The following content might be disturbing for some viewers. Reader discretion is advised.
Kim Hajun settled at the back, his small frame leaning slightly to the window as the bodyguard drove away. He stared at the multiple buildings flashed past his sight. In front, two bodyguards sat, dressed in black suits.
The driver glanced into the rearview mirror, adjusting it to an angle he could see Hajun. His distant expression caught the driver's attention. He decided he should distract Hajun's mind.
"Young Master," driver trailed off politely. "… how was your day? I heard, you topped the class once again."
"…"
"… Shouldn't we celebrate it?"
"…" Still no reply was received.
The two guards shared a quick look, awkwardness lingered between them. "Oh, right! Tomorrow is your birthday." The bodyguard in the passenger seat gestured quietly to the driver.
"Right!" driver nodded taking the hint. "How about we go to the amusement park you've always loved to visit."
"Don't need to," Hajun flatly replied, his voice silent and cold.
Both guards stiffened at their seats, embarrassed. "Y–yes, Young Master," the driver murmured. After that, the whole ride was silent and awkward.
The car stopped before a huge gate, that was swing opened by security guards after checking identity cards of the bodyguards. The car rolled in the huge mansion.
It was two story made of white stone, tall windows catching the sunlight. A wide garden at front across the front yard, lushed with fence and the fountain in the middle.
Before bodyguards could got out and open the door for Hajun, he stepped out. He ignored the maid bowing and greeting him, made his way to the staircase.
"Make sure everything is prepared. I don't want any mistakes."
"…" Hajun froze when he heard the voice.
There, standing a man in his late thirties near the butler. White hair brushed neatly and pulled back, and green eyes identical to his. He was talking to the butler.
"As you wish, Master. I will supervise everything myself. You need not to worry." Butler replied politely with a smile. "After all, it's Young Master's ninth birthday."
"I know you will handle everything." Kim Hawoon nodded and turned when his eyes met Hajoon. His stern expression quickly melted into a bright smile. Anyone could literally see flowers around him. "Hajun, my boy."
"Dad…" Hajun ran to his father and threw his arms around him. Hawoon embraced his son in warm and gentle hug.
"I thought you wouldn't be here this time either… for my birthday." Hajun pouted as his shoulders drooped.
"Ah, how could I miss it? Last year was just… never mind, forget it." Hawoon's voice warm and gentle as he picked Hajun up.
"I took half the day off tomorrow. After school, we'll go to the amusement park and get ice cream from that stall you love."
"Yeah! You're the best, Dad!" Hajun's laughter rang in the hall.
"Alright, alright. Calm down and go wash up. I've prepared lunch, we'll eat together."
Hajun's eyes widened. "You made lunch?"
Hawoon nodded with a small smile.
"Then I'll come back quickly! Don't start without me!" Hajun ran off toward the washroom.
At the dining table, the lunch was served. They were eating when Hawoon casually asked about his school. "How's school going, Hajun?"
"As usual. Nothing extraordinary."
"Oh? Really?"
"Mm. Well, everyone was talking about the fire at the palace servants' quarters… nothing else."
"I see… And have you made any friends?"
Hajun paused for a moment, knife resting the steak. ""No… and I don't need to. I'm fine on my own."
"Are you sure?" Hawoon's gaze lingered on his son, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yeah. This way I can focus on my studies. Friends are only distractions."
"Ah, really!" Ha woon trailed off and brought a piece of steak to his mouth and ate it. "So, that's what you think."
"Hajun…"
Hajun turned to his father, curiosity was visible on his face. "You know… friends are really important in life."
"How?"
"You're right that studies are important… and yes, sometimes friends can be distractions." Hawoon's took another bite of steak.
"But friends can also make you laugh… make your day brighter. With them, you can share the things you can't tell anyone else. Friends may come and go, but the memories you make with them will stay. Even when I'm not here, a true friend will be by your side. Sometimes… you'd even give your life for them."
Hajun listened intently, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Then… did you have a friend like that?"
"Of course," Ha-woon replied without hesitation. "That person was your mother. She was my friend, my partner, my life… my everything."
"Really… I see. I guess I'll make one too."
Ha-woon chuckled. "Good. But remember—not everyone is worth that trust. Choose a friend you can entrust with everything you have. Alright?"
Hajun nodded firmly. They continued their meal, Ha-woon asking more about school that Hajun replied, honestly.
___
"Goodnight…" Hawoon turned the lights off and left the room.
"Goodnight, Dad."
Hajun was lying on his bed settled under quilt and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep. When he made sure his father left, he shifted and sat up.
His eyes blank as he got out of his bed made his way to the washroom. He stared blankly at his self for a moment in the mirror. Disgusting. Filthy. Bastard.
The words rang in his ears. He reached and lifted his shirt up. Red purple bruises were craved on his body. Some old. Some new.
"I'm sorry, Dad."
Hajun gently touch the bruises on his stomach. Ahh! He winced as the pain shot through his body. I'm s-sorry. I can't be like you, Dad. I can't.
Tears began to appear in his eyes. He crouched down as he slammed a hand on his mouth. Muffled sound echoed in the washroom.
He clutched on his grey pajama, nails digging through the fabric into his skin. Blood began to ooze out as he prevent his voice to leak out.
I tried… I tried to be like you. But… I'm just a disappointment.
The pain from his bruises, nails digging in his thigh was nothing compared to what he was feeling in his chest.
"What a cry baby!" A voice rang in his head. Hajun sobbed, body trembling.
"Embarrassing. You should be ashamed for staining your Dad's reputation." The voice taunted him. "Die… you should die, Hajun. You're nothing but a shame to your father."
N-no… I'm not. Hajun tried to console himself. Shaking his head to stop the voice.
"I'm not."