Echoes of the Past || Jakehoon

Chapter 37: The Unexpected Reunion

Days had passed since Jake's confrontation with Sunghoon, and the tension in their home remained palpable. Sunghoon had been quieter than usual, his mind preoccupied with a plan he hoped would mend the growing rift between them. The opportunity to meet Lee Heeseung's father had presented itself, and Sunghoon saw it as a crucial step toward fulfilling Jake's deepest wish.

Sunghoon nervously adjusted his tie as he stood outside Mr. Lee's office. The grandeur of the building was intimidating; Lee Heeseung's father was a prominent businessman in South Korea, and the magnitude of his success was evident in the opulence surrounding him. Sunghoon took a deep breath, steadying himself before knocking on the door.

"Come in," a deep voice called from inside.

Sunghoon entered, greeted by the sight of an older man sitting behind a large mahogany desk, flanked by towering bookshelves and elegant decor. Mr. Lee looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Sunghoon's presence.

"Mr. Lee, my name is Park Sunghoon. I was a friend of Heeseung's from university. We lost contact, and I was hoping you could help me find him."

Mr. Lee's expression softened at the mention of his son. "A friend of Heeseung's, you say? It's been a long time since I've heard someone speak of him fondly." His gaze drifted to the wedding ring on Sunghoon's finger. "You're married?"

Sunghoon nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "Yes, I am. To someone very special to me. But right now, I need to find Heeseung. It's important."

Mr. Lee sighed, a mixture of nostalgia and sorrow in his eyes. "I miss my son every day. He went to Canada years ago, and our relationship has never been the same. Heeseung... he became a different person."

Sunghoon felt a surge of empathy. "Mr. Lee, I understand this might be difficult, but I need to speak with Heeseung. It's about something that could change everything."

Mr. Lee studied Sunghoon for a moment before nodding. "You've come at the right time. Heeseung is returning from Canada tomorrow. His mother is in the hospital, and he's coming to see her. We can meet him at the airport together."

Sunghoon's heart raced. "Thank you, Mr. Lee. This means a lot to me."

The next day, Sunghoon and Mr. Lee stood at the airport, waiting for Heeseung's flight to arrive. The anticipation was heavy, and Sunghoon's thoughts were a whirlwind of uncertainty and hope.

When the flight finally landed, they watched as passengers began to disembark. Sunghoon spotted Heeseung immediately. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his demeanor exuding a cold, calculated confidence. This was a stark contrast to the warm, carefree lover boy Jake had described.

Sunghoon couldn't help but be taken aback by Heeseung's appearance. Heeseung's visual was striking, his sharp features and intense gaze radiating an air of authority and control. It was clear that the years had transformed him into a formidable presence.

"Heeseung," Mr. Lee called out, his voice wavering with a mixture of hope and fear.

Heeseung glanced in their direction, his expression hardening as he recognized his father. Without a word, he turned away and headed straight for the taxis.

Mr. Lee, desperate and heartbroken, followed Heeseung. "Heeseung, please! I'm so sorry for everything. I miss you so much. Please, just talk to me," he pleaded.

Heeseung continued to arrange his luggage in the taxi, not once looking at his father. His movements were precise, almost mechanical, as if he had rehearsed this moment in his mind countless times.

"Son, I know I made mistakes. I know I wasn't there when you needed me, but please, can't we start over?" Mr. Lee's voice cracked with emotion.

Heeseung remained silent, his face a mask of indifference. He closed the trunk of the taxi and opened the door, preparing to leave.

"Please, Heeseung. Your mother is in the hospital. She wants to see you. We both do. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive us?" Mr. Lee's desperation was palpable, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Heeseung finally spoke, his tone icy and detached. "I'm here for her, not for you." With that, he got into the taxi and shut the door.

Mr. Lee stood there, watching helplessly as the taxi drove away. "It's been six years, and he still won't even look at me," he murmured, more to himself than to Sunghoon.

Sunghoon placed a comforting hand on Mr. Lee's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lee. This must be incredibly difficult for you."

Mr. Lee shook his head, trying to hold back tears. "Heeseung wasn't always like this. He used to be so full of life, so kind-hearted. I don't know what happened to him."

Sunghoon's resolve hardened. He knew this meeting was only the beginning. As they watched Heeseung's taxi drive away, Sunghoon made a silent promise to himself. He would do whatever it took to bring peace and closure to everyone involved, no matter how difficult the journey ahead might be.