As soon as Ming entered his home, curiosity etched across his face, his eyes landed on a surprising sight: his younger sister Yuna, sitting cross-armed on the sofa. Though only eleven, her features were beginning to carry the delicate traces of adolescence, her expression stern and resolute.
"What's going on? Why is my little sister still awake at this hour?" Ming asked in a startled voice, trying to mask the growing sense of unease in his chest.
Yuna didn't answer. Instead, she averted her gaze, her silence speaking louder than words. Their father, seated beside her, finally broke the tension.
"I'm not helping you this time," he said, his tone firm. "You've brought this on yourself. You figure it out."
Ming glanced between his sister's unreadable expression and his father's unwavering stance, desperately searching for the root of his mistake. Why was Yuna awake so late, waiting for him? Then it struck him, the realization slamming into him like a thunderclap.
"Yuna… I'm so sorry! I've been so busy lately that I forgot… I won't let it happen again, I promise!" Ming blurted out, immediately confessing his fault.
Yuna finally turned her head, her large eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Really? You're really sorry?"
"Yes, I am! I've been such an idiot. I was out getting you a present, and I lost track of time."
Ming mentally cursed himself. How could he have forgotten such an important day? February 15th—Yuna's birthday. It wasn't just any day; it was the day his little sister came into the world. And yet, he had missed it, consumed by meetings with John and other commitments. Worse still, Yuna hadn't seen him for two whole days—yesterday taken up by a military event and today by work.
"Waaaah!" Yuna suddenly burst into tears, throwing herself into Jin's arms. "I thought you forgot! I thought you didn't care anymore!"
Jin's heart clenched as he held her tightly, gently stroking her back. "I'm so sorry, Yuna. I didn't forget. I could never forget."
It took time and patience, but Ming eventually managed to calm her down. Just as Yuna's sobs quieted, their father spoke again, his voice laced with exasperation.
"Still, it's not even midnight yet. There's no excuse for making the birthday girl wait this long. Honestly, you're a disgrace to my bloodline."
"Dad!" Yuna's head whipped around to scold him, her pout as endearing as it was fierce. "Don't be mean to my brother!"
"Alright, alright," their father relented with a chuckle. "Here, Yuna, before midnight strikes." He reached for a box beside him, handing it to his daughter. "Happy birthday, my dear."
"Wow! Thanks, Daddy!" Yuna exclaimed, her earlier tears replaced by a radiant smile.
Jin's heart sank as he watched Yuna accept their father's gift. He had told her he had a present, but in truth, he had nothing prepared. And now, Yuna was looking at him expectantly, her eyes practically screaming, Where's my gift, big brother?
"Uh… Yuna, my gift is extra special. You'll have to close your eyes," Ming said, trying to buy himself time.
"Hehe, okay!" Yuna replied eagerly, clamping her hands over her eyes with excitement.
Ming turned to his father, desperation etched across his face. Without speaking, their silent exchange was clear:
"Father, I don't have a gift!"
"You what?! Why on earth did you say you did?" His father's expression darkened with frustration.
"I panicked, alright? Just help me figure something out!" Jin's face pleaded.
Their father sighed deeply, running a hand over his forehead as if physically burdened by Jin's incompetence.
"Brother! Is it ready yet? Can I open my eyes now?" Yuna asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.
"Uh… almost! Just one more second!" Ming called back, frantically patting himself down, searching for anything that might resemble a gift.
As the seconds ticked by, he suddenly felt a hard, metallic shape in his inner pocket. With a small jingle, he pulled it out—a gilded pocket watch. It wasn't much, but it was ornate and undoubtedly expensive. It would have to do.
"Okay, Yuna. Open your eyes."
Yuna opened her eyes, her gaze locking onto the golden object in Jin's hand. "What's that, big brother?"
"This is a pocket watch," Ming explained, holding it out to her. "It tells the time. I got it so you don't have to wait for me late into the night anymore. It's a promise that I'll always come home on time."
Yuna studied the watch with wide eyes. Jin's heart pounded as he waited for her reaction, each second feeling like an eternity. If she didn't like it, he had nothing left to give.
"I love it!" Yuna squealed, leaping into Jin's arms before even taking the watch. "Thank you, big brother! I love it so much!"
The relief that washed over Ming was almost overwhelming. Yuna's embrace was warm, heartfelt, and pure, as though she didn't care about the gift itself—only the person who gave it. For a moment, Ming felt like he was the one receiving a precious gift.
The household staff watched the scene with fond smiles. Only their father looked on with mild annoyance, muttering under his breath. His expression practically screamed, I should've bought her a pocket watch myself.
Ming turned to his father with a mischievous grin, mouthing, Too late now!
Their father shot him a glare but said nothing, unable to reprimand him in front of Yuna. Instead, he grumbled to himself, quietly venting his frustration into the air.
As Ming held Yuna in his arms, her joy radiating from her like sunshine, he felt an unfamiliar heaviness settle in his chest. Beneath the warmth of the moment lay a darker thought, one he couldn't suppress.
Yuna, no matter what happens, I will protect you. Always.
If the world was cruel, Ming would change it. If it descended into chaos, he would shield her from its wrath. His sister deserved to grow up in a world filled with beauty, untouched by hardship or despair.
No matter who stands in my way—whether it's warlords or entire nations—I'll destroy them all for you. It doesn't matter if they're guilty or innocent.
Ming closed his eyes, cradling Yuna in his arms as he made his silent vow. His resolve hardened. The time for hesitation had ended. Now was the time to act. For Yuna's sake, he would become as ruthless as the world required.
The world can burn if it must. But you, Yuna… you'll remain safe in my arms.