"Wanna go grab a drink?"
Jinyoung shook his head at Wonpil's question. They were in the living-room of Wonpil's house and as of now, they got the whole house to themselves as Wonpil's parents had just left for work.
"Anything happened at home? What's the matter?" Wonpil asked, observing his friend.
"Nothing of that sort. But well, kind of. I don't know what to do anymore. You know I've always wanted to take architecture at college."
"Yeah. What's the problem then? Oh, has your father found it out?"
"He wants me to take business. I'm not interested in anything that has to do with business. Why can't I just choose my own path for my future? It's too much."
"That sucks. But then, if you choose business, we'll be together again, given that we end up in the same college."
Jinyoung let out a frustrated sigh, "I'm not gonna give up. Maybe I could talk to Mom and she would persuade Dad. Hell, what's wrong with architecture? Why can't I just choose what I like?"
"Probably because your father wants you to lead his company after his death. He's got only one son. So, somehow, it's reasonable."
"That's the problem with being the only child," Jinyoung slumped against the back of the sofa, "You're lucky. Your parents let you choose whatever you like."
"But just think. Your life is full of certainty. You just need to take over the company when your father's gone. What about me then? I won't know what to do even after I get a degree."
"Just not yet. You'll find a way anyhow. For me, I'm going to be stuck in the business world I don't want to be."
It was only a matter of a few months before their college entrance exams. Jinyoung felt sour; he had always imagined himself learning more about architecture and holding onto that passion. But now just a few words from his father had crushed down his dream.
"At least, let's take the best out of it," Wonpil said, "Let's attend the same college if you have to take business, then we could still be by each other's side."
"Yeah, if I have no more choice," Jinyoung promised, his mind still frustrated and bitter.
Mark prepared the dinner and placed the dishes on their small table. His father was going to be back in a while; and he always made sure everything for dinner was ready when his father was back home.
It did not take long; always tired, but never complaining, his father entered the house and hung the jacket on the hook in the living-room.
"Mark," his father called him, coming to the table, "At about eight tonight, go and meet Master. He said he would be at the study room by that time."
"For what? Why does he want to see me?"
Mr. Tuan shook his head, "He didn't say anything. Only said he wanted to talk to you. Just go, and whatever the matter is, don't be stubborn and make sure you give him proper respect."
"I always respect him. It's just his son I can't stand."
Mr. Tuan looked at his son, studying him, "Did you do anything to young master?"
"Of course not. He's busy with his own life. I don't think I'm called for something like that."
"Just go and meet him then. It can't be anything terrible. Master is always nice to you."
Mark must agree with that; whenever they met in the yard, by chance, Mr. Park always inquired after him, whether he was okay at school, or whether there was something he needed, as for school or just personally. Mark was grateful for that because it made him feel more accepted here.
Mark just chose a comfortable T-shirt and a pair of pants, and with nothing else in particular, headed for the Parks' house, with the help of the lights in the yard.
He was expected because when he rang the doorbell, the door was immediately opened by one of the maids.
The whole house was quiet and the living-room was empty. The maid motioned Mark to follow her upstairs and led him where the study room was supposed to be.
It was his very first time to be inside the house to this extend and to be upstairs. The elegance of the house caused his steps to hesitate and made him nervous, suddenly.
The maid stopped in front of a room and gave a soft knock. The door was already slightly open and Nanseok's voice of 'come in' was heard.
The maid opened the door and waited till Mark was inside, before closing the door and heading back downstairs.
Nanseok looked up at Mark from behind his glasses and motioned him to take a seat at the table. Nanseok was in his late forties and his movements were still as active as ever.
"Both you and Jinyoung are going to graduate at the beginning of next year?"
"Yes, sir. In February."
Nanseok nodded; his eyes were pensive and he studied Mark's face carefully.
"You have plans to continue to college? Even if you don't have, I must force you to."
"I have, sir. My father also wants me to."
"Great. Have you considered which major you will take?"
Mark had the answer ready but he could not understand why he was being asked about this.
"I intend to take business, sir. I'm going to a public college, given my marks are good enough."
Nanseok smiled, satisfied with Mark's answer, "Is that what you want to take? That's great. Jinyoung is also going to take business. Probably you could be in the same college and class."
Mark suddenly regretted his choice; no way, did he want to be in the same class with Jinyoung again. All the previous years were more than enough; but just because of that, he was not going to drop favourite subject.
"The reason I called you is just this. I wanted to make sure you continue your studies at college. And you're going to take business, that is much better."
After a few more questions about how his studies were going, Mark was allowed to leave.
Downstairs, the maid was by the main door and closed the door as he headed out of the house, and to the stillness of the night.
Everything went as planned; the college entrance exam was finished successfully, and the graduation followed. As he had originally considered, Mark went to the public college nearby, and one thing he felt thankful for, was Jinyoung going to a private one, which was a bit far from home, although they both took business.
After all those years, he was finally away from Jinyoung's influence at classes. Starting his years at the college was like beginning his new life; he had got friends, who were nice to him, and his studies went well, just as they were his interest.
Everything went well, however, until his third year at college. His father died of heart disease. It was the day he felt like losing his whole world; his father had been everything he had got for family, and now he was left, alone, forced to stand on his feet all alone.
His father died, in his hands, at the hospital; and during the last time, all he talked to Mark was to make him promise that he would always be grateful to the Parks and hold onto that gratitude till the end.
Mark readily gave the promise; it was the least he could do for his father at his last time. Nanseok fell into grief at the loss of his good chauffeur, and so did Minji as she was aware of how Mr. Tuan faithfully served her husband; and all the staff of the Parks expressed their sorrow.
Mark was now offered to continue to live at the staff house and to accept the financial support, by Nanseok. Mark could not deny it; both Nanseok and Minji agreed that Mark should live in the same place and accept their support, at least till he received his degree. Mark thanked them from the depth of his heart, and also was determined to never forget the promise he had given to his father.
