Yeji's Pov.
"Have you ever hated yourself?" That question has been running through my mind for a while now. I'm sitting alone in Chaeryeong's room while she's downstairs cooking with "uncle." Yeah, that's what I call dad because it feels less awkward, you know?
Back to the question, though. My answer is simple: "Yes." I've hated myself countless times, for both small and big reasons. You know that feeling when you're right beside the person you want to protect, but you can't do anything because you're stuck in a situation where, well, you're not even human?
I wanted to wipe her tears, but I couldn't. I wanted to hug her, but I couldn't. I wanted to comfort her, but once again, I couldn't. There's so much to hate about being powerless—it makes me feel useless, like trash. Sure, I can do small things, but I want more than that—I want to do something big to help her.
Once, Chaeryeong got bullied at school for her looks. I hated those people. That night, she cried herself to sleep and didn't even want to go back to school. I wanted to tell her, "You're beautiful. You're not ugly. There's no such thing as ugly, only people who judge." That's what I wanted to say, but I couldn't.
I hated myself a thousand times over.
Maybe even more during that time.
Hate is part of life, but so is love.
I think the only reason I'm alive is because of her.
There's no purpose in living if she's not here with me.
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It was Yeji's birthday, and Chaeryeong and Mr. Lee had secretly planned a surprise for her. While Mr. Lee stayed behind to set everything up, Chaeryeong took Yeji for a walk along the seaside to give him time. The two girls strolled along the shore, enjoying the fresh breeze.
Meanwhile, the Hwang family was visiting their old house. As their car drove past the seaside, Hyunjin gazed out the window, deep in thought. Fond memories of building sandcastles with his sister brought a warm smile to his face as he reminisced about those cherished moments.
As he looked outside, Hyunjin noticed a familiar figure walking with another girl who also seemed strangely familiar. "Appa, are you okay?" his son Minhyun asked, concerned. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. I just saw someone familiar," Hyunjin replied. "Who, Appa?" Minhyun asked curiously. "A girl who looks like your Aunt Lucy," he said. "Are you sure, Appa?" his son pressed. "I'm sure," Hyunjin said firmly.
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Chaeryeong and Yeji reached the seaside, where the sea shimmered like diamonds beneath the dark, starry sky. Grinning, the two girls dashed near the waves, playing tag like carefree children. Their laughter and giggles echoed along the shore, filling the air with joy.
The weather was ideal—sunny and warm, with a light breeze that made their hair sway. The sky was a brilliant blue, the wind was invigorating, and everything felt perfect. Both girls were glowing with happiness, their wide smiles lighting up their faces.
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"Umma, Appa, look!" little Chaeryeong shouted excitedly from the living room. Her parents hurried over to see her watching Yeji dance. "Look, Yeji is dancing, Umma, Appa! Hehehe," Chaeryeong giggled, joining in happily with Yeji.
Both parents smiled and chuckled at how adorable the two girls were. "Honey, I think we have two dancers in the family now, hahaha," said Mrs. Lee, laughing. "Yeah, I think you're right. Look at how cute they are. I'm going to take a picture," said Mr. Lee, capturing the joyful moment of the girls dancing.
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Hyunjin stepped out of the car, his son following closely behind. They both stared at the old house, their faces clouded with sadness. "Appa, are you sure you want to go in alone?" Minhyun asked, his voice tinged with worry. Hyunjin turned to his son with a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'll be fine, son. Don't worry about me." He gave Minhyun's shoulder a comforting pat before walking toward the house. Minhyun watched him go, his unease lingering, knowing how emotional his father became when it involved Aunt Lucy.
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Thirty minutes had passed, and Hyunjin was still inside the house while his son waited outside for him. Minhyun was bumped into by a girl, causing him to fall to the ground, though fortunately, the girl didn't fall as someone caught her just in time.
"Chaery, are you okay?" a concerned voice asked. "Yeah, I'm fine," the girl who almost fell responded. Minhyun glanced at the girl who had bumped into him but froze in shock when he noticed the girl standing beside her. 'She looks just like my Aunt Lucy!' he thought. He stood up, still stunned, as he stared at the girl in front of him, who bore an uncanny resemblance to his aunt but looked older than the photos and paintings he had seen from his dad. Strangely, she appeared to be around his age.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry for bumping into you!" Chaeryeong exclaimed, her voice filled with worry.
Minhyun snapped out of his thoughts as the girl who bumped into him spoke. "A-ah, it's fine, no worries," he replied with a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her guilt.
Just then, Hyunjin stepped out of the house and spotted the person standing with his son. He froze in place, his heart pounding as he recognized a familiar face—someone he had been longing to see for years.
YOU ARE READING
The Cat That I Love
FantasyIn your life, have you imagined what the cat that your mother left you well became something that's hard to believe, something that's so unreal?
