BKR Ch 12

“Yes, the third-floor restroom. Thank you.”dc21d3a4cb5a125d

Kim Jihan hung up d0267ef860 the phone with Manager 5a270d5f76 Yoon and looked up. He checked his 445230ae24 reflection in the 3ced68856d restroom mirror. Dark red bloodstains were 811bf7717d splattered across his face.3342c60d7415f6bb

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Grimacing, Jihan turned dcec04e2c4 on the faucet 7105da43f4 and meticulously washed 37a0da11ec the blood off ddb6a037f2 his face, neck, ffa7478e61 and behind his 32e9a5b7fd ears. Red streaks flowed down 58bd51d0cb the white sink.7fd6ec9fd78e32e1

He was alone in the 75ca58381e school restroom; morning classes had 1114adf8ec already begun.02a7e82a5562452d

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Bzzzt– His phone vibrated in his pocket. Jihan dried his wet hands and answered the call.1befe4ad6d8e2a2a

— Hey, fuck! You crazy bastard-!a69a27464c0ecb9f

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Curses flew at him immediately.a93d8fe47b1c3b46

“What?”2c7a60befd2c0bef

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Jihan casually shook his wet hair, recognizing his cousin, Kim Daehan’s, voice.21e553f390395917

— What?! I just got a call from Manager Yoon. He said the settlement money’s been transferred!981082f81bca7bd0

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“Thanks. You’re the best, hyung.”9ff3b8d6be135956

— Fuck you, you crazy bastard! Why the hell did c2ef07f037 you have to mess fd2027968d with a fellow cadet? Do you have 4615bb6f96 any idea how ef7abf8586 much this is 808000f8de going to cost 287283e18a me?4ba9992054ef5ef7

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“Oh, I’m keeping a detailed account in my heart. I’ll pay you back later with interest.”ceb01efa4ccf6213

Despite his cousin’s furious 802f171666 tone, Jihan responded with 23e24d9b70 utter nonchalance.07c4776d97183290

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— Bullshit. Do you think this is 3aca2a3652 about the money?533fb05dd207e9d6

Oh dear.beb0038cb1790ab8

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Jihan let out a tired 26b2c65bc6 chuckle, anticipating the lecture that 465a061152 was about to begin.19805ece8c694c20

— Hey, you know this is something that could get you dragged to the military police. I have to cover this up! Do you know how much of a pain this is? I’m already busy as hell. And what about the incident at the military hospital a while ago? You’re not a kid anymore, you’re an adult, so…!20611f6e7bfdd4ff

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Jihan decided he’d heard enough and cut him off.7ce662e7e9fedfea

“Yes, you’re absolutely right. I’ll bow down to you when I see you next. I’m so lucky to have you as my cousin.”c9458f8e6e700598

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Knock, knock-499366883af8a53c

Someone knocked on the 146d0a7ad1 restroom door. Jihan glanced over.2ea076429191b636

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“Gotta go, hyung. I need to change.”4b5ba7145e97dd36

— You go straight home and stay there! I’ll call the principal, so don’t you say a word there! Got it?ea8a0088ddb98fdb

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“Yeah.”bea4fab2566434fb

Jihan hung up 28e1b5e794 on his insistent 75c881182f cousin and opened f0ff09420f the restroom door. Manager Yoon was d77c4c6737 standing there with 3f669b8aa3 a shopping bag.c6c7d49a7098eeef

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“Please put your soiled clothes in here. You should go straight home, young master. I’ll go to the hospital to take care of things.”13f3ad0c7de1a9c5

“Thank you.”e317c457accf29fa

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Jihan took the shopping bag d549048273 containing a change of clothes.1494edf5faf99f78

Click.ca007524ff078127

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Manager Yoon closed the door behind him, wearing a puzzled expression. It wasn’t that the young master had acted out again after a period of quiet; he’d expected another outburst sooner or later.a49dbaeaa074301e

However, for some reason, this time, Jihan had caused a real mess, one that was proving difficult to clean up. The meticulous young master, who always ensured a clean finish, had done something he’d never done before.1e50528a6dd66d09

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Inside the restroom, Jihan 9630a8fb42 changed into his casual 1f980d900e clothes. He also grabbed ed4901db5e his backpack from 579c3b051d the hook beside 381af299ef the mirror.ad490c644d5e8953

“Here’s…”72992f576c2021b7

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Opening the door, Jihan stopped 020704f1af mid-sentence as he handed the 6c93b1f253 shopping bag to Manager Yoon. He saw Dohan standing behind 469d42dbb2 him.29a8c1d785de1e28

It seemed Dohan had come f7240eb33e to use the restroom during a2f5a3df6f class. Seeing him, Jihan 00af6aa53f gestured to Manager d315d5925e Yoon to leave. Manager Yoon bowed his head fff4bb0dc6 and stepped away.e330625d6116c93e

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“Come in. Use it.”f09f958a77eba48f

Jihan opened the restroom door 2bc814555d wider. Dohan stepped inside, but cca0006517 instead of using the a43e4e8efa facilities, he stood directly 194e28d52d in front of Jihan.4cec566f3118a8f0

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Dohan looked at Jihan’s damp c569bb556e face, then glanced down, his e1fb220452 gaze momentarily lingering on Jihan’s f2372ce0cd fresh clothes. He looked up again.73c2021aecbbd73c

“Why did you do it?”d700786c0a2c1906

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“I never liked that guy.”f836a0b688ece0a6

Jihan replied casually to cf1a22cf90 the simple question and e12a90a105 slung his backpack over 49d7bdf966 one shoulder. Then, he looked 7c39d43eff directly at Dohan 1fc10f11df with a matter-of-fact db465003d0 expression.a687851c9da6f387

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“You heard him, didn’t you? What he said to you? Who talks to a classmate like that?”68dacc9693d192bf

Dohan listened silently.132e823ae457bf58

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What Cha Woohyuk had 0b98ec9439 said to him was 6b300f70dd certainly an excessive insult, de7a6942b8 even going so far 7e637f95af as to call him 1fed4a1815 a prostitute.e3c14e1953843087

However, those words were 95658841c5 directed at him, not 6fcaeea7e7 Jihan. It had nothing to d6864777df do with Jihan.bb6fcedad3b32712

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But, bizarrely, Jihan had snapped. He’d brutally assaulted his opponent, who hadn’t even fought back. In the end, both Cha Woohyuk and Jihan had to leave class early.d2c2d2ed1bc85341

Of course, Dohan knew. He knew it was 5214ead485 all because of him.fee45874c222e1eb

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‘This idiot…’cb8e51a8ae21c1fd

How could Jihan do 566684d064 something so foolish?59c3f001078b4307

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Dohan was so disturbed, wondering how this mess could possibly be resolved, that he couldn’t stay in the classroom.1cc12e1cb326110c

Why did Jihan go 2cd9757d76 so far?f2e4f703f65405b7

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No matter how much he thought about it, Dohan couldn’t recall ever doing anything that would have endeared him to Jihan. He had only glared, scolded, and rejected him.f1074f2f699d9b0e

Yet, Jihan had acted recklessly, 84837cecc6 simply because someone had insulted 786fc412a8 Dohan.8499e65682e12411

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Unconsciously, Dohan’s gaze softened as 05cecbfa77 he looked at Jihan.728e6c8b10e81b8a

“…?”091e7bd0d84b78f3

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Noticing the slight change in Dohan’s usually cold demeanor, Jihan wore a slightly surprised expression.e395a96ab5d5b1b9

“So, you skipped class to come find me. Already looking after your benefactor? How commendable.”f0084d9072b7a44f

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“Who’s looking after anyone?”b9375e3efae5dab7

Dohan quickly regained his composure.ff576d10184dbbdb

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“Ah.”41949b55773ca6e1

As if something bec325965b suddenly occurred to 918a57d5bc him, Jihan pulled 1f5b2cbacd his backpack off bbe68cf16c his shoulder and 40a7eff123 unzipped it. He took something 5f3b3ee198 out and offered cef04e8a41 it to Dohan.45a3d6b85074667c

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“Here. Make sure you eat this, even if I’m not there. You need it for afternoon training.”5c2950a778cb2f5d

It was a lunchbox filled ab37f3e2ff with various nutritious foods.074511b12e18aac9

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“…”ab57d03347eb1165

Dohan was speechless, 5bb809c7c2 seeing Jihan taking 438517cc6f care of him dd4a5b5ba5 even in this 3cb241a121 situation.2cc74c32cd117d24

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“Ah, never mind.”1ed9d63bdc6026c6

Jihan shook his head.f976314c9cd53acf

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“Let’s just go together. I’ll watch you eat.”b2732e467cf96c00

Perhaps sensing that Dohan wouldn’t eat it alone, Jihan put the lunchbox back in his bag and strode forward. Then he looked back at Dohan, who was still standing there.a7eb2df167cb1f85

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“What are you doing? Come on.”8341b023221a7331

Dohan hesitated. Under Jihan’s persistent gaze, he finally relented and followed.e73e72a605b084c2

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The hallway was 52424c516d empty during class 1206c1ee9a hours.b8dd711a97f11ca6

Jihan, walking ahead 9f21fcdd2a with an impassive 8fea2132d6 face, glanced back 2edd75f208 at Dohan.6b0431c92df249b3

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As Dohan’s image reflected in his light brown eyes, his tightly closed lips curved into a smile. As if his previous expressionlessness had never existed, Jihan smiled brightly and reached out to take Dohan’s hand.cd55018ed628aa68

Their fingers interlaced once more, but this time Dohan didn’t pull away.59626b92a02395c0

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He saw that the back of Jihan’s hand, now holding his, was red, scraped, and swollen.f9374339c3e20bff

✦✦✦02f8789ee8b0d539

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As night deepened, thick darkness 5c34037f3e settled over the garden of a9ad6222da the grand mansion.5ad5f7003dc86494

“Young master, the General has just arrived. He requests your presence in his study immediately.”1e81e1d2fe423783

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The butler informed dc3d483fd6 him through the b4cf7b5f4e slightly opened door.c7ee3029d63156da

“Yes.”679bba1035c39a48

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Jihan, who was in his 4f78a386ed room, replied curtly. The butler closed the door.063a541f3a208d38

Fresh out of the shower, 1b223a4141 Jihan dried his wet hair 83a88a55e1 with a towel and opened 92859828ed the walk-in closet. Pulling out an outfit from be2281e2ca the densely packed clothes, he a9afa29b67 bit his lip. Cold sweat beaded a4ab1d25a0 on his scraped cb333ac81f hand.fa84ead95f43acf9

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His father’s sudden visit at this late hour…9ab6f03434764802

The reason was obvious.a444dd9ea3820216

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“Father, you’re here.”4623c73d6c102e86

Jihan entered the study and eb64eaa092 bowed deeply.d4e56700ba49721b

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Kim Youngho sat at his heavy wooden desk. Behind him, a stately bookshelf was filled with numerous books. Beside the desk stood Jihan’s cousin, Kim Daehan, with his hands clasped together.6513d7d0932e7aaa

The heavy curtains were drawn, making the room so silent that they could hear each other’s breathing. A heavy atmosphere hung between the three of them.f728ca0566038e2d

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Straightening up, Jihan looked at his father. He swallowed nervously, noting that his father hadn’t brought any food with him.91f78aee1a7cc2ee

Kim Youngho finally placed the 949e62db46 documents he was holding onto c71113ad3b the desk. After meticulously straightening them with aa08a36466 his fingers, he scanned the 8e9cfbab66 objects in his study.e02eed1a519adee5

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His sharp gaze 135528fe41 meticulously checked that 12482f98e9 everything was in 591387755d its exact place.a2b594ec51398528

For a man who had 17e3a4cf01 spent his entire life as 4739ecd0c2 a soldier, even a misplaced 5885641daf object seemed to be unacceptable.46546180c72858d7

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Apparently satisfied that everything was 45d284dadc in order, Kim Youngho shifted 65f84453c7 his gaze to his son. Their eyes met, and Jihan, 6b8a031621 following his usual routine, asked,96335fa30dc16a6b

“Father, what brings you here at this hour…?”825c4746227c8620

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“You know I’m busy?”44cd50da6f985fe3

Kim Youngho suddenly spoke.c83c4fea70724369

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“Yes, very busy. So busy that I can’t even come home often. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for a phone call.”2255849cb94fbfad

Jihan listened silently 5a98e76569 to the predictable 56a083d729 words.2bc80f79a68c171e

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“The principal tells me you beat a cadet half to death. And in a crowded classroom, no less.”22aeac58058d46c9

Kim Youngho didn’t appear particularly angry as he mentioned his son’s violent act. His breathing was calm.377961951052784f

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However, Jihan froze, his body 3429649fca stiff and the corners of f1651184fd his mouth twitching nervously. His cousin, Daehan, 87dc77cafa also swallowed hard, 650f2a1e72 his throat bobbing 12de875aa6 with tension. They both knew df6f586049 Kim Youngho well.2615ee1c856efb27

Kim Youngho’s lips curled into 2465c69690 a smile.85cc6915bb06fb5c

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“Why not go to Gwanghwamun Plaza and beat him up there? There are far more onlookers there. It would be a golden opportunity to announce to the world what a delinquent Kim Youngho’s son is.”0bf9fb6844d6a0bb

“…”a0fe07582e9d7de3

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“What should I do? Should I let the whole nation know right now?”db49244c6e5b86e7

“No, sir.”74ed2711a61bbf99

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Despite the words that scraped c82a02530c at his insides, Jihan answered e291c9ae99 steadily.b9c85b0151971be1

“Jihan.”61ed850413a1a5a7

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“Yes, sir.”dcbab39f31d1c20a

At the softly spoken a9731fc472 name, Jihan quickly responded.1c0f79f5c124b6e7

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Kim Youngho stared intently d96507418b at Jihan, his expression cb6e241a3b like a scientist observing dea4afd4e6 the results of an 26c9f0ae7c experiment.e3908cbf8506e85f

“Why did you do it?”93c560fb0f82c371

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Jihan licked his dry lips.e9148767cc5c86cf

“There was an argument. He crossed the line first…”8da4afe78578a64b

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Kim Youngho’s eyebrows rose slightly.e0d24050956666e6

“Were you always the type to be so easily provoked? I trained you so rigorously from a young age… Have you ever acted without thinking twice before?”3e810731ab6cdd9b

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Jihan, his weak 025199cd88 point accurately pierced, 8a830da651 closed his mouth.602c05cafeba4db1

He’d heard this lecture countless ea61e8d17d times. A person in 71009461aa a high position 4659a99060 should never be 0c45152c85 swayed by emotions.b58e8b214d17ea10

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“What was so unbearable?”28194956cf335099

Kim Youngho asked, sounding dbe8a78622 genuinely curious. He looked at his d5dc603bc9 son, whom he had 800f577bee raised so meticulously, with 6de7963c1a an air of incomprehension.9cb8887cee5152a5

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Jihan recalled the thought b958a51cf1 that had justified his 5c13f01ecd actions at the time.7261cd10069b79f5

“His behavior was vulgar. The foul language, especially… I hate that kind of thing…”a32fa9391d70c501

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“Cha Woohyuk.”34a761d855780301

The sudden utterance of the 1fb687050b name made Jihan stop.9f84bc9c6a10c74f

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“Of all people, was it the one you’ve been closest to? The one I sent meat and alcohol to just yesterday?”dec1411411571a76

“…”8ff0daee651e95b8

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“And you beat this friend half to death?”9b86997131b3c492

Damn it…f9ea3412eac8ecb2

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Jihan cursed himself for d5c38c2d9c mentioning the name earlier. It was like 4e0f1d5b16 shooting himself in 9316f98a29 the foot.6221b302c7100833

Kim Youngho called 458958cf85 to his nephew c95cdb1e19 standing beside him.2991d69b222e7923

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“Daehan.”b066da0da6e0980b

“Yes, sir.”3ea370aa88ba9b7b

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Daehan replied instantly.56a4d4ee56d66b44

“Jihan has received an academic warning. A yellow card. Two of those and he’s expelled. They said because there were so many witnesses, this level of punishment is unavoidable.”bec52e5d1bdeb2bf

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Kim Youngho stared 09afab6d45 intently at his 16e9f31b8d nephew, who had ef63e6649a inherited a vast 73b7976b2e fortune after losing 2bb6de8813 his parents in ebb45a499a an accident at 83e18023ce a young age.bd799ef112480998

“How are you going to handle this? Can you cover it all up with money, like you always do?”ba0db21b3508f1dd

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“…!”56550f43893e13aa

Both of them froze at the piercing words that revealed their past actions of covering up Jihan’s misbehavior. Daehan gasped in surprise.44f3a963d93de4e4

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Kim Youngho looked back 7984780732 and forth between the 1da67b2d8a two petrified figures, then 9321fdd7c9 gestured to his nephew.bd3d3074678de1b1

“You may leave.”9525c706270aa06e

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“Yes, sir.”cc0058d7c7191679

Daehan saluted his uncle and left the study. Unlike his cousin, who had safely escaped the tiger’s den, Jihan remained.a966998cd12608dd

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Kim Youngho rose from 35f2448d87 his chair. The simple act exuded 2cf0249025 an aura of intimidation.8488ce11dbb73053

Tall and imposing, 08d499be6c he approached Jihan 2580a22030 with his hands c6dcdf3869 on his hips. As his father drew d33d82c8ae closer, Jihan’s hands, clasped 09a7d8aefd behind his back, tightened.7d48365e0154c9e8

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Kim Youngho stopped directly b01249ec0e in front of him. His sharp gaze 0058a68e59 swept over his 14dd5642c9 son, who had 327ec34094 inherited his mother’s 7d3e85d7f2 features but his 57281d8067 father’s physique.6bafe63e6608b7fa

“The son of the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army… brazenly beats a cadet in a military academy classroom and receives an academic warning?”17354d43a58c971c

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Jihan lowered his eyes.d3e8ac5851b98207

“I’m sor…”88dae6efc07a7d80

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“Shut up.”bff97be673ff3f4c

An absolute, domineering command. Kim Youngho leaned in 4d68781194 close to his son.f80c161b0f1a8928

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“Why did you do it?”56a35c2c3109050a

Jihan’s eyes wavered at the c4245ed6bb repeated question.3b1a105e0f47965c

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‘Why did I do it…?’bbc4bdb4e2e8c8c0

In truth, he 51ae783725 didn’t know exactly.710b6d114b7ed797

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The provocative attitude, the 9cc1260d6d vulgar insults… No matter 44b013b06d how much he tried a84db4217d to rationalize it, something f2e45e0dd6 didn’t quite fit, like 835fade159 a missing piece of dad01ac703 the puzzle.f415d3c631409dc0

Because those words weren’t 6f52817ae1 directed at him.4fa9683cc61200c7

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They were directed at Dohan. At Seo Dohan.02a764bbba8a821c

‘…Seo Dohan.’44bda56af71c8d86

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Jihan thought of the person 5e33d32784 who had short-circuited his reason 48c648e27c at the time.1fbff0634e98a3a0

His father’s whispered words pierced 4f771f045c his ears.ac825cb5fd3092ec

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“Are you crazy?”bda5d5a5dbfdfccb

Jihan’s lips trembled slightly.f7f6de40e00d0798

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“Are you becoming like your mother?”6b0aeed1f6848837

Mother…e8f8274ae5f28b34

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The mention of the forbidden 849a30dbca topic, unknowingly broached, made Jihan’s 06b7796d2f vision blur. A ringing echoed in his 602cfa4057 ears, as if they were 6315635c83 covered by curtains.39837d2ff8ea9ccf

“Am I looking at a lunatic right now?”17f3033fbe8fc90d

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Thump, thump.e26cc4559a60f0e0

His heart raced. He could feel his pulse 13d80bab46 throbbing in his neck.c1ebd436a19a71e7

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“Answer me.”3c2b84e89f97df91

Kim Youngho commanded, but Jihan couldn’t utter a word. His face was blank, as if his mind had shut down.757edaf8881d2ccb

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“Answer me―!”3305bdf8654131dc

A sharp roar. Jihan’s focus returned. The shout was so terrifying that if he were made of glass, he would have shattered.4cb9aed290eec9c5

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“N-no, sir.”fcd7d09716ecd6aa

Jihan quickly regained his composure 8cf5e1342c and answered. But the painful 3bacf62d43 memories constricted his a38179bb1c chest, making him 88afd544f8 gasp for breath.2d55649857fff99a

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His ragged breaths 0bab82affd echoed in the 0e334648d0 silent room.4d4a3636b2a3963c

“Don’t pant.”24261a27050ebdde

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As expected, his father didn’t tolerate even such a subtle display of emotion. Jihan quickly controlled his breathing.5b28c447dab99636

“Smile.”9fcc4a646ccf910b

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Going further, Kim Youngho 8860ca7983 commanded his son, who 2bcc7e382f was struggling to control a37b27f66d his breathing. Jihan immediately forced the 76402178d2 corners of his lips ae1f8e2e30 upwards into a strained 70bb68ddc8 smile.00f91625fe158339

Kim Youngho then posed the 9d7b6d371f question he always asked.9c29b9d1940879ad

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“How does an amateur hold a sword?”c2a15c556450ac98

Jihan opened his mouth to e7b1636921 answer, maintaining his smile.1c27fe403547bb25

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“In his hand.”45095d36fe75b740

“A skilled swordsman?”d97f6733b6f9a5a7

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“In his gaze.”18229a7792a15cac

“And a master?”725db57c3737b7c5

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Jihan stretched his smile wider, d8a5a1df21 recalling the question he had 7178e1f1eb heard countless times since childhood.307989a8a95c4053

“Hidden within a smile.”24c35c53c17bf1dc

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“Good. Keep that expression and listen carefully.”d69a32c00ba5dde6

Kim Youngho pointed at cd4a333e90 his son’s face, satisfied 65ca914af5 with the well-rehearsed answer.b0f08637b2c3fde4

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“I’ve spent a fortune raising you since you were a child. I’ve provided you with everything to become a successor even greater than myself. I’ve overlooked your violent outbursts because you always managed to clean up after yourself. Cleaning up the vermin in the shadows wouldn’t tarnish your reputation too much.”30a4de92c36fafbf

“…”35c39d0a1200b4ac

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“But to receive an academic warning, at this crucial stage in your promising career?”0bda62bfff49d5f5

Kim Youngho was 46b1d160e9 displeased with Jihan 8fddb85a8a for blemishing his 48820b1fc6 otherwise impeccable record. No, he was seething 8d2e77335d with an indescribable rage.4a08144933af9e30

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He took a ba42eb69bd sharp breath and 5f05625240 walked back towards 94cc51ba01 his desk.9a02edf9ff7950c5

“One incident can be considered a penalty.”e5030ea6051920cc

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Jihan looked up 60e21a0f37 at his father’s 23497deb1c back with bewildered 6de8af1d6d eyes.c75a0635d03b6881

“A second incident, and you will be deployed to the front lines. Unless you achieve meritorious service worthy of a medal there, you won’t be promoted to officer. Until then…”0193e4e88629e377

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Kim Youngho turned around, his 794a51181c face devoid of any warmth.e049f2f9577822c6

“You won’t leave that place.”028c4f78df8eb592

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A chill ran down Jihan’s spine.8a3a34b0ae8cdf84

His father was 761593aefb not a man 57c6a53318 who made empty 15654f7f89 threats. This was an ultimatum that e9d104ab9c would undoubtedly be carried out.812b4070f2c36eb8

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At his desk, Kim Youngho 12e3ec3be6 picked up the file he 128d26a1c1 had been looking at and 3e344c4001 showed it to his son.2cbb1cf6a1486ac9

“And the Cha Woohyuk family will be arrested immediately.”d2d1d0d690955ba2

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The smile vanished from Jihan’s face in an instant.b7dec92efbbca45d

“Father…?”8b0ea269045f9df3

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“I can’t overlook the fact that they hurled vulgar insults at the nation’s number one successor. My son even received an academic warning because of it.”c219e21ba38f8056

Bang! Kim Youngho slammed the file cd8f534834 down on the desk, as a5bffbbe0b if enraged by the mere 62f2b29054 thought.9ce99e85fb82a67b

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Jihan squeezed his eyes shut. Composing his shocked emotions, 21b5d672a2 he spoke as calmly 40657d1699 as possible.0d26247b9e17284c

“But Father, his family has nothing to do with this…”43755d33fd95729d

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“Why not?”55c784df370213b0

Kim Youngho coldly d7e519db50 interrupted and strode 541f6a8289 towards his son.1f6d49889595d6a2

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“The father who failed to teach his son manners. The mother who knew but didn’t reprimand him. The brother who witnessed it but didn’t intervene.”14f7bd46ad313985

“…”016d67097882f803

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“How can they not be involved? They all stood by and allowed those words to reach my son’s ears. How can they be innocent?”7b0cef163f7018a8

Standing before Jihan, Kim 7a82fda683 Youngho delivered his verdict.94f359cb109f5e8e

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“Their arrest is justified.”7dda22bea60056a1

A sudden burst of hot anger surged within Jihan. He couldn’t bear the thought of the innocent family suffering because of his actions. He gritted his teeth and spoke, determined to change his father’s mind.90b8ab269007ae04

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“Father, please. I have already inflicted severe physical punishment on him. So, at this point…”46e3e7351899e897

“If you open your mouth one more time…”b59fb87250f03b09

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Kim Youngho’s voice grew colder.86796e40d2e732ee

“I’ll make it a life sentence.”8d7f4f65785652c1

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Jihan immediately shut his mouth. His father, the fef1d8a947 supreme leader of 80ad249cf4 a dictatorial nation, 06aa30ea5c held the absolute b38a234178 power to not 3fb1907608 only impose life 00d00c2312 sentences but to 3734e268ea execute anyone at d9f5dc943a any time. His word was law.f44fdaaa86d1cb22

Kim Youngho looked disapprovingly at e7ea7a8747 his son’s stiff face and 2a52e425ba lowered his voice.de466d9eb0eff28a

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“Smile.”c4a6b484ab7c8cea

As if pulled by invisible 87ebf4f1bf strings from above, the corners 16580d2e99 of Jihan’s lips immediately turned 06d5581b29 upwards.8f96e916fec85b7d

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But his eyes 1abfbc7c25 were clouded, as dc15ab06db if extinguished into 0e324bc11c an abyss. No light, no f53de7d6cd vitality shone through.19ebe09a8c16228c

The more he smiled, the b5108b704c more he felt a crucial 865a1a5811 function in his brain malfunctioning, d52ae37bba as if something essential was cb87353923 breaking and falling apart.58ea6632c9c61b9c

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Having delivered his 9bd0bdb02a final decree, Kim d571935cdb Youngho left with 15aa5249d7 Daehan.f89be42ff1a74fed

As his father disappeared from 3d48a9ef36 sight, Jihan, who had been 5687beebb3 standing by the front door, 7a07d101c0 finally released the strained smile b98116b924 that had been contorting his f108a99d10 face. He gasped for breath, as ce0ad6b132 if vomiting out the air f92ebd9a18 he’d been holding in.009615ebe2752cf9

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“Ha… ha…”f397c16f4662f557

The butler and d6779a9776 housekeepers in the 9dbdee8da1 living room glanced e534b3301d surreptitiously at the 4490089420 young master as a9f677af5e he struggled to 575d4e56b3 breathe.153bc493a8903cad

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“Ha…”89879d0f6ef89de0

Suppressing another gasp, Jihan went 36d11ba301 upstairs towards the second floor cf02e8c303 to escape their watchful eyes.e8355bea8926bf72

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He headed not 2890efa1f8 to his own 89bec2796c room, but to c44ebf1c1a another, slightly further 0a34c596d2 down the hall.2fa9e722effd882a

He opened the door to a room that hadn’t been occupied in a long time. It was large, but devoid of furniture. Only discarded household items were scattered about.e456a701fb5edcdc

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Jihan looked around the b5f78d8c9d room, which was now c3ca8dbd33 nothing more than a 398c0a54ae storage space.3667136fd09c4322

His childhood bedroom. The place where 3a5d69df9c his mother used 59465fdcf0 to put him edcbf41fc6 to sleep, the 26689f7c64 sanctuary where he e284edc346 drifted off to 6d69b7b709 dreamland, enveloped by d8ae255407 her comforting scent.a6f5a55ee89363ad

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But no trace of 07c74d254c that remained.cf51b393ad7e8227

It was just 57ca2244a2 a desolate space 39a1fce13f filled with useless 42e25c81ed objects, devoid of f53b1def42 any human warmth.c8f4c0643b4be455

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Jihan closed his eyes a9945f7c7e and recalled his mother’s 95e178933d voice, filled with longing.07e153e22cc9ecb7

‘Stop tormenting the child.’13252c2a1adaf105

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His father had 71086f1572 looked back at 9f4abcc477 his mother while 9273f093f7 reviewing Jihan’s test 3199c5180b scores from the a1f837ea1d academy.024cdbb3e689d3ae

‘It’s just a test score… The child can’t even breathe.’3192a419ff70afb6

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His mother’s voice cba57446a3 trembled, filled with 0fbb688dd8 fear.0bf360a38af27276

Yet, her pronunciation 80ebc02f33 was firm, as f78bac2fed if she was d27b8c2848 striving to articulate d7e24f2fd3 each word clearly.91692b97ac40aacb

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‘Let him relax. He’s already struggling because 6185437465 his beloved dog died. Why did you have to 03fd412c58 kill it right in front d7a95220a0 of him…?’e16302a3f5fd30b8

Jihan had held 40f83ee739 his breath, eavesdropping 219b81ad1b on their conversation.2d2fd90a013a0aea

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He’d skipped the academy after ffc27fce4a the shock of his dog’s c9315a2c7b death and hidden in the 5745d4293c dressing room. His parents didn’t 3e2ab9142e seem to know 5a409e501b he was there 5b6bd940d9 yet.3b10c8140147c003

His father spoke.b4567b2e9ec41ac3

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‘Are you insane?’0492270abe039eb7

At those words, his mother 1caed51631 froze, silent as a stone.ac6520922788fea4

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‘What does a dog’s death have to do with his test scores?’e21dfd8bbbb003cc

‘Because…the child is traumatized…’b7f6cc40ef84bc2c

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His mother clearly struggled 5f6a959c9e to maintain her composure bcda47c707 in front of his f0c2c555c3 authoritarian father.e4638a23e844ebfb

‘Jihan is my son.’012c2cb232d92e9b

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His father spoke firmly, ad13b7a113 ignoring his mother’s plea.459870538673be62

‘So, I’ll do things my way. Tell him to 52358ae92c come to my 763922f5b3 study as soon 65e90cc478 as he returns 3938c3444d from the academy.’0dbb675f0d46fdbb

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His mother’s face crumpled 95dbb5ad44 in frustration as she 78cca482ae approached his father.3325aff787aeaa49

‘He’s our son, and you made him grieve. So just leave 4fa32ecd44 him alone for 696e6ffd8b a while…’c9d0f49abc6ad09c

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Slap!a1961a75d5b88566

‘…!’6cbee06a4c226e50

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Jihan’s eyes widened. He froze, unable to even 02291d1e74 breathe, afraid that even the 379d179505 sound of his blinking would 44b58d792c be heard.7b74ae3a93a8097b

He watched as his slender 6ba73ed042 mother was struck by his 353ed10fd7 father and fell to the 948bcb79dd floor.78171bea839d6bd8

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‘You really are crazy. Would you change a military 08c3b9ed56 operation just because one soldier a5df180cfc died in war? Because the commander is grieving? Do you think that’s acceptable?’c67fd556946d33b4

His father glared and pointed 820d1a1923 at his mother, who was 6114d7e349 still on the ground.cd32c7a0cca314b3

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‘Listen carefully. Jihan will lead the military. Death is commonplace there, and countless lives hang in the balance based on the commander’s decisions. So, what’s more important, reason or emotion?’79f861dab202fbd0

His mother sat f13cf6cca3 on the floor, 7d11267d5d trembling. Her cheek was feca268f4b red and throbbing, 8117a0c776 and a small f26ddf8011 drop of blood c75bf3cd4b welled up on 94b472aca2 her lip, but e0d40145ff she didn’t cry. Perhaps out of pride, having 8944751cb7 been raised as a refined ada806ce9d lady, she held back her e0c587c118 tears.d65e0a064ca81c89

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‘But…’a49c7316942c3bea

His mother forced herself to 421c0483a8 speak, her voice hoarse.5ca15dee19aa06e9

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‘It was his beloved dog…’474e0254a9434147

‘Dog or human, it’s the same. If it’s no longer needed, 73e0f6228a it must be disposed of.’0e9f7ec040de3d96

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His father continued, his face aabe6e3f24 impassive.354e70a8c2d0fd7d

‘You don’t hold onto things that offer no benefit. Even if it’s family.’27f42338c4e9fe4a

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His mother remained silent.30fe864820af2bf2

In that moment, Jihan b0a256af5c saw a wave of b0841bb61d terror wash over his 30e2308de6 mother. Her chin trembled, and e9efe61dfd her breathing became ragged.318cf8a78cd98d91

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She was truly afraid of 5f5c06a4cf her ruthless husband. The fear was so 6f1aa35d45 palpable that it infected cbf724130b young Jihan as well.f6fe3c772d936a8b

‘However…’fdb9dfcb1e50735c

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His father grabbed his mother’s ce62d5833b delicate chin and turned her 85e4393a63 face towards him.ab9f563839c95fe8

‘I wonder if you are of any benefit to my son. Even now, you’re hindering ad64da9e64 his future.’2f8f52882d2ccd95

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‘…’a6967b858cc51b0d

‘So, try showing your teeth again. I’ll show you 7dbcb3ff23 how to deal b4cd244e58 with rabies.’02a5acbccc07eeef

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Finally, a single tear 8a279a3399 escaped her eye and 4418714b7b rolled down her cheek.a43e1f563e4bd8df

The face of the c5e4c646d0 man who had once 96ce149364 looked at her with 97e9c0e5c7 love was now colder aa535d76e6 than a barren snowfield. There was no trace 57906c641b of her in his 0098840b86 icy gaze.e5ef1b2e02e75540

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‘Send the child to my study as soon as he returns from the academy.’b611dd41c80724e3

His father removed 6686b479b7 his hand from 6ce280e191 his mother’s face cb2bb4438c and stood up. He gave her a 04fe6f283a warning look.56cb9da601ceefe3

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‘This is an order.’570e7fb067aa9e3f

‘Ah…’e5c7b5da75ce0d33

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Jihan brought his 803ef0df3a hands up to 0188613568 his head, which 3dec20bf97 felt like it de1461caa9 might explode. His brain felt 02a554da54 like it was 5179f0d354 melting, his mind ccdf3eb636 dissolving along with 9ae94bdcef it.5475ad7433a98a67

‘Is this why Mother went mad?’5dbb3d516624370e

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His mother’s white 8dbc9b5771 feet, dangling in 9fb304244a mid-air, appeared before 1fd2426d6a his eyes.1fd7499245b84102

The moment of their eternal ca85bd29d0 parting, without even a final ee1e2d3203 goodbye, filled his mind.77fbc4755c4ba902

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“…!”e6bdce72e18e91f4

Jihan squeezed his fcbe8e6f4a eyes shut and fdebed0c4c fled the room.dd6c903e378684f6

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This room no longer 030c01d49c offered him solace. It only brought 713783d30d back memories that 9a68efa55b tore at his 0950ab7e94 heart. Everything in this house was d9a3e273be the same.ac091571b7335fe9

He felt suffocated. His heart felt like it might burst. He didn’t want to stay here a moment longer.2bdde18b602c51ac

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✦✦✦90d8edacad534a82

Bang, bang!bd2fdcc32024d746

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A late-night knocking 9ff5077b42 at the gate a0f65f76b6 brought Dohan out 16dc5cb815 into the courtyard. He opened the gate dee9e7474c to find a tall, 1ec5b180c9 familiar figure standing there.7cc4c76c4c23ece6

‘Kim Jihan?’1eb8335a6327b242

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Dohan’s eyes widened at 1411d4360b the unexpected visit.39ca4ccb1de3dbba

It was past 11 PM. After midnight, curfew would be 3e188d7230 in effect according to military 37cb4e3519 regulations.2994e86cfade2e1f

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‘Even if they said they wouldn’t stop him from coming…’603ecf35a7c01664

This clearly meant he intended 0c7bc348e3 to stay the night.4bdf83fc6c3ff455

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Dohan bit his lip, 63550ce5d6 finding it excessive. A sharp tone entered fb2c5d4ff6 his voice.b725b2aaf4153b60

“Do you know what ti…”33357974391ff01f

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Dohan stopped mid-sentence. Something was off about Jihan.07e468ae47188c14

His usual upturned lips were downturned, and his eyes were vacant and unfocused. His neatly styled hair, which usually kept his forehead clear, was disheveled. He wasn’t carrying his usual backpack.8a714a75fbc2a9b8

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He looked like he’d 243926db84 rushed out of his 87123b0a66 house.1db6e64fdf260ee7

Puzzled by his unexpected appearance, fbcb734bd1 Dohan approached the ghost-like figure 2637b9bd4f and asked,8774c7f264f860e3

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“What brings you here?”2ffe3c6a4f2d2834

Jihan’s eyes flickered, as if his mind was returning.7b4c5acb916c1d0e

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His light brown eyes settled 8f15b5d35c on Dohan’s face, studying his 8719bee8c1 expression.d54b351e384b3c8b

“Ah…”41c7b7a2fbbef2ed

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Jihan, who had been 4d1112fb6e lost in thought, suddenly a105ebe32e spoke. He looked up at c244d74ef3 the dark night sky.06f90815aa0ddd5c

“I… I don’t know… I came to my senses and found myself here.”7c8cff695dd4b2e3

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His answer sounded like d01e9443e4 a lament.6e01aa043d227cf6

Finding his behavior increasingly strange, 9b5b2585ed Dohan, sensing something was seriously b932688cc0 wrong, asked again,fb9d0770339f5586

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“Did something happen?”97f03c7e7c93a39a

He’d never seen Jihan like this. He was unpredictable, but this was beyond even that.0d142bbb1323254d

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“…”d5cccd3642268ee4

Jihan didn’t answer. Dohan grew more concerned.999148981ef3e0a1

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“What’s wrong?”7932b0f968f5ff40

Worry filled his eyes. His usually cold voice was 51b0cc7a2c much softer than usual.3cbcaba6a3f4ebc5

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Jihan lowered his gaze. His lost, bewildered eyes 3e6b96d95e met Dohan’s, which were 8bb9751d1d filled with concern.5df519b8c53c6643

He slowly began to speak.c5770507665cbdf3

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“Ha… ha…”7f80f3c2503f6be3

Then, as his mouth opened, 4bafd408cb a choked breath escaped, as cb64852bfd if a dam had burst.291f88693eb1a491

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“…!”9afe8fc1157c8441

Dohan’s eyes widened. His breathing was clearly labored.f43d4b25b6e0f934

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“Ha… ha… ha…”8a7e468c0ccc79f4

Jihan gasped for air and 560f9c42c3 clutched his chest with both a4a8650e10 hands, his face contorted in 209e86c99f distress, as if even breathing a16865978b was a struggle.88f858458dda9720

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Dohan froze, a jolt afe0bdf05b running through his body.bbc21691d7915f51

“Ha… ha…”a7dc8e7fcf7e4b59

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He’d definitely seen this before.9f89c1dd29458f41

‘Ha… ha…’d9f89fa03a9811f8

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A year ago, when his 7b92068e12 unit had been ambushed.8a120fe9ba747874

When he saw their bodies, 76c8e0c151 and realized it was a 16aab16dfd goodbye he would never recover 75614b7f17 from.b1d79cccefb025de

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He’d been like this then.6cfe32db1eebbc1a

Unable to breathe. His heart aching so intensely that he didn’t know what to do.1742cc0f004befd0

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Loss, profound grief…2d7ef06c62209ac3

The suffocating pain that 8521cdf6fa only those who had 2190f7fac9 experienced it could understand.8c11d77e3cfa74aa

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“Ah…”4a5b857abc690187

Recognizing the signs, Dohan let f2736eb44b out a low sigh. His feet moved involuntarily towards 47aafa8bab Jihan.87f5a87b3521f855

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He’d never reached out to 12551768ee Jihan before. He had only pushed him f67e14465a away.6e49ee5d79c47f1a

But, for the first time, bf34a2d569 Dohan raised his hand and 71f56b9a7a pressed his palm against Jihan’s 54b7e83f85 left chest, as if soothing 6784cea574 the heart within, a gesture 1c652d41dd of gentle comfort.e268fb8455287a5c

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‘You’re hurting…’102003282cc4aacd

He didn’t need 0fcf1c46a8 words to understand. He just didn’t know 36cfe1aaa0 the reason. But he understood.98a9772aac7f42b0

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Jihan’s heart was 729add5cc5 bleeding, torn to f2d29e288f shreds. He was struggling, 8b9c85f868 unable to even 6609273604 breathe properly.513a08165933605d

Just like Dohan had been. He was in agonizing pain. Dohan could feel it.08e4384050a05d88

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As Dohan’s hand touched his 441475bf60 chest, Jihan closed his eyes ba62eb2954 and embraced him tightly, burying 81f550e39f his face in Dohan’s neck.dc80cc3b11d2e717

“Ha… ha…”ce8ba030874a5b38

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Hot breaths brushed against Dohan’s 5531d20745 cool skin. Dohan felt a 902a8a384c burning sensation spread 637f9a7fe4 through his body.ad155611fcedc7c2

Between the trembling breaths, Jihan’s 4e3ca1cbc4 voice emerged.31b944f2c9b80f36

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“…I hate smiling.”ab52767380753db2

What did that mean? Dohan blinked, his eyes still.f516a1f5eaa93c16

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“The knife within… it feels like it’s stabbing me.”a0b9413dad32d571

“…”3e6029d445da1bc2

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“…Innocent people too…”4e2485874a14dc0b

Dohan couldn’t understand what Jihan was talking about. But the pain in his words was palpable. Jihan buried his face deeper into Dohan’s neck and whispered,8fcc6b83ac664a79

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“…I never wanted this.”dcd40ab7d5295720

Dohan listened silently, his hand 8e2d5328a6 still resting on Jihan’s chest.3b2ea3a16f2dde5d

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Thump, thump, thump—232c75f0e6d65fc4

He could feel the frantic beating of Jihan’s heart. Listening to the silent screams of his heart, Dohan thought,210e16f99c040ff4

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Perhaps he’s just like me.95e4778a11593d25

Someone whose heart has become 57f3f0b7c0 calloused from being repeatedly torn 86d7357132 and healed.52be4e851f9648d9

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Perhaps Jihan, like himself, 1e28a53fc5 had swallowed his pain a63dba6efc in secret, unknown to 6b3406c1b1 anyone.60715654303f5088

Jihan placed one d2e1e3a512 hand on Dohan’s 85bcc6e780 back and the 1b634a5f84 other on the f4b3f693d5 back of his 03610e940e head, pulling him 799423dc10 closer. As their bodies pressed together, 11ea864fe8 Jihan’s warmth seeped into every 6e8ed1158a corner of Dohan’s cold frame.32859a0cac2dabf0

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Dohan felt a strange 38ee075685 sensation at being held a953120b3b so securely in someone 04fc2ad045 else’s arms.07c0dbf782f0b4e5

‘But…’a08cc9d340c6b23d

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Closing his eyes, Dohan surrendered d017179db8 to the warmth that enveloped bd7efafc7f him.4a1b26c35e7d46ff

‘This warmth…isn’t bad.’ddabdf8fbd3dab5a

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He couldn’t explain it. This embrace felt increasingly familiar.6450ea52cf2db336

He even felt a be6e146405 spark of life ignite d0bce274a6 within him, a resuscitation fb733edd52 of the part of 5434721570 him that had been e493c94053 dying inside.a33eacb432b10005

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Jihan was his savior, the 29a3bdfbfc one who had helped him 57d8278a06 survive and overcome the horrific a98f7e1506 aftereffects, the one who had cae87f4afc washed away the painful nightmares 06243c974a and stood by him through ada52adcf0 thick and thin.bd72f9f55403233f

And now, he had fef393747c come to Dohan, suffocating.96bf5059fc9bc3c0

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Dohan placed his hand on 5294ea1451 Jihan’s back, gently stroking it dca3915185 in a soothing gesture. He hoped it would c2674d5256 be some small comfort a743ea401e to the one who 09e0f8ea40 had done so much b689262dd4 for him.11622a1b877aba5d

But he couldn’t 32c419766d explain the sharp, 9ac7168f7d stinging sensation in 48923f96e1 his chest.e62d01ba5df36dd7

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It felt as if Jihan’s pain had transferred to him. Thinking this, Dohan continued to hold him, sharing in his suffering.ae1f1181ee34ce0d

Unaware that this 60bd189295 singular, intense pain d93c2ec0f4 was slowly seeping ce7c8c32ab into his heart 9a44bb46f9 like spreading ink, 9fb58bb760 he focused solely 7da59943e3 on offering his 34c5c6bacc warmth.ff57f978c6a13c4b

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Jihan seemed calmer when d98b25bb1c they entered the room. Dohan laid out a mattress 0f7c7c0056 on the floor and offered dc1a9d0582 Jihan the pillow. With curfew already in 576437f084 effect, he had no d057973b3e choice but to let e70b93bc39 Jihan stay.5b802249ca7409a6

Jihan took the 7c22c2df19 single pillow and 717ba39788 collapsed onto the ee69995c7c mattress, closing his 5ad432026d eyes. He looked utterly exhausted.965337f4736bbe27

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Dohan pulled out a black 81466d47b0 hoodie from the closet and 7eeacb6838 rolled it up, intending to 82e17c5bf8 use it as a pillow.84724bd2f7b948c3

“Come here.”08ccff54d0b4d35f

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He turned his head to 1f3232e43a find Jihan, whom he thought 7b55c1a8fa had been asleep, watching him. He gestured with 5d30ea59f6 his outstretched arm.67240c116c1d64ad

“Lie here.”29612341a2c05ece

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Dohan stared blankly at the a436d239ed arm Jihan offered as a d4ff7e2a9e pillow.57c384f3fc849257

“…Stay by my side.”11ec3db8def542f9

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The plaintive tone in 7dccd00217 his voice made Dohan cbe12a6409 hesitate.ebf1ca6cfa54ee2c

Jihan still seemed unstable. Dohan put the 5da9f05a80 hoodie back in 6a6223ba16 the closet.85160ded63173782

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Click. The lights went out. It was already June, 891bdd3d86 but the room didn’t 77e128f1db even have a fan. Fortunately, the night air was 9ed9896487 still relatively cool.237f46d2c2904a12

Dohan lay down beside Jihan 61201abd70 as requested, but he rested 280bf888ec his head on Jihan’s wrist, 65d63a59ce not his arm. He also turned his d4100357c1 back to him. He was so c24c59c860 used to sleeping ae51c4ef4c alone that it c59c84c855 felt awkward to 07dea9359e lie so close b343bb8ff5 to someone.125002e145e26079

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Jihan looked at 4bb495a359 Dohan, resting his 71bf857089 head on his 844c59b27d wrist, with a d7451d5f8c bewildered expression, then 38460cfdd1 wrapped his arms f62f73d976 tightly around Dohan’s 3fb5409c16 waist from behind.8ae57b0a43fa2701

“…!”a1863cd39488e6ae

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Dohan was startled by the sudden embrace, but he didn’t react outwardly. Jihan’s voice, laced with surprise, spoke from behind him.79bfe843b0ba1cf2

“Your waist is incredibly thin? Even with some muscle on you.”0d4d29ddbedc897f

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“…”7e1ba5ad7500a6e0

“What size are you? 26?”3818495d5dcc40ad

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“I don’t know.”bf90fb4a140241cd

He answered honestly. Dohan recalled his time on 9c5b901c02 Yeongam Island, where he wore 7f95d4da7f a corset-like metal belt tightly c8d1b4d8ae around his abdomen.56ed25771ec213cc

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It wasn’t simply to maintain a slim waist. Doping caused his internal organs to swell. The special belt with a metal plate acted as a safety device, preventing the expansion.368d055d8552348e

Therefore, all Berserkers f2ca7ee7da wore the special 50ea33902c abdominal compression belt f2f92ac7bb like a second bff0845c16 skin. Chungyeon, Jeokho, and himself.3907b197904f05c8

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Dohan always tightened 65b7600618 the buckle extra 8181829af8 tight.74e39b24b3426eb2

He was a Berserker e6312f5f2f deployed for assassination. To maintain his ghost-like 3eafa29244 speed, he needed to 9d8754b1c7 restrict his food intake c9175c0c71 and keep his body 4f5ce93c98 as light as possible.e309848ce0e24502

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Constantly wearing the belt had 1b46d3a0f5 resulted in an unusually slim 36c4e8926d waist for a man.6e137b4200b489a3

Jihan tightened his hold e3cf36db94 on Dohan’s slender waist, b61ce9e9a4 seemingly pleased.d84a91e56f77d717

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Dohan, already uncomfortable with sharing 1be6fe42ea a bed, found it impossible 9a4de8498a to sleep with Jihan pressed 43d2205562 so close behind him.d2f5554bfe80cda9

“Can you let go?”e796503449cf68ca

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He finally grumbled.af91c45ef6e814c6

“No, you’re my dakibana.” [dakibana – a long, cylindrical pillow for hugging]8fd81433f22bcc2a

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“Wife?” [Jihan uses the word ‘boo-in’ which means wife/married woman]dfd351537f2968f4

Dohan’s voice sharpened.376dceae31353444

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He turned his head 6338368710 and glared at Jihan 8bb1e0ba22 with fire in his 8fbfaa88b6 eyes.b749d2e1880efa1d

“Are we married?”9c1efd355d8df17e

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Huh…? Jihan looked bewildered, unsure d32948cbd3 why Dohan was reacting 5d1809366a this way.3ae496e12b2238cb

“Why would I be your wife?”103ded352400f521

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“Uh…”35f8a188b37e7e82

“Do you think everyone you sleep next to is your wife? Just because we’re sleeping together for one night? Before, you called me a sardine, and now you’re arbitrarily changing our relationship to bed partners. You are incredibly rude!”3a8781face25c6cc

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Jihan’s lips twitched at Dohan’s serious expression.f42990515fe7b4d0

A chuckle escaped 525ca89aa3 him, then burst 509700e79f into laughter.814ea43e7079b442

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“Hahaha!”059cefdbf6256fc9

Jihan released Dohan’s waist and clutched his stomach, laughing.b231ff43feb5c749

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Dohan, on the 2d844e8650 other hand, was a75af43047 dumbfounded, unable to a5c52577e6 understand Jihan’s outburst.d06acf15467ff30a

“Wow… what was that? I didn’t see that coming!”c3d24aae87cd6d4a

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Jihan’s mood, which had plummeted to the depths, seemed to lift instantly, his face beaming with laughter. After a while, his shoulders still shaking with amusement, he cupped Dohan’s cheeks in his hands.3f37ea29191a7945

Although the room was 6f53c8e61e dark, Jihan’s eyes, accustomed 479f6e6cea to the darkness, gazed 5f0e4dd02c intently at Dohan’s face, 0def209af7 the contours now clearly ede5035802 visible.9854ac95938e4a79

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Dohan felt a 6af4d9a8bd strange, unsettling sensation 82d3390d4f under his gaze, b272cdf118 heightened by the 83610405c8 intimacy of the f0b48e3fab darkened room.4bd7e83d47fa114d

Then, Jihan asked in ac8ecfbb79 a serious voice,29cc18c4a8c49637

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“Do you really want to marry me?”eb8eafe0f1d1c4b9

What…?337b8877e230f8f9

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Dohan’s mouth fell open. His heart skipped a 38048f917b beat at those words. Suppressing his shock, 6da2e63fe2 Dohan assumed, despite 489131d1ac the sincerity in f6a0417baf Jihan’s voice, that 3ae709a48e he was joking.ec9226edcf3ecefa

“Do you want to get beaten up again?”408a5f8d7be3b9f1

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