𝐌𝐘 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

CHAPTER 2

<10yrs later>

Kim Hwan returned home carrying pails of water after a day of hard work. He smiled seeing his son busy in studying.

"How's my Jinnie studying?" he ruffled the boy's soft hair.

"Dad! This problem is too difficult. No matter how much I try, the answer is wrong." Jin whined as soon as he saw his dad.

Hwan looked at the question once and went to doing the household chores.

"If I had been in your place, I would have used the multiplication table. Oh! And I have a surprise for you if you solve the remaining sums in fifteen minutes." Hwan commented casually while washing the dishes.

The beautiful pair of eyes shone in excitement on hearing 'surprise' and his brain immediately concentrated on solving the sums.

"Finished!" he exclaimed jubilantly after ten minutes.

"This means you have earned your surprise." Hwan smiled and took out a wrapped package from his bag.

Jin undid the wrapping excitedly and gave a squeal of joy as he unrevealed a brand-new book.

"I have been wanting this book for so long. Thank you dad." he hugged him.

"I hope this will make my clever son cleverer."

"Dad, if I'm so clever, why don't you let me go to school like the other kids?" he questioned, hoping that his dad would let him go out this time.

"What's the need of going to school when you are learning everything perfectly here? They don't teach properly there." Hwan answered.

"But you don't let me go to the village either. I don't even know our neighbors." Jin pointed.

"That's because they are not good people. It's better to stay away from harm's way. You can go wherever you like within our farm." Hwan explained.

"Can I got for a swim in the lake now?" he asked excitedly.

"Not now. The water may appear calm in the day but it is dangerous at night." Hwan warned.

"Didn't you say nature is our friend and doesn't hurt us?"

"Yes, but only if you know how to interact with it properly. Now, go to your room. I have loads of work to do." 

•·.·''·.·••

Mrs. Jeon did her work, ignoring the person standing behind her with a cry baby face.

"Kookie, even if you stand here the entire night, I'll not change my decision." she said.

"Why do I have to go to the city? I can complete my further studies from the local school too." Kookie aka Jungkook questioned.

"It was your father's dream." Mrs. Jeon reminded.

"It has been many years since he died. I can stay here and help you. Please mom, I don't want to go." he pleaded.

"I don't want to keep you away from me, but it is necessary for your bright future. I want no more discussions on this topic." Mrs. Jeon replied firmly and dismissed her son. Though he was the only one she had, she couldn't hold him down for her. She knew he had great potentiality which couldn't be put to proper use in their town.

•·.·''·.·••

Currently, the local priest and Hwan's childhood friend Bang Si-hyuk was paying a visit to him. He was the only other person who knew the true identity of Jin. They were having a chat about the town affairs over a hot cup of tea. After some time, their talk turned to Hwan's health.