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It was not a few hours ago that Hanseo was at the mercy of a gun for the first time. The same one he had paid a shady figure a hefty sum to get him. The weighty, cold hunk of metal–(he always imagined he’d be the one to use it)–in the hands of his brother, and him at the barrel. It was at that moment he had been forced to accept his death, which he always knew would come some day, but not today, not this soon.
He closed his eyes so he didn’t have to witness the moment his brother pulled the trigger, hoping it would be quick. He was reminded of those photos of Vincenzo’s victims, shot dead, bloody, and ever since he saw them, he wondered whether they bled out slowly or if Vincenzo gave them the mercy of a swift end. He knew Hanseok wasn’t the merciful type by any means, but maybe, as his brother, as his years-loyal dog, he could make an exception. So he hoped.
And yet, it didn’t happen.
And so came the second time he faced down that gun. Waking up in his living room, his friend (could he call Chayoung a friend, even though he proved his trustworthiness?) held hostage only a few feet away. He accepted his death long ago, but he wasn’t going to put his friends at risk. He would never let his brother hurt anyone else. Those were his thoughts as a rush of selfless adrenaline moved him to fight back, even knowing it wouldn’t end well for him. It didn’t matter. A gun was pressed to his abdomen and he didn’t care.
Getting shot was not like he thought it would be. He saw it when he shot his brother—a shock to his system, almost immediately. Yet the blow of the betrayal made him recover. It was anger so intense it didn’t matter he was dying, because he would follow instinct anyway. He might have been less than human, Hanseo thought, because no human could possibly get up and walk after that.
When Hanseo heard the gunshot, it took him more time to feel the pain than it did to fall. And he couldn’t get up, even when his instinct was to protect. His fingers went numb while he was still conscious, and a thick fog made the memory blurry afterward.
Under the cover of pain, he could feel, very subtly, a nagging thought: did he save anyone? Was Chayoung safe? Vincenzo?
Could he die knowing he finally did something good?
He felt he had been plunged in ice-cold saltwater. His thoughts were submerged too, and though he tried to stay awake, they slipped out of reach. And like it always did in situations like this, everything went dark.
The night only got longer.
Effulgent light illuminated the backs of his eyelids, nauseating him. The first brief thought he had was of the ocean, and sinking, and then he registered the paralyzing weight of his body, and his limbs which wouldn’t move on his command. Some methodical beeping sounded in the room—a wood-paneled room with an air of cleaning chemicals that made him scrunch his nose. Even in the throes of brainfog, he could recognize a hospital room, and a very nice one at that. He had been to a hospital before when his brother was shot, and before then too, though not very often. Back home, any suspect injuries were primarily taken care of by his father’s private doctor, in the comfort of their own house. To keep things quiet. Laying in a room like this had been a long time coming.
Ah, he thought, who brought me here?
A handsome, sober-eyed man sat next to him in a cheap foldable chair. Vincenzo. He was like an angel–a fallen one—watching over him. His gaze was unscrupulous, and the intensity of it made Hanseo turn his gaze in fervent shame. His muscles stiffened as a natural response to what he saw as anger. He felt the need to make himself sit up, even if it made sharp pains run through his torso.
Vincenzo rose from his chair, leaned on the rail of the hospital bed. “Don’t push yourself. It’ll only make your injuries worse. You don’t want to rip the stitches.”
“... Stitches?” The undivided attention made him sweat and think of what he did to find himself here. “How…?”
“You’re lucky. They said the bullet didn’t hit any major organs. Still, if emergency arrived a few minutes later, you might not have made it.” His tone was matter-of-fact, sensible, like the words of someone who knew violence and cruelty well. Someone who believed it best not to spare details.
“How long has it been?”
“Not that long. Just a few hours.”
A sudden thought formed in his mind and just as quickly, an intense certainty that he had failed. He was like a child, or a dog that couldn’t listen to its training. The only thing he was good for, and he couldn’t even do that right. “Chayoung. Is she…?”
He couldn’t get an answer fast enough.
“I spoke to her earlier. She’s as good as she can be in her state.” In his relief, Hanseo nearly missed the twitching glance away, the muscles in Vincenzo’s hands curling tight around the bed rail. If it was anybody else, Hanseo could attribute it to worry, but Vincenzo was never nervous. The feeling must be a stranger to him. Hanseo was near to second-guessing himself when Vincenzo continued. “She’s angry, of course. He’s still out there.”
The reminder of his brother swallowed up the brief joy he felt. The last time he saw him, there was nothing but pure, distant hatred in his eyes.
“But he won’t be for much longer. I’ll take care of him.” He hesitated before his next words. “After that, I’ll have to leave Korea.”
Hanseo understood. Whatever he was planning on doing to Hanseok, the police would be on his trail. To the rest of the world, Jang Hanseok was a renowned international CEO. The news would be all over it.
“What’s going to happen to me?” He asked.
“You’re considered a victim of your brother right now, but you were still complicit in some of his crimes. You’ll be tried, but it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to go to prison.”
Hanseo closed his eyes. It wasn’t the best case scenario, but it was difficult to think about when he had just survived an attempt on his life. “I’ll get a good lawyer or something,” he said absentmindedly. “I’d ask you, but…”
Vincenzo gave him a small smile and continued. “I can’t stay here for too long. He’s on the run. I can track him down thanks to you, but I have to intervene before he leaves the country.”
Right, the watches. Hanseo was glad they could be of use. He did something after all.
“And then… you’ll give him what he deserves, right?”
Vincenzo gave no indication of a yes or no, but he didn’t need to. They both knew what needed to be done.
“Please… make sure it gets done,” he said with all the gravitas he could muster.
“You made it happen. If not for your trick with the watches, he would have gotten away.”
Hanseo knew his brother well enough to know that if things went south, he’d abandon everything and start anew. That’s what he did in America, and that’s what he did when he became Jang Joonwoo. Under a new name, in a new country, he’d begin again his reign of terror and avoid consequence. To end this, Vincenzo had to catch him.
And then… and then he’d face his punishment. Death was the least Vincenzo could give him for what he’d done. While it gave him some consolation, something else was nagging at him.
“Let me come with you,” he said without giving it much thought.
Vincenzo’s gaze fell to him as Hanseo used his strength to sit up further. Despite his strained breathing, he hoped Vincenzo would take his request seriously. He said nothing at first, and Hanseo figured that meant he was thinking about it.
“You’re too much of a liability in your state.”
“Then tell me when you catch him and I’ll meet you there. A-and don’t tell me it’s too dangerous or something. He’s my brother, and I’m not asking.”
“He tried to kill you.”
“He’s always tried to kill me, it’s nothing new.”
Vincenzo’s voice was low but clear. “Do you know what you’re asking? Are you sure you’ll be able to handle it?”
“I… Yes, I can handle it. You think I’m being naive right now, but it’s not your decision to make. I just need to speak to him one last time. It’s the only chance I have left."
Hanseo waited with baited breath for Vincenzo’s response. He had to know he was being serious now, right? Really, he had been thinking about this ever since he began believing in Vincenzo. The idea that he could survive past his brother. It didn’t seem possible, but now that he was awake and survived a gunshot wound from him, it was rearing closer to reality.
Vincenzo sighed like he had reluctantly come to a conclusion. He didn’t look happy. “I need to take care of some loose threads first. When I find him, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you.” Hanseo was infinitely grateful. More than grateful. This was the first time his word ever counted for something.
“One more thing. People will suspect you once they find out you disappeared from the hospital, so be prepared for any heat on your end. And you will have to find your way back on your own. I have to leave Korea as soon as it's over.”
“Understood. I may be foolish, but I’m not stupid.”
Vincenzo nodded, taking in his words. “You’re not foolish.” Before Hanseo could say anything, he pushed off the railing, grabbed his coat from the chair, and left.
Once Hanseo was alone, he rested his head back on his pillow.
It was happening.
Hanseo had to be prepared for this.
Vincenzo had waited long enough. With his lighter in hand, he flicked the cap open and closed rhythmically. It was a habit he had ever since he started collecting them, and the metallic sound of it was the only thing keeping him calm right now.
Then, the rat himself began coughing. Hanseok came to, initially struggling in his restraints before realizing it was useless. When Hanseok noticed him, Vincenzo was struck with a dark sense of satisfaction. This high and mighty coward was to be put in his place. For all his running and hiding behind others, he should face what was coming to him.
Hanseok spit out a mouthful of blood, just as Vincenzo flicked the lighter on. The image of using it on him was tempting, but he held back.
“How did you find me?” asked Hanseok.
“You’re brother told me,” he answered simply.
Hanseok was confused. Vincenzo offered to explain it to him. How Hanseo knew about the tracker in his watch. How he secretly put trackers in all of his brother’s watches instead.
“Ah.” Hanseok understood, leaning his head back. “He’s damn useless to the very end.”
Vincenzo shut his lighter, hoping Hanseo wasn’t able to hear him.
“By the way, what is this toy?” He was smug, trying to gain back control by insulting the device as if Vincenzo couldn't see right through his facade.
Vincenzo began stalking closer. “I learned it from the Russian mafia when I visited Russia. It’s called kop’yo iskuplen’ya. The spear of atonement.”
Foolishly, Hanseok began to laugh. “Do you really think I’ll atone for my sins?”
“I couldn’t care less. As long as you’re in pain, I’m happy.”
“You should have just killed me back at the port.”
“I always keep my word. Do you remember everything I’ve told you until now?”
For once, Hanseok seemed to listen to him. Looking around, he saw the spike facing toward him. His smile dropped and his breath hitched. Finally, he realized the reality of his situation. “Wait,” he pleaded.
“I’m glad you remember.” He looked at the pedals on the ground, and lifted his foot to start the show.
Hanseok began to struggle. “Wait!” He screamed as Vincenzo lowered his foot on the pedal.
Just before he pressed it down, he paused. “Ah.” He stepped back, playing with his lighter and relishing in the sharp sound that echoed in the empty warehouse. “I almost forgot.” Calmly, Vincenzo turned toward the warehouse’s entrance. “You can come in now,” he called, perfectly poised as if this was any other day.
Large doors opened and light flooded in the warehouse. A figure stood like a shadow in the light and walked in. It took a moment for Hanseok to realize the guest was his own brother.
Vincenzo lifted his chin to welcome him. “Hanseo,” he greeted.
Hanseo limped forward until the doors swung closed and the halo of light lost him. Now covered with shadow, he grinned. “Wow.” He let out a breathless laugh. “You’re like a true mafia now, Vin-hyung. So badass…” Hanseo let out a sigh, arms swinging. Vincenzo almost cracked a smile at his innocence, even in this situation.
A beat passed silently and finally, his eyes fell on his older brother. When he saw him, trapped like a mouse in a cage (not a mouse, definitely not, but Hanseo didn’t know how else to describe him) his breath stopped sharply.
Hanseok tilted his head. “My brother,” he breathed, staring daggers into the
other. “I knew you were dumb, but I never thought you would let Vincenzo use you like this.” He frowned, feigning sadness. “You look pathetic.”
It took all of Hanseo’s strength to not react in any way and keep eye contact. He thought seeing him like this would bring him some amount of catharsis. But no, there was no hint of pleasure here. There could never be, in a situation like this. Just anger.
Vincenzo, seeing that Hanseo wasn’t saying anything, opted to explain the contraption further. “This is your punishment. The spear of atonement, they call it. It will pierce by five millimeters every five minutes. You’ll start feeling lightheaded from all the blood loss, and feel excruciating pain. Around noon tomorrow,” he checked his watch, “It’ll pierce your lung, and you’ll die instantly.”
Hearing Vincenzo explain it out loud made Hanseo dizzy. Or perhaps, it was his own blood loss that made him feel on the verge of passing out.
Hanseok looked between them both. His gaze landed on his brother. “Dongsaeng… this is going too far. D-don’t you think this is going too far?”
Why was Hanseok looking at him like that? Why was he asking him that? Hanseo couldn’t help but look at the ground, retreating.
“Are you really going to let him do this to me?” Hanseok asked. “Are you an idiot? You must be, to listen to someone like him. So self-righteous! Get me out of this if you have any ounce of self-preservation.”
Hanseo wouldn’t look at him
Hanseok leaned forward, giggling deliriously with muted fury. “You’re a coward, you know that? You always have been, ever since I first met you. You would never look me in the eye. Do you think torturing me will make you feel better? Make you feel like a true chairman? Huh?”
Hanseo could feel someone at his side. It was Vincenzo. He didn’t say anything, but just the fact he was hovering over him, Hanseo knew what he wanted to say: Don’t listen to him.
But, part of him couldn’t bear the humiliation of needing to be protected even now. His brother was in a cage of his own making; Hanseo was perfectly safe. And yet he still couldn’t even look him in the eyes. Was it fear? (Sympathy?)
“You really can’t do anything right.”
Hanseo steeled himself and looked at him. “I don’t care about being right. If I let you free, you’ll leave and continue to do what you've always done.
“Ah, is that what you want? Then I’ll leave and never come back. You won’t see me again.”
“That’s a mercy, isn’t it? You need to be stopped. Otherwise, you’ll keep stepping on others, just like with me.”
“Dongsaeng, how can you talk to me that way?”
“Well… I can do that, too.”
He put his weight on one of the pedals. It made a mechanical noise as the spike moved. He didn’t think about it, he just did it. Like it was instinct. (Hanseo thought then that, no matter how much he aged, the urge to hurt people never went away.)
“Hanseo, what is this? Wh- what do you think you’re doing, huh?” His brother blinked rapidly, eyes flickering from the spear to Hanseo’s face. He snarled, raising his voice. “No, no, that’s not it. I-I’ve lost Babel and my reputation. I have no leverage now. I’ll be forced to live a normal life. You won’t ever hear from me again. I’ll go and never come back, ever. That’s what you’ve always wanted, right?” His laugh was desperate. “I’ll be as good as dead!”
“Hanseo,” Vincenzo warned evenly.
Hanseo flinched, lifting his foot off the petal. Not yet. “You wanted to know if this was too far. But I don’t think anything is too far for someone like you.”
At some point, the look Hanseok gave him turned from anger to fear. He was starting to realize there was no way out. So, as Hanseo predicted, he turned to bargaining. He could give them all the money he had. Vincenzo could take an arm. Anything so Hanseok could live. And when it was clear Vincenzo wouldn’t listen, he asked to be shot in the head. He begged.
Hanseo couldn’t listen to it. It made him sick.
And the kicker: Vincenzo took Hanseok’s watch off his wrist.
After pressing a button on the contraption, it began to whir automatically. He turned to Hanseo and whispered, “Let’s go.”
Hanseo nodded, held stiff to the spot. He knew he should go. He knew it was the only thing he could do. And yet, he couldn’t move.
The longer he remained there, the more power Hanseok gained. The greater chance Hanseo would do something stupid like change his mind.
Despite knowing himself (how stupidly soft he could be) he blurted out, “Vincenzo.”
Vincenzo turned and met his gaze. His expression was cold, and immediately Hanseo wanted to go back on his word at the silent warning. He wasn’t in his right mind. What other possible option could there be for someone like Hanseok?
There was only one.
“Goodbye, Hanseok.” Hanseo said, trying to sound certain, but really he just sounded shaken up. And without another word, he turned and left, Vincenzo following right behind him. Whether he noticed his distress or not, he didn’t say anything.
Until the moment his voice was out of reach, Hanseok screamed.
The plan was that, once Vincenzo had switched cars, Hanseo would be taken back to the hospital by Mr. Ahn. But once they arrived at the switch place, another car showed up when it shouldn’t have. Chayoung exited the vehicle, still in her hospital gown, and Vincenzo immediately grabbed her arms, worried she would fall in her fragile state. Hanseo stayed back, clutching his abdomen. He pushed himself too hard earlier, and now he felt like he was on fire. It was difficult to breathe (and stand, and move)...
“There will be a lot of headaches for you after I leave,” Vincenzo said.
“I can handle that.” Chayoung was headstrong as always, even in her state. Maybe being shot didn’t change a person all that much. “Mr. Jang.”
Hanseo was surprised when she called him. He went over, hiding his pain as best as he could. “Glad you’re safe, Ms. Hong.”
“I should go,” said Vincenzo.
“Stay safe,” Hanseo said. There was so much more he wanted to say. So much more to think about. What was he going to do after this? What would he do with Babel? Everything was happening so fast it made him feel faint.
His thoughts ground to a halt when Vincenzo pulled him into a gentle embrace. Hanseok’s breath hitched, before he hugged back. He held him tight, hoping this was enough of a thanks for all the second chances Vincenzo had given him. For all the good that Vincenzo had selflessly taught him. Too soon, Vincenzo pulled away.
“Be good,” he said. “Ms. Hong will show you the ropes if needed.”
Hanseo was too choked up to say anything. He nodded, blinking away the stinging at his eyes. After saying goodbye to the others, Vincenzo got into the other car with Mr. Choi and they drove off.
He squeezed his eyes shut, listening to the wheels against rocks and dirt. He could feel a headache forming. It was all happening too fast.
Next to him, he heard crying. Chayoung, poor Chayoung. Hanseo was taken with the brief thought of hugging her. That’s what you did to comfort people. But, it wasn’t his place to do that. Not after everything he’d done to hurt her. Instead, Mr. Nam comforted her with a hand on her shoulder.
They got into the car shortly after. There wasn’t much explanation needed. Nobody spoke much. He wondered, though, if they were judging him for wanting to see his brother.
He felt a sharp stabbing pain and clutched his torso, breathing steadily.
“How are you feeling?” Chayoung asked from the passenger seat.
“Never better,” he said, forcing a grin.
I’ll get a good lawyer.
“Hey, Ms. Hong?” He’d need more than a good lawyer to get out of what he was soon going to face. But perhaps, this was the first step to being good. Vincenzo might have been hinting at it by suggesting she ‘show him the ropes’.
No longer would he let evil dictate his actions. By surviving, he was given a second chance. And to hell would he let that go to waste. He would make a difference, whatever difference he possibly could.
He just hoped, if he ever saw Vincenzo again, that he would be proud of him.