The rain drizzled softly over the narrow streets of Minjae's neighborhood, a quiet rhythm that matched the steady tapping of his fingers on the keyboard. In his tiny room, walls plastered with anime posters and shelves stacked with manga, Minjae was worlds away — lost in the glow of his computer screen and the endless stories of heroes and battles he'd never have to fight himself.
Outside, the city breathed its usual noise — distant horns, footsteps, muffled voices — but inside, Minjae's sanctuary was perfect. At seventeen, he was just another otaku, more comfortable with fantasy worlds than the harsh realities beyond his window.
But tonight, something was different.
The low hum of his phone vibrating on the desk cut through the silence. A message from an unknown number: "Pay up by tomorrow or face the consequences."
Minjae frowned, heart skipping. Debts? He thought his mom had it all handled. What was this?
Before he could respond, the lights flickered, and a cold dread settled in the pit of his stomach. This was no ordinary threat. It was the beginning of a storm that would tear his life apart.