The Goodfellas

Kim Seok-min stared intently at Ryu Ji-ho.

That face—one he saw every day—was a familiar sight. Yet, there were moments when Ji-ho seemed older, wiser than his years. He never spoke in a condescending tone like someone older might, but his presence often made Seok-min feel strangely uncomfortable.

"In this world, those who stand out too much always take the hit," Ji-ho said abruptly, breaking the silence.

"...What do you mean by that?" Seok-min asked, clearly puzzled.

"People love to praise intelligence and call someone a genius. But in reality, those who shine too brightly are often the first to be cast aside. They struggle to fit into any group, and in the end, they become isolated. Little by little, they get pushed to the margins. Those who truly succeed aren't usually geniuses, but among the successful, there might be a few who are," Ji-ho explained calmly, his voice measured.