GangBorn_Season 2

The next day,Seung Min had finished getting ready. In the kitchen, his aunt was preparing breakfast. The aroma of warm soup filled the room, creating a cozy atmosphere on the chilly morning.

"Seung Min, eat first before you leave," his aunt said, placing a bowl of soup on the table.

"Okay, Auntie. Thank you," Seung Min replied, sitting down and starting to eat heartily.

On the sofa in the living room, two thick jackets were laid out. His grandfather had given them to Seung Min and Lee So Mi the night before. Without thinking twice, Seung Min picked up one of the jackets and put it on. It felt warm, as if the jacket carried his grandfather's warmth with it.

Soon, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs. Dae Hyun and Jin Ho came down, both still looking a bit sleepy.

"It's freezing this morning," Jin Ho grumbled, rubbing his face.

Dae Hyun simply nodded, glancing at Seung Min who was already prepared. "You got ready fast," he muttered.

Not long after, Lee So Mi came downstairs, wearing the other jacket their grandfather had given them. The jackets were matching, making them look like siblings. So Mi zipped hers up to her neck, savoring the warmth it provided.

"Looks good, right?" Seung Min said with a smile, glancing at her.

So Mi nodded, her face lighting up. "It's really warm. Grandpa is so thoughtful."

"Come on, eat breakfast before you go," his aunt called from the dining table.

They all sat down together, enjoying the warm food on the cold morning. The table was filled with light laughter and chatter. Deep down, each of them felt the warmth of their grandfather's thoughtful gesture, making that morning feel a little more special.

At the apartment under the authority of the Lee Joo Hyun family

Yoon Ha Rin opened the apartment door, letting the cool morning air drift inside. She adjusted her backpack when the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention. Moments later, her older brother, Shin Kyung, appeared at the doorway with a faint smile.

"Come on, let's go," Shin Kyung said, gently ruffling her hair.

"Wait a sec, I need to grab my scarf," Ha Rin replied, quickly darting back inside. After wrapping the scarf around her neck, she joined her brother, and they headed toward the nearby bus stop, their steps steady and synchronized.

Meanwhile, in front of the school gate...

Jae Hoon stood casually, leaning against a pole. His eyes occasionally glanced at his phone before scanning the road where more students were starting to arrive. The morning breeze tugged at the hem of his jacket, but he remained in place.

"Why are they taking so long?" he muttered, nudging a small pebble with his foot. He was waiting for Seung Min, Dae Hyun, and Jin Ho, who were nowhere in sight.

Elsewhere in the city...

Jin Seok opened the door of a sleek black car waiting for him outside a luxurious apartment complex. His gaze shifted to his younger stepbrother, Min Joon, already seated in the back with headphones snugly in place.

"Always with your music," Jin Seok remarked as he slid into the seat beside him, giving the driver a nod to depart.

Min Joon didn't respond, eyes closed as the thumping beat of his music filled his world. The car rolled forward, joining the growing bustle of the morning streets.

Unbeknownst to them, invisible threads of fate were quietly drawing all of them closer, weaving their stories into one.

The atmosphere in the classroom was different today—darker, heavier. There were no usual lessons, no casual chatter among the students. Instead, a game had begun—a game no one asked for.

The door creaked open, revealing a figure that wasn't their teacher. The person stepped in with a twisted smile, placing a small device on the teacher's desk.

"Today's lesson is... survival," he said coldly.

The students exchanged anxious glances. Some whispered in confusion, others started to panic. But before anyone could react, the classroom door locked with a loud click that echoed through the room.

This wasn't an ordinary school. Behind its seemingly perfect appearance, the teachers harbored darkness. Many were corrupt, unfit to guide—let alone protect—their students. Some pretended to be oblivious to the horror unfolding, while others were directly involved.

For those trapped inside, there was no way out—only the brutal reality of the game that had already begun.

Inside the classroom, the atmosphere was tense. Seung Min, Jin Ho, Jae Hoon, and Dae Hyun stood at the center, surrounded by classmates either cheering or holding their breath. This time, the battle was between Seung Min and Do Jin—fighting for the coveted Joker rank, a position known for its power in the game.

Do Jin stepped forward, his gaze sharp and piercing. "Don't think I'll hold back," he muttered.

Seung Min clenched his fists. "I don't plan on losing either."

The crowd grew louder as an unofficial whistle blew, marking the start of the battle.

Meanwhile, in another class, Lee So Mi sat restlessly, her fingers gripping the edge of the jacket their grandfather had given her. Beside her, Yoon Ha Rin glanced over, concern etched on her face.

"So Mi... are you okay?" Ha Rin asked gently.

Lee So Mi shook her head slightly. "Seung Min... he's in that fight. I'm worried he'll get hurt."

Ha Rin bit her lower lip, unsure of what to say. They could only hear faint echoes of cheering from other floors, signaling how intense the battles were becoming.

Elsewhere, on the school rooftop, the wind ruffled Min Joon's hair as he sat casually, snacking on chips. His legs swung over the edge of the building, completely unbothered. Nearby, Jin Seok stood with his hands tucked into his jacket pockets, eyes fixed ahead as if waiting for someone.

Soon, the rooftop door creaked open. Shin Kyung appeared, walking forward with steady steps. "The class battles have started," he stated flatly.

Jin Seok nodded without looking at him. "Good. The real game is just beginning."

Min Joon glanced at them while chewing. "Well... let's hope no one down there dies a stupid death."

The wind howled, carrying the thick tension that engulfed the entire school. Today... was no ordinary day.

Cheers and shouts echoed through the classroom, the tension thick in the air as Seung Min and Do Jin faced each other. Both of them were already covered in light bruises, but neither was willing to back down.

From the sidelines, Tae Hwan clenched his fists. "Come on, Do Jin! Don't let him get you that easily!"

Ki Seok added, "Stay focused! You can win this!"

Despite their shouts, Do Jin's breathing grew heavier. His eyes remained locked on Seung Min, who stood calm and calculated.

Not far away, the mysterious man from earlier continued observing the fight, his arms crossed and gaze sharp, analyzing every move.

Then, Seung Min moved.

His stance shifted fluidly into a technique derived from a deadly form of liberal arts combat—a style few even knew existed. Do Jin tried to counter, but Seung Min was already two steps ahead.

With swift precision, Seung Min closed the distance, twisted his body, and delivered a sharp, calculated strike directly to Do Jin's neck.

Thwack!

Do Jin's eyes widened in shock. His body froze for a split second before collapsing to the ground—unconscious.

The classroom fell silent.

Seconds later, murmurs filled the room.

"He… he knocked him out in one hit…" someone whispered.

Tae Hwan rushed to Do Jin's side. "Do Jin! Hey, wake up!"

Ki Seok glared at Seung Min but didn't move forward, fully aware that he'd be next if he tried anything reckless.

Seung Min exhaled slowly, lowering his fists. His gaze swept across the room before landing on the mysterious man still watching.

The man smirked. "Interesting..." he muttered under his breath.

And just like that, Seung Min secured the Joker rank—proving that beneath his calm exterior lay a dangerous force no one should underestimate.

The break bell rang, cutting through the lingering tension in the classroom. Seung Min, Jin Ho, Dae Hyun, and Jae Hoon made their way to the cafeteria, passing groups of students still whispering about the earlier fight. They settled at their usual corner table.

Without wasting time, Seung Min dug into his food with impressive speed, devouring each bite as if he hadn't just been in a fight. His spoon moved fast, ignoring the curious glances from nearby tables.

Soon after, Lee So Mi approached. Her face showed clear worry, though she tried to appear indifferent. Standing beside their table, she eyed Seung Min's aggressive eating.

"Could you at least slow down? No one's going to steal your food," So Mi said with a cool tone, though her concern slipped through.

Across from them, Dae Hyun grinned and nudged her. "Aww, look at that sisterly love. Just admit you care instead of acting all cold!" he teased.

So Mi's cheeks flushed red. "Who cares? I just don't want him passing out from choking, that's all!" she shot back, glancing away to hide her embarrassment.

Suddenly— cough!

Jae Hoon, mid-drink, began to choke. "W-Water... water..." he gasped, pounding his chest.

"You idiot, how do you even choke on water?" Dae Hyun scoffed, handing him a bottle.

On the other side, Jin Ho watched with an amused smile. Occasionally, his gaze drifted toward another table where Yoon Ha Rin sat with her friends. Their eyes met briefly before Jin Ho quickly looked away.

Dae Hyun noticed and grinned mischievously. "Oh? Jin Ho... don't tell me you've got a crush or something?"

Jin Ho shot him a flat look. "You're imagining things," he muttered, though a faint blush betrayed him.

Laughter and teasing filled the cafeteria as they enjoyed their break, but underneath the lighthearted moment, the tension from the school's ongoing fights still lingered.

In a quieter district of the city, far from the school's chaos, stood a grand mansion surrounded by tall iron gates and neatly trimmed hedges. Inside, the air was calm but heavy with an undeniable sense of authority.

In the spacious living room adorned with antique furniture and family portraits, an elderly man sat on a leather armchair. His posture was straight despite his age, his sharp eyes scanning the documents in his hand. He exuded a powerful presence—the kind that commanded respect without needing to speak.

This man was Seung Min and Lee So Mi's grandfather on their father's side—a figure far from ordinary. His influence stretched across the city's most powerful circles. Though most knew him for his business empire, few realized his deeper connections, especially to Seung Min's late mother's prestigious family.

He placed the papers on a polished oak table and leaned back, deep in thought. "Seung Min..." he muttered. Despite his stern exterior, there was a flicker of concern in his eyes.

A butler approached respectfully. "Sir, the preparations are in place for the upcoming event. Shall we proceed as planned?"

The old man nodded slightly. "Yes... but keep a close watch on my grandchildren. Things are stirring at that school, and I don't want them caught in unnecessary trouble."

The butler bowed. "Understood, sir."

Silence returned to the room, save for the faint ticking of an old grandfather clock. The man's gaze shifted to a family portrait on the wall—his son, daughter-in-law, Seung Min, and Lee So Mi smiling years ago. His expression softened momentarily before hardening again.

"No matter what happens... this family's legacy must remain unshaken."

The loud school bell echoed through the halls, signaling the end of the day. Seung Min walked out of the classroom at a leisurely pace, hands tucked into his pockets. Behind him, Lee So Mi, Dae Hyun, Jin Ho, and Jae Hoon followed quietly. The afternoon air was filled with chatter from students scattering in every direction, but their steps remained calm and steady as they headed for the parking lot.

A gentle breeze blew, causing the jackets worn by Seung Min and Lee So Mi to flutter. Dae Hyun's gaze drifted toward the back of Seung Min's jacket, and he suddenly stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened at the sight of the bold lettering on it. Jin Ho and Jae Hoon noticed his reaction and glanced at the jackets as well—both Seung Min and Lee So Mi wore identical ones.

"Hey..." Dae Hyun called out, halting them. "Where did you two get those jackets?"

Jin Ho frowned. "I've seen that symbol before... on the news."

Jae Hoon swallowed hard. "Not just the news... it's the emblem of a major Gangnam gang."

Lee So Mi glanced at Seung Min with concern before speaking, "Grandfather gave them to us... I didn't think it was anything serious."

Seung Min nodded casually. "Yeah, just a memento."

Dae Hyun clicked his tongue. "A memento? Seung Min, that's not just any jacket. The gang that uses that symbol... they're dangerous. Their influence runs deep in Gangnam."

"And last I heard, only core members wear those jackets," Jin Ho added, his voice laced with caution.

Lee So Mi bit her lower lip, clearly uneasy. "I don't understand either... Grandfather just said, 'Someday you'll understand.'"

Seung Min turned halfway, his gaze indifferent. "If you're scared, back off. I don't care about what people say."

Jae Hoon scratched the back of his head. "It's not about being scared... It's about what you might be getting yourselves into."

Their footsteps resumed toward the parking lot. Around them, several students noticed the lettering on the jackets, exchanging whispers. Some glanced at them nervously, while others quickly stepped aside. The Gangnam gang's name was practically an urban legend—known for its ruthlessness and widespread influence.

Still, Seung Min remained unfazed, walking as if none of it mattered. Even though Lee So Mi seemed slightly on edge, she kept pace beside him. Dae Hyun, Jin Ho, and Jae Hoon exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to take the situation lightly or seriously.

Unbeknownst to them, from a distance, someone sat in a black, tinted car observing them closely. A faint smirk appeared on the figure's face.

"So... they're the ones who got those jackets. Things just got more interesting."

From inside the sleek black car, the man's gaze remained fixed on Seung Min and the group as they walked across the parking lot. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel before he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

Ring... ring...

On the school rooftop, Jin Seok's phone buzzed in his pocket. Leaning against the railing, he pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. His lips curled into a half-smile. Without hesitation, he answered, "What is it?"

The man in the car spoke calmly but with an underlying intensity. "You were right. Seung Min and his sister are wearing those jackets."

Jin Seok's expression hardened instantly. "You're sure?"

"I'm staring at them right now. Both of them are walking around like it's no big deal."

Jin Seok clenched his jaw, turning to glance at the horizon. "Tch... What's the old man thinking? Handing over those jackets to kids?"

The man chuckled darkly. "Beats me. But if word gets out that those two are connected to them, things are going to get messy real fast."

"I know." Jin Seok sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Keep an eye on them. I'll handle the rest."

"You got it." The call ended.

Pocketing his phone, Jin Seok muttered under his breath, "Seung Min... what the hell are you getting yourself into?"

Behind him, Min Joon, sitting on a bench and munching on snacks with his headphones around his neck, glanced up. "What's up?"

Jin Seok shook his head. "Nothing you need to worry about."

Min Joon smirked. "If it involves Seung Min, I do need to worry. Things never stay quiet around him."

Jin Seok didn't respond, eyes still fixed on the parking lot below. Seung Min, Lee So Mi, and their friends were getting into their bikes and cars, unaware of the chain reaction their jackets had set off.

"Things are about to get complicated..." Jin Seok muttered.

🎵 "God's Menu" – Stray Kids