Chapter 108
Hyeon-woo’s mother was born as a precious late child and only daughter, losing her parents shortly after giving birth to Hyeon-woo. His father, too, was born as the youngest son of a prestigious family and lost his parents early. His father’s much older siblings, far from caring for their young brother, ended up severing ties after fighting over the remaining inheritance.
With virtually no blood relatives left, Hyeon-woo felt that if they left like this, there would be no reason to ever return to this country. It made everything feel like it was truly the last time.
“…Before we leave, there are some people I’d like to say goodbye to. Is it okay if I go?”
“Oh my, who?”
“People you don’t know, Mom. It’s a bit far from here, so I’ll leave early in the morning and probably come back late.”
Hyeon-woo asked for permission during dinner. His parents seemed curious but didn’t ask further, sensing his desire to keep it to himself.
People who had supported and encouraged him when everything was new, clumsy, and frightening.
Yejun’s family, the director of the tutoring center, the chick-like children, the café owner, and Jeong-hwan.
Familiar faces flashed through his mind. He had always felt guilty about disappearing without a proper goodbye, and now he felt urgent, thinking this might be his last chance to express his gratitude.
*
He got off the train and headed for the bus stop. The rural atmosphere with dry falling leaves exuded the full scent of late autumn.
He took the bus into the familiar bustling area. Seeing groups of students in uniforms on the busy daytime streets, it seemed to be midterm exam period.
As Hyeon-woo stood waiting for the signal at the crosswalk, someone gently tapped his shoulder.
“…Hyeon-woo hyung…?”
It was a welcome voice. Hyeon-woo turned around with a broad smile.
“Yejun!”
“Hyung! Hyeon-woo hyung!”
As Yejun hugged him tightly without warning, Hyeon-woo patted his back and moved to a secluded corner to avoid blocking pedestrian traffic. Yejun’s familiar appearance, holding a paper bag from the bookstore filled with reference books, made the long absence seem insignificant.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, I’ve been fine, but how have you been, hyung?”
“…I’ve been well too.”
“…”
Hyeon-woo felt embarrassed under Yejun’s scrutinizing gaze. Anyone could see he didn’t look like someone who had been doing well.
“How’s your studying going?”
Hyeon-woo quickly changed the subject.
“I’m working hard, but I’m not sure yet. I really want to go to a foreign language high school in Seoul, but I need to do well on next year’s grades to make up for the mistakes I made in my first year.”
You’re working hard. Knowing the difficult times Yejun had been through, Hyeon-woo felt proud and moved.
“I believe you’ll do well.”
“Hehe, thanks. Hyung, have you had lunch yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Oh, then if it’s okay with you, let’s stop by my house! Mom said she’d make something delicious because I worked hard on the exams. I think she’d be really happy if you came with me…”
“Sure. Let’s do that, let’s go together.”
“Yes! Great! Let’s go, hyung!”
Hyeon-woo had been feeling awkward about suddenly visiting without prior notice after disappearing without a word, but he was glad to have coincidentally met Yejun and go together.
They got on the bus and sat side by side. Although he hadn’t meant to look, Hyeon-woo caught sight of Yejun urgently typing a text message on his phone.
[Mom!! I’m coming home with Hyeon-woo hyung right now!]
Hyeon-woo pretended not to see and shifted his gaze to the scenery outside the window. Even as they got off the bus and walked following Yejun, Hyeon-woo busily looked around, etching the warm atmosphere into his mind.
The vast, clear blue sky and the mountain ridges tinged with colorful autumn leaves. Unknown wildflowers peeking through low fences and ginkgo trees turned golden.
Thinking this might be the last time, every scene that came into view felt precious. One of the few memories worth cherishing beautifully from this country where he was born and raised. He wanted to treasure these memories so he could recall them anytime.
Finally, they arrived in front of a four-story multi-family house built with red bricks. Hyeon-woo inwardly smiled as he watched Yejun deliberately ring the doorbell despite surely having a key. Busy footsteps approached from inside, and soon the front door opened.
“Oh my goodness. Who do we have here!”
“Auntie, it’s been a long time. Have you been well?”
“Of course, of course. Come in, come in! Please, come in!”
The aunt, dressed neatly as if she had prepared after receiving Yejun’s text message, welcomed Hyeon-woo into the clean and tidy house. As they entered the living room, a delicious smell tickled their noses.
“Wow, bulgogi! It smells so good!”
Yejun exclaimed as he lifted the lid of the large earthenware pot on the gas range.
“Wash your hands and help set the table.”
“Okay! Got it!”
The aunt sighed as she watched Yejun toss his bag on the sofa and disappear straight into the bathroom.
“Oh my, he loses his mind like that whenever he sees food.”
“He’s in his growth period.”
“Considering how much he eats, he should be at least 10 centimeters taller. Half of our living expenses go to Yejun’s food.”
Hyeon-woo laughed brightly at the aunt’s affectionate complaint. The aunt’s gaze on Hyeon-woo was filled with inexplicable sympathy and tenderness. Hyeon-woo, wondering if he looked that bad, suddenly felt the aunt’s gaze on his stomach and understood the meaning behind her look.
She had witnessed all his struggles with morning sickness. Having left this place last winter, he should rightfully be in the final month of pregnancy now. She must be wondering about his flat stomach.
Despite having many questions, the aunt didn’t ask anything throughout the meal. Hyeon-woo had wondered who Yejun took after to be so considerate, and it seemed he was the spitting image of his aunt.
After the meal, they sat across from each other at the table, drinking warm citron tea and catching up on stories they hadn’t been able to share.
The aunt’s face lit up when Hyeon-woo said he had ended his long period of wandering and was now living with his parents. However, her joy didn’t last long.
She couldn’t hide her disappointment when Hyeon-woo said he would be immigrating to the United States with his family.
“…That’s why I came to say goodbye before leaving. I always felt bad about leaving so suddenly without saying goodbye. I’m really sorry and grateful.”
After saying those words he had wanted to express many times, Hyeon-woo felt a sense of relief, as if a long-standing burden had been washed away.
The aunt rarely asked questions, even though she must have been curious about how he decided to immigrate and what his future plans were. She just listened attentively to his story and prayed for his new future.
He was so grateful for that. It was the same as before. She had embraced him as he was, without prejudice.
People who had been the light helping him through that dark tunnel. This was the first time he had formed such deep relationships with people other than Tae-geon, making the bonds he had forged here on his own feel even more special.
“I’m planning to go say goodbye at the tutoring center and the café later. Is everyone doing well?”
“Jangmi should be at the tutoring center… but the café is gone now.”
“…Oh.”
