The Price Of Redemption

13.

December 1st, 2018
Something feels off today. Haerin didn't come to school. She was here yesterday, and didn't mention anything about skipping. She wasn't sick either... or at least, she didn't seem like it. I tried calling her, but she's not picking up. I'll just ask her tomorrow.
- Dani

December 2nd, 2018
Still no sign of Haerin. It's unlike her. She always tells me if she's missing school, but it's been two days now. She's not reading my texts, not answering my calls. I can't help but feel this knot of worry tightening inside me. Something's wrong.
- Dani

December 3rd, 2018
Three days. No calls. No texts. I went to her house today, hoping to see her, but the guard didn't let me in. That's never happened before. He looked... sad, like he knew something I didn't. I'm scared now. Haerin, where are you?
- Dani

December 4th, 2018
I went back to her place, and everything was different. The guards had all been changed. They wouldn't let me through, even when I showed them a picture of us together. But... for a second, I saw her. Sitting on the steps, sipping coffee like nothing had happened. She looked fine. Normal. But if she's okay, why won't she talk to me?
- Dani

2024

"Dad, you've got to see this!" Soobin burst into the massive office, excitement sparking in his eyes as he switched on the giant LED screen.

Breaking News: ADOR Inc. Heiress Arrives in LA!
The business world is abuzz with speculation. Could this be the start of something monumental? Eyes are on the Kangs—will the rumored deal of the century come true?

Kang Taehyung furrowed his brow as he leaned forward in his chair, the weight of the news pulling him from his usual composed demeanor.

"If this is real, Dad, we've just hit the jackpot," Soobin said, clapping his hands together in sheer excitement.

ADOR Inc. was a titan in the global business arena, spanning everything from Japan's train stations to oil refineries in the UAE. They even held a major stake in Samsung, dominating the stock market. Yet, their enigmatic heiress had remained a mystery to the world—until now. If the rumors were true, the Kangs were on the verge of meeting the so-called 'golden child.'

Taehyung smiled softly at his son's enthusiasm. "If it's true, then yes... that would be incredible."

"I know!" Soobin grinned, giving his father a quick hug. But Taehyung, always cautious, shook his head slightly.

"Don't get too carried away. It could all be false news."

"No, I've got a gut feeling this time, Dad. I'm leading this project." Soobin pulled back from the hug, eyes locked onto the screen. But Taehyung's intuition whispered something else—something felt off about all of this.

"It was nice staying over, thanks again," Hanni said with a warm smile, bowing slightly to Hyein, who stood by the door.

Last night, Hyein had made it clear: Minji's friends—Haerin and Hanni—weren't welcome at the apartment anymore. Minji was confused. First, Hyein had called Haerin "weird," and now she wanted Hanni gone too. Minji didn't argue, seeing how frustrated her sister had become. So, the plan was simple—Hanni would stay the night and leave the next day.

"Same," Hyein forced a polite smile, bowing back in respect.

"I'll walk her out," Minji said, slipping on her shoes with a knowing smile toward her sister. She had chosen to stay with Hyein but would check in on Hanni regularly.

The door clicked shut as both girls entered the spacious LA apartment, bags of groceries in hand. Minji started placing the items on the counter, but her eyes wandered to the couch, where Hanni sat, staring sadly at her phone.

"What is it?" Minji asked, sensing the shift in mood.

Hanni hesitated before speaking, biting her lip. "Do you think she's mad?"

Minji looked puzzled. "Mad? Why would she be?"

"She left after talking to you, and she hasn't responded to any of my texts since..." Hanni's voice wavered, clearly hurt.

Minji paused what she was doing and moved to sit next to her friend, taking Hanni's hands in hers and squeezing them reassuringly. "She's not mad. She just works in... mysterious ways, let's call it that," Minji said, trying to lighten the mood.

Hanni let out a small laugh. "You're probably right."

"And don't worry, she'll be here in a few minutes," Minji added, smiling as Hanni's face lit up.

"Really?" Hanni's mood brightened instantly.

Minji nodded, watching as Hanni jumped up and rushed to the kitchen. "Then I'll make her some chicken soup!" she chirped, starting to gather ingredients.

Minji sighed softly. "Now I just have to convince her to come over," she mumbled to herself.

In an old, nearly abandoned church on the outskirts of the city, a lone figure sat quietly on the worn-out benches. The vast windows let in streams of sunlight, illuminating the otherwise forgotten place.

The sound of heavy boots echoed through the empty space, causing the seated figure to turn slightly. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she returned her gaze to the large sign in front of her.

The second figure walked in, taking a seat across from her on the opposite bench.

"So, you came..." the girl said softly, her voice echoing in the empty space.

"I did... Jihye."