IWYFB Chapter 4

As Tae-mu grew up, he developed an extreme aversion to others touching his belongings.

 

If he ever suspected that something had been handled by another, he would discard it on the spot without a second thought.

 

Though his grandfather was strict in his teachings, he could never bring himself to scold his precious grandson, whom he cherished beyond measure.

 

If Tae-mu insisted on something, the old man would sigh in resignation and let him have his way.

 

Because of this, a joke circulated among the household staff, despite the family patriarch’s presence, the true head of the household was none other than Han Tae-mu.

 

Even at a young age, he was treated with deference, not merely because he was a direct heir of the Han family but because he exuded an innate authority that made people hesitate to approach him lightly.

 

Yet, for all his pride, he was never rude. He carried himself with a disciplined elegance, treating the household staff with unfailing courtesy.

 

This was why his grandfather never saw the need to reprimand him.

 

Blessed with exceptional genetics, Tae-mu excelled academically.

 

His keen intellect placed him at the top of his class in his local high school, as well as in the prestigious academy in Seoul’s Gangnam district, which he attended on weekends.

 

“You remember that the chairman asked you to stop by the clinic after school, right? It’s the day for your herbal medicine, and he seemed particularly concerned about it. He even had a special lunch prepared for you today.”

 

At Young-sik’s words, Tae-mu glanced at the insulated lunch bag with clear displeasure.

 

Once a month, he received a prescription from a traditional medicine clinic in town.

 

Though he had taken herbal tonics since childhood, the routine always felt like a nuisance.

 

Everything he ate or wore was of the highest quality, and he refused to consume anything that wasn’t strictly organic.

 

Annual checkups at Seoul National University Hospital were mandatory, and even the slightest cough would send the entire household into a frenzy.

 

He had lost count of how many times he had been reminded, You are not just one person; you are the pillar of the Han family. You must never neglect your health.

 

At times, the weight of those expectations was suffocating.

 

Lost in thought, he barely noticed when the car pulled up in front of the school gates.

 

As he reached for the door handle, Young-sik twisted in his seat, grabbing the lunch bag and holding it out to him.

 

“You forgot this.”

 

If he let Tae-mu leave without it, the chairman would no doubt scold him later.

 

Tae-mu hesitated, his expression sour, but ultimately took the lunch and shut the car door behind him.

 

How irritating.

 

Muttering to himself, he walked through the school gates at a leisurely pace, exuding an effortless grace.

 

Young-sik watched until he disappeared into the school grounds.

 

Perhaps it was because he had been raised on the finest nutrition since birth, but Tae-mu was noticeably taller and better built than his peers.

 

His disciplined workout routine had sculpted a physique so lean and powerful that it was hard to believe he was still a high school student.

 

Though Young-sik was just his driver, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in watching Tae-mu grow into the young man he was becoming.

 

Only after confirming his safe arrival did Young-sik finally drive away.

 

 

 

 

🌸

 

 

 

 

On Saturday morning, Tae-mu awoke at his usual time, never one to indulge in idleness.

 

He had planned to accompany his grandfather on his early morning exercise, but contrary to the forecast, rain was falling steadily outside.

 

At the faint sound of his grandfather’s habitual morning cough, Tae-mu stepped out of bed.

 

Stretching his stiffened upper body, he felt as if his fingertips might brush against the ceiling.

 

Today, with no scheduled lessons at his academy in Seoul, he intended to spend the day at home, a rare occurrence.

 

His mother had left for her family’s home in Seoul a few days prior, while his father had departed on an overseas business trip the previous week.

 

With only his grandfather and himself remaining in the house, the vast space felt unusually quiet.

 

As always, his grandfather would take his breakfast at precisely 7 a.m., even on weekends.

 

Since the old man enjoyed sharing the morning meal with him, Tae-mu stepped briskly into the bathroom, intent on preparing himself without delay.

 

 

 

 

As Tae-mu descended the stairs, his grandfather emerged from his room, his usual stern expression softening into a gentle smile at the sight of his grandson.

 

“It’s the weekend. You could have indulged in a little extra sleep.”

 

he remarked, though his pleased expression betrayed the scolding tone of his words.

 

Side by side, they entered the dining room and took their seats across from each other. Not long after, breakfast was served.

 

His grandfather, ever mindful of Tae-mu’s preferences, subtly pushed his favorite side dishes toward him.

 

“The rain has spoiled our morning exercise,” he mused.

 

“Wasn’t today your day to go to Seoul?”

 

“There are no classes today, so I’ll be staying home,” Tae-mu replied.

 

At this, his grandfather’s expression brightened noticeably.

 

“Then perhaps today, you and I can, ”

 

“I have a visitor coming this afternoon,” Tae-mu interrupted.

 

His grandfather’s brows lifted slightly.

 

It was rare, almost unheard of, for Tae-mu to invite anyone over.

 

“The weather’s dreadful. Why not have Young-sik pick them up?”

 

“They live nearby. It’s fine.”

 

Tae-mu replied smoothly, keeping his gaze lowered as he continued eating.

 

His grandfather studied him, intrigued. He had never heard of any friends of Tae-mu living close by.

 

Though curiosity burned in his eyes, he chose not to press the matter.

 

Instead, after a quiet moment, he turned to the butler standing nearby.

 

“Mr. Kim, since we’re expecting a guest, prepare something suitable for the occasion.”

 

With a respectful bow, the butler replied.

 

“Understood, sir. I’ll see to it.”

 

It had been a while since he had shared a peaceful morning meal with his grandson.

 

Pleased by the rare occasion, the old man resumed his breakfast with a contented heart.

 

 

 

🌸

 

 

 

Ji-woo hesitated in front of Tae-mu’s house, unsure whether to press the doorbell.

 

Instead, sensing movement within the courtyard, she lifted her head over the wall.

 

Under the broad eaves, shielding himself from the rain, Tae-mu’s grandfather stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

 

“Hello, Grandfather!”

 

Ji-woo’s cheerful voice rang out, undaunted by the old man’s usual stern demeanor.

 

Tae-mu’s grandfather blinked in surprise.

 

He had not expected Ji-woo to be the guest his grandson had mentioned.

 

“Well, if it isn’t Ji-woo.”

 

Suppressing a cough to mask his surprise, he nodded in acknowledgment.

 

Ji-woo lingered, shifting uncertainly on her feet. Thinking she had come on some errand, the old man glanced at her curiously.

 

“Grandfather, could you open the gate for me?”

 

Realizing she wasn’t merely passing by, he picked up the umbrella leaning against the pillar and strode toward the entrance.

 

The gate swung open, and Ji-woo, now holding her own umbrella, offered a polite bow.

 

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

 

Her clear, bright voice pleased him, and his expression softened with approval.

 

“How are your parents?”

 

“They’re doing well, thanks to your kindness. They’re still grateful for your help during the last typhoon.”

 

“Oh? Is that so?”

 

Just then, sensing the commotion outside, Tae-mu stepped out of the house.

 

“You’re here. Come in.”

 

His curt voice made his grandfather glance between them in astonishment.

 

So the guest Tae-mu had mentioned was Ji-woo.

 

His expression brightened with interest, and for the first time, he turned the smile usually reserved for Tae-mu toward Ji-woo.

 

Meanwhile, Tae-mu’s expression hardened, discomforted by his grandfather’s unexpected enthusiasm.

 

“So, have you graduated elementary school yet?”

 

Ji-woo’s face crumpled in dismay at the teasing remark, her emotions flitting across her features as clear as day.

 

Suppressing a chuckle, Tae-mu let out a short snort of amusement.

 

“I’m fifteen! I was born in December, so I’m a little smaller than the others, but I finished elementary school ages ago. I’m a middle school student now, Grandfather.”

 

“Well, well. So is our Tae-mu, born in December, that is.”

 

Ji-woo’s gaze traveled up, up, and up to Tae-mu’s towering height, her face betraying shock.

 

Tae-mu’s grandfather, ever mischievous, watched her reaction with satisfaction, while Ji-woo’s expression teetered on the verge of tears.

 

Seeing this, Tae-mu stepped forward, blocking her from view.

 

“We’ll be heading up now, Grandfather.”

 

His grandfather’s reluctance was evident, he had been enjoying himself and would have liked to continue the conversation.

 

But Tae-mu, ignoring the older man’s unspoken protests, waited for Ji-woo to ascend the stairs first before following her inside.

 

 

 

🍃

 

 

 

The weekend had arrived, and with it came the need to purchase new workbooks.

 

Ji-woo made her way to the town’s bookstore, only to find the streets bustling with activity.

 

It was market day, and the buses were packed to the brim.

 

The usually quiet town now swarmed with people, a stark contrast to its usual pace.

 

Ever since cafés and restaurants had begun popping up, more and more visitors from outside had started frequenting the area.

 

Ji-woo found it perplexing, why would anyone travel all this way just to see nothing but mountains and fields?

 

Not long ago, the bookstore had been a modest little shop, but after undergoing expansion, it now rivaled even the large bookstores in Seoul.

 

Sleek and modern, it boasted an in-house cafe, drawing in families with children on the weekends.

 

In the blink of an eye, the bookstore had become an unofficial meeting spot for the town’s residents.

 

Ji-woo absentmindedly ran a hand through her hair.

 

The recent haircut, done hastily during a trip to the salon with her mother, had left her dissatisfied.

 

Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the dark screen of her phone, she frowned. The style didn’t suit her at all.

 

With a deep sigh, she resigned herself to the long wait ahead, growing it back out would take ages.