Chapter Text
The steps you took towards your front door were heavy that day, with bags of groceries in your hands. Eyes scheming the widely open postbox, a letter was found inside. Instantly, you carefully put the groceries down and hesitantly lifted the letter to read the contents.
Dear “____”
I can help you find your mother but there will be a price you have to pay. If you agree with me, place your reply in the post box tomorrow morning. You’re allowed to reveal this to your father but never to a higher authority or you’ll be punished. For starter, you have to attend Asterum High at 32 Jandari-ro, Mapo gu. I know it’s not far from your house so I expect you not to refuse this offer. Fret not about the expenses where I will be paying everything for you, from the start till you’re able to find your mother and graduate. I wish you all the best for your new journey. May the truth wins.
p.s additional cash is placed behind the post box.
Sincerely,
kyj
As you finish reading the letter, you quickly check behind the postbox. There was another envelope filled with cash, 500000 won in total. Your pupil dilated at the sight of the insanely high amount of cash in your hand. What is happening , you thought as you step right into your house putting all the groceries away and ran straight into your room with the letter and cash envelope.
You sat on your desk, contemplating your thoughts and decisions. Should I? Should I not? What about dad? Should I tell him the truth about this letter?
You ran your hands through your hair once before picking up a piece of paper and a pen before writing down whatever is running in your mind.
“____, wake up!! It’s almost 8 and you don’t wanna be late for school.” Your dad yelled from outside your bedroom door.
The sound of your dad yelling woke you up and you instantly got into the shower. After getting into your school uniform, you glance at your desk once and onto the written reply that you wrote last night before picking it up and slipping it inside your uniform pocket.
You went downstairs and sat down to eat breakfast with your dad. You were never the quiet person so your silence while eating really intrigued your dad’s mind.
“ Hey are you okay? Something is bothering you?” your dad asked as he place your plate filled with his home cooked breakfast in front of you.
Your dad was a head chef at a prestigious restaurant in Seoul. Heck the restaurant even has Michelin 5 Star. Your dad was in his prime until one day, your mom disappeared. Now he’s only at home most of the time and only helps nearby restaurants whenever they need him to replace an absent employee. His priority now is just You. He’s willing to quit his high paying job just to keep an eye on you. You’re all he has left. Though he still has hope for your mom to come home. No one knew if she’s alive or even exists anymore. Her case remains unsolved and open for years until you got the suspicious letter.
”Not much dad…just..” you hesitate to speak up
Gathering your courage to speak, you look up and stare at your beloved dad’s face.
”After summer break, can I transfer to Asterum High? It’s nearer to our house anyways”
“Why? You have problem at your current high school? You have like what? 2 years left before you finish high school and you do know Asterum High fees is quite high and considering my situation..”
”I know, dad. There’s nothing wrong with my school. I did extracurricular stuff after school lately and a lot of people has been paying me a huge amount of money so right now I have about 500000 won.”
Your dad mouth went agape upon hearing. He looks at you suspiciously.
”500000 won? What did you even do to get that much?”
”Just helping here and there dad, just like you did. Sometimes, I even help around Seocho District.” You convince your dad with a white lie.
“Okay..I believe in you. Just don’t do anything dangerous. Promise me.” Your dad hold your hand.
“I promise.” Another white lie.
Sorry dad, I promise I’ll find mom for us.
The next morning before you head to school, you slip in the reply letter in the postbox and quickly ride your bike to school.
This better work, you thought with a determination.