A Scandalous Pair | Kim Mingyu FF | Svt

Do-hee

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Standing there, a few feet away from me, was my dad. It had been years since I last saw him, and the sight of him brought back a rush of emotions that I had trouble processing. I stood there, frozen in shock and confusion, as he continued walking towards me. He looked almost the same as the last time I'd seen him, only older now. His hair had more gray strands, and there were new lines on his face, etching the passage of time. But there was no mistaking it, it was him. He stopped in front of me, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes. He said, "Hello, Do-Do-hee."

I felt a knot forming in my throat, my mind still reeling from the surprise of his sudden appearance. I managed to stutter out, "Dad...?"

He nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. He said, "Yes, it's me. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

I didn't know what to say. So many questions and emotions were swirling in my head. I felt a pang of anger, hurt, and confusion, all mixed together. I managed to say, my voice quiet and shaky, "Why are you here? What do you want?"

He seemed taken aback at my question, a look of guilt and regret on his face. He fidgeted a bit before explaining, "I'm just passing by. I was on my way home when I saw you. I wasn't sure it was you at first, but then I called out. I just... I wanted to talk to you."

I crossed my arms, feeling a mixture of vulnerability and defensiveness. I asked, my voice hard, "Talk to me about what? It's been almost a decade since you left. What could we possibly have to talk about now?"

He looked down, avoiding my gaze as he mumbled, "I know. I know it's been a long time. And I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now. But please, just hear me out. I need to talk to you."

I felt a mixture of reluctance and resignation as he spoke. I didn't want to cause a scene, especially since I was well-known and the last thing I needed was media attention. I sighed and said, "Fine. Let's talk, but not here. There's a cafe across the road. We can sit there."

He nodded, visibly relieved that I had agreed. We walked over to the cafe in silence, the tension between us palpable. As we settled into our seats at the cafe, I took out my phone and quickly sent a text to Mingyu, letting him know where I was and instructing him to wait outside as I informed him that I was meeting my dad. I placed my phone back on the table, mentally steeling myself for the conversation that was about to come. After our order came my dad took a deep breath and started speaking, "Thank you for hearing me out, Do-Do-hee. I know I have no right to ask for your time, but I appreciate it nonetheless, considering the circumstances." I just nodded, keeping my expression neutral. I folded my hands in front of me, waiting for him to continue. I was hesitant to say anything, knowing that any word could burst the dam of emotions that I was trying to hold back. He continued, his voice soft but steady, "I guess the first thing I want to say is that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for leaving without a word all those years ago. I'm sorry for abandoning you twice. I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me. I'm sorry for all the pain and confusion I caused you."

His words pierced through me, stirring up a maelstrom of emotions that I had been holding back. I felt a lump form in my throat, but I forced myself to keep my voice steady. I replied coldly, "Sorry? You abandon your family and say sorry? Do you have any idea what I went through? Do you know how much you hurt me?"

He winced at my harsh words, but he didn't try to argue or defend himself. Instead, he nodded and said quietly, "I know. I know that sorry doesn't even begin to cover it. I know that I was a coward for leaving. I know that I made a huge mistake and there's no excuse for my behavior. I know that I hurt you and your mother tremendously."

"Do you know how much I'd suffered because of your consequences? Mom never stopped blaming me till now for you leaving us. She continued to abuse me for half of my life. What did I even do to deserve such treatment? From my own parents?" I gushed out my anger.