Chapter 1: Before the Storm
The roar of engines echoed across the private track as Jun and Lee raced neck-and-neck. Both leaned hard into the curve, fighting for the lead, their motorcycles almost brushing shoulders.
In the end, Jun cut ahead and stopped at the finish line, raising his helmet with a cocky grin.
"Same result as always," he called.
Lee pulled up next to him, panting slightly, glaring through his helmet visor. "You only won because I was being nice."
Jun laughed. "Sure. Keep saying that."
Back at their villa, the mood was relaxed. They sat outside on the terrace, overlooking the city, eating lunch in silence. That was until the courier came—an envelope in gold seal, heavy with meaning.
Jun opened it first, eyes scanning the contents.
"Hunter Shark," he muttered. "Survival show. Judging panel."
Lee gave him a sideways glance. "Planning to accept?"
Jun stared at the envelope a little longer, then shrugged. "Honestly… never. Even I don't want to think about it . ..
Just then, Jun's phone rang. His face dropped.
"Mom," he sighed, answering.
"Jun," came the cold voice on the other end. "Your brother already refused. You're next. Join the company now."
Jun glanced over at Lee, who looked absolutely done with life. Still holding his spoon, Lee simply stood up, took his lunch plate like it was a sacred object, and walked off toward the kitchen—no words, no explanation.
Jun turned back to the phone. "Mom, I already accepted a judging role. Four months. Contract signed."
His mother's tone sharpened. "Stop running. One day, you'll have to step in."
"I will. Just… not today," Jun replied, waving his hand like she could see him.
"You think you can play idol forever? The company can't wait for you."
Jun sighed loudly. "Mom, I'm married to my career. Besides, the contract's done. If I cancel now, your lawyers will cry before I do. So please... don't call me for four months."
He paused for dramatic effect. "Hello? Hello? Huh? Signal's weak—hello?"
Then he casually hung up and shoved the phone in his pocket. "Problem solved."
From across the house, Jun shouted, "LEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Lee peeked out from the hallway, rubbing his temples. "Don't yell. What now?"
Jun smirked. "I'm leaving you all the business stress. Bye-bye, see you in four months."
"You're unbelievable," Lee muttered, disappearing again.
Jun grinned to himself. Then he turned toward the front door and, at full volume, shouted like it was a public broadcast:
> "MING-JIIIIII!! YOU WANNA JOIN HUNTER SHARK? OH, YOU GOT AN INVITE TOO? WOW, WHAT A COINCIDENCE!"
"Cause close to next door all there conversation lee hearing"...
Ming-Ji appeared from the hallway, clearly startled. "Bro, why are you yelling? People sleep, you know!"
"Oh, come on. Don't lie—you were awake the second you heard survival show," Jun teased. "You're coming with me."
"No, I'm not," Ming-Ji said, trying to retreat. "I'm not leaving Lee like this. He's already dying under deadlines!"
Jun's eyes sparkled with mischief. "If you don't come… I might accidentally tell Mom about those videos you hid in 2019."
Ming-Ji froze, dramatically clutching his chest. "…You monster."
"Pack your bags."
Outside the villa, Jun was already acting like they were celebrities headed to war.
> "So, brooo! This means no home for four months, right? Oh, we're basically married now!"
Ming-Ji, dragging his luggage with a half-crying face, muttered, "Okay, okay! I'm coming! Stop talking like I had a choice!"
Meanwhile, Lee stood at the balcony, silently watching them. His phone buzzed again—this time, from the company's legal department.
His assistant showed up right behind him. "Sir, we need to be at the office in 15."
Lee's shoulders slumped. "I'm surrounded by traitors."
As Ming-Ji waved goodbye, guilt flashing across his face, Lee turned away quietly and left with the assistant. He said nothing. He didn't have to his sad eyes said everything.
Let the countdown begin.
This… is Hunter Shark.