☀️Mirasol🍓

| 5 YEARS EARLIER . . .

Tension fills the air like an unwelcome guest.

It looms itself swiftly, but tauntingly silent. Waiting for its claws to reach out and take what is rightfully theirs. Indeed, fear is the only thing it feeds off from.

The client, Mister Steen could feel the silent coldness emitting off of the ice-piercing glares from the subordinates. Uncannily resembling a pack of wolves—an unnerving feeling. He wanted to desperately claw into the armrests for support, or let out a scream. Anything to let out a sound.

He never likes the idea of being watched.

Anyone in the room could hear a pin drop, if given the chance. Even his own heart beat gradually increasing with each dreadful second.

Mister Steen is no stranger with negotiations, it was initially his job. Meeting with client after client, striking for gold—making deals—all in favor for the benefit of the company. Therefore, cannot fathom the endless possibilities of making a mere mistake towards another businessman such as the current Head of the Estate, Christopher Bang.

He gulps the lump down his seemingly dry throat.

A notorious, well-regarded figure in the Family and the Empire. A man whom others must never underestimate lest a fool would still see the light of day. Even boldly uttering his name will send cold shivers within the Inner Circle. Those who paid a gruesome price.

Dead men tell no tales of the one they call The Merciless King of the Empire.

Keep your enemies closer. The words echo repeatedly in the client's mind.

Mister Steen nearly draws out a curse through his lips upon hearing a glass being put down on the table. 

“Mister Steen,” Christopher begins, averting his gaze from the chilled glass and relaxed against the chair. “As a renowned businessman, you are among the well-recognized assets of the Order. Therefore, a valuable investment towards the progressive future of the country.”

Unexpectedly, he did not expect to be acknowledged—even receiving high praise from someone in a high position at the Empire.

For a brief moment, Mister Steen felt a sense of accomplished pride growing in him. Nevertheless, Christopher knew his way of words by allowing someone like him to lessen their guard; with attentive caution.

The client heard of the telltales of the young Mafia Boss. Depending on which individual to inquire from, the majority heeds to one warning: 

“In what business does the Family align with your commission?”

Mister Steen gulps the lump of his throat once more. Taking every ounce of strength left in him—he must not show his fear in front of the wolves. Regardless of this being suicide. Stepping into an unfamiliar territory is one thing.

However, once the Family has decided, he can only hope to return home—unharmed and in one piece.

What’s important today is to gain an ally.

The man grips on the armrests, veins grown visible. Buds of sweat streak down the side of his forehead, and finally, after a few moments of silence, he spoke: “Extract the corruption behind the Loe Bank.”

For a split second, the weight around his shoulders lifted from a burden he had buried. 

Words sounded like a whisper, he had hoped it came out clearer. A bit vague, but a feasible request. Perhaps, too ambitious.

“Are you suggesting the Family is associated with the Annihilation Faction?” Christopher questioned, a brow arched while assessing the situation.

The right-hand subordinate, Seo Changbin, is gripping a weapon. A gun to be precise.

Only a few of them broke away to glance nervously at Changbin, instinctively pleading to not allow his emotions get the best of him at this time.

This sudden action made the client flinch from his seat, bewildered over the mere mention of the Annihilation Faction was enough to trigger—a wolf. The absence of a glint or fire burning in his eyes. He hit a nerve.

Click.

Shit! This is bad—!

“Don’t.” Lee Minho, the direct subordinate of the wolves, warns. Pushing down the rifle with a finger. A subtle gesture of calm authority, yet his fixated gaze on the client bore right into his soul.

Changbin clicks his tongue in annoyance. Quickly complying without any complaint to his superior as he returned to his post.

Mister Steen looked at the Mafia Boss who seemed displeased. Fuck.

“My apologies, it was never my intention to anger the Family!” He gripped the armrest tighter, knuckles turning paler. “Allow me to further elaborate the situation…”

“I received intel about how the Loe Clan had been exploiting the bank funds and its smaller branches across the country. Which is why I am seeking the aid of the Family to further investigate the case and justify the feasible evidence linking to the root cause.”

“The recent bankruptcy was a simple cover-up to divert the public’s attention from the internal conflict within the company.” 

“If the funds continue to be exploited, it will only involve innocent lives.” Mister Steen explains, giving the necessary compiled documents as evidence. “According to Audit records: for the past 5 months, the funds gradually went missing. It accumulated over 1,000,000,000 Won as of the recent Audit report.”

Kim Seungmin, a young subordinate wearing glasses, was quick to chime in. “The KPD had little disclosure to the public regarding the incident at Loe Bank. How did you receive the intel, Mister Steen?”

“My close colleague, Madame Cho is the direct affiliate to the Secretary of Sir Loe.” The client responds, “I included her business contact details in the documents I provided.”

“Let me clarify, Mister Steen.” Seungmin stated, walking closer to the table while keeping a good distance.

“Only 3 living members of the Loe Clan are associated with the family business: President Karlson Sr., Chief Executive of Office Karlson Jr., and the current Head Ambassador Henri Loe. Was the intel suggesting these members as primary suspects to the money exploitation crisis?”

“Yes.” The client firmly confirms.

“Then, justify the credibility of the intel you had received.”

“If I may correct myself,” He paused for a few moments. “I will negotiate the commission fee for intel extraction in order to file a lawsuit against the company—”

“The commission fee will be discussed after the agreement,” Seungmin interjects. “I am also not finished.”

The client pursed his lips. Biting down his pride.

“You’ve mentioned the involvement of the smaller branches of the Loe Bank experiencing the same conflict as the main branch. Where is the evidence to further justify the claims of the money exploitation in Seoul extending throughout the extended branches?”

“I gave the documents, young man—”

“These Audit records are only from the Main Loe Bank in Seoul, Mister Steen.”

Why is nobody stopping him? He could feel his own blood boiling in rage and frustration. Mister Steen wonders how much this young man can keep spouting nonsense in front of the Mafia Boss. Wasn’t it enough?

“...Are you finished, young man?” Mister Steen finally snaps out of irritation, slowly seether through his tongue.

“I am the Head of the Audit Commission, this internal crisis had been under the radar of the KPD since that bastard son became the Head Ambassador. I cannot tolerate this any longer! We, the employees, have no choice but to continue working our assess off to earn a living.”

“Sir Henri Loe had been working with another Faction within the Order, but this is only mere speculation. This conclusion, however, is the only plausible reason as to why he made connections with the KPD and earned his place in the Empire. If he were to grab that large sum of money right off the bat—we will file a suspicion report.”

Seungmin gave a nod, “Did the Head Ambassador provide a document of request during the period of the exploit?”

The client presented the folder of documents to the table.

Out of the others, it was only Lee Minho who wordlessly inspected the documents thoroughly before handing a folder to Seungmin and Christopher. It consists of pictures, audit records, and signed documents dating back since last year.

“A renovation project was cancelled, why?”

“A renovation project for the smaller branches.” Mister Steen draws out a long sigh, rubbing the aching spot on his temple. “Based on the request documents, Henri Loe will need at least 1,000,000 Won. He even convinced the Council it will be finished in less than 3 months. However the audit records found discrepancies throughout those 5 months.”

“After the incident, the project was cancelled until further notice.”

“If this commission is for intel extraction, how will this commission benefit the Family?” The Mafia Boss inquires.

He took a sip on the glass while keeping eye contact with the client. Awaiting a good enough reason to accept the commission. For the Mafia Boss, there needs to be a mutual disclosure and agreement between the employer and client. Both parties must align their benefits to maintain good relations.

Mister Steen responded, “The Family’s good relations with the Order will further solidify.”

“Although my colleagues and I have plans to file a lawsuit, rest assured there's no need for the Family’s involvement in the court. I respect the privacy of external affairs that might conflict with other relations within the Empire, the Golden Circle, even the KPD.”

“In terms of the commission fee,” Mister Steen unlocks the suitcase filled with banknotes to the brim. “I will triple the amount once the intel extraction will be completed.”

Jisung and Hyunjin shared the same look. Until they bow their heads, finding the floor interesting once more when Minho gives a warning glance in their direction.

“A mere controversy surrounding the Loe Clan?” Another subordinate voices out their concern, followed by a chuckle.

The client nearly flinched.

The moment he averted his gaze from Christopher, someone else was now standing beside the Mafia Boss. A taller, younger man with light colored hair, sharp features, and even his slanted eyes were as sharp with a mischievous fiery glint. A completely different individual.

“...Who are you—”

“My,” He tutted in quite displeasure, yet his eyes tell otherwise. “Based on the little quarrel from earlier, your story is a little too over the place—otherwise—exaggerated.”

“If the extended branches were facing similar conflicts as the main branch, would the primary suspects perhaps have any backers?” The man questions with the intent of finding more loopholes in this commission.

“This is mere speculation, it’s unrealistic for them to not have any connections.” He shrugs lightly with a grin, “Surely the Loe Family can get away with anything without consequences. If they lose employees, they can easily hire the same amount or more if it means the increase of manpower, regardless of the salary and working hours.”

“People nowadays can simply accept any job, if it means to have food at the table and a roof over their heads. It’s the way of this selfish, and ungrateful world we live in.”

If there’s one thing the client realize now:

This kid’s intuition scares the shit out of him.

“…Wolves form their own packs, for a reason. The Family is no exception.” Henri Loe says while looking over at the documents. “Each member is vital to each other, to Christopher. Their undying loyalty and commitment is despicable…”

“Their leader might be the most difficult to get rid of, but taking out the Family one by one is bothersome. Which is why, we must target the weak and let the chaos corrupt them little by little.”

Red marks circled around a particular picture of one of the Family, and his name was…

Yang Jeongin places the edge of the metal fan against Mister Steen’s neck. “Would it be a shame to send our heartfelt regards to your master, Henri Loe?”

Take out a lone rogue, if deemed necessary.

The client’s eyes widened. “H-He’s our boss, what the hell is that supposed to mean?!”

He felt a sting—wait—he can’t move. Why can’t he move?

Metal restraints were placed on both wrists and ankles… from the chair he sat. And the pain slowly subsided into a numbing feeling he cannot fully comprehend. Until he blacked out before hearing another word of exchange from the Family.

Seungmin draws out a long, exasperated sigh. “Changbin hyung, please escort the client out—quietly. Jisung, please check on Felix with Madame Cho at the waiting room.”

“Why me?” Jisung pouts at Seungmin.

“Go.” Minho insists, not wanting to hear any complaints. His growing headache had already gotten worse today, he does not have any energy to argue back.

In which Jisung, begrudgingly agrees quietly as he exits the room.

Changbin only nods, giving a light kick on the back of the chair to push the hidden button as wheels are replaced. “To the shortcut, hyung. We must not disturb our family upstairs.”

Chan gave him an acknowledged nod to the shortcut before he left.

Hyunjin blinks for a few moments. “I’ll accompany Jisung—”

“Jeongin, I did not give an order for you to involve yourself in the meeting.” Chan finally spoke to the youngest once it was only the four of them present. “You acted out of impulse.”

“Hyung, it was obvious they sent out a decoy.”

Minho’s eyes flickered to Jeongin after hearing those words, bewildered but chose to remain silent. Indeed, everyone knew the client had been a decoy. However, their cover nearly got exposed is the current concern right now.

Jeongin gave the collected documents to Seungmin. “You saw through that old man, and surely the others did too.”

“Don’t tell me you were planning to accept that commission regardless of the fee?”

Chan shook his head, no. “We have a task to accomplish, and the outcome of this meeting was the result of another loophole from the actual conflict at hand.”

“The reason why we cannot find a solution is due to us—waiting for something to happen—instead of finishing what needs to be done.”

When Minho was about to step in, not wanting to fuel the growing tension between them—he was stopped by Chan.

“The Family will not resort to violence,” Chan told him, in hopes the youngest will understand. “I will not tolerate such actions to be committed by any of the family.”

When Jeongin was about to speak again, Seungmin placed a hand over his shoulder. A small gesture once more—he knew too well. Best not to argue with Chan hyung.

“I know you are upset,” He says. “But it will only be difficult if it’s something we will eventually regret, and I don’t want that for you, for the other kids.”

WOHLFGANG ESTATE | A MONTH LATER . . .

Yang Jeongin didn’t fully understand the final decision their leader made that day. A vague memory he can only recall in the depths of his mind.

“Boss?” Changbin called from the other side of the door.

“I apologize for intruding at this hour without further notice—”

“State your reason.”

A cold chill ran down his spine at the stern tone from the Boss. He paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to not accidentally set a fire.

“We received intel regarding an overdue from the bank,” Changbin announced. “It’s urgent.”

Christopher knew whom they have to deal with today. It was clear from the sudden shift of the atmosphere in the room. A patient man he may be, lies a man who will not show any mercy.

The deafening silence Changbin received on his end was the answer.

“Chris,” Y/N, his beloved wife gripped his arm when she sat upright on the bed. “Didn’t we reschedule everything for today?”

Her voice soothes the raging fire inside his heart.

Christopher’s gaze softened, “I will settle this quickly.”

She wasn’t satisfied with the answer she received.

Her brows furrowed, and gave another squeeze on his arm. It was only then he looked into her concerned gaze.

“You made a promise to your brother,” She recalls with a soft sigh. “Let’s not upset him any further. This is an important day after all.”

“I am well aware of it,” Christopher told her. “I understand your concerns of the possible outcomes and of our well-being, and I can reassure you that the exchange will be dealt with accordingly by any means.”

He places a kiss on top of her forehead in an attempt to calm her nerves, letting it linger for a moment before pulling away.

“If I’m not back in 30 minutes, meet me at the office and I will join you at the party.”

Y/N pondered for a few moments.

She nods after giving in for now, “Just—this once.”

Christopher gives a reassuring smile. “Thank you, my love.”

Y/N leans in closely, fixing the collar on his dress shirt. Smiling back softly, though her eyes still held a worried gaze. “Promise me one more thing: don’t throw the client to the basement.”

For a moment, he was left in silence.

Anyone in the family had—at least heard about the basement. A specific room that had been used for generations since the first family had settled in the Estate. Its primary purpose had long been strictly forbidden by the current Madame, Y/N L/N.

Her reason was simple. It was enough to have Christopher convinced.

“Chris…” She cups his face, caressing the soft skin. Gazing down softly, and though lips seem so tempting, she had to fight off the urge to do so. “I know it isn’t what you want, but please consider this decision. Not every judgement should result in being half to death.”

“Teach a stray a lesson, it will learn.”

Therefore, business-related matters must only be held in the office.

Y/N patiently waited for her husband’s answer.

“And if I break this promise of ours,” He breathes as he bathes in the sunlight and of its glory, “My love, I am at your mercy.”

She leans closely, hearing his steady heartbeat. Reaching to hold his face where she caresses the soft skin to soothe his troubled mind. Chris held her close, gently pulling her from the lower back. And he relishes under her gentleness.

They stayed in each other’s warmth for a little longer.

His wife watched him leave the room without another word.

Upon shutting the door behind him, the sound nearly startled Changbin at his post.

Christopher beckoned the young man with his hand while walking away from the west wing of the 4th floor. Changbin quickly followed behind, placing his hands on his back as he began filling in information.

"According to Seungmin, the client insists on continuing the meeting today instead of rescheduling."

“He will arrive in less than an hour.” He added.

“Did Seungmin compile the necessary documents?”

“Yes, and the folders are stacked at the office.”

Christopher nods.

The two men proceeded to walk downstairs until they reached the door to the office. Changbin swung the door open for the Boss before he allowed himself to step inside and shut the door behind him.

Christopher sat down on the leather chair and began skimming through the files on the table.

“Are the others aware of the situation?”

"The 1st division is stationed at the main gate while Minho assigned some of the 3rd division at the reception, and Seungmin is handling the surveillance system." Changbin laid out. "Our utmost priority is the rest of the family and the guests."

“We are waiting for your orders, Boss.” Changbin states, the rest of the family on duty are on standby from their current posts.

“The meeting will proceed as Mister Kang wishes.” Christopher announces.

Changbin gulps as the next words follow.

“However, if unexpected circumstances came,” Christopher’s piercing gaze made Changbin tremble as he remained composed. “You and Minho will handle the rest.”

“Understood?”

“U-Understood, Boss.”

“Once Mister Kang arrives, he will not be treated as a guest. Escort him straight to the office.” Christopher reminds him. “If he refuses to abide by orders, I will leave the rest to you.”

Changbin gave the Boss a nod and walked out of the office without exchanging any words.

Silence welcomes the room.

The young Mafia Boss heaves out a tired sigh when he leaned against the chair. 

Tireless, is all he felt. Due to the constant overwork he had been experiencing for the past month. Client after client, case after case, it keeps piling up. Yet, this lifestyle is what he had already chosen—he couldn’t simply turn back now.

Many knew Christopher Bang as a renowned businessman and the oldest son of the late Father in the family. Becoming what his father had always wanted for him. Earning the title at the age of seventeen.

Like his father before him, Christopher is the current Head of the family. A familial organization with systematic connections in the Underground Empire, organizations, and the government.

A highly regarded position lies a heavy weight of unspoken burdens he had to carry throughout the rest of his life. And the responsibility he needs to seek out for establishing dominance and authority.

However, Christopher strayed away from the traditions. Choosing to revitalize what he believes should be best for everyone—civility and compromises. An act purely meant for maintaining the status and the family name without staining the built reputation.

His principles and morals did earn respect. Subsequently welcoming the highest expectations from others and those before him.

Every decision he makes can cost a life, have consequences, or the continuance of peace between alliances and friendships.

If there’s one thing to remember about Christopher Bang: one should never take him too lightly. Looks may come off deceiving—friend or foe—they should remain to tread cautiously.

His thoughts were interrupted by the three soft knocks from the other side of the door.

A smile formed on the corners of his lips.

“You may come in.” Christopher calls.

Y/N closed the door behind her, walking over where her husband had been sitting. “You seemed preoccupied right now, Chan.”

Christopher pushed the folders away, and cleared his throat. “I was…”

“But that doesn’t matter anymore.” The dimple on his cheek appeared when he smiled up at her, caressing the hand where the ring is adorned. “You’ve been waiting for too long, haven’t you?”

She shakes her head in response. “It was enough time for me to prepare.”

He allowed her hand to cup his cheek, caressing it gently. Christopher finds himself reaching for her warmth and soothing touches.

“...What’s been troubling your mind, my love?”

Christopher knew he wasn’t used to opening up his burdens and troubles to anyone in the family. Similarly, to never trust anyone too quickly. But not Y/N.

She was able to calm the raging fire inside of him. Her presence alone soothes his troubled mind. Such… calmness is nearly immaculate and unimaginable. And perhaps, Christopher knew, since the first time they had met, he could let his guard down without any prejudice and judgement.

Allowing himself to ask for help when things feel too overwhelming for him to bear. Allowing himself to be vulnerable around her while being held in her arms. His whole world. His light.

Against his own better judgement, he confessed what had been locked away. The truth.

Y/N stayed quiet and listened. Letting her fingers brush through his skin, and would occasionally shift on his hair. Not wanting to interrupt his words and train of thought.

And Christopher finds this comforting.

He holds her tight. Afraid to let go, allowing himself to indulge in the warmth. Hearing her gentle heartbeats, soft whispers, and lingering kisses.

Though he always finds himself admitting it, Christopher isn’t like who he used to be.

The once…merciless Mafia Boss.

He’s aware of his sins, regrets too.

In contrast to her gentle hands holding his calloused ones as it could outweigh anything in this cruel world. Light, featherly touches around the outlines of the scars etched on his skin.

Leaving him breathless. Longing for her presence every single day. The one who knows and always calms his heart and mind. The light of his life. His own world. Right in front of him.

Christopher still couldn't believe he’s spending the rest of his lifetime with the person he cherishes and loves his whole life.

To say he was a popular bachelor during his prime years is quite an understatement. Y/N L/N is the diamond in the rough who is more than what she appears to be.

Not many knew about the marriage. Even if they do, it’s behind closed doors in the Estate.

Clients rarely caught a glimpse of the Madame and the rest of the family. If they do, it’s best to beg for mercy than not to.

However, the comforting quiet between them was disrupted.

Another knock was heard from the other side of the door.

“...Master Christopher, Madame Y/N?”

“Please state your business.” Y/N was the one who spoke.

“Young Master Felix had asked for your audience at the reception, may I inform him and Lady Vera you’ll be joining them shortly?” The head staff, Aron questioned.

“We’ll be joining them now, thank you.”

Pulling Christopher along with their now intertwined hands, and he couldn’t argue the moment his wife opened the door.

Aron quickly stepped aside, gave a short bow before walking off along with the others.

“Let’s enjoy this day before the client arrives.” Y/N told him, meeting his gaze again. 

Hopeful.

She wants to spend the whole day with the family and with Christopher. Even for a little while longer.

He pulls her a little closer to him, squeezing her hand lightly. “A promise is a promise, darling.”

“Oh, give me a moment.” Y/N says, pulling away from his warmth.

Her hands were quick to fix his tie, eyes focused on making it look presentable and decent while slightly fixing his hair after. Then, she gives him a reassured smile, eyes twinkling in pure delight, and flushed cheeks.

“Let’s not make them wait a little longer.”

Christopher awarded her with a soft kiss. Tucking a few strands of stray hair away from her face, it was obvious he couldn’t resist kissing her cheeks.

“Now we’re both ready.”

The special reception is being held at the garden of the Wohlfgang Estate. Close families and friends were invited to celebrate the wedding of Felix and Vera. Although this was originally delayed due to the couple having to secretly do the wedding a month prior.

Nevertheless, the family insisted the reception should be continued regardless.

As joyous this day is, how quickly will the truth eventually uncover itself?

An unfamiliar sleek black car with dark tinted windows arrived at the main gate. The first division stationed there was wary of the vehicle. Most of the new recruits were more alarmed than the others were.

The system would’ve easily distinguished the guests, the banker, and possible intruders. Not even Kim Seungmin, the one who has full access to the system, alerted them. However, it wasn’t the case.

Lee Minho, the Head of the 1st Division and a direct subordinate of the Boss made an unexpecting order.

“Hold your fire,” Minho stood in front of the car and raised a closed fist, quite reluctantly. “He’s part of the Family.”

The new recruits began their low murmurs amongst themselves, confused as they were about the mystery person. Recalling there was not an individual they have missed when familiarizing themselves with the established Family.

However, only a few felt frozen at the realization.

The door by the driver’s seat opens. Revealing a seemingly tall, young man clad in formal attire. The man lifted his head and wore a charming smile upon recognizing Lee Minho, but no one but Minho could tell what was hidden behind the tinted glasses. Mischief, and pure resentment. Despite the man adorning the family crest on the suit.

Minho wasn’t dreaming the moment he recognized the family crest. It was his.

The man was not a fraud.

The Family Structure had always been the same:

The Boss and the Madame are the current Heads of the Family. The Boss is the active Head and the one who deals with business-related family matters whereas the Madame makes the final decision and prefers to work undercover.

Followed by Seo Changbin being the Advisor and the Captain of the 3rd Division with his newly appointed Vice Captain, Hwang Hyunjin. Lee Minho is the Captain of the 1st Division with Han Jisung as the Vice Captain. Kim Seungmin is the Captain of the 2nd Division and the Eagle who oversees the system.

The rest were noted to be part of the family; extending the protection and privacy as instructed. One of which is Lee Felix, the youngest brother of the Boss—who isn’t officially in the Family.

But who could be the young man, and why did Lee Minho acknowledge a supposed subordinate? Unless… he’s a stray?

“Is that your way to welcome your superior?” Jeongin’s smile made two dimples appear on both cheeks. “How flattering.” / “Know your place, Captain.”

The newly recruited members of the division gaped.

Minho heaves out a sigh, “Apologies for the short notice.” / “I was only following orders.”

“Rest assured, the Family will be delighted to hear of your return.”

Jeongin took a step closer to Minho, tilting his head to the side. His smile never wavers but there was a hint of sarcasm through his lips. “ 

Jeongin’s smile never wavers but there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Did you, now?”

“If it weren’t for the groom,” The youngest casually shrugged, “I would’ve missed another special family occasion.”

Before Minho could return a response, Jeongin interrupted him before he could.

“Speaking of the groom, I’ll be reuniting with the only brother who actually cares about my well-being.” He was about to walk away but turned slightly to issue an order. “If the underground parking lot is still accessible, best to park my car there.”

“...Sir, do we really have to?” One of the members spoke after the deafening silence.

Minho sighs again, “Seungmin, did you copy?”

He heard Seungmin on the other line. “Yeah, yeah.”

On cue, the car started to move on its accord. Through the system, Seungmin is navigating it to the underground parking lot—only the members of the Family have access to it.

Lee Minho could only watch from his post as Jeongin stepped foot in the Estate.

The same person who questioned him, approached their superior. “Sir, should we inform the Boss?”

Minho shakes his head when he spotted Christopher with Y/N from afar. “The Boss and the Madame are aware of this situation as we speak.” He says. “Our assignment is to catch a rogue, not a Family.”

The words left a bitter aftertaste in his tongue. Family. It’s been years since he had uttered that particular word when referring to the one person he had failed to protect.

Yang Jeongin, the youngest member of the Family. He was known for his incredible wit and silver tongue, often assigned to directly collect intel and in-charge for interrogations. It was Lee Minho who took the young boy under his wing after rescuing him years ago, and later was promoted as the direct subordinate of the Boss who also acts as the Head of all divisions.

However, after the sudden disappearance of Jeongin, the Family reached out to their allied organizations. In hopes to find the youngest member and have him come home, but to no avail, it turned into a cold case.

so some of these are talked more about in the fandom than others. i think it's practically common knowledge (if it isn't, well now you know) that the first kanji of hinata's name (日) means "sun" and the first kanji of tsukki's name (月) means "moon," and that this was done on purpose to highlight their roles in the story as foils and as a sun and moon analogy. tsukki and hinata are quite literally polar opposites in their approach to volleyball (they are, one might say, like night and day). tsukishima with his physical advantage yet reluctance to try too hard compared with hinata's overwhelming physical disadvantage and his willingness to go above and beyond, to the point that he can't even fathom how not to give 110% at all times. (there's so much more to say about this symbolism but i'll leave it there, gotta stay focused rip).

the first kanji in kageyama's name (影) meaning "shadow" i feel like most people are aware of as well, this symbolises his general mood (sorta a comparison with tsukishima too imo, darkness and the moon etc., but that's quite subtle), and again this furthers his parallel with hinata, juxtaposing light and darkness, but the kanji for yama (山) which we find in both kageyama and yamaguchi's name, means mountain, which represents both reliability and strength. this works for both kageyama and yamaguchi in different ways. from day one at karasuno, all of the team members can count on kageyama to perform, be it setting, serving, receiving, he is all around the uncontested best player on the team, and serves as the base for nearly all of their strategies. yamaguchi doesn't have the same dependability in terms of athletic performance (at the start of the series), but in a lot of ways he is a grounding force in among the first years, and in his relationship with tsukki he is very much a needed support, tsukishima depends on yamaguchi for... god for so much actually.

and then there's the second kanji in tsukishima's name (島)... meaning "island," it is very clearly meant to represent the isolation tsukki both feels and imposes on himself at the start of the series. i also think it's of note that an island is opposed to a mountain - both are large(-ish) landmasses but the mountain is connected to the rest of the land while an island is all alone...

the individual kanji all have a lot of symbolism going on but when you put some of them together, i think you get a new significance...

日向　hinata - the direction sun in shining 影山　kageyama - the dark side of the mountain 山口　yamaguchi - the mountain’s opening (or mouth maybe cave?) 月島　tsukishima - moon island

to get them out of the way, the compound meanings of tsukishima and yamaguchi don't seem very narratively significant, but i am more than open to analyses you might have that i didn't think of! :)

however hinata and kageyama seem poetic to me in a way that i don't think is accidental. i did take some liberties with the phrasing (kageyama could also be written as "the mountain's shadow"), but it doesn't change the overwhelming symbolism. the dark side of the mountain is obviously juxtaposed with the light side, but how do you create a shadow? well the sun has to shine on something... the direction of hinata's sun shining on the kageyama's mountain making the shadow... i admit i might be reaching with this one. but i like it.

initially, i had only planned to look into their family names, but after finding so much symbolism, i though why not look into their given names and boy oh boy am i glad that i did~

飛　tobi - flight, fast, high 雄　o - something large powerful and masculine (yang) 翔　sho - soar 陽　yo - alt. the sun, positive, (yang!!!!) 蛍　kei - derived from firefly 忠　tadashi - loyal, devoted, faithful

where do i even begin i legit have tears in my eyes okay, first things first, kei has always been my favourite name in all of haikyuu, i just like how it sounds, i think it's so pretty, and in looking up the meaning of the kanji i've grown to love it even more. as a masculine name, 蛍 is pretty rare, it's more commonly used for female names and the most common reading isn't kei it's hotaru. i like that tsukishima has a relatively unique first name, but what really gets me is the etymology. the kanji 蛍 is the same kanji for firefly, and when the kei pronunciation is used, it means fluorescent. i absolutely love this for tsukishima, because we are being given two different messages with his family name and his given name. on the one hand, his family name would have us believe that tsukki is like the moon, only able to be seen at night and only capable of reflecting the lights of others, but his given name tells us that, while it might be a soft glow, tsukki does have a light of his own, he is in fact able to shine by himself.

compared to 蛍, 忠 is a much more common given name, meaning loyal or devoted. i think sometimes people misunderstand the dynamics between tsukishima and yamaguchi, so please don't take this as me saying something i'm not, but tadashi really is loyal to kei in a very special way, and this is clearly something that furudate wanted to highlight, as this is not the only time he's made reference or used symbolism for tadashi's loyalty to kei. i do think that this devotion extends past tsukki too, and tadashi's loyalty is another part of what makes him such an important part of karasuno (and eventual team captain).

now. for the big ones. i really hope people are still reading because i saved the best for last just because i know i'll collapse into a puddle of tears once i finish typing this section out

if you look at tobio and shouyou's names individually, they do fit them very well; 飛 (tobi) being the kanji for flight ties kags to the sport of volleyball, and the alt meaning of height i think references how high he is going to aim for and eventually reach, and 雄 (o) symbolising something powerful and masculine i think does fit kags' vibe. likewise, 翔 (sho) forshadows hinata's jumping abilities and his bird-like nature, and 陽 (yo), a kanji that has sooo many potential meanings, among which are sun and positivity, further underscores hinata's sun symbolism and his optimistic outlook. astute readers might have already noticed, the first kanji of tobio's name (飛) and the first kanji of shouyou's name (翔) have very similar meanings, one might even go as far to say that they are synonyms. both kags and hinata learn to fly at karasuno together, and they both aspire to the same upwards trajectory, literally in the game for hinata, and figuratively in their careers as pro volleyball players, and this similarity is underscored by the similarity in the meanings of the first kanji of their given name. but the kicker, the last kanji of their given names, 雄 (o) and 陽 (yo) not only sound similar, but they both are kanji that can be used to write yang as is yang, the opposite of yin! shouyou and tobio's names are literally synonyms of one another!! for all the differences apparent in their family names, their given names are literally the same name just a different font and i absolutely love it so much, because we spend so much time talking about how different hinata and kageyama are but part of the reason that they click and clash the way that they do is that they are so similar to one another in ways that they aren't like anyone else, it's what makes their rivalry and their partnership as strong as they are and it's so so so important to remember that these boys are always on the same wavelength!! clearly we're meant to think like this, since furudate chose these as their names...

one last little note, it might be hard to tell if (like me) you aren't used to reading caligraphy, but the same kanji in tobio's name is the kanji on karasuno's banner: 飛