Chapter 11 - Take this punishment

This bonus chapter for "Stars to Fall" for giving first gifts and comments on the story💜

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In the evening, Min Jun and Hyun Soo returned home, feeling lighter and closer than ever before. They agreed to meet later in the garden after dinner, exchanging a subtle smile before heading to their respective rooms.

After a quick shower, Min Jun stepped out of the washroom, still toweling off his hair, when he noticed his mother, Kim Minji, sitting in the tiny living room. She had returned earlier than expected, and the sight of her there took him by surprise.

"Mom, you're home early," Min Jun said, his voice tinged with confusion as he gave her a curious glance.

But instead of the warm greeting he expected, his mother's expression was filled with concern. "Jun-a, what have you done?" Kim Minji asked. 

"Huh?" Min Jun blinked in confusion, not fully grasping his mother's words.

"Master has summoned you," Kim Minji said, her voice tinged with concern. "He didn't look in a good mood," she added, her eyes searching her son's face for any sign of trouble. "Tell me you did nothing wrong."

"I did nothing wrong, Mom," Min Jun reassured her, though a knot of anxiety began to form in his stomach. He quickly placed the towel on the chair, trying to compose himself. "Stay here. I'll be back soon."

But Kim Minji shook her head firmly. "I'll accompany you," she insisted, her protective instincts kicking in. She wasn't going to let her son face whatever awaited him alone.

Together, they left their modest home and walked toward the Park Mansion. As they reached the grand living hall, Min Jun spotted Park Jang Si, his wife, Park Jiwoo and son, Park Hyun Soo seated on the couch. 

Min Jun walked forward and respectfully greeted Hyun Soo's parents, his posture straight and his expression calm despite the tension in the room.

But as soon as he finished his greeting, Park Jang Si's cold voice cut through the air. "Why did you let my son bunk his coaching classes?" The accusation was clear, and the sharpness in his tone made it evident that he was not pleased.

Before Min Jun could respond, Hyun Soo jumped to his defense. "Dad, he didn't do anything. It was me who wanted to skip today's classes. I made that clear to you last night," he said, his voice firm as he tried to protect Min Jun from his father's wrath.

Park Jang Si's eyes narrowed as he turned his stern gaze toward his son. "Stay silent. I didn't permit you to speak," he reprimanded sharply, his words heavy with authority. His gaze then shifted back to Min Jun, his eyes filled with disdain. "Have you forgotten your place?"

Min Jun could feel the weight of Park Jang Si's words, but before he could respond, Hyun Soo stood up, refusing to let the situation escalate further. "Dad, stop this. You can't humiliate Min Jun. I was the one who wanted to go out because I was tired of studying continuously," Hyun Soo asserted with a sharp tone. 

He turned to Min Jun, his eyes softening with concern. "You should go, Min Jun," he said gently, trying to protect him from any further confrontation.

"Kim Minji, it seems you forgot to teach your son what kind of work you do here! If because of him my son fails to get a good college, then I'll end his career too. Keep that in mind," Park Jang Si affirmed. 

"You don't have to humiliate my mom, Sir," Min Jun finally said. He then bowed deeply, showing respect to Park Jang Si before straightening up. "I'm aware of my mother's work. But no work is small. If people like us stop working, then even the rich may suffer." His gaze was unwavering as he looked directly into Park Jang Si's eyes.

The room fell into a stunned silence. Kim Minji, startled by her son's boldness, quickly hit his back, urging him to stay quiet. But it was too late. 

Park Jang Si's expression darkened as he left his seat and walked toward Min Jun with slow, deliberate steps. The air grew thick with tension as Park Jiwoo, Hyun Soo's mother, also stood up, her face pale with worry. She knew all too well her husband's volatile temper and feared what might come next.

"Poor people tend to speak a lot," Park Jang Si said coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. "You are young, Min Jun. You've seen the struggles of life like no one else. Yet, you have the audacity to speak before me," he added.

Kim Minji's eyes filled with tears as she quickly stepped forward, pleading with Park Jang Si. "Master, please forgive my son. I'll make sure he gets disciplined," she said, joining her hands together in a gesture of deep apology.

Park Jang Si's expression remained stern as he glanced at her briefly. "Follow me to the study," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Madam Park and Min Jun's mother should stay here," he added, making it clear that this was a matter to be dealt with privately.

As he turned and walked away, Kim Minji grabbed Min Jun's arm, her eyes brimming with tears. "Jun-aa, don't talk back to Master Park. Do you understand? Apologize to him sincerely," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling with fear for her son.

Min Jun met his mother's tearful gaze and nodded. "I understand, Mom," he said softly.

Min Jun then followed Park Jang Si toward the study, Hyun Soo walking beside him. "Min Min, if Dad says anything, then don't step in," Hyun Soo urged before walking ahead of him. 

Min Jun entered last and closed the door behind him. Park Jang Si had a stick in his hand and he glanced at Hyun Soo, wondering what could happen next. 

"What your late father failed to do, I should do," said Park Jang Si. 

"Dad! Are you—" 

"Stay quiet!" Park Jang Si sternly told his son. "Don't make me do something which you'll regret later," he asserted. 

Hyun Soo gulped and turned silent. He gazed at Min Jun as concern grew on his face. 

"Remove your shirt," Park Jang Si said. "If you refuse to take this punishment, your mother should," he pronounced, gazing at Kim Min Jun.