Secret Love

The Mafia Way

"...You would've become some cheap wine being sold on a buy-one-get-one-free deal...", his grip got tighter.

"...I'm not here to negotiatie, but to warn you. We're not going to take it anymore".

"O-Okay", Mr Na nodded vigorously.

Satisfied, Vincenzo let the poor man go. Haru's mouth hanged from her jaw, awed at Vincenzo's action and Yu-chan gently pushed her mouth upwards, closing it.

Haru smiled, seeing how excited Yu-chan was after watching Vincenzo showed how he would've done things back in Italy. During lunch, Haru asked as much as she can.

"Do you really do all those in Italy?".

"Yes".

"All those things in The Godfather? Are they real too?".

"Yes".

"Hey, hey, don't go telling her that", said Yu-chan.

"I'm no child, Mr Hong", said Haru as she drank.

"You look like one, that's the problem", Yu-chan chuckled.

"Just because I'm tiny that doesn't mean I can't fight", said Haru.

"She got that spirit from her father", said Yu-chan.

"You know her father?", Vincenzo asked.

"Of the sort. We were in the same unit during our military service. He stayed with the army while I went to become a lawyer", said Yu-chan.

They went back to Jipuragi and resumed the work on how to defeat Babel. Haru went home and told her parents about what happened today.

Min-jun nearly choked on his food. Haru knew Vincenzo Cassano? He has been helping with their case? He quickly excused himself to text his team leader about this new info.

THE NEXT DAY

Haru went to office and was surprised to hear from the tenants that Babel planned to demolish the building today at 11pm. They urged her to come with them to the dance studio, where Vincenzo and Mr Nam were already there.

Everyone was contributing ideas while Vincenzo just sat there, eyes glued to his phone. Both Haru and Mr Nam took a peek to see what he's doing.

"Sir, you don't have time to be liking photos online!", said Mr Nam.

Vincenzo scrolled and showed one to Haru. "This looks nice, isn't it?".

Haru could only nod, still confused why he's on social media when they should be thinking what to do to stop Babel from destroying the building. The tenants were about to leave when Vincenzo proposed an idea.

Haru rushed back home, not even waiting for Min-jun to pick her up. Her parents were surprised to see her home so early.

"Haru? Is everything alright?", Hana went to her only daughter, worried as always.

"Mama, father, quick! We'll be late!", Haru was excited as ever.

"Late? To where?", Min-ryu frowned.

"To the party, of course!", said Hana with a big smile.

"Party?", both Hana and Min-ryu looked concern on the sudden excitement.

"Just get ready, I'll explain along the way".

"What about your brother?", asked Hana.

On cue, Min-jun burst through the door. "What happened? Who died?", Min-jun looked as if he ran a marathon to get back home.

Min-jun immediately texted An about the party to stall the demolishing team. He drove his parents and sister to Geumga Plaza.

Yu-chan greeted the Lees when they arrived. He embraced Min-ryu, whom he had not seen since their military years.

"How's Haru doing?", Hana asked.

"You worry too much, Mrs Lee. Haru is doing just fine", Yu-chan chuckled.

"So which one is the Italian Mafia I've been hearing a lot from this rascal?", Min-ryu patted Haru's head.

"Father, don't! I just had this done!", Haru combed back her hair.

"Come, come, I'll take you to him".

Vincenzo now understood what Haru meant by stone cold. When he shook hands with Lee Min-ryu, he saw the look the older man casted upon him.

"Please to meet you. I'm Major General Lee Min-ryu", said Haru's father.

"A retired major general", Hana corrected him.

"Pleasure, Haru talked about the two of you often", said Vincenzo.

"I do hope Haru is not giving too much trouble", Hana smiled.

"Mama!", Haru pouted.

"She's been very helpful with our case. You are fortunate to have her as your daughter", said Yu-chan.

"Please, do enjoy the party", said Vincenzo.

Min-ryu poured some wine for his wife. "I told you. She's just fine", he said.

"I know that, dear. It's just that she's very fragile".

"You worry too much. Look at her, she's doing just great", Min-ryu sipped his wine as both watched their daughter having the time of her life.

Min-jun, on the other hand, met up with An Gi-seok by the pizza. He shared whatever info he has from what Haru had been telling him.

"What should we do now?", asked Min-jun.

"Don't worry, I know what to do next...".