Bandaids & Punches ✔️

13. Shackles of the Past

26 August, 12:07 A.M.

"The new doctor will start working next week, you're free to go," Xue Yang says, entering data into a record book.

"What, really?" Relief washes over Haneul, a burden being lifted. Since he decided to stop working for the underground club, he's been feeling suffocated every time he stepped into it.

"Yes."

Haneul closes his eyes in contentment, satisfied that he'll no more be involved with anything illegal. "Thank you." He bows and exits the place, waiting for Dae Ho outside.

It's been almost half a year since he had been appointed as a doctor for the fight club. Now that he's leaving, the streets look worse than they used to. The red street lights give off an intimidating feeling, his heartbeat rising at the thought of smashing glasses and drunk men. It's a miracle he's survived here, a complete contrast to his life outside this place.

Dae Ho comes out a few minutes later and announces his presence, nudging Haneul out of his thoughts and walk towards the doctor's car.

"I'm quitting being a doctor at the club. I've already talked to Xue Yang."

"Huh?"

"Have you ever thought about quitting the fight club?" The redhead asks with inquisitive eyes, pressing the button on his remote to unlock his car.

"Everyday," Dae Ho replies, "but the situation never permitted it."

"But things are different now, you're going to be the first male face of Stoned Beauty. You'll have a job that pays you well. I think you should quit."

"I don't know, Haneul." The fighter sighs, opens the car door, and slides in. "All my life I've been fighting, it's become a part of me now. Sure, it was solely for money in the beginning but somehow I've come to enjoy the thrill that comes with sparring."

"So you're saying you willingly don't want to let go," Haneul probes, "but people are not merciful in the showbiz when things like these come out in the open. My father already warned me to stay out of trouble. You're getting a golden chance, don't destroy it with your own hands."

Dae Ho scoffs folding his arms over his chest. "In short, you don't want your family reputation to be on the line. You don't want to be associated with the wrong guy."

"You know that's not what I mean, don't twist my words." The doctor gets defensive and rolls his eyes. "I'm just saying you should start your life on a new slate."

"I still have debts to pay." Dae Ho sighs, tongue running poking his cheek. "It's always going to shackle me until I pay them off."

The scene outside is a blur, passing trees, and street lamps look like a smudged canvas, red, green, brown, and black hues mixing together. The air conditioning in the car forms droplets on the windows, a chilling silence filling up the space.

"How do you have debts?" Haneul asks slowly, but enough for the other to hear him.

"Minji's pathetic excuse of father messed up, that's how." The fighter seethes, his hand curling into a fist.

"I remember the last time you mentioned this man, you gave him the same name. Why?" He stops the car at the red light and slightly turns to Dae Ho.

"Because he is not my biological father and he is pathetic. A piece of trash."

Haneul ponders upon his words, trying to make conclusions. If Dae Ho already knows he's not Minji's real brother, does it mean he's not always lived with them? Or was it spelled out for him that he wasn't their child since the beginning?