Family on paper

Love Maze 00-2

Two years had passed since my mother remarried my uncle. During that time, his sons changed their names from "Auntie" to "Mom," and I called him "Father."

It had already been a year since we took off our elementary school uniforms and started wearing them. Just as our mother had said, Kim Taehyung and I were going to the same middle school and going through puberty.

Even though we lived in the same house, I never spoke to them. I only occasionally answered my mother and father's questions. Since coming to this house, I've never seen them smile.

My mother wanted to create a harmonious family. So, even when we lived in a semi-basement, she'd always read me new storybooks and share her thoughts about the characters. Looking back, I feel like I spent all the money I'd have spent on meat on storybooks.

So, Mom suggested to Dad that they eat breakfast together every morning. Dad, who always left for work at 6 a.m., must have truly loved Mom, but from that day on, he changed his work schedule to 9 a.m. It was possible because he was the company president.

Even though we sat at the same table, there was no conversation between us. Oh, correct me. There was no conversation between siblings.

아버지

“Hey, how’s school life going? Are you getting along well with Taehyung at school?”

여주

“⋯Yes. Of course.”

엄마

"Seokjin, this is your last year of middle school. Is there anything you'd like as a graduation gift?"

아버지

"Honey, it's still May. There's still plenty of time left before graduation."

엄마

“Oh, really? I was being too reckless.”

김석진

“Then… I’ll get up first. Thank you for the meal, Mother.”

엄마

“Oh, have you finished eating already?”

김남준

“I’ll be back soon.”

엄마

“Namjoon, you too⋯?”

Seokjin and Namjoon, who usually don't eat breakfast, got up from their seats, and Taehyung followed suit, putting down his spoon.

김태형

“⋯⋯.”

Taehyung, without even a word of thanks for the meal or a word of goodbye, simply packed his bag and followed his brothers. Mom opened her mouth to greet him, but she couldn't reach him.

여주

“Mom, the scrambled eggs are delicious. Can I have another bowl of rice?”

엄마

“Ah… Then! Our daughter, eat a lot-.”

아버지

"Honey, should I give you a ride? The driver said you should rest today."

여주

“⋯Okay. Okay, Father.”

My mother's disappointed expression, my father's apologetic gaze. I was always the last one left to deal with them.

‘⋯It’s frustrating.’

Since moving into this house, I've never felt comfortable. The spacious house, delicious food, and nice clothes I so desperately wanted... were all uncomfortable.