Act 7: Tip of An Iceberg

Haemin Law Firm Gwiseon Chapter

Soosanghwa-gu Business District

The next morning, Jae-joon arrived in his office early as usual. Haemin Law Firm in Gwiseon is not as fancy as the main office in Seoul, just an office in one flat of the business building there, between a meager jokbal restaurant and a clock shop. It consists of three-floor: the lower floor for reception, the main office; as well as Jae-joon's room on the second floor, and the head of the branch office with a conference room on the third floor. There are also not many employees here. Aside from Jae-joon, his boss which is dubbed "Lady Boss", and Park Si-yeon; his secretary, there are only 5 other people, plus a janitor. According to Park Si-yeon, this office used to be bigger than this, and house more employees, about 5 teams of lawyers and their staff. But now, Jae-joon is the only team leader here, commanding 2 paralegals and one fixer. It has been like this for 5 years, and the lawyer before Jae-joon deserted his position without even saying a word, leaving so many things scattered everywhere. And it's Jae-joon's first job to sort every mess made by his predecessor.

"Annyeonghaseyo, Gwajangnim," said Si-yeon, welcoming Jae-joon.

"Wow, you came early today," said Jae-joon.

"Yes, since you always come early in the morning, so I have to come earlier."

"That's good. Bear with me, after this mess has been sorted out, we could go a little bit easier."

"Ne, Gwajangnim."

"Any news?"

"Nothing in particular, but Kim Seon-ah Bujangnim wanted to be notified as soon as you arrived in the office."

"Oh, she wanted to speak to me?"

"Big possibility."

"I'll go to her office when she arrived here. Tell her that."

"Ne, Gwajangnim."

"Alright, hwaiting, Si-yeon-a."

"Ne!"

Jae-joon then entered his office room. It's a small and simple room, with one desk for work, two extra chairs, a bookcase, and 4 archive cabinets. Some boxes piled in a corner, full with tons of paperwork, left by his predecessor. Before starting to sort everything out, as he did each time since he's here, he takes a cardboard box, and move two items from the bookcase, the model tank of Crusader III and Sherman Firefly. These models each represent his two daughters: Crusader for Soo-jin, and Firefly for Hyun-jin. He initially wanted to put them in his office, but Lady Boss reprimanded him yesterday Speaking of which...

"I thought I've clearly stated yesterday for you to get rid of those."

Kim Seon-ah, or colloquially called "Lady Boss", has already stood by the door.

"Don't worry, you won't have to see them after today," said Jae-joon.

"Good, I don't want to invite more troubles. We have enough of them already," said Lady Boss.

"I thought I've said to Si-yeon to tell you that I'll be in your room when you came."

"I asked Si-yeon for your whereabout, not for her to make an appointment."

"Well, in that case, please, sit down, Bujangnim, what can I do for you?"

Lady Boss sits on one of the extra chairs, while Jae-joon sits on his desk. She then put a folder and put it in front of Jae-joon.

"What is this?" asked Jae-joon.

"Your first assignment," said Lady Boss.

"I thought cleaning all of this up is my first assignment."

"You haven't finished with that?"

"Too many for a man to handle in a day. And besides who is my predecessor? Who is this Bang Jin-hyuk, that he could leave me with all this mess?"

"He's got his hands full alright. So, anyway, about this assignment..."

"You don't want me to finish this first?"

"You can do finish that anytime you like, Jae-joon ssi, but this one can't wait."

"What's so important?"

"You might want to read what's in the folder."

Jae-joon looked at the files inside the folder before noticing a familiar face.

"Jo Byung-man," said Jae-joon, "isn't he the ahjussi who owns Gennie Bunsik in Mugunghwa?"

"So you do know him," said Lady Boss.

"Had eaten there with my daughters when we first arrive in this city. He told Hyun-jin to be careful when caught her saying 'itadakimasu'."

"For a good reason. The Japanese language is always raising a red flag since it's the language of senshado."

"That bad, huh?"

"Back to Jo Byung-man ssi, I want you to go and talk to him today."

"Is he has a problem?"

"He always has a problem. But he is also one of our long-standing clients. Since Bang Jin-hyuk messed up, we almost lost touch with many of them. I suspect they'll be angry, or at the very least, upset, thinking that we've already forsaken them."

"How many of those long-standing clients do we have actually?"

"Not much, that's why it's important to get them reassured that we're still here for them. Most of them don't have any major issue we must take right away, but Jo Byung-man ssi seems had the old problem coming back on him."

"Old problem?"

"Yes, something he must endure for years, that he needs our assistance. That's why you need to talk to him right away."

"Tell me more about it."

"This matter began a long time ago. He's always being bullied by some local gang. Some clashes happened, till my late husband, the previous head of the Gwiseon branch, persuaded him to stop taking things into his hand. As such, each time he had issues with the bully, we shall go and close things up for him."

"Has he called the police?"

"So many times, but Gwiseon PD doesn't seem to be much of help. This made him grow resentment to the police, so we often have to talk to the police under his name."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I kinda worry. He has a sickly wife, and he'll do anything to protect her. He's a brave soldier in his time, but he's not getting any younger. I fear that the bullying got intensifies and someone might get hurt."

"Why is this matter dragged for so long? I mean what kind of person he has to deal with?"

The Lady Boss hauled her breath, seems reluctant at first.

"The worst kind of people. Gwiseon seems calm on the outside, but turbulent inside. And evil lurks in the darkest corner of the city. Some have been there for decades, with only their puppets works to serve them in the light."

"You're not suggesting that there's some kind of organized crime in Gwiseon, are you?"

"Organized crime is everywhere, Jae-joon ssi, and easy to forget about that grim fact in the city as serene and beautiful like Gwiseon. You'll get a good grasp of it after talking to him, so I suggest you do that as soon as possible, like this morning. You know how busy he is closed to the lunch hour."

"Alright, I will. But, can I ask you about something?"

"You wanted to ask me about Prohibition, do you?"

"Yes, since you've been in Gwiseon for so long, I kinda expected you to know the complete story."

"I do know, but finish this task first, then we talk."

Lady Boss then came out of Jae-joon's office. Something is not right currently happened in Gwiseon, first about Prohibition, then this. Maybe talking with Jo Byung-man could shed some light on this matter. And, for Jae-joon, perhaps it will be nice if he could also have lunch with Soo-jin this afternoon.

Gennie Bunsik

Mugunghwa Educational District

One and A Half Hour Before Lunchbreak

"Annyeonghaseyo!"

A warm greet from a friendly old man can be heard when Jae-joon and one of his paralegals, Lee Eun-tak, entered the premises. This is one and a half hours before a lunch break in Mugunghwa, and in about that time, Gennie Bunsik would be crowded as if hell has broken loose. But now, Gennie Bunsik is relatively quiet, a calm before storm situation. Jo Byung-man, as an owner and head chef there, is helping in the open kitchen the best way he can.

"Jo Byung-man ssi?" asked Jae-joon.

"Yes, do you want to have lunch? Tteokbokki? Or ramen, maybe? I can give you right away, Sir," said Jo Byung-man.

"Alright, give us today's special for my fellow," said Jae-joon, "and drink for me."

"But, Gwajangnim, we..." said Eun-tak.

"Ssh, we're in a food joint right now," said Jae-joon, "it'll be impolite if we don't order some specialties of the house.

"Alright then, but I still feel bad we don't take Si-eun instead."

Shim Si-eun is another paralegal who works under Jae-joon but is a little bit more senior than Eun-tak.

"No, you and Jo Byung-man ssi once a neighbor. He'll be more comfortable talking with you along. Besides, I've already assigned Si-eun on another mission."

"Another mission?"

"Yes, I'll tell you later when she got here."

"She'll be here?"

"Sure."

As they speak, a patron gets up from his seat, followed by someone that looks like his bodyguard. Eun-tak was very much surprised that he got up and bow to him as he passed. The man, perhaps as old as Jo Byung-man, just nod and raised her hand casually, before coming out of the premises.

"Who is he?" asked Jae-joon.

"He is Heo Geum-rok sajangnim," said Eun-tak, "the former mayor of Gwiseon."

"Is he somewhat famous to you?"

"More like a surprise. He's nowhere to be seen all this time after stepping down as mayor. I never thought to meet him in this bunsik, let alone in Mugunghwa."

"He's a regular patron here, especially at this hour, just before lunch," said Jo Byung-man, who arrived carrying their order.

"I see..." said Jae-joon.

"How's your daughter? Has she learned to say jalmeokkeseumnida yet?"

"Ah, you remember."

"Of course, not everybody said itadakimasu before eating in this city."

"She still said that, kinda difficult for her since she's not often going to Korea, unlike her older sister."

"In other places, you may have all the time in the world to do it, or perhaps to not do it at all. But here, she must learn faster to do it."

"I see, oh anyway, can you also sit, Eoreushin? I believe we need to talk."

"I know you do. By the time I see Eun-tak stepping in this joint, I know that you must be that new guy Seon-ah told I'm going to meet."

"Well, so you knew? Good, then."

"But are you sure don't want to eat? Just drink?"

"Yes, my older daughter Soo-jin is about to join me at lunch."

"Lunch hour can be quite frantic, what about if I save some for two of you later."

"Ne, johayo."

"Jong-min-a, take care of the kitchen, will you? I have guests to attend too," said Jo Byung-man to his assistant in the kitchen.

"Sure, Eoreushin!"

Jo Byung-man then sits with them at the table.

"First, I have to tell you, Eun-tak, that you've now grown into handsome respectable man," said Jo Byung-man, "unlike back then, when I still often catch you for stealing my tteok."

"Thank you, and that also thanks to you, Samchon nim, for also guiding me to the correct way," said Eun-tak.

"I'm glad that words from an old geezer like me can still make a difference," said Jo Byung-man, "so, what should we discuss, Mister..."

"My name is Ahn Jae-joon," said Jae-joon, "you might have talked about this with my predecessor, but the situation in the office is currently very chaotic. So, I must see you personally."

"Yes, I remember him, that big glasses in front of empty stare. We only met four times and he started to avoid me in any way, even by phone."

"I promised you that that won't happen again. I just wanted to see the gravity of the situation before taking an appropriate measure. First, I wanted to know since when this matter started?"

"Why, since the Prohibition, surely."

"Prohibition? But that's more than two decades ago, right?"

"Some problems could last forever, Jae-joon nim."

"But that's not right and needs to stop. What is happening."

"I kinda uncomfortable to talk about this matter right now, because, it's about 'you-know-what', I hope you understand."

Jae-joon then draws something on his notebook and shows it to Jo Byung-man, a silhouette of a tank. Jo Byung-man sees it and nods once.

"Do you know about Gwiseon Hwarang, Jae-joon nim?"

"A club?"

"Some sort, I won't talk about it with you here. Even when there's nobody around, the wall could still have ears. Let's just say that it and all in it, are in the epicenter of the Prohibition."

"So, were you in it?"

"Not me, but my wife."

"She played?"

Jo Byung-man nods.

"Even a few months after Prohibition, everything was still fun and games, but then, the bullying happened, done by a group that support Prohibition. At first, they target the current members, but then, even ex-member were targeted as well. From verbal abuse, stealing petty things around your house, to graffiti of hatred words. And it's not just for the members themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors were affected as well. Some people are powerful enough that those bully gangs knew not to touch, but for average joes like us, we have to fend ourselves."

"Till now? Doesn't the police have anything to say about this?"

"Police can do nothing, and over time, I suspect they just ignore things like this. Many people moved out of Gwiseon to escape the bullying, and for those who stay, things got worse each time passed. The harassment dwindled after the last news about tank found being broadcasted, so we kinda hope that finally, we could get back to normal. However, this past year, things are happening again."

"What did they do?"

"Like some years before. Bell prank, vandalize our house, stealing things, intimidation, to physical assault and harassment. And a few days ago, somebody attempted to break into my house. I can't tolerate that any longer. My wife is alone in the house, lying ill. I don't want anything bad to happen to her."

"Don't worry, Samchon nim, Jae-joon gwajangnim is different from the previous lawyer. I have faith that he'll get things done," said Eun-tak.

"I don't want to promise you anything, Sajangnim," said Jae-joon, "just that I'll do my best to assist you in this matter."

"I'm not sure, Jae-joon nim," said Jo Byung-man, "if you're in my position, you must understand that I'm being skeptical."

"I understand," said Jae-joon.

Jae-joon's phone rings and he quickly takes it.

"Gwajangnim!" said a girl on the phone.

"Ah, Si-eun-a, how's the result?" asked Jae-joon.

"I think we could have a case," said Si-eun, "found some visible sign of vandalism on Jo Byung-man's house. And I'm currently checking that there's a possibility the one who did that was captured by a security camera on the road."

"Can we pull the record?"

"Officially, we need a court order or police report to do that, however, I know Lieutenant Song Ha-neul, the head of Crises Management Center. I think I could persuade her to at least allow us to see the record."

"Right, can you take care of that? How soon?"

"I can do that right now, I just need all the paperwork."

"I have it right here, you brought the car, right?"

"Ne, Gwajangnim."

"Come here to Gennie Bunsik and take Eun-tak with you to the Crises Management Center. I still have things to do."

"Arasseo."

"And thank you for the hard work, Si-eun-a."

"Aniyo. It's just that this case is also very personal to me, I've seen how those bullies gang myself in my childhood, so... Sorry, Gwajangnim."

"It's okay, we'll get them this time. Just come here."

"Alright."

Jae-joon then hangs up the phone.

"What does Si-eun say?" asked Eun-tak.

"She's going to check for the security cameras in the area," said Jae-joon, "she found some indication about the vandalism acts and will go to Crises Management Center right away. You go with her, Eun-tak, she's on the way."

"How about you, Gwajangnim?"

"I'll be staying here for a while, have a date."

"Ah, yes, with your daughter."

"Alright, if there's nothing to talk more, I must excuse myself," said Jo Byung-man, "it's near lunch hour, and I must prepare everything. And, ah, the special for you and your daughter?"

"Yes, and thank you very much, I know we come in a very tight moment," said Jae-joon, "I hope you'll think better of me when this matter is solved."

"Not so fast, Young Man," said Jo Byung-man, "but I'll call you if there's anything."

"I'll be expecting it."

Eun-tak and Jo Byung-man then off to their jobs. As the lunch hour comes, people are rushing into this joint. Gennie Bunsik is a popular diner joint in Mugunghwa due to its delicious taste and relatively cheap prices. The majority of consumers here are students and staff of tri-school, almost all of them are women. Not many males in Mugunghwa due to the nature of this district. If there's any, it must be teachers, school staff, or employees of the stores here. A random man rarely comes here, so it creates some kind of safety bubble for all the girls since any unfamiliar man would become a person of interest, just like Jae-joon now. Cannot be counted how many girls have stared at him in a suspecting fashion.

Fortunately, not long, Soo-jin arrived with Yu-ra and Hye-ri.

"Appa!" Soo-jin shouted very loud that everyone there could hear.

"Soo-jin appa, I'm Hye-ri, nice to see you," said Hye-ri, also said it out loud.

"Annyeong, Soo-jin appa, I'm Yu-ra, hello," said Yu-ra.

"Hello, Yedeura," said Jae-joon, "wow, you all do sure aloud."

"We have to do that so that everyone will see that you're not a threat," said Soo-jin, "Yu-ra told me that."

"Luckily we come quick," said Hye-ri, "somebody might have thought of reporting you to the tri-school authorities."

"It's not this strict when we first came here on Sunday," said Jae-joon.

"Well, school is off on Sunday, and so not many girls here, which made this district looks like any other regular district in town, Soo-jin appa," said Yu-ra, "but at the school day, it's a whole different story. People here tend to be hostile to unfamiliar men. Gwiseon, unfortunately, is not yet free from the crime that targeted young school girls."

"I can see the reason, and it's kinda easing my mind that all of you will safe here," said Jae-joon, "oh, whatever you want to order just say it, my treat for Soo-jin's friends."

"Oh no, Soo-jin appa, we're just here to escort Soo-jin," said Hye-ri, "we'll be waiting for her in the classroom, so you can take all the time you need."

"Wait, you're not coming?" asked Soo-jin.

"Maybe next time," said Hye-ri, "and not here."

"I see," said Soo-jin.

"Alright then, see you at class," said Yu-ra.

"See you," said Soo-jin.

Yu-ra and Hye-ri then bow and leave Soo-jin and her father alone.

"Why do you need to be escorted, Ddal-a?" asked Jae-joon.

"They said that since I'm new, they fear I might say something the wrong way," said Soo-jin.

"About 'that', I presume?"

"Mm-hmm."

"So they know?"

"They're the only ones I could talk to about it, along with Ga-eun. For everyone else, I'm not sure, and won't take any risk."

"Thank God, I fear that you've entered into some kind of cult."

"Appa, come on."

Soo-jin then cheerfully hit her father's shoulder, but as she did that, she noticed small notes on a paper that accidentally uncovered below the book. A note Jae-joon took during his conversation with Jo Byung-man.

"Gwiseon Hwarang?" asked Soo-jin almost whispered.

"You've heard about that?" asked Jae-joon.

Soo-jin put her index finger on her lips.

"We don't talk about that here, but yes, Yu-ra and Hye-ri told me about it."

"Seems to me this city is not quite virgin about 'that', despite the one big name."

"Well, something is going on. Involving some kind of bad accident. I heard that somebody died because of it, somebody that's very important."

"Kinda intriguing, I somehow would like to know more about what happened with 'that' here."

"Oh, by the way, Appa, why do you come here and take me to eat?"

"Why not? Can't a father take his daughter for lunch together without asking a question?"

"Don't fool me, are you on to something? Something not good perhaps, with so many young girls here?"

"Geese, you made your Appa sounds so creepy."

"But you are. You don't seem to be attracted to any other girl, and that just gives me a creep."

"Stop it, I told you that you and Hyun-jin are enough girls for me. By the way, where is Hyun-jin? It's uncommon that she refuses a free meal."

"There's something she needs to do. I don't know, about group study for maths or something, so she can't go out at this hour."

"I see. Though she's not like someone who'll have difficulties in maths."

"She's not, it's her group. She's the one who has to tutor them. So, you're not answering my question, Appa."

"Well, actually, Lady Boss told me to come here and talk to the owner of this joint."

"Ah, so you're investigating something."

"More or less."

"Something to do with that name?"

Soo-jin pointed at the paper which now has been securely covered inside her father's book.

"I suspect so. I can't help thinking that this is an iceberg situation."

"I'm also curious about what's going on about this city's history."

"Be careful, Ddal-a, I heard that you're attracting unwanted attention here."

"More like we are, the moment we move here."

Soo-jin and Jae-joon then savor their meals. As they almost finish, somebody can be seen approaching them.

"Soo-jin-a?" a familiar voice called Soo-jin.

"Oh, Na-ra ssaem! You're here?" asked Soo-jin.

"Yes," said Na-ra, "what are you doing here?"

Soo-jin noticed that Na-ra is eyeing her father in suspecting manner.

"Oh, sorry, Ssaem, this is my father. He's currently in the premises and decided to have lunch with me," said Soo-jin, "Appa, this is Na-ra ssaem, my homeroom teacher."

"Ah, so this is Soo-jin's teacher? I'm Jae-joon, Soo-jin's father," said Jae-joon, extending his arms to shake hands with Na-ra.

"Oh, yes, so you are her father," said Na-ra, shaking Jae-joon's hand, "at first I thought..."

"Yes, I understand, Soo-jin has told me about that," said Jae-joon.

"Please forgive us, since it's the nature of this place," said Na-ra, "and you're an unfamiliar face."

"Nothing to forgive, you're just being a good teacher that protects your students, nothing wrong with that," said Jae-joon, "I hope after this, my face would be more familiar to you."

"EHEM!" Soo-jin clears her throat. Jae-joon then realized that he has holding Na-ra's hand for too long, and quickly let it go.

"Are you going to have lunch here as well, Ssaem?" asked Soo-jin.

"More like ordering for takeaway," said Na-ra, "I kinda hungry, but I'm not used to eating in a very crowded place. Besides, many teachers also placed their orders for me to take."

"Oh, you need help in carrying those? I can help you."

"That's so kind of you, Soo-jin-a, if that's not bothering you, of course."

"It's okay, I could use some exercise after such a big lunch."

"Alright, I'll tell Jo Samchon before everything runs out."

Na-ra then ran to the counter to order the food.

"Hajima," said Soo-jin.

"What?" asked Jae-joon.

"I know you can't take your eyes off her."

"Well, she's kinda cute."

"Cute, huh?"

"Hey, you said yourself that I need to see another girl, right?"

"And from all the girls in Gwiseon, it has to be my homeroom teacher?"

"Something wrong with that?"

"Aniyo. Aside from possible future discomfort due to awkwardness of the situation that follows."

"You're overthinking this matter."

"Am I?"

The conversation stopped as Na-ra came back.

"Done, all will be ready in 5 minutes," said Na-ra.

"Right about time, I also have finished my meal," said Soo-jin.

"I can't thank you enough for your kindness, Soo-jin-a," said Na-ra, "Jae-joon nim, you have such a nice daughter."

"Hm, I always got the impression that she's the rebellious one," said Jae-joon, under the protesting looks of Soo-jin, "so I fear she might annoy you in some way."

"Weird, she never does that in my class," said Na-ra, "one of the nicest students there, if I may say myself."

"I'm still worried," said Jae-joon, "can I give you my number? If Soo-jin ever caught in trouble at school, please do call me."

"Alright, wait, I'll let you save my number as well," said Na-ra.

While Na-ra took her cellphone, Jae-joon and Soo-jin silently exchanged funny expressions in which Jae-joon tease her daughter.

"Alright, done, well, I hope we can see you each other again soon," said Na-ra.

"I don't know with that, each time a homeroom teacher called one of the student's parents, usually that means something bad has happened," said Jae-joon.

"Ah, you're so funny, Jae-joon nim," said Na-ra laughing followed by Jae-joon.

Soo-jin could have sworn that she had never seen her father laugh like that this past year.

"But I guess, a call for coffee can't be hurt, right?" asked Jae-joon.

"Ne, johayo," said Na-ra, "coffee is fine."

"I have to go back to my office now, Na-ra ssaem. Duty calls, so I leave my precious treasure under your care, which I know she will be safe and sound."

"Ne, Jae-joon nim. Annyeong."

Jae-joon then leaves, and two minutes after, Na-ra and Soo-jin go back to school, carrying a lot of food while walking through Mugunghwa Park.

"You don't want to say something?" asked Na-ra, "I have the impression that you're unusually silent.'

"Oh, I just have nothing to say," said Soo-jin.

"Something bugging your mind? Or you want to say to me to stay away from your father?"

"Why do you think so?"

"It won't be the first time somebody told me that."

"Aniyo. I honestly don't have a problem with that. It's one year after Eomma passed away, so it's only natural if he's seeing someone."

"Hey, we just met, and I always put a friendly face whenever meeting a student's parent. Besides, I never had time for romance all this time. Man is just a man, coming and going as time goes by. I have other important things to attend."

"I know, I'm just saying. I didn't say that I mind."

"Arasseo, I'll keep that in mind. But if not about that, then there's something else?"

Soo-jin paused. For a second, she's considering whether she has to tell her teacher. However, if there's anyone she could talk about what's bugging her mind, it must be her teacher.

"Ssaem, can I be honest to you?"

"Sure, about what?"

"About 'you-know-what'."

"Oh, you mean senshado?"

"Ssaem!"

"This is the middle of Mugunghwa Park, nobody here, one of the very safe spots to talk it out, though not in loud voice."

Na-ra then heads to a park bench and takes Soo-jin to sit for a while there.

"Now, what do you want to know about senshado?" asked Na-ra.

"I heard a name from Yu-ra and Hye-ri, and just now, my Appa had it on his note," said Soo-jin, "Gwiseon Hwarang. I heard that was a senshado team of Gwiseon, but either Yu-ra or Hye-ri or Ga-eun don't have any clear knowledge about that, so I wanted to know if..."

"If I know more about Gwiseon Hwarang?" asked Na-ra, "well, when the Prohibition started, which effectively put Gwiseon Hwarang into extinction, I was in high school, just a year older from you right now."

"So you do know the complete story?"

"Can't say that I know exactly what's going on, but I was there in person. And if you've heard about Gwiseon Hwarang, then you must've heard about another name as well."

"Yes, Heo Jin-a."

"Mm-hmm. She was the proud captain of Hwarang, lifting the cup for the first and last time under her brilliant leadership. For that brief moment, I believe that every girl in Gwiseon would want to be like Heo Jin-a; some even touted her as the next Min Ga-gyeong, a senshadoka heroine from Gwiseon."

"How long Hwarang has existed before Prohibition, if I may know?"

"I don't know, but let's just say that I grew up knowing about the existence of this club. Some say that after the War, Korean War that is, senshado was re-introduced in Korea, so many teams and clubs were founded, including the Hwarang, which was the team owned by tri-school."

"Tri-school? That's unusual, since in Japan, what I know is each school has their senshado team."

"Let's just say that Korea, at that time, is not as prosperous as Japan. Multi-school teams are common here, except for those rich school teams such as in Seoul or Busan. We're not bad either, since Hwarang always finished each season in a good position."

"You joined them?"

"No, more like a football fan, we keep up with everything about a football team, but not becoming part of the team ourselves. Unlike Jin-a, she always knew that she wanted to be part of the team herself."

"Jin-a? So you knew her?"

"Yes, she's my childhood friend, and we're together all the time, unless that she joined senshado team and I'm not, but we remained a close friend. Jin-a always took me to watch the team training, and for those times, I believe that I was becoming senshado savvy. She always worked hard, so by the time she lifted the cup, I always knew that she earned it."

"If I may know, how did she..."

"Died?"

Soo-jin nods.

"I'm sorry, it's not usual that I'm asking for someone's death instead of their glorious moment, however..."

"The death ignited chain reaction that leads to Prohibition. That is understandable, Gwiseon's Prohibition is, in fact, the earliest and the harshest."

"Yes..."

"That day is a good day for senshado practice. The weather is nice and clear, and nobody suspects that some ill fate would strike later that day. Hwarang is pumped, and overall in a very good mood following the euphoria of winning their first championship title, something that for some people has been long overdue. I watched at the balcony seat as usual, when I saw Jin-a waving her hand at me. We've promised to go shopping and have some cakes after the training match, so all of us are very much excited.

I remember, at that time, thinking that she's not using her usual tank. It's her habit trying some other tanks in the arsenal to get to know them better. Normally I don't fuss about that, but I remember before the training started I asked her why she didn't use the regular tank instead. She just said that training was the only time she had for trying out other tanks.

Then, during the training, a tank fired on Jin-a's tank. Everyone's used training round, or at least we thought so, but the thundering sound was so loud that it raises a red flag on everyone. When everyone got to the scene, what we see is a horrible sight one should never see: Jin-a's tank wrecked in such a way that is different from senshado-round afflicted damage. Jin-a was still alive when we took her out of the smoldering wrecks but was critically injured. We can't bring her to the hospital fast enough, and she didn't survive that night, succumbed to her injuries."

"Was there any investigation about this?" asked Soo-jin.

"Yeah, there's investigation. After the funeral procession, obituaries, vigils, and mourning, a team of RKSF came from Seoul to investigate this event, along with National Police Force and Gwiseon PD. RKSF took this matter very seriously since there's an indication of manslaughter. They checked and talked to everyone, with all of their progress be sent to Seoul for further investigation."

"And?"

"Last press release from them showed that some live rounds have been misplaced in the arsenal, and such, found their way into the magazines of some tanks. The quartermaster and the rest of the storage team were arrested and questioned, but they insisted that they won't make such a dangerous error since they know that it could endanger the lives of the senshadokas. But while the RKSF teams were building the case, the Mayor suddenly issued a decree for the banning of senshado."

"Why Mayor do that?"

"I couldn't think any other way back then, except that he did it due to the grief of a father."

"What? So Heo Jin-a is..."

"Yes, she's the Mayor's only daughter."

"I don't understand."

"Well, not much to understand back then. For after that, things went as fast as an avalanche. The Quartermaster and the logistic crews, which initially claimed innocence, later change their plea as guilty for carelessness, giving them 2 to 5 years of incarceration. RKSF accepted the verdict, and the next thing we knew, Gwiseon was already in the Prohibition era. Hwarang was dissolved, their entire assets and tanks were confiscated by Gwiseon PD. Committee of Senshado Prohibition was then founded some weeks later, further enforcing the banning of senshado through the city ordinance known as 'Heo Jin-a Act'. Though I'm not sure Jin-a would be please to have her name used on a thing that denounces things she loved."

"Did the Hwarang do something about this? I mean, it's not fair for them."

"To be honest, the forces Hwarang subject to are much more powerful. If you see today that many conservative officials are against senshado, it's much worse back then. Hwarang couldn't do anything much, while their senshadokas fought bravely for their existence, till one day, a fire broke out in Old Paenju district, and destroyed many buildings, one of them is Hwarang's main headquarters, along with everything in it. The Committee accused the fire was caused by the rebellious senshadokas to prevent Committee from reaching the documents stored in the building, so the witch hunt begin. This was worsened by mysterious black tanks that terrorize the population."

"Black tank?"

"Uh-huh."

"What did it or they do?"

"Wreaking havoc, as the pressure on Hwarang keeps on mounting. They showed up where they weren't supposed to be, vandalizing things, destroying garbage bins, cars, even running over fences, chasing people caught alone on the streets, making noises by firing their guns in the middle of the night, but always at places where the people were not familiar with the tanks. In one of the statements, they claim to have retribution over injustice befell on them, which, honestly, doesn't help Hwarang's cause at all. People grew hating senshado more, and reports of assaults on senshadokas or Hwarang's staffs rose. Bands of vigilantes came up everywhere, looking to avenge the black tanks' attacks.

So, City Hall issued harsher edicts for Gwiseon PD to arrest and seize any tank that showed up on the streets, as well as demanding senshadokas of Hwarang to hand over tanks in their possession. Many refused and hide the tanks, but some decided to submit, in a hope that the persecution stopped."

"Did it stop?"

"Nope, not at all. If any, things getting much worse that many senshadokas started to leave Gwiseon to the neighboring cities of Naemul, Hamgae, or any other cities in Korea which still accepted senshado. The black tanks' attack also stopped around that time, leading everyone to believe that whoever did this must've been left or had their tanks confiscated. Committee seized many tanks and destroyed them publicly, also issues ordinance for Gwiseon citizens to hand over the tank in their premises, should they find one. Since the Hwarang's headquarters has been razed to the ground by fire, there's no telling on how many tanks in Gwiseon currently, but tanks keep coming into surfaces, mostly reported by people who just move to the city and found tanks in their houses, offices, or public places, and the last news about tank finding is from 5 years ago, the longest period up to today. So, everyone figured that maybe all the tanks in Gwiseon, left from the Hwarang era, has now gone."

"Yet, the Prohibition continued?"

"Yup and Committee are focusing in educating girls of Gwiseon to resent and reject senshado, that is why people like Mr. Kang Hoon were appointed in the vice-principal positions of tri-school. Their main and only job is to make sure that the idea of senshado is no longer surfaced in the mind of the girls."

"Why gone that far?"

"I'm not sure. But you're a senshadoka, so you can see that the idea of senshado to the girl can be very..."

"Appealing?"

"Yes. Not many things in the world can be used to show the power and fierceness of women like senshado. While some resent it because it was something brought by Japan, others resent it due to its progressiveness threatens the ideal pictures of girls according to Confucian and patriarchal ways. So, the Committee seems sure that if those ideas lose, that would mean the end for Committee and Prohibition."

"But the Prohibition would end eventually, right? You know, the new law ratified by the National Assembly?"

"I know that, though I'm not sure how Gwiseon would react on this. Many of the Gwiseon's infrastructures were built around Prohibition, so I don't think Committee would easily give up their authority. And if there's a time where Committee felt uneasy, that would be now, hence that's why I'm very much worried about you, Soo-jin-a."

"Worry?"

"You're just all the thing revoked by Committee. I don't think that would be the last time vice-principal Kang Hoon came at you again. If you're in my class, or even in this school, I can still cover for you, but I fear Committee would've found its way on to you no matter what."

Na-ra pats on Soo-jin's shoulder, and Soo-jin's smiled.

"Don't worry about me, Ssaem, I'll be careful. I guess that's also why you were coming to me while I'm with my father."

"Yes, and please forgive me about that."

"It's okay, you're just doing your thing, Ssaem."

"Oh well, look what time it is? Everyone must've been hungry waiting for these meals. Let's go, shall we?"

"Sure, but one more thing, the election for the class head would be held tomorrow, right?"

"Maybe, or not. Ji-soo is the only candidate running for that position, and it's just a few hours before the admittance closed. If there's no other candidate, so..."

"Well, how about if there's another candidate?"

"Oh, you want to run? Sure, that would be great."

"Haha, no, Ssaem, I'm still new in this town, I don't think anyone would believe in me yet. But I can recommend someone else, right?

"Sure, you have the right for that. Democracy shall be observed as I told you so many times. So, who is it you want to recommend?"

"I shall recommend Yu-ra."

"Yu-ra?"

"Yes, is it okay?"

"Of course, I just thought that it's about time for her."

"About time?"

"I always thought that Yu-ra could do more responsibilities than what she currently does. She just has so much potentials. Glad you recommend her for it. Hye-ri or Ga-eun won't do that, since they're too shy about pushing Yu-ra for this."

"Thank you for listening to me, Ssaem."

"No, I thank you, since you have just saved democracy."