The World Is Cruel to Us 💎 yungi [▶]

2

The tear in Mingi's head was quite serious, so he was rushed to the hospital for surgery.

His head was stitched up. Many stitches. But there was no need to worry because these stitches were the type that would fade over time. They wouldn't leave a scar like a pirate's mark or a thug's brand—oh come on, since this kid already looked like a thug, there was no need to emphasize it with a scar that would add to his intimidating appearance.

Now San felt guilty. A little. She still felt more annoyed and believed that Mingi deserved it as a punishment.

The next week, as Mingi's condition began to improve, he was in the teacher's office with his mother. San was there too, with her mother. Yuna was also present, insisting that she was involved in this issue.

"So Mrs. Hwang (San's mom) and Mrs. Choi (Mingi's mom), as you both know, I gathered you here to discuss your children regarding the incident that happened to son Mingi last week." The middle-aged woman spoke as calmly as possible.

"I understand, ma'am. I will cover all the expenses for Mingi's surgery and treatment as a responsibility on behalf of my daughter, Choi San."

The woman named Tiffany Hwang rose from her seat to bow deeply to Mingi's mother and apologized with full remorse for her daughter's actions. Mrs. Choi Sooyoung did not appear angry. She pulled San's mother's hand, urging her to sit back down, stating that she didn't need to bow like that to her. That this all happened by accident. San's mother returned to her seat. Meanwhile, in San's mind, she felt reluctant for her mother to apologize like that when it was clear that Mingi was at fault. Why didn't the boy apologize to Yuna instead?

Initially, Mingi's mother did intend to seek compensation from San's mother, but seeing how she acted, she was impressed and thought of abandoning that intention. And the woman genuinely told San's mother that she didn't need to pay compensation. That San was just a child who would do what she wanted. Besides, San surely wouldn't do that to Mingi without a reason. And the cause was undoubtedly Mingi himself. That's what Mingi's mother said.

San's mother also said that she would give appropriate punishment to San in her way.

"Please don't do that, aunty. San just intended to help me. This is all my fault," Yuna said, looking down.

She felt guilty, very guilty, especially after seeing the leakage from the wound on Mingi's head where blood spilled onto the floor. She knew, theoretically, that the head contains blood. It's just that seeing blood actually come out at that moment was a nightmare. She certainly thought about the consequences. It felt like a lot of things happened beyond her control. From Mingi suddenly choosing her as the target of bullying to San then defending her too aggressively. Yuna just wanted to study at school like other kids, maybe close to one or two friends. Not too many, too many people also gave her a headache.

It seemed Yuna daydreamed too long about Mingi's blood.

"Yun..." San called.

Yuna paid full attention again, and this time, Mingi spoke, "It's okay. Clearly, this is all my fault. I started it all. San was angry because she doesn't like seeing me bothering you. Forgive me, Yuna. I went too far. Forgive me, San. I shouldn't have bothered the girl. I'm very sorry. I promise I won't do it again."

"I also apologize, Mingi. For causing your head to bleed and be stitched up. It must have been very painful," San said sincerely. Hearing Mingi say all that earlier made her soften, and her irritation towards Mingi melted away.

"Forgive me, eomma. Forgive me, Mrs. Hwang. If you want to punish, punish me. I deserve it," Mingi bowed deeply, ready to accept the sanctions and consequences.

"Of course, you deserve punishment, son, but eomma won't punish you because you've already received your punishment from that wound and pain. Eomma hopes you truly learn from your experience. But regardless of whether they retaliate against you or not, you must never hurt girls. You should protect them," Mingi's mother advised. And her son responded that he understood.

Finally, Mingi's mother asked Yuna if she forgave Mingi. And Yuna answered that she had already forgiven him. The woman even gave pocket money to Yuna as an apology. Yuna declined it because she said she forgives Mingi sincerely, but Mingi's mother insisted. So Yuna thanked her when accepting it. And the issue was resolved here.