The Blue House

Treacherous

If there was one thing young Bin dreamed of, it was to become a professional golf player. Golf was the one thing he and his father enjoyed together. The first time his father took him to a golf course was when he was 4 years old. He always took Bin with him whenever he played ever since.

And once Bin tried hitting a few shots, he became addicted. If he is not a politician, he will polish his golf talent and really become a pro.

But still, he can say golf is everything. It's his way of having fun, it's where he socializes, it's how he builds his network.

And today, it's where he loses his biggest potential supporter, too.

"I'm sorry but I have to decline your generous offer, Mr. President."

They are in the final hole, at the final round, just the two of them when Bin gives the answer to the president's question. Just before the president swings his putt.

It misses by a mile. Obviously, it isn't the answer he is hoping Bin will give him. He looks down, slowly peeling off his gloves, before sighing. "You drive a hard bargain, Son."

"I lack so many things, Mr. President. I'm afraid I'm not a suitable candidate for the Democratic Party. It's hard not to think that I'll fall short against other amazing candidates that have registered for the primary."

President Son chuckles. "It's not like you, feeling humble towards other. You, of all people, should know that people rally for your candidacy."

"I haven't heard anything like that." Bin answers calmly. He never cares about gossip mills. Maybe he should let Woo Sung updates him every once in a while.

"I probably shouldn't say this, out of respect to my own party, but I don't think our registered candidates have what it takes to take on the job."

"But you have Governor Gong."

"Yes. He is the only one that can match up well with you. You both— are natural born leaders. You are just like your father. People follow you, follow what you says, follow what you do. It's promising."

The comparison with his father gives bittersweet feeling to Bin. It's like he lives up to expectations he set for himself. But it also makes him wishing his father is still here.

"Your confidence in me is something, Mr. President."

"Your father will be so proud of you."

It's a simple statement, delivered in the most casual way, but it successfully lodges deep in Bin's heart. If his father is here, will he really be proud of him? Has he done something good for Hyun's name?

"Thank you for saying that, Mr. President."

"Will you continue his legacy? Stepping into his shoes?"

Same question as he asked him at Cheong Wa Dae a month ago in the form of different words. Should Bin tell him his plan?

"I think I need time to reflect on myself whether I have the ability to do so. I have to have an obscene amount of confidence to try stepping into his shoes." He responds diplomatically.

"Still don't want to show your card, I see, Representative."

Bin chuckles. "I guess you have to wait and see until the time comes, Mr. President."

The President laughs heartily at his last response and taps him on the back, "I wish you good luck, Son. We may stand across each other at the election, but remember, we have the same goal. To the glory of South Korea."

It goes way better than he imagines, at least, he knows he doesn't alienated the president too much. Or so he thinks. The President drags his hand on Bin's back to his shoulder, then grips him tightly and delivers his threat.