But i wasn't a liar ✔️

Part 6

Part 6

The hospital corridor felt too bright, too sterile. Leeknow's shoes squeaked against the linoleum as he walked, each step heavier than the last. The prescription in his hand might as well have been a death sentence with those numbers staring back at him. 

"I understood very well... thank you very much," he had told Doctor Changbin, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Now, alone in the hallway, his face crumpled. 

"Please God," he whispered, voice breaking, "help me, please." 

His phone buzzed. Mom. 

"Hi... Mom." He wiped his face quickly, trying to steady his breathing. 

"How are you, my son? What are you doing now?" Her voice wrapped around him like a safety blanket he didn't deserve. 

"I'm fine," he lied automatically. "I'm not doing... anything." 

The pause on the other end was just a beat too long. "Do you still go to the restaurant to work?" 

His stomach twisted. "Yes... I'm sorry, but... I have to work hard." 

"My son, please." Her voice cracked. "You're hurting me like this. Just focus on your studies." 

"I can... do both." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Don't worry." 

Another pause. Then, the question he feared most: "Why does your voice sound like that? Are you okay?" 

"I'm... I'm fine!" Too loud. Too fast. 

"Where are you now?" 

His pulse jumped. "Me? At... at home!" 

The silence stretched before she spoke again, firm. "Don't lie. I can hear the cars." 

His shoulders slumped in defeat. "I mean, I'm in front of my house. I'm going to school now, so... goodbye, Mom." 

"Take care of yourself," she said softly. "Eat well. Goodbye." 

The call ended.

Eight Years Ago

The small house smelled like chocolate and warmth. Hyunjin stood awkwardly in the doorway, watching as flour dusted the air like snow. Felix's mother—no, Aunt Lee—smiled at him, her hands still sticky from baking. 

"You're welcome, my son. Come inside." 

Hyunjin bit back a laugh at the flour smudged on her cheek. "Thank you, Aunt Lee," he corrected softly. 

Inside, Felix stood on his tiptoes at the counter, his small frame barely reaching the mixing bowl. He turned, eyes lighting up. 

"Hyunjin! Come here." 

Hyunjin crept closer, curiosity piqued. "What are you doing? What's that?" 

"Brownies," Felix beamed. "I'm making brownies." 

Hyunjin blinked. "I've never tasted them. Are they delicious?" 

Felix grinned, then hopped up slightly, stretching his tiny hands to press a crumb of warm chocolate against Hyunjin's lips. 

"Well?" 

Hyunjin's eyes widened. "Woah! It's so good. Why doesn't your mom make them?" 

Aunt Lee chuckled. "Because Felix's father likes his brownies more than mine." 

Felix's cheeks pinked with pride. "I'm making these for my dad. It's a surprise—" 

The doorbell rang.