The hospital parking lot is filled with vehicles of unique shapes—some rounded, others slightly cubic. These vehicles, known as "Rak" in their world, do not have wheels and move through advanced sensors that repel gravity. The sensors keep them hovering above the ground, defying the pull of gravity with ease. Only the rightful owner of a Rak can control it, as it responds exclusively to their command.
These vehicles are highly durable; even if they fall from great heights, they remain unscathed due to their gravity-repelling technology. Their world blends science and power, creating a nature-like harmony where such advancements thrive.
Among the many Raks parked here, Kangha's own vehicle stands out.
From a distance, the sound of approaching footsteps becomes audible.
A nurse approaches Kangha in the quiet hospital corridor, holding out a form. Her voice is calm but professional. "Please fill out this form. The doctor is treating them."
Kangha takes the form without hesitation, his movements steady and composed. "Alright," he replies, his voice low yet firm. He grabs a pen and begins filling out the required details with sharp precision.
Ji Yeon, standing nearby, watches him intently. Her gaze follows the steady motion of his hand as he writes each word with care. There's a seriousness on his face that she hasn't seen before, and for a moment, she finds herself drawn to it.
Her eyes catch a detail that makes her pause. On the form, in the section asking for the relationship to the patient, Kangha writes the word "son" without any hesitation. Ji Yeon's breath catches as she looks at him again, something stirring in her heart.
She remembers his mother's words about him: He's brave, selfless, and has a good heart. And now, in this moment, she sees it for herself. This isn't the boy whose beauty had once distracted her. This is someone else entirely—someone admirable.
For the first time, Ji Yeon finds herself liking him, not for his looks, but for who he truly is.
Kangha finishes the form and hands it back to the nurse, his tone polite but firm. "Here's the form. And the hospital fees—I'll pay them now."
The nurse nods with a small smile, taking the form and the money. "Thank you. The doctor will update you soon," she says before walking away.
As silence falls again, Ji Yeon glances at Kangha one more time. There's something about him now that she can't ignore—something that makes her want to know more.
Kangha sits quietly, his face unreadable, lost in his thoughts. The air around him feels heavy with unspoken worries.
Ji Yeon breaks the silence, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How did you respond to the contest?" she asks, her voice soft but hesitant.
Without looking at her, Kangha replies in a calm, measured tone. "I participated. There was no other option for me."
Ji Yeon frowns, her expression turning oddly animated. "What a bad man your grandfather is," she remarks, her face twisted in a strange mix of confusion and disapproval.
Kangha finally turns his head to look at her, his gaze sharp yet calm. There's no anger, just a quiet firmness in his voice as he speaks. "My grandfather is not bad," he says, pausing briefly before adding, "And he's not my grandfather."
His words carry weight, silencing Ji Yeon instantly. She looks away, realizing her mistake. This isn't the time to say such things, she thinks, guilt washing over her. She can see the worry etched on his face, and her careless comment only makes her feel worse.
The two of them fall into silence, the tension hanging in the air. Ji Yeon glances at Kangha out of the corner of her eye, unsure of how to ease the discomfort she has caused. Instead, she chooses to stay quiet, letting the moment pass unspoken.
After some time, the doctor steps out of the room, his expression calm yet serious. "Her blood pressure was high," he informs them. "I've given her medicine, and she'll sleep for the next two hours. After that, you can meet her. But it's not good for her to be this upset. You all need to think about that."
Kangha nods, his voice heavy with sadness. "Yes, doctor," he replies softly.
Night falls, but neither Kangha nor Ji Yeon leaves the hospital. The waiting area grows quieter as the hours pass, with only the distant hum of hospital machinery breaking the silence. Kangha leans back against his chair, his head resting on the hard surface. His face is expressionless, his thoughts locked away.
Ji Yeon glances at him, breaking the stillness. "Kangha, I'm staying with my mother. You should go to school tomorrow. Woo-Jin will worry about you," she says, her voice gentle but firm.
Kangha shakes his head, his gaze fixed ahead. "No, I'll stay," he replies. "You might need me here."
Ji Yeon watches him for a moment, sensing the quiet determination in his tone. She doesn't argue.
Two hours later, the nurse approaches them with a warm smile. "Miss Choi has regained consciousness. You can go see her now."
Both of them rise quickly, their earlier exhaustion forgotten. Together, they walk toward the room, the tension of the evening lingering in the air as they step inside.
"Are you okay?" Kangha asks, his tone soft but laced with concern. Miss Choi is sitting upright on the hospital bed, her expression calm but tired.
"Yes, I'm fine now," she replies, offering him a faint smile.
Kangha pulls a chair closer and sits beside her. His face is serious as he speaks. "Who told you to get unconscious?" he asks bluntly, his words carrying an edge of frankness that catches her off guard.
Miss Choi raises her eyebrows in surprise, then shrugs lightly. "I don't faint at anyone's behest," she answers, her voice tinged with a hint of humor.
"Then why did you get so upset just because someone said something to you?" Kangha presses, his gaze unwavering.
Ji Yeon interrupts, her voice calm but firm. "He's right, Mom. I think we should go home now."
Kangha's eyes flick to Ji Yeon, and he frowns slightly. He doesn't like her words at this moment. Why would she say that now? he wonders, his chest tightening with an unspoken frustration.
Miss Choi nods in agreement, slowly swinging her legs off the side of the bed. "Yes, let's go," she says. Ji Yeon helps her stand, carefully holding her mother by the shoulders as they begin walking toward the door.
Kangha follows them silently, his thoughts racing. Maybe I didn't respond to Ji Yeon properly earlier. Is she upset because of me? He keeps his distance, observing as Ji Yeon gently instructs her mother.
"I don't think you should talk about school or anything stressful while we're in the hospital," Ji Yeon says softly, her tone carrying a mix of concern and authority. "You're going to rest when we get home, okay?"
Miss Choi nods, leaning slightly on her daughter for support as they make their way out. Kangha walks a few steps behind them, his mind a storm of thoughts, unsure of how to bridge the growing distance between him and Ji Yeon.
They get into the car and drive back to the school. The journey is quiet, the weight of unspoken thoughts lingering between them.
Upon reaching the school, Ji Yeon steps out first, carefully helping Miss Choi as they head toward the entrance. Kangha remains seated for a moment, watching as Ji Yeon gently supports her mother.
He finally gets out of the car, his eyes following their figures as they disappear into the school building. A heavy thought lingers in his mind. Have I treated her badly?
Unbeknownst to them, the headmaster watches from the window of his office, his piercing gaze fixed on Ji Yeon as she leads Miss Choi inside. His face betrays no emotion, but his mind churns with dark thoughts.
So, this girl is his weakness, he muses. His expression shifts as a sinister smile creeps onto his lips. It won't be difficult to defeat Kangha now. A man's greatest vulnerability is his closest relationships.
The headmaster's devilish grin deepens as he leans back in his chair. Kangha, you will have to choose—compete or protect those you care about.
Meanwhile, Kangha remains rooted to the spot, staring at the empty doorway where Ji Yeon and Miss Choi disappeared. The breeze brushes past him, but he doesn't move. His mind feels clouded, the weight of unseen battles beginning to press down on him.
Kangha finally enters the school, the corridors dim and quiet at this hour. He walks slowly to his room, his thoughts still lingering on Ji Yeon and Miss Choi. I don't think I should go to Miss Choi now. I'll talk to her in the morning, he decides, his steps heavy with exhaustion.
Reaching his room, he shuts the door behind him and collapses onto the bed. As he lies there, a strange sensation stirs in his stomach. He places a hand over it and frowns. Oh… I haven't eaten since morning, he realizes.
Sighing, Kangha sits up, stretches his arms, and heads to the sink to wash his hands. Once done, he makes his way to the kitchen.
The kitchen is buzzing with activity. Students are scattered around, some seated at tables, eating and chatting, while others stand near the counters, serving themselves. The warm aroma of food fills the air, momentarily lifting Kangha's spirits.
Among the students, he notices Ji Yeon. She's quietly collecting food, but instead of sitting down to eat, she carefully places two trays onto a tray cart—one for herself and the other for Miss Choi. Kangha watches her as she adjusts the trays, her movements precise and purposeful. Without saying a word, Ji Yeon pushes the cart toward the door, clearly intending to take the food back to her room.
Kangha's gaze lingers on her retreating figure, a flicker of admiration mixed with unease crossing his face. She's always thinking about her mother. She hardly seems to take a moment for herself, he thinks.
He shakes his head and turns his attention to finding something to eat, his stomach growling impatiently.