Chapter 138
As the woman and I left the coffee shop, I told her that I wanted to check on Hyun Min before I headed back to school. She nodded understandingly and we walked towards the hospital. When we arrived at his room, I was relieved to see that he was in good spirits.
I went in to see him, and I was glad to see that the stitches on his stomach had been taken care of. It looked like they had used some kind of dressing or plaster to cover the wound, and it seemed to be healing well. We chatted for a bit, and I stayed with him for a while, trying to keep him company.
As I prepared to leave, I told him that I would come visit him again the next day, after I had finished my exam.
I stood outside, I lazily kicked my legs against the wall, the rhythmic motion helping to pass the time. The cool night air enveloped me, and I breathed it in deeply, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Before long, I spotted the woman approaching me, her smile warm and inviting.
"I hope you didn't wait long?" she asked, her voice gentle and considerate. I shook my head, responding with a simple "no" as I fell into step beside her. She nodded and led me to her car, the sleek vehicle gleaming in the dim light of the parking lot.
As we drove, she mentioned that she needed to meet with the principal to explain my tardiness. I wasn't too concerned about it, knowing that the principal was understanding and wouldn't make a big deal out of it. The woman's words were brief and to the point, and I appreciated her straightforwardness.
Once we arrived at school, I headed straight to my room, the familiar surroundings a welcome respite after the events of the evening. It had been a long night, and I was more than ready to get some rest. I collapsed onto my bed, feeling grateful for the comfort and quiet that surrounded me. The softness of the mattress enveloped me, and I let out a deep sigh of relief.
"Oh my God," I murmured to myself, already drifting off to sleep, the stress and tension of the day melting away as I succumbed to exhaustion. My eyelids grew heavy, and I let them close, surrendering to the allure of sleep.
The next morning dawned, and the exam unfolded as usual. I started the day with a nourishing breakfast, which gave me the energy I needed to tackle the challenges ahead. As I sat down to take the exam, I felt a sense of focus and determination. The questions were familiar, and I was confident in my abilities.
The exam progressed smoothly, and I was pleased to find that I was able to answer the questions to the best of my ability. I was sure that Hyun Min, despite being in the hospital, had also taken his exam and done well.
As the day wore on, time seemed to fly by at an incredible pace. Before I knew it, the exam was over, and I was feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment. The speed at which the day had passed was almost dizzying, and I couldn't help but wonder where the time had gone. Despite the whirlwind of activity, I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride in having tackled the exam head-on.
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I carefully packed up the last dish, arranging the plate with a flourish before sliding it into a lunch box. The soft clink of the lid closing was satisfying, and I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that everything was neatly contained. I zipped up the lunch bag, the sound echoing through the quiet kitchen.
Next, I turned my attention to cleaning up the space. I washed the pots and pans, the warm water and soap suds soothing my hands as I scrubbed away at the stubborn bits of food. The kitchen began to sparkle, the stainless steel counters and sink gleaming in the light. I wiped down the stove and countertops, the scent of lemon cleaner filling the air.
As I finished up, I took a step back to survey the kitchen. It was spotless, every utensil and appliance in its place. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I had not only cooked a delicious meal but also left the kitchen in pristine condition.
With the lunch box securely in hand, I headed out of the kitchen, ready to deliver the meal to Hyun Min. The thought of his smile when he saw the food made me feel happy and eager to share the meal with him.
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The hospital room was shrouded in an almost palpable tension, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Hyun Min sat on the bed, his eyes fixed on the trio standing before him - Chairman Kang, Madam Ji Hyeon, and Soo Young. The silence was oppressive, weighing heavily on his chest like a physical force.
Chairman Kang's voice cut through the stillness, his words like a thunderclap on a summer's day. "Enough of this charade," he declared, his tone firm but laced with a hint of unease. "The truth is, Hyun Min, we are not your biological parents. We've kept this secret for far too long, and it's time the truth came to light."
Madam Ji Hyeon's voice was the next to break the silence, her tone laced with remorse. "Hyun Min, I'm deeply sorry for the way I've treated you over the years. I realize now that my actions were misguided, and for that, I'm truly, deeply sorry."
Chairman Kang's expression softened slightly as he placed a hand on Madam Ji Hyeon's shoulder. "Despite this revelation, you're still welcome to visit us anytime," he said, his voice a little gentler now. "We've grown accustomed to having you as part of our family, and we'd like to maintain that bond, even if it's not by blood."
With that, the couple turned to leave, their footsteps echoing in the silence as they departed the room. Soo Young remained, her eyes locked on Hyun Min's face. "I'm consumed by regret for abandoning you, Hyun Min," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I was young and foolish, and I made a decision that would change the course of your life forever. Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"
Hyun Min's gaze met hers, a maelstrom of emotions swirling within him. The revelation had left him reeling, his mind struggling to process the truth. Soo Young's words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the past and the secrets that had been kept from him.
Hyun Min's gaze lingered on Soo Young for a moment before he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please, can you leave? I just want to be alone for a while." His words were laced with a mix of emotions - pain, confusion, and a hint of desperation. Soo Young didn't argue or protest. She didn't even nod in understanding. Instead, she silently turned and walked out of the hospital room, leaving Hyun Min to his thoughts and emotions.
As soon as Soo Young left, Hyun Min turned to the other side, his face contorting in a struggle to hold back his emotions. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he bit his lip, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to break free. The door closed behind her, and Hyun Min was left alone with his turmoil, the silence of the room a stark contrast to the storm brewing within him.