The Deal: Between Love and Favors

It's been a month since I stopped studying. I took a second job to earn some extra income. My mother needs surgery, and I have to pay for the hospital room. Adding up everything I have and some things I managed to sell, I have fifteen thousand. I'm still waiting for this month's salary, and I need to figure out how my family and I will survive and how to divide this money among the debts.

— She's stable, but she's not improving. — The doctor said.

— I understand. — I left the room and sat in the hospital waiting area. I can't let my mother die.

Tears streamed down my face. I don't know how much longer I can endure all of this.

"I can forgive the debt."

Jun-Ho's offer was tempting.

— Where's the money?

Wiping my eyes, I lifted my gaze. Sora was walking toward me, looking furious.

— Why do you want to know? Where were you?

— The money, I want to know how much you have. I need it!

— I can't give it to you. I'm saving for our mother's surgery. — I replied.

Grabbing my jacket, he pulled me up.

— They're going to kill me if I don't give them anything!

— You should've thought about that before! — I pushed him away and then grabbed him. — Our mother isn't getting better, did you know that? And again, where were you?

— I was at a friend's house. I didn't know... — I let him go, and he sat beside me on the bench. — What are we going to do?

— I don't know.

— Let's sell the orchard.

— I'm not discussing this again, Sora!

— They're going to kill me! I'm serious!

I ran my hand through my hair in frustration.

— There's five thousand. I'll give you five thousand.

My family used to make a good living from the orchard. Even when the crops failed, there were no major issues. But that last storm was cruel. It didn't just destroy the crops; it wrecked the house too.

(...)

[Two days later]

— Is it true, what they say about you?

— It probably is. — I answered, stepping away from a woman.

— What a shame. — She walked toward me and sat on the table. With her shoe, she nudged my shin. I was frozen in place. I hate when people touch me with ulterior motives.

— Leave him alone, woman. — Taeho said when he noticed I wasn't moving.

— My name is Zanne. — She shot him a look.

— Can you bring us a drink, Zanne?

— What? — The woman looked offended.

But when she saw more people approaching, she decided to do as we asked.

— I'll be right back. — She strutted away.

— Don't let her come back. — I said.

The man in front of me sat down, and behind him stood five of his employees.

— Min-shi, what happened to your father?

— I'm taking over.

— You? I thought you were just a hunting dog.

— I like it, but it's not my goal.

— That's good. So, from now on, should I speak to you?

— In your case, this will be the only time. Because it will be your last.

— Why do you say that? — The guy chuckled nervously. — I have a good relationship with your father. We could go out sometime. What do you think, Min Jun-Ho-shi?

— Let's do it. — I said, causing confusion among the people and investors in the room. — I agree that we could have a good relationship. — I emphasized. — But I didn't come here for you. I came for the company you have a stake in. I want to buy it.

— It's just a branch. It's big, but I don't see what advantage you'd have with it.

— I'm doing this for my own interest. — I made it clear that I didn't care about their opinions. — You'll be compensated. I just ask that you trust me. Or at least the money that pulled you out of the mud.

— Okay, great. I was going to shut it down, but if you want to buy it, I guess you'll make good use of it.

The faces behind him relaxed as everyone started nodding in agreement.

I bit the inside of my cheek. I had reviewed every document from that meeting. I had always legally managed my parents' companies. Little by little, I would have everything to myself.

I felt my phone vibrate and immediately picked it up. It could be him. Salin, the person I think about all day.

Park Salin: [Yes]

And it was. And that overwhelming feeling of imbalance that always comes when I think of him. This tiny possibility that I might be a normal person because of Park. If there are others who make me feel this way, I don't want to meet them.

— Can I go now? — I was trying to keep my composure, but I was smiling, looking at them like a child asking their mother to go play with friends.

No one dared to say no.

— Let's wrap up. The papers will be ready soon. — Everyone quickly started shaking hands.

— Thank you. See you at the next meeting. — There won't be a next one, just hand over the papers. — I said, not caring about anything work-related. I was too happy. I was going to see him. He wanted to see me.

I arrived at the apartment building as fast as I could.

He was sitting on the staircase. As soon as he saw me, his eyes wavered. I don't know what he feels for me, but I wish it was something good. He stood up. He was wearing ripped jeans and a short shirt, exposing a bit of his stomach. His hair was slightly wavy. He looked stunning and was carrying a small bag.

— You...

— I don't want to talk about it. — He seemed nervous but determined. I felt hypnotized. Salin was really beautiful. Somehow, he stirred something in me again. But it was also a desperate feeling. Would I even be able to hold his hand? — What's wrong?

— I have trouble taking initiative, but it's strange that I want to hold your hands...

— Yes, it's very strange. Don't try anything. Just... let's go.

I turned around and grabbed the helmet to hand it to him.

— Alright, I'll take you somewhere quiet.