Joon-won knew he had to secure some acting roles quickly to help his family financially and ease the burden on Min-seok. The conversation with his father left him with a sense of duty, a feeling he hadn't experienced in his previous life. They talked for a while longer until Min-seok had to go out for groceries. As Joon-won put his phone down, he leaned back on the couch, reflecting on their exchange.
He had never had such a light-hearted and warm conversation before. The feeling of talking to a parent, someone who cared deeply for his well-being, was a novel and comforting experience. Despite not knowing Min-seok personally, the memories he inherited gave him a sense of familiarity and comfort. He understood now why children turned to their parents during tough times. There was a unique solace in knowing someone had your back, no matter what.
The setting sun cast an orange hue across the sky. Joon-won rose from the couch, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on his shoulders. He needed to clear his mind. Grabbing a hoodie and his phone, he decided to go for a run, hoping the physical exertion would help him process his feelings.
Stepping out of his apartment, he surveyed his surroundings. Deciding to head left towards a nearby park, he began jogging at a slow pace. His body, still weak and unaccustomed to exercise, protested against the sudden activity. His goal was to gradually build up his stamina and add some muscle to his frame.
As he jogged down the street, the cool evening air filled his lungs. His breathing grew labored, and he slowed to a walk as he approached the park, his hands resting on his hips to steady his breath. The park was a tranquil oasis amid the urban landscape, with well-maintained paths and a central fountain.
Collapsing onto a bench near the fountain, Joon-won took a moment to catch his breath. "This body... huff, huff... is so weak," he muttered to himself. "That jog wasn't even 2 kilometers, and I'm already out of breath. I thought I was weak back then, but this is on another level."
His thoughts drifted to his past life, remembering how his wife, Zen Quin, had insisted on him building his physical strength. She was the strongest magician in the kingdom, while he had no magical abilities. To ensure he stayed healthy and didn't fall sick easily, she had put him through rigorous physical training. That training, though grueling, had turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
He began a breathing exercise he had learned from Zen Quin, focusing on steadying his breath and calming his mind. As his breathing normalized, he stood up, stretching his limbs before jogging back home. The exercise had served its purpose, clearing his mind and easing the emotional weight he carried.
Back at his apartment, Joon-won peeled off his sweat-soaked hoodie and took a refreshing shower. Dressed in fresh clothes, he sat on the couch and pulled out his phone. He opened the messaging app, staring at the blank chat with Kim Yun-hee, his younger sister. He hesitated, unsure of how to start a conversation after so long.
After a few moments of contemplation, he typed: [Yun-hee, how are you?] and hit send. Putting his phone aside, he moved to the kitchen to prepare a healthy dinner.
As he chopped vegetables and stirred the pot, his phone buzzed with a reply from Yun-hee: [I am okay. How are you doing there? Is big city life good?]
He quickly responded: [I'm good too. Yes, it's been okay, but home is still better. How are your studies going? Have you decided which university you want to go to? You need to prepare for the national exam depending on that.]
Her reply was swift: [Don't nag me now. My studies are fine. I'm still deciding where to go and what to study.]
He tried to tread carefully, not wanting to come off as overbearing: [Take your time. You still have a few weeks before the exam. Think about it slowly, and remember, both Dad and I will support your decision. So, think it through.]
[Don't worry too much about it. I'll make the right decision. Was it Dad who asked you to text me?] Her insight took him by surprise.
Joon-won felt a pang of guilt as he replied: [Does it matter? Dad is worried about you. You know we're his everything. He works hard, even when he should be resting, to keep our family afloat. The least we can do is acknowledge his hard work and care.]
As soon as he sent the message, he regretted it. It sounded preachy, a tone that could alienate his sister rather than bring her closer. There was no immediate reply, so he continued cooking, trying to focus on the task at hand.
Once his dinner was ready, he carried his plate to the couch. He hesitated before checking his phone, half-expecting an angry retort from Yun-hee. Her message was blunt: [Joon-won, don't act hypocritically. You've been gone for almost a year, never visiting home, and you rarely call Dad or me unless we reach out first. Don't start lecturing me now. I know what I'm doing, so don't try to school me.]
Her words stung because they held truth. He couldn't argue against her points. He replied with a resigned tone: [Just remember what I said. I'm not telling you to follow my advice blindly. Just be considerate. I'll try to come home if I get time this summer.] He set his phone aside, not expecting a response.
He ate his dinner slowly, savoring the flavors while lost in thought. Washing the dishes afterward, he felt a sense of quiet resolve. Yun-hee's harsh words had left an impact, but he was determined to mend their relationship and prove that he genuinely cared.
Jumping onto his bed, he reflected on the day. There was no reply from Yun-hee, but he wasn't waiting for one. He understood that rebuilding trust would take time. As he closed his eyes, he thought about his plans to secure acting roles, support his family, and navigate the complexities of his new life.