No one believed him.
Not when he cried to his parents.
Not when he screamed it at the police.
They called him a liar.
An attention-seeker.
A child with too much imagination.
So he stopped talking.
But the truth didn't disappear - it ju...
The afternoon sun streamed through the classroom windows as two figures huddled over a math textbook.
"What's your problem with math again?" then Leeknow asked, tapping his pencil against the troublesome equation.
"When I went home yesterday, I started analyzing some questions but couldn't solve these from yesterday's lesson," Yeji admitted, pushing the notebook toward him.
"Of course I'll help," then Leeknow immediately offered, already scribbling notes in the margins.
"Thank you for always helping me these three years. I'm so lucky to have a friend like you, Minho," Yeji said softly, playing with her pencil case.
"Hey, hey, none of that. We're friends, right? Friends don't need thank-yous," Leeknow protested, ears turning slightly pink.
A warm silence fell between them before they parted ways with casual goodbyes.
The mansion's front door slammed shut as a figure stumbled inside.
"Stop, Sam!" the enraged father bellowed from the grand staircase.
"Hyunjin," the bloodied boy corrected coldly, wiping his split lip.
"You fought again! You're doing this to spite me!" the father accused, descending the stairs with thunderous steps.
The boy only responded with icy silence, his bruised face a mask of defiance.
"Sam, I'm talking to you!" the man roared, veins bulging at his temples.
"I haven't fought anyone," Hyunjin finally muttered, turning away.
"Then explain your face!" the father demanded, grabbing his arm.
"Is it that important to you?" Hyunjin spat before wrenching free and storming upstairs.
Halfway up, cruel laughter rang out.
"Oh! This disgusting face again. Ew, I was scared!" Yuna sneered from the landing.
The boy didn't flinch, long accustomed to his siblings' taunts.
"Stupidddd!!!" the girl shrieked after him as he disappeared into his room.
Ni-Ki and Yuna are not supportive of Hyunjin-they might even make his suffering worse.
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**Korean Memories**
It sounds like Hyunjin is under a lot of pressure from his father, who expects him to grow up quickly and meet high expectations. At just 10 years old, dealing with such demands—especially from a powerful and wealthy father—can be incredibly stressful and unfair.
The flashback shimmered like heat haze over Seoul's skyline...
"Mom! Look at my grades!" ten-year-old Hyunjin cheered, waving his perfect test scores.
"Wow! Congratulations, my son! Such high marks!" Mrs. Hwang beamed, kissing his forehead.
"Thank you, Mother," the boy grinned, basking in rare praise.
"Let's show your father," the mother suggested, leading him to the grand study.
"My love," Mrs. Hwang announced, placing a hand on her husband's shoulder.
"Hmm?" Mr. Hwang grunted without looking up from his newspaper.
"Dad...I succeeded in school! Look!" then young Hyunjin offered his grades with hands.
"Hmm. Congratulations," the father dismissed, immediately returning to his reading.
The boy's smile shattered like dropped porcelain.
"Well, my son, go upstairs now. Later we'll do whatever you want," the mother quickly intervened.
As the heartbroken child retreated, he caught their heated whispers:
"What is this behavior?" Mrs. Hwang hissed.
"What are you talking about?" Mr. Hwang deflected.
"He's your son! Stop ignoring him!" the mother's voice broke.
"I did nothing wrong!" the father countered.
"Aren't you happy for him?" the mother pressed.
"He hasn't done anything worth celebrating!" the father snapped. "I need a son who can support this family, not waste time on school games!"
The eavesdropping boy fled to his room, hot tears streaking his cheeks.
End flashback
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The phone's glow illuminated Leeknow's tired but smiling face as he lounged on his small bed.
"Hello best mother in the world," the affectionate voice greeted, his smile audible.
"How are you, my son?" the warm maternal voice responded, filled with quiet concern.
"I'm fine, don't worry. How's father? Where is he now?" the dutiful son inquired, absently straightening his study notes.
"He's good - went to check on that irrigation problem at the farming camp. Are you eating well?" the motherly voice pressed, the familiar worry creeping in.
"Yeah, I'm eating properly, please don't worry," the reassuring voice answered, though his eyes glanced guiltily at the instant ramen cup on his desk.
"I miss you so much. When will you be back?" the suddenly vulnerable voice asked, tinged with longing.
"I miss you too! If we get any vacation time, I'll come straight away," the earnest promise came, his fingers tightening around the phone.
"What are you doing now?" the curious voice inquired, the question laced with motherly intuition.
"I'm getting ready to go help Yeji with her math," the slightly bashful admission escaped, his free hand rubbing his neck.
"Well, I understand. Give Yeji our love - tell her we miss her too," the knowing voice replied, amusement coloring her tone.
"Love you so much, Mom. Goodbye," the tender farewell came before the call ended.
The small apartment felt quieter as he pocketed his phone, grabbed his math notes, and headed out into the Seoul evening to meet Yeji.
