OPPORTUNITY: Opportunity
#24
I've been to every possible place. Convenience stores, cafes, jjimjilbangs. In South Korea, the places a minor, especially a middle school freshman, can go are extremely limited.
Nevertheless, there is none.
I was worried that he might be hanging out with bad kids. And secondly, I had the greatest suspicions about Yoon-soo's father.
After asking around among the children, I found my way to Yunsu's house. After searching for Yunsu all day, this was my final destination.
Ding dong-
"who are you."
A rough male voice came from beyond the front door. I could easily guess it was Yoon-soo's father. I took a deep breath and waited for him to open the door.
Clank-
전정국
......
전정국
hello.
The face of Yoon-soo's father, which I had only seen in mosaics on the news, was most shocking: his face was so ordinary.
No, in a way, it was a likable look. Neat hair, neat clothes. You couldn't imagine him abusing a child.
I bowed my head and said hello.
전정국
I'm Yoon-soo's friend.
전정국
I came because I was worried.
"......"
"Yoon-soo left the house."
My son is currently missing, so how can he be so calm? I refused to back down and continued the conversation.
전정국
why?
"I don't know. The police are investigating."
전정국
......
전정국
This is Jeon Jungkook.
At the mention of "Jeon Jungkook," Yoonsoo's father's previously annoyed expression changed. It was a mix of curiosity and anger.
"I've heard a lot from Yoon-soo. He says he's really good at studying."
전정국
Is there a distinction between good and bad students in their studies for first year middle school students?
전정국
Yunsu will definitely go to S University. I guarantee it.
"......Okay. Then go in."
There was no information to be gained. In fact, it only made things more confusing. The thought of someone so seemingly normal beating Yunsu like crazy from behind sent chills down my spine.
So I couldn't delay any longer. I had to find Yunsu. It occurred to me that perhaps that was why I had come back to the past.
I wandered around the neighborhood until dawn. I visited the playground and the subway station. Of course, Yunsu wasn't in sight.
전정국
......Where did you really go?
It was past 3 a.m. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally, and decided it was time to go home.
I desperately hoped that Yunsu would be sitting at his desk tomorrow morning.
전정국
uh...?
As I trudged along the deserted road at dawn, I saw a familiar figure in the distance. A little over 160 cm tall, with hunched shoulders.
전정국
...Yoon-soo...!
I ran straight to Yunsoo. He smelled like he'd been sleeping outside for days without washing, and his clothes were so tattered they were unrecognizable.
Yunsu checked my face and started crying.
Now he looked like he was fourteen.
He was not a stubborn child who risked his life for studying and test scores, but rather a 'child' who knew how to throw tantrums and cry.
I hugged Yunsu tightly. I wanted to hug him so badly, and I felt bad for not doing it until now. Yunsu couldn't stop crying. He cried out loud.
전정국
I'm sorry I found out too late.
전정국
Sorry for hugging you so late.
전정국
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you to cheer up.
전정국
You are doing well enough,
전정국
I couldn't tell you not to worry because you were doing well...
전정국
I'm just sorry, Yoonsoo.
고윤수
My dad is not my dad.
고윤수
He said he's not my biological father. I'm older than him.
고윤수
So that's why he hit me like that all the time.
고윤수
He said it was because he loved me.
고윤수
That wasn't it.
고윤수
It was just me who was annoyed that I couldn't get first place.
고윤수
Me... what should I do?
고윤수
My dad would be happy if I got first place.
고윤수
So I studied.
고윤수
He's not my dad.
고윤수
What should I do...?
고윤수
What should I do, Jungkook?