BLOSSOMED | SEOKSOO FF

PART 25

Mingyu and Wonwoo, determined to uncover more about Seokmin's mysterious past, decided to expand their inquiry. With minimal discussion, they drove to the Kwon household unannounced, hoping to gather more information from those who knew Seokmin intimately.

The Kwons lived in a cozy, family-oriented home that contrasted sharply with the grim atmosphere surrounding Seokmin. As Mingyu parked the car in the driveway, he shot a glance at Wonwoo. "Do you think they'll talk?"

Wonwoo adjusted his coat, his calm demeanor unshaken. "We're not here to interrogate. We're here to understand."

When they knocked on the door, it was Soonyoung who answered, his energetic expression faltering into one of surprise. "Dr. Jeon? Dr. Mingyu? What are you guys doing here?"

Before they could respond, Dino peeked out from behind his father, clutching a toy dinosaur. His wide, curious eyes shifted between the visitors. "Who are they, Appa?"

Soonyoung ruffled Dino's hair. "Just some friends, baby. Go play with your toys, okay?" Dino nodded and scampered back inside. Soonyoung stepped aside, motioning for them to enter.

Jihoon appeared moments later, holding a mug of tea, his sharp gaze narrowing as he spotted the visitors. "What's this about? Is Seokmin okay?"

Mingyu hesitated, glancing at Wonwoo for support. "He's... stable, but there are things we need to understand about his past. We were hoping you could help us."

Jihoon's expression tightened, and he exchanged a wary glance with Soonyoung. "What do you mean by his past?"

Wonwoo's voice was calm and measured. "We've learned about the deaths of Seokmin's father and grandfather. The circumstances seem... peculiar, and we believe it might be connected to the guilt he's carrying now."

Soonyoung's brows furrowed in confusion. "His father and grandfather? That was years ago. What does it have to do with his current state?"

Mingyu leaned forward, his large frame making the room feel smaller. "We're not accusing anyone or digging for dirt unnecessarily. But Seokmin's mental state is deteriorating rapidly, and guilt is a significant trigger for him. We need to know what really happened back then."

Jihoon set his mug down on the table with a sharp clink, his jaw tightening. "And you think we know? Seokmin never talked about them to me or Soonyoung. We've barely scratched the surface of what he's hiding." He shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

Wonwoo's calm voice softened. "Jihoon, this isn't about blaming anyone. It's about helping him. If we understand the root of his guilt, we can tailor his treatment. Right now, Seokmin's convinced he deserves every ounce of pain he feels, and that mindset is destroying him."

Soonyoung sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I can't believe we're even having this conversation. Seokmin... he's my brother-in-law. I've seen him be the most charming, kind person to Dino and Jihoon. But if he's carrying something this heavy-"

"It's not just heavy," Jihoon interrupted, his voice low and laced with bitterness. "It's suffocating him. But what do you expect me to do? Dig into something the family buried years ago? They shut the case."

Mingyu exchanged a quick glance with Wonwoo, his face grim. "That's what we're trying to figure out. Jun's report raised questions about inconsistencies in the case. And if Seokmin's mental decline is linked to those deaths, then his family might hold answers."

Jihoon stood abruptly, pacing the room. "You don't understand how our family works. It's all about appearances. Sweep everything under the rug, move on, and never talk about it again. Even if Seokmin wanted to confess back then-if he knew anything-they would've silenced him."

"Then it's time we break the silence," Wonwoo said firmly.

The room grew heavy with tension. Dino, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, peeked around the corner with wide eyes. Soonyoung quickly ushered him back into his room, offering him a reassuring smile before closing the door.

When Soonyoung returned, his voice was more subdued. "Jihoon, they're right. If there's even a chance this can help Seokmin, we have to try. But..." He hesitated, glancing at Mingyu and Wonwoo. "How far are you planning to go? Are you going to question the whole family?"

Mingyu nodded. "If necessary. But for now, we're focusing on people who knew Seokmin closely during that time. Jihoon, you might not have all the answers, but anything you can tell us-anything-could help."

Jihoon stopped pacing, his hands clenched into fists. His shoulders sagged, the weight of the conversation pressing down on him. "I knew something was off back then, but I was a kid too. And by the time I realized how broken he was, it was already too late."

Wonwoo stepped closer, his tone gentle but firm. "It's not too late now. You're here. We're here. And Seokmin is still fighting, even if it doesn't look like it. But we can't do this without you."

Jihoon's lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "If I do this, it's not for me. It's for him. He's still my brother, no matter how much I've hated him for what he's done."

Soonyoung placed a reassuring hand on Jihoon's shoulder. "We'll figure this out together. For Seokmin."

Mingyu and Wonwoo exchanged a look of relief, though the gravity of the situation was far from lifted.

"Thank you," Wonwoo said softly. "We'll proceed carefully. If anything comes up, we'll let you know."

As Mingyu and Wonwoo stood to leave, Jihoon's voice stopped them. "One more thing."

They turned back, waiting.

"If you're going to dig into our family, be prepared for a lot of skeletons. And don't trust everything you hear."

Mingyu gave a small, reassuring smile. "We'll handle it."

"Wait..." Jihoon called after them. Making the two hault on spot.