Reality Quest: Lookism

Jin walked calmly through the dark streets, his polished shoes clicking against the pavement. The tailored suit he had purchased weeks ago now hugged his frame perfectly, emphasizing his defined physique and mature aura. His tranquil expression, paired with the effortless grace of his steps, made heads turn. It wasn't just the clothes, it was Jin himself.

Ahead, Yu stood leaning against a lamppost, his ever-present disinterested look plastered across his face. But as soon as Jin drew closer, Yu turned his head slightly, his sharp coal-black eyes noticing him immediately. Jin smiled faintly, reaching out to ruffle Yu's jet-black hair.

Yu frowned, stepping back as if the touch burned him. "Weirdo." he muttered. "Who just touches another guy's hair?"

Jin's smile twitched at the edges before his face returned to its usual calm demeanor. "You're still the same, huh?" he said, brushing past the comment. Without wasting time, Jin turned serious, his sharp gaze settling on Yu.

"Listen, tonight, we're going to take down Bongcheon-dong." Jin began, his voice low but commanding. "We're going to dismantle them completely and take every last won they have."

Yu tilted his head slightly. "And what's my job?" he asked, his monotone voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

Jin's gaze didn't waver. "Your job is to open your eyes, watch everything, and learn as much as you can from the fights. I want you to observe not just the techniques but how to move, how to think in a fight." He paused before adding, "And... you're our trump card."

Yu raised an eyebrow at that. "Trump card? What do you mean?"

Jin folded his arms and looked into the distance, his sharp features illuminated faintly by the dim streetlights. "There's a chance someone strong will show up tonight." he explained. "Someone I can't beat, not without using everything I have."

Yu stared at him blankly. "Then why not just use everything?"

Jin's thoughts wandered briefly. 'Well, if I don't use the unclaimed stats, I might not win. But those are for emergencies, and this isn't one yet. Not unless things go completely sideways.'

He shook his head and looked back at Yu. "Because it's not just about winning. It's about understanding your limits and surpassing them at the right moment. So, for now, I'll handle it."

Yu nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with the answer. Jin stepped closer and placed a hand on Yu's shoulder. "But if things go wrong, that's where you come in. Be ready."

Yu's dark eyes stayed locked on Jin's as he gave a small nod of agreement.

Taking a step back, Jin loosened his coat and straightened his stance. "But before that." he said, his voice lighter, "you need to know the basics. You have the eyes, Yu, but you need to use them properly."

Yu's gaze remained fixed as Jin began to explain, demonstrating each move with precision. He showed him proper stances, how to balance his weight, and the mechanics of punches and kicks.

His movements were deliberate, sharp, and fluid, leaving no room for wasted effort. "When you fight, it's not about flashy moves." Jin explained. "It's about efficiency. Strike where it matters, joints, kneecaps, collarbones. Don't go for the throat unless it's life or death."

Yu nodded silently, absorbing every word. "And breathe." Jin added firmly. "Control your breathing. It's as important as the strikes themselves."

As the lesson continued, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them. Jin glanced over his shoulder and saw Dowan arriving, and to his not surprise, Kang Se-hoon was with him.

Dowan walked with his usual energy, while Se-hoon trailed slightly behind, his expression a mix of wariness and determination. Jin turned fully to face them, his calm expression betraying no emotion.

"Se-hoon." Jin greeted.

Se-hoon squared his shoulders, trying to appear confident, but his eyes betrayed his unease as they darted over Jin's form. It was impossible not to notice the changes. Jin's presence was heavier now, his body taller and more defined, exuding strength. Even his gaze felt sharper, more commanding.

Jin offered a faint smile and stepped forward, placing a hand on Se-hoon's shoulder. "Thank you for your help." he said, his tone genuine.

Se-hoon blinked, taken aback by the unexpected maturity in Jin's demeanor. He nodded absentmindedly, still processing the words. Meanwhile, Dowan stood to the side, his mouth slightly open as he stared at Jin.

"What the hell happened to you?" Dowan blurted out, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

Jin turned to him with a faint smile. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you're taller, your face looks different, and you carry yourself like some kind of boss now!" Dowan said, motioning toward Jin as if to emphasize his point.

Jin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Dowan, we're teenagers who can cause shockwaves with our strikes. Is growing a little taller really that surprising?"

Dowan frowned, looking down at himself, and Jin added, "Besides, you've grown taller too, and you're more muscular now."

Dowan blinked, glancing at his arms and legs as if noticing the changes for the first time. "I guess... I have." he muttered, almost to himself.

Jin's expression shifted back to seriousness as he turned, his coat fluttering slightly in the breeze. His calm voice carried an undeniable weight as he began walking toward the construction site.

"Let's conquer." he said simply.

Dowan, Yu, and Se-hoon exchanged glances before following behind him without hesitation.

....

Jin's parents sat in their modest yet cozy living room. The warm light of a standing lamp bathed the space in a soft glow, highlighting the neatly arranged furniture and family photos lining the walls.

At the dining table, Jin's father adjusted his glasses and leaned over a stack of paperwork, his pen gliding smoothly over the documents. His brow furrowed slightly as he reviewed each line with care, pausing now and then to sip from the mug of coffee beside him.

Across the room, Jin's mother sat curled up on the couch with a book in her hands. She turned each page slowly, her eyes scanning the words with quiet focus. Every so often, she adjusted the blanket draped over her legs, savoring the tranquility of the evening.

After a while, Jin's father set his pen down and leaned back in his chair. He let out a thoughtful hum, his gaze drifting toward his wife.

"I'm worried about Jin." he said, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable weight. "What kind of father just sits back and accepts that his son is out there fighting some criminal organization?"

Jin's mother lowered her book, her expression softening as she looked at him. She placed a finger between the pages to mark her spot before closing the cover with a quiet sigh.

"I'm worried too." she admitted, her tone reflective. "But… I chose to trust him. The way he spoke, the way he carried himself, it wasn't a fluke. He's not the same boy we knew before."

Her husband nodded slowly, his gaze dropping to the table. "I know." he murmured. "It's just... hard not to think about the risks he's taking. No parent wants to imagine their child in danger."

Before either could say more, a sudden knock echoed from the front door, sharp and deliberate.

Both of them froze, their eyes meeting briefly. The house, previously filled with quiet comfort, now seemed unnervingly still.

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1224 words.

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