Chained by Expectations | Park Sunghoon

Forty-four

Sunghoon walked down the cold, dark hallway, the click of his dress shoes echoing against the empty walls. He wore a black suit—one of the many Haneul had always complimented him on. It was fitting, he thought, that he should wear it today. Even though it had been months since the incident, and his wounds had healed, the pain inside him was still raw. He had eventually returned to work, but despite his busy work schedule, there wasn't a single day that passed when he didn't stop by, carrying a small bouquet of flowers in hand.

As he approached the familiar spot, he noticed someone already standing there, waiting. It was Mr. Kim. The sight of Haneul's father gave him pause, his steps slowing as the knot in his throat tightened. Sunghoon's footsteps echoed loudly enough to catch Mr. Kim's attention, causing him to glance over.

The silence between them was heavy and loaded with emotions left unsaid. Sunghoon, feeling the weight of Mr. Kim's gaze, bowed his head slightly. He knew how much the man resented him. Still, he stood there, unsure of what to say, if anything could ever bridge the gap between them.

Mr. Kim's eyes were swollen, cheeks streaked with dried tears, evidence of a pain that mirrored Sunghoon's own, or so he thought. After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Kim broke the silence.

"I should return this to you." His voice was rough, yet firm. From his pocket, he pulled out something small but deeply significant—the ring. The same ring Sunghoon had given to Haneul that night in the hospital, the night that should have been a promise of their future together. The sight of it brought a lump to Sunghoon's throat, tightening with a sadness he couldn't express.

Another silence fell between them, but it wasn't empty. Mr. Kim's gaze softened slightly, his mind wandering through memories and realizations. He had witnessed Sunghoon's relentless determination to reconnect with Haneul after the first time he had almost lost her when she went abroad, and now, even after everything, Sunghoon hadn't faltered.

Sunghoon had made sure the person responsible, So-he, would never harm anyone again. He had paid for everything to ensure Haneul received the justice she deserved, even as Mr. Kim pushed him away, blamed him, and shunned him for what had happened. Despite all that, Sunghoon never gave up.

Mr. Kim looked down at the ring in his palm before extending his hand. Sunghoon hesitated but reached out, accepting it. The cool metal felt heavier than it should.

"There's no one else," Mr. Kim finally said, his voice heavy with emotion. "No one else who could love her like you do."

Sunghoon looked up, surprised by the words. His eyes, still misted with the weight of the moment, met Mr. Kim's. For the first time since the tragedy, there was something other than resentment in Mr. Kim's expression—there was an understanding, an acceptance.

"I just wanted her to be safe," Sunghoon said quietly, his voice trembling with the pain of everything they had lost. "I wanted her to be happy."

Mr. Kim nodded, his throat tightening as he spoke again. "And you did everything you could. I see that now. She... she couldn't have chosen anyone better."

The knot in Sunghoon's chest tightened, his emotions overwhelming him. He had never expected Mr. Kim to say those words, and hearing them felt like a release, a small but profound moment of recognition for everything he had done for Haneul.

"I should have given you my blessing long ago." Mr. Kim muttered. "Please take this as that, for all that it's worth." Mr. Kim's voice cracking.

Mr. Kim stood there, torn between the weight of a decision he never thought he'd have to make. Should he be the one to tell Sunghoon? Or should he let him discover it on his own? He stiffened, holding back a sob that threatened to escape. The emotions were too heavy, too complex, but in the end, he knew Sunghoon needed this moment—alone.