Clarity stopped at the sidewalk across from the park gate, and there he was—Jake! He was actually standing there.
Clarity instinctively retreated a few steps. He couldn't cross the street; he had to stay away!
But Jake had already spotted him. He waved his hand, shouting, "Clarity!" A genuine smile lit up his face, visible even from across the distance.
Clarity clutched his chest. He wasn't sure if it was the familiar pang of his stomach ailment or something else entirely. He doubled over, and Jake, noticing the sudden collapse, sprinted across the street. He gripped Clarity’s shoulder, his expression clouded with concern. "Are you alright?"
"Maybe," Clarity whispered.
Jake helped him to his feet, but Clarity’s mind was racing: I have to get away! He shoved Jake aside and bolted into the park, vanishing behind a cluster of trees.
It didn't take long for Jake to find him. Clarity was pressed against a tree, eyes squeezed shut—whether to block out the sight of Jake or to endure the worsening pain in his stomach, he didn't know.
Jake chuckled, though his tone quickly shifted to serious. "Why are you acting like a child? You’re being ridiculous! You were never like this. Why are you hiding from me? Am I a monster?"
Clarity opened his eyes, staring directly into Jake’s. "The dark circles under your eyes have gotten worse," he whispered.
"Is that really the topic here?"
"Maybe. Look, since you’ve found me, I can’t escape. So, I’ll tell you: I’ve left the gang."
"Ah, you’ve said that plenty of times before."
"I’m serious this time. I won't turn back."
"And do you really think the Boss will just accept that?"
"Let him do whatever he wants. Let him kill me if he chooses. I have nothing left to lose."
"And the promise between us?"
"If it’s going to lead to someone’s destruction, I’ll break it."
Jake’s expression darkened. "Clarity, what’s between us isn't something you can just break with a word. I consider you my only brother; I won't let you do this. Now, go back home and get what you need."
"Home? And those scoundrels you brought there? Did you think about my mother at all?"
"I was going to take her to a safe place, but she wasn't there. And as you know, the Boss... he wanted them to stay there. It’s his property, after all."
"The Boss, huh? Tell me, Jake—what if the Boss asked you to kill me? Or asked you to hunt me down and punish me?" Clarity’s eyes welled with tears as he grabbed Jake’s collar, pulling him close. "What would you do then? Would you kill me and disobey the Boss for the first time?"
Jake remained silent, his silence heavy and suffocating. Finally, he shoved Clarity’s hand away. "Nothing like that will ever happen!"
"It will happen! You’ll see. Think about the answer, Jake—maybe it will help you choose when the time comes."
Clarity leaned back against the tree, struggling to catch his breath. "I won't return to the gang. I won't return to that house. I’m not the Clarity you used to know anymore. Do whatever you want."
Nearby, Aaron entered the park, clutching a food container. "I don't know if the food is still any good," he muttered to himself, scanning the area.
He approached the park guard, handed him the container, and asked him to give it to Clarity. But as he turned to leave, his eyes locked onto Jake. The tall, distinct silhouette was unmistakable. Aaron ducked behind a tree, whispering, "What is that bastard doing here?"
He crept closer, and his eyes widened when he saw Clarity. His face contorted with rage. That bastard. Was he lying to me? Didn't he say he was done with the gang?
Jake noticed Aaron lurking behind the tree, watching them. He looked back at Clarity and whispered, "Do whatever you want. But be careful... there are eyes watching you."
"Watch me all you want! I don't care anymore!" Clarity shouted.
Jake let out an annoyed groan. "What is wrong with your twisted thinking? I’m leaving."
As Jake strode away, Clarity headed toward the park exit, whispering, "Aaron is taking so long..."
The park guard approached him. "You’re Clarity, aren't you? The description matches."
"Yes."
The man handed him the food container. "Someone told me to give this to you."
Clarity took the container, a soft smile playing on his lips as he opened it, tears shimmering in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Aaron was stomping through the old neighborhood when someone shoved him hard against a brick wall. He looked up to see Jake standing over him, a small knife pressed against his throat.
"Master Aaron," Jake sneered, "Grandson of the respected Governor. Do you have a problem with me? Were you spying on me, or on Clarity?"
"I wasn't spying on anyone. I was just passing through."
"Master Aaron, as you know... your father, President Konar, has a temporary understanding with our Boss. Don't try to stir up trouble. And let me tell you something—your escape last time wasn't because of your bravery, nor was it Clarity's help. Your grandfather, the Governor, simply begged us to let you go, and we complied. Don't flatter yourself with a value you never had. Stay away from us."
"Are you finished?" Aaron spat, biting back his fury.
Jake sheathed his knife. "I’m finished. But did you understand?"
"I understood."
Jake turned and vanished into the shadows. He made his way to the heart of their old base, settling onto a couch in a central room, his mind entirely consumed by Clarity.
"Hey! Are you even listening to me?"
Jake snapped out of his thoughts to see a young man sitting opposite him. "Ah, Eric. What is it?"
Eric sat in a chaotic sprawl, his appearance mirroring his temperament: all black clothing, silver accessories, dark hair, pale skin, and a distinct jagged scar along his lower jaw—a textbook gangster.
"I asked if you finished the mission," Eric smirked, his lip curling with disdain. "You forgot? I’ll be sure to tell the Boss what I saw!"
"Which mission? The arms deal? Yes, I finished it. So stop pestering me; I’m not in the mood for your games. And why are you even here? Aren't you supposed to be in your own territory?"
"I’m not here to fight. Or are you too dense to know why the Southern Region Commander would come here?"
"Then why are you here?"
"And you call yourself a commander? The reputation you have in the gang is nothing but a delusion built on your own stupidity."
"Cut the crap and tell me the problem!"
"The explosives warehouse in your territory," Eric raised his voice, "it burned to the ground!"
Jake jumped from the couch, stunned. "What?! How?!"
"Go see for yourself. And don't forget—you're responsible for the losses."
Jake sprinted out of the building.
Clarity, meanwhile, decided to search for his mother once more. He went to their old neighborhood, his face half-hidden by his coat to avoid being recognized. He reached his neighbor’s house and knocked softly, staring at the home he had been exiled from.
What if she came back and didn't find me? I have to find a way.
After ten minutes of silence, he shouted, "Grandma! Are you there?"
A neighbor approached him. "Are you a relative?" When Clarity confirmed, the man shook his head. "The old lady hasn't left her house in two days. Some say she moved out."
"To where? She has no one !"
Clarity didn't wait. He threw his weight against the door until it splintered and gave way. He rushed inside to find her lying on the floor. He pressed his fingers to her neck, exhaling with relief. "She’s still breathing."
He rushed out, screaming for someone to call an ambulance.
Clarity stayed by her side until she woke up. Her eyes snapped open, and she stared at him in confusion. "Are we in hell?"
"Why would someone like you be in hell?"
"You're with me. That’s why I thought I was in hell."
"You're in the hospital," Clarity replied impatiently. "You were suffering from malnutrition and high blood pressure. You’ll be fine."
"I don't remember falling. Regardless, thank you, you ungrateful brat."
Clarity offered a tight smile. "Neighbor, can you tell me where my mother is?"
"If I knew, I’d tell you—especially since you claim to have changed. But I really don't know. She never told me."
"When you gave me that lunch container, didn't you recognize her? What was she wearing?"
"You brat! I made that container. I was afraid you’d starve to death, so..."
"What?! Then my mother never visited you at all?"
Panic surged through Clarity. Is she okay? Was she kidnapped? But she wrote me a goodbye note...
A few minutes later, he met the doctor. "Are you responsible for her?" the doctor asked.
"I’m just her neighbor, but I’ll help however I can."
"Where is her family?"
"She’s alone."
"She needs constant care; she’s at risk of a heart attack."
"But sir, how can I help? Can she stay here? I’m not a relative, and I’m not qualified to look after her."
"I don't know, son. Truly. I’ll consult with the hospital director. Maybe we can keep her until the danger passes, and then perhaps look into a care facility. Don't worry."
"Thank you, truly."
Jake stood before the warehouse. The burn marks were visible, but... it hadn't burned entirely. Only a corner of it. It didn't seem like the weapons, ammunition, or explosives were gone as Eric had described. If they had been, it would be a major crisis.
He took a deep breath and stepped inside, only to find the Boss standing there.
Jake froze. "Boss!"
The Boss turned. His skin was bronzed, his black curly hair flowing down to his forearms. He wore an all-black robe that seemed to swallow the light. Every step he took echoed with immense weight. Jake clenched his fists, bowing his head. "Forgive me, Boss."
The Boss stopped right in front of him. "Raise your head, Jake."
Jake looked up cautiously, keeping his gaze away from the Boss’s face.
"The losses weren't significant, so I will overlook your negligence this time," the Boss whispered, his voice cold. "I see you’ve been slacking in your duties, Jake. You will fix what has been corrupted here. And also... bring me the one responsible for the fire: Clarity Smith."