Yohan glanced at the man's hand wrapped around Remi's waist, exhaled sharply, and decided that maybe jumping straight to violence wasn't the best option.

"Mr. Hatoru," he began evenly, "I understand if you're here for a massage, and I don't like being rude to customers—but you're not allowed to touch my workers without my permission."

Hatoru chuckled. "But the girl isn't complaining…"

Remi stood frozen, trembling where she was. She held her breath, too afraid to even move. It was as if she knew this man was dangerous.

There was no way she could speak in that condition.

Yohan stepped closer. "Sir, I don't think you heard me right. I said there's no touching my girls without my permission."

He reached out, gently took Remi's arm, and guided her away from the old man.

But just as she was about to move to his side, Hatoru's other hand shot out, grabbing her by the arm again.

"Young man," Hatoru said coldly, "don't tell me you don't understand what's going on here."

"Then why don't you explain it, old man," came a voice from behind.

Gunjoo arrived with two of his men flanking him.

At once, Hatoru released Remi. His brows furrowed as his gaze locked onto the newcomer. "You. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my associate," Gunjoo replied lightly, resting a casual hand on Yohan's shoulder.

"Since when did the kid start working for you?" Hatoru asked, his tone sharp.

"He's not working for me," Gunjoo said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "We're more like business partners. So if you've got a problem with him…" His voice dropped, the air growing heavier. "…then you've got a problem with me."

Hatoru gritted his teeth. "Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"

Gunjoo chuckled softly. "Why would I want to go against you? You're a legend in this city." His expression darkened. "I only said you shouldn't bother my associate anymore, unless you want me to show you why legends should stay dead."

The large man standing behind Hatoru grunted and stepped forward, but Hatoru raised a hand, stopping him.

"Gunjoo," he said with a hint of disdain, "I know you've gathered a few men under your wing, but we're not on the same level. The best thing you can do is advise the kid to give up the shop."

With that, he turned sharply and began to walk away, his guard following close behind.

"Seems like I arrived just in time," Gunjoo said.

"Yeah, good timing… Did you bring it?"

"Of course." Gunjoo took a file from one of his men and handed it to Yohan. "Here—these are the papers to the house."

"Thanks. I've already transferred the money," Yohan replied. "And I added a little something extra for your trouble."

"You didn't have to—"

"No," Yohan cut in, "I prefer to pay. That way I don't end up too indebted to you."

Gunjoo chuckled, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He was clearly impressed by the kid's mindset.

"Well, I'll never say no to money," he said, smirking. "You should really get those surveillance cameras installed, though. Hatoru won't stay away for long."

"Yeah, I will," Yohan sighed. He had already called someone about that earlier.

"Do you want me to leave my men here for protection?" Gunjoo offered.

Yohan glanced at the two men behind him—one had a deep scar across his cheek, and the other looked even more menacing. Anyone who saw them loitering around his shop would immediately know they weren't exactly the friendly type.

If people saw these guys hanging around, business would only get harder.

"No, I'll be fine," he said, shaking his head.

'It's not like they're stronger than me,' he thought to himself.

"Okay, see you later," Gunjoo said casually, turning to leave.

As he passed by, he glanced toward the girls. "Hey, missy—nice seeing you again," he said to Mia with a teasing grin.

She was holding Remi close; the poor girl was still trembling from everything that had just happened.

Mia didn't reply. She turned her head away, too afraid to meet Gunjoo's gaze.

"I hope you're not still holding a grudge about last time," he said, stepping a little closer. "It was just business."

She flinched at his approach.

Gunjoo only chuckled, then turned and walked away with his men.

"Let's go inside," Yohan said quietly.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Mia turned to him, her voice rising in panic. "Yohan, just what have you gotten yourself into?!"

"It's fine, Mia," he said, trying to sound calm.

"No, it's not!" she snapped. "I know that old man, my boyfriend used to talk about him a lot. He's one of the biggest gangsters in the city! And that other one, the loan shark… Yohan, these guys are dangerous!"

'You think I don't know that?' Yohan thought bitterly. 'I'd stay the hell away from people like them if I could… but it's not like I have a choice'

"Mia," he said finally, softening his tone, "just don't worry. I'll keep all of you safe."

He turned to Remi. "Remi, are you okay now?"

"Y-yeah," she stammered, "but that old man… he told me that if I wanted to keep my family safe, I had to go with him. I didn't want him to hurt my grandma, so I couldn't do anything."

Her voice cracked as tears spilled down her cheeks. "She's the only family I have left…"

Yohan's jaw tightened, anger flashing in his eyes. "That fucking bastard."

Remi looked up at him through tears. "Yohan… should I have gone with him? Would anything happen to my grandma?"

Yohan stepped forward and pulled her into a tight tight embrace.

"Don't worry, Remi," he said softly. "I promise you, nothing's going to happen to your grandma. He was only trying to scare you."

She sniffled against his chest, her trembling slowly easing.

"O-okay…" she murmured, her voice small but steadier now.

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