Ephemeral

Chapter 5

After that day, I didn't see Jaebeom for 2 weeks.

At first, I felt relieved. I thought he have finally realized when to give up.

But after a week, He started popping up in my head. Until finally, I unknowingly went back to that 'secret spot' where I saw Jaebeom last.

As expected, he is not there.

I sat on the bench and gaze at the oak tree beside it. The image of Jaebeom sitting under it and sleeping soundly pops up in my head.

I shook my head.

"What is wrong with you, Soo-Hee?" I asked myself.

After sitting in that spot for a few minutes, I decided to go home.

"You're finally home." A voice greeted me once I step foot into the house.

I look up and met the cold gaze of the man I call 'Father'. He's been going to several business trips all this time, it's very unusual for him to greet his daughter that he doesn't even care about.

"Hello, Father."

"Joowon has been asking for you."

Ah, of course. He just needs me to play a part to help him strengthen his business.

"What does he want?"

"He wants to get closer to you. You two are going to be engaged soon anyway."

"I'm tired. Let's talk about this another time."

I said and climb up the stairs.

"Soo-Hee! Is this how you treat your father!?" he shouted.

I stop in my tracks. Father? Does he even deserve to be called father when he only regarded me as a tool to enhance his business?

"Darling, what is with all of the noise?" The voice of my mother rang through the hallway.

She then came into view and tried to calm my father down.

My father shook his head and sighed as my mother has a worried expression on her face.

What a loving couple.

My mother then turned around and met my eyes.

If other people saw the expression she has now, they would think that her motherly instinct is coming into play and she is concern about her daughter who just turned her back on her father.

But I know her better. Her eyes are empty, no warmth was shown to me.

I turned away from those eyes and head into my room.

Ten minutes later, my so called mother came into my room.

"Did you have fun at the university?"

"I guess."

"How are your classes going?"

I put down the sketchbook and pencil that I've been holding and look at my mother.

"I believe small talk is not your purpose of coming into my room."

Her expression turned stoic.

"Meet with Joowon."

"I thought we were finished with him two years ago. Don't you remember what he did to me?"

"Don't you remember what I taught you?"

My mother and I stared at each other for a few seconds. I then turned away and smiled bitterly to myself.

"How could I forget your lessons, Mother?"