Hyun Woo

In two days, our exams would begin. Once we both stood first, we’d go on that trip to the countryside. I only hoped Min Ho never discovered that I had asked my father to convince the college to allow the trip for all who ranked first, not just one. His self‑respect was too big for me to fight with. And honestly, I hated fighting with him — it always turned into a long process: first the argument, then his silence for days, and finally my endless apologies. He could never be convinced with material things, but eventually, he always forgave me. No matter how much he pretended, he couldn’t stay mad at me for more than four days. I had studied that.

Today I needed to go home. My father had called — he wanted to discuss the steps once I moved to the US. He had planned my entire life from the day I was born. Any deviation carried a price. So I avoided going against him. I told myself that once my sister and I inherited his business, we would finally be free. That was the thought I clung to.

Seven more years. Just seven more years until I turned twenty‑five. Then, with money and power in my hands, I would be the one calling the shots. Until then, I had to endure the bullshit, the abuse, the control. Survival first. Freedom later.

“So, Hyun Woo,” my father said, studying me from behind his desk while I stood before him. “I hope you applied with all the proper details. You’ll be shortlisted, right?” His eyebrow arched.

“Yes, Dad. I made sure there were no mistakes in the application.”

“Good. These are the details. There will be people to help you there, just like here. You need not worry about anything. Focus on your studies and excel. Don’t give me reason to be upset.” He returned to his documents.

“Yes, sir. I won’t.” I was about to leave when his voice stopped me.

“I’ve heard you’ve been staying somewhere else for almost two years. Hyun Woo, a little fun is fine. But if anything serious is happening, I’ll have to take care of it personally. You understand?” He didn’t look up.

“Nothing serious, sir. Everything will go as planned.” I said, my voice trembling. He smiled.

“Good. That’s what I expected.”

I left quickly, only to be caught by my sister, who pulled me into her room.

“Sit” she said, handing me a glass of water. “You just told Dad there’s nothing to worry about. Are you sure?” Her questions began.

“Yes, I’m sure. He wants me to excel, which I am. He wants me to go abroad, which I will. What’s there to worry about?” I replied, looking out at the gardens, the vast rooms, the endless luxuries.

“Min Ho” she said abruptly.

“What about him?” I asked.

“So, he’ll be traveling with you to the US?”

“Yes. He’s brilliant. He’ll get admission without doubt.”

“But why is he coming with you?”

“What’s the harm?” I challenged.

“So, he’ll do his master’s with you, work in the same company… what next? You’ll marry the same woman, share the same wife? How lovely.” She said irritated.

“No. He’ll be my wife. I’ll marry him.”

She exploded. “What rubbish!”

“Exactly. You’re talking rubbish,” I said, unimpressed. “I don’t mean I’ll tie him to me for life. I know that’s not possible. He’s my best friend. I just want us to stay together while I can. Someday we’ll part — I’m not a child.”

“You are a child. And that boy? He’s only your friend for your money and popularity. He’s benefitted from you.”

“Benefitted?” My voice sharpened. “Tell me, sister, what has he gained from me? I eat twice what he does. He buys me expensive gifts from his part‑time allowance. He works six hours a day, studies six more, and whatever time remains, he spends worrying about me. He makes sure I’m comfortable even in his small home. He ensures I eat on time, even if he skips meals.

Once, he wasn’t paid for two months. Our budget was cut in half. He never complained, never told me. I found out from someone at his tuition center. That’s why he ate only once a day. That’s why his body wash lasted two months instead of one. He doesn’t buy clothes for himself, but he spent six months of savings on my birthday gift.

And do you know, sister? Even after all this, he pretends he doesn’t know me when we meet outside. He never comes to my parties, even though he knows how angry I get. He faces my anger but never gives in. The list is too long. Day in, day out, he does everything for me — yet never claims me as his own.” I said it all in one breath.

“Alright, alright, calm down,” she said. “But remember what you told me — you can’t tie him to yourself for life. If the day comes when you have to move on without him, you’ll have to do it. Understood? And if he doesn’t get into the US university, you still have to go.”

“That won’t happen,” I said firmly. “He’s far brilliant than me. I’m sure I’ll get in, but more than that, I’m sure he will.” I looked straight at her.

Why did she look away just then?

The day of our exams came. We had studied day and night. Before meeting him, I never knew studying together could be fun. He made sure that whenever I dozed off, he’d hit me lightly on the head to wake me.

“We’ll get the university list two days after the exam,” I told him. He looked surprised.

“Great,” he said, but his voice was low. “Hyun Woo, even if I don’t get in, you have to go.”

“Why are you saying that? Both of us will go together. Don’t tell me you made some mistake while filling the form — I’ll beat you.” I raised my fist, but he caught my hand.

“Stop it. I filled it diligently. I was just saying… in case.”

The exams ended. Two days later, the list came. My name was there. His was not. I couldn’t believe my eyes. “How could this happen?” I exclaimed.

“I heard they usually look for students with international exposure, so it’s easier for them to settle. I didn’t have that box ticked, Hyun Woo. It’s okay. Don’t worry too much. I’ll get into a university here. You go ahead and excel for me, okay? We’ll stay in touch every day.”

“How can you be so calm? So casual? Don’t you feel anything?” My voice rose, anger spilling out. He avoided my gaze and started to leave. I grabbed his wrist to stop him. He winced.

“You promised, Hyun Woo. You said you wouldn’t hurt me.” he challenged.

The words cut through me. I released him instantly.