The envelope was light, but Jun held it like it was heavy.
Inside: ₩350,000 in clean bills—tips, pop-up earnings, weekend shifts. No magic. No shortcut. Just hands. Grind. Time.
He walked up the stairs, the concrete cool under his steps. Second floor. His unit. That faded green door with the chipped edge and the dent from the time he dropped a grinder.
He paused.
Then pulled a small roll of clear tape from his bag.
Taped the envelope to the frame.
One clean strip across the middle.
He didn't knock.
Didn't text.
Didn't wait.
---
Back downstairs, he stood at the foot of the building and looked up. The window was closed. Lights off. No movement.
That was fine.
He didn't need thanks. Didn't expect it.
It wasn't about being forgiven.
Just… breathing.
---
Later that day, while cleaning the back sink at the café, his phone buzzed once.
[Landlord: "Got it."]
That was all.
No emoji. No tone. Just proof.
Jun stared at the message, then turned off his screen.
---
> [System Milestone Complete – "First Clear"]
Debtor Tag Removed
Stat Unlocked: Stability
+1 Willpower, +1 Dignity (Emotional Trait)
---
He went back to work like nothing had changed.
But everything had.