Yoona
Hoseok and I are on the roof, dancing to a beautiful song as it rains. We keep dancing and laughing while we continue to get soaking wet. Our dancing matches with each other perfectly before the song comes to an end. We stay staring for a moment before we kiss.
I’m in a small but busy cafeteria. I’m sitting with the boys as we all look on to the small platform where Minji and Yun are. Yun is playing the piano while the two of them sing together in perfect harmony. I see Jungkook smiling… she’s his sister but she doesn’t know yet.
Hoseok and I are sitting down at home while Eomma is serving the food. Baekhyun walks in, still in his work uniform. Eomma scolds him for coming to eat while still dirty. Hoseok and I laugh about it. Eomma sets down the kimchi on the table.
I’m in my bedroom, hugging a crying Baekhyun. Downstairs, I hear Eomma and Appa having a fighting match. It’s who can scream the loudest – Eomma is begging Appa to not leave but he still leaves. I hear the door slamming and I stand up and go to look through the window. I watch him leave, dragging his luggage back, never turning to look back.
I walk into the dance studio to go and get my bag when I see Jin practicing alone. I stand by the door as I watch him practice, a smile forming on my face. I approach him and he looks surprised to see me. The words are mumbled but I see him smile and nod as we begin to dance together.
I'm at the train station ready to hop on the next train, ready to leave when someone yells at me. I turn and I see all the boys running towards me. I can't hear the words clearly but they're telling me to not leave - that I am important to them - to stay with them. I decide to stay and leave with them instead.
We’re in a park – the boys, Yun, Minji and I. The weather is beautiful, the sun shining brightly on us. Jin and Yun have prepared food and everyone is enjoying the food and complimenting them. Everyone has a big smile on their face as we talk and joke around. Hoseok has his arms around my waist as he takes his chopsticks and brings food to my mouth. I grab my own chopsticks and grab some seaweed and feed it to him, earning a chuckle from him.
We’ve finished a late rehearsal and we’re all in one of the room, drinking beer and eating chicken feet. Jimin is standing on the couch, looking happy and in a good mood. He’s talking about the date he had with Minji the day before. Jungkook is smiling and Taehyung is laughing. Hoseok is looking at me.
I’m in a familiar room – I’ve been here before. Everything seems to take shape. I see a man before me as I hand him an envelope with money. He says something but I can’t hear it. Before I know it, we’re struggling as he slams me on the couch. He tears my shirt open and I scream but I can’t hear my own screams. I struggle against his grip as he slaps me across the face. I manage to push him off but he pulls my hair, pulling me back. I see a glass so I grab it and smash it against his face. He pins me against the desk and holds me down as he begins to unzip his pants. I see the letter opener – grab it and run it across his face.
Hoseok
I wake up to her moving and tossing as she sweats. ‘Yoona… baby are you okay?’ I ask as she starts to moan.
‘No…no… please…no.’ She says, still asleep. I can hear the desperation in her cries and I find myself wondering if she’s reliving a nightmare or some horrible memory.
‘Babe… wake up.’ I say as I slightly shake her. Taehyung is also up as he comes close to the bed as he exchanges a look with me. She opens her eyes and takes a sharp breath. ‘You’re okay baby… it’s just a nightmare.’ I say as I rub her arm protectively.
‘I know what happened in between.’ She says and I look at her confused, not sure what she is referring to. ‘In between the competition and the accident.’ She says. Tae and I look at each other again, alarm bells ringing. Tae grabs the water bottle and pours her a glass.
‘Here. Drink and calm yourself first.’ He says and she nods as she takes the glass with trembling hands. I move my hand to her back as I rub her there. She lowers the glass and Taehyung takes it and places it on the nightstand. ‘Want to tell us about it noona?’ He asks as he sits down on the edge of the bed and takes her hand in his. She closes her eyes, gulps and nods.
‘I… I was in an office… I was paying someone money.’ She says. She stops for a moment and takes a deep breath. ‘He didn’t want just the money.’ She says. I feel my whole body tensing up, already having a bad feeling about what she is going to say next. ‘He… he forced me on the couch and tried to undress me.’ She says, her voice cracking a bit. Her free hand automatically runs across her chest as she holds tightly to her shirt. She closes her eyes, her whole body going tense as she rocks slightly.
‘Yoona… did he… were you…’ I try to ask but I can’t even get myself to say the word. It feels too heavy on my mouth and I feel my heart clenching at the very thought. My stomach feels uneasy and I feel like I could throw up any second now. Taehyung seems to notice as he takes a deep breath.
‘Noona, did he rape you?’ Taehyung asks. She shakes her head and I sigh in relief. It doesn’t take away from the fact that she was almost raped though. I still have this anger and hatred in my heart – feelings I never felt before for anyone. I never hated anyone in my life – not even those who criticized me, those who ridiculed me, those who hurt me or hated me – but this man – this man I hate with every fiber in my body.
‘He didn’t have a chance to.’ She says opening her eyes again. ‘I… tried to fight back. There was…there was a letter opener, I used it.’ She says, nodding to herself. My mind starts to picture the scene, even if I don’t want to see it. I see her struggling, fighting this * and then using the letter opener. ‘I scratched over his face and ran away. I got into the car. That’s why I was speeding. No, wait, that’s not why. It’s because they were chasing after me.’ She says. I see the tears rolling down her cheeks and I hug her tightly.
‘It’s okay Yoona. You’re safe here.’ I tell her but she shakes her head.
‘He’ll come back.’ She says and I hug her tighter. ‘I don’t want anyone to get hurt Hobi. You have no idea how scared I was seeing you and Minji fighting that guy and I wasn’t even able to do anything. I felt so useless.’ She says as her body shakes in my arms.
‘Shh it’s okay Yoona. We’re going to figure things out together, okay?’ I tell her as I kiss her forehead. ‘Minji’s Appa will know what to do and I’m going to keep you safe. I promise.’ I tell her.
‘We’ll all keep each other safe noona.’ Taehyung says.
Minji
I wake up early as I start to make breakfast for me and the others. I set the kettle on while I grab a frying pan to make the omelets. I take out the bread, butter, ham, cheese and bacon as I start getting things ready when I hear footsteps. I look up and see Jimin there. ‘Good morning babe.’ He says as he smiles at me.
‘Good morning my love. How did you sleep?’ I ask as he comes from behind me. He wraps his arms around me from behind and places his chin on my shoulder.
‘I slept well although I admit I was very conscious of my movements.’ He says. ‘I did not want to end up hitting your Appa by mistake.’ He says which causes me to smile even more.
‘What are you talking about? You’re amazing to sleep with.’ I say and I hear him chuckling.
‘Is that so?’ He asks. I look at him and see that mischievous grin and I frown as I realize what I just said and what he just understood.
‘Yah that’s not what I meant you dirty minded man.’ I say as I gently hit him with my elbow. He recoils back but then squeezes me even tighter. It feels so good to have his arms around me.
‘So, what did you mean by that baby?’ He whispers against my ears. I shudder and I hear him chuckle which makes me roll my eyes. The effect he has on me is not something I can describe. There are butterflies in my stomach and electricity all over my body. He seems to enjoy seeing me getting flustered as he leaves a small kiss right behind my ear. 'Are you going to tell me?' He asks as he nuzzles my neck with his nose, slightly brushing his lips against my jaw.
‘I meant you’re great to cuddle with. You’re warm and you make me feel safe.’ I say and he sighs. ‘Why are you sighing babe?’ I ask as I turn slightly. I see his eyes on the bruises on my neck and I sigh myself.
‘I hate seeing these bruises.’ He admits. ‘Do you remember when you helped Byung? You had that cut on your arm and I had asked you to be careful.’ He says, his finger gently tracing over my bruises.
‘I promised I would be. I’m sorry I didn’t keep my promise. I didn’t have a choice.’ I say as I slightly lower my head and he nods. ‘Do you ever regret being with me?’ I ask quietly, almost afraid to ask this question, scared to hear the answer.
‘Never.’ He replies without hesitation. I feel my heart skip a beat. ‘Not even once Minji and I don’t want you to ever think that. I know you had no choice.’ He assures me as he moves my hair to one side.
‘So you’re not mad at me right?’ I ask as I look at him. I see him smile a bit as he shakes his head.
‘How can I be mad baby? Your actions saved the life of my hyung and noona. I just wish you didn’t get hurt in the process.’ He says. ‘The only bruises you should have on your neck are from my kisses.’ He says as he starts to kiss my neck gently. He starts to leave a line of small pecks along the line of bruises. His kisses are soft and gentle but I can’t help but react as one particular bruise near my trachea hurts more. ‘Did that hurt?’ He asks softly, worry lacing his question.
‘Just a bit.’ I admit and he sighs. I know it’s useless to lie to him. ‘It will heal, don’t worry about it.’ I say as I turn fully around. He smiles a bit as he suddenly picks me up and puts me on the counter. He places his forehead against mine, our noses touching together. I can’t help but lick my lips as I feel him so close to me.
‘Do you know how crazy that drives me?’ He whispers but there’s a bit of a low growl in his voice. I can’t help but shiver again. He moves his mouth closer to mine as he slowly bites my lower lip. He plays with it as he gently tugs at it before we start to kiss. My hands sneak up to his hair as I tug on it while he places his hands hold onto my hips. Our kiss grows deeper, almost as if we are desperate for each other. His lips feel good against mine as we explore each other’s mouths.
‘Hmm.’ Someone clears their throat. We break the kiss as we both look at the doorway to see Appa there with Jungkook following behind him. My face instantly heats up but Jimin goes even redder than I do. ‘The kitchen counter is for you to make breakfast not make out.’ He says before he breaks into a smile.
‘Sorry Appa.’ I say as Jimin helps me down from the counter. He’s not even looking at him right now. I see Jungkook trying to hold in his laughter as he looks at the two of us.
‘Don’t be. It’s not like your Eomma and I haven’t done that before.’ He says with a shrug. My eyes go wide as he goes to the kettle. He switches it off, grabs a mug, throws a spoon of coffee and pours the hot water. I blink several times as I watch him walk towards the living room. I look at Jimin who is also staring at me with a look of disbelief on his face.
‘Did I tell you how much I like your Appa?’ He finally says which causes me to laugh. His hands wrap around my waist again from behind as he kisses my cheek and I see Jungkook rolling his eyes as he pretends to gag.
‘Can you two stop flirting and do breakfast already?’ Jungkook asks from the doorway. I glare at him and he scoffs. ‘What’s with the glare gremlin?’ He asks with a smirk.
‘How about instead of ordering us around you actually help us. You can do the toast, I’ll do the omelets and Jimin can fry the bacon.’ I say as I grab a bowl and the carton of eggs.
We finish preparing breakfast and take everything to the living room as Appa turns on the news. I sit down in between Jimin and Jungkook as I bite on my toast. ‘Let’s see what they have to say.’ Appa says.
‘Yesterday was a very scary experience for BTS members. A little over four weeks ago, their choreographer Sung Yoona who is also a very close friend with BTS was involved in a horrible car accident that left her in a coma. Yesterday morning, Sung Yoona woke up from the coma but only a few hours later, there was an attempted murder on her. BTS member Jung Hoseok who happened to be there at the time stopped the would-be murderer along with fellow member Jeon Jungkook’s sister – Kyung Minji. Sources say that Jung Hoseok and Kyung Minji were both injured but are both doing well. The police have no leads on the murderer as of now. The motif still remains unclear for this attempted murder.’ The newscaster says.
‘Well the coverage so far is good. They’re not yet making the link between the accident and the attempted murder. Lee will probably try to bury the story so that people won’t give it attention. The only reason it’s being given this much coverage is because of her link to you guys.’ He says, looking at the boys.
Jungkook’s phone vibrates and I watch his face twist in anger. ‘Kooks what is it?’ I ask as I place my hand on his arm. He looks at me and gulps.
‘Taehyung just texted me. Yoona remembered what happened in that gap, between the competition and the accident.’ He begins. I close my eyes for a moment, already having a feeling of the possible scenarios and none of them are pretty.
‘Please don’t tell me she was…’ Baekhyun begins. His eyes are big and wide, full of fear. His lips are trembling and his breathing is fast and shallow. His hands are clutching the cushion he is sitting on. He’s holding on so tightly that his knuckles are turning white.
‘Almost. She was almost raped but managed to fight him off. She took off but they were chasing her with the cars. That’s why she was in that accident.’ Jungkook explains.
I feel Jimin tensing up next to me so I take one hand in mine while I take one of Jungkook’s too. I know it’s hard for them – probably harder than it is for me since they have known her for longer. Yoona is very important for them – she is like their older sister – someone they love and admire – someone who has been with them through their hardships.
‘I know it’s hard but let’s be grateful that the * didn’t manage to rape her and she got away. I know it’s hard to focus but you need to if we’re going to help her.’ Appa says and I nod. ‘Minji, I’ll be going to meet my friend with forensics.’ He says.
‘Good. I want to talk to Mr. Oh again.’ I say. I see Jungkook and Jimin look at me as if I am crazy.
‘It won’t be easy to make him budge. It’s already quite surprising that he warned you. Lee is his best friend – someone he loves like a brother.’ Appa warns me.
‘I know that Appa but he did warn me for some reason. You said his wife was raped and killed. As much as I hate doing this, I can appeal to that and maybe he will be willing to help us.’ I say and he nods.
‘Perhaps. Okay you do that. Take your brother with you – I think taking him rather than Jimin could bring out the family aspect more. I know you think he doesn’t love his son but the truth is, he’s always been afraid to lose him so he wanted to toughen him up.’ He says.
‘I know Appa. What about Jimin?’ I ask as I look at him. He gives me a slight nod that seems to say he is ready to be put to work.
‘After I go talk to my friend, I need to go to the hospital to get the CCTV footage. I’ll need someone to help me go through them. I’ll also need you to check other hospitals or vets for a person with a gunshot wound to his arm.’ He says and Jimin nods.
Jungkook and I arrive at Mr. Oh’s house. Mrs. Hun opens the door for us and I see her smile vanish as she sees me. ‘Ohh goodness what happened to you sweetie?’ She asks.
‘I’m okay Mrs. Hun.’ I say as I take her hand and squeeze them. ‘Is Mr. Oh here?’ I ask and she blinks her eyes. ‘Yes, I’m here for him not Byung.’ I explain.
‘Yes, he is. He’s in his study – I can take you to him.’ She says as she looks at Jungkook. ‘May I ask who this is?’ She asks.
‘Oh you’re right. Mrs. Hun – this is my brother – Jungkook. Kooks, this is Mrs. Hun – the housekeeper.’ I explain. Jungkook bows low as he greets her. Mrs. Hun nods, still looking perplexed but starts to lead us to the office. She gives a slight nod before she walks away. I take a deep breath before I knock.
‘Come in.’ He says. I twist the knob and push it open. He stares at me for a moment before he regains his composure. ‘Miss Kyung.’ He says as he motions for us to sit down. ‘You must be her brother then.’ He says and Jungkook nods.
‘I’m guessing you know why I am here.’ I begin and he nods and sighs at the same time.
‘I do. I heard what happened on the news this morning. Are you okay?’ He asks and I smile. This is so different from a few months ago when he could barely stand to see my face. Months ago, he would be smirking, trying to tear me down but things have changed. I’ve seen beyond the cold exterior he puts forward.
'Let’s see my friend was almost murdered, my Oppa was shot and I was almost choked to death.’ I say as I stare at him. ‘If it weren’t for your warning… she’d be dead.’ I say. He gulps and looks away. ‘So I have a question for you Mr. Oh – why did you warn me?’ I ask but he doesn’t answer. ‘I know it’s Mr. Lee.’ I say and his eyes go wide.
‘How?’ He asks and then he chuckles. ‘Of course you found out. Why am I even surprised?’ He asks and this time I’m the one who smiles.
‘Do you know why he wants her dead?’ I ask as I look at him and he shakes his head. ‘Let me tell you. He tried to rape Yoona but she managed to escape.’ I begin. At the mention of rape, I see him quickly tense up. ‘Now he wants to murder her before she could remember but it’s too late.’ I continue and he sighs. I see him ball his hands together, trying to keep his emotions in check. ‘Your wife was raped and murdered right?’ I ask.
‘How do you know that?’ He asks as he stares at me. I see the shock in his eyes but besides shock – pain and a lot of it. The eyes are truly the windows to the soul. They can’t easily hide emotions – especially powerful emotions like love, hate and pain.
‘Appa told me when we brought Byung here. He told me because he wanted me to understand that you weren’t always a cold, heartless person. Life made you that way. Still, I don’t think you’re a completely bad person or you would not have come to warn me, even though he’s your best friend.’ I say.
‘I’m not a good person and I’ve hurt countless people but I never resorted to rape or killing. I lost my wife and my son lost his mother – I would never subject anyone to that pain.’ He says as he looks away. ‘But I can’t help you anymore.’ He says.
‘You might be the only one who can help us.’ Jungkook says. I hear the pleading in his voice, even if he tries to hide it. ‘Yoona, Hoseok, Minji – they’re my family and you might be the only one who can help me protect them. You cared enough to give us a warning.’ He adds.
I see the look on Mr. Oh’s face – he looks confused but I know it’s not a losing battle. I see it in his eyes. He does want to help but it’s like he said last time – he’d be making himself a target, himself and his son. Perhaps it is too much to ask of him but we might not have another choice. Mr. Lee wants her dead, possibly he’ll want me dead too and there is still that hitman out there. We’re going to need evidence to bring him down.
‘Think about what your wife would want you to do Mr. Oh. Help a girl who is a victim like herself or help your best friend who is like the people who hurt your wife.’ I say as I stand up. I feel him staring at me – not out of anger but out of a mess of emotions. ‘Let’s go Jungkook.’ I say and Jungkook sighs as he stands up as well.
Byung
‘Master Byung… wake up.’ Mrs. Hun says. I groan as I roll into bed, getting the pillow over my head and pressing it to me head. ‘Master Byung… Ms. Minji is here.’ She says. I remove the pillow and sit up.
‘What did you say?’ I ask her and I see her smile. It’s that old lady smile that seems to say, I know everything. The truth is, Minji and I have gotten closer over the last few weeks because of our teaching practice. It ended a couple of days ago and now we have two weeks without lectures to catch up on assignments and rest before we begin our final term which includes more lectures and more exams in May or June. After seeing her everyday, I found myself really missing her but I know she's been really busy and probably trying to catch up on some well deserved rest.
Seeing her every day at the school made me realize what a beautiful person she really is. It’s been a real struggle for her – with one of her best friends being in a coma. She would pretend everything is okay in front of the kids and work diligently. She has that certain something that make all the kids love her. She knows how to go down to their level and everyone has been praising her and her work ethic. Everyone at the school loves her and it’s not hard to see why. She’s kind, funny, hardworking and caring. She's strict but understanding. She's firm but loving.
Yet, it’s not the first time I caught her staring into space or have a tear roll down her eyes. I sigh as I remember one of those times.
*Flashback*
It’s break time and I take the kids out to the yard to have some fun. They have about thirty minutes of play time which is also a time for us to rest our minds. I watch as the children all break into a run, everyone going in different directions.
I look around the yard, my eyes scanning for Minji when I see her standing in the corner, alone, away from everyone but her eye are still on the kids. I walk up to her and cross my arms across her chest. ‘Are you okay monkey?’ I ask but she doesn’t respond. I look at her and see a single tear rolling down her cheek. ‘Hey monkey…’ I say my voice soft as I grab her elbow and turn her slightly around. She shakes her head and looks at me.
‘Oh hey Byung. Did you talk to me?’ She asks and I nod. ‘I’m sorry. My mind is all over the place right now.’ She says and I sigh.
‘That’s okay. Is it because of Yoona?’ I ask and she nods. ‘There hasn’t been any progress?’ I ask again.
‘None. They don’t know when she’s going to wake up.’ She says with a sigh of her own. ‘And if she wakes up, she might not have her memories and she might not walk. The boys, Yun and I visit her every day and I know everyone is trying to keep hopeful but everyone is also hiding how scared we all actually are.’ She explains and I nod.
‘I can imagine. Probably, everyone keeps thinking of the day she’ll wake up and try to ignore the other things but it’s not easy.’ I say and she nods.
‘Yeah. It’s so heartbreaking to see, especially Hoseok. He loves her so much and he’s so scared she won’t wake up. He spends every night with her if possible.’ She says.
‘I can’t imagine how scary it must be to see the person you love in that state. Not to mention what you said earlier, the possibility that even if she does wake up, she might not remember him.’ I say.
‘Aish I still can’t believe this is happening. Last time, I was passing by and I heard Jungkook crying in the bathroom. He’s really not dealing well with it. Even Jimin – he tries to hide it from me but he’s really worried and scared. I can see it in his eyes.’ She says.
‘You’re really close with Jimin, aren’t you?’ I ask. She looks at me and I see a smile on her face – a smile which makes me think a lot. If only his name can make her smile like that, he must be really important to her.
‘Yeah we are.’ She says, placing a hand on her chest. ‘I’m really glad to have him in my life.’ She says quietly and I feel my heart breaking. Yes, I fell for her but she loves someone else….
*Present Time*
I jump out of bed, put on my slippers and rush out of my room. I reach Appa’s office just as she and Jungkook walk out. I see the surprise on their faces but I think my surprise is even bigger as I see the stitches right above her eyebrow and the bruises around her neck.
‘Minji what happened?’ I ask as I grab her arm. She gulps and winces at the same time. It must be difficult for her to swallow even her own spit. I hear Jungkook sighing – he probably hates seeing her like this even more than I do. ‘Minji who did this to you?’ I ask her again, this time my voice a little louder. I see Appa standing behind them. ‘Appa did you have anything to do with this?’ I ask, my tone accusing.
Ever since Minji saved me from the beating, my father’s attitude has changed towards me. He no longer shouts or hits me and he doesn’t belittle my dreams. Instead, he seems to have gotten more supportive lately. I guess seeing me beat up was a wake-up call for him of some sort. Still, I can’t forget that he didn’t hesitate to send thugs to her place once.
‘What? No.’ Appa says and I see Minji smile as she takes my hand.
‘Byung I’m fine and your Appa had nothing to do with it. Actually, he helped us to save our friend.’ She says as she looks at him. I see him sighing as he looks away. Something is definitely on his mind.
‘You’re not fine Minji. You always say that but you’re not fine. People don’t have bruises and stitches for nothing.’ I say a little irritated. ‘Did you get into some sort of fight with someone?’ I ask.
‘You could say that.’ She replies as she plays with her hair nervously. ‘Don’t worry about me Byung. I’m fine, I really am.’ She says.
‘Why did you come to see my father?’ I ask as I look at her and then my Appa. She seems to do the same and then she sighs.
‘We came on an errand. Her father wanted to deliver a message to yours but he’s really busy. Don’t worry about it.’ Jungkook says. Although Jungkook and I have talked and tried to get rid of all the odd feelings towards each other, I think there is still some kind of animosity. I don’t really blame him – he probably sees me as someone who always got his sister mixed in some kind of trouble. Minji nods as if to agree with him so I nod.
‘We need to get going. I’ll talk to you later Byung and don’t forget that the deadline for the Themes tutorial is this week. We need to send it by e-mail instead of a hard copy.’ She reminds me and I nod.
‘Yeah… yeah I know. Listen, Monkey…. If you need anything, any help at all, tell me.’ I tell her. She looks at me for a moment and then nods as she gives me a small smile. I watch as the two leave with Mrs. Hun. I turn back to my father and look at him. ‘What’s really going on Appa?’ I ask. He motions me to follow him inside. He sits down on his leather chair, removes his glasses and pinches his nose.
‘Her friend… the one who was in a coma woke up but someone was sent to kill her. Minji and her other friend managed to stop him but he got away.’ He explains.
‘What? That’s crazy!!’ I exclaim. ‘Wait is that why she was hurt?’ I ask and he nods. ‘Dammit! And the * got away?’ I ask and he nods again. ‘Then she’s not safe but what does this got to do with you? And why did she say you helped save her friend?’ I ask.
‘I overheard a conversation and I relayed the information to her.’ He says with a sigh. ‘I can help more but if I do, I’m scared I could put you in danger and I…’ He says but he stops. ‘I can’t lose you too. I can’t lose you like I lost your mother.’ He says and I look at him.
He rarely ever mentions her at all. There were times I thought he had forgotten about her and simply moved on but a part of me tells me that it’s more complicated than that. I think the memory is too painful for him which is why he is always so silent about her. There isn’t a single photo of her in the house except the one in my room.
‘Appa, Eomma died in a car accident. It’s not exactly the same.’ I say and he sighs. For the first time since I was five years old, I see Appa crying. ‘Appa?’ I ask.
‘She didn’t die in an accident Byungie.’ He says, using a nickname I hadn’t heard in a long time. ‘There is so much about me you don’t know. She knew everything but she married me anyways. I was supposed to inherit my father’s business – illegal business.’ He says and I gasp but stay quiet. ‘Money laundering and drug trafficking. I didn’t want anything to do with it and I worked on my own hotel business. One day, masked men entered our home. They tied me down and…’ He pauses once more. My heart is beating like crazy right now while he seems like he can barely breathe.
‘What happened Appa?’ I ask, reaching for his hand. He looks at me, a steady stream of tears falling down his cheeks. I’ve never seen him look so broken and vulnerable.
‘They raped her in front of me. Her screams still haunt me at night.’ He says. I feel my whole body go tense at the new information. ‘They shot her and left us there. I watched her die and I wasn't able to do anything. I couldn't even hold her or comfort her.’ He says.
‘Appa…’ I say but my voice comes out as a wavering sound. He isn’t looking at me right now as he looks at the distance instead.
‘I lost any sense of right or wrong. I didn’t care about the laws and rules anymore. I lost the love of my life and I was barely surviving. I decided to take over father’s business and started working with my best friend who is like a brother to me – Lee.’ He says.
‘Wait, you’re saying you’re a criminal?’ I ask and he nods. I go to say something but no words come out.
‘I’ve never resorted to killing but I have done horrible things. Minji’s friend – she crossed paths with Lee. Her brother owed money to him. I don’t know the details of everything but I do know he tried to rape her and now he’s sent someone to try and get rid of her.’ He says as he sighs while I continue to stare at the man I don’t even recognize. ‘I know that the right thing to do is to help them but I don’t want to put you at risk.’ He says. I try to digest the new information and stay silent for a few minutes before I speak up.
‘Appa… Minji is my friend. She’s saved my life and has always helped me, even when I didn’t deserve it. She may be in danger and I don’t want her to get hurt again.’ I say.
‘Do you like her Byung?’ He asks suddenly and I sigh.
‘I do but she loves someone else. I think she’s in a relationship with Jimin but it doesn’t matter. I’ll get over it but she still remains one of my best friends – someone who is important to me.' I say and he nods. 'What do you think Eomma would want you to do?’ I ask.
‘She’d want me to help and I will but I need you to promise me something.’ He says and I nod. ‘Promise me you’ll stay out of it. I won’t ask you to not see her because I know I’d be asking for something impossible but don’t get involved in it. Let me handle it.’ He says.
‘I’ll try to but if I’m ever with her and see her in danger, I won’t be able to stop myself from helping her.’ I say.
‘I suppose not.’ He says with a small smile. He opens his drawer and pulls out an album. ‘I think it’s time you have this.’ He says as he hands it to me. I open it and I feel my eyes tear up as I realize it’s photos of our family. ‘Will you come with me to see her later?’ He asks.
‘Appa…’ I say before I nod.
‘I miss her so much but I’ve never been able to go see her.’ He says. ‘It’s time I go see her.’ He says, more to himself than to me. I keep looking at him – this man who is my father who has held so many secrets from me.
The man who I always looked at as arrogant, selfish and self-absorbed, like I was is actually a man who has suffered in silence and alone. I feel my heart ache for him and I realize one thing – Minji’s presence in our lives has changed both me and my father.
She made me realize I was wasting myself away by pretending to be someone else. She made me want to stand up for myself and stand up for my dreams, no matter the challenge. She made me want to be better. Maybe she doesn’t realize it but her actions have stirred something in my father as well. Her actions have made him want to do the right thing in years.
