"Minjun," Grandma finally snapped. "That is not how you respond to your elders."
Minjun turned away from the two of them, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
June sighed and shook his head, sensing the tension in the atmosphere. With that, he stood from the hospital bed. He brought out Minjun's favorite candies and placed it next to the injured kid.
"Here," June softly said with a smile. "I know you like eating these when you're upset."
Minjun continued to ignore June, but the latter kept a small smile on his face.
Grandma shook her head and massaged her temples. June walked over to her and gave her shoulders a light squeeze.
"Relax, Grandma," he said in a comforting tone.
"I just—I just don't know what to do anymore," she defeatedly stammered.
June pursed his lips, also sensing that Minjun had only gotten worse. June knew the little kid had always been the spawn of satan, but he was a sweet one. Now, he was just...cold.
"Don't think about it too much," June said. "I think Minjun's just going through something."
The two of them spoke in whispers, so Minjun wasn't able to hear them.
Grandma sighed, her shoulders slumping.
"Do you think he'll get better?" she asked.
June glanced at Minjun and didn't respond. In the end, he also didn't know when and how to let Minjun open up to him.
"I hope so," June said in the end.
"Grandma, peel me some apples," Minjun said, causing the older woman to beam. Having his grandson act like a little master was definitely better than him not asking for anything at all.
June smiled at their interaction.
"Well, I think I have to go now," he said.
Grandma smiled. "Have a safe travel. Make sure to wear your mask and cap at all times."
June nodded, placing his mask back on.
"Call me when something happens, Grandma," he said, walking over to the door.
"Get well soon, Minjun," he added before leaving the room.
As expected, Minjun didn't reply to his farewell.
For a moment, June stood outside his door, his gaze settling on the knob. He wanted to do something about the situation, but he didn't know the exact steps to take.
June was about to leave when he heard someone clearing their throat next to him.
He turned to the side in surprise, only to see Lena leaning against the wall and looking at him with a serious expression.
"Ma'am?" June warily asked, straightening his back.
She chuckled, yet the aura of power coming from her didn't diminish.
"We're not in the workplace. You don't have to call me 'ma'am,'" she said.
"Miss?" June tried his luck.
"Lena," she responded. "Just call me Lena."
"Alright, Ms. Lena," June said, not comfortable with calling her just by her first name.
Lena shook her head in defeat. "So stubborn. Now I see why mom says you're similar to Minjun," she muttered, so June wasn't able to hear her.
"Sorry, what was that?" he asked.
