Over time, Minjin and Minjun's connection weakened because of miscommunication. Minjun was completely absorbed in high school, with his days consumed by relentless self-study and late-night study sessions. He sometimes found it difficult to find free time and consider anything beyond his demanding routine.
Meanwhile, Minjin was steadily forging her own path. Her interest in physics had grown significantly over the years, propelling her towards a future in the sciences. She signed up for advanced physics courses, became active in several clubs, and participated in national science fairs, earning her recognition as a genius alongside Einstein within academic communities across the United States.
Her months were fully scheduled with her attending her taekwondo training, where, at an early age, she was recognized as a black belter. The rest were consumed with study sessions, research projects, and Mandarin classes, which ignited her passion for calligraphy and kept her fully engaged.
In Minjin's first year of high school, her mother's behavior had become increasingly erratic over the past few months. She came home late, her phone was always hidden from view, and her mood was unpredictable. Minjin was already dealing with the pressures of high school and found this unsettling, but she tried to focus on her studies.
Her father who was typically calm and collected, became increasingly worried as the days passed. He attempted to tackle the problem, but their discussions frequently ended in intense disagreements. Something was evidently amiss, but neither was prepared to face the complete truth.
One night, as the cold seeped into every corner of their home, Minjin lay in bed, trying to sleep amid the growing tension. The muffled sounds of her parents' voices reached her ears. At first, she believed it was just another argument. But as the voices grew louder until she felt something was wrong.
Her curiosity and concern overwhelmed her. She quietly left her room as she reached the top of the stairs, her parents' harsh, angry voices echoed from the living room.
"...I caught you, didn't I?" Her father's voice boomed, heavy with anguish and disbelief.
"You can't confront me like this!" Her mother's voice, though defensive.
Minjin's heart raced as she cautiously descended the stairs, struggling to comprehend the words echoing around her. She halted when she heard her father's voice breaking with emotion.
"I've seen the messages and calls. You've been meeting him secretly. How could you do this to me?"
Her mother started crying, "I'm sorry; this wasn't my intention. I... I want a divorce."
Before her father could reply, Minjin heard a startling noise. He gasped as his voice abruptly vanished.
"Appa!" Minjin whispered anxiously, her voice quaking as she rushed down the steps.
Her mother's desperate shouted. "Tae-hyung-ah! Tae-hyung!-ah"
Minjin reached the living room and found her father collapsed on the floor while he was gripping his chest. Looking pale with fear, her mother was on the phone, desperately pleading with the operator.
Fear surged in Minjin's heart as she knelt beside her father. "Appa! Please wake up!" she exclaimed while tears streaming down her face.
Clutching his hand, she shook him in a desperate attempt to rouse him. But he lay still. The strong presence that had always supported her now appeared motionless on the floor.
Her mother, still on the line, was crying hysterically. "They're coming; they're coming. Please hang in there!"
As the sirens approached, a wave of helplessness washed over Minjin. She stood by, watching helplessly as paramedics tried to revive her father. The surrounding chaos felt overwhelming for Minjin.
Minjin's mother held her for support as they were finally taken to a small hospital waiting room. As they anxiously waited for news, hours felt like days. Minjin's mind replayed the night's events, struggling to understand everything that had happened.
The doctor came forward with a grave demeanor. "Your father suffered a major heart attack. We did everything possible, but unfortunately, he didn't survive."
Minjin felt as though the words struck her physically. Numbness enveloped her as the overwhelming reality of her father's death collapsed upon her. While her mother's grief was intense and uncontainable.