Heaven Sent-Woosan

Chap-3: Midnight and Cocoa

"Yes, San I really want you to be here"

"Okay, grandfather I will be there before the ceremony."

"Just come by today evening San, so you can join us early tomorrow."

"okay".He hangs up the phone.

San glanced at the scattered documents on his desk, sighing heavily. The clock read 5 PM, and he still had a meeting to attend before heading to his grandfather's shareholder engagement party the following day. He despised gatherings, preferring Seonghwa or Yunho to handle such events. Despite his attempts to delegate, his grandfather insisted he be present.

Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, San called his secretary, Kim. "Postpone today's meeting," he instructed. Kim hesitated, noting the importance of the delegates, but San remained firm. "If they won't agree to an online meeting, cancel the contract."

After a brief exchange, Kim confirmed the delegates had agreed to a Zoom call for the next day. San directed him to consult Seonghwa for any urgent matters, then dismissed him for the evening.

Once alone, San worked late into the night. By 8 PM, he rushed to his car, programming the navigation for his grandfather's place—an hour and a half away. The relentless rain had made the roads treacherous. While driving, he realized he needed hydration and nicotine, stopping at a convenience store to grab a water bottle and cigarettes.

As he resumed driving, the road became increasingly difficult to navigate. The serene environment around him contrasted sharply with his usual chaotic city life, and for a moment, he felt a rare sense of calm. 

The road was eerily quiet, with only a few vehicles passing by. San had never realized Seoul had such tranquil places, devoid of the usual noise, crowds, and chaotic city atmosphere. Despite the heavy rainfall, the streetlights illuminated the lush greenery and open fields, and he imagined how picturesque it must be in clear weather.

For a brief moment, the calmness of the environment and the buzz of his cigarette soothed him. But that tranquility shattered when his car began to vibrate and emit strange sounds before abruptly stopping. Although he suspected the worst, he hesitated to accept it and attempted to restart the engine, only to find it unresponsive. Frustrated, he slammed his fist against the steering wheel as the engine malfunction light flickered ominously on the dashboard.

Cursing under his breath, he exited the car to inspect the engine, slamming the door behind him. Switching on his phone's flashlight, he lifted the hood to reveal a cloud of smoke. The heat was intense, causing him to flinch and drop his phone onto the concrete. He heard it shatter but couldn't focus on that; the smoke was overwhelming. When he finally retrieved his phone, the screen was badly damaged. It flickered to life for a moment, but ultimately went dark.

Feeling exhausted and defeated, he contemplated sleeping in the car until morning. However, when he tried to get back inside, he realized he had locked the keys inside. For a few moments, panic engulfed him, rendering him unable to think clearly. When clarity returned, frustration took over; he punched the car's hood and kicked the tire, his anxiety spilling over. His anger was directed not at the car, but at himself—he knew this predicament was entirely of his own making.

You will need it tomorrow?

That car hasn't been in service for ages San

what if you get in trouble?

San recalled Seonghwa's words from that morning. San had lent his car to his younger brother, Junhoon, who insisted on using it for a college tour, citing its superior mileage and comfort. San recognized that his brother's true motivation was impressing a girlfriend, but, as the responsible older brother, he handed over the keys without hesitation.