The Price Of Redemption

5.

2018: (December 2nd)

The lounge was steeped in an uneasy silence, broken only by the relentless drumming of rain against the windows. The air felt thick with tension, suffocating, as if the entire room was holding its breath. Outside, a distant rumble of thunder rolled through the night, shaking the walls, but inside, the conflict between family members simmered silently, threatening to explode at any moment.

In the middle of the room stood Haerin's father, his arm protectively draped around his new wife's shoulders, his other hand resting firmly on his son's. The warmth of the embrace didn't extend to Haerin, though, who stood a few feet away, staring at her father with eyes that once held love but now only mirrored betrayal. They stood, locked in a silent war, father and daughter, neither one showing any emotion, their faces as cold and expressionless as the storm outside.

A crack of thunder split the air, causing Jisoo and Soobin to flinch, their bodies jerking in fright. But Haerin and her father didn't move. They remained as still as statues, unblinking, unmoved by the chaos around them.

"What did you just say?" Haerin's voice trembled as she finally broke the silence, her words coming out strangled, as if they were being forced through a throat that had forgotten how to speak.

Her father's gaze was distant, indifferent, as though he was addressing a stranger and not his own flesh and blood. His tone was cold, devoid of any affection or remorse. "I said, this is your mother now—Kang Jisoo. And your brother, Kang Soobin."

The words hung in the air like a cruel slap to the face. Haerin's heart felt like it had been wrenched out of her chest. She scoffed, her eyes flickering to Jisoo and Soobin, who were standing there, smug smiles plastered across their faces as if they had already won something precious.

"Are you out of your mind?" she muttered, her voice shaky, her hands trembling at her sides. Her mind was reeling, trying to grasp the enormity of what had just been said.

"What did you say?" Her father's voice was sharp, a clear warning in his tone.

Haerin's eyes darkened with rage, her trembling hands curling into fists. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND?" she roared, her voice echoing through the room like the roar of a wounded lion, filled with fury and pain.

Her father's expression didn't change, but Haerin saw the flicker of something in his eyes—disappointment? Anger? It didn't matter. She could no longer bear the sight of him, or of the new family he had thrust upon her.

2024:

"You know she doesn't like surprises," Minji said softly, her eyes following Hanni as the latter hummed cheerfully, busy packing her suitcase with an energy that seemed contagious.

Hanni paused for a moment, glancing up at Minji with her usual bright, carefree smile. "I know," she replied lightly, not letting Minji's concern slow her down. She continued to fold her clothes, shoving them into her bag, her excitement uncontainable.

"Hanni..." Minji called again, her voice more insistent this time as she grabbed Hanni's arm, halting her movements. The shorter girl stopped and looked up, meeting Minji's gaze with innocent eyes, not realizing the concern hidden behind them.

"You know she's my best friend," Minji started, her tone more serious now. "But I swear, I'll kill her if she hurts you." Her voice was full of determination, a fierce protectiveness that caught Hanni by surprise.

Hanni blinked, momentarily taken aback, before her face softened into a playful grin. She gently slapped Minji's arm, giggling. "You're being dramatic. Haerin would never hurt me." She said it with such conviction, as if the very idea was unthinkable, impossible.