Byung
I finally arrive home after spending the last two hours at the library, finishing one of my last assignments – Inquiry based learning in Primary Science! Well, that’s a piece of work that I don’t want to see again. I turn the key into the front door and walk inside. The house is eerily quiet and it feels weird without Mrs. Hun coming to welcome me home.
I guess it’s true what they say. You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s not there. ‘Get a hold of yourself. She’s coming back in a few days.’ I say to myself as I start chuckling while shaking my head. Mrs. Hun has always been so much more than just a housekeeper. She’s been a mother or grandmother of sorts – probably the only person who could put Appa in his place. I always found it puzzling how one look from her could make him stop when he used to be so pompous and arrogant with everyone.
Lately, he’s been nicer, much more open to dialogue. We would eat dinner together and he’d ask about my work and take interest. Mrs. Hun said that lately she’s seen remnants of the old Mr. Oh come back and I couldn’t be happier. Out of the whole horror situation with Yoona and Minji and Jimin, something good did come out. I'm finally getting a chance to know my father. It doesn't absolve him of all the bad things he has done through his life but everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
I walk into the kitchen and pour myself a glass of orange juice which I immediately gulp down. I clean it up and leave the glass to dry before I walk out of the kitchen. ‘Appa. I’m home.’ I yell but I don’t get any response. I frown – he has the habit of not responding when he’s locked into his office. That's definitely one thing he didn't change. He doesn’t generally like getting disturbed while working.
I walk into the living room but I freeze in my spot – there, on the ground, in a pool of blood is Appa. ‘APPA!!’ I scream as I run to his side. ‘Appa!!’ I call out as I start to try and move him. My eyes scan his body, bruises on his face and holes in his abdomen. I gasp as my hands tremble as they go to his neck to check for a pulse. I find one but it’s really weak. I take out my phone with shaking hands as I call the emergency number.
‘119 – what is your emergency?’ A woman’s voice asks. Her voice is steady and calm, contrasting to my own panicked voice.
‘Appa is hurt… he’s… hurt… I don’t know…when it happened… he’s been stabbed and… and … and he’s bled a lot.’ I say, stuttering and taking pauses, unable to formulate the worlds.
‘Okay sir. Help will be on the way? Can you give me your address?’ She asks.
‘Monte Milone Villa. Sajik-ro-3-gil 23. Jongno-gu, Seoul. Please hurry. He’s not moving at all.’ I say, trying to keep calm and collected for my father’s sake.
‘Help is on the way. Is he breathing sir?’ She asks. I place my face closer to his nose and mouth and feel the faint breath on my face.
‘Yes. It’s very weak but he’s breathing.’ I say as I pull him closer to me. I hear her typing away the information, probably informing whoever is coming. ‘Appa please, please wake up.’ I say as I shake him more.
‘Sir…I know you’re scared but keep calm – just stay with him. You’re doing a good job.’ She says over the phone. I nod, even though she cannot see me. My hand is still shaking as I stroke his head.
‘Appa… please, please wake up Appa. Open your eyes. Please you can’t leave me too.’ I say, breaking down into tears. I see his eyes move slightly. ‘Appa?’ I ask but he doesn’t respond. ‘Appa can you hear me?’ I ask as I grab his hand and intertwine it in mine. ‘Appa if you can hear me, squeeze my hand, please, please.’ I say. I feel him slightly squeezing it as he opens his eyes slightly.
‘By—un—gie.’ He says with great difficulty, making me cry even more. I hold him closer to me as I squeeze his hand.
‘Appa it’s going to be okay.’ I say, nodding to myself. I hear the sirens coming closer and he seems to hear them too. ‘They’re coming Appa. You’re going to be okay.’ I say and he gives me a small nod as he groans. ‘Shh don’t move. I’m going to go open the door for them, okay?’ I ask.
‘Ok—ay.’ He says. I slip carefully from under him. He holds my hand for a moment, not letting me go. ‘I lo—ve you By—ung.’ He says and I nod.
‘I love you too Appa. Please hold on. I’ll be right back.’ I say, more tears streaming down as he lets go of my hand. I run towards the front door as fast as my legs can carry me. I skid towards the door, opening it just as the ambulance comes to a stop in front of the house. ‘In here!’ I shout. They hear me as they jump out of the ambulance, open the back and come running in with a stretcher.
I lead them to the living room and all I can do is stand there and watch as they work. They carefully load him up on the stretcher and I hear him groan. They start to carry him and I follow behind him as I get into the ambulance with him.
Mr. Kyung
As soon as I got the warrant, Adam got the team ready. There’s a high level of tension with as we approach Lee’s house. Everyone wants to get this * – he’s hurt too many innocent people like Baekhyun, Yoona, Hoseok, Jimin and my daughter. Not to mention, the stunt he pulled with that murder disguised as suicide. Media wanted our heads for that and we still have not managed to find out who helped him. We can’t let Lee escape but I can’t help but get this awful gut feeling in my stomach.
‘What’s on your mind?’ Adam asks as both of us get ready to breach the house.
‘I don’t know. I’m just getting this awfully bad feeling in my gut like we’re not going to get him. He’s a slippery son of a *.’ I say and I see him nod, almost as if to say he feels it too.
‘I know but we’ve gotten so far. We did catch the hitman and we got the evidence we need against Lee.’ He says but he doesn’t sound too convinced either.
‘I know Adam but he’s not a fool. Let’s just get this over with.’ I say as I pull out my gun and take position next to Adam. Adam gives the signal to the team as Tan takes the front. He breaks down the door in one swift move as we all rush inside when we hear screaming from the maid.
‘Ma’am calm down. We’re the police.’ Adam says as she stares at us with wide eyes and her body trembling. He shows her the badge but she doesn't seem to be able to calm down at all. She’s breathing really fast and one of the cops ushers her outside as we spread out at the house.
Adam and I go upstairs as we come face to face with another maid who tries to hide away. ‘Ma’am we’re not going to hurt you. Where is Mr. Lee?’ Adam asks her but she shakes her head violently. I sigh as I realize she’s not Korean but actually Chinese.
‘Ma’am we’re the police. We’re not here for you. We want Lee.’ I say in Chinese. Adam looks at me, almost surprised that I can speak the language and I just shrug. The Chinese woman looks at me and shakes her head once more.
‘Lee not here. Lee packed bags and left for holiday.’ She says and I frown as Adam looks at me once more.
‘What? What did she say? I don’t like that face.’ Adam comments already sounding disheartened.
‘He packed his bags and went on a holiday.’ I say to Adam. ‘Do you know where?’ I ask the woman even though I know he didn’t leave on holiday. She shakes her head and I sigh.
‘*ing hell. We’re too late. He could be anywhere by now.’ Adam grumbles. ‘Ask her when he left.’ He directs.
‘When did he leave with his bags ma’am?’ I ask her. She gulps and closes her eyes for a moment as she counts on her fingers and then looks at me.
‘About two hours ago.’ She says and I nod. I motion one of the cops to take her down as I look at Adam.
‘He left two hours ago. We might still have some time.’ I say and he nods as he runs his hands through his hair. ‘What do you think?’ I ask.
‘We can send alerts to the airports and docks but he can still get out, if that is his plan. He might try to buy some time.’ He says and I nod. Or he could go after Minji… Adam seems to read my mind as he places his hand on my shoulder. ‘She’s going to be safe. She can handle herself.’ He says and I sigh.
‘I hope you’re right Adam because she’s already been through too much – much more than any twenty-two-year-old should go through.’ I say.
Mr. Lee
Chi Won and I walk into the motel room after carrying out the payment in cash so that there can be no digital trace. That’s why we chose a cheap motel rather than an expensive hotel or one of my safe houses. The cops can easily trace those so a motel is the safest place. The manager who looks like a teen desperate to make a couple of won disappears out of sight and Chi won closes the door.
‘So, what’s the plan now Boss that Oh is dead?’ He asks as I sit down on the bed. I close my eyes and sigh.
My mind races back to earlier. I didn’t just lose my business partner, but my best friend, someone who I cared for like a brother. It’s his fault – I tried to keep him out of my dirty deeds but he still found a way to get involved. In the end, he knew what he was signing up for the moment he chose to side with Minji and her friends instead of me.
‘For now, we lay low. Oh gave Minji something that can lead them to me. I’ll be a wanted fugitive and possibly even you so they’ll go to my home and probably even the Casino. Chunhua will tell them I left for a vacation so they’ll be locking the airports and docks.’ I say.
‘But you’re not planning on escaping are you?’ Chi Won asks and I shake my head. I feel the anger starting to resurface as I ball my hands into fists.
‘No, not before I make Minji suffer. She should have never gotten involved in all of this. That * cost me too much and I’ll make her pay for everything.’ I say. I can feel the veins in my neck popping out of anger.
‘Well the best way to get to her is through her friends and family. She’s proven how they are her weakness. You could lure her out by using Jimin or Jungkook.’ He says and I nod. ‘What about Rei, Baekhyun, Yoona and Byung? If Byung knows you’re involved, he’s going to want revenge.’ Chi Won says.
‘I don’t want to kill Byung unless he causes me trouble and we will have to forget about the others. Let’s just focus on getting that *.’ I say and he nods.
Jungkook
Jimin, Minji and I are still at the ramen house even though we have finished eating. Minji keeps looking at her wrist watch nervously. ‘What is it Minmin?’ I ask her as I play with the paper napkin which was on the table.
‘Appa should have called by now.’ She says as she sips from her drink. I look at my watch and realize she’s right, it’s been way too long. By now, they should have been able to arrest him and call but we haven’t heard anything. She starts to play with her fingers, something I have not seen her do in a while. Jimin seems to notice as well as he reaches for her hand.
‘Jagi I’m sure your Appa and Adam are okay. They know how to defend themselves well.’ Jimin says, squeezing her hand. He offers her a small, gentle smile and she nods but she does not look too convinced.
‘I just want this to be over with. I want everyone to be safe.’ She says, not letting go of his hand.
‘I know Minmin. Sometimes I still get nervous after what happened to you guys.’ I admit and she sighs. ‘On another note, you still planning on coming to tour with us this summer, right?’ I ask her, wanting to try and distract her and she nods.
‘Yeah. I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait to see Hong Kong and Tokyo. I’ve never been there.’ She says, with a small excited smile.
‘There’s this place I want to show you when we’re in Tokyo. There’s this special park. I think you’d love it.’ Jimin says, smiling at her.
‘I can’t wait.’ She replies. Her phone suddenly rings and I see her eyes scrunch as she answers. ‘Hey Byung…. What’s wrong? Why are you crying?’ She asks, getting serious while her whole face and demeanor change. Her eyes become focused and her hand tightens around the glass. ‘Calm down… I can’t understand you.’ She says as she suddenly looks at us. I see fear flickering in her eyes. She takes the phone and puts it on speaker and I hear Byung almost hyperventilating, sounding panicked and afraid.
‘Min—ji! Appa…. Appa… he’s been stabbed.’ He says. I gasp and Minji looks like she has had the breath knocked out of her. Jimin and I exchange a worried and shocked look and I see Jimin’s grip on Minji’s hand grow tighter. ‘I… I came home and found… found him in the living room… I… I don’t know if he’s going to make it.’ He says among tears and I can’t help but gulp.
‘I know you’re scared right now but try to calm down. I’m coming to you Byung. Where are you?’ Minji asks, her voice sounding hollow. She looks almost frozen.
‘Se—Severance Hospital.’ He replies and she nods even though he can’t see her. ‘Please hurry… I… I don’t want to be alone.’ He cries out. He sounds so scared right now and I can’t help but feel my heart squeeze for him. She hangs up as she turns to look at me. She looks heartbroken right now and I don’t blame her. Byung is one of her closest friends and to know that his father is fighting for his life must be terrifying for her.
‘You don’t have to ask. I’ll drive you. Come on, let’s go.’ I offer and she nods. She gulps as we drop everything and start heading outside. Jimin goes to pay while we make our way to the car. ‘It’s going to be okay. Mr. Oh is strong right? He’ll pull through.’ I say but she shakes her head as we get inside.
‘I don’t know Kooks. Lee must have found out somehow. He was stabbed not shot which shows it was really personal. I can’t understand how he found out so soon. We were so careful… unless, someone saw him this morning.’ She says just as Jimin gets into the car as well. I begin to drive and I hear her sigh. ‘I don’t know what to tell Byung or how to comfort him. I don’t know what to say when this is all my fault.’ She finally adds.
‘Minji, baby, it’s not your fault. None of it is. You only were trying to keep everyone safe.’ Jimin says, squeezing her hand once again. She looks at him and shakes her head more fervently this time.
‘No, Jimin, you don’t understand. I’m the one who went to him. I’m the one who convinced him to do the right thing – to turn against his friend for strangers. Lee must be livid.’ She says.
‘It still doesn’t make it your fault. You didn’t force him to do anything – he’s the one who wanted to do the right thing to honour his wife Minji. He knew the risks and he still wanted to do it.’ Jimin says, trying to both comfort her and convince her that she’s not at fault.
‘Hyung is right. I know it sounds harsh Min but you are not responsible for him or his safety. He didn’t walk into this blindly.’ I say but she shakes her head and I know it won’t be easy to convince her otherwise.
We arrive at the hospital and we rush inside towards the emergency department. We see Byung there and I feel my whole body run cold when I see his shirt covered in blood. ‘Byung.’ Minji calls out. He hears her as he stands up. The two of them run towards each other while she embraces him in a hug. He breaks down in tears while she rubs his back.
‘I don’t want to lose him Minji. Not now – not when we have finally started getting along.’ He cries out.
‘I know Byungie. I am so, so sorry.’ She says. Jimin stays next to them while I take out my phone to text the others.
Kookie: Guys we have a problem.
Taehyungie: Are you guys hurt???
Joonie: What do you mean? What’s wrong?
Suga: Is everyone okay?
Kookie: Not really. Byung’s dad got attacked.
Jin: What? How bad is he?
Yun: *! Will he be okay?
Joonie: Where are you guys now?
Kookie: At the hospital ☹ I think it’s bad hyung.
Yun: Do you know what happened Kook?
Kookie: Byung said he went home and found him there. He was stabbed.
Joonie: We’ll come meet you there. I’ll inform Byung and inform Hoseok-hyung later. They’re probably still sleeping right now.
Kookie: I thought so too. Jimin-hyung and my sister are with Byung right now.
Jin: That’s good. He’s going to need someone with him.
Yoongi: Have you informed Minji’s father yet?
Kookie: I’ll inform him. Can you guys bring a shirt for Byung? His shirt is covered in blood.
Taehyungie: Got it. I’ll make sure to bring him something.
Kookie: Thank you hyung.
I sigh as I walk towards Minji. She looks up at me and sighs. ‘We need to inform your father.’ I say.
‘Do you want me to do it?’ Jimin asks and Minji nods, still not letting go of Byung. Jimin gives her a kiss on the head as he walks to the corner as he goes to call.
Jimin
I hear footsteps approaching and I look up to see the boys and Yun walking towards us. Jungkook, Minji and Byung all hear them as they look up as well. ‘Oh you came.’ Byung says. His voice sounds hoarse because of how much he has cried.
‘Of course. Jungkook called to inform us about what happened.’ Namjoon says, placing a hand on his shoulder. Byung nods in gratitude.
‘We brought you a change of clothes too.’ Taehyung says, showing him the bag. Byung takes it and looks at the emergency door and then at his clothes.
‘It’s okay Byung. Go change, we’ll be right here.’ Minji assures him. He nods as he stands up shakily. Minji looks at me and nods as I decide to go with him. I walk with him to the bathroom and I take the bag of clothes from him as he walks towards the sink.
He opens the tap water and starts to wash off the blood from his hands and arms. He starts to rub hard at his arms as he starts to take short, rigid breaths. He splashes water against his face before he stops. He holds to the sink, trying to calm himself. I place a hand on his shoulder and he looks at me.
‘I know it’s really hard Byung right now but you’ve got to keep strong for your father.’ I say.
‘I know you’re right but I’m not sure I know how to be. My legs feel as if they’re about to collapse any moment and I can’t stop crying even though I’m trying. I feel so weak.’ He admits.
‘It’s okay to feel that way. It’s normal. This is something big and personal so of course you’re going to feel scared and anxious.’ I say, still squeezing his shoulder. He nods as he lets out a big, deep breath. ‘How about you get changed?’ I ask and he nods. He takes off his shirt and I hand him the shirt that Taehyung brought. He puts it on quickly and then I hand him the hoodie as well which he quickly puts on.
‘Hyung… thank you, for being here for me.’ He says and I nod at him. We leave the bathroom to find Minji’s school friends there – Mark, Seob, Usagi and Rei. Mark and Seob look like they are trying to keep calm and Usagi looks shaken up. Rei looks scared and on edge. Before we can say anything, the doctor walks out. ‘Doc, how’s my father?’ Byung asks nervously.
‘He’s stable but he’s still not out of danger. He lost a lot of blood. We’ll keep him under close observation for now but you can go and stay next to him for now.’ The doctor says and Byung lets out a breath of relief.
‘Thank you Doctor.’ Byung says. The doctor gives him a nod and walks away and Byung turns towards us. ‘Everyone, I want to thank you all for being here. I’m going to go in next to him.’ Byung says.
‘We’ll stay with him Minji. I know you said you need to talk to your dad about what happened.’ Mark says and Minji nods. She had talked to him on the phone earlier, something about not managing to get Lee.
‘I’ll stay too.’ Usagi offers. Minji looks at Byung, almost to see what he is going to say but he nods at her.
‘Mark’s right. Go talk to your father and maybe we can understand what the hell is going on.’ He says. Minji nods as she pulls him into a hug before we start walking away. We get out of the emergency department, ready to leave the hospital.
‘Minji wait!’ Rei calls out, forcing us to a stop. Minji turns around as Rei comes running towards us. She looks like she is about to start crying. The others take a step back, wanting to give them privacy but Minji holds on to me, forcing me to stay close.
‘Rei what is it?’ Minji asks as she looks at her. Rei takes Minji’s hand in hers and holds them tightly, her eyes fixed on her.
‘Minji I *ed up. I *ed up big time.’ Rei says as Minji looks at her confused. The boys and I look at each other, not understanding. ‘I know how Lee found out about Oh.’ She says.
‘What do you mean? How can you possibly know Rei – it doesn’t even make sense.’ Minji says and Rei shakes her head.
‘I’m the one who told him Minji.’ Rei says as the tears start to flow uncontrollably.
‘What the hell are you talking about Rei.’ Minji snaps back. ‘How do you know Lee? Why would you even be talking to him?’ She asks, her eyes focusing on her.
‘He… he approached me when that guy tried to kill your friend and you. He said he’s a relative of yours and he wanted me to keep an eye on you and he even paid me to do so. He said he wanted to keep you safe but had to keep it a secret.’ Rei says, words flowing rapidly. Minji’s eyes go wide as she pulls her hand away from Rei’s hold. ‘Minji… Minji please, please…’ Rei begs but Minji shakes her head.
‘It was you all along. You were spying on me and telling Lee on me.’ Minji says. She seems like she cannot believe what she is hearing and neither can I. It feels too impossible to be true. How can someone like Rei be working with Lee? ‘You’re the reason Oh is in that hospital bed and Lee got away.’ Minji says, her voice raising in anger.
‘Minji I thought I was keeping you safe. I know I was stupid and….’ Rei tries to say but Minji isn’t having any of it.
‘Really? Then why didn’t you tell me? Why did you take the money? That doesn’t sound like good intentions to me.’ Minji snaps at her.
‘My brother was diagnosed with Leukaemia a couple of months ago and my family has been riddled with debt since then.’ Rei explains and Minji sighs. ‘I swear to you Minji… I didn’t think this would happen.’ She cries out, trying to reach for Minji’s hand again but Minji pushes her away. I see the anger in her eyes as she tries to process the information.
‘I’m sorry about your brother Rei, I really am but this was stupid. You should have told me the truth.’ Minji says.
‘I’m really sorry Minji. I swear, I’ll fix this. I promise I’ll find a way to fix this Minji.’ Rei says.
‘No Rei, you can’t fix this. I kept thinking it was my fault that Oh ended up in there. I thought it was my fault because I convinced him to do the right thing. I can’t shrug that off but you are just as responsible for this as I am.’ Minji says.
‘Minji, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I just wanted to save my brother.’ She says. I look at Rei who hasn’t stopped crying. She has guilt written all over her face and I can’t help but feel sorry for her. I look at Minji who looks angry and betrayed.
‘I know and I understand Rei. I would have sold my soul to the devil too if it meant saving my brother.’ She says. I look over at Jungkook who sighs as he hears her say that. ‘Maybe if Oh survives, maybe I’ll forgive you but I don’t think I’ll ever trust you again.’ Minji says before she walks away. She starts to jog away and I run after her.
‘Minji… Minji wait.’ I call out. She stops and I grab her arm and turn her around. I pull her into my embrace as she suddenly breaks down in tears. I hug her tightly to me as she sobs loudly in my chest.