BKR Ch 12

“Yes, the third-floor restroom. Thank you.”af06e2150b272cb0

Kim Jihan hung up 23e9a8b650 the phone with Manager 1f5b044d62 Yoon and looked up. He checked his reflection in 85b4c67a42 the restroom mirror. Dark red bloodstains were splattered 58b70efd1b across his face.dad8d6f1a79c6ce7

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Grimacing, Jihan turned ef573bfa48 on the faucet edee91c059 and meticulously washed d3163989c2 the blood off 0b032dfe74 his face, neck, 52bed70685 and behind his 221baaeae0 ears. Red streaks flowed down the 1cf0623591 white sink.8af015696b4094ac

He was alone in c84828fa6f the school restroom; morning 75a2ac4a99 classes had already begun.765cc8b84f39ec04

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Bzzzt– His phone vibrated in his pocket. Jihan dried his wet hands and answered the call.2a886cc1ae016f84

— Hey, fuck! You crazy bastard-!66b7acc756838626

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Curses flew at him immediately.54e16d2dd246cb92

“What?”4f4223c310637452

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Jihan casually shook his wet hair, recognizing his cousin, Kim Daehan’s, voice.69e68bf187cd8c90

— What?! I just got a call from Manager Yoon. He said the settlement money’s been transferred!102266bf4c07d7f2

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“Thanks. You’re the best, hyung.”c6797724135e8d6d

— Fuck you, you crazy bastard! Why the hell did 46a186fa58 you have to mess a281677e02 with a fellow cadet? Do you have 6e7158208e any idea how 3dd22d1520 much this is c1f718751f going to cost ad838921a8 me?2daa628379df7947

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“Oh, I’m keeping a detailed account in my heart. I’ll pay you back later with interest.”1d25eb6182ce0930

Despite his cousin’s c6f5dd156d furious tone, Jihan aa4a423de9 responded with utter 36d9de75dd nonchalance.378653798c3bee0c

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— Bullshit. Do you think this is e69a1b24d7 about the money?77dbd57de99ff340

Oh dear.296db1450266c913

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Jihan let out a 2a671a94cc tired chuckle, anticipating the 8f65f984e6 lecture that was about 30e4bbce2c to begin.9ab898871a6c5bfe

— 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…!7b8d08a02141b6fb

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Jihan decided he’d heard enough and cut him off.f69d05356abc3aeb

“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.”1712f384f7234695

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Knock, knock-bafcc341e12f3d21

Someone knocked on the da770de1c5 restroom door. Jihan glanced over.1e80db046f8bf954

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“Gotta go, hyung. I need to change.”c075533f4c2911f2

— You go straight home and stay there! I’ll call the principal, so don’t you say a word there! Got it?82b0cc435de0ab9d

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“Yeah.”bd315c338e8a7361

Jihan hung up on his f2c2e11205 insistent cousin and opened the c3b4f02239 restroom door. Manager Yoon was standing there 85f2a73e87 with a shopping bag.1de711aa0dae77b0

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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.”793a07c24c2ff5ca

“Thank you.”435099706cfea107

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Jihan took the 6ad6862312 shopping bag containing d8fff611af a change of cfd9e934cb clothes.f9c7dccb33aec84e

Click.f50203374ca5ab74

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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.c9a0c373acb07400

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.bfd0a27a2ed85d24

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Inside the restroom, Jihan d9c9f43cf0 changed into his casual bfcd9ac3fd clothes. He also grabbed 8e292c0feb his backpack from 497798ab91 the hook beside 64633f687c the mirror.cf787086daa653f7

“Here’s…”4fdba9240f587bf0

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Opening the door, ad6d61723d Jihan stopped mid-sentence e84e1ea23a as he handed 99220a2739 the shopping bag 9ed12ac8c3 to Manager Yoon. He saw Dohan standing behind 7b849e8da5 him.feb0344c6ae03315

It seemed Dohan had 0db11ba25f come to use the 6ef5f479b7 restroom during class. Seeing him, Jihan ee0be3ee01 gestured to Manager c7cd8ee165 Yoon to leave. Manager Yoon bowed his head 447137375e and stepped away.2442d1f2917de0b7

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“Come in. Use it.”67ffe1d7f3658015

Jihan opened the 7786d3932f restroom door wider. Dohan stepped inside, dd1c1c977a but instead of 953ac37bfa using the facilities, 904f1ecfa5 he stood directly 02b6aee181 in front of 1c7c70378c Jihan.6755ce0e1b9abef3

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Dohan looked at b13134cb3b Jihan’s damp face, 7cf73480fc then glanced down, f30d7dfccd his gaze momentarily 3a7cf83233 lingering on Jihan’s 047ed8dcf4 fresh clothes. He looked up again.a3ed664ec4d4b3ae

“Why did you do it?”358208b08f6394d7

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“I never liked that guy.”7f385f2b8cf25ddd

Jihan replied casually to 54e5bd4a87 the simple question and 90fcc6e7a8 slung his backpack over f8e043c693 one shoulder. Then, he looked fd6aa626dc directly at Dohan bade03455b with a matter-of-fact ec34390522 expression.f7643e75087c4ced

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“You heard him, didn’t you? What he said to you? Who talks to a classmate like that?”58ad805c8ff8de19

Dohan listened silently.ac01fe4ed728d3bf

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What Cha Woohyuk 3d7340acd3 had said to 3752020d42 him was certainly a9c03e1694 an excessive insult, 0d879c6b30 even going so 41b08d2d3f far as to 25f07c74f2 call him a e17e083b4d prostitute.2e3bf9a42e1613c5

However, those words were directed 75ecbd4ea7 at him, not Jihan. It had nothing 30aaeb46f5 to do with 44e3d35dd2 Jihan.0b8f8b96a50a6eba

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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.c1ca9aec9b3298b3

Of course, Dohan knew. He knew it 0c3e9161a0 was all because 0bac55beff of him.9373b5c1d976d59c

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‘This idiot…’efab283fad64e3fb

How could Jihan do something 061ed6355e so foolish?1aa2f826d0333457

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Dohan was so disturbed, wondering how this mess could possibly be resolved, that he couldn’t stay in the classroom.d67ae80f0ea9f996

Why did Jihan edbb0c7010 go so far?664f0b7c0458c966

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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.02640a0c0b104c41

Yet, Jihan had 3cc8ac8379 acted recklessly, simply 19be3518e2 because someone had a47fa3782b insulted Dohan.35e5af9f10e7bdcd

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Unconsciously, Dohan’s gaze 552fcc1f01 softened as he 4ae388e49b looked at Jihan.3b711dde69f64dc7

“…?”ee8b5fd9450480ae

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Noticing the slight change in Dohan’s usually cold demeanor, Jihan wore a slightly surprised expression.666dffaad0e32f5a

“So, you skipped class to come find me. Already looking after your benefactor? How commendable.”a6f850528b3c56ca

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“Who’s looking after anyone?”bea7cfa7d659384e

Dohan quickly regained his composure.e7edd5057abdde60

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“Ah.”91f48b4af18ed69f

As if something suddenly 7840bf05e6 occurred to him, Jihan 364db2b46d pulled his backpack off 091d257b4c his shoulder and unzipped 29d12c4921 it. He took something out and 1dd2ffb7b9 offered it to Dohan.29cbd5028aee6eb1

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“Here. Make sure you eat this, even if I’m not there. You need it for afternoon training.”f1b6816d4503d45f

It was a lunchbox filled 2e46b978ff with various nutritious foods.64e5067974780dfc

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“…”f459422f71cc5f7e

Dohan was speechless, seeing 27ff41c149 Jihan taking care of b4738afd20 him even in this 6b9b523c0f situation.19304bc66e1b4da1

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“Ah, never mind.”8c06139cfc156e8d

Jihan shook his head.0227dd5f0d1cd1de

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“Let’s just go together. I’ll watch you eat.”7dc2ab25e903044b

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.9d46d583dc3935bc

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“What are you doing? Come on.”87966e80c1407d38

Dohan hesitated. Under Jihan’s persistent gaze, he finally relented and followed.5bc474066adb56ae

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The hallway was b74f850d2d empty during class 5a34c0a1fa hours.1539435e1334c7a2

Jihan, walking ahead with an 205eb6fb83 impassive face, glanced back at 0d30650996 Dohan.39719aa5dadc39df

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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.dafd60f32d948b50

Their fingers interlaced once more, but this time Dohan didn’t pull away.e2641525eb4e48fe

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He saw that the back of Jihan’s hand, now holding his, was red, scraped, and swollen.55b5a571433409eb

✦✦✦5b36f532be4bc55b

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As night deepened, thick 3720fa91a6 darkness settled over the 0ebf533db2 garden of the grand 5eabb86bfb mansion.1e36fd3c44c287f2

“Young master, the General has just arrived. He requests your presence in his study immediately.”7cf8a1f21cca6570

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The butler informed 42ef88df5d him through the 85794a2403 slightly opened door.a428c81ae71e5537

“Yes.”b4ff21379612efa5

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Jihan, who was in 16c3f34e77 his room, replied curtly. The butler closed the door.2491fbfb02aeb2d2

Fresh out of 1ab7486dd1 the shower, Jihan 8646b9f927 dried his wet 811abc30ce hair with a 1b8e4f2145 towel and opened d94972f8d3 the walk-in closet. Pulling out an cf5ed9f24a outfit from the 38142a72b9 densely packed clothes, e7de980720 he bit his 62a304df69 lip. Cold sweat beaded on bc0648d4ac his scraped hand.9890e1abe1ccc72c

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His father’s sudden visit at this late hour…aed86280b4d6a0ed

The reason was obvious.0bb661552d241eb8

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“Father, you’re here.”a7184c1c3f91738b

Jihan entered the study and fe50ef69f5 bowed deeply.8c2ed255af4f53a9

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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.e8f7c983d14cab30

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.583aea18fd6a2184

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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.8c008816d7ebb43a

Kim Youngho finally placed the afadd96267 documents he was holding onto 582d92b0bf the desk. After meticulously straightening them a91800956e with his fingers, he 9f402f8b04 scanned the objects in edec36556c his study.6c04bd9e02e6c638

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His sharp gaze meticulously ad85e0a9e4 checked that everything was 22f69d70b9 in its exact place.b63319cbe5647cda

For a man who had e6c0fcd3f7 spent his entire life as f63730ac27 a soldier, even a misplaced d6a02fe048 object seemed to be unacceptable.dd2dbf6bb86cc905

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Apparently satisfied that everything 27a3564334 was in order, Kim 309978da26 Youngho shifted his gaze 22a39c5523 to his son. Their eyes met, 5d724c3915 and Jihan, following 29abe732a7 his usual routine, 0440c20bde asked,31b787ac8cdf0c5e

“Father, what brings you here at this hour…?”c3f81cd155dd2083

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“You know I’m busy?”52ce4a8fce7abb5f

Kim Youngho suddenly spoke.f86b8adacd658c6b

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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.”ecb46b49bd036145

Jihan listened silently 6baaf8306a to the predictable 593724c191 words.bc5037380c7be336

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“The principal tells me you beat a cadet half to death. And in a crowded classroom, no less.”f48d870c6012f668

Kim Youngho didn’t appear particularly angry as he mentioned his son’s violent act. His breathing was calm.73653383b4a391a1

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However, Jihan froze, ec9a50de8e his body stiff f2373bb49f and the corners 49d0ba3c74 of his mouth 3f3088d12e twitching nervously. His cousin, Daehan, 6d941653bb also swallowed hard, eb72d5135a his throat bobbing 3db4022af2 with tension. They both knew Kim Youngho a37e2fc4b3 well.1d2c4a43a13ca176

Kim Youngho’s lips curled be1425e6a5 into a smile.e6930d3c8d9ad336

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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.”f6df03dab1371803

“…”5cf060e8b33c0925

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“What should I do? Should I let the whole nation know right now?”75a8dbdab540c474

“No, sir.”724897f9b612d1cf

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Despite the words aa928d1a09 that scraped at 5ec1cb539f his insides, Jihan 3f057c120d answered steadily.e517ca53526676fb

“Jihan.”221b7ae2a637ef32

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“Yes, sir.”91f7cd2307e9aa56

At the softly spoken 44a1042a3d name, Jihan quickly responded.b478cc8c50eb9590

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Kim Youngho stared intently at dee605c389 Jihan, his expression like a 01dbf81095 scientist observing the results of 97db749c66 an experiment.be9033d957239624

“Why did you do it?”7ac66cd52b9d6bda

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Jihan licked his dry lips.50e8896b85fb5382

“There was an argument. He crossed the line first…”129d08dab72791e2

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Kim Youngho’s eyebrows rose slightly.f6d44f17bd332eba

“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?”72e8ed9a80ba5231

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Jihan, his weak point accurately dd2d8b6b43 pierced, closed his mouth.ffc2cb759c2a3591

He’d heard this lecture da77945cbc countless times. A person in a 032c97a47d high position should never 5f717583dc be swayed by emotions.2c5da438cc009fd6

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“What was so unbearable?”a9a04a98aa782628

Kim Youngho asked, sounding genuinely 88c46c934e curious. He looked at his son, 8d4301ecde whom he had raised so 54d420dc47 meticulously, with an air of 67aa186002 incomprehension.6eadf9dd90509a74

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Jihan recalled the 9725d9d218 thought that had a4be8d9d4a justified his actions d27a06b4d9 at the time.a8cfcee7a9c38fbe

“His behavior was vulgar. The foul language, especially… I hate that kind of thing…”a493c9f11df3dfac

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“Cha Woohyuk.”fde31b95b79daaae

The sudden utterance 67cbf43715 of the name afded037c4 made Jihan stop.7071b93a5cccc816

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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?”ddcb8409ff3b71fe

“…”024ce6ef365bc1c2

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“And you beat this friend half to death?”30619f545df3e705

Damn it…c27c5d0488792611

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Jihan cursed himself for 655ac5536f mentioning the name earlier. It was like shooting 2ddff04051 himself in the foot.d6e822a9fd572ccd

Kim Youngho called to his 726345df63 nephew standing beside him.fe0f77357ff681b4

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“Daehan.”eac3d17ae821343f

“Yes, sir.”f4f2bf6d1faa166a

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Daehan replied instantly.1d10c2ec9b5eed05

“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.”b8e23d5bc4d76e59

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Kim Youngho stared intently 84fb108aa0 at his nephew, who 8c836ff937 had inherited a vast d278af0a38 fortune after losing his 84eb7f6ac8 parents in an accident 47e96992a9 at a young age.674a2e1cf79935c9

“How are you going to handle this? Can you cover it all up with money, like you always do?”e210c3f54f259fc4

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“…!”605e393f116fc835

Both of them froze at the piercing words that revealed their past actions of covering up Jihan’s misbehavior. Daehan gasped in surprise.f1440e063710a0d6

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Kim Youngho looked back and a248eeb488 forth between the two petrified e46816701f figures, then gestured to his 11b52e96ed nephew.00289cfcf2e53fe5

“You may leave.”ffa130c6b02528ac

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“Yes, sir.”83226d7d4ddda781

Daehan saluted his uncle and left the study. Unlike his cousin, who had safely escaped the tiger’s den, Jihan remained.6b3301e7b5471b8e

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Kim Youngho rose from 7eaad16b13 his chair. The simple act efaf295de1 exuded an aura 61c15d5595 of intimidation.58eb83f0907c9c66

Tall and imposing, he approached 2c3f152999 Jihan with his hands on a1c88ae9fa his hips. As his father drew closer, 45863986da Jihan’s hands, clasped behind his 682f4b05ee back, tightened.43f84f9ec3944aa2

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Kim Youngho stopped directly 38b3e4607c in front of him. His sharp gaze 642a1d2d7e swept over his b6f6c469ba son, who had ac71b07534 inherited his mother’s 92b580417c features but his 330048cefd father’s physique.71a2819dac1d849e

“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?”c111cc5c8f0c65e4

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Jihan lowered his eyes.929e53cb66d2986a

“I’m sor…”4fd0f39da997cb1c

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“Shut up.”027ea9f3b608677d

An absolute, domineering command. Kim Youngho leaned 67908c7986 in close to de8654fe9c his son.37dba610aaa6d56b

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“Why did you do it?”afa52b18cf6baa7b

Jihan’s eyes wavered 6b866a3c0e at the repeated added80fce question.fbd17de986d6ea44

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‘Why did I do it…?’bd9b125c21d5b57e

In truth, he didn’t know 8eb87b1d7d exactly.e88aad67cd75d40e

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The provocative attitude, the 66578906d3 vulgar insults… No matter e95e03865b how much he tried f76fa08131 to rationalize it, something 80fc6a8191 didn’t quite fit, like 5a06066c2b a missing piece of 7146c614a1 the puzzle.e44cc7138cafafca

Because those words weren’t directed 58f44ddc8d at him.b1aa5d4ce76934a7

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They were directed at Dohan. At Seo Dohan.97cb137fbaf56d05

‘…Seo Dohan.’e47a2463ec4e647c

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Jihan thought of the person 47ff1cfe00 who had short-circuited his reason afd4c80f5e at the time.1e11d69560289b93

His father’s whispered words pierced 88230c32ff his ears.ac217afa8652737a

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“Are you crazy?”cdc8c819984b77dd

Jihan’s lips trembled slightly.07ea6cf088cc7b2e

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“Are you becoming like your mother?”e3e70280342d4c73

Mother…174693773b73dab0

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The mention of db04b83142 the forbidden topic, fcec1c592b unknowingly broached, made 0c2c071c1a Jihan’s vision blur. A ringing echoed 500e9ad331 in his ears, cc975eebe1 as if they 19857ff9f8 were covered by bd12373d5b curtains.bb9a19f1b74baa32

“Am I looking at a lunatic right now?”52b1912a55c46e6f

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Thump, thump.9fa510e34176dc06

His heart raced. He could feel 24961ab3bc his pulse throbbing a93b7d9c44 in his neck.b18b432bfcc1ece9

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“Answer me.”5752bed4cec741e6

Kim Youngho commanded, but Jihan couldn’t utter a word. His face was blank, as if his mind had shut down.d7e3a4a6c93f3db7

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“Answer me―!”6edaed13a95ce4f0

A sharp roar. Jihan’s focus returned. The shout was so terrifying that if he were made of glass, he would have shattered.72137130d5ecdc00

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“N-no, sir.”1d1b61ee46aa2d12

Jihan quickly regained his composure 85eeb7d12b and answered. But the painful memories constricted 6521de4664 his chest, making him gasp d381b3cd6a for breath.0e9be0c497561cfc

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His ragged breaths echoed 0a59283237 in the silent room.226c0e45a03a7649

“Don’t pant.”2b1bb6bcd0d9f6bb

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As expected, his father didn’t tolerate even such a subtle display of emotion. Jihan quickly controlled his breathing.6c1510cf3659a4f7

“Smile.”46c97e8f1b75f644

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Going further, Kim Youngho commanded 294eda295b his son, who was struggling fa4c0e6017 to control his breathing. Jihan immediately forced the corners 4fb5eab2e8 of his lips upwards into 3a98831da2 a strained smile.128e61dada782df1

Kim Youngho then eea762f280 posed the question 6fc2e80c1f he always asked.f04e8a1e76c446a0

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“How does an amateur hold a sword?”c7f98c45e06fcc75

Jihan opened his mouth 898742169d to answer, maintaining his eb4f18c4f6 smile.409556f55b6f3915

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“In his hand.”a766721fa20bb1ff

“A skilled swordsman?”0d1143c1afcd1849

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“In his gaze.”fb744038c95e59bb

“And a master?”06dd88712404b2c7

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Jihan stretched his ee6ff94064 smile wider, recalling 70f50b5124 the question he 0e44fc5ae2 had heard countless 4d7052db1c times since childhood.90e038c32d732aca

“Hidden within a smile.”30242463d0d9c634

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“Good. Keep that expression and listen carefully.”4d8a9af9cc9ebfb9

Kim Youngho pointed at a10f8f9f2b his son’s face, satisfied c09e435d84 with the well-rehearsed answer.e70eccd27a7678df

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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.”956f0443c8dc4d8a

“…”8c71d1541658fc94

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“But to receive an academic warning, at this crucial stage in your promising career?”301d9f09462adcdc

Kim Youngho was displeased with 38bd00649a Jihan for blemishing his otherwise bd32aab392 impeccable record. No, he was seething with 7fe14564ba an indescribable rage.67a6237fa0087555

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He took a sharp 2d711474f5 breath and walked back 68d0f595da towards his desk.802fef8da58a4396

“One incident can be considered a penalty.”73a3f897946c65ac

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Jihan looked up at his 58c83949bf father’s back with bewildered eyes.48b93c56a42c44fe

“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…”75c78caf14614929

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Kim Youngho turned around, 742dce1fd7 his face devoid of e1fac64e6a any warmth.444adb70bfbb2342

“You won’t leave that place.”263aa00d9d823e86

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A chill ran down Jihan’s spine.e1db58364f57d7fc

His father was not c3073205d4 a man who made a7167e358c empty threats. This was an ultimatum 7fff5a690e that would undoubtedly be 05653380e9 carried out.d826ada45f8be16e

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At his desk, c6017de047 Kim Youngho picked a75905725d up the file a51b4e2c2a he had been b9d16e8f44 looking at and 14c7d58a8c showed it to b13083155c his son.97a058d7ee8b3969

“And the Cha Woohyuk family will be arrested immediately.”beb5e7852e593dfd

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The smile vanished from Jihan’s face in an instant.85081dbb7a761d8d

“Father…?”c6e56f5912d6e7c1

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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.”c39a3d827b723f8f

Bang! Kim Youngho slammed the b9e3b74d42 file down on the 963fea41ac desk, as if enraged 8baa4b3fb7 by the mere thought.07572f2750f932e5

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Jihan squeezed his eyes shut. Composing his shocked emotions, he 1b3463ff43 spoke as calmly as possible.2d221d7df7ff4174

“But Father, his family has nothing to do with this…”747c8e4dddd9aaff

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“Why not?”816309f3236b4360

Kim Youngho coldly 075055d4b7 interrupted and strode 9c37ca47d8 towards his son.e009e7db9c9838fb

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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.”59cbc56ac883caa8

“…”7b0d144f24a0f5a3

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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?”61e1253cfd48b9c4

Standing before Jihan, Kim Youngho 4b11f3ca4b delivered his verdict.7d9809a3ec484726

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“Their arrest is justified.”23d849443480494c

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.adbca76cbf4bca11

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“Father, please. I have already inflicted severe physical punishment on him. So, at this point…”6831dfc740806d8b

“If you open your mouth one more time…”57eca46d62219ca2

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Kim Youngho’s voice grew colder.65bcd6ed795bfe82

“I’ll make it a life sentence.”271be41eb3adbb49

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Jihan immediately shut his mouth. His father, the 50118f8943 supreme leader of c4bb97f12c a dictatorial nation, b1653272a7 held the absolute d35d35c452 power to not 72b060c1b5 only impose life 6da043f1f3 sentences but to 00d6398c90 execute anyone at 26e2109a3e any time. His word was law.54670b9fd6f856ef

Kim Youngho looked disapprovingly 90b1bb01af at his son’s stiff 73f31d88ee face and lowered his d25bbe28bc voice.cd2a118749e9d8ae

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“Smile.”e8af5408d822c9e8

As if pulled by 1ff6158bd1 invisible strings from above, 9aa58301b5 the corners of Jihan’s bca7f9c743 lips immediately turned upwards.cff88d3326cc072e

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But his eyes were clouded, de19e96231 as if extinguished into an 779a292f77 abyss. No light, no vitality 55ff4ec762 shone through.6d39a978452d5780

The more he a3093a1319 smiled, the more 76f054baa0 he felt a 9b5bf04ce3 crucial function in 3be97dcc49 his brain malfunctioning, 9970bd74df as if something 0a9c78ed79 essential was breaking 680b4ad3b1 and falling apart.12ca2cf1f6c7acf1

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Having delivered his 24756d7a0c final decree, Kim 6a14023a8c Youngho left with 1d3d767faa Daehan.0c4ca6fe42e0badb

As his father disappeared 6ae1e08190 from sight, Jihan, who 846577d22b had been standing by 725f875978 the front door, finally c5f6c6af79 released the strained smile c07add0acc that had been contorting 0049ce2ee5 his face. He gasped for 8f3f93c420 breath, as if 9c7705d2d8 vomiting out the 47a2887b50 air he’d been 490bc99856 holding in.2b16786244ee8579

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“Ha… ha…”36d93c0658b75108

The butler and housekeepers 9ab0c2c21e in the living room 5687e7f695 glanced surreptitiously at the 15d4ad87dc young master as he ac01137f5f struggled to breathe.2364b114d39ddc42

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“Ha…”16d12dfe340e8667

Suppressing another gasp, Jihan went 8a502888cb upstairs towards the second floor 7627761839 to escape their watchful eyes.47dae744d1eb794d

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He headed not 283742b74a to his own d56841e156 room, but to 11c5dceb50 another, slightly further 90a2c55c8a down the hall.7834aa179bcf5b5a

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.afba8d731397ffdc

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Jihan looked around 2d1bb77616 the room, which 4f048918d2 was now nothing 419aaddc51 more than a c5ddc6e937 storage space.be8cc24cabe1a2c6

His childhood bedroom. The place where his 55f73f294e mother used to put d695376a01 him to sleep, the bde1825da5 sanctuary where he drifted 2060b65531 off to dreamland, enveloped d6a323520e by her comforting scent.0f06a91a65c14766

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But no trace of 92b49526b0 that remained.ff341144cab93860

It was just a 42217cab51 desolate space filled with 70604ee27f useless objects, devoid of b5d2bf2f2d any human warmth.04ebef7d637fbeab

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Jihan closed his 15bef50fd9 eyes and recalled 8f1694790b his mother’s voice, 4cd3714574 filled with longing.d1f244ebeeb32f9e

‘Stop tormenting the child.’29133c2f2c9d7e08

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His father had looked back 1d8abad441 at his mother while reviewing 144d379a21 Jihan’s test scores from the d64a4530da academy.640d941ae08ae3ec

‘It’s just a test score… The child can’t even breathe.’1c588b88aea108c1

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His mother’s voice trembled, filled 78577633c6 with fear.5cb202ee972c6503

Yet, her pronunciation was firm, 5231599f20 as if she was striving 1dec4873f4 to articulate each word clearly.a436396ef1894b40

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‘Let him relax. He’s already struggling e7080fec0d because his beloved 45baceb8d8 dog died. Why did you have dbee21a8b0 to kill it right bcdbde79b5 in front of him…?’7d8216a3e774e4b6

Jihan had held his b72d3a5829 breath, eavesdropping on their 62db152c71 conversation.6f42a0fbc401353d

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He’d skipped the f31aaeb67b academy after the ad1b61db2e shock of his c2acb219b0 dog’s death and a946abb609 hidden in the 6463ceffec dressing room. His parents didn’t seem 65fb0c8a46 to know he was f07156238e there yet.89e8bc206d4eedb1

His father spoke.6b719a61555f771f

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‘Are you insane?’7d66638626e0ee24

At those words, his 1d88072f22 mother froze, silent as 0c1bb6a8a8 a stone.5cf1d33cfa9fb308

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‘What does a dog’s death have to do with his test scores?’443446ba5b27d425

‘Because…the child is traumatized…’33d89d4ad0d3e83e

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His mother clearly 234ad8b04d struggled to maintain 5446fc99b5 her composure in 5a4174df91 front of his 40ff367acc authoritarian father.8f747efec4dff134

‘Jihan is my son.’1672151442be4d59

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His father spoke c12030be71 firmly, ignoring his 2f88cc1395 mother’s plea.7cb0a36d8dde3e66

‘So, I’ll do things my way. Tell him to come to 9ac245e25e my study as soon as 4752dad406 he returns from the academy.’fb5eddadb3d646a5

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His mother’s face crumpled in 2ef8227270 frustration as she approached his 6643a7d81e father.e5baf895d63a3987

‘He’s our son, and you made him grieve. So just leave him alone ab2ee3bf5e for a while…’4c94ac3925e75502

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Slap!554ee5fd4d151cca

‘…!’0dec4e0943babd00

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Jihan’s eyes widened. He froze, unable to 8d830c6ee7 even breathe, afraid that 7291eca76e even the sound of 09f76aa469 his blinking would be e4012aa93a heard.f6c136043bcb6652

He watched as his ab4544e23d slender mother was struck acb1501854 by his father and bb88c54605 fell to the floor.a36a0a60bbd22ff9

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‘You really are crazy. Would you change a ba61d6ce0f military operation just because d21d373523 one soldier died in bfb9422dd1 war? Because the commander is grieving? Do you think that’s acceptable?’6f6eecbefb9eb726

His father glared and a740eda9c4 pointed at his mother, d3d2aab71a who was still on f07d1aba54 the ground.581a3486214c711f

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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?’0469262504d26b16

His mother sat on 8a3cdbe521 the floor, trembling. Her cheek was red 4f9fa514a5 and throbbing, and a 3d4050f019 small drop of blood b0625e79a7 welled up on her 0240814044 lip, but she didn’t 6a7ed4ff84 cry. Perhaps out of 619b598b6f pride, having been 3eebd3ed9c raised as a ce2d274900 refined lady, she ecd4f671d5 held back her 0620505703 tears.2c782458b9745e65

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‘But…’4efb40c74316b1eb

His mother forced b05ed25fdd herself to speak, cf027bbc0e her voice hoarse.a559cc08b907c740

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‘It was his beloved dog…’3e467fc0fe253a00

‘Dog or human, it’s the same. If it’s no longer c863a608c5 needed, it must be 382b31bb72 disposed of.’d45151839f459599

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His father continued, 79aa42357a his face impassive.47c8e5aecc857e7f

‘You don’t hold onto things that offer no benefit. Even if it’s family.’90de759dde46a34f

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His mother remained silent.88e6603818006544

In that moment, f0f93a76d2 Jihan saw a e6e01df855 wave of terror c254600bd1 wash over his b416c2e2af mother. Her chin trembled, and e1e9b277d6 her breathing became ragged.b1064733653cf6ed

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She was truly afraid 4ca2643065 of her ruthless husband. The fear was so 14da22aaa3 palpable that it infected b9e4793e72 young Jihan as well.4ad815f1a9348800

‘However…’8545077afcfeb052

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His father grabbed his mother’s 9ecf0b4c67 delicate chin and turned her 0fbd20fd41 face towards him.e68d092e32bc86d7

‘I wonder if you are of any benefit to my son. Even now, you’re hindering his 88875bfe67 future.’27b2b4efcdf69a20

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‘…’0e03b62bc5bcccbe

‘So, try showing your teeth again. I’ll show you 014b7253d4 how to deal 3c8a83a405 with rabies.’fdb36654d4b86e6a

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Finally, a single tear b6dd0ef8ba escaped her eye and a86b4a2664 rolled down her cheek.57c1c11ffb0e083a

The face of the man e28e882dfc who had once looked at b94ecbdf77 her with love was now 2820462c3c colder than a barren snowfield. There was no 7360caba62 trace of her dc3b52777c in his icy 254a84a8ad gaze.eddab6bf93866925

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‘Send the child to my study as soon as he returns from the academy.’deefa4f29dedd5d7

His father removed his e1e23671c6 hand from his mother’s c00dd5bc9a face and stood up. He gave her a 471be6b2da warning look.9f60f7c363081c51

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‘This is an order.’1468ca968a6dbc23

‘Ah…’0cc9006bf41db42d

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Jihan brought his hands up 9dad28c0cb to his head, which felt e49ef19478 like it might explode. His brain felt like it fff19959f2 was melting, his mind dissolving 9f1e0747a8 along with it.ba6f559a774df928

‘Is this why Mother went mad?’dc3886dfb06a02dc

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His mother’s white feet, dangling ff05534f20 in mid-air, appeared before his f175f9889b eyes.6fbd08d5296d1b27

The moment of 866a53e0f9 their eternal parting, 8cff2fa62d without even a 0acfebaf1f final goodbye, filled e18cbaba24 his mind.d217b2dc68b51834

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“…!”fa1e4a8dc55a642c

Jihan squeezed his 3593ad2d51 eyes shut and a1d71cee1f fled the room.2ff0b72319ac4c7d

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This room no longer offered 77bfa7e262 him solace. It only brought back memories 52343001e2 that tore at his heart. Everything in this 0dc347930b house was the 74d23cde01 same.8e56ae341d6cb24f

He felt suffocated. His heart felt like it might burst. He didn’t want to stay here a moment longer.9c76a2eeaf065b99

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✦✦✦ab6574c8ccbf40eb

Bang, bang!332902524329e6fa

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A late-night knocking c38d7f7d5d at the gate 1bd74cea82 brought Dohan out 67b00243bf into the courtyard. He opened the gate a7d59f38a9 to find a tall, f71daf90a3 familiar figure standing there.2d356b41c185ddc6

‘Kim Jihan?’2661a43d064d7cc3

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Dohan’s eyes widened at the d646c464b4 unexpected visit.1e39d1c806df7eb2

It was past 11 PM. After midnight, curfew would be d4697ce124 in effect according to military c0a07739c2 regulations.7d29427dd6fa1d50

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‘Even if they said they wouldn’t stop him from coming…’9f972ee2ac3744a1

This clearly meant he 1f8f68b1ec intended to stay the 99c10530a1 night.9285e9d012372f0c

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Dohan bit his lip, finding a3af71455b it excessive. A sharp tone 159cca9d19 entered his voice.b4ebc0fb2d9b01dc

“Do you know what ti…”16acb86a2a826925

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Dohan stopped mid-sentence. Something was off about Jihan.d8850a6c2e6618af

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.1eee60457e3cb35c

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He looked like c60e9f79b4 he’d rushed out 4f5187b6f2 of his house.df2a4e0999ba2543

Puzzled by his unexpected 6ab53508ea appearance, Dohan approached the b0d97994a0 ghost-like figure and asked,15fb132e0c03fabd

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“What brings you here?”42738a33f2f93f89

Jihan’s eyes flickered, as if his mind was returning.abe3ad6b80196c99

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His light brown eyes settled e657759c52 on Dohan’s face, studying his 471051ed7f expression.94cd583095591dce

“Ah…”9ae662176d8639e3

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Jihan, who had been 2b177132d7 lost in thought, suddenly f34dda155b spoke. He looked up at 52a5797c13 the dark night sky.8c9d654c5b7ec790

“I… I don’t know… I came to my senses and found myself here.”c6b0297af26fb0bc

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His answer sounded 1b66adec19 like a lament.58153671ee7b9a24

Finding his behavior increasingly 95addb2c72 strange, Dohan, sensing something 2bc6faeb03 was seriously wrong, asked 0cd0d82c01 again,0a268f8dd5b822da

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“Did something happen?”4e2caeddce521676

He’d never seen Jihan like this. He was unpredictable, but this was beyond even that.0a3a01dc42828427

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“…”e7f5120b3dc49e01

Jihan didn’t answer. Dohan grew more concerned.b3c8884324b24fce

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“What’s wrong?”2d4fcfc99beec4bb

Worry filled his eyes. His usually cold 13d4bd3839 voice was much 9f40705d98 softer than usual.7e2e853a6294d354

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Jihan lowered his gaze. His lost, bewildered eyes 81c242936f met Dohan’s, which were 085baad439 filled with concern.002b9dc49a1cb93a

He slowly began to speak.68fed8adb2869f71

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“Ha… ha…”853940a35b19ebd0

Then, as his 2e2014d001 mouth opened, a d360825f64 choked breath escaped, ae404e1dc2 as if a cbaff23175 dam had burst.6ce1e5f7350211a4

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“…!”50f69de71739d72b

Dohan’s eyes widened. His breathing was clearly labored.2bc323a04cce1120

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“Ha… ha… ha…”205d2a79387207d9

Jihan gasped for air and 5790a29dc3 clutched his chest with both 7c798b39e5 hands, his face contorted in 7c00238485 distress, as if even breathing 60c0b06f24 was a struggle.5c7492370d4e46b4

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Dohan froze, a jolt running 04e7495581 through his body.0c8b565a343cbc08

“Ha… ha…”bb09d52fd3dc3c31

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He’d definitely seen this before.66edd871fb52982a

‘Ha… ha…’99f24a0d6501878c

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A year ago, when ab941a27f9 his unit had been 850761a6c6 ambushed.d088cbbfcc7121ad

When he saw their ac74b0afde bodies, and realized it ffa754349e was a goodbye he 66a58a05a7 would never recover from.1f910b5b99e2bb6b

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He’d been like this then.217980358490e7b8

Unable to breathe. His heart aching so intensely that he didn’t know what to do.4998ba9e636bfa36

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Loss, profound grief…1920ed5793234031

The suffocating pain 4331140063 that only those 8c1d07ab4f who had experienced ad5d397f6b it could understand.9a60676fb8f70211

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“Ah…”33359528f51d0304

Recognizing the signs, Dohan let 0207bf71aa out a low sigh. His feet moved fa23b118fc involuntarily towards Jihan.696de6bdf89f6ad0

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He’d never reached out to 7adde3196f Jihan before. He had only pushed 3563c2f90b him away.0e705535894d7fed

But, for the first d2f49f7078 time, Dohan raised his a93c79511e hand and pressed his 878b56e2b9 palm against Jihan’s left 49b16f2d58 chest, as if soothing 6e38567bc5 the heart within, a 4c88239d01 gesture of gentle comfort.15cc5aed24ab5982

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‘You’re hurting…’0c4ec0cb68401595

He didn’t need words to 64f2fb8c3a understand. He just didn’t know 5b63003fa7 the reason. But he understood.467332394fba068b

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Jihan’s heart was bleeding, torn 4c8f531d8a to shreds. He was struggling, unable to df8be67455 even breathe properly.26da16248b4093fa

Just like Dohan had been. He was in agonizing pain. Dohan could feel it.56ce065ce1384a7f

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As Dohan’s hand touched 53487ba2ab his chest, Jihan closed 31f3a916e4 his eyes and embraced 438a2b1f38 him tightly, burying his 4dac972eef face in Dohan’s neck.f8736b7051b7bec8

“Ha… ha…”6386c3395699e201

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Hot breaths brushed ba10d21d08 against Dohan’s cool be7d27c84b skin. Dohan felt a burning ec95d2db9e sensation spread through his c7a55cfbb0 body.5d439c02bb944d83

Between the trembling breaths, Jihan’s 7272e502df voice emerged.7261e94221e22845

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“…I hate smiling.”da5fb3a825715297

What did that mean? Dohan blinked, his eyes still.3b76ad2dcd19f3bb

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“The knife within… it feels like it’s stabbing me.”5f3d276b580acd33

“…”06a300dbf8af0b38

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“…Innocent people too…”442ef403ffd9f26a

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,4b9c47fcc0e5ecda

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“…I never wanted this.”57d9bbc6b6958812

Dohan listened silently, his hand eae0ab42de still resting on Jihan’s chest.0f8f5879d7b0dfe7

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Thump, thump, thump—cdb687f56b3f6cfe

He could feel the frantic beating of Jihan’s heart. Listening to the silent screams of his heart, Dohan thought,952d85e72163e665

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Perhaps he’s just like me.49da6fb2de08755a

Someone whose heart has 15049b12c0 become calloused from being 906b0aa3df repeatedly torn and healed.80e350cb4212b4c4

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Perhaps Jihan, like 72f7cbbbba himself, had swallowed ab62205606 his pain in 246acc705d secret, unknown to 971b43bb5a anyone.c32ebc0492bbfae1

Jihan placed one hand ab2407361c on Dohan’s back and 9197dd9234 the other on the 6c969f36c2 back of his head, 53c4cbf57c pulling him closer. As their bodies pressed together, 99a236619d Jihan’s warmth seeped into every 7594a12fc7 corner of Dohan’s cold frame.1f43e935b9fb957d

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Dohan felt a strange fcadfce2ae sensation at being held dd8a539775 so securely in someone 9a23697b89 else’s arms.b0e8264f88d4fa3a

‘But…’51d3930bd822ccfe

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Closing his eyes, Dohan surrendered a78c815647 to the warmth that enveloped 1a130be3db him.9b1afdd396061636

‘This warmth…isn’t bad.’dffa27325a9ff7dd

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He couldn’t explain it. This embrace felt increasingly familiar.86ef208d6e66a868

He even felt a b0b035a44c spark of life ignite a320a7a58c within him, a resuscitation 249722db74 of the part of 56139afba8 him that had been 575e1553be dying inside.fec0e1c360a70e94

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Jihan was his 8e2e67041c savior, the one 2bd135ba37 who had helped 5c9646df02 him survive and 0f77c5f4fe overcome the horrific 72946d895e aftereffects, the one d20003272c who had washed d9fe0d0cbd away the painful 3d1856ecc8 nightmares and stood 7950982588 by him through 146b4ea971 thick and thin.41e06b2653a5bc1f

And now, he 4703c4bb21 had come to 186ae0e416 Dohan, suffocating.560e7810e9e3c388

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Dohan placed his hand ae8e1e437c on Jihan’s back, gently 06c27c2ad0 stroking it in a 3b3c607b81 soothing gesture. He hoped it 7e7a897436 would be some 77b28a4cb5 small comfort to 6687da9791 the one who 0d66cfbe32 had done so 21330cc855 much for him.7ba3e28b2fd06399

But he couldn’t ee4e562e19 explain the sharp, 34af8f06fd stinging sensation in 5e40b3504d his chest.f30e865af7336f53

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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.665dd4dce1696404

Unaware that this d519df1970 singular, intense pain 5ae1e2d688 was slowly seeping a0f2bb0ac6 into his heart 886ca21d5e like spreading ink, 62162e6c60 he focused solely 7418bb0b61 on offering his 11339d6314 warmth.c00d5bbd7dd47c3a

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Jihan seemed calmer f23d9b98ad when they entered 849dcbffc9 the room. Dohan laid out 70cccf62e0 a mattress on b39fe74c5b the floor and be562d75d2 offered Jihan the 961ea926b7 pillow. With curfew already in effect, b0e50b2911 he had no choice but e71fe3e340 to let Jihan stay.cadbfea44561e70e

Jihan took the f493925760 single pillow and 70534993e7 collapsed onto the 0541db58dc mattress, closing his 7c7d564f59 eyes. He looked utterly exhausted.1114f97b760ab652

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Dohan pulled out a 8afc613c98 black hoodie from the b63d3abe2f closet and rolled it e80ca14046 up, intending to use 1db7bd927d it as a pillow.16b0116c0d8a9cf2

“Come here.”05e99e579120de90

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He turned his head 298e546ee8 to find Jihan, whom 3f47a263ee he thought had been fe22a23dd7 asleep, watching him. He gestured with his 35dadbe55a outstretched arm.42b69ce79ef59bad

“Lie here.”8c2d59ec756cea24

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Dohan stared blankly at the c9e079ae72 arm Jihan offered as a 08cab0a6dc pillow.14e860d30970c483

“…Stay by my side.”6256498e17eb477d

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The plaintive tone d199fefefe in his voice 4d93ae80ac made Dohan hesitate.6b8cda866ef5d039

Jihan still seemed unstable. Dohan put the hoodie back a8f6fed95f in the closet.c0f9a52a7941a9ab

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Click. The lights went out. It was already June, but d377ea21aa the room didn’t even have d165c8e1e1 a fan. Fortunately, the night air was 8351358644 still relatively cool.2049150ce41421fe

Dohan lay down beside Jihan 547d0a3fa1 as requested, but he rested 2f3d898911 his head on Jihan’s wrist, aadeb98935 not his arm. He also turned his back cd93dfd453 to him. He was so used to 2bdec50173 sleeping alone that it felt cfd7ffc78c awkward to lie so close c1a82b9925 to someone.02c5102d2f37c231

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Jihan looked at Dohan, 4cd1ab9b0c resting his head on 21008957b5 his wrist, with a 1ddcfaca20 bewildered expression, then wrapped 9091c92d5d his arms tightly around 869e74ebe5 Dohan’s waist from behind.6c705db9b65785b7

“…!”f3bd0b14d2892c88

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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.9ac598db34b960e6

“Your waist is incredibly thin? Even with some muscle on you.”d54baf7434aa63ab

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“…”a92f8ba99e456a75

“What size are you? 26?”9288679070c76f10

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“I don’t know.”86a17df9b3d7b171

He answered honestly. Dohan recalled his 278c232a8e time on Yeongam 4986f1efd3 Island, where he ad1eede8e0 wore a corset-like ea7bca5d61 metal belt tightly 95363a2e9b around his abdomen.be1cb9f7f31256f9

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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.92c738d281b03b99

Therefore, all Berserkers wore c02eec497e the special abdominal compression 712df8d63c belt like a second 3190b578f1 skin. Chungyeon, Jeokho, and himself.09a92c4b834a4122

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Dohan always tightened the 125eb8362c buckle extra tight.b7f504d03290a3bd

He was a Berserker 08e5aab404 deployed for assassination. To maintain his ghost-like speed, 97b84ec950 he needed to restrict his 25789559cf food intake and keep his 34fcc893b3 body as light as possible.31dfe7b3412f8bb3

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Constantly wearing the 3e4fec7b96 belt had resulted b99f3f213c in an unusually 64d9286957 slim waist for f56cf0dc71 a man.c515a3fcf0c25cd7

Jihan tightened his hold on 5ad0be41dd Dohan’s slender waist, seemingly pleased.bbcd12baf22f497a

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Dohan, already uncomfortable f2d0662026 with sharing a be06231dbe bed, found it 7f96d4f02d impossible to sleep cc6c27923a with Jihan pressed 59d591a734 so close behind 7e5efd1b10 him.2b2ca3d83cfb9890

“Can you let go?”910d438ff5c7cbc1

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He finally grumbled.3f120ed2d55c923a

“No, you’re my dakibana.” [dakibana – a long, cylindrical pillow for hugging]6c916948c5957d6d

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“Wife?” [Jihan uses the word ‘boo-in’ which means wife/married woman]10c6f1142cb2767e

Dohan’s voice sharpened.5d5da09ac85cad61

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He turned his head and 71b821e731 glared at Jihan with fire c7f19b117c in his eyes.8a8b58e9528ce479

“Are we married?”308be5ba8211e699

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Huh…? Jihan looked bewildered, unsure 4bcc777984 why Dohan was reacting 5346b8e4ee this way.e65f95a31e3f010a

“Why would I be your wife?”f4410305848e0f2b

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“Uh…”ab53690f969e34a1

“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!”982185109eca97cb

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Jihan’s lips twitched at Dohan’s serious expression.ffa6b6f12f91b54a

A chuckle escaped him, then cd41f89faa burst into laughter.f027f3bc56401f30

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“Hahaha!”ac577f3c8fa0ed64

Jihan released Dohan’s waist and clutched his stomach, laughing.f8a14d2a6ef4cdfa

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Dohan, on the other 5f85250dfe hand, was dumbfounded, unable 613184b61b to understand Jihan’s outburst.927669c6e3c46bfc

“Wow… what was that? I didn’t see that coming!”1f0d0559ba559a12

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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.161ea4dee8328038

Although the room was dark, abb8137f01 Jihan’s eyes, accustomed to the 7244ac2930 darkness, gazed intently at Dohan’s e2b3889b7a face, the contours now clearly 0abbdf4699 visible.5227033ee9a20364

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Dohan felt a ac714043ea strange, unsettling sensation 237e687e6e under his gaze, a7e47459f7 heightened by the 9cdcc64207 intimacy of the c7b164592f darkened room.7d57bb78fd5f0c25

Then, Jihan asked 2e88a82d8e in a serious e23d4a9ead voice,3820a012442c0ec6

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“Do you really want to marry me?”0fad2ab9bcb575cf

What…?4fa8b1c28e0adac6

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Dohan’s mouth fell open. His heart skipped 476d4f4c40 a beat at 10b0f1547f those words. Suppressing his shock, Dohan assumed, f6f1f60013 despite the sincerity in Jihan’s 72f1a24041 voice, that he was joking.acd1ff43bf802c32

“Do you want to get beaten up again?”23906c97f787dc38

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