A contractual promise

# Chapter 8 - I wanted to hide it because it was a wound to me (3)

이현

I'll be there soon, so listen carefully.

That day, after watching the match, I thought it was okay because there were quite a few people there even though it was late.

I was in great shape that day, and the match results were even better, making me even more excited. I found myself humming along, and everything seemed so good. I didn't even think about the impending disaster.

There were a lot of people and it was bright because of the lights from the shops.

But, the road I had to take home was an alley, and that day, it was deserted. No matter how much I exercised, wouldn't it be scary to walk through a dark alley on a dark night with no one around? I quickened my pace.

Just past the alleyway was the main road, and just crossing the crosswalk on the main road was my house. So I tried to hurry and get out of the alleyway.

The end of the alley was in sight, and just as I was about to turn onto the main street, I was grabbed by the hair and dragged. There was no one there. I went back into the alley I'd exited from.

When I resisted, they threatened me with a wooden club and a metal bar, each of which they were holding. Even if I had trained, I couldn't defeat two strong, adult men by force.

When I resisted, I was grabbed by the hair and kicked in the cheeks and stomach. My shoulders were struck with a wooden club, and my knees were struck with an iron bar.

One of my legs was completely destroyed. My knee was smashed twice with an iron bar, and my ankle was crushed by a man. After destroying my leg as if on command, they leisurely disappeared.

As this absurd situation suddenly struck me, I fell into despair. First, I couldn't do the sport I loved. I couldn't use my legs. Thinking about this, the first thing that came to mind was wanting to die.

I called my cousin (Jongdae) and was rushed to the hospital, where I began surgery on my knees and ankles. I wore a brace for several months. The thought of having to rely on machines to survive was incredibly frustrating.

My parents, seeing me depressed, decided to send me to the United States. I packed my bags, determined to just go through rehab like crazy. Rehab was harder and more painful than I expected.

For a week, I cried in the alley where I first met Kim Jong-in. Kim Jong-in waited for me to cry like crazy, and even offered kindness, telling me to contact him when I was having a hard time.

Thanks to Kim Jong-in's advice and encouragement, I gradually improved from my depression. Miraculously, I was able to walk, jump, and even run without braces, and I set a date to return to Korea.

The therapist was also amazed and said it was a miracle. And all he said to me was this:

"You had great mental strength. Since you were a kid who played sports, you learned how to use your muscles right away. And since you're young-" I said my goodbyes and left.

And I told Kim Jong-in everything about me.

종인

So, when are you going?

이현

Next Wednesday - I won't see you until I leave. It was thanks to you that I was able to complete my treatment.

종인

Just in words?

이현

No, thank you so much. I hope to see you again.

종인

If I ever have any reason to go to Korea, I'll contact you.

이현

okay.

They said their goodbyes soon, and did not see each other for a while, their last appearance at the airport.

For five months, Lee Hyeon received some more rehabilitation treatment, took the high school qualification exam, and was busy preparing to transfer to a high school.

As it turned out, even their numbers had changed, and they had lost contact with each other. Lee Hyun was left with only fond memories, and Jong In only had fond memories.

(today)

종인

That's it, that's all.

이현

It was a wound to me, so I just hid it. It was Kim Jong-in who told me it was okay to reveal it.

찬열

..sorry for acting up last time

이현

Well, we made up. Actually, I really didn't want anything to do with you. But that's not the case anymore.

찬열

really?

이현

Uh- You said you were Kim Jong-in's friend.

종인

Park Chanyeol must have had zero trust. If he could build trust because of me—

찬열

Is that so..

Lee Hyun smiled as if he was really happy, and Chanyeol and Jongin also smiled back at Lee Hyun's smile.

At Lee Hyun's smile, Chanyeol felt an unfamiliar shiver for a moment, a strange feeling he was experiencing for the first time.