Fools & Secrets ✔️

Catorce

The Moon

Chapter 14

When it came to Eunseo, Mingyu was always attentive and cautious. He made it his mission to ensure she was okay, comfortable, and in a stress-free environment. He made sure she slept early, ate healthily, and took all her vitamins. He bought her books and drawing tools for entertainment because he didn't want her using gadgets all the time. He gave her what she needed but was firm enough not to spoil her. He also knew Eunseo was intelligent and kind enough not to get into fights with her classmates, so it was really unusual for Mingyu to be called to her school.

His mind spiraled with negative thoughts. What if she was hurt? Was she being bullied? What the hell happened? As soon as Mingyu parked his car, he quickly jogged to the counseling room, his breath ragged from running. He barely acknowledged the familiar faces around him, too consumed by worry. Eunseo must be waiting for him; he couldn't answer the call earlier, and now he was so late. The thought gnawed at him. He just hoped she was okay and not crying. Now, he regretted going to the hospital when Namjoon had called him for advice on a patient.

As he took the final turn toward the counseling room, the sight before him made him abruptly stop. A brunette with a low ponytail was crouched down to meet Eunseo's eyes. Dressed in straight-legged slacks and a black blazer, she wore a warm smile as she spoke to his daughter. With a gentle pat on Eunseo's head, she opened her arms wide for an embrace, and Eunseo quickly jumped into them. Mingyu stood frozen, watching them. It was clear that the brunette had just come from her own school—her materials and briefcase still in hand—yet she had rushed over as soon as she was called. Of course, Lisa would be here. She was listed as one of the emergency contacts for Eunseo.

Mingyu could never list Eunseo's grandfather as an emergency contact. No, he wouldn't have done that. The man wouldn't even come himself; he'd just send someone in his place.

His steps slowed as he took his time to reach them, savoring the sight of Lisa and Eunseo together. He might be a goner by now. It was all happening too fast, spiraling out of control. Mingyu could barely hold on to the line he had drawn between them. Sometimes he just wanted to cross it—damn the consequences—but he wanted her. The girl who always wore her heart on her sleeve.

He had been drawn to her from the moment they met, and now, no matter how hard he tried to swim back to the surface, he only ended up diving deeper. But that was the problem. He couldn't let her drown with him. He was already too far gone, beyond repair, with nothing left to give. Pulling her into his world would only drag her into its darkness. He couldn't afford to taint her, or that captivating, bright smile.

He should just be content to admire her from a distance, where the light could still reach him, just enough to keep him drawn in, thirsting for more.

The moon is bright tonight, isn't it, Lisa?

"Oh, Mr. Kim! You're finally here," a voice interrupted his thoughts. Mingyu turned to see Teacher Ningning stepping out of the faculty room, holding a book and file board tightly to her chest.

"I'm sorry I was late. Is my daughter alright?" he asked, even though he knew she was, having seen her smile with Lisa just moments ago.

"She's okay now, Mr. Kim. We just noticed that she's been upset lately, and when a classmate said something..." Ningning hesitated, but Mingyu waited, his patience thin but present. "She punched her classmate."

"Punched?" Mingyu repeated, incredulous.

"Yes, Mr. Kim."

"So, a classmate provoked her?" he asked, his voice steady, though a storm brewed underneath.