7 Minutes In Heaven (SUNGHOON)

8: The Meeting

The day of the meeting had arrived, and I felt the weight of my decision pressing heavily on my shoulders. My father's office was imposing as always, with its sleek, modern design and panoramic view of the city. I walked through the polished marble lobby, each step echoing in the cavernous space, my nerves coiling tighter with every stride.

The elevator doors opened to the top floor, and I was greeted by the familiar, cold elegance of my father's office. He was already seated behind his massive mahogany desk, his posture rigid and authoritative. The sight of him brought a familiar mix of dread and determination. He looked up as I entered, his eyes piercing through me with an intensity that made my heart pound.

"Sunghoon," he said, his voice carrying a tone of restrained authority. "Sit."

I sat down across from him, the weight of the upcoming conversation heavy in the air. My father's eyes were sharp, assessing, as if trying to gauge my every thought.

"What's this about?" I began, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tumult of emotions churning inside me.

My father leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on his desk. "I've heard you've been distracted lately. Your performance has been lacking. Is there something you'd like to tell me?"

I swallowed hard, gathering my courage. "Yes, there is. I've been thinking a lot about my future and what I want out of it. I've realized that I can't go on living under the shadow of your plans for me."

His gaze grew colder, a frown deepening on his face. "What are you implying, Sunghoon? You've always known what your responsibilities are. Our family has built its success on a foundation that requires commitment."

"I know," I said, trying to keep my tone calm. "But I've come to a point where I need to make a choice. I can't take over the family business and continue with the illegal activities that are a part of it. It's not the life I want."

My father's expression darkened, and he leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "You think you can just walk away from everything we've built? Do you understand the implications of your decision?"

"I do," I replied, my voice trembling slightly but firm. "And I'm prepared to face those implications. But I can't compromise my own values and integrity any longer."

A heavy silence fell over the room. My father's face was a mask of anger and disappointment, his fingers drumming impatiently on the desk. "You're being naive, Sunghoon. You think you can simply turn your back on us and everything will be fine? There are consequences for your actions, and they won't be limited to just you."

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine at his words. "What are you saying?"

He stood up, his demeanor imposing. "I'm saying that there are repercussions for defying the family. If you refuse to take on your responsibilities, there will be fallout. And you need to understand that this fallout could affect not just you, but anyone close to you."

The implications of his words hit me like a punch to the gut. My thoughts immediately went to Eunju—my fear of what might happen to her if things escalated. The last thing I wanted was for her to be caught in the crossfire of my family's machinations.

"Do you think I'm threatening you?" My father's voice was icy. "I'm stating a fact. Your choices have consequences. Think carefully about what you're deciding."

I looked at him, my resolve wavering but still strong. "I understand. But I have to make my own choices. I can't live my life based on fear."

My father's eyes narrowed, and he gave a curt nod. "We'll see how long your convictions last. For now, you're free to do as you please. But remember, the choices you make will determine your future—and the futures of those around you."

With that, he dismissed me with a curt wave of his hand. I stood up, feeling a mixture of relief and dread as I walked out of his office. The weight of the conversation lingered, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead was suffocating.

As I stepped out into the cool evening air, I pulled out my phone and dialed Eunju's number. My hands were shaking, and the reality of the situation was crashing down on me. She needed to know everything, and I had to face whatever consequences awaited.

The phone rang once, twice, and then Eunju's voice came through, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

"Sunghoon? Are you okay?" Her voice was filled with concern.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "I'm okay. I need to talk to you. Can we meet?"

"Of course," Eunju replied. "Where do you want to go?"

"Let's meet at the park," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "It's where we had our last serious conversation."

"Alright," she agreed. "I'll see you there."

I ended the call and took a moment to compose myself. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but I was determined to face it head-on. Eunju's support was my anchor, and together, we would navigate the storm that was about to unfold.

As I made my way to the park, I couldn't shake the feeling that the coming confrontation with my father was just the beginning of a much larger and more dangerous journey. The decisions I made now would have far-reaching consequences, and the stakes had never been higher.