The dimly lit study, with its rich mahogany paneling and the faint scent of old books, enveloped Tae Gwang in a sense of solitude. Soft candlelight danced across the room, casting shadows on the walls as he pored over the contract documents. His eyes scanned the pages, scrutinizing every clause, every word. Outside, the night sky was a deep shade of indigo, with stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the distant hum of the city.
Tae Gwang's thoughts were a jumble of emotions, his mind wrestling with the moral implications of his plan. He had convinced himself that this was to protect Yeorin's interests, to secure his future. "I'm doing this for his own good," he whispered, the words echoing in the stillness.
Tae Gwang cleared his table and got it neatly organized, Tae Gwang slipped his phone into his jacket's inner pocket and stood up. His gaze drifted to the family portrait on the wall – himself, Dal Hae, So Mi, and Yeorin – a poignant reminder of what was at stake.
The drive to Hyun Lee Ahn was a short one, the city's neon lights blurring together as he navigated the streets. Upon arrival, he was greeted by the sleek, modern restaurant in the heart of the city. The reception area was a masterpiece of minimalist design, with polished marble floors and a stunning chandelier.
As Tae Gwang entered the restaurant, the aroma of sizzling bulgogi enveloped him, transporting him to a place of comfort. Soft jazz played in the background, and the dim lighting cast a warm glow on Hyun Lee Ahn's face.
'Lee Ahn has always had a great taste'. He immediately sighted Lee Ahn and waved at her.
Hyun Lee Ahn welcomed him warmly, her smile calculated. "Tae Gwang, it's been too long." Her eyes sparkled with a hint of curiosity, her gaze lingering on his face.
Tae Gwang grinned. "Lee Ahn, we still spoke over the phone a couple of minutes ago." He took a seat in the plush leather chair opposite hers.
Hyun Lee Ahn leaned back, steepling her fingers. "I'm intrigued that you accepted my proposal."
Tae Gwang smiled and launched into a concise explanation of the bonding contract, outlining the benefits and potential risks. Hyun Lee Ahn listened intently, her expression unreadable.
'if I was told TG would grow up to be this eloquent and smart I'd have bet my life on the opposite' Lee Ahn said to herself as she stared at Tae Gwang in awe.
As he spoke, Tae Gwang couldn't help but notice the way Hyun Lee Ahn's eyes seemed to gleam with interest, her calculating gaze weighing every word. He sensed a hidden agenda lurking beneath her polished demeanor.
"I see," Hyun Lee Ahn said finally, her voice measured. "You're still a much talker you know? Are you signing it or not?"
Tae Gwang adjusted himself well on his chair, "I want to ask you something, why do you want to do this to your daughter? Like, you know...setting her up with someone she doesn't know."
Lee Ahn sighed heavily, the light resting in her face causing the left-hand side of her face to glow brightly. "Bora is a lonely kid and I know how that can feel. You remember in Finland, before I met you I was just a gloomy and boring kid that had no one to talk to, Bora is like that. She's surrounded but still all alone and I don't want that."
Tae Gwang looked at her trying to understand each word she said, in his heart, he was finding more reasons to go along with the contract, Yeorin was more lonely than anyone he knew. 'this might just be a blessing to both of them.'
Lee Ahn went on - "...and unfortunately for Bora, she has two very busy parents, I'm waiting to be sent away, to another part of the world, and her Dad, he's always busy.
Lee Ahn remembered the countless nights Bora spent crying, feeling like an outcast in her own family. Her determination to succeed was fueled by those dark moments.
That was the main reason Lee Ahn forced her to have her business school in Paris, so they could spend time together; even with that, Lee Ahn still didn't have enough time."
Tae Gwang leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "And you feel forcing her into a relationship is the best way to become closer to your daughter?"
Lee Ahn smirked, "Let me say, I've sort of given up on becoming close with Bora, I'm too much of a perfectionist for her. Bora is clumsy and loves that fact about herself. The fact that she makes mistakes, makes her happy, she says it makes her feel human." Lee Ahn smiled.
"So...." Tae Gwang said, trying to search for a conclusion from Lee Ahn.
Hyun Lee Ahn's smile grew wider. "so...I'm going to act like the perfectionist that I am and make her do my bidding, I'm her mother, I know what's best for her."
Tae Gwang leaned back, Lee ahns words hit an integral part of his memory, 'Do I know what's best for Yeorin or anyone?' his eyes became slightly wider than usual and he thrust deep into his thought.
'Regardless of how it turned out between me and his mother, Yeorin still has a good heart towards us, he didn't hate So Mi even if she's not his real sister, he still made me the face and CEO of a company he dreamt of. Am I even fit to be called a Father? His childhood was messed up because of me, Dal Hae and I fought a lot in his presence, yet he grew up to be the opposite of us - reserved, composed, and tacit.'
A distorted voice continually echoed in Tae Gwang's head, intruding his thoughts but he was so far gone in his thoughts that he didn't notice the distorted voice was Lee Ahn calling out his name until she hit his hand slightly.
"Mun Tae Gwang!" Lee Ahn called out, "Is everything alright?"
Tae Gwang blinked his eyes, repeatedly, "Mm(yes), Lee Ahn.."
Lee Ahn landed forward and held his hands, "Tae Gwang, gwaenchana (are you alright)?"
Tae Gwang deliberated on whether to tell her about how much of a useless Father he felt, but he held it in. Lee Ahn had always been there for him and she was still the same after a lot of years had passed by, she always sensed the slightest change in his mood and was there to help him through it. She was a real confidant.
"It's nothing," Tae Gwang resorted.
Lee Ahn looked at him, "still secretive, aren't you, tch.." she hissed. "You know my motivations for this contract, what is yours?"
Tae Gwang looked deep into his palms as if he were searching for what to say in there. "Yeorin, Yeorin is..." He stuttered. He continued with his voice breaking subsequently, "If you think Bora's lonely, you've not met Yeorin, he's the most lonely person I know." As he talked, a tiny amount of tears started making their way into his eyes, his eyes soon became watery.
"Your daughter, Bora right? She is surrounded by people but it is still lonely, isn't it? But Yeorin is the stack opposite, he has no one and wants to have no one, and I feel it's my fault he turned out to be like that." Tae Gwang sighed.
Lee Ahn could sense the genuine emotions etched in Tae Gwang's words. The Tae Gwang she knew was a hard nut to crack, his feelings were very malicious, nothing made him cry when he was younger, but here he is, 24 years older since their last encounter and he's talking to her about his kid with tear-filled eyes.
"He used to be a very gaiety kid, you know? He was the type to jest and talk with people. 8 years later and he's the stack opposite of what he was as a kid. His birthday was just a couple of weeks back but I forgot to call him, and he didn't care when I called to apologize.."
Tae Gwang recalled Yeorin's words: 'I'm used to it, Appa.' The resignation in his son's voice still haunted him. "...He, he said he was used to it."
The more she looked at Tae Gwang in his disarray, the more she felt the urge to become closer to her daughter, but she felt the same thing Tae Gwang felt, not just at the same tempo. Bora was still a child that would never grow up to her and she always treated her like one. Bora's vulnerability and weakness needed attention and she as a Mother couldn't work on that perfectly, she was either busy at home or abroad.
"Do you think they'll be perfect for each other, they go through the same pain and have relatable experiences in some aspects of life, they're both art lovers and whatnot," Lee Ahn asked
Tae Gwang smiled, "I wouldn't lie to you, Lee Ahn, I don't think so. Yeorin is not one to be fond of people. He can be a shoulder for her to cry on and can be a listener because he doesn't talk, but I think that's all he can be. He doesn't have the heart to love someone."
"Tsk.." Lee Ahn smirked, "what's he? A robot? Even robots are starting to become programmed with human emotions. Every human can love."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever short legs." Tae Gwang jested.
Lee Ahn produced a document from her black leather bag, sliding it across the polished wood. "I've drafted a complementary contract. One that benefits both families."
The contract stipulates a two-year partnership,' Lee Ahn explained. "If either party breaches the agreement, they'll face significant financial penalties." Tae Gwang's unease grew as he contemplated the risks."I put in a breach clause even I wouldn't be willing to pay." Lee Ahn whispered mischievously.
She took out a pen from her bag and signed on the place that had Bora's name on it. "I've signed for Bora, now sign for your son.
Tae Gwang was shocked, "wait, you didn't even ask your daughter if she wanted this?"
Lee Ahn looked at Tae Gwang, confusion etched on her face, "what are you saying? Why do you think we're here, we came here to sign a contract for our children not to ask for their input." She said and started rambling words to herself, "Besides, Bora would not want this, but this is her punishment though, no Su Ki, no Kenji - then she would accept this and put me at ease."
"What are you saying? Who are Kenji and Su Ki? What punishment?" Tae Gwang continued to bombard Lee Ahn with questions.
Lee Ahn closed her eyes slightly, resting her face in her hands and looking at Tae Gwang as he continued to talk. His words soon became distorted in her ears. "Would you just sign it? You still talk too much, gosh!'' Lee Ahn exclaimed, rolling her eyes. Tae Gwang chuckled, recognizing the familiar spark in her gaze.
Tae Gwang took out his pen, looking at the piece of paper holding a lot of clauses that he didn't think were favorable to him.
Meanwhile, Tae Gwang's thoughts drifted to Yeorin. His son's isolation worried him. 'What if this contract was the key to Yeorin's happiness? Yeorin might act all tough on the outside, but in the real sense of it, he's a big softie on the inside.'
Tae Gwang looked at Lee Ahn, "Let me think about this, I'll ask Yeorin himself."
Lee Ahn placed her head on the table in disappointment, 'why does he always have to be a stubborn goat? Why!!'
"I thought we agreed on this already TG," Lee Ahn said muffledly.
"Mihane (I'm sorry)," Tae Gwang said, I just realized that I might make another mistake again, I'll ask him what he thinks about it.
The night wore on and both Tae Gwang and Lee Ahn parted ways. In the eyes of the two parents they did what they thought was best for their child.
Lee Ahn valued Bora as the most important piece on her chess board - the King. She was committed to protecting her at all costs, even if it meant going against her own will. Tae Gwang, on the other hand, appreciated Yeorin as the most dynamic chess piece, with his unpredictable yet subtle movements and strikes resembling those of the Knight.