Chapter 85
"…I'm very sorry, ma'am. We did everything we could. I hope you can accept this with an open heart. Our deepest condolences."
"No… that can't be…"
*Sob*
"Umma?"
"Haemin… come here."
*Hug*
"Where's Appa?"
"Appa… he… he can't be with us anymore."
"What do you mean by that, Umma?"
*Hugs tighter*
I stood behind the corner wall, listening to everything they said, my hand covered my mouth so they wouldn't hear me weeping. Tears blurred my vision.
My knees felt weak.
I slowly slid down the wall, crouching there, hiding myself from sight.
*Footsteps approached*
"Sunhee, Haemin… are you both alright?"
"Auntie…"
"Miyeon, you're here."
*Hug*
"I came as soon as I heard the news. Sorry, Taesik can't come because he has to take care of Jiwon."
Doctor… how is my brother?"
"I'm very sorry, ma'am. We did everything we could. But it was already too late."
"What…? NO! There has to be something you can do! Doctor, please… check again. Maybe the machines are wrong. There has to be something you can do. Please… I'm begging you."
"I'm truly sorry, he was in the water for too long before the rescuers found him. On top of that, he suffered severe head injuries after hitting the rocks before falling into the sea. There was nothing more we could do."
"No, no, no… you can't say that so easily. You're a doctor. You're supposed to save people."
"Ma'am, I'm really sorry. We did everything possible."
"Umma… what… what does the doctor mean by that?"
"Haemin… your father… he's no longer with us."
"Umma… why are you saying that? Appa… Appa can't be gone!"
*Sob*
"No… he'll come back! I want Appa!"
"Haemin…"
"No… I don't want him to be gone…"
I pressed my back harder against the wall, my chest tightening until it hurt to breathe.
This was my fault.
I curled in on myself, wrapping my arms around my knees as guilt crushed down on me.
Behind the wall, I could still hear them. Haemin's voice. His crying.
Every sound felt like a knife.
I wanted to step out.
I wanted to apologize.
I wanted to tell them I was sorry.
I would trade anything, to take that moment back.
But my feet wouldn't move.
What right did I have to stand in front of them?
My family had destroyed theirs.
Tears slipped silently down my cheeks, dripping onto the floor as I stared at nothing.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"I'm sorry…" I whispered, my voice barely there. "I'm so sorry…"
But no one heard me.
Maybe… I didn't deserve to be heard.
.
.
.
That was the last time I saw them. After that day, I never returned to that home. I didn't have the courage. I disappeared from their lives like a coward, leaving behind nothing but silence and pain.
I had also broken my promise to Haemin. Was he still waiting for me? Were they looking for me? Or maybe they weren't. Either way, I couldn't bring myself to face them after what my family had done.
They must hate me.
How could they not?
Every time I think of their faces that day, my chest aches as if it might split in two.
So I chose to stay away.
I told myself it was the right thing to do. If I showed myself, it would only reopen wounds that could never truly heal.
Days turned into weeks.
Weeks into months. And months turn into years.
Yet no matter how far I ran, no matter how deep I buried it, that night followed me everywhere.
I carried it all alone.
And maybe… that was the punishment I deserved.
_____
3 Years later.
"Your car is ready, Ms. Seo."
*Footsteps approach*
"Are you sure you don't want to follow me, Harin? My father already talked to you about it, didn't he? Why did you turn it down?"
"Yes, Ms. Seo. I gave it a lot of thought. But I don't think that direction is right for me. I believe law would suits me better. That way, I can be of more benefit to the Chairman and to you as well."
"…That's unfortunate, you're the only one I've been able to talk to comfortably for the past three years."
"Please don't say it like that, Ms. Seo. I'm sure you'll meet many capable and good people there."
*Car door opens*
"By the way, Harin, I've been meaning to ask you this. I know I'm the one who approved it, since I trust your judgment, but why did you recommend that we direct our donation to that school?"
"Well… that's because—"
*Yuna slid into the car and lowered the window*
"Lost for words? It's fine. You don't need to explain. The board raised questions about it, but they didn't dare to question my decision anyway. I'm sure you had your reasons."
*Harin bowed politely*
"Thank you for trusting me, Ms. Seo."
"If I have time, I'll see you again, Harin. Make sure you live up to your potential. I have high expectations for you."
"I won't let you or Chairman down, Ms. Seo."
"Send my regards to your father."
"I will."
*The car slowly pulled away*
*Another car arrived*
*Door opens*
"Uncle, to the usual place."
"Understood."
The car moved forward smoothly, merging into city traffic. The streets were bright and busy, lined with scenes I'd seen too many times before. This route had already become routine for me.
It's been three years since I've been under Chairman Seo.
There were so many paths I could have chosen in life. I had no obligation to walk the same road as my father. But I chose it anyway, fully aware of what it demanded. Because I had my own reasons for doing this.
For the past three years, I have learned a lot from Chairman Seo. He also taught me the ins and outs of the company, patiently guiding me through things far beyond the reach of most people my age. He poured his experience and wisdom into every lesson.
It surprised me how kind he was when he taught me. I used to think he would be strict and intimidating. But instead, he was calm, deliberate, and attentive.
From him, I learned how to always stay one step ahead of others. How to think long-term instead of chasing short-term victories. How to restrain myself, even when I knew I was capable of more.
But no matter how much he taught me, I was always aware of the truth. At the end of the day, I was nothing more than a tool meant to be useful to Yuna.
Speaking of Yuna.
When I was first brought here, she was distant and cold toward me. She made it clear she had no interest in getting close. She didn't have friends either, and it seemed like she didn't want any.
After I transferred to her school, we started going to school together every day. Yuna was famous there. Everyone knew her. Teachers, students, even seniors treated her differently. She was admired for her beauty, intelligence, and her background. Yet despite all that attention, she remained aloof, untouched by it all.
Standing beside her, attention naturally fell on me as well. People even made quiet comparisons about us, but I never paid much attention to it. None of that mattered to me.
But over time, we grew closer.
Little by little, I gained her trust. And once you got past her cold exterior, Yuna wasn't as unapproachable as people thought. She was sharp, honest, and unexpectedly straightforward.
Still, no matter how close we became, I never forgot my place.
There was a line between us that I never crossed. I was there to be useful to her. To support the future she was building. Nothing more.
Even so, I respected her deeply.
Yuna was… on another level.
I used to think I was exceptional. But Yuna was an entirely different breed. She grasped things effortlessly, saw outcomes before anyone else, and made decisions without hesitation. Where others calculated, she simply knew. Watching her work was like watching someone born to lead.
Even at eighteen, her presence alone could command an entire room.
As for the board of directors…
At first, they barely acknowledged me. But it wouldn't take long before I showed them exactly what I was capable of.
I may lack certain things compared to Yuna, and that was only natural since she was on a completely different level. But compared to the others?
It wasn't difficult to show the difference. And from that, I earned their respect.
.
"We've arrived, Ms. Yoo."
The car slowed to a stop near the side of the road, just far enough from the main gate.
I smiled faintly. "It's been three years, Uncle. You should stop addressing me so formally. Just call me Harin."
He glanced at me through the rearview mirror,and shake his head with a smile. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Ms. Yoo. Chairman instructed me to treat you with the same respect I show toward his family. And besides, some habits are hard to break"
I just smiled and nodded at his words. Leaning back against the seat, I turned my gaze toward the school gate ahead.
A moment later, the school chime rang.
The gates opened, and children began pouring out of the gates, laughing and calling to one another, racing toward their waiting parents.
I watched carefully, my eyes moving from one child to another.
It didn't take long before I saw him.
Haemin.
He was standing near the school gate, waiting. For a moment, it felt like time hadn't touched him at all. He still looked the same as before. Cute as ever.
Then a woman approached him.
"Ajumma," I muttered quietly to myself.
She reached for him and carried his bag. The two of them walked side by side, laughing. They looked happy. My heart began to pound. The urge to go to them surged sharply inside me. But I stayed where I was.
Not yet.
The guilt still sat too heavily on my heart.
"Isn't it about time, Ms. Yoo?"
I didn't look away from the window.
"It's already been three years. You come here almost every week. Just to watch him go home."
My eyes stayed on them until they disappeared from view.
"…It's better this way. It will only hurt them more if I show myself now."
"I'm afraid you will regret this one day, Ms. Yoo."
I could only smile at his words.
Because it was already too late. Because I had been regretting it for a long time now.
"Let's go inside, Uncle."
"Understood"
.
The car rolled past the gate and into the school grounds. I stepped out a moment later and was led straight to the headmaster's office.
The headmaster stood up the moment he saw me.
"M—Ms. Yoo, thank you for coming. I've really been looking forward to meeting you again. Please, have a seat."
I walked over and took a seat on the sofa. He quickly moved to prepare tea. As he poured, his hand trembled slightly, the tea sloshing just enough to be noticeable.
I glanced at it and sighed quietly.
"There's no need to be so nervous around me, Headmaster Nam. Please, sit."
He froze for a second, then let out a small breath of relief and sat down.
"Thank you, Ms. Yoo."
"So," I continued, "how are you today? Everything going well?"
"Yes—yes, of course," he replied quickly. Then, as if remembering something, he stood up again and bowed deeply. "Once again, thank you for the generous donation. On behalf of the school, we are truly grateful."
I let out another sigh.
"Headmaster."
He stiffened.
"You know," I said, resting my elbow against the armrest, "I actually preferred your attitude when we first met a few years ago. You were much more… confident. Borderline cocky, even."
His face went pale.
"I—I wouldn't dare act like that now, Ms. Yoo. Back then, I didn't know who you were. Please forgive my past rudeness."
I waved my hand lightly. "Sit down."
He obeyed immediately.
Silence settled for a moment before I spoke again.
"So, how's my little brother doing?"
"Kim Haemin? He's doing very well. We've been taking good care of him. I personally made sure nothing bad ever happens to him again."
I leaned back slightly. "And academically?"
"He's outstanding! Very quick to understand, excellent memory and strong reasoning skills. Frankly speaking, he's a genius for his age." He paused, then he added, looking at me, "Now I understand where he inherited his intelligence from."
I looked at him flatly, uninterested in his flattery.
"And his friends?"
"He has a few now," the headmaster answered carefully. "Not many, but they're good children."
"Are they treating him well?"
"Yes! Absolutely," he said quickly. "After what happened the first time, we became extremely careful. Every teacher has been instructed to keep an eye on him at all times, without making it obvious."
"Good."
I nodded, my heart eased a little.
I still remembered the first time I heard Haemin was being bullied just because of his pretty face. And the teachers? They brushed it off as harmless teasing.
It pissed me off so much that I went to the school myself.
At the time, this headmaster didn't bother hiding his arrogance and simply dismissed it as a minor conflict. He didn't take me seriously at all—until I casually called his superior, put the line on speaker, and started ripping into the man in front of him. He went pale and nearly collapsed at that time.
He nearly collapsed a second time after he learned who was behind me.
From that day on, everything changed.
This was what I had been doing behind the scenes for the past three years. Even though I couldn't always be with him, at least I could protect him quietly.
And yet…
Even after all of this, it still didn't feel like enough.
Not even close to atoning for what had been lost.
I looked back at the headmaster.
"By the way… the friends he hangs out with… they're boys, right?"
"Pardon?"
"I said, they're boys, right? There aren't any girls, are there?"
"No—no, all boys. Why do you ask?"
"Okay, good then."
The headmaster stared at me, clearly confused, but thought better than to ask further questions.
I finished my tea and then stood up.
Headmaster Nam startled and immediately rose to his feet as well.
"That's all I needed to know," I said while straightening my coat. "And by the way… this will be the last time I come here before I leave for university."
"I see…" He hesitated, then bowed slightly. "Thank you for everything you've done for this school, Ms. Yoo. Truly."
I paused, then added,
"Oh, and one more thing."
He looked up at me again.
"Our board members have discussed and agreed to continue the donation to the school for the next four years, with an annual increase of five percent."
"F-Five percent… for the next four years? Ms. Yoo, that's—this is far more than we ever expected. Thank you. Thank you so much."
He bowed deeply, this time even lower than before.
"Remember the purpose of the funds. Twenty percent comes from my personal account and is to be used solely for his education and related needs. The remainder is for the school. Ensure neither Haemin nor his mother is informed, and that the money reaches them."
"I will make sure of it. Thank you so much for everything you have done for the past years, Ms. Yoo! I don't know how we're going to ever repay your kindness."
I met his eyes.
"I'm not doing this just out of goodwill," I continued. "You didn't take care of him for free. This is your reward for protecting him properly."
"I swear we will never fail you!"
"Good."
I picked up my bag.
"And one last thing," I added, turning slightly at the door. "Even if I don't come here anymore, I will always know how my little brother is doing."
His back straightened instinctively.
"So I hope you remember that."
"…I will!"
With that, I walked out of the office and let out a quiet sigh.
It seems like today really is the day. The thought made my chest ache. It really saddened me to know that this would be the last day I could watch him from afar.
Haemin… Ajumma…
I miss you both very much.
I'm sorry for disappearing three years ago… I'm so sorry if you felt betrayed by me after you let me be part of your family… I'm sorry… I don't have the courage to face you both now… because… if I show myself… I'm not sure I could bear to look you both in the eyes…forgive me for being a coward like this.
Tears filled my eyes, threatening to spill. I bit my lip and held them back. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, steadying myself before I turned and walked away.
I walked down the stairs slowly. The car was already waiting when I reached the bottom.
I opened the door and got in.
"Uncle, let's go."
He nodded and started the engine.
"…Before that, there's one more place I'd like to visit for the last time."
"Understood."
.
The cemetery was quiet when we arrived.
I stepped out of the car, holding the small bouquet I had prepared. The cool air brushed against my skin. Rows of gravestones stretched before me, until my feet stopped in front of one familiar name.
[Kim Seojun]
I crouched down slowly and placed the flowers in front of the grave. A few dry leaves had gathered around the stone, and I brushed them away carefully, one by one.
"…It's been a while, ajusshi."
My voice sounded strange in a place like this.
"I'm sorry I didn't come to visit you over the past few months. I've been busy with company matters, and my schedule has been tight because there are a few things I needed to settle before I go to university."
"And you're probably bored of seeing me here so often, right?"
A quiet laugh escaped from my lips.
"How have you been, ajusshi?"
"It's already been three years…"
"Haemin… he's doing well. He's already eight years old now, you know? He's growing into a good-looking boy, and he's not as shy as he used to be."
"And ajumma too, she's doing well. I made sure she never had to struggle, and that she could live without worrying about tomorrow."
A small, bitter smile touched my lips.
"Are you happy hearing that, ajusshi?"
My fingers tightened slightly against my knees.
"Ajusshi, I know you never asked me to do any of this. But… don't worry about your family, alright? I've been protecting them, even from afar. So you can rest easy."
I lowered my gaze.
"I don't know if that means anything to you… but it's the only way I know how to make up for what my family did."
The wind stirred gently, rustling the trees above.
"I'm leaving now… I might not be able to come here for the next few years."
"So… this might really be goodbye."
I bowed my head deeply.
"Thank you… for saving me… and my mother's life that day, ajusshi."
For a moment, I stayed there, kneeling in silence, tears slipping freely down my face.
After a while, I slowly stood up, wiped my face, and straightened my coat. Then I turned away from the grave—leaving the flowers behind, just like I always did.