"Did you have anything to do with the death of my sister?"

Jongin's eyes drifted slowly to the floor, he remained silent for several seconds. When he raised his eyeline back up to meet Kyungsoo's harsh gaze, his eyes were glazed over.

"You probably want to know if I know where anyone else lives currently, right?" He said.

"Jongin, you don't get to avoid that question." Kyungsoo stepped towards him, a hostile tone creeping into his voice.

Jongin stood, towering over Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo took another step forward, unfettered. The determination and anger in his eyes unmatched in Jongin's apathetic expression. Jongin put a hand on Kyungsoo's shoulder and began guiding him to the front door.

"I didn't keep up with many people after high school," He said. "But I've heard stories and I've read articles, so I do know about one person."

"Jongin you can't-" Kyungsoo tried to turn around to look at him but Jongin gave him a final forceful push through the doorway.

"Kim Minseok. He's living on the streets somewhere around here. Find him if you want. But I'm done." Jongin closed the door.

Grey skies, pealing paint, small buildings pressed tightly together, people sitting on the side of the road, distant arguments, these were the sights and sounds that surrounded Kyungsoo as he walked aimlessly. If it had been anyone else, Kyungsoo would've assumed Jongin was trying to waste Kyungsoo's time, but it was Kim Minseok. Child of a murderer, suspected member of a gang, Kim Minseok. Where else could he end up? It was cynical of Kyungsoo to assume so, but he had always seen that, whatever hand life gave you, you could never escape it.

Rain droplets began to hit Kyungsoo's face. Gently, they slid down his skin, wiping away the thoughts that clogged his head. He stopped and raised his head to look up into the clouds. They drifted by, unaware of the world below them, carelessly dropping their rain. But the clouds were kind today, and little rain fell. Still, Kyungsoo lifted his hood to cover his head, the momentary bliss forgotten. He continued on his path.

Ahead of him, two young men drew closer. The taller one nudged the other looking at Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo slowed as they approached him rapidly. He knew what they wanted to do. He also knew they were obviously amateurs and completely unsubtle. The taller one pulled out a knife.

"Empty your pockets." The man raised the knife, shaking slightly.

Kyungsoo gazed at them. They weren't that kind of petty killer, he could tell. He had spent seven years surrounded by petty killers. They were probably just desperate. He almost felt bad for them. Still, he needed what little money he had.

"No," Kyungsoo said, beginning to move past them.

"Hey!" The smaller one put out his hand and stopped Kyungsoo. "Are you some kind of idiot? He's pointing a knife at you!"

"I'll kill you, moron!" The taller one pushed Kyungsoo.

Kyungsoo's hood slipped as he stumbled backwards. The raindrops started to roll down his face again. His mind cleared. He began to realize there was no point in having the money if they killed him. Survival came first. He raised his head to look at them, his hand moving slowly to his pocket. But he stopped. Their expressions had changed.

"Wait... he's-" The shorter one grabbed the other's arm.

Fear spread through their faces. They knew who he was. Pain shot through Kyungsoo's chest. The taller one began pulling the other one away. They didn't say another word. They didn't have to. He was a monster, even to them. Kyungsoo straightened up. The rain pulled away every thought but one. I am hated.

Kyungsoo pulled his hood up once more. The storm of thoughts returned, drowning out the sickening feeling. Someone else approached him.

"Hey," The voice called.

Kyungsoo turned. For a moment Kyungsoo wasn't sure, but as he drew closer his suspicion was confirmed. It was Minseok.

"I know you, don't I?" He smiled. "Do Kyungsoo right? The guy who supposedly killed three of my classmates."

"Y-yeah." Kyungsoo walked slowly towards him. "Minseok?"

"Long time no see," Minseok said. "What brings you to this dump?"

"You, actually."

"Seven years, huh?" Minseok leaned against the "wall" of his "home".

Minseok had led Kyungsoo to a little tent situated between two buildings. It was a pretty nice tent. Kyungsoo was almost certain Minseok had stolen it. They both now sat inches from each other, the rain gently pattering against the cloth above them.

"Yeah," Kyungsoo looked down. "I was honestly lucky to only get that much. Maybe it was because I'm so young."

"Nah, you must've had a pretty good lawyer," Minseok laughed. "I wish I had a good lawyer."

"You went to prison?" Kyungsoo looked at him.

Minseok nodded. "A couple times. Out on parole right now, actually."

Kyungsoo was surprised how casual he sounded about it. But, he supposed, this must've always been Minseok's life.

"It's hard to get a job like that. That's why I'm living in this castle." Minseok patted the tent. "But I guess you would know all about that."

"I haven't really been looking for a job," Kyungsoo admitted. "I'm trying to find the person who killed my friends."

"Oh?" Minseok raised his eyebrows.

"I-I didn't kill them," Kyungsoo tried to explain. "I was-well I-"

"Nah, you don't have to explain," Minseok said. "I believe you."

Kyungsoo stared at him. "Why?"

"You sound like you don't even believe yourself." Minseok laughed. "Look man, I know it's cliché, but you don't have the eyes of a killer."

"I see." Kyungsoo sighed. "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," Minseok said. "So, how can I help?"

"You were there that day, right?" Kyungsoo asked.

"Ah, yeah." Minseok straightened up. "How did you..."

"Could you tell me what happened?"

"I guess. Not sure how much I remember."

Minseok walked around to the back of the school. His stomach was tied in knots. He had to make this quick, he couldn't risk his mother finding out. She would be so disappointed. Two boys were leaning against the wall, talking in hushed tones. They noticed him approaching. They straightened up.

"Minseok, finally!" Jinil said.

"What is this about?" Minseok asked.

"Don't be an idiot," Taejoon said. "The robbery."

"I told you, I don't want to be a part of that." Minseok turned to leave.

"What you want doesn't matter." Jinil grabbed his shoulder. "You're the only one here with any real experience. We need you. Plus, we know about your mom, man."

Minseok shook his hand off. "This isn't going to work with just us. We should get the rest of the guys-"

"No!" Taejoon cut him off. "That would defeat the purpose. We're the new kids, we gotta make them respect us."

"I really don't like this idea." Minseok repeated, desperately hoping they would give up.

"You don't have to like it. You just have to help." Jinil smiled.

"Well-" Minseok was cut off by a loud bang.

They all went silent. They knew what that sound was. They looked up at the building. It had come from somewhere inside.

"Was that-" Jinil didn't finish before two more shots rang out.

"That's gotta be someone lookin' for us!" Taejoon said.

"Minseok, did you tell anyone we were meeting here?" Jinil said.

"What? No!" Minseok stepped back. "We don't have time for that. We need to get out of here!"

"Yeah." Taejoon grabbed his bag, his hands shaking. "Come on, Jinil."

"No." Jinil grabbed Taejoon's arm. "If they really are after us, we gotta fight them."

"What?" Minseok cried. "Are you crazy? They have a gun!"

"Are you scared?" Jinil asked, his tone dead serious.

"Screw it," Taejoon dropped his bag. "We'll prove ourselves by killing whatever idiot decided to shoot their gun in our territory."

"No," Minseok's voice was much calmer this time. "I doubt their after us. Why would they be shooting in there if we're out here? They must be after the principal or something. You know what he's like. It's his problem. It's not worth it."

"Still," Jinil said. "We gotta prove ourselves, right?"

"The robbery is a way better idea!" Minseok said. "We're sticking with that."

Jinil and Taejoon looked at each other. Their fear and pride doing fierce battle within them. Finally, there seemed to be a winner.

"He's right," Jinil said.

"Yeah," Taejoon grabbed his bag again. "Let's go."

"Let's scatter and meet up at the apartment buildings." Jinil turned and took off running.

Taejoon gave a nod to Minseok and ran off in the other direction. Minseok looked up at the building and then took off running himself.

"That's pretty much all I remember," Minseok said.

Kyungsoo's mind was a mess. He struggled to collect his thoughts. There was a silence for a minute.

"There were two other people there?" He asked.

"Yeah but I don't think you need to suspect them," Minseok said. "Like I said, I was with them when the shots happened. Plus, they've, uh, well they got themselves killed."

"So, the only people who can corroborate your story are dead?" Kyungsoo furrowed his brow.

"I guess you could see it that way..." Minseok shifted around slightly.

"Then, you're lying, aren't you?" Kyungsoo said.

"What?"

"I saw you standing at the front of the school as they dragged me out."