“Hey, I didn’t expect that from you…”
Kim Minho’s eyes sparkled transparently. He looked as if he was impressed.
“A strategist! Damn, you’re right. Damn! No wonder. People with brains are different. Yeah, that’s why those bastards dragged you around. Yeah! You’re right! Timing is everything.”
Kim Minho continued to punch the air, throwing a fit. I was worried he might get stubborn again, but it seed like my suggestion was better than he expected, and he couldn’t stop admiring it to himself. I asked, cautiously, just in case Kim Minho changed his mind.
“After the break ends, that’s when it’ll be okay, right?”
“Of course! Hell yeah! That’s a great idea. How about right after vacation ends? Do you think that’ll be okay? Do you think the rumors will spread like wildfire?”
“Maybe a little later. It’s better when there’s nothing to talk about, when it’s all boring.”
“Damn, I can already feel my mouth itching. How am I supposed to hold this back?”
Despite saying that, Kim Minho kept chuckling, unable to stop laughing. Seeing his pathetic self, I felt a little relieved. Okay, I had bought so ti for now.
I had no intention of doing things the way Kim Minho wanted. But I couldn’t afford to let my reputation be scarred. I was already a broken, fragile tower, shattered by Go Yohan. I had a bright future laid out by my parents. That ant I had to think even harder than others. What should I do? What should I do next? As I pondered these thoughts, sumr break ca.
The last sumr break of high school.
****
o celebrate the vacation, my parents visited. They ca with a car full of gifts and imdiately burst into tears when they saw . Especially my mother, who clutched my face and checked over carefully, relieved only after confirming I was alright.
That evening, the real conversation began. It was over a luxurious spread of food at so restaurant, all piled up under the pretense of “not being able to take care of my son.” Even my father had to step out for a phone call, and my mother, while cutting the at soaked in blood with a knife, casually dropped the bombshell about my troubles.
“You’re ranked 12th in the school, right?”
My gaze automatically dropped to the floor.
“Ah…”
Of course, it was sothing I’d have to face eventually, but bringing the truth to light was sothing I really didn’t want to do. I always felt a strange sense of guilt toward my parents, so I had a habit of minimizing bad news as much as possible. My drop in grades was no exception. But that secret, which I desperately tried to hide, ended up reaching my mother when I least expected it. I had been prepared for it, though, and I knew there was nothing I could do about it.
“When did you find out?”
“A long ti ago. I didn’t want to hurt you, so I didn’t bring it up.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Sorry, my ass!”
The silverware on the table clattered heavily. My mother swallowed her frustration.
“Don’t say that. It breaks my heart when you say things like that. What have you done wrong? It’s those pathetic insects. They’re the ones jealous of you, dragging you down. It’s just bad luck for you. I should’ve been more involved. I thought you could handle things on your own, so I didn’t do much. I’ll reflect on that too.”
This absolute support only made feel worse. I felt like I had beco a son who had betrayed his parents’ trust.
“No, it’s my fault. I just couldn’t focus. I’ll do better from now on.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already checked everything out. There are so many kind parents, and I’ve received a lot of good recomndations for consulting. With your grades, you still have a good chance for regular admission, and when I asked around, it’s not as hopeless as it seems.”
“Oh, yes. My horoom teacher said the sa thing.”
“Of course. And nowadays, the people doing consulting are all experts. I made a call, and from what they saw, you’ve done well enough that you can still make it. Just follow what they say. There’s nothing to worry about. Do so more volunteer work, join more school competitions.”
“I don’t have ti for volunteer work…”
“It’s fine. I’ve already contacted your mom’s old classmate who works at a hospital. You don’t need to worry about that.”
“…What about the school competitions? There are only six months left, and I won’t have ti to join any competitions.”
“I’m eting with the vice-principal tomorrow, so don’t worry about that either.”
“Why are you eting with them?”
“Kang Jun.”
Her calm voice soothed . My parents were always this absolute. Any restless worries were gone with those few words.
“I’ll take care of everything.”
Kang Jun was really fortunate when it ca to his parents. No matter how many tis I thought about it, the answer was always the sa.
“Our son doesn’t have to worry about anything. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Don’t let anyone bring you down. Our son will grow up to be soone who commands others. Understand?”
With all the excessive praise and limitless trust, what could I even say? I was crushed by the overwhelming embarrassnt.
“…Thank you so much.”
“Not thank you, it’s just what’s natural.”
“By the way, who told you about this?”
Amid the overwhelming embarrassnt, a spark of curiosity arose. It was a simple question. Who exactly knew about , cared for , and offered all these benefits?
“What? Your grades? I heard it from the academy teacher. They said it was serious, but it’s not really that serious.”
“No, not that... The consulting. Who recomnded it?”
“Why?”
My mother tilted her head slightly and asked.
“Uh, I was wondering if it was soone nad Jisoo from Class 2.”
“Jisoo? Ahn Jisoo? The one who used to always rank first in the school? What about her? Are you close?”
“Yeah? Uh, yeah. We’re just a bit close.”
“Really? She and her mother are different. Her mom is a real piece of work. She only takes the best information for herself and keeps quiet about it when she gets useful info outside. She’s famous for that. If her son hadn’t ssed up his studies, she’d probably have quit that group by now. Ugh.”
It’s true. A child is a reflection of their parent. I muttered quietly to myself as I thought about it. Apparently, my mother heard , as she set the cup down and asked.
“What did you say?”
“Oh, nothing.”
I quickly waved my hand and smiled as naturally as I could. My mother, seeing my smile, smiled lightly and then, as if rembering sothing, tapped the table gently.
“The consulting? Oh, you know the boy from the house next door, right? The one in your class?”
“Yeah...?”
“It’s his mom. She contacted first, asking if we’d be interested in so college admissions consulting. I wasn’t expecting anything, but she gave so really good info. Her help was really big.”
“Next door?”
“Yeah, next door. Their oldest son has already gone through the admissions process, so he knows all the ins and outs. He’s a real expert.”
“Next door?”
“Yeah, why do you keep asking?”
“…”
What is this? What the hell is going on? A woman in her middle age, looking fragile, smiled elegantly, much like a smile I had seen before. In fact, her face is blurry. She wasn’t the type of person who left a lasting impression, so why is she suddenly popping up here?
“How did she know your mother’s number?”
“It’d be weird if she didn’t know. Parents talk among themselves, they have their contact networks.”
“Then how does she know about my situation...?”
“Of course, she’d know. Her second son is close to you. You’re in the sa class, right?”
“Really?”
That’s true, but... I couldn’t understand the situation at all.
Why is this person suddenly being so kind to ? Especially after what happened with that arrogant, suspicious high school student next door? Has she got so ulterior motive? My face involuntarily scrunched up. Or is she trying to bribe that arrogant high school student who discovered my secret, or is she showing rcy on with a heart as vast as the ocean? I couldn’t figure out what her intentions were, and it was eating at my nerves.
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“…Are you going to visit her? To that person?”
“Worried because she’s a friend’s parent? Don’t worry. I’ll go alone.”
What should I do? Kang Jun? Standing at a crossroads. Should I run, or confront it?
After a brief mont of thought, I ca to a conclusion—it was the latter. Kang Jun doesn’t like unresolved situations. It’s better to face things head-on and find a conclusion. Plus, I hate being caught off guard without knowing what’s going on.
“No, she’s soone who personally helped get things right. I should visit her myself. Won’t it seem rude if I don’t go?”
“That’d be even better.”
Go Yohan and the house. Two things imdiately ca to mind, and a person appeared in my thoughts. It was embarrassing and shaful, but I had to et them eventually.
“But… I’m embarrassed about receiving help, so I’d rather my classmate not know about it.”
“Kang Jun.”
My parents, the ones who gave birth to and raised , definitely tend to overestimate . Whether it’s due to guilt for having left alone for so long or because I’m their only son and they see as precious, I’m not sure.
“You’re too kind for your own good. I don’t worry about your grades, but I worry because you’re too kind.”
****
“Are you practicing your acting well?”
Kim Minho is terrible with timing. He sent this ssage while holding a large bouquet in one hand and a wine bottle and branded necklace in a gift bag with the other. And, of course, he was probably holding his phone in between all that. As my mother was waiting by the door, she caught a glimpse of the screen when it lit up.
“Who is it?”
“It’s nothing, just a friend from school.”
“He’s not bothering you or being weird, is he?”
“No way.”
I smiled, scrunching my nose, and awkwardly moved my thumb to type a short ssage.
‘Shut up’
I prayed and prayed for Kim Minho to just shut up in front of this damn Catholic house. Soon, the loud sound of the doorbell ringing echoed, and the door opened to reveal a familiar garden with a kind face I didn’t recognize.
“Sorry I’m late. I was preparing a few things since you said you’d co.”
“It’s fine. I’m sorry I couldn’t co right away. I’ve been delaying it because of work. I really haven’t been a good parent.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve been busy too, looking after the youngest and the eldest… These days, it’s all about contacting people through phones, so I’ve gotten too laid back.”
“Here, take this.”
“Oh, you shouldn’t have… This is too much.”
After the warm greetings filled with adult excuses, my introduction began. My mother pointed to with one hand, and I bowed my head, holding up the gift in my hand.
“…Hello.”
As I straightened up, I made eye contact with Go Yohan’s mother. It was an awkward mont. Honestly, if I said it wasn’t uncomfortable, that would be a lie. But I had to do what I had to do.
“Oh, right... It’s nice to et you. Have we t before?”
“Uh, have we?”
“Yes. A while ago.”
Her kind and gentle face smiled cautiously. It seed very generous. Noticing my mother’s puzzled expression, I took the lead and explained.
“I’ve only t her once.”
“When? Why didn’t I know about this?”
“…I’ve visited here a few tis.”
I bent my waist a little more and bowed deeply.
“I really apologize for what happened back then. I’ve already apologized to Yohan and settled things.”
This was the first thing I had to do—keeping my promise to Go Yohan.
“…What do you an? Mom’s never heard of this.”
“No, it’s just... I’m sorry for apologizing so late.”
“Kang Jun, what…?”
My mother placed her hand on my back and quietly asked, but I couldn’t answer. I didn’t offer an excuse because I didn’t want to reveal my mistake. It was the sa with my apology the mont we made eye contact. Rather than discussing our situations in detail and trying to ease the tension in a more formal setting, I wanted to quickly and urgently move past it. After all, when the location changes, the conversation topics change as well. I intended to resolve this issue in a place where we wouldn’t stay long.
“What do you an, ‘sorry’?”
I didn’t expect her to ask so directly. I thought she would just let it go because she seed like a gentle person, but instead, she picked the very topic I wanted to avoid and brought it up.
“Ah, yes? Uh… well…”
I glanced at my mother. I definitely had sothing to say. I had been rehearsing it for months. “I acted arrogantly back then. I’m embarrassed and sorry, so I couldn’t co earlier. I’ve already made up with Yohan, so don’t think anything weird about it, even if I didn’t visit.” I needed to say it, but my mouth wouldn’t open, like I had honey in my mouth. I kept watching my mother, waiting for the right mont.
I thought it would be easier with my mother around. Maybe I should have just co alone and apologized quickly. I had been putting off eting this family because it felt so awkward.
“Well…”
My mouth opened and closed. The words I couldn’t say bubbled up like air bubbles. I clamped my lips shut, wetting them with my tongue, mumbling, trying to break the silence. I clenched my fist as I tried to gather the courage to speak, but my mother’s calm voice interrupted.
“I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. You’ve always been polite, haven’t you?”
“Really?”
“Oh, I see?”
“Of course. How else could I have been so concerned about you, Jun, if I hadn’t thought so highly of you?”
“Goodness.”
“You’re so lucky to have a son like him.”
My mother’s face lit up with admiration. Her crescent-shaped eyes looked at with pride. I was so dumbfounded that I could only look at my mother and Go Yohan’s mother.
“I really did a great job raising him. I’m so proud of him.”
“I agree. I wish I had a son like Jun. My kids aren’t as well-behaved. And even our outsider friends are always praising Jun.”
At those words, my mother’s face brightened imdiately. With a joyful expression, she returned the complint with grace.
“If a mother like you has a son, he must be a wonderful child. Plus, the second one is close to Jun, and Jun always says so. He says he’s a smart kid, and of course, that’s true since he’s in the top-performing class. Right, Jun?”
“Uh? Ah, uh... yeah. He, he’s really good at studying.”
“It’s just a pull-up, you know. Still, thank you for speaking so kindly. I appreciate it. Thank you, Jun.”
I couldn’t get a grip on the conversation as the flattery piled up. I couldn’t even tell if it was genuine or just forced praise. My mother, with just the ntion of “sa class,” ca up with complints so quickly. Her quick thinking was impressive. I’d never once complinted Go Yohan in front of my mother.
“Oh, and actually, as I ntioned yesterday... this was an opportunity I got through so really lucky connections while preparing for my firstborn’s entrance exams. I had to sneak in since I wasn’t on the list, so I feel a little guilty about it. Please don’t tell the other parents, okay?”
“Of course not. I kept it completely quiet. I was actually a bit worried, though…”
“Worried? Why? You were already preparing so well. I just helped a little. Oh, don’t stand here, co inside. I’ve prepared so good wine.”
“Thank you, then I’ll go inside.”
Her long, slender fingers pointed toward the familiar hallway. With a warm smile on her face, she led the way. But suddenly, the hallway felt like the jaws of hell disguised as the face of heaven. If I walked in, I might get swallowed up. It felt like I was touching a beehive that I shouldn’t touch. To relax my stiff body, I shifted my tightly clenched fist slightly.
“By the way, could you please call the housekeeper before we go in?”
“Huh?”
“I have a thank-you gift, but it might be a little too heavy for my son to carry.”
The only person I could rely on was my mother. She stood tall, smiling confidently. She was the only hope I had shining brightly. I thought again that it was the right choice to co with her.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. It must have been heavy for you.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I’m okay.”
Even though I didn’t say “it wasn’t heavy,” I was her son, after all. I was going to be an adult next year, and I thought I was sowhat clever. But as soon as I entered this living room, I felt like a complete idiot.
It was truly a wise decision to co with my mother. My mother and Go Yohan’s mother were talking so enthusiastically, I couldn’t even tell if they were genuinely getting along or just pretending. Their conversation swiftly shifted from discussing my school life to property prices and money matters. I sat there like an idiot without saying a word.
It was because I had seen Go Yohan’s middle school graduation photo in the invited living room.
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