The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a discordant tune, amplifying the weight on Dae-hyun's shoulders. He hadn't slept well in days, the relentless pressure of managing the family business, protecting his children, and now, the daunting prospect of confronting his parents, had taken its toll. He turned to face Ji-woo, forcing a smile that felt brittle and unnatural. "I'm fine, Ji-woo. Just a little tired."
Ji-woo, ever perceptive, didn't look convinced. Her eyes, usually sparkling with warmth and humor, were now clouded with concern. She stepped closer, her hand gently reaching out to cup his cheek. "You know you can talk to me, Dae-hyun. Whatever is going on, we can face it together. You don't have to carry the world on your shoulders alone."
He leaned into her touch, drawing strength from her unwavering support. He hated burdening her, but he knew he couldn't keep it all bottled up inside. "It's just… we'll be starting more work here," Dae-hyun said, his voice laced with a hint of weariness. "To establish ourselves, to ensure our operations are efficient. It means we'll have less time to dedicate to the children. I don't want them to suffer."
Ji-woo nodded, her expression softening. She understood the sacrifices they had to make. "I understand. We'll manage. We always do. And the children love you, Dae-hyun. They know how much you care." She paused, then added, "Maybe we can hire some more help? Someone trustworthy, who can assist with their training and development when we are busy. We can afford it, right?"
Dae-hyun sighed. "We can but it is more than that. It's about the choices we are forced to make, the path we are being pushed down. Don't you see? With each passing day, the Association demands more, expects more, and what do we get in return? Nothing but headaches and obligations. I don't know if I want to spend the rest of my life dancing to their tune."
Ji-woo's brow furrowed. "What do you mean? What's been happening?"
Dae-hyun hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "There's been… pressure. From the Association. They want us to take on more responsibilities, more dangerous missions. And after what happened with Min-seo…" He trailed off, the memory of his son's near-death experience still fresh in his mind.
Ji-woo's eyes widened with alarm. "Dae-hyun, you didn't agree to anything, did you? You promised me, no more unnecessary risks!"
He shook his head. "I haven't agreed to anything yet. But they're making it difficult to refuse. They dangle promises of power, influence, protection… but at what cost? I don't want our children growing up in a world where their worth is determined by their hunting prowess. I want them to be happy, safe, and free to choose their own paths."
Ji-woo took his hands in hers, her grip firm and reassuring. "Then we'll find a way, Dae-hyun. We'll protect our family, no matter what it takes. We'll face them together."
Later that evening, the Kang family gathered around a large, round table in the estate's study. The room was a sanctuary of dark wood and leather-bound books, a testament to the family's long history and accumulated wealth. Kang Harold, Margaret, Dae-hyun, and Min-seo sat together, the older children present but silent, observing the unfolding discussion with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Kang Min-ah, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, slept soundly in a nearby armchair, his soft snores a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere.
Dae-hyun took a deep breath and began, his voice formal and measured. "Father, Mother," he said, his gaze sweeping across their faces, "this is Kang Min-ah, my youngest son." He gestured towards the sleeping child. "His aptitude test results… were F-rank."
Margaret Kang raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. She had always been a formidable presence, a woman of unwavering conviction and sharp intellect. "If you are concerned that we will disapprove of him because of his rank, you are mistaken," she said, her voice sharp and cutting. "That is your mistake, not ours. Every member of this family is important, regardless of their abilities."
Harold Kang chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was the more eccentric of the two, known for his unconventional humor and unorthodox methods. "We raised you, Dae-hyun," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "How could we possibly disapprove of someone who is… efficient in their leisure? The boy knows how to relax, something you could certainly learn from."
A swift thwack echoed through the room as Margaret Kang's hand connected with Harold's cheek. It was a familiar ritual, a reminder of their dynamic and the boundaries of his irreverence. "Behave yourself," she said, her voice dangerously calm. "This is a serious matter."
Dae-hyun cleared his throat, refocusing the discussion. "Regardless," he said, "I have made a decision. After careful consideration, I believe the Kang family should withdraw from the World Hunter Association."
A stunned silence filled the room. The older children exchanged startled glances, their whispers barely audible. Min-seo, still recovering from his own traumatic experience, looked at his father with a mixture of fear and hope.
"Withdraw?" Harold Kang repeated, his voice incredulous. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "Are you certain, Dae-hyun? This is not a decision to be taken lightly. The Association has been instrumental in our family's success for generations."
"Yes," Dae-hyun replied, his voice firm and unwavering. "I am certain. We will also relinquish our position as one of the ten great families, if necessary. We no longer require their affiliations. In fact, they have become more of a hindrance than a help."
Margaret Kang nodded, her expression resolute. She had always been a pragmatist, willing to make difficult choices for the greater good. "We will operate independently from here," she said, her voice commanding. "The children will attend the best hunter academy in the United States. We will control our own destiny."
"But Dae-hyun," Harold Kang began, his voice laced with concern, "this is a drastic move. The association… the connections, the resources… you're throwing it all away."
"The association has proven to be a liability," Dae-hyun interrupted, his voice firm. "Their demands are unreasonable, their methods are questionable, and their influence is corrupting. We will forge our own path, one that is guided by our values and principles, not by their greed and ambition."
After a moment of tense silence, Harold Kang nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Very well," he said, his voice laced with a hint of excitement. "If that is your decision, we will support you. I must admit, I've grown weary of their endless bureaucracy and political games."
Margaret Kang nodded in agreement. "Then it is settled," she said, her voice final. "We will inform the association of our decision immediately. And we will begin preparations for the children's relocation to the United States."
The weight on Dae-hyun's shoulders seemed to lessen slightly. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was confident that they could overcome any obstacle together. He looked at his family, his heart filled with love and determination. He would protect them, no matter what the cost.
As the meeting adjourned, Ji-woo approached Dae-hyun, her hand gently squeezing his arm. "Are you sure about this, Dae-hyun?" she asked, her voice soft. "It's a big decision, and it will have a profound impact on our lives."
Dae-hyun nodded, his eyes meeting hers. "I am sure, Ji-woo. It's the right thing to do. For our family, for our children. We can build something better, something stronger, on our own terms."
He pulled her into a warm embrace, his voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Ji-woo. For always believing in me, for always standing by my side."
Ji-woo held him tight, her heart filled with love and admiration. "Always, Dae-hyun. Always."
The decision was made, the course was set. The Kang family, once a pillar of the World Hunter Association, was now embarking on a new and uncertain journey. A journey guided by love, loyalty, and a unwavering commitment to protecting their family, no matter the cost.