#Like that one time he says that Choi Han has been able to remain kind because he grew up in a loving environment

[penguin-stars]

Something I initially really liked about Cale's character is how he suddenly became the "trash" of the count's family and he seemingly takes it as an asshole permit.

No manners, rude? Well duh, He's the local trash.

And then, hundreds of chapters later it hit me:

This guy really never changed the way he acted, he says so himself and it's why Choi Han was able to easily recognize him in Choi Jung Soo's memories.

Which begs the question: What sort of internal narrative did he have going on as Kim Rok Soo to "justify" his behavior?

Baby Rok Soo was at the bottom of the social ladder, an orphan, poor and his uncle was an alcoholic and a gambling addict to boot

How many times do you think he heard things like "What can you expect from someone without parents?", or "Just what you would expect from someone who wasn't raised properly"

"Someone of your kind"

And then he became a Team Leader

How many things did he do or didn't do under the pretense of being "Cold-blooded"

It also doesn't help that he's unable to process praise or kindness directed at him.

[weirdsht]

Disillusioned 6 . Truth

a/n: i think my blood count is running low again so i might not be able to write for a while but idk yet. also my class schedule is literally from 9 am to 7 pm so i don't really know when i'll be able to write 🥲

tags: abuse as the norm, reader doesn't know better. unintentional self-harm(?), hints of power tripping

English isn’t my first language so there will be grammatical errors

Pls don't repost my work anywhere without my permission

Constructive criticisms and any kind of interaction are more than welcome

Requests are currently closed but my ask are still open (read navi)

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On doesn’t know how to tell Cale about the things she found out.

Well, it’s not a matter of her hesitating to tell him. There’s no way On would hesitate to tell Cale, someone she has come to see as her parental figure, such important information. Rather, it's the timing of things that made her hesitate every time.

From the moment Cale woke up things have been hectic. There are changes to their schedule and a lot more things to do. Especially now that they managed to capture some of Arm’s members.

With everyone busy running around here and there, On took it upon herself to make sure _____ doesn’t get injured.

The silver kitten can’t fully comprehend why someone would offer their all for other people to the point of being on the brink of death. Saving people is good, but one should not overdo it. After all, being alive is the best thing as Cale had taught her.

Well, Cale is also self-sacrificial but that's On’s headache for another day.

For now, she focuses on limiting the healer to use their healing abilities as much as possible and trying to find the chance to tell Cale the issue.

“Don’t worry, it's dangerous but not dangerous as in you will get hurt dangerous.”

If Cale looked at her funnily then On pretended not to notice. The important thing is she finally managed to tell him that they must talk about _____’s powers. Since the redhead must first go and attend some business, On opted to just give Cale a snippet and continue it after they get back.

And so that night, after having dinner with the cute half-rat half-dwarf Mueller, Cale and On finally had their overdue talk.

Aside from them and the other two children, Choi Han, Beacrox, and Ron are also in the room to listen in. 

“If that’s the case then chances are _____-nim’s healing abilities work like a transfer.”

Silence filled the room at Choi Han’s comment. All of them are thinking about how to confirm such things.

“We can just talk to _____ themself! They’re super nice so I’m sure they’ll tell us.”

“But maybe that will be uncomfortable for little _____”

Raon shut down Hong’s suggestion. However, Cale thinks it’s a good idea.

“It’s not like we have much option, we either ask them directly or sneak around to see evidence while they are using their power.”

And safe to say that Cale wants to choose the less hassle option, asking _____ directly.

After scamming– selling the research remains of the Magic Tower to Toonka and talking to Choi Han, Cale managed to squeeze talking to _____ in his schedule.

While the swordmaster was out to get the healer, Cale felt a sense of dread. He suddenly thought of how _____ never seems to share their story. This makes him think about the chance that maybe the healer is simply unwilling to share the information.

He may be trash but he's not a jerk who will force someone to share their story if it will resurface their trauma.

“So you have no problem telling me? Why haven’t you said anything until now?”

Turns out, _____ is more than okay sharing everything with Cale. They stated that whatever it is Cale needed to know, they are willing to share as long as they know of it.

“It’s because Cale-sunbae has never asked me? They say that if someone of my status shares something personal unprompted then it will be burdensome for the other party. It is also bad to speak unprompted, they said that it’s bad enough that punishment is due when such a misdemeanour is committed.”

Cale Henituse has a pretty good idea as to who that “they” is but he internalizes his anger and decides to focus on the task at hand. He motions for _____ to continue speaking.

“Cale-sunbae, I’m sure you’ve heard of how I got adopted?”

“Yes, what about that story?”

“That story is a lie. Why they lied about it is something I am unsure of.

I was originally from an orphanage. This orphanage is different because they sell gifted children, the children vary from beast children to children with special abilities like me.”

‘Sounds more like a human trafficking scheme, but I can't be sure.’

Cale thought to himself as he listened to _____ talk.

“I have been adopted because the Perduellios were on the verge of going bankrupt. They decided to adopt a child with special abilities so they could maximize the wealth and glory that comes with it. It is also the real reason why I am not affiliated with the Sun God church. However, it is also true that my health would not be able to handle the workload of being a holy maiden”

If _____ is officially affiliated with the church then they would essentially be a property of the church. Minimizing the profits the family can get.

“There’s also the fact that they said I would humiliate the family if I’m not under their supervision- Ah, I’m sorry! I just realized that I’m getting off-track”

“No, continue. I’m quite curious as to how that family raised you.”

Did what Cale said surprised him? Definitely. He is usually someone who does not actively seek out such things as it brings more headaches.

But oh well, _____ is one of his people anyway so it wouldn’t hurt to know about their enemies. Even if the healer isn't aware they are enemies.

“How was I raised? I was raised normally, just like how other people have been. The Perduellios gave me food, clothing, and a roof over my head. I think they were a little strict with me but they said it was because there are so many things I have to learn.”

“Strict how?”

“Instead of tutors and teachers, they used more physical ways to teach me. They said it was a little unconventional but the only way I would learn things fast.

They had a lot of unspoken rules that I had to follow. They said that usually, a child will gradually learn what those rules are as they grow up. However, they opted to punish me for every rule I broke as I am behind my peers.”

‘What a load of bullshit. That’s not normal at all.’

Cale internally sighed before asking what kind of punishment they got. _____ explained that it’s either being whipped or having hot candle wax poured on their skin, whatever the family’s biological child deemed fitting at the moment.

The healer was asked if they figured out what some of those rules were and they said they had.

They are not allowed to speak when not spoken to

They must always answer when spoken to

They must never speak to other nobles as they are a peasant

They are not allowed to have servants and must never ask any servant for help (this was why they never bothered Hans, Ron, and Beacrox)

They are not allowed to go somewhere without guards

They must only take what their adoptive family gives to them

They must refer to their adoptive family as father, mother, and big sister outside, but must call them call them by their noble titles in private

All gifts given to them must go to the family

They are not allowed to refuse to heal anyone, the only exceptions are if it's beyond their capabilities (like chronic illness)

When they heal someone the family must be informed. 

They said that there was more that they did not figure out. However, Cale thinks that all of this is just a bunch of bullshit excuses used to hurt and exploit a child that didn't know better. Then as a result, even as an adult that person still doesn't know any better.

“Human! This is not normal! Little _____ has been deceived by those trash people! You better get revenge on them too!”

Both Cale and Raon are on the same page. Even before the dragon’s comment, Cale was already thinking about what he could do about _____’s family.

However, there was another thing that concerned the redhead.

It was the way _____ was telling the story.

Aside from the usual calmness they had, they were speaking as though it wasn't their story. It was as if they were just relaying the morning news.

To some extent, Cale thinks it's advantageous for the healer to be able to separate themselves from what happened. Even if they aren't aware that what they went through was abuse.

However, it wasn't like that.

It was more like _____ has become detached from things relating to themself.

Cale would even dare say that maybe it's because they are scared to face the hurt and longing they felt.

Not that the man is speaking from experience.

“How come you had no marks on your body? Even at the City of Life the only ones the doctor saw were the wounds you had that day.”

“Ah, that is part of my abilities. Even though I can’t heal myself, my body heals wounds a little faster than average and is incapable of scarring.”

‘This… just how lucky were those bastards that they even had the perfect cover-up?’

While Cale was thinking about how to make the Perduellios disappear from the face of the world, _____ further explained how their healing powers work.

“For my healing abilities, a percentage of my patients' wounds or sickness will transfer onto me. Ah don’t worry as I will only get around 70% of whatever I am healing and it will not be contagious whatever it may be. In return, I can give them some of my vitality. I say I give around 3% of my vitality per patient and then it is multiplied when I transfer it to them.”

Cale swallows the curse words he wants to say. He feels immense frustration at the person who seems to be more concerned at the possibility of Cale thinking they’ll get the entire group sick, and not at the fact that they’re giving their health away to random strangers.

“Uhm you might be thinking that the vitality thing is the reason why I have a weak body but it's not. Apparently, I was just unlucky and happened to have a body this weak.”

Huuuu

The redhead feels as though he will curse a storm if he doesn’t at least sigh.

“Because of how my abilities work, the more severely wounded or sick someone is, the harder it will be for me to heal them. Things like small scratches or common colds would not hurt but more severe wounds might have dire consequences on my body. That’s why I can’t heal severed limbs or terminal illnesses.”

The Medicus proceeds to explain that in theory, they can heal those things. However, it might cost them some part of the same limb or their lifespan as well as some manifestations of the illness.

“Human, let's not make little _____ heal anyone! That power is dangerous for them!”

Cale agrees with the dragon to some extent. But he also thinks that they can still use it as long as it’s in moderation.

“Hmm, I guess in theory I might also be able to revive a dead person once if I get to them right after they die. Though I think I’d have a week left to live if I did that. I haven’t tested it out yet so I’m not sure…”

Cale did not need to know that. There's absolutely no way he'll let this healer revive someone from the dead at the cost of their own life.

“...Don’t. No testing out any of those things. No testing out healing terminally ill people. The same goes for people with severe or paralyzed limbs. Just don’t okay?”

_____ doesn’t quite understand Cale’s requests but agrees nonetheless. The redhead is their benefactor so it would only be right to follow his wishes even if they don't understand why he would make such requests.

What the healer didn’t notice was the way the noble’s face hardened for a second when they were talking about reviving a dead person.

Cale is definitely going to keep a closer eye on them.

Maybe even ask Hillsman to be their personal knight…

No, never mind. _____ already grew up suffocated by the amount of guards they had following them. Cale isn't evil enough to recreate that.

So maybe he'll just make sure the healer doesn't leave his side?

“As for my ancient power, you already know that it’s a water-type power. I can look at someone’s “blood flow” to roughly figure out how strong and what species they are. As to how I accurately know the species of what I'm looking at, the owner of the power tells me. He was also the one who told me to hide my power from everyone. He doesn't speak much, he just tells me what someone is when I ask for it or when he feels like it.

Another thing it does is allow me to sense any living creatures in water. This is as long as we are touching the same water as what happened when I first met Raon Miru-nim.

It also allows me to replenish someone’s energy and stamina. However, I can’t do anything about hunger. Fainting is something I can prevent, but Cale-sunbae’s condition is special as you pass out because of your abilities so I can’t interfere with that. I’m sorry.”

They looked really sorry for not being able to prevent Cale from passing out. A big part of why they can’t interfere is because if they do then they will be breaking the ancient power’s flow of work.

“Last question.”

Cale feels like he knows the answer but he still wants to hear _____’s perspective.

“Why do you still insist on giving your all for people who will never appreciate what you do?”

It’s a foreign question for the healer. Something no one has asked before. 

Something they didn’t even think about.

Even before they were adopted they have always been draining themself for others. The motion of offering themself up to others is as natural as a fish looking for water.

It didn’t matter if they were unloved or unwanted.

In fact, _____ knew in the back of their mind that no one loved them.

“I am both unwanted or unneeded. Then isn’t it only right that I present myself to be used until nothing is left of me?”

That was the conclusion they had come to.

Their life would have no meaning if they didn’t let others use them. Maybe there is, but _____ doesn’t know what could it be. Already so used to their current way of living.

“I understand now.”

That was all that Cale said to _____’s explanation of their powers. He told the healer to go back to their tent and rest.

As soon as it was just him and Raon in the room, Cale roughly rubbed his hands through his face.

Cale summarized in his head that in a way _____'s ability wasn't really healing but more like transferring. They multiply and transfer their vitality to make someone better.

The ability itself was easy to understand. Setting up measures to make sure _____ doesn’t overdo it is also easy.

However, Cale Henituse still feels frustrated.

And he can’t quite fathom why he feels that way.

[mytragedyperson]

Thoughts I had while reading TCF/LCF chapter 14

Well done Cale, you didn’t get beat up. One of the few times your plan actually works and you don’t get hurt. Also poor OG Cale. Getting beat up already suck but it was raining too? Now that’s just sad.

Also the start of his hoard of ancient powers because as mentioned Cale hoards pretty much everything, as he should

Oh the awkwardness that is the early days Henituse family. I don’t hate or dislike Deruth. Idk what the general consensus about him is. I don’t necessarily think he’s the best father ever but I also don’t think he’s the worst father ever. I think he tries his best but it’s hard. I don’t think anyone is solely at fault for the awkwardness in the family. Like it would be so easy to say it’s OG Cale’s fault or it’s Deruth’s fault but it’s not really that black and white. We know from the beginning that Deruth is at least trying from the way Ron tells Cale the master has been wanting to eat breakfast with him for a while. It’s one of the first things we hear in the novel, but it also seems he didn’t really try to intervene when Cale was acting like trash, except we get that information from the novel, which doesn’t even name the secret organisation tormenting everyone in the first 5 volumes. He doesn’t try to correct his manners, but really his manners aren’t that bad at least compared to OG Cale who calls the food trash and breaks stuff a lot. I do think he could be a worse father, but I also think he could be a better character so for now I’m fairly neutral towards him. I do think he’s trying to protect and care for Cale in his own way, he just doesn’t know how to do that, snd he may be worried that pushing too hard will cause Cale to leave altogether. Maybe my opinion will change as time goes by.

Similarly I don’t yet have much of an opinion on Violan. Some may say that, as the adult, she should be the one putting in the effort and trying to improve their relationship, but I feel like it’s already more awkward for step parents, especially in a case like this where the biological mother is dead, because you don’t want to try and force a relationship and you don’t want to seem like you’re trying to replace the biological parent. Again fairly neutral towards her, maybe that will change. I feel like it’s easy to tell that, in her own way, she does care for Cale, she just doesn’t know how to show that and I feel like that’s especially clear in the way she discusses the larger envoy and appearances. Yes, it’s partially about protecting the family’s image but it’s also her own way of looking out for Cale and protecting him from the nobles and politics of their world. Also this may be the first somewhat positive interaction they’ve ever had and she seems fairly happy with it.

Also it’s not really like Violan is wrong about the whole appearances matter thing, and Cale knows this better than most. He knows the reputation OG Cale has and uses that to his advantage while moving in secret. Just take the Black Dragon thing. He’s a trashy young master who was drinking early, got too drunk, and retired for the night early. He also uses this to smuggle Taylor and Cage into the capital, and to mess with the enemy. Cale is a master at using appearances to his advantage, so ifanyone would agree with Violan’s beliefs about appearance being important, especially to nobles, it’s Cale.

Another instance of him being kind/non-selfish, him not taking more servants. This ignores a few things. 1) he doesn’t have to help the Black Dragon at all, he could just pass through the village and be out of there before Raon even poses a threat. I know we’re all glad he didn’t do that but the point remains that he could’ve and, who knows, if he did that Raon may have even been able to still live. He was a beserk dragon so it may not have been a happy ending, and all the villagers would probably die, but Choi Han wouldn’t be there to kill them. Of course the secret organisation would’ve been hunting him then, but somehow I don’t think they’re beating a beserk dragon who hates people unless the white star himself does something but I could be wrong. As I said glad this didn’t happen. Raon deserves better than that but it was a possibility. 2) he claims not to care about people but so far all he’s done is care about people. And I know him not being able to watch people die is valid but, again, if his plan somehow fails or he doesn’t manage to free Raon, he knows what day it happens. I bet, if he’d been unable to save Raon for whatever reason, plan B would’ve been an evacuation. Idc what he says, he wasn’t letting those villagers die. Cale is a lot like Choi Han in that respect. He refuses to let people die if he can help it. of course he’d never admit this and would be horrified if anyone said it, but this trait, that he says is so admirable of Choi Han, is a trait that he also has but doesn’t notice. Remind you of anything? Like, maybe him admiring how open minded Choi Han is and how he befriends all the races, only to go on to befriend even more races than Choi Han did. That’s right, I’m calling Cale out for being exactly the thing he admires, because he continues to call himself selfish, lazy trash while being the opposite.

Honestly he isn’t fooling anyone. He can use as many words as he wants, at the end of the day, it’s very clear that he just doesn’t want people around him to get hurt, if he can prevent it. Oh I don’t care about people, I just don’t want to see them hurt in front of me or to be responsible for the people who get hurt. That’s so many words to say I care about people and son’t want them to get hurt.

Ok I get that he has a point about the responsibility of others being a burden, but it’s one that he actively takes on himself. If Raon did get free, that wouldn’t make him responsible. Just knowing about things doesn’t magically give you the ability to change or fix it. It would still be Neo Tolz’ responsibility and the Stan family’s responsibility. It’s their territory, their people. The Stans are smart enough to keep it in a different territory but arrogant enough to keep it mear people. They’re so sure that it won’t escape but it does, in every world it gets free, either by freeing itself or being freed. You can’t tame a dragon or keep it contained but they’re so arrogant, and as a result they put innocent people, the villagers, in danger, and they don’t even care, and why would they? It’s not the Stan’s territory so the consequences don’t affect them as much. God I hate them, I hate them so much.

The fact that Kim Rok Soo is taking more responsibility for events and people that are happening in an entirely different world and these complete monsters can’t even be bothered to pretend to care about the people they’re supposed to protect and leave. They are a waste of human life

Also I notice Cale is very big on eye contact. Every time he talks to someone he tries to make eye contact, and I love this because I feel like this is another sign that he sees them as equals. Now, I’m not saying people who don’t make eye contact don’t see others as equals, I get it, eye contact can be awkward. But it can also be poweful and a show of respect. First it’s almost vulnerable in a way and shows that you’re not hiding anything. The eyes are the window to the soul and by making eye contact he’s showing his emotions, showing he’s being honest, showin he understands. It also shows that he’s engaged with the conversation, he’s looking at them, he’s listening to them, he’s fully focused on them and the conversation. He wants to hear and understand their opinion and their point of view. It shows he cares about what they have to say but also that he wants them to hear what he has to say. He’s not distracted, he’s not interrupting, he’s listening and paying attention. Again, I’m not saying people who can’t or don’t make eye contact aren’t equally invested or whatever, I just feel like it’s another nice subtle way of showing that Cale respects people and sees him as equals. It’s also a good way for Cale to read others. The mouth and even the body can lie, but the eyes usually can’t. maybe it’s just because I was always taught that it was polite to look at people when you’re talking to them or they’re talking. Idk.

Ugh and art being the mirror to the soul is such a great statement. Whatever art you do, it’s usually a reflection of your emotions right. Sometimes that emotion is as simple as I like this thing or I felt like drawing this thing but there’s always some sort of emotion involved somewhere.

How happy they are that Cale and Violan are getting on. This is why I can’t feel negative towards Deuth or Violan.

Ah the information network. Funny to think that by the end of the novel Cale will have the best information network there is.

How surprised do you think they were that Cale actually read all the information? In the beginning everyone seemed shocked that Cale was reading and writing things down to the point that I would actually be offended but I kinda get it.

Honestly Deuth must’ve been pulling his hair out trying to keep up with Cale. He knows his son is responsible for some things, he just doesn’t know how, and Cale never actually explains, and then he somehow has to keep track of Cale leaving the territory for onre thing, to go to one place, only to be gone for weeks just traveling around the continents. And then he just retuens and is like hi I come baring new family members/allies, and also I’m moving to Harris village, and also we now have an alliance with this random group and access to this thing and we’re financing this, and Deuth is just there like wtf? He asks Hans, Hans is like idk. He asks Ron, Ron just smiles benignly. He asks Hilsman, Hilsman just gets a haunted look in his eye. Eventually he decides he’s better off not knowing and just accepts it.

Also I heard the manhwa dropped the ball when it came to the man eating tree so, is there any fanart of it? Specifically the transformation? Please it sounds so pretty, I need to see it. If anyone can point me towards someone who’s done fanart of this I’d appreciate it.

Oh my god the man eating tree is out of its goth/emo phase, good for the tree. Jk goths and emos are cool and their clothes are pretty.

Deruth: I heard an interesting rumor recently

Cale: don’t be suspicious, don’t be suspicious.

I’d say I’m sorry but I’m really not and if even one of you read that and heard it as a song my work here is done

I imagine sometimes Deruth will be trying to sleep and just as he’s about to drift off, he remembers the man-eating tree’s transformation and just gets lost internally debating what Cale did. No sleep is had on those nights as he considers the possibilities.

I mean, even when Cale does come back he doesn’t get to immediately become a couch potato, then he has like a month to laze around and then is back to being busy for weeks. That’s like one of the things Cale is bad at, being a couch potato

So I know this is a fantasy world and they’re nobles so rules are different but I just imagine 7 year old Lily Henituse, looking up at 18 year old Cale Henituse after he asks if she wants him to bring back a present. And he’s probably expecting her to ask for idk a doll or a teddy bear, idk what 7 year old little girls like but you know something fairly innocent and harmless. And she just completely earnestly looks up at him and says, with the most innocent expression possible “a sword”. That is simultaneously adorable, hilarious, and slightly terrifying, and maybe even a little bit badass. I wouldn’t normally recommend giving a child a sword but just for the mental image this provides I’d say she deserves it.

she’s so adorable. Lily must be protected at all costs. If anything bad happens to Lily I’m going to have no choice but to transmigrate into the novel and pull a Raon by just destroying everything.

Ok but Cale’s children grow up so spoiled.

And she’s so polite when she asks for a sword too. Fuck Cale. I want the story of Lily saving everyone with the power of cuteness, politeness, and this sword she found. Please and thank you.

Honestly the first real clue we get that Cale’s earth may not be the way we know it, other than his complete calmness about all of this, is probably the way he reacts to Lily asking for a sword. He doesn’t really react much after the initial shock and just agrees. Again I know it’s a fantasy world but Kim Rok Soo isn’t from this fantasy world, and I can only imagine it’s because, after the apocalypse or whatever on his earth that I only know anything about from fanfic, any kids that are still alive, probably not unusual to see them with some sort of weapon. And that also makes sense for Cale because he knows being young doesn’t mean you’ll be safe, he’s too used to kids being in danger.

And Basen seems like such a good brother. Like he’s so encouraging and supportive. I like Basen and Lily.

I love how supportive Basen and Cale are of Lily and how willing they are to take her and her dreams seriously? I can only imagine that a lot of people would hear that a 7 year old girl wants to be swordsman and just not take it seriously or make fun of her or think she’ll grow out of it or disapprove because “it’s not ladylike” and she’s supposed to be a noble. It’s so nice to see that Lily’s family supports her and doesn’t try to ridicule her or try to change her mind. They just accept it and accept her. God I love this story

And that must’ve felt so good for Lily, hearing that her brother who she hasn’t talked to much and thought didn’t like in her believes she can do it and is willing to support her.

And then you get Basen who just wants a fountain pen. I know that’s equally as valid but the difference in the present they want is funny to me and a nice gender switch of the roles I believe, having Basen be the one dealing with admin stuff and Lily the swordsman and protector. I love that.

Deputy Butler Hans really said because they’re my favourite and gave On and Hong the comfiest set. He’s so real for that

And thank God Hans didn’t see the poison fog because God knows Cale wouldn’t explain shit if he had.

Oh my god, I love the way this novel says do we want our characters to be cute or terrifying and the answer is always why not both. Cute and terrifying are not two separate things. Things and people can be both cute and terrifying at the same time.

I feel like there could be serious conversation about how paralysis is worse than death. It does depend on how you die. I also took this to mean full body paralysis, so alive but unable to move, speak, anything. And I do think personally to me that would be worse than death. That might just be me idk.

Good, On and Hong deserve all the praise and also all the happiness and all the hugs and pats and affection, just everything good basically.

Another day, another reason I love Hans. Of course most of those reasons are related to the cat tribe siblings but I stand by what I said.

Everyone but Hans knowing something is great and should become the running joke of the series. Even Hilsman should know before him, Hans should be the last to know everything, if just to protect his innocence and give Hans plausible deniability.

Ah Choi Han and Cale. One of the best bromances to ever bromance. Choi Han is the true ride or die

I guess it makes sense that Choi Han wouldn’t call Cale young master because physically he’s younger than him. I feel like that would be awkward, calling someone older than you young master. Also I know nothing about ‘nim’ except that it shows respect but it could also be slightly more equal? I honestly don’t know. If I’m wrong about what some of this means, please tell me.

What is a persimmon? Is it a fruit? I know it’s a real thing and probably a food but that’s all I know. One sec. ok it is a fruit. Is it any good? Are they bitter? I’m guessing they’re not supposed to be

Gotta agree with Cale on this one. There is very little reason for Choi Han to be in the same carriage. That would probably limit movement anyway if someone managed to get through to the carriage to attack Cale. Much more logical to protect the carriage from outside, more room and you can prevent them getting to Cale in the first place.

Cale really speedrun? Speedran? Cale’s character development from the book huh? Good for him.

Ok I get that Choi Han was hiding his full strength but he still beat the Knight’s Brigade or members of it so I still don’t really understand why you’d try to mess with/look down on him.

Cale letting Choi Han deal with Hilsman and the knights on his own is actually a really good move. He could intervene but this is more likely to just cause more resentment. Choi Han needs to prove himself and honestly probably doesn’t want Cale to do anything anyway. You go Choi Han. Get him

No, in all seriousness, I actually don’t mind Hilsman. I don’t dislike him or anything but I do think at this point he could stand to learn a thing or two about looking down on people and underestimating them and Choi Han is the perfect example of why you shouldn’t underestimate him. So is Cale but this isn’t really about him at the minute. This also pushes Hilsman to grow, as a knight and as a person, and encourages the other knights too, in a way that Cale couldn’t. another thing Cale didn’t mean to have happen but did. And all because he chose to take Choi Han to the capital. Butterfly effect: now the knights are stronger and know not to underestimate people.

Hans’ concern for Choi Han is really sweet and we again get to see the trust he has in Cale since he takes the issue to him and seemingly trusts him to deal with it.

Hans: I think Choi Han is being bullied

Cale: really? By who?

Hans: the vice captain

Cale: poor guy

Hans: yeah it sucks that he’s doing this to Choi Han

Cale: I meant the Vice Captain. Poor vice captain

Hans: visibly confused

Similar energy to call the ambulance but not for me, you know.

Also love Cale just not caring. Just he’ll be fine probably and goes about his day,

Ah yes, Cale’s envoy. You know, despite his preference and attempts, that envoy never actually seems to decrease. It just seems to get bigger.

Oh these poor bandits. They chose the wrong carriage on the wrong day. The lesson here: don’t be a bandit or, if you are a bandit, don’t try to steal from Cale Henituse. In fact that may just be a lesson/rule in general.

I’m sorry if you, as a bandit, attack a carriage, and the people on the carriage don’t even bother to look out the window at you, to even feign concern, that’s probably a sign you should run.

Even Hong thinks you’re an amateur and he’s like 8 at this point. Get out of here. Can’t even scare an 8 year old, no one is phased.

He’s also way too good at just ignoring screams of terror and pain, which is kinda sad if you think about it too long

[illusionsofdreaming]

Oblivious

Notes: Headcanons on what if they fell in love with the super oblivious type??? *cue chaos*

Ft.: Cale, Choi Han, Alberu

Cale Henituse

this is tough. because Cale is the master of causing misunderstandings unintentionally because he NEVER EXPLAINS HIMSELF

it’s just agony for everyone around them as they watch the rom-com disaster unfold

Cale does nice things for you, buys you gifts and trinkets but never really explains what they’re for, assuming you’ll understand his intentions

you, who is completely used to Cale’s extravagant spendings, just thinks it’s just Cale doing Cale things - throwing money around

these gifts are bought with much thought of you in mind - such as the fact that the new sword is perfectly weighted for you. A little golden turtle etched onto its grip so that he’ll always be with you even when you’re fighting on the front lines

just little details and sprinkle in a little noble etiquette flirting that unfortunately, goes over your head

handmade chocolates, couple accessories, food (always)…

it just doesn’t really go anywhere for a very long time, because Cale is under the illusion that it’s going very well and you’re under the impression that Cale is being Cale. Taking care of everyone.

eventually it becomes too much for the sideline viewers - they’ll be dead before the two of you get together so they collectively pulled some strings

half of them went to knock some sense into Cale, “CONFESS UPFRONT PLEASE”

the other half went to enlighten you, because no, these aren’t just friendly gifts. friends don’t send matching rings to each other OK??

when he finally confessed and you finally got it, the others are cheering louder and celebrating harder than the two of you

Choi Han

Action more than words kind of guy

He doesn’t say he likes you so much as he shows he cares for you

Such as: keeping his eyes on you at all times on the battlefields, partnering up with you all the time, covering your weak points, being there when you need someone to talk to

others have encouraged him to confess and the good boy really did try his best

but the gods must’ve had it out for him, for every time he tried to get his feelings clear, something or someone would interrupt his attempts 

in the end Choi Han decided it’s alright if he never gets his feelings across, truthfully he’s content as long as he’s able to remain by your side

until it’s not alright

you woke to the vision of him by your bedside, looking as if he hasn’t left your side for the three days you’ve been unconscious (he hasn’t)

a little shift and he’s immediately awake, gripping his sword as he scanned the surroundings with ferocious intent, the dangerous aura he released suffocating and overwhelming as it blanketed over you

the moment he realises you’re awake though, the rage in his eyes extinguished immediately and to your shock, tears pooled and rolled down his face as he shakily took your hand

his sobs were heartbreaking as he held desperately onto your hand and the worries that plagued his mind those three days spilled uncontrollably out of his lips

“I thought I lost you. I can’t bear the thought of losing another person- I can’t-“

in the heat of emotions, he poured and laid his heart bare for you to see

and regardless of how dense you were in the past, there’s no way you couldn’t see just how important you’ve become to him after this

it was a day which changed both your lives 

Alberu Crossman

taking into account my previous relationship HCs for him….

Alberu’s fallen for you and decides to patiently. wait. until. you. figure. it. out. 

Add in the complications of a political marriage, he knows better than to force his feelings on you

He’s always been a sweet gentleman but now he’s going to pull out all the stops and use every and all resources he has at hand to woo your socks off

Coordinating your clothes to match, making appearances together in public, inviting you to join meetings or making time in his packed schedule to spend with you 

The purpose is to show the public that he is very much endeared to his partner

Meanwhile, oblivious you is panicking behind a facade of calmness

Is he flirting??? Is this another one of his elaborate plans to secure support that you have yet to be informed of? Should you act along?

If you go down that route and act like the world’s most happily married couple in public - know that it’s literally killing him inside. He’s already head over heels how is he going to resist from kissing you now??? Are you temptation incarnate? 

The fact he knows you’re only acting this way because of a misunderstanding is so cruel 

Cale (the son of a bitch) sniggers at his misery and offers 0 help (“It’s your mess. Sounds bothersome.”)

Would plan and stage a sabotaged assassination attempt on his person, so that he would have an excuse to move the both of you into a shared bedroom

“Please bear with the discomfort for a while. It’s easier for the guards to protect us both if we’re in the same place.”

As a gentleman he’d very quickly and firmly offered to sleep on the couch

You of course scoffed at the ridiculous idea and told him that the bed is big enough for two and you trusted him 

He’s very much charmed by your innocence, wry his smile was as he thought - if only you knew

(for the longest time, Alberu had to take extra naps during work, for the tantalising warmth of your body, so close and yet so far kept him awake for many nights in a row.)

Anyways, it worked out eventually, even if at times, he felt like he’s about to lose his sanity

(Cale scoffs, knowing that the ridiculous situation would’ve been less complicated and resolved much sooner if the two of them had been honest about their feelings in the first place.)

[deonideatta]

@ohcoolnice @whyyoudo I couldn't get the concept of han seok and junwoo being two different people out of my head so on this vincenzo-less sunday I give you a loose rewrite of canon where jun woo is the third jang brother and han seok's twin!

They were born jang han seok and jang han sol, and han seok is the older twin. They were separated when they were very young, because of han seok and an incident which ended up with han sol in the hospital. It was supposed to be temporary, but one of the house staff took pity on the poor child and smuggled him away. His name was changed to jun woo and they didn't find him again until both him and han seok were adults

They grew up very differently, han seok under the jang family, tormenting han seo and becoming the unhinged, solitary figure we all know and hate, and jun woo in an adopted family somewhere across the country into the dorky, sweet intern we knew for a bit and loved

Both of them somehow ended up spending time in america, though neither knew and they never met. Han seok because his father sent him there and jun woo because he got a scholarship to go to university there

Very few people now know about han seok himself, much less his twin brother. Before han seok's chairman takeover, most people think han seo is the only jang child

Jun woo knows he has a twin brother, but he doesnt know who he is. He can't remember his name or his face, or those of his real family. When he receives an offer for a job at wusang, he takes it as a learning opportunity and accepts

The only one who has all the cards is han seok, and so when he hears that jun woo has become an intern at wusang he decides its time to play them

So he spends people to observe and record jun woo, and after things start heating up and chayenzo declares war on babel, he kidnaps and threatens him, and tells him that he has to let him cosplay as him so that he can scope out the increasing threat

This is not how jun woo had ever thought meeting his long lost twin brother would go. He tries to put up a fight, but han seok hits him in the stomach with the hockey stick he's wielding like some kind of ancient weapon so hard that he spits out blood, and that takes the fight out of him

Han seok crouches down in front of jun woo and stares him in the eye, and it's like looking into a mirror except his reflection is staring at him with chillingly blank eyes.

It's the same for han seok, except his reflection looks back with open terror. The feeling it gives him is unpleasant and han seok doesn't like seeing weakness like that on a face that could pass for his own. But if he wants to get what he wants, he can't harm his twin too much just yet

Visually they're identical, so han seok passes perfectly for jun woo. He doesn't get all his mannerisms right at first, but with practice basically no one can tell the difference unless they look hard enough to notice that han seok's eyes are always empty even when he's copying jun woo's biggest grin.

A part of han seok feels a flash of jealousy at the fact that his twin has had a pleasant and fulfilling life while he's had to live neglected in the shadows for so long, so he takes extra satisfaction in the way jun woo's face falls when he appears in front of him for the first time dressed in his work attire, indistinguishable from jun woo on the average week day, backpack and all.

To spite him even further, han seok mimics his cheery, enthusiastic way of speaking, smiling so widely that it's mocking, and embraces the glee that jun woo's downtrodden expression gives him

He does hate having to curl his hair to copy jun woo's usual hairstyle though

At this point han seo finds out he has a second older brother, because han seok wants him to be able to continue to act normal and not freak out if he sees him cosplaying as jun woo

This brother is identical to his other one but actually really nice to him and it's both incredible and completely terrifying. It takes han seo a while to warm up to jun woo because he looks so much like han seok, as well as for fear of han seok's reaction, but he gets there

Whenever they meet (usually bc of han seok) the two bond over their shared fear and hatred of han seok. There's twice the himbo power. Incredible

Jun woo had had no idea that he had a younger (half) brother, and his heart goes out to him for having to live under han seok's abuse for so long

So he makes an effort to get to know han seo when han seok isn't around to yell at them. Han seo appreciates this a lot, because jun woo is like han seok on his incredibly rare good days except much better and all the time

Being a veteran at Handling Han SeokTM, he gives jun woo tips on how to get on han seok's good side and avoid getting things thrown at you

Jun woo tells han seo that one day when they get free of han seok they should take a trip to disneyland. Han seo, who has never been to an amusement park before, makes him promise it

Han seok's babel boss reveal presentation goes more or less the same way, except it's also a twin reveal and choi myung hee and mr han have to deal with the fact that not only is their intern the babel chairman's twin brother, but they have also been switching places regularly

Meanwhile cha young, who is out there living her best anti big pharma life, thinks jun woo is acting weird. Some days he's super bubbly, almost too bubbly, and on other days he's more subdued, seemingly a bit on edge.

Biggest red flag comes when she, him and vincenzo eat spicy food together

The spicy food tolerance gene missed han seok altogether and endowed han seo and jun woo with its power

So though he doesn't protest when cha young orders the extremely spicy dish jun woo usually gets for him, han seok struggles to finish the food almost as much as vincenzo does

Cha young thinks that's really sus, but she keeps her questions to herself because there's really no explanation for it unless jun woo was replaced by a government clone or aliens. Or his secret identical twin. Hah, imagine

She files the thought away for later and they continue to dig into the man behind han seo and babel. They find out about han seok, but there's no remaining information about jun woo in the files because the jang family thought losing him was supremely embarrassing so they tried to make sure no one knew

Meanwhile han seok is super happy he's gained another protective shield. If babel gets into trouble he can force han seo to go to jail for him, and if he ever gets personally exposed he can make jun woo take the fall for him. Genius

For that purpose he makes sure no one except the babel quartet know about him and jun woo being twins

He finds that it's interesting living as jun woo though, people interact with him in a way they never do when he's han seok. Jun woo's neighbours say hello to him when he goes by, and the lady in the local convenience store makes small talk with him and asks how his new job is going. And cha young is an incredibly unusual person, han seok finds that he has some level of attraction to her, and enjoys her company

While han seo is a puppet, jun woo is a mask, a protective measure and a means to explore the world, and han seok mentally pats himself on the back for having such useful brothers

But he has to stop spending time pretending to be jun woo for now bc he knows his identity is at risk of being discovered by jipuragi squad as they hunt down the person who exposed vincenzo as a mafia member

So when vincenzo does find out that han seok is allegedly jun woo, and tells cha young, it actually isn't han seok she's sitting with when she receives the news

Naturally she doesn't know this, and she feels supremely betrayed

And when vincenzo breaks into 'han seok's' house, it's actually jun woo's house. Jun woo, who was not expecting the mafia to break into his house, is understandably scared. The kneeling gun scene goes down, except there is no bravado on jun woo's part and he's genuinely terrified

Vincenzo is arrested as planned, and jun woo meets cha young in the police station as she goes to help vincenzo

She's furious, and jun woo honestly denies that it was him who killed her father and the babel victims, unable to expose that it was han seok because he's scared of the consequences and because it sounds like such a ridiculous excuse

Poor guy gets the double slap intended for his twin brother

When han seok hears about it he laughs a lot. Jun woo is understandably angry about his reaction, but he is forced to seethe in silence

Nevertheless han seok decides to go into hiding (and forces jun woo to do the same somewhere else, hiring guards to make sure he doesn't leave) because even if chayenzo think jun woo is the babel chairman, they still have the same face

Unfortunately for han seok this means that vincenzo's spy squad see him going into his own safe house, and he gets to be the victim of the drugged water

After a few more near death scares courtesy of the local mafia man, choi myung hee suggests he reveal himself as chairman so he doesn't die at the hands of vincenzo unknown and like a loser. And so he does

At the expense of jun woo, whose identity has more or less been stolen now, and who is now indefinitely confined to the family property han seok had him hide in

The war begins all out, and jipuragi squad works hard at removing han seok's support circle, starting with daechang daily, then the anti-union activities

Han seo watches all this unfold and starts to wonder how he can get his better older brother free while taking down the other one

The answer comes to him when he sees chayenzo cover han seok with pigs blood. They're the only people who seemed to consistently be able to one up han seok, and he has only heard good things about cha young from jun woo, not to mention the fact that surely even han seok can't defeat a mafia member in the long run

So he asks mr han to help him meet vincenzo, and he tells him he has twin older brothers and asks for his help in betraying the bad one and saving the good one

Vincenzo thinks he's messing with him, and turns down han seo's request to be on the same side

But then jipuragi squad opens the guillotine file, and there below han seok's escapades in homicide and the details on han seo's suffering, is the shocking secret of the jang family, the existence of a 3rd jang brother, han seok's twin brother jang han sol

Cha young remembers how jun woo hadn't been able to eat spicy food that one time and suddenly everything makes sense

For his part vincenzo remembers what han seo had said and mentally kicks himself for thinking it was a lie

They puzzle over what this could mean and where han seok's twin brother could be now. Is the man who revealed himself as the babel chairman the real han seok? Are both of them evil? Is one being used by the other?

Cha young silently wonders which times jun woo had just been jun woo, and which times she had been eating lunch or joking with han seok the babel chairman and serial murderer

They decide they have to find the other jang twin in order to answer their questions

Problem is that he's been absent from work for the past 2 weeks, and when vincenzo breaks into his house, it looks like it hasn't been lived in for quite a while

The trail seems to lead nowhere, and they turn their attention back to tearing down babel, with the new knowledge sitting uncomfortably in the backs of their minds

And then han seo shows up at the jipuragi office in all his coffee wielding glory to plead his cooler older brother's case again

This time, to han seo's surprise, they listen to him patiently when he tells them about his older brothers. He makes sure to stress that the only one he wants to betray is han seok, and that jun woo has done nothing wrong

If the fact that they've read the part of the guillotine file that talked about what han seo had had to suffer under han seok makes it easier for them to believe him, he doesn't have to know that

The only way they can strike at han seok and simultaneously clear jun woo of suspicion is to reveal that they're twins

To do that they have to find jun woo. Han seo doesn't know where exactly he is, but he tells them that han seok would probably try and use jun woo as a shield should he ever be sent to jail

The guillotine file gives them what they need to force the prosecution to put han seok behind bars under fabricated charges. It wouldn't last long once actual investigation starts, but hopefully it will be enough

Han seok takes the bait, unknowingly, and shuttles jun woo off in his place. There's not much that irritates him as much as the thought of going to jail, and this is the perfect chance to test jun woo's loyalty. It also gives him a blind spot to operate, while his enemies think he's in jail. You can't dodge a hidden dagger and all that.

When the jipuragi squad watches the arrest of the babel chairman on the news, there's a nervous hunch to 'han seok's' shoulders, and the impassive smile he seems to be going for isn't quite right

Vincenzo and cha young go to visit him in jail

When they first see him, cha young immediately feels bad, despite herself. He looks like he hasn't slept well in ages, and his expression is far from his usual cheer, sober and sullen. This had better really be jun woo, she does not want to ever feel pity for jang han seok

It is jun woo, and he really hasn't slept well in ages, as reuniting with han seok and his violent tendencies has reawakened the memories from his childhood in the jang household that he had supressed, causing all kinds of nightmares

He doesn't look up as they enter and sit opposite him. Cha Young takes charge, and vincenzo lingers behind her, a solid and present support

When she speaks his head snaps up at the sound of her voice, before he seems to want to correct himself and looks away

When he looks at her again there are no traces of jun woo in his face, his expression haughty and unbothered

It's chillingly like the han seok they had sat across following the pig's blood incident, and cha young has to work hard to push down the flare of anger the expression causes

She decides not to beat around the bush. She presses the printed page of the jang han sol section of the guillotine file up against the glass, and watches as jun woo's eyes widen, the facade falling as quickly as he had donned it

Jun woo takes in the picture of the two identical little boys and has to squeeze his eyes shut at the wave of fear that hits him

In its wake is a small flare of hope. If they know he isn't han seok, maybe they can help him

Cha young watches as jun woo seems to deflate at the sight of the document, and now she's sure it isn't han seok, because she's never seen him allow himself to show any form of weakness

When jun woo looks up again, there is determination mixed in with the weariness in his eyes

A while later, cha young exhales shakily as they walk out, vincenzo's hand steady and comforting on her back. She's surprised at how relieved she is to know that the jun woo she had known had not been an elaborate set up, a con which had seen her at some of her lowest moments. Her heart goes out to jun woo, but there's an undeniable joy at the confirmation that her friend still exists, because it means he can be saved

The plan is simply to collect evidence of the fact that jun woo is not han seok. Best case scenario a video of them together, though a good photo will do as well. It would also work if they can somehow get footage of han seok out and about while jun woo is in jail

The first obvious course of action is to look for cctv footage. They hunt high and low through the cameras at babel, at wusang, and around han seok and jun woo's houses, but the searches are largely fruitless

With han seo's help, they locate the safehouses han seok likes to hide out in, and vincenzo sends men to snoop around each property. This ultimately pays off when, at the 3rd property, han seok is spotted standing by a window.

The second stage begins with Mr ahn's help, and they get a swat team to raid the house han seok is hiding out in.

Fully believing that everyone thinks you're in jail makes you sloppy, and han seok doesn't see it coming until the black vehicles are speeding down his driveway

He doesn't stop to take anything much, he grabs a hockey stick and he runs, wild and angry, out into the dark of the woods surrounding the house

Vincenzo watches him charge into the forest on the cctv footage retrieved from the house and smirks

The footage hits the news the next day. The headline is in large, bold letters, "Chairman Jang Han Seok spotted at holiday residence, despite prison sentence." The picture below the tagline serves as the final blow, side by side images of Han Seok sprinting away from the house, and an identical man sitting demurely in a jail cell.

As the story breaks, people begin to step forward, old employees of the jang household who had known and seen both han seok and han sol. There's nothing like good gossip to get people talking, and the shocking secret of the jang twins makes the rounds in record time

Jun woo's identity is rechecked, and he is set free

Cha young, vincenzo and han seo go to meet him when he gets out. Han seo tackles him in a hug, and cha young smacks him heartily on the back. Vincenzo doesn't react much but he does shoot jun woo a smile.

Han seok hasn't been seen in days, and jun woo is unbelievably happy to be himself again

It isn't over yet though, babel still needs to pay and han seok still needs to be found. Search parties comb through the woods around the house regularly, but there's still no sign of him. In the meantime, jipuragi prepares their final attack.

Han seo lets jun woo stay with him, and the house is fortified by multiple levels of guards

It's still mildly unsettling for han seo to have someone with han seok's face in his house, in his own safe space, but jun woo makes for a far better housemate than han seok ever was, and gradually he relaxes

For a few days, despite the tension of not knowing where your psychopath brother who probably really wants to kill you could be lurking, when there is a spare moment in the evening, han seo and jun woo catch up on years of lost brotherhood

Han seo tells him about his mother, and jun woo talks about his adopted family. Neither of them mention han seok, they skirt around his name like he doesn’t exist, like speaking their trauma aloud to someone who had been there too would make it too real to bear. Jun woo knows he had gotten the better end of the deal, he had been separated from han seok pretty early. Han seo had lost too many years of his life to their psychopath brother, and jun woo isn't sure he knows how to confront that, or how to comfort him. He hopes he can learn

Han seo wants to ask what exactly had happened to lead to jun woo being removed from the jang household and separated from han seok, but he doesnt dare. Maybe later, maybe when they aren't still worried about what han seok could do to them

Then the jipuragi squad files their lawsuit against babel. Han seok still hasn't been heard from, and they begin to wonder if he got lost in the woods. Maybe he fell of a cliff, or into a river

Either way, the trial goes spectacularly badly for babel, aided by the fact that vincenzo had threatened the unjust judge before the trial. The verdict is guilty, and it serves as a means to kick-start further investigation into previously dismissed babel trials

The day after the trial, han seok reappears

He was lost in the woods for a while, but he found his way out and laid low for a while plotting a way to get back at vincenzo and cha young for destroying his backup plans and destroying his family and company's reputation. He will also have to deal with his traitorous brothers.

It's a big blow, but it's not one he cannot recover from. All he has to do is get his revenge, terrify his brothers back into submission, and go back to his plans for his babel.

So he requests the kidnapping of cha young, and he gets his men to attack the guards at han seo's house and take her there, cornering his brothers. He strolls in when he gets word that everything is done, cocky and confident, twirling a gun between his fingers

He takes in the open fear on han seo's face, the frightened anger on jun woo's face, and the sneer on cha young's face, and he laughs. They are consistent to the very end, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

All that’s left is vincenzo, and a short while after a brief and taunt filled phone call he arrives, eyes wide and angry. Han seok does not waste time in pointing his gun at the mafia man. He stops where he is, still glaring at han seok, eyes darting regularly to cha young

Because he is never one to turn down some fun, in a bid to further anger vincenzo, han seok crouches down and points the gun to cha young's head. He watches at vincenzo's face twists with anger and worry, and he revels in it. Out of the corner of his eye he sees jun woo has moved in front of han seo, like he's protecting him, and han seok wants to laugh

He speaks to cha young in jun woo's voice to spite them both, mockingly sounding out his words in his twin's bright tone

But suddenly vincenzo drops to his knees to plead for cha young's life, and han seok grins in satisfaction. The satisfaction is shortlived, however, as something solid suddenly crashes into the back of his head

It dazes him enough that he lets go of cha young for a moment, and she takes the chance to headbutt him so hard that he drops the gun. Vincenzo pounces almost immediately, and aims a kick to han seok's head, knocking him out

The last thing he sees before everything fades to black is his spitting image standing a distance away, holding a dented art deco lamp.

When they are sure han seok has been knocked out for real, the relief that sweeps the room is palpable. Han seo slumps down and jun woo moves to check on him as vincenzo unties cha young

Jun woo moves to call the police, but vincenzo tells him not to. 

Instead, he makes a call of his own, and soon two men enter and carry out the still unconscious han seok. Jun woo wants to ask where they’re taking him, but there’s a dark glint in vincenzo’s eyes that makes him swallow the question.

None of them see han seok again until he’s on the news. His body is found in a river near the family property he had first run away from, and the consensus seems to be that he fell in and drowned while lost in the woods

The whole matter has vincenzo written all over it, but no one is going to ask about it

Han seo and jun woo hold a funeral for him because it would be suspicious if they didn’t, but they work hard to make it as underwhelming as possible. When han seo cant stop shaking (whether it’s in weariness, relief, or anger at any traces of grief, jun woo can’t tell, and honestly neither can han seo) as they stand in front of the portrait of their deceased brother, jun woo silently rests a hand on his back.

After that is over with, they take a break to have a small ‘han seok is gone’ party, and then they both throw themselves into work

Han seo takes charge of babel, firing all of han seok’s people and working hard at cleaning up the stain of corruption he’d left behind. He works hard to transform the company’s reputation, and begins the process of compensating all the people who had been wronged by them in some shape or form

Jun woo leaves wusang and starts his own law firm. Han seo makes the company his first customer, and jun woo tries hard to run his firm without any traces of what made lawyers at wusang such monsters

Cha young and him have a friendly law firm rivalry going, much to vincenzo’s amusement

When they aren’t working, jun woo and han seo hang out a lot. Jun woo is determined to replace han seo’s memories of a terrible older brother with better ones with a more pleasant older brother. Han seo still struggles sometimes with seeing han seok in jun woo, but he’s more than happy to overwrite han seok’s image in his mind with jun woo’s

A few months after everything is stable again, they do take that trip to disneyland. The picture they take outside the park is framed on both their desks.

The next year, vincenzo and cha young get married, and han seo and jun woo attend the wedding. They bring expensive gifts, and jun woo cries like it’s his own family getting married. Cha young rolls her eyes at him, but she’s pleased to have him there

It will take a while to move on fully from the damage han seok caused, but they are all working hard at it. Because now han seok is gone for good, and everything is fine.

bonus

The Incident that led to han sol becoming jun woo happened when he and han seok were 6 and han seok, having decided that they had to see who was the superior twin, challenged him to a fight to the death

It was traumatic to the point that jun woo repressed all the memories of his childhood with han seok

Han seo once called jun woo hyung when speaking to han seok, and han seok got really angry and threw a lamp at him

Before vincenzo finishes off han seok, cha young slaps him six times to make up for the two slaps she mistakenly gave jun woo

After everything blows over, jun woo takes han seo with him the next time he goes to visit his adopted family. They dote on him like he's their family too, and han seo feels more loved than he has since he lost his mother. He says so to jun woo, and from then on he takes him along whenever he visits them

Cha young, jun woo and han seo meet up sometimes to eat spicy food, both because they like it but also to spite han seok’s memory just that little bit more

Because han seok died before he could find out about vincenzo’s mother, she’s alive and well and vincenzo visits her regularly

[marshmallowprotection]

Kait Reacts To The AE 6/?

Hi! These reactions are written out every time a Chatroom opens and it’s done over the course of the day. So, you’re watching me react in real time as it is for me. So, Spoilers AHOY. Expect Another post like this later today, there is just too many chats to put it all in one post. So, hey, if you click this, you’re opening yourself to spoilers, you make the choice.

[18:00]

Hey, so this is a heavy chat. A lot happens and I have a lot of feelings in my heart and most of them are not kind. I’m usually the type of person that wants to see good in people but I see no good in Rika Kim and I never will. I cannot let myself trust V anymore, either. Not after his reaction in this shared chatroom with him and Rika. I just can’t. I can’t deal with him or her anymore because the two of them are so—

I’ll get into it. 

You jump into the chat and ask Rika if she feels guilty for what she did. She says, “I didn’t do anything. It was the Prime Minister. He should have known better than to bite the dog that is bigger than he. All of you, all of you should know better than to do this.” She blames them for what’s happening, and she acts like she has done nothing wrong. She allowed this to happen by letting the agency and the Prime Minister know that she’d do as they wanted as long as she got to keep her freedom.

This chatroom has... Rika telling you that she’s done denying herself, she is wicked, she is vindictive, she is her devil and she just doesn’t care about anything but herself. It’s all about Rika, it’s all about what Rika wants, and what Rika wants, Rika is going to get no matter how dirty her hands have to become in the process. She even jests that it’s selfish, like it’s some kind of a game. This isn’t a game.

But, I wanna see what she’s thinking so I prod deeper. 

She says that Saeran should give up hope. That there’s nothing he can do and that he’s weak against Saejoong and the hackers. But, I tell him not to give up hope if he’s looking at the chatroom. I know he has to be. He’s at C&R so that has to be case. Rika says that they’re not good people, but neither is she, so that’s why they get along. They work together even if they don’t see the same deal and keep their secrets. 

I don’t like that. 

She keeps saying to the RFA to forget the twins. 

To forget everything. 

Live on.

Live on while Rika gets her Selfish Wish [the name of the chat.]

And let me tell you when I screamed, I screamed when this happened because this is what I’ve been trying to tell people for years about the problem with being able to forgive or judge. 

People who hurt you can apologize, but you don’t owe them shit for it. You don’t owe them anything. Ever. You can hate them forever if that is what you want. You don’t have to accept an apology. Nor do you have to see them ever again. It’s your choice to forgive, and it’s your choice to not forgive someone and thank fucking Christ the game let me say this to Rika Kim’s fucking face. 

You really get to call her out in this chatroom, too. I’m floored at this because it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. You don’t get to move on and act like you didn’t make a fucking cult and harm hundreds of people. You don’t get to move on and act like nothing happened when you abused, tortured, and gaslit Saeran Choi for so many years. No. You don’t. You don’t get to be selfish. You don’t get that. You don’t have that right. 

She makes a final plea to Saeran: To Give into her wish. 

I tell him not to lose hope. 

V comes into this chatroom and this is the point where I reach my fucking end of confusion about him and I give up on him. I’m disappointed in you, Jihyun Kim and I do not think I ever will have that restored. I am angry with you and I am so sad that you were on the brink of getting back and you went back, and now you have resigned yourself to this and let others hurt. I thought that when you went to Rika it was to make her leave the cult and never return, taking all the pain for yourself. 

But, no. You sold out everything and everyone for Rika and unless something is going to change, and I highly doubt that, I cannot trust you ever again, Jihyun. I hate that you will suffer but your suffering has caused the suffering of our loved ones, and I thought you would never hurt them, but you did. This hurts me a lot and that’s why I have so much to say. 

That being said, V says that when Saeran comes: You can go. You will be free. We won’t hurt you. 

Rika: You don’t have a choice. This is their future. 

Rika leaves. 

This is the moment where I give up on V. 

That’s not what you were supposed to say. You say, “I will be fine.” I’m not asking about you, Jihyun. I’m asking about if you’re okay with what is going on right now and if you’re okay that you’re destroying everything as you burn like Icarus in Rika’s sun. I’m not worried or concerned with you. You’ve betrayed my faith in you. 

I want you to be happy but... as it remains right now, I cannot trust you or be close to you ever again. I thought I knew you. But, apparently, I don’t. 

[19:23] 

Alright. I’m rattled to my core and I’m not better than I was when I last checked in with you. In fact, this one actually made me cry. I’m still a bit... choked up on what I just saw and. There’s a lot to talk about. So, I guess I’ll just start with the chatroom. It’s with Zen and Jumin. Zen tries to ask what’s up but we really can not talk about it... you know, cause Rika and the others can see it but he’s doing okay as he can. Although, the doctors knocked him out without his consent with the drug?

Is it about his healing speed? That’s not okay. Don’t do shit without someone’s consent. Jumin’s not okay. I can say that certainly. There’s a phone with him right after all of this and he just... he’s tired. He doesn’t want to talk. He masks his pain and says what he needs to say and then he leaves before you can ask him if he’s okay. I’m concerned for him. He wants to take all of this blame and still help us. 

Jumin Han is a fucking saint. 

I love him. Nobody ever talk shit about this man. I swear to God, he’s always going above and beyond for everyone in this fucking group. He doesn’t even have to do this and he does it. He has a big heart. The media is getting worse, they’ve started to talk about Zen in a bad light... Yoosung... it’s not good, it’s just a fucking mess. He doesn’t even know if he can get on the stage ever again or if Yoosung can... go to classes. 

We were heroes, he said, and now... I don’t know. 

Jumin just leaves the chatroom after he updates us. He’s... I’m worried, you know? Zen promises that he’s looking out for us and he wants to be there, and he sends a selfie and that almost boosted my mood. Now, we jump into the end of the chat. We get a ping from Seven. 

We close the phone and open the visual novel. Saeyoung is awake, but he tells us to be quiet. Rika literally threatens us if we try anything and says that she will not hesitate if we ruin her selfish wish. Once she’s said her peace and made her threat known, she leaves. 

And we’re alone with Saeyoung. I theorized that we would get a moment with Saeyoung alone in my big analysis post but I never thought that this would be the way that it would happen. He says what I thought he would want to say to us and this is when I started to actively tremble in the game. I can hear it in his voice, and he’s hurting. He’s hurting so fucking much and I never thought this would be the way that I would get to talk to Saeyoung about Saeyoung and what we’ve been doing. 

I didn’t even get to tell him about Saeran or how he’s been doing or what’s going on. No. Rika and V robbed of this. Saeyoung has his phone, and that’s when he drops a big bombshell on me about Vanderwood that I didn’t even consider as I was playing earlier because I was so fucking torn open about what was had just happened to me that I wasn’t thinking. 

Vanderwood ran from the agency. They planted a shitload of intel and info on Saeyoung’s voice so he could use it against the agency. It’s all on his phone and all he has to do is use it to ensure that they go down and we can escape. He’s thinking that he will suffer behind here. He refuses to let Saeran suffer, his words are, “At least Saeran must have nothing stopping him from doing whatever he wants and finding himself whenever he wants.’ 

Saeyoung Choi is a selfless man. 

He wants to stay with Saeran and make sure he’s happy. The goal is to attack the agency, not Saejoong, they are the ones keeping us locked up and trapped like this. He paid them money for it. He will continue to pay them to get power and what he wants while the boys suffer. He refuses to let that happen. I don’t want to leave him, but he’s not giving me much of a choice here. 

He won’t let me do that. 

I think that he’s going to focus on this but then, this is the moment where I’ve utterly lost faith in Jihyun Kim as a man. I will not forgive him. I cannot. I don’t care what happens ahead, all of his actions right now are not something that I can forgive. Nobody will. He knows he’s wrong. He knows this is wrong but he acts like this is all he can do. He says to give up. He says that he has to take the phone because Saeyoung, Rika, and Saeran will suffer if Saeyoung fights back and this is it.

Just accept Hell.

This is the only way. 

V: There is nothing you can do. I tried to help you, I really did. But, there’s a reason why the term impossible exists.

I say what I’ve been saying to myself: 

This is where I started fucking sobbing and I haven’t stopped crying since this goddamn Visual Novel. Saeyoung gets on his fucking hands and knees and begs for his brother to be safe and V just spits in his face. Saeyoung pleads, “Not Saeran, not Saeran! I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything they ask and I will work harder then the two of us would together tenfold. Please, I swear I will not run away or anything! You know I wouldn’t!” 

He begs and pleads until the last second and V ignores it. This isn’t for the best, V, you know it, and you need to stop. I cannot forgive you for what you’ve done for Rika. You’re aware that you’re in the wrong and you aren’t going to help out here, you’ve chosen and you’ve chosen to ignore us and our pleas for help, we could win if you and Rika hadn’t turned against us. If you had been willing to give us help, then this wouldn’t be fucking happen. 

You know that? 

You added to the problem by offering Saeran and Saeyoung’s lives to keep Rika and her selfish wish happy. Saeran and Saeyoung will never forgive you and I can’t say I ever will now even if something changes by day 4. 

[21:02]

Welcome back. I’m tired of this. 

V had made his point of view known. I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again, he will let all of us burn so Rika can have what she wants and so the boys are alive and it doesn’t matter if it’s what we want or not. He doesn’t care anymore. He’s aware that he’s in the wrong here. He knows that. He just... ignores it, and he is ignoring reality for the sake of a selfish wish. 

He even says that Saeyoung won’t stop. They’re going to have to keep drugging him over and over, is what is implied. Even if Saeran can... “placate” his nerves by being there. I don’t like that tone and I’m... this has been a really hard day for me and V. I wanted him to be... not. this. But, this is what’s life and I can’t ignore it because he’s pissed me off. 

He’s not playing a long-con. 

He’s given that up. I’ve said what I have to say. I’m done with you, V. I’m just... I’m so done with you right now that I can’t even fucking deal with you. Stop doing this for the love of Christ. 

Anyways, the Visual Novel opens up and— They know about phone now and they know that Saeyoung had information. They’re going to change the server and that opens them to attack. This is the time for Saeran to strike and he has to do it now. He said that he may not be able to contact us. He’s going to be working and I trust him. I have faith in him so I’m going to wait and listen even if I’m grinding my teeth to dust as I watch Saeyoung suffer. 

Oh. Jumin had the doctors do that because we all know that Zen heals without a lot of... issue. They tested him to nullify the drugs. Okay, okay, okay, Jumin has a fucking go-plan. I don’t know what the hell is about to come but I know that we are in for a long fucking night, oh my God. 

I called V after this.

You tell him that he's wrong for what he did. He says, yes, but what did you expect? Saeyoung is crafty. He can't risk Rika's dream, and he can't risk the life that they're trying to build with this cage around Saeran and Saeyoung. You can say that Saeyoung thought of him well, and he ignores that and says he's doing what must be done because nothing can be changed. This is how it will be. He literally told me not to interfere or he would... do something. 

 He says "Once RIKA changes, it won't be so bad." He says "Please, wait?" I disagree. I will never agree. He says that there's no hope once more. He says that he hopes we never change and we stay strong in our heart. 

He says that.. you WOULD HAVE had good influence on Saeran. That Rika and himself envy what I have, my kindness. They don't have that, but they have something else. I ask him if he's going to fess up, change, and admit he's wrong. He says he won't change until Rika does. He said, don't do anything. Please. Or else. It's implied.

I basically hung up and said "I don't really have a choice, you kidnapped me."

[23:13]

So, we’re treated to a very short chatroom here. No surprise, really. Zen comes and lets us know that he feels that hope is lost. He thinks there’s not point and that we have to give up if we want to achieve anything anymore. He hates it and it’s horrible, but he and Jumin spoke and it just concluded that they shouldn’t be using the messenger and that we should avoid it. He promises that when we do return, however that is, he’ll be waiting there for us to reassure us. I needed that, honestly, my first route love, thank you for looking out for me. 

It’s really an end note. 

It feels like we’re going to hit a wall and THEN—

BANG, BOOM, BAM. 

Vanderwood didn’t actually leave! The bug they fucking planted? A decoy! A lie! A falsehood! They were working with Saeran and Jumin the entire time but they couldn’t tell me. Vanderwood, I love you, oh my God. I knew you weren’t going to stick your neck out but you really do love Saeyoung, even if a lot of comes from the idea that you’ll be given safety from the agency after this comes out and things are better. I’m so happy I could weep. 

Thank  God. 

Zen made me think I was going to hit a fucking bad ending. 

Oh... and Saeran calls after, and he made a secure call channel, but they are fucking jamming all the calls and he can’t hold it for very long so we have to be talking really fast. I’m weeping because it’s starting to glitch out and he just tells me that he loves me and I tell him I love him and—

I love him but I’m scared. I’m scared that something bad might happen on the 3rd day that will keep us apart or hurt him or I’ll hit a bad ending and he’ll suffer for me. I don’t want that. I want us to be happy. He’s working so hard right now and I just... I have to have faith in him, and the RFA. I always do. So, I’m holding out for a hero.

[bluehhj]

listen to me — chapter 23

LISTEN TO ME — 0023

listen to me masterlist;

WORDS: 2.2K

Although she disobeyed some traffic rules, Jinah managed to get home. She was so nervous and baffled at herself that she couldn't even look at her own reflection on the mirrored surface of the elevator, but she could still feel the skin on her face in a feverish state. Such was the shame contained in her sultry expression.

"Jade!" — she entered the apartment screaming, startling Chan. The television was still on in the same series that the two were marathoning before Choi received Jisung's call.

"She just left with Changbin" — he used the remote to lower the volume and straightened his posture on the couch. — "What happened? Is Jisung okay?"

"I fucked up, Chan!"

"Where's the news?"

"I'm serious!"

He thought to reply that he was serious, too, but, judging from the distress in every gesture of Jinah, he decided it was best to keep the remark to himself.

"Jisung was sad because Chaerin had come to him to explain herself and ask for forgiveness" — Jinah began —, "then you know that my way of cheering people is kind of peculiar, so I suggested making a cake and he went to help me."

"You haven't been trading salt for sugar again, have you?"

"I wish"

"Oh, my God" — Chan hugged a cushion. — "Is it worse than that? I'm getting worried."

"It was okay" — the girl continued —, "I was already leaving, but I don't know what happened to me, when I realized, I had kissed him!"

"Out of the blue?"

"Kind of" — sulking, Jinah let her body fall beside the boy's. — "He started to look at me and there was an opportunity, but I don't think it was meant to have happened like that."

"And what was his reaction?"

"He was in shock, of course."

"At least he didn't scold you or anything" — Chan opened a half smile, trying to sound optimistic. — "Maybe he even liked it, just couldn't answer."

"It's not that simple" — Jinah leaned her head against the back of the sofa and stared at the ceiling fan with a faint desire that it let go and cut off her neck at once. — "Jisung was crying for someone else less than three hours ago, he didn't look ready for a change as drastic as receiving an unexpected kiss. Now he must be hating me again."

"He won't hate you just because of that. You have to talk to him before-..."

"But never!" — Jinah interrupted him quickly and stood up. — "I don't want to see him again for the next five years!"

"Like I was saying..." — Chan picked up again with a warning tone, pleading between the lines so that she wouldn't cut his speech again in half. — "You have to talk to him before you start to create this whole bunch of situations where things end badly. Maybe things aren't even that bad, just stay calm."

Choi knew this well, but the only thing she wanted to do at the moment was to disappear or go into a coma, not think rationally.

"I'll try," — she said, and crawled toward her room, not even making a mental prediction of when she'd get out of it. — "I don't want to be disturbed; if anyone comes to me, tell everyone I've died."

And Chan could do nothing but agree to that lie.

♡˖°

The hours passed and Jinah remained in the room; Changbin and Jade hadn't arrived, certainly because they were doing something as a couple, which gave Chan an empty apartment full of things to clean. All right that this wasn't his day to clean, but after the "incident," he decided not to throw the task on Jinah's shoulders and wait for her to vacuum the room without experiencing any existential crisis. In addition, when he put the headphones in the maximum while his reproducer played Exid, the world could be destroyed from the outside that he wouldn't even bother.

Taking the dust off the shelf in the living room, while "Me & you" nearly exploded his auditory channels — it's not because he was graduating in medicine that he didn't abuse his health from time to time —, Chan reflected a little on his own life. He has always been the kind of scholarly boy and, sometimes, uninteresting. Not that he cared about this, after all, he was timid to those who he didn't have intimacy and didn't like parties and such. The only problem he was facing lately was the fact that he was an adult and still don't have a single love to be able to comment on even with the bathroom mirror.

Living "alone" wasn't bad, but every now and then, he felt needy, and even Jade's hugs couldn't overcome this need. Unfortunately, his crushs were never reciprocated, which made him think that perhaps his destiny was to live with twelve cats in a yellow house.

It seemed a gift of karma. Whenever he was interested in someone, or the person was already in a relationship or was a homosexual — it was what happened to Heo Yoorim (state secret), Kang Seulgi (not so secret) and Park Jihyo (ah, he had trusted in her straight face, but only to have all his expectations shattered when he saw her holding hands with a girl in the college cafeteria. That was to say that the girl was beautiful and little Chan didn't have a crush on her too). In the end, there was the pretty girl from the hospital, who always took off his concentration as she passed him with that nice smell of woody perfume, but Chan hadn't yet tried to find out whether his passion was one-sided as always.

In short, if Chan and Jinah argued who was the most unlucky in love, they'd probably tie.

Bang would've continued to digress about the pros and cons, but the music came to an end and there was a moment of silence until the next began; in the meantime, he could hear the noise of the bell and stopped his chores to go and see who it was. For some reason, he wasn't surprised to see Jisung.

"Is Jinah there?" — he asked, flustered, and Chan bit his lower lip as he recalled Choi's words: 'I don't want to be disturbed, if anyone comes to me, tell everyone I've died.' — "Please, I really need to talk to her,"— Jisung insisted in the least seconds of hesitation.

"It's the last door in the hallway" — he gave room for the boy to enter. — "But if you knock before, it's likely she won't open it."

Han thanked and followed the direction indicated. His fingers rested on the frozen handle and he swallowed hard, thinking of the possibilities of what he'd find. What if Jinah was without clothes or something? Eventually he pushed his thoughts away and focused on the real reason he was there. His eyes met a dark ambiance as he finally opened the door, prompting him to raise his hand to the switch and turn on the lights.

Jinah prepared to curse the soul that interrupted her isolation from humanity, but had to blink to make sure she wasn't seeing things when the cause of her psychological trauma entered the room and shut the door behind him.

"Why are you here?" — Jinah asked in a whisper, afraid to find the answer. Han found it lovely how her hair was messy and how small she looked in the middle of so many blankets. The phone connected to the headphones had the screen lit and was next to her pillow.

"You can't steal a kiss from someone and disappear like that" — the boy sat on the bed, facing Choi, who looked away and felt the burning of her cheeks coming back in full force.

"I've already apologized, but I'll understand if you're angry and don't want to talk to me anymore."

"Do I look angry?"

Jinah looked up again. In fact, Jisung didn't seem angry or upset; the left corner of his lips being slightly arched proved that.

"Just caught me by surprise," — the boy added. — "I was used to you giving me some warnings before wanting to kiss me."

The bad part was that Jinah had no arguments to defend herself. Her loose tongue only knew how to get her in trouble.

"I promise I won't do it again" — even though it wasn't what she really wanted, Choi chose to preserve friendship above anything. — "I don't want to leave a strange mood between us anymore."

"Set strange."

"Strange as if I just kept forcing things and, sometimes, did it even without realizing it."

"You never forced anything," — a tiny wrinkle appeared on Jisung's forehead. — "You would've done it only if I had ever felt uncomfortable."

It took Jinah a few seconds to process the information: — "You mean you didn't feel uncomfortable with that kiss?"

"No" — Han opened a handsome and equally shy smile. — "That's why I came to get another one."

Choi's brain almost melted and ran down her ears. She was lucky for the filter that connected her mind to her mouth not being so reliable as to not fail to transmit commands, otherwise, it would've been unusable for a few minutes. The smile she opened was pure impulse coming from somewhere that was definitely not her head, just like the next words that left her lips:

"Finally, huh?"

Jisung laughed weakly and, throwing everything up, mimicked the gestures the girl had made earlier and brought his hands to her face, then leaning to leave another peck on her soft lips.

"I realized that Woojin, Hyunjin and you are right." — Jisung pulled away just enough to get a look into her eyes. — "It's been almost a month now, aside from the fact that today I gave up holding resentment, so I think it's time to move on in every way."

"Are you sure about it?"

"Absolutely. I don't want to be someone bitter anymore, Jinah. I've never been like this, and it's not from now on that I'm going to remain."

"That's great, even because no one can handle you like that" — Choi smiled again, followed by the other. Jisung was already more than accustomed to those jokes that, in the end, carried a little bit of truth in disguise. If not even he could stand himself, he didn't expect others to do it. — "But seriously now... You don't have to feel pressured on anything."

"Nor do you need to feel like a band-aid, because I'm not doing it to cover some bruising."

"I know you're not like that." — Jinah could only smile, looked like a fool. As much as she had been through troubled relationships, she always left the initial hesitation aside and tried again. She felt like she was getting a new opportunity to start from scratch. And although it was still too early to define what Jisung and she were, she already intended to make the boy change his conceptions. — "So, are we okay?"

Jisung chuckled and looked down at the girl's lips. — "Much better than we've ever been before."

The third kiss was boosted on both sides, however, after a few seconds of that delicate pressing, Jinah put a hand on Jisung's hair and Han, intoxicated by the moment, quickly moved his own to the girl's waist. Their lips parted and Choi's tongue slid into the boy's mouth, starting a slow, deep and wet dance.

Jisung could tell that Jinah's kiss was as sweet as her appearance; loving and calm, yet addictive as a drug if tried more thoroughly. On the other hand, in the eyes of the girl, Han's kiss was precise and striking, so Jisung seemed to know where to touch and what to do. The hands that were once placed on Choi's waist came up into her hair and plunged between them, pulling lightly when the kiss was gone after a few minutes of delight. However, when Jinah would start another, the door to her room was opened by a frightened Jade.

"But what... What a shame..." — the american's intention was to scold, but the scene had left her so discredited in life that she couldn't even organize her own words. — "With that hot sun out there..."

"No one's doing anything wrong here." — Jinah rolled her eyes and leaned against the headboard. — "I'm not like Changbin and you, who think everyone in this house is deaf."

"Girl, I tried to help you by telling her not to come here to mess up and that's how you repay me?" — Seo appeared next to Jade, followed by Chan, who cast a 'I'm sorry, I couldn't help it' look at Jisung.

"I think I'm leaving already" — shy, Han cleared his throat, got to his feet and gave Jinah a meaningful look, who returned it with a silent apology. — "See you tomorrow."

"See you."

"I'll accompany you." — Chan smiled and followed him to the door.

Alone with Jade and Changbin, Jinah buried her face in the pillow to hide a smile so wide it made the muscles in her face ache. She'd probably be bullied by those two, but she didn't care about anything other than the fact that she'd finally kissed Jisung.

(n/a: yessss their kiss happened, it deserves to be celebrated huh

jokes aside, i have updated daily during this week, but i didnt expect that my mom would invent to spend the day at my grandma's farm tomorrow. there's internet there, but it is a conglomeration of relatives and i cant write with noise, it gets something very messy. the last few chapters i had done were this and another, which i decided to post today too, so i wont update tomorrow. i'm sorry for that :((( i ask you guys to have a little patience

and finally, i already tell you guys to support nct dream's comeback soon. i loved this new concept of 'we boom', honestly; amen nct dream. i'm all stupid for the dremies and i say that in my opinion it's nct's best unit. but it is my opinion, then, who liked clap your hands, who didnt, patience. if nct dream exist thanks to god because it exists (ah, i love my portuguese rich in slangs lol. jk, yall can talk to me whenever you want to explain or whatever ksjsjjdsksj)

thank you to those who endured me during all these days, bye, ily ♡)

[affectionatespy626]

Title: Welcome Home (part 1)

Type: AU Fan-Fic

Origin: Mystic Messenger

Genre: Angst (trigger warning: sense of self loathing), Remorse & Reconciliation (?)

Words: 2211 (?)

Prompt: After-endings | Forgiveness

Day 6 Entry for @saeranchoiweek

______________________________

One winter of three years ago, the chaotic controversy regarding the prime minister and his rumored illegitimate sons was finally dying down slowly as the prime minister was forced to step down his pedestal as he was rumored to be arrested for multiple charges of embezzlement. This event soon led to the reports of the safe rescue of the missing agent and a member of the RFA, namely Luciel Choi, with the help of C&R’s intelligence team and string of network. Finally, one could say the storm has come to a pass, but for one particular person, it was still one phase out of few that he needed to undergo.

His snowy colored hair blended rather well with the season yet his usually cold minty colored eyes soften like snow as he quietly gazed upon a sleeping figure, life support and IV drip attached, lying motionless across a hospital bed, putting his heart into a conflicted state. He knew he had always wished for his brother to perish from his life, but now, witnessing the dreary state of his other half, he felt unspeakable worry rather than despicable spite. It’s been days ever since they had successfully retrieved and rescued the kidnapped agent, but he never would have dreamt to find him in such a dreadful state. Dehydrated and thin, bruises and cuts decorating his entire skin and body from head to toe, these evident signs of violent abuse and misuse of authority left a devastating shock to the younger twin, almost leading him to another series of self-loathing. But he knew full well, that even if he blamed himself over and over for the older twin’s state, it won’t be able to fix or solve anything. He hated his brother for so long, but his love for him which he thought he has long forgotten, unexpectedly resurfaces itself as he stubbornly refused to leave his brother’s bedside

.“Saeyoung…..I’m… Sorry….” His quiet apology was barely a whisper to himself, drowned by the steady beat of the device that sustained his brother’s life. “If… If only I could have found you sooner… this wouldn’t have happened….It’s…. It’s my fault…” His voice was laced with remorse, the corner of his eyes heating up with budding tears. He knew full well that it wasn’t his fault, but he couldn’t help but partly blame himself deep down inside for such an outcome. He wished he could have prevented this, but it was too late to regret what has already happened. His heart was trembling painfully, and his mind was slowly infested with unpleasant thoughts. Simply watching his brother’s miserable state sends him a wave of fear all over his body, and he couldn’t help but clutch at the sleeping lad’s hand, desperately hoping for those bruised eyelids to flutter open soon.

‘God… If you do really exist like how I was taught back when I was young… Please… Please allow me a chance to be with my brother once again. I know I said I hated him for everything that he’s done… For leaving me behind… for abandoning me… for all those times he made me think he was gone… But as of this moment, I only wish for him to live on. Please allow him to live on…. And I promise…. I will never make any selfish request ever again…’

He solemnly prayed with all his heart as he clasped his brother’s hand between his own grasp, hoping that his prayers will find its answer.

For two whole weeks, the younger twin has been constantly visiting his brother at the hospital, hoping for any signs of improvement, hoping for his desperate wish to be granted. Sometimes, he’d find other RFA member paying his brother a visit, and when he hears their words of encouragement and well wishes, he couldn’t help but learn to slowly warm up to them. One of the constant visitors was the youngest member of the RFA, Yoosung Kim. As he and the blonde chap exchange small conversations, he comes to learn how Yoosung seems to be quite close with the agent and regards him as a close friend. Another constant visitor was the C&R director he came to end up working with eventually. The lad was genuinely thankful for the corporate heir’s assistance with everything, from his brother’s search and rescue operation, up to this point where the stern fellow provided a couple bodyguards to stand watch outside the hospital room, preventing shady and suspicious figures from setting foot into the room or cause any havoc.

“How is he?” Deep monotonous voice convey his concern, dark color irises gazing steadily at the sleeping individual.

“Not much improvements aside from his bruises slowly fading and cuts gradually healing.” His meek voice was rippled with worry, his gaze upon his brother growing ever weary. “It’s been two whole weeks, yet I didn’t get much of a report about him gaining consciousness….” His voice grew weaker and feeble as he heaves a downhearted sigh. And honestly, he was slowly losing faith over his wishes coming true.

“I see.” Turning his nonchalant gaze toward the younger twin who appeared quite ragged and exhausted, leaving him concerned. His emotions doesn’t usually reflect on his face, and most people would regard his poker face as a mechanical imprint, but to be honest, deep down, he is one of those who values family and friends and deeply cares for them greatly. And at that moment, he has already thought of the younger hacker as part of his second family, that being the RFA. “Don’t lose hope, Saeran. I believe your brother will surely come back to you.” He gave the younger twin a pat on the shoulder as he turned for the door and was preparing to leave. “Oh, right. Please don’t worry about your request. I have sent some of my bodyguards to patrol the area you’ve given us so rest assured, the child will be safe.”

“Thank you, Mr. Jumin Han.”  As he heard the other’s statement, another breath of sigh escaped his lips, feeling relieved that the the child would be protected from harm’s way, hoping that this would also reassure his beloved that her child will be safe no matter what. Upon hearing the door open then closing, noting the corporate heir’s exit, he was once again left alone with his slumbering twin, his gaze drift from him then out towards the grey painted skies. Snow has started to fall for the first time, watching each flake fall one by one as he strode down towards the window. His mint colored irises gaze upon the gloomy clouds, reminding him that this season has always been unforgiving for the both him and his brother. Only painful memories could be remembered during this season, and the most painful one being left alone in that dark and stuffy room, shivering, starving and crying himself to sleep. It was the season where memories of watching people rejoiced and enjoyed holidays with their families from a dark curtained window, while he and his brother, would only share a blanket and a bottle of water, hoping to survive a horrid quarter of chilly winter. Ultimately, it was a season where his brother’s absence caused him so much grief and emptiness deep within.

He’d wished to make new memories for this once awful season, hoping to spend merry holidays with his beloved muse, experience the kind of event he’d only bare witness through curtain cracks. And despite not truly believing that Santa  Claus or his merry entourage ever existing, his inner self dares cling to that spec of hope that even someone like him could find a place in this seasonal cheer and be granted the only present he’d currently wanted: A new life with Saeyoung.

“Sae…ran…?”

“?!?!”

He wasn’t sure if his mind was playing tricks with him from delving too much into deep thoughts that he’s now hearing things, but he swore he heard a weak voice calling his name that almost sounded like–

“Sae….ran… is… is that… you?”

Hearing the voice again, his eyes sprang round and wide in surprise, his heart pounded painfully in a course of anticipation. Was he yet hearing another hymn from his conscience? But it sounded all too real, and he was almost certain the voice was definitely-

“Saeyongung?” Shakily, he shuffled to turn towards where his brother was supposed to be, afraid that his imagination was pulling awful tricks on him, but his minty gaze found two pairs of sad golden eyes, tears beading in them. “Sae…. Saeyoung?” 

“Saeran… what…. What happened to you?” Golden pair of irises quiver as they became misted with tears, shaky voice breaking in obvious devastation at the sight of the drastic changes he found in his dearest younger twin. “What… what have they done… to you? I…” 

“Saeyoung…” Biting his lower lip as he desperately held back tears of his own, his hands clenched into balls of fists as they tremble, watching his older half break into massive tears caused him to finally let his own stream of tears loose as well. “I hate you…. I hate you so much, Saeyoung!” He screamed his heart out, frustrated and aggravated and its recipient could only remain sobbing audibly. 

“Did you know how worried I was?! HUH?!”  He raged on, his tears bearing no signs of stopping themselves as his heart thumped like roaring thunder. “You…. I can’t believe you left me behind all alone back there and allowed me to think you were gone! For all those years…. All those painful and awful years, I blindly believed that you got tired of me because I was weak, helpless, useless without worth!” 

“Saeran… That’s not true! I-” 

“I was worried about you. I was waiting for you to come back home. I waited, and waited, and waited all over and again! I spent years of my life thinking our father…. That despicable man… has finally gotten rid of you… but then you!” 

“I’m sorry, Saeran. I know I shouldn’t have left you back there. I’m really sorry! But I didn’t know what else to do! I had no choice!” 

“Of course you had a choice! You could have just stayed with me! Then maybe both of us wouldn’t have had to go through deep pits of hell at the expense of idiotic vengeance or one-sided protection!” 

The bedridden agent fell voiceless as he simply allowed his brother to throw all agitation at him, and despite having just woken up, he was slowly feeling like he was sinking into a corner of nightmares. 

“Saeyoung… I know you’d openly sacrifice yourself for me, but you didn’t have to go that far… “ His voice finally mellowed down into a weakened whimper as he crumbled to the ground, his fingers roughly brushing through his hair. “I hated myself so much thinking I was the reason why you were gone…. I hated myself for depending on you too much and yet could not make myself reliable enough… and hated myself because no matter what I do, I couldn’t do anything for you….I…” His lips quivered as faint stain of red and teeth marks painted on his lower lip, a mark left by his aggravation. “I hated myself because I allowed myself to fall prisoner to all my doubts of you, to my hatred towards you, to the words of a false prophet that made me believe you were someone I had to eliminate from my life, for allowing them to use me as a tool to wreak havoc and seek my vengeance. And I…. Hated myself that even now.. I couldn’t even protect you… And now you…”

Silence befell within the room with the only noises being their quiet sobs and the constant beat of the monitor. The agent remained laid in his bed, the back of his arm hiding his eyes, his cheeks drenched with tears and his chest rising and falling in an irregular fashion. The younger twin still seated on the floor, his back resting against the hospital bed leg, his head sunk between his palms as he also continued to weep. Both of them were unable to speak out anymore and simply allowed themselves to cry, together for the first time in a certainly long while.

 I knew I said those words thoughtlessly but deep inside my heart I knew I had to say them all out, thinking it’ll provide an opportunity for our reconciliation. Still, I may have said I hated him, hated him so much that it hurts, but now I understand. I never really hated him… I hated what he’s done, but not him. Not my brother… I… I could never ever hate my one and only brother.

‘Saeyoung… It’s not too late, is it? It’s not too late to regain what we both had lost from all the years we’ve been apart, right?’ 

‘And if you’d let me…. I will do anything and everything in my power just to get back your trust in me, brother. I'll make sure this time, I’ll never leave your side and recover lost times with you, Saeran.’ 

‘Because there’s no other place I’d truly call home but by your side, brother.’

[thekoreanlass]

“A road opens as you tread along it. A road that doesn’t open is not a road. Roads are opened to everyone. But not everyone can have it. “

Misaeng all started with this quote from Jang Geu Rae and then my thought that ‘ah, are they going to rewind back to the past before he was going to die?’. He was hit by a car in a chase after someone–who will later appear in the middle and end of the drama that you wouldn’t really realize this man Geu Rae was after is the man in the first episode and the last episode. It was funny why I didn’t really remember that guy, but I have a really bad memory–and you would really be bothered by what will happen next to him considering that the opening started strong and before you can even get the gist of what was happening, you get the cliffhanger of your life. It’s like having your friend tell you he has a secret but he won’t tell you about it and that frustrates you. You know? That kind of feeling when that happens.

Then enter Jang Geu Rae years back before the chase in Jordan and you’ll see this man who had little to none to arm him in the battle of life.

The past twenty-six years of his life centered only at playing Baduk, his mother, his tiny little room and his strong guilt about not being able to fulfill his life-long goal that he was like a lost child who didn’t know anything when he was shoved harshly into cruel reality. The realer world–which is far worse, more dangerous, more cunning, crueler.

Because of his inexperience in the outside world and his lack of educational background, having only a GED under his name and connections to back him up, he was often judged by the people, saying how unfair it was that he became an intern even though he clearly didn’t know what he was doing.

Yet, I admire Geu Rae for being able to prove them otherwise. His character has grown throughout the course of the entire drama. From the guy who didn’t know anything, to the guy people can rely on. He must be the most hardworking character out of all them and because of this, despite his own share of failures from time to time, he got to where he was.

Even if things didn’t end well with One International and he needed to leave, it was true that roads open. It just so happened that his stay in that company wasn’t his real calling.–it wasn’t the road meant for him to take. It was somewhere else. But that road has always been open to when he decided to walk that path after one door has closed.

Along this road, Geu Rae met a lot of good people that has contributed to shaping the way he is. One of them was Ahn Young Yi, our tough cookie.

Young Yi is probably one of the strongest female characters I have ever watched. She doesn’t do much aegyo, but she has a lot of charm, one of them being her strong will. Not the type that translates to being annoyingly stubborn. But I was just glad that despite being literally a damsel in distress–you’d pity her by how much badly she was being treated by her sexist bosses–she didn’t need a knight to save her. Yes, there’s Geu Rae and Baek Ki to create a potential love triangle with her and save her while on a white horse or with a sharp-edged sword, but Young Yi didn’t need it.

She knows that she is being looked down upon by men in general–that was her problem—but this made her stronger and more independent. It made her more enduring and she used this to her advantage until she was able to earn people’s trust to treat her as their equal. That was what I loved about her story. Her road to finally earning the respect that she has ever wanted all her life since her father.

Then there’s our ambitious Jang Baek Ki who has valued his specs more than anything. At first he may come off as the intimidating, smart (but nerdy) intern who knows everything, but this kids has his own share of frustrations especially when he met the Jang Geu Rae who only had a GED yet managed to enter a conglomerate such as One International.

Like, if I were in his shoes I would surely wonder and feel envious that someone who had lesser education than me can do that. I mean, it will probably feel very, very unfair. It’s just like being in the same office as someone who much or less only had a Grade School or High School diploma, you know? I find his reaction very justifiable considering most of us feel like that whenever something similar happens. Admit it or not. Besides, remember when I said I can identify with him the most? That’s why even though I sometimes hated him for disliking Geu Rae, that I waited–whether he ends up the bad guy or he also gets the plot twist to his character.

Baek Ki is so high up on his horse that he can’t even accept doing the job of a newbie–running errands, typing jobs, clerical work, you name it. He doesn’t like his work to be simple, knowing that he has vast knowledge he learned from college that’s why he wants to push for the complicated things when his work and his immediate boss only requires for him to know the basics.

That when he decided to rebel against his boss and would like to resign, I thought it was the end for him. Maybe he’ll transfer to another company, is what I thought. Gladly, he realized what went wrong. He attacked his opponent head on without even having a sword or a shield and eventually he also took Geu Rae’s advice to ‘wait when your opponent is strong’. That sounds dumb, but I think it is also right that ‘patience is a virtue’. And patience paid off. He learned to appreciate even a small compliment from his boss who rarely acknowledged him and he learned to back down when he should. Most importantly he learned how to climb down his high horse and let his feet remain on the flat ground.

This may sound biased, but out of the quartet, at first, he was the person I least liked. Han Suk Yool just came off as an asshole especially during his and Geu Rae’s time before and during the intern presentations.

But eventually, I saw Suk Yool as a better person as they became full-time employees in One International.

This doesn’t mean though that he wasn’t annoying. Heck, he loves gossip so much that his feet travels faster with the prospect of a new rumor. And he’s too proud of himself that he boasted of his boss favoring him over, when in reality he was being slaved by his boss. He only later realizes this though; that he was victim to the kind of boss who only sits around and pass over his own work to his boss. You must know that kind of boss. One way or another, once in your life, you will meet this kind of people.

Anyway, in contrary to how the other three attacked, Suk Yook took the angry way out and charged like a furious bull at his boss. Because of his brazenness that most of his plans fired back and he could only voice out his frustration by trying to be better than his boss and boycotting him (who is a worse asshole by the way). For half of his first year, he has hated his boss like his life depended on it.

Yet, one thing I definitely would admire about Suk Yool is that he isn’t the type of character to do some thoughtless revenge after going down that path for so long. He has met an opportunity upon discovering his boss’ ultimate secret but instead of using it to his advantage he instead got rid of the evidence.

However, it seems that after all karma is true and the universe conspired to help him a bit later on without him doing anything. His boss will eventually get the punishment that he deserves and it will probably one of the most humiliating but funniest scenes. You better get to that part. I mean, who doesn’t want to see once in a while a spectacle like that about your boss who you secretly hate with all you have? lol.

I’m just glad that Suk Yool learned to wait and he got the justice he deserved for someone who had been slaved unfairly.

If you ask me if I love Oh Sang Sik to the moon and back I wouldn’t say no for an answer. This man is just so lovable. His character is a mix of dedication, compassionate, humility and sincerity. I mean, to have this kind of boss is going to be awesome. It would be an honor to be taught by such an upright and wise man like him. The one who would treat you like a family, too.

It’s just that in reality, it is hard to find or come across this kind of boss and he seems pretty too good to be true but I am just glad that he is in Geu Rae’s life because he served as his ray of hope in his dark world. He was able to help release Geu Rae’s potential and at the same time, even without his intention to, he is able to share his virtues to the other characters in the drama.

Let’s not forget our minor characters who also contributed a lot in their own little ways to build up Misaeng’s story. Kim Dong Sik, who acted as Mr. Oh’s loyal subordinate and support to Geu Rae. Geu Rae’s mother who was always so proud of him and a source of strength to him. Mr. Oh’s wife, who despite her tough character brings balance to his life and one of his great motivators. Department Head Kim Boo-Ryeon, who has been Mr. Oh’s mentor in his early years. The handsome Assistant Manager Kang, who taught Baek Ki all the basics that he needed to know. The fierce Department Manager Kim Sun-Joo, who is just and doesn’t favor anyone. Assistant Manager Ha Sung-Joon, who despite his sexist and rough character, slowly came to accept Young Yi. And then there’s Executive Director Choi Young-Hoo, who we probably thought as the ultimate villian and yet appeared just as human as everyone else.

In conclusion, all technicalities aside, I will say that Misaeng is like an oasis in the desert. It has shown me the kind of drama that no one will find in any other dramas out there. And though it centered mostly on the normal lives of people–and that may sound kind of boring–and the depressing fact of the world being an unfair place, I say that it is my oasis because it has also shown me hope; a kind of positiveness or attitude that looks at the brighter side of things despite of one door closing on them.

It has also shown me that not every drama needs a villain because a person is neither just bad or just good. They are always both. You may think that a person is probably the worst scum on earth, but at one point they are just like us, imperfect. We have our own flaws and we share on having them. It is refreshing to watch this on tv and not just find someone either really good or bad or stupid or perfect. The way they portrait this is so on point and not exaggerating that I think Misaeng is probably the only drama who managed to do this. The events are so circumstantial that you might even empathize with the justifying reason why a character was made that way.

At this point I know I probably look like I am just rambling (I may be), but I just can’t express how happy I am to have watched this drama. It is truly an honor to see Im Siwan in this light and discover these great characters and story that made everything worthwhile. I really thought that I may stop in the middle of watching this drama and just forget about it completely, but the drama has taught me a lot and made me relate so much that I forgot about dropping it. I don’t think that I will ever have the heart of considering that again.

It is truly an amazing journey.

Not just because of victories, but of failures and hardships that we must acknowledge exist even in reality, which they have shown quite well in the drama. Doesn’t it feel good to know that someone can relate with you and that someone is bold enough to expose it to the world like this? That we are all struggling the same no matter what our social statuses are.

It is good to know that it can be tackled like this and that things ended well even if it was an open end. Anyway, roads open like they said in the first and last episode. But even if there are no roads, the path we walk on can be the road. So, we can just imagine and hope that things from the end of the story will be a happy beginning in the lives of our heroes.

I will really like a second season, too, to be honest. I mean, I want to know if there is going to be a potential love relationship between the characters and I also want to know how their company will grow. It would be nice to know the future, but I guess that will be too much to ask, huh?

Nonetheless, I really love this drama to the moon and back.

And if I can give an end rating, this time it’s going to be 5 out of 5.

PS. I will definitely miss the quartet. In fact, I am still missing them even after it has already been a few days since I finished Misaeng.

Review: Misaeng (Last Impression) “A road opens as you tread along it. A road that doesn’t open is not a road.

[iim-bangalore-blog]

Seoul Story

A gushing rapid on the trail of the Bukhansan trek

During animmersion experience at KAIST in South Korea, IIMB’s one-year Global MBA students get insights into the country via field visits, projects and some adventures. Karthik Ramanathan shares his experience.

21 September, 2017, Bengaluru: It was eight o’clock in the evening on 13thAugust 2017: we, the students of the full-time Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) at IIM Bangalore, were lugging our bags, getting ready to load them in the buses waiting to ferry us to the airport. Yes, the day that we had all been yearning for has arrived! Term 2 – the most dreaded of all terms – done and dusted, we were on our way to South Korea, Seoul in particular. The atmosphere in the bus during the nearly 90-minute ride to the airport was heady. Portable speakers were out; there was song and dance and unrestrained merriment. The mood had been set for the forthcoming fortnight.

No sooner did the flight take off, 30 minutes past midnight, that all the pent up exhaustion and fatigue of the last three days kicked in and knocked us out. We woke up to a wonderful view of the blue sea and small islands with green-topped hillocks – we were about to land in Hong Kong. Some of us had a fairly long layover in Hong Kong that allowed us to visit the city for a few hours. On landing we immediately made for the immigration counter to secure a clearance to enter the city, after which we took the airport express train to the city. The weather, though not hot, was quite humid. Our destination was the promenade from where the famous skyline of Hong Kong, across the sea, can be seen in all its glory. The route took us through some of the most upmarket localities of the city. The skyline itself was quite impressive, and it would have been a sight to behold at night. After spending about an hour on the promenade we headed back to the airport.

The flight from Hong Kong to Seoul was all about friendly chatter, snacks and movies. We landed in Seoul quite late but were warmly welcomed by students from KAIST, our host school. What struck us about the South Koreans immediately was their humility and hospitable nature — two traits that we came face to face with, over and over again, during our two weeks in the city. We reached Gangnam Family Hotel well past midnight and I, at least, had no energy left except to, fix myself a quick ready-to-eat meal and snore what-was-left-of-the-night away. A 9:00 a.m. departure sound positively punishing. But after four months of hard work back home at IIMB, we were well trained for tough times!

Prior to the bus ride we were served a wonderful breakfast that had plenty on offer for vegetarians, including fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, potato fries, assorted breads, hot chocolate, yogurt, and coffee. We spent the thirty-minute bus ride to KAIST taking in the sights of the city, which looked like an infrastructure marvel, which we later learnt was called the ‘miracle on the Han river’, Han being the river that flows through Seoul and divides the city into northern and southern halves.

Lectures, fields visits and more

We were welcomed to KAIST by Prof. Betty Chung with a little gift for each one of us. The day consisted of three lectures, the first one from Prof. Chung herself. She talked about the important characteristics of Korean culture and also about South Korea’s meteoric rise from being one of the poorest nations in the world in the ’50s to one of the most developed societies in the world today. I was particularly amazed by the choice of words such as jung and noonchi to communicate important cultural aspects that are integral to South Korea.

The second lecture was by Dilip Sundaram, who was the CFO and Chief Transformation Officer of Mahindra’s acquisition of SsangYong. His session was peppered with incisive questions aimed at us that put us in his shoes to think like a C-level executive in charge of transforming a company. As aspiring business leaders, this session taught us lessons that will remain with us throughout our careers. His emphasis on perfection on execution in a transformation context, and his highlighting of Korea as an execution specialist country really left an impression on us.

The third lecture was by the Indian ambassador to South Korea, Vikram Doraiswamy. We consider ourselves honoured and extremely lucky to be able to listen to, in person, to a person who is not only a distinguished civil servant but also a knowledgeable industry expert. His understanding of how the capabilities of Korean companies can be matched with the needs of the Indian market was impressive to say the least. His central message of creatively managing India’s unique traits to make it attractive for Korean companies to invest in, was the key takeaway.

The following days had lectures by James Rooney, who provided us an outsider’s perspective of not only South Korea but the other two Northeast Asian economies of China and Japan.

The lecture by Prof. Leighanne Yuh, a historian, provided us the backstory for South Korea’s stratospheric economic rise. Her detailing of President Park Chung-hee’s era during the ’60s and the ’70s was particularly insightful.

We went on field visits to the Samsung Innovation Museum, and to the Korea Exchange (KRX) in Busan. We also had two visits that helped us explore the culture of South Korea, and these were Nanta and Kicks. The former is a cooking-based mime show that amazed and stupefied us with its speed, coordination, and skill, while the latter is a taekwondo show by the national team that combines martial arts, storytelling, and technology. After our visit to KRX in Busan, we also found time to visit the beach.

Flights of fantasy

The best was saved for the last. Prior to our departure to South Korea, my class had been divided into groups of seven each, and each group was to work with a Korean company on a project. Two groups were drawn to work with the Indian Embassy of South Korea, and I was in one of those two groups. On the penultimate day of our stay in South Korea, quite unexpectedly and surprisingly, we were granted permission to visit the headquarters of Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) in relation to our project, thanks to the efforts of Parth Sharma – Vice Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea. KAI’s headquarters is situated in Sacheon, which was a four-hour bus ride from Seoul. We were staring at the prospect of travelling eight hours for a two-hour meeting with a 9:00 a.m. departure for the airport next day! But the KAI visit was worth every bit of our time and energy. We interacted with Dr. Choi – Senior Manager & Chief, International Marketing Division, KAI, who was kind enough to explain in detail KAI’s business and the general landscape of South Korea’s dealings with other countries in the defence aviation sector. We were also shown around the assembly line of KAI’s fighter and trainer jets, and helicopters, and we were also given a glimpse of the cockpit of T-50, KAI’s advanced jet trainer.

Memories are made of this

Besides the formal lectures and field visits, our personal adventures and outings contributed a lot to the entire Korean experience. One of my first destinations in Seoul was the Cheonggyecheon stream, which in the aftermath of the Korean War was nothing more than raw sewage, but has now been restored with a walkway along the stream, making it an excellent public space. We also frequented various shopping hubs of the city such as the popular Gangnam Street, the sprawling Lotte Department Store, the crowded bylanes of Myengdong (the street food on offer, especially the deep fried ice-cream, is a foodie’s delight), the underground markets, and the buzzing night market at Dongdaemun (I like the name a lot. Seems worthy of a boss villain in an epic Oriental RPG video game.)

The Changgyeonggung Palace was a pleasant surprise. With its modest furnishings and simple architecture it was unlike any other palace that I have ever seen. The striking feature of this palace, and I suspect the other four palaces in Seoul, is the abundance of open spaces in comparison with courtrooms, royal residences, etc.

Another instance that made my trip memorable was the rain playing spoilsport twice – once during the hike in Bukhansan National Park, and the second time during a trip to Nami Island. In the former instance, we still managed a decent hike that afforded us breathtaking views of gushing streams and tranquil Buddhist temples, and in the latter instance we managed to see Gapyeong, a picturesque little town close to Nami Island. The twenty-minute walk, tumbling up and down Gapyeong’s rolling terrain flanked by tall mountains and under the fading light of the evening sun, was an experience of a lifetime.

I have experienced the sun and rain of the Korean summer and hope to visit this beautiful country in all its glorious colours and meet its wonderful people sometime later during a Korean autumn. Gamsahamnida Korea!

Photo Gallery : Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP)

A seat of serenity nestled in wooded hills, beneath a grey sky.

Sprightly green grass, reflective glassy river, and wise brooding hills – presided over by a portentous sky.

Enjoying the kick of Kicks.

In front of Gangnam Family Hotel.

At Samsung Innovation Museum.

A view of Busan from KRX

About the author:

Karthik Ramanathan is an IT Professional with considerable experience in the BFSI domain. He is an enthusiastic writer at heart with a passion to capture memories in words. He is currently pursuing his one-year full-time MBA at IIM Bangalore.

[mystic-headcanons-r-us]

Hello :) could you do RFA (including V and Saeran) teaching MC Korean :)

Hey Anon (^v^) This ask is so unique are you by any chance Korean? Just curious! No matter where you’re from, we love you and thank you for your support! I may have gotten too carried away in my content but still, hope you’ll like it! Love, Mod Yoo.
ScenarioFem!MC could be someone of other nationality or a Korean “dong-po” (diaspora in English) born and bred in a foreign land (where English is their main language) outside of Korea where she grew up as an orphan. Under special yet personal circumstances, she returned to Korea wanting to start anew in her home country. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know where to start: clueless to her native language, doesn’t have any acquaintances. A member of a cult (from which its leader’s intent is to cripple the entire RFA) led MC to a seemingly deceased RFA leader’s secret apartment. MC was told that the accommodation will remain free-of-charge as long as the unit’s upkeep is maintained.


***Start imagining that each of the MM character is the only one fluent in both the English Language and Korean Language, in their respective canons. Each one of them will get MC to attempt at translating (note: she could always use internet, but we all know how accurate they turn out.) a sentence after they mastered the basics (some of them get surprised by MC instead). Assuming that V tasks the character-in-canon (excluding unknown) to manage the invites with MC, and the other RFA members will be helping her to pull through her 1st party.***

(p/s I’m no Korean language expert, please don’t penalise me and instead enlighten me if I made any mistakes. ^^;”)

Yoo-sung Kim- Is the sender of the first message after MC gets into the private Messenger.- “저 시험을 봤지만… 그건 꾹 떨어질 것 같네요.” I took a test but I think I’ll fail it for sure!- Confused MC is confused to no end, like what are those oddly formed symbols?- When Yoosung notices that she legit couldn’t understand anything, he starts to type in English topuniversitystudent, - She’s beyond delighted. Needless to say, both of them quickly grew closer as he became her Korean teacher and to help her with the guests e-mails.- They usually meet up at Yoosung’s campus library, or once in awhile cafes to study together.- Is not the most patient, but instantly rationalises that it’s harder on her part.- Stocks up so many kinds of Korean candies and snacks which almost instantly become her own favourite.- Does really well at keeping her interest piqued on learning the language.- “우리가 처음 만났을 때, 난 당신이 정말 친절하고 예쁘다고 생각해서 당신에게 빡졌어요. 너랑 나랑 사귈줄래?”

Zen/Hyun-ryu- He completed English Language courses to fit in to Western productions.- When MC appeared in the chatroom, Zen had been the nicest person.- Jumin offered to take on the responsibility of the party guests emails instead of Zen, with concerns for Zen’s handling of difficult guests which he gladly agrees. - The whole situation is intimidating so she took the courage to call Zen, hoping he’d not be too busy with work to take her call.- “어? 아가씨는요? 무슨 일이 있었어요…?” Oh? Miss MC? Is anything wrong…? He sounds just like the way he is in the chats.- His talentedmusicalactor voice envelopes her letsnotforgetjaeheetoo with warmth after all the commotion.- However, she didn’t understand a word he said and tries really hard to communicate failsmiserably. Zen chuckles heartily in his own amusement, and finds her extremely adorable.- Astonished MC is astonished when Zen starts blurting out fluent English . What a r-e-l-i-e-f.- Starts exchanging phone conversations and SMSes more frequently, especially when he manages to catch a break time off work.- Takes every opportunity to teach MC some Korean, be it by typed/voice messages or calls.- Is very busy but kind and sincere, hardly gets mad at her when she repeats the same questions. He just plays it off with his own cute act.- Finally found time to meet her over a meal for the first time.- Walks her back to the nearest spot where she has to continue to the apartment on her own.- Hands her a small hand-written note just before he had to leave for work. - “It’s short but I can’t wait till she translates it.” He murmurs to himself.- “난 너를 너무 너무 많이 좋아해 졌어. 넌 나의 아가씨가 해 줄래?”

Jae-hee Kang- Wanted MC be sent to the police thiswomanhasgotnochills.- Relents on grounds of RFA leader’s instructions.- “MC씨, RFA에 환영합니다.” Welcome to the RFA, MC.Her tone still unpleasant.- Realises her misconception about MC because she understands zero Korean. - Why would someone infiltrate RFA with harmful intentions knowing she’s at such a disadvantage?- Sends her apology in fluent English, becomes Baehee in a millisecond.- Honestly informs MC that she needs to start learning the language in order to properly take on the role of being the RFA’s party organiser.- Would love to personally tutor MC but woman has got so much work she’s got no time to, plus now there’s an additional task of replying to party guests.- Goes to the bookstore and buys all the best materials for MC to aid her learning. Tells MC that she has to give self-learning a go. To take note of all the questions and e-mail them to her at her official e-mail, where she’ll be 300% responsive.- Before Jaehee can test MC’s level of understanding for Korean language, MC sent her a text message that reads:- “난 당신을 신경 써. 난 당신의 친구 이상으로 해도 돼요?”

Ju-min Han- Something about this man draws MC’s attention and a natural instinct to understand and protect him. To her, there’s just something hidden under his tone of voice. Stern, but never menacing. - She’s right, but she doesn’t get a word he says, “전 MC의 능력 보기로 기대하걨습니다.” I’ll look forward to seeing MC’s abilities.- How’s she going to fit in at all? His gut feeling that she’s innocent.- Wouldn’t let her know that he’s very fluent in English, in fear that she’ll discover the tangled world in his mind that’s devoid of emotions. At least in his own opinion.- Gets Jaehee to hire a private tutor and ensures MC travels safely to and fro Rika’s secret apartment and his penthouse. He picks and buys all her new stationaries too.- When she starts learning at his place, he stays back in the office working.- On the rare occasions when he’s home while she’s there, he’d observe her from afar: her cute gestures, smile, the way she interacts with Elizabeth the 3rd, how she looks so adorable when she’s trying so hard to focus etc. - Doesn’t realise that she could sense his presence. It took him awhile to accept the fact that he’s fallen head over heels for her.- Months have passed when he received a message from MC through a private chat.- “주민씨. 나도 사랑해요, 제발 날 피하지 마세요.”

707/Seven/Luciel/Sae-young Choi- He’d have known when he hacks checks through the national registry for her file.- “당신의 은행 계좌는 이미 도용했습니다.” was his first sentence said to her in a call.- “Huh? What? Doesn’t erm catch erm immi…do…da?” she stutters in confusion.- Bursts into laughter.- Translates the sentence to her *coughs* 17 languages *coughs* englishshouldbeoneofthem. Assures her that it’s a joke and her bank account is safe.- Teases MC to no end. Making her more than determined to learn the language,- Doesn’t have the luxury of time to properly teach her anything, nor can he reveal his identity to her.- Hacks into one of the best schools and registers her as a student with courses all paid off. thisissobadasswhatcanisayitsagent707.- “If MC is able interpret a Korean paragraph for me over the CCTV, the Defender of Justice will reward her!” He casually promises.- Watches over her on the way to class, in class, coming back to the apartment, even when she studies at home.- He knew deep down his heart that there’s a high possibility that MC will be able to pass his challenge. He just couldn’t anticipate her reply.- “당신은 날 좀더 조심해야 돼. 난 위험한 사람이야. 난 당신과 같은 천사를 자격이 없어. 근 당신이 이미 알고 있었을 거라 확신해요. 그래서 어떤 선물을 원해?” Breathes and wait.- “알고있어. 근데 아직도 당신을 원해. 당신의 모든 것을 사랑해. 당신이 아시 죠?”

V/Ji-hyun Kim- Goes through the file on MC that Saeyoung sent to him. Becomes aware that MC is illiterate in Korean language.- Foresees that MC won’t be able to master the language in time to carry out email duties for the party.- Sympathises with her situation but getting her out of it now is going to put everyone’s life at risk.- Positions himself to protect both Mint Eye and the RFA so that he can ensure no one gets into harm’s way.- Helps MC learn the language so she could at least mingle with the members.- Asks Saeyoung for help to send some e-books to MC’s e-mail.- Calls the apartment’s private phone daily at a fixed timing and guides MC through the difficulties she encounters with the language patiently.- MC does as he says without any complaints, nor does she question him. She’d fallen for him from their first conversation, but kept it a secret to avoid burdening him.- It’s the first in such a long time he experienced genial trust and warmth, doesn’t take him long to know that he cares deeply for MC.- Completes the replying to all the party guests and logs into the messenger (when every one is asleep) as he intends to type long farewell messages to the members that he cared so much for. Not wanting to face their responses.- Personal messages to MC (who unbeknownst to him had been wide awake the entire time), reads:- “당신과 나는 끼리에, 항상 널 선택하겠다. 당신은 내 결정을 이해할 필요가 없지만, 제발 당신은 내 마음 안에 영원히 있을 겠다는 것을 믿으세요.”

Unknown/Saeran Choi- Would’ve also known that MC couldn’t understand Korean language when the cult leader instructed him to dig up her files.- Wanted to be the one to lead her to the apartment. Unfortunately, onlyinmyscenarioplease the leader sent someone else off to it.- Angered, he snuck out of the building to head to her apartment.- “Oh hello! Were you acquainted to its previous owner?” she chirps at the door.- Slightly taken aback, he muttered “Yes, a friend.” without a doubt, she lets him in.- How can someone be so trusting? She behaves nothing like anyone he knew.- Takes a bite of her freshly baked waffle, is delighted when she added a scoop of his favourite food: ice cream.- “Umm… Do you understand Korean? If you do, can you teach me some? I just joined this group that wants me to help them invite party guests but I can’t do Korean and they’re all too busy to teach me…” MC sparks another conversation.- Stays silent for a good 10 minutes before speaking in doubts “Will you make me this *points at empty plate* every time if I come and teach you?- “Of course! Thank you so much! We can start tomorrow!” MC skips around joyfully as he observes her in awe.- That’s when he decides that she would be his and solely his and remain where she’s safest (away from Mint Eye for now at least). - He’ll find a way to escape the cult and remove his trails just to stay with her and keep her within his own sight.- “Meanwhile, go on the Internet and read about Hangul. Try to decipher this short sentence if you can.” remindmehow707challengedmc Hands her a note before he leaves.- “날 기다려 줘, 내 천사.”

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What each character/MC said at the end

Yoo-sung Kim “I thought you’re kind, friendly and pretty when we first met. I’ve fallen for you since then. Can we date?”

Zen/Hyun-ryu “I’ve come to like you too too much. Would you be my lady?”

Jae-hee Kang (by MC) “I care for you a lot. Can I be more than just your friend?”

Ju-min Han (by MC) “Jumin, I love you too. Please don’t avoid me anymore.”

707/Seven/Luciel/Sae-young Choi “You should be more careful of me, I’m a dangerous person. I don’t deserve an angel like you. I guess you already know. So, what kind of present do you want? (MC replied) “I know. But it’s still you that I want. I love all of you, do you know?”

V/Ji-hyun Kim “Given a choice between you and I, I will always choose you. You don’t have to understand all my decisions, but please trust that you’re always in my heart - forever.”

Unknown/Saeran Choi “Wait for me. My angel.”

[mrsjihyunkim]

Dear Mom Ch 12

I finally got internet back and recovered my word documents!!! To celebrate a new chapter!!! Thank you all for your patience. Enjoy it because as sad as it is the next chapter will be the last one :’(

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The light was over bearing when I opened my eyes. Slowly my eyes adjusted to the light and I took in my surroundings. Everything in the room was white and had a very sterile feel, it was a hospital room. I tried to sit up but only felt pain in my side. Everything that had just happened came flooding back to me. I looked around for Saeyoung in a panic and found him sleeping on my hand. All my moving around must have woken him up because he lifted his head and seemed dazed. He had dark circles under his eyes and his hair was all messy. It didn’t take a genius to know that this was the first time he’d slept in days. He must have still been half asleep because all he did was stare at me. Then his eyes got really big and he squeezed my hand. “You’re awake! You’re finally awake!” He hugged me so tightly that I thought he was going to pop my stitches.

“Saeyoung. Stitches.” I said still groggy. He let go of me and grabbed my hand instead.

“Sorry. I’ve just been so worried about you. I thought you weren’t going to wake up.” I gave him a confused look and he sat back down. “Right. I guess you wouldn’t know. You were in cardiac arrest. They took you straight into surgery. The doctor said that they had to restart your heart twice. Everyone has been really worried.” I could hear him struggle with the words as he looked down. I grabbed his hand and he looked up at me. His eyes were misty and I wanted nothing more than to hug him.

“Hey look at me. I’m right here. I told you I’m not going anywhere. You said we’d get married at the space station, right?” He smiled and nodded. “Well I don’t see ring on my finger so you’re stuck with me.” I smiled at him and he stood up to kiss my forehead.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m going to tell the doctors and everyone else that you’re awake.” I nodded and he left the room. I had only been alone for a few minutes until I heard the door click. I looked up and saw Saeran standing by it. He stayed far away in the back of the room and just looked at me.

“Hello Saeran.” I said smiling. “How are you feeling? I hope you’re not in too much pain.” He seemed surprised by my words and just walked over to the window. He seemed so deep in thought before he spoke. Like he was having trouble finding the right words.

“You’re strange. You almost died but you’re worried about me. That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” He clenched his fist and ran a hand through his hair. “Whatever I’ll leave you alone.” He began to walk towards the door but I didn’t want him to leave.

“Don’t go. You don’t have to answer the question but I wish you would stay. I wouldn’t mind the company.” It seemed like he was hesitant but he turned around to face me again. He held onto his arm and looked at the floor. He kept opening his mouth like he was going to speak but he remained quite. "But, if you are in pain I can make you something for it when I get out of here." He looked at me with confusion and I smiled at him. "I guess with everything going on no one told you about the antidote I gave you. When I found out what they were giving you at Mint Eye I made an antidote to heal your brain. I knocked you out for most of the healing process so I hope that helped with the pain." When I said all of this his face softened.

"Well if you really want to know; my head feels like it's being hit with a hammer, and all of my memories are hazy. I barely even knew who I was when I woke up." He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. I knew that he would have physical pain but I had no idea how badly it would effect his memories, before I could stop them I had tears falling down my face.

"I'm sorry Saeran. I can help you with the pain once I get out of here, but I can't do anything about your memories. I understand if you hate me." I said through my tears. I heard footsteps and assumed that he left until I felt a fist on my head. I looked up and saw Saeran standing next to me.

"Stop being so stupid. Honestly you're acting like that idiot brother of mine. No wonder he fell in love with you. You're both idiots." He leaned against the wall and was looking away from me. I could tell that he was trying his best to be kind and sincere. 

"Thank you Saeran. I'm lucky to have such wonderful people in my life." I wiped away the tears and then the door opened. Saeyoung and the doctor came in. When Saeyoung saw Saeran he stopped and they stared at each other.

"How are you feeling?" Saeyoung asked him. Saeran just looked at the ground.

"Fine." He glanced at me and I gave him encouraging smile. "I'll leave now so you guys can talk." He headed towards the door but Saeyoung stoped him.

"You can stay. The doctor actually has good news and I'd love for you to hear it." He smiled brightly and Saeran hesitated, but stayed. Saeyoung kissed the top of my head and held my hand. "Alright doc give her the good news." He said cheerfully. I looked at the doctor as he stepped forward and cleared his throat. He looked fairly young to be doctor, with dark brown hair and firm skin.

"Well we have to run some test but judging by what I see in front of me you should be able to go home in a couple of days." I knew this was good news but there were other things on my mind. I smiled and thanked the doctor. After he left I looked at Saeyoung and he squeezed my hand.

"If you're feeling up to it I have another surprise for you." I looked at him quizzically and he smiled like a little kid. "Saeran will you open the door and let them in?"

"Fine but I'm going back to my room. My head hurts enough." Saeyoung looked a little sad but he seemed to understand.

"Ok I'll take you home later tonight." Saeran nodded and went out the door. I head some muffled talking and then what sounded almost like running. Then the door opened and I saw the rest of the RFA memebers standing there. It was quite at first but then Yoosung spoke up.

"Hey MC. You probably can't tell who I am since we never met, but I'm," I cut him off and smiled. I wished that I could run up and hug them all.

"Of course I know who you are Yoosung. I know who you all are. You are all my family." I began to cry and Yoosung ran over to hug me. "I'm sorry. I'm just so happy to finally meet everyone. I've been so worried about you all and seeing you all happy makes me feel so much better." I said wiping my tears away.

"It was very kind of you to worry about us but it was unnecessary. We all were perfectly safe with the body guards I assigned." Said Jumin as he looked at his phone. I heard Zen scoff and I knew what was coming next.

"You jerk. Why would the hell would you say that it was unnecessary? She got shot for fucks sake! And you didn't even look up from your phone!" They continued to bicker and I laughed.

"Mr. Han, Zen. Perhaps this can wait till later. We came here to see MC." Said Jahee as she pushed up her glasses. They both stopped and looked away from each other.

"You're right Jahee. So Mc, how are you feeling?" Zen asked.

"I feel a little sore but other than that fine. The doctor said I could leave in a couple of days but I can already tell my stitches are 80% healed."

"I see. So you must heal fast like Zen." Jahee had a look of coursity on her face. I was about to say something and then Saeyoung spoke up.

"She also seems to have grown a Yoosung." He said laughing. It was then that I noticed that Yoosung was still hugging me. He let go and his cheeks were bright red.

"I'm sorry Saeyoung. I've just been so worried and when I saw MC and I wanted to hug her." I smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Yoosung you are so cute. I don't mind you hugging me. I always wanted a little brother!" I said and he hugged me again.

"MC don't you consider me an older brother?" Zen asked pouting.

"Well in some ways yes but I mostly think of you as a sister." Zen just stared at me in shock while Saeyoung and Yoosung laughed. I even noticed Jumin chuckling. Seeing everyone so happy made me feel so much better. Jumin talked about Elizabeth the 3rd, Jaehee told me about Zen's new musical, Yoosung talked about his classes, and Zen showed me his new costume for the musical. It was well into the night when everyone left and I was exhausted. Saeyoung sat on the bed with me and stroked my hair. "Can I ask you something?" I asked sleepily.

"Of course."

"Why didn't V show up?"

"I'm not sure. I didn't have a chance to call him today. I think he's blaming himself for what happened to you." I stayed silent thinking about this.

"When we go home can you tell him to stop by. I just want to make sure he's ok."

"Of course. You really are amazing MC." He said kissing the top of my head. 

"I'm going to take Saeran home and get him settled. You ok with that?"

"Yeah. I'm just going to sleep. I love you."

"I love you too. Now get some rest." He kissed me lightly on the lips and left the room. For the second time in my life I had a peaceful nights sleep.

My eyes were still closed but I could hear voices talking. I opened them and saw Saeyoung talking to the doctor. His expression looked stressful and it had me worried. "Saeyoung. Is everything ok?" I asked. He walked over to me and gave me a kiss.

"Everything is fine. The doctor just has questions and we were waiting on you to wake up." He smiled but he still looked troubled. The doctor stepped forward and looked at my chart.

"Mrs. Choi I just had a few questions to ask you. First let me say that all of your test came back clean. Your white blood count is normal, I see no signs of post op infection, and I just have one question. While you were in surgery we weren't able to recover the bullet because of scar tissue, how ever your most recent x-ray shows that the bullet is no longer there. Have you passed it by bodily functions?" I breathed a sigh of relief at hearing this. I thought that something was actually wrong. At seeing my relief both Saeyoung and the doctor both looked confused, so I began to explain.

"Well there is no bullet, at least not anymore. You see bullets are common in my life of work so I modified my immune system to basically eat the bullets. You see my white blood cells surround the bullet and dissolve the bullets while absorbing the toxins. Then it releases the things that my body can use and the toxins are disposed of." After I finished my explanation the doctor looked unsure. "Look carefully at the white blood on the chart. This is also why I heal so fast. I basically boosted my immune system to it's maximum capacity." The doctor looked at the chart again and his eyes grew wide.

"I see. Well that is very impressive Mrs. Choi. A nurse will be by shortly with your discharge information." He left the room still in disbelief. Once he was gone Saeyoung got wide eyed.

"BABE! Is that really true? Can you do that?" He asked excitedly. It made me laugh to see how excited he was.

"Well kind of. I did boost my immune system too maximum capacity but I can't dissolve bullets. In truth I coughed up the bullet after you left yesterday." I said laughing as I took the bullet of my pocket to show him. He stared at me in shock and sat down.

"You are the queen of pranks. I don't think I can ever top that." He began to bow down and I laughed.

"I don't know the chocolate milk joke with Yoosung was pretty good." We both laughed and then the nurse came in. After signing the papers I was wheeled out of the hospital and to Saeyoung’s waiting car.

[gwynne-fics]

[Twisted to a Fault Chapter 97— banner by mrshobbes]

Lexi has made me lovely banners for some of the chapters. She’s complied them all for us. Please take a look! They are fabulous and she is amazing!

Twisted to a Fault Master List

Chapter 97: 2215 words

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Rachel sat in a quiet club, on a cold metal chair, with her jacket and Young-Do’s suit coat wrapped around her as police officers asked them questions. Young-Do didn’t say anything besides, “Watch the CCTV footage,” over and over when they tried to get him to admit to breaking an arm, a nose, and a wrist. They’d been waiting for an hour to be released and her heart hadn’t stopped pounding.

Young-Do moved so quickly she could barely tell what he’d done. All that mattered to her was that he’d done it. She had a bruise on her wrist, along with a few small cuts from her bracelet. She was just so cold.

“Agassi.” She jerked at the sound of Go Nam-Il’s voice and looked to find him kneeling down in front of her. “We can go now. It’s handled.”

She looked for Young-Do. He was finally speaking with a police officer but there was a man who was clearly a lawyer standing next to him. She looked back at Go Nam-Il and was surprised when he gave her a soft smile. “You’re in shock, Agassi. I have a doctor waiting for us at the officetel to treat you. I’ve locked down this incident as best I can. Unfortunately, I did have to inform your mother. She is sending your driver to pick you up in the morning.”

“No. Young-Do and I are going hiking tomorrow. We’re going to the top of a mountain and not coming down until after the sun sets. No.”

“Yes, Agassi.” He stood and offered to help her up. Rachel let him. She didn’t know why the news of her mother insisting she return to Seoul made her cry. This was something that could’ve easily happened in Seoul. She looked at Young-Do again and caught him watching her. His eyes were wet for few seconds before he turned his attention back to the more important questioning.

They were almost to the door when one of the officers tried to stop them. Go Nam-Il simply turned around and stared down at the smaller man. “Call your supervisor. She will explain to you that you are to let Yoo Rachel submit her statement through RS International on Monday morning. I will wait.”

The officer snorted but pulled out his phone. “Acting like she’s helpless. Yes, Lt. Kim, this is—“ He frowned and gave both of them a startled look. “Of course, Lt. Kim. I understand.”

He hung up. Go Nam-Il didn’t wait for his apology. “Yoo Rachel’s testimony should be superfluous given the CCTV footage. The cameras here were already set up to watch the restrooms, which mean this establishment is aware of the issue that presented itself tonight. Choi Young-Do was protecting his girlfriend from an entitled predator. I expect your report to reflect that.”

Go Nam-Il put his hand on Rachel’s back and continued to usher her out of the club. There were no cameras and for that, she was incredibly grateful. Mother wouldn’t forgive her if there was a scandal like this at a club. Go Nam-Il got into the car with her, sat in the middle bench of the SUV that faced her, and to her surprise, began taking her pulse.

“Agassi, I would like you to lay down and I will elevate your feet.” She nodded and let him arrange her in the best possible way. He covered her with Young-Do’s jacket when she started shivering again. “You can close your eyes, but try not to fall asleep. I want to commend you on that elbow drive. You hit your attacker right in the solar plexus. The reason his nose broke when President Choi threw him is that he did not have enough air going to his brain and that is because of you.”

Rachel gave a desperate little laugh. “Are you trying to make me feel better?”

There was amusement in his tone when he answered. “I’m trying to keep you awake. I’m not worried about a head injury but I think you will feel better when President Choi joins us. Even soldiers go into shock after their first experience with real violence. This is the second attack on your person in less than four months, Agassi.”

Rachel squeezed her eyes shut. “Am I too paranoid to think it won’t be the last?”

He was quiet for a moment. “Would you like the truth or something that will help you sleep easier tonight?”

“The truth. I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight anyway.”

“The man who attacked you was not a regular at the club. He had a picture of you and President Choi on him. I believe it was a deliberate attempt to create a scandal. It’s all circumstantial but—“

“Han Ji-Hoon.” It hurt to breathe. “He’s not going to stop.”

“He rightfully sees you as the threat to his power and control within the company, Agassi. He’s trying to scare you. I suspect he will confirm my suspicions to you personally at the next event you meet him at. He will not go out of his way to deliver it. But he has what he wants now.”

“Young-Do getting violent to defend me. Are you certain the board won’t like it?”

Go Nam-Il was quiet again before he answered. She liked that about him. He always thought about his words and managed them carefully. “There are twelve members of the board of directors, including President Choi and Vice President Han. Of the remaining ten, only three are women. Your mother and President Ma will see President Choi’s actions as necessary. Song Hye-Won might. She wants her daughter to marry President Choi. Half of the men belong to Vice President Han, the remainder are coming around to see President Choi as a legitimate leader. I don’t know how this will sway them. Regardless, this will throw the board and shareholders into chaos right before he leaves on his enlistment.”

“What was he supposed to do?” She winced at the hysterical anger in her voice. She wasn’t angry at Go Nam-Il and didn’t want her to think she blamed him for telling her the truth. “Allow two men to attack me before the bouncers and security took care of it? He is my boyfriend! That’s what he should do!”

“It is,” Go Nam-Il said calmly. “He absolutely did the right thing, Agassi. My team is working on making sure that’s the narrative that gets out. Vice President Han is going to try to make this as public as possible. You need to be prepared for that. That is why you need to go home to your mother tomorrow.”

“No.” It was petulant and she knew he was right but it just made her cry.

“Of course, Agassi.”

Rachel gave a bitter laugh. “I suppose you’re used to prime ministers throwing tantrums. A girl like me isn’t that scary.”

“I am going to tell you a secret, Agassi. When men make it impossible for women to hold the obvious, tangible kinds of power, women will often find a way to overcome that barrier. One of the greatest reforms of the last fifteen years was brought about by a Prime Minister’s wife. That is why Vice President Han fears you. He knows President Choi listens to you. That is why he is attacking you as if you are just his wife. But, Agassi, you are not his wife. You will be an acting president and that is much more terrifying because it is tangible.”

There was a knock on the window. One of Go Nam-Il’s security officers opened the door and Young-Do was let into the car. He sat down beside Rachel and put her legs in his lap. He vibrated with unreleased fury. The security chief tapped on the partition after they were all buckled in. Rachel zoned out while they drove back to the officetel and Go Nam-Il caught Young-Do up.

“President Choi,” she caught. “I suggest you go to the officetel’s gym and work on the bag while the doctor treats Designer Yoo. I do not wish you to scare her further. She is in shock and might misinterpret your anger.”

Rachel felt Young-Do still before his shoulders slumped. “I will.”

She ended up in bed with her feet elevated and an IV in her hand to make sure she didn’t get dehydrated. Rachel wanted to check in with Young-Do but he went to go punch the bag out of her sight, so she was cranky when her phone rang and it was Mother.

“I don’t want to come home,” she said. “Young-Do and I have plans for tomorrow. It’s important—“

“I’m already getting questions. I’ve seen the video. Are you alright?” Mother’s question was gentle and Rachel almost told her the truth. She hesitated too long and Mother sighed softly. “Of course, you aren’t. Did Choi Young-Do teach you that move?”

“Yes. We practice together sometimes. Omma, I don’t want to leave early.”

“We have to lock this down before it becomes too big.” Mother paused and Rachel heard her take a deep breath. “Rachel, is something going on between you and Choi Young-Do that is more than just…dating? This…” Mother sighed. “Is there something else you want to tell me about?”

Mother knew. Rachel’s stomach almost bottomed out but she held onto her racing heart tightly. The question was deliberately worded. Rachel wasn’t ready to trust Mother. Not with Young-Do’s company.

“No. There isn’t anything else I want to tell you.”

“If, at any time that changes, please come to me.” Mother whispered it. “I cannot help you unless you tell me what is going on. The car will be there at nine tomorrow. Get some sleep. You can tell Acting President Choi that I will send a token of my appreciation soon. Please, remember, you are my precious daughter, my only heir, and your safety matters to me and our employees.”

“Yes, Omma.”

“I know you do not like this, but we have to be practical about your statement. You have to be here to give it to our attorney. Rachel, the next time you go out of town to visit your boyfriend, I want to know your itinerary. I do not want to be blindsided by Choi Young-Do’s security chief. Do you understand?”

Rachel’s stomach twisted and she hated that Mother was right. “Yes, Omma.”

“The car will bring you to the estate. We will have lunch together tomorrow. You do not have to stay the night here, but if you are followed, I want it to be to our home.”

She swallowed the painful lump in her throat and tried not to start crying all over again. Her magical romantic weekend was ruined all because an old man couldn’t handle answering to a young woman. Her blood began to burn hotly.

He would have to kill her. That was the only way she would back down. He might be willing to kill her.

“Yes, Omma. I will see you tomorrow.” She hung up and turned off her phone. A few seconds later, she pulled the IV out of her hand and swore loudly at the pain. Rachel found her shoes and a robe. There was no one to stop her from going down to the officetel gym and looking for Young-Do.

Two of his security detail stood outside the doors. Both men bowed to her and immediately opened the door. She went inside and found Young-Do pounding on the bag. He was drenched in sweat and his guttural yells almost convinced her to turn around and leave him to his frustration.

She stayed out of his range and watched him. Finally, she said, “I’m jealous. No one lets me do stuff like this. They stick a needle in me and tell me to be calm.”

Young-Do stilled and turned around. She couldn’t read his face. Finally, he went over to the nearby bench and picked up an extra set of hand wraps. “Come here.”

Rachel walked up to him and took off her robe. She wore one of his shirts with her spanks but he didn’t even look at her. Young-Do took her hands and quickly wrapped them so she could punch the bag without hurting herself.

“I have to leave in the morning.”

“I know. We’ll go hiking next week. We’ll celebrate getting the Pearl back on track then. You can leave our gear here. I’ll take care of it.” His voice was hoarse and she almost laughed when tears from both of them hit her hands. “I’m sorry. I should’ve waited for you by the bathrooms. I know better and—“

“Normally, we have Myung-Soo watching our backs,” she whispered. “Normally, it isn’t an issue because the clubs we go to are better. I’m sorry. I should’ve just gotten away and run.”

Young-Do shook his head. “No. You did the right thing. That was an amazing elbow you gave him. I was so proud of you. Come on.”

He brought her over to the bag and she immediately relaxed into the loose fighting stance he taught her. “Jab. Cross. Roundhouse. Go.”

Punch. Punch. Kick.

Next time, she would do this first.

Because, she knew, without a doubt, there would be a next time.

[bluehhj]

listen to me — chapter 18

LISTEN TO ME  — 0018

listen to me masterlist;

WORDS: 1.7K

Jisung was the first to leave the room when the shrill sound of the bell that marked the beginning of the break reached his ears. At that point he was almost asleep sitting up, because he hated when lazy teachers — as he called any member of staff who traded practical classes for slide shows that no one ever showed enthusiasm — turned out the lights, closed the curtains and still demanded attention of the students when neither they themselves seemed to know what they were talking about. The least they could expect from the class was for at least 90% of it to fall asleep, right? The reason for thinking differently, Jisung would never know.

As Han finished down the last step of the stairs of his building, Han was forced to stop abruptly so as not to hit another person who passed by in an absent-minded manner. His eyes lifted in the next second, and when he saw who it was, it was impossible not to let his almost calm expression be replaced by a scowl.

Kim Seungmin almost turned blue. He wanted to dig a hole in the ground and fall until it disappeared from the face of the Earth, all so that he didn't have to face Jisung and his face of homicide. It was no exaggeration to say that he wanted to cry at that very moment.

"Aren't you going to get out of my way?" Han asked after a few moments, staring into the face of the younger, who hadn't moved either.

Seungmin opened his mouth and closed it again as if he wanted to say something, but lacked the courage. He finally lowered his head and, using the little speed that the thawed part of his brain could send to the rest of his body, left and went somewhere else out of Han's field of vision.

Jisung sighed and told himself he wouldn't let it upset his day; soon, he continued on his way and soon found Hyunjin and Yoorim. The couple discussed children's animations.

"But Hotel Transylvania 3 was the best movie of the year, oppa," Heo kept saying. "Not even Ferdinand can overcome!"

"Ferdinand was one of the worst movies I've ever seen," Hwang countered. "He's cute, but there's nothing too much."

"He's very kind, okay? You don't have the right to say that kind of thing of someone who has such a good heart."

"All right, all right..." Hyunjin surrendered to the fact that he couldn't offend the dammit bull, but he was quick to insist on the subject that triggered the whole discussion. "But Coco remains the best movie ever."

Yoorim shoved her boyfriend, who laughed.

"It's not funny, you idiot! Jisung oppa, tell him he's wrong!"

"I don't even know what the two of you are talking about," Han was sincere in replying, since he was being a mere viewer in that bloody clash.

"There's only one person who can tell the truth about all of this" Hyunjin grew serious again and didn't have to name names, for an exchange of looks was enough for Yoorim to know exactly who the wise mind he was referring to was. They soon made their way toward the dining hall. In the end, it was just another normal day for Jisung.

"Your hair looks beautiful today." Jinah appeared at his side and praised without much pretense.

"Oh, so you mean you remember me now?" Jisung replied with another question, ignoring the girl's last speech.

"I didn't forget you."

"It wasn't what your face said yesterday."

"It was a bad day" one of the corners of Jinah's lips rose in a silent apology. "I thought it was already clear that I wasn't going to leave you alone any time soon."

Jisung looked down at his sneakers and smiled slightly. If someone told him a few days ago that he'd feel so good listening to those words of Jinah — Jinah, the person he most tried to push away from the beginning — he'd probably laugh and say that the same person had overdone drugs.

"What did you have yesterday?" he asked as they entered the cafeteria. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't been a little worried.

"Eventual bad mood" the girl shrugged and sat at one of the first tables which was more isolated from the others. "It happens. It's over."

"Strange."

"Hey, I put up with all your mood swings, you have to put up with mine, too."

"Right" that was a fact that Jisung couldn't even think of disagreeing with. "Aren't you going to eat anything?" he pointed his chin at a diner in the cafeteria.

"Go ahead, I'm not hungry."

The boy wrinkled his nose, "Today's pizza day and I don't like it."

Jinah looked at him as if he had offended some sacred divinity.

"You're joking that you don't like pizza."

"I like it, but not this cheese pizza," Choi's shoulders softened the tension as Jisung cleared things up. "I prefer chicken pizzas."

"It makes me think I know next to nothing about you."

"And what do you want to know?"

"I don't know..." Jinah thought for a moment and shrugged again. "The basics I still don't know."

"Well, I dated for three years and I was engaged for eleven months, but I think we're both tired of this subject." Jisung put his arms around the table and started thinking. Talking about himself to other people wasn't something he was accustomed to. "I have a brother who lives in Malaysia; my parents are divorced and my mother is always traveling to take care of business; I don't like crowded places and when people hide things from me. That's the basics of the basics."

"I also don't like crowded places. Or high places."

"What else?" Jisung was really interested to know about Jinah's life.

"I prefer cats to dogs, I have no siblings, and I collect a history of failed relationships since high school."

"Seriously?" Han raised an eyebrow. "You don't look like someone who suffers for love."

"Everyone suffers or has ever suffered for love" Choi didn't feel at all uncomfortable talking about her old disastrous experiences. Thinking about the past and paralleling the present and the future was a way of seeing how she had evolved in thinking and acting. "I just learned to disguise. I mean, it has times that it doesn't work very well, but it's not always."

"And you're disguising now?"

"I think not."

"You think?" Jisung smirked. "Well, I don't believe it, you can tell me who it is."

Jinah almost smiled too, if it weren't for her tongue pressing her left cheek inside as she pondered. Even though she admitted that she had a little crush on Han, she wasn't yet completely in love with him, nor did she love him. However, she knew that the boy wouldn't settle down until he got a satisfactory answer. She, then, decided to comment on her last unilateral love of the list.

"First of all, I don't think, I'm sure," she was sincere this time, since it had been some time since she had felt nothing for the person in question. "Im Jaebum."

"The one who graduated last year?"

"Yeah."

"Understandable" Jisung remembered how many people had had a crush on the one whose.

"Yeah." Jinah raised her eyebrows quickly, as if to say 'do what'. "Woojin was close to him, which turned out to be a bit of me too. But then there was a party, he kissed me and I fell in love. I later discovered that the girl he liked was with another guy and that he had only done that out of spite," she twisted her lips, thinking how foolish she was to fall so fast in love with people. "It hurt a little, but that was by no means the worst."

"Is there anything worse than that?"

"Oh, yeah!" Jinah laughed, though it wasn't funny at all. "Believe me, you're not the only one who is or think have been really bad."

Jisung stared at his fingers for a moment. He couldn't imagine what Jinah had been forced to go through, but he was afraid it was something more serious than he supposed. Suddenly, he felt a little selfish for having lamented so much about his life — not that his situation with Kwon Chaerin was being easy — and never given the necessary importance to Choi's, who had always been trying to help him. However, as much as he wanted to discover it more deeply, he knew that this wasn't the hour or the place.

"It's a little contradictory to say that to a future psychologist, but you can look for me if you need anything."

Jinah nodded, "I know how to handle the problems of others, but I don't always know how to deal with mine, so, thank you."

Before the boy could change the subject, Hyunjin and Yoorim's voices about the same subject from earlier invaded his ears, now being supplemented by Woojin's voice, which insisted on stating that the two were wrong and that The Boss Baby was the best animation ever created.

"There's one more fact about me," Jisung said, casting a tedious look at the three of them. "I hate animations."

"I think it's cute," Jinah said. "But I still prefer romance movies."

"Why doesn't that make me not even a bit surprised?"

"I can also see a horror movie, okay?" who was Choi trying to fool? She was the first to cover her face with a cushion whenever the soundtrack changed.

"I doubt it." Han folded his arms. "You're too cute to be able to see all that blood."

"Are you doubting me, Han Jisung?" was a rhetorical question. And even though she was aware of the colossal bullshit she was about to do, Jinah dared to throw the words out: "We're going to the movies and I'll prove to you that I'm not afraid of horror movies."

"Saturday, at eight. I already know what the session will be."

"I'm in."

Jisung didn't want to say it aloud, but it was clear that it'd turn into a good old cliche where Jinah would die of fear and it'd be up to him to comfort her. But, in the end, it wasn't as if Han cared.

a/n: let me ask something. you guys must have noticed that jisung is already getting nicer (this doesn't mean that no relapses can occur, but not in the sense that he treats jinah wrong) and i wanted to know if things aren't going too fast. in my point of view it's ok, but i wanted to know yours. constructive criticism doesn't affect me, i even like to receive them to know what i should improve, so help me!! love youu <33

[bluehhj]

listen to me — chapter 30

LISTEN TO ME — 0030

listen to me masterlist;

WORDS: 1.6K

Jinah didn't get tired of tapping her fingertips on her knee as her eyes moved back and forth through the reception. She was nervous, but not by the day of her consultation with the psychologist — much faster than she had anticipated, by the way —, but by Jisung, who, though didn't look affected, also moved his neck constantly in a kind of nervous tic before the scenery around him.

"Did you know that?" — Choi asked quietly, pointing her chin discreetly to the figure of discolored hair that one moment appeared through the double doors, in another hid again between them, always with a clipboard and pen in hand.

"How could I know?" — Jisung replied with another question in the same tiny tone. — "I haven't heard anything about her life in a while. She must've been admitted here a few days ago."

Jinah crossed her arms and felt a sour taste in her mouth: jealousy. It is a good thing Jisung had hardly looked at Chaerin since they had sat in those chairs and vice versa, but Choi had full knowledge of Han's feelings, which made it unreachable to remain calm in the same environment as the girl.

"I didn't know it bothered you that much," — the boy stammered after a few moments of silence. — "You two study in the same class, see each other every day. Who should be bothered here is me."

Jinah turned her face and looked him up and down: — "And why aren't you?"

It was a question that deserved a pause to be weighed and properly answered. Jisung wasn't feeling well at all, because trying to ignore his ex-fiancée and acting as if they were two people who didn't even know each other wasn't as easy as it should, but it wasn't that impossible either. What he felt for Chaerin had become something neutral, though strong, without even realizing it; he didn't feel anger anymore, nor want to cry all the fluids of his body, it was only an intense and strange sensation that he still didn't know to name.

"I have more important things to worry about," — he said, at last. He wasn't lying at all.

Jinah bit the inside of her cheek, feeling strangely happy suddenly. In her view, the fact that Jisung no longer suffered so much from his last love was something that deserved a party in her heart. When she weighed the pros and cons before entering into that kind of indefinite relationship, she couldn't be sure that she'd turn the game in her favor, though it was what she most wanted, but, according to the new developments, things were starting to follow the right pace, what pleased her more than having a bunch of money.

"Choi Jinah," — Chaerin's steady voice interrupted her thoughts and the girl stood up, followed by Jisung. Kwon retained her professional image and simply nodded her head almost imperceptibly before leading them to a polished wooden door which she opened. — "Feel free."

The room was large and airy. The huge glass windows were open and let the afternoon sun come in and make some reflections on one of the walls, but nothing that would alter the cool and relaxing climate. A young man who must've been about twenty-five years soon got up from the large padded chair and sent a big smile towards the newcomers. The sensation that Jinah had in looking at him was as if she were inside a manga, since the psychologist seemed to be a perfect copy of those characters.

"Good afternoon," — he greeted cheerfully.

"Good afternoon," — Jinah replied and tried to return a similar smile, having one of her hands clasped by the doctor in a polite and cordial gesture. Jisung was also greeted properly and they settled into the comfortable armchairs in a certain corner of the room.

"Would you like some water or some coffee?" — the psychologist asked before starting, but both Jinah and Jisung were feeling good without needing the intervention of caffeine or anything else. So, he sat down in front of them and took a slightly more serious stance. — "Well, you must know, but my name is Yuta. You don't have to call me doctor, we're just friends here," — Choi was soon invaded by a wave of peace. The Japanese's voice was melodious and worked as a soothing to her ears. — "So, Jinah, tell me a little about yourself."

The girl cleared her throat: — "I was born in a country town, I'm twenty and I'm in the penultimate psychology period" — the last part, she said in an embarrassed way, averted her eyes elsewhere. Yuta's smile reappeared.

"Are you ashamed to be an almost psychologist with psychological problems?"

"A little" — maybe a lot, but Jinah preferred to hide.

"So know there's no harm in it," — Yuta's soft voice brought Choi's gaze to his face a second time. — "You're a human being above anything, never forget. Having to work dealing with the troubled emotions of others doesn't mean that you can't have your own."

"But won't that make me an incompetent?" — Jinah refuted and only then did Jisung realize how much it affected her and stirred her emotionally. — "I work as a telephone psychologist in an agency's call center and I don't always feel secure about my work, now can you imagine if any of the patients present a problem similar to mine and I can't help because I ended up freaking out with him?"

"First, you need to control your emotions. I guess you can't do this right now because of your problem, right?"

"Right" — Jinah took a deep breath, since she had uttered all her lines in one breath. — "I've been very stressed lately."

"Well, we'll talk about it" — Yuta made a brief note on the clipboard resting on his lap. — "But before I want you to understand that you should never, under any circumstances, feel incompetent for not being able to solve your adversities on your own. Nobody said that, to be a psychologist, it was necessary to become a machine without feelings, Jinah. I'm, for example, full of problems and I don't let it affect my way of working."

It could be due to the fact that trying to help people through speech was something naturally impregnated in her actions, because, before Jinah at least realized, the sentence had already left her lips: — "What kind of problems?"

Jisung raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, no one else knew who was the psychologist of who.

"I lost my girlfriend in a car accident almost four months ago," — Yuta recounted without taking the small and insistent smile from his lips. However, his voice sounded sad and his eyes lost some of the glow. — "It was, and still is, very difficult for me, but I have to keep living, right?" — he laughed weakly. — "This is how life works. The world doesn't stop spinning just to wait for you to recover, on the contrary. And the time is so short that, when you realize, it's already too late..." — realizing that the focus of the conversation, definitely, wasn't that, the Japanese shook his head quickly and resumed concentration. — "Anyway, now you can tell me about what has been bothering you so much."

And though Jinah had become sensitized, most of her awareness knew she was paying to be heard, not receiving to listen, so she forced herself to focus on her real purpose. It would be a long conversation.

                                 ♡˖°

"How do you feel?" — Jisung asked as soon as Jinah and he stepped on the sidewalk of the clinic where they had been present for the past two hours. The sun was almost already set, casting its last orange rays into Choi's — now calm and serene — face.

"Invigorated," — Jinah replied with a smile. It seemed that the weight on her shoulders had diminished almost to the point of disappearing. Time talking to Yuta did her a lot of good. Her frustrations and insecurities were resolved, as well as much of her chaotic situation involving Minhwan. — "I can't even remember the last time I felt so good."

Jinah didn't want to worry about anything anymore. Life was too short to be wasted fearing someone emotionally and psychologically weak — according to Yuta, that was the only explanation for Minhwan to act the way he acted, because only people unable to achieve things in a healthy way chose to follow the ways of blackmail, and though they seemed unshakeable from the outside, it was scientifically proved that, on the inside, they were more fragile than an egg shell. The secret was to show control of the situation and not to show that the emotions were so easily influenced, because, in that way, the oppressive side could no longer insist on a visibly useless device. With the rest, the police would be able to deal with it at the right time if that was necessary.

"That's great." — Jisung smiled too. — "That's how you have to stay. Let the task of being grumpy just for me."

"Thank you" — Jinah didn't think long before hugging Han, tightly. Without delay, his arms wrapped around her in the same intensity. — "Not only for having encouraged me to come here, but also for having accompanied me and stayed with me all the time."

Jisung didn't say it aloud, but, if there was anyone there who really should thank for something, that someone was himself. After all, it wasn't only Jinah's shoulders that were lighter, but Jisung's heart as well.

"It was nothing" — he undid his embrace gently and allowed his eyes to traverse the charming details of Choi's face. — "It's the least we can do for the people we like," — he said and kissed the girl's cheek, then grabbed her hand and resumed walking.

If Jinah didn't explode at that moment, it was thanks to the Lord.

(a/n: basic warning: get ready cause now will come a lot of softness (and other little things) from jisung and jinah)