SEVEN [ MICHAENG ]

The end

Just as Chaeyoung was about to enter Mina's apartment complex, a sleek black Cadillac pulled up beside him. The tinted window rolled down smoothly, revealing a man with sharp eyes, silver-streaked hair, and an aura of authority.

Ken Watanabe.

"Get in," the older man said, his voice calm but firm.

Chaeyoung hesitated, his instincts on high alert. But there was something in the man's gaze—something familiar. Reluctantly, he slid into the passenger seat. The air inside smelled like expensive leather and faint cologne. Ken studied him, as if measuring his worth.

"You love Mina." It wasn't a question.

Chaeyoung sat up straighter. "Yes."

Ken nodded, fingers tapping against the steering wheel. "I've investigated you, Chaeyoung. I know where you work, how you take care of her and the twins." He paused. "I also know you don't have the means to give her the future she deserves."

Chaeyoung's jaw tightened. "I know that. But I—"

Ken raised a hand, silencing him. "I'm not here to insult you. I'm here to make an offer." He reached into the armrest and pulled out a black suitcase, placing it on Chaeyoung's lap. "One million dollars. Open your own business. Secure your future. Marry Mina."

Chaeyoung's breath caught in his throat. He stared at the suitcase, his pride warring with his desperation. "Why are you doing this?"

Ken's expression remained unreadable. "Because Mina is my daughter."

"You've already given her money and I gave to her, she thinks they are from me. I can't keep lying to her."

Ken sighed "And I don't intend to tell her." said simply.

Chaeyoung clenched his fists. "She deserves to know the truth."

Ken exhaled, looking out the window. "Some truths only cause pain. I've made my choice." His gaze returned to Chaeyoung. "Now, it's time for you to make yours."

Chaeyoung's heart pounded. The offer was tempting—not for the money, but for Mina, for their future. He wasn't the kind of man to take handouts, but if he refused out of pride, wasn't he just being foolish?

After a long silence, he picked up the suitcase.

"I'll take it," he said. "But you owe her the truth, Ken."

Ken gave a small, sad smile. "Some debts can never be repaid."

Chaeyoung excused himself because he didn't want Mina to see the suitcase so he walked to his apartment. Convincing himself that he did the right thing and it's only for his family. He hid the suitcase in his apartment.

He went back to Mina's apartment where she breathed in relief after seeing him.

"Where have you been I thought you followed me to the elevator but you disappeared" she didn't hesitate to show her worries. Even in front of her mother and Duho who smiled to himself at the cute encounter between the divorced couple.

Chaeyoung was taking off his jacket and smiling "I had an urgent phone call with my boss" he lied.

On the other hand, two kids were sitting on the carpet doing the joyful leg kicking upon seeing their father who squatted and carried them both with ease. Mina couldn't control her loving stare at them and got caught by Rose who teased her and Mina blushed in her place.

~~

The next morning, Chaeyoung went straight to the bank. The crisp bills felt surreal in his hands, but he had no time to dwell on it. By noon, he was already in talks with a realtor, securing a small but promising location—right next to Mina's apartment. A grocery store. It wasn't grand, but it was something stable. A future he could build with his own hands.