a soiled mind dirtied the soul—so she avoided any skinship with the opposite sex entirely.
There were those who claimed to be her friends, but they were really just casual acquaintances who exchanged greetings. Shin So-mang maintained a set distance from everyone except family. She wasn't lonely, though. Her solitude wasn't mere isolation; it was a self-chosen quiet way of life. Deep contemplation and reflection dwelled in her silence, lending her a maturity beyond her peers.
Perhaps because of that lifestyle, she had no real hobbies. She occasionally took interest in something, only to lose it quickly. Then one day, she met a man who sparked her curiosity.
After school. Shin So-mang turned into the alley as usual. That's when she spotted a pack of delinquents huddled like dogs, smoking.
...Pathetic.
She lowered her gaze, trying to pass quietly without making eye contact. That's when it happened.
"Hey, friend."
One delinquent girl, squatting and spitting on the ground, called out to stop her. She spat on Shin So-mang's shoe and waved.
"Hi?"
"......"
Shin So-mang gave a slight nod in silent reply. As she moved to walk away—
"Ha. This fucking bitch is seriously so rude."
The delinquent girl's venomous voice rang out. Frowning, she stood and blocked Shin So-mang's path. The others approached in panic, grabbing her arm.
"What's wrong?"
"No, she just nods when I say hi and tries to leave. Pisses me off."
"So-mang's always been quiet."
"Yeah, you know that. Why pick on her?"
"Just let it go."
The other delinquents chimed in. No one sided with the girl picking the fight. She was pissed—her so-called friends weren't backing her up, instead defending this near-stranger Shin So-mang. It only fueled her irritation. She already disliked the girl; now her pretty face had even her friends on side, which grated even more. Rage twisted her features.
"Hey."
She called out to Shin So-mang again.
"......"
"Not gonna answer?"
"...Why."
"Why? You think I'm a pushover, bitch?"
"No."
"Then why ignore my greeting?"
"I nodded."
"You think that's a proper response? You're not mute—why not speak, you bitch."
"Sorry. If it bothered you, I apologize."
The calm response only stoked the girl's fury. The surrounding delinquents busied themselves looking away. They had no intention of helping Shin So-mang or egging on the aggressor.
Sigh. That bitch is at it again.
Just ignore it.
Better climb the ladder. Wonder if I'll hit the hole this time.
I wanna look good to So-mang... but if I side with her and piss off the group, I might get kicked out. Better stay quiet.
What porn tonight when I get home.
The male delinquents reacted with indifference. The girls split two ways: those secretly wanting to befriend Shin So-mang hoped for a peaceful resolution; those who resented her wanted her put in her place. But none openly sided with the aggressor—they didn't want the hassle and chose to spectate.
A verbal spat ensued between Shin So-mang and the girl. Or rather, it was mostly the girl's one-sided barrage of insults.
"No backing, total loser—why act so cocky? Got any guy friends?"
Then—smack! A sharp sound echoed through the alley. The girl had slapped Shin So-mang's cheek.
Clutching her face, Shin So-mang glared fiercely at her.
"What? Wanna hit back? Go ahead if you can."
The girl snarled.
"......"
Shin So-mang held her silence.
"Don't ignore me—eyes front. Unless you want to get beat all day."
"......"
A sigh nearly escaped Shin So-mang, but she swallowed it. They'd nitpick that too.
"...That enough?"
"Enough? Hell no."
"You hit me, so you're satisfied now. I'm leaving."
"Nah, not yet."
The girl raised her hand high.
"Just ten more."
In that instant, Shin So-mang's eyes widened hugely. The girl mistook it for fear. But it wasn't her—the change came from the man standing behind her.
"You count. I'm bad at math—can't remember how many."
As the girl swung again—
Thud.
Someone grabbed her wrist from behind.
"Friends fighting? Pointless."
All eyes in the alley locked on the voice's owner. The man towered over 190cm. Even the tallest delinquent barely reached his shoulder. His build was beyond normal—broad shoulders, thick arms, shirt straining over honed muscles from years of training.
His name was Kang Geon.
What height...
Athlete?
Fuck. What is that barbarian?
Kang Geon's sheer presence dominated the air. The male delinquents shrank back instinctively.
Whoa, tiny face, perfect proportions...
Bodybuilder?
Looks delicious.
The girls inwardly swooned—all but one.
"Fuck! Hands off!"
The aggressor shrieked in fury. She flailed to shake free, but her feeble strength failed.
"Let go! I said let go! I'll sue for sexual harassment!"
"Huh? No sexual contact—how's this harassment?"
"It is now! I'm a minor—you report harassment, I can get you executed!"
"...Death penalty for grabbing a girl's wrist? Laws changed a lot while I was gone."
Korea hadn't executed anyone in years. The girl was talking nonsense, brainless bluff. Technically, wrist-grabbing could qualify as harassment.
Kang Geon pondered briefly.
Better assault charge than harassment. Power's sealed anyway—won't kill her.
Decision made, he raised his hand.
"Won't use my fist."
"Wh-what? Why hit me now?!"
"You hit her. Fair's fair—one smack."
He pointed at Shin So-mang. The girl eyed his massive hand and quailed. That'd kill. Like getting trucked.
She turned to her boyfriend nearby for help—the local bully boss, rage-machine called Mad Dog, who charged anyone regardless of size if they pissed him off.
But...
"You her boyfriend?"
"Yes, hyungnim."
Before Kang Geon, he was a meek pup. Survival instinct—he sensed this man was an unbeatable powerhouse. Those muscles looked sword-proof.
The guy bowed politely.
"Sorry."
"What're you apologizing for!"
Regardless of her tantrum, he didn't challenge Kang Geon—not if he valued his life. He frowned at his girlfriend. What made her so bold? Think he could win? Not realize she'd get him hit too? Pitiful. He resolved to dump this airhead after today.
"When'd you see me to call hyungnim? Anyway, gonna smack your ex once. Objections? Take it for her."
"Not my girlfriend anymore. Broke up just now. She's nothing to me—hit her as much as you want."
"You crazy fuck!"
With her final scream, Kang Geon's palm slammed her face mercilessly. Her body flew through the air.
Splat!
She hit the ground unconscious, teeth and blood spilling from her mouth. Fortunately, alive.