At the End of That Memory

Chapter 29

When spring comes, there are the first things that change. For example, a weed sprouting from the barren ground or a flower bud sprouting from a barren tree branch. A time when the coldness in the gently blowing wind dissipates and the night that came early gradually becomes late.

The cherry blossom season was only getting started when the wedding took place. I required a coat at night, and the wind left a cold sensation on the tip of my nose. The promenade I walked with Kwon Yido was likewise an unforgettable memory for me.

A month and a half later. In the blink of an eye, the seasons shifted. Flowers I’d never seen before began to blossom one by one in the initially brilliant garden. The weather had improved to the point that you could set up a table in the garden and enjoy tea without having to go to the greenhouse.

“The weather has cleared up a lot.”

Looking up at the beautiful sky beyond the greenhouse ceiling, I spoke. The staff today offered iris tea, which was as transparent as jade in hue. I didn’t mind taking a drink because it had a little sweet fragrance.

Lee Taeseong gave me an unconvincing response, “Yes, I see.” I’m guessing he loved this novel because his eyes were soon drawn to it. I was about to drink some tea to avoid disturbing him when he abruptly raised his head.

“…Is the main character dying?”

“…”

Pftt, I laughed. Should I call it an imprint effect? It seemed that the first book I gave him was too strong. Every time he read a new book, I saw a worried expression on his face.

“He won’t die.”

When I answered clearly, he lowered his head with a sigh of relief. This time, he seemed to be immersed, so I looked up at the greenhouse ceiling again as it was far away. The clouds visible through the transparent glass were truly peaceful.

‘Useless bastard…’

“…”

That was already a week ago.

It occurred to me that time flies by in so many different ways. Humans are adaptable beings, and even feelings that appear to be hopeless can eventually improve. Everything that appeared to be on the verge of collapsing was kept intact.

‘Don’t cry, Sejin.’

I cried in Kwon Yido’s arms that day after returning from being slapped by my father. Even when I was younger, I had never cried like this. As if wounded by something, I let out all the emotions I had been holding in. Kwon Yido hugged me patiently, and he didn’t say anything until I stopped crying.

‘Why did you do that?’

His gaze was full of many suppressed emotions. Worry, regret, or slight anger. Kwon Yido, as he always showed, also seemed to be kind in his way.

I was glad I didn’t hand over the USB. I had that thought for just a moment. If I had handed over the materials, I would not have had the confidence to meet Kwon Yido like this.

‘…I don’t really want to have it.’

I needed stamina to express my emotions, I always lived my life ignoring situations that bothered me. This meant that if a problem arose, I avoided it as much as possible and followed my father’s words as obediently as possible.

‘Kwon Yido, you said that. I could choose what I want.’

So this action was my first decision and my own. Even though the results were disastrous, a confidence similar to a resignation arose. I was convinced that even if I had handed over the data, I would not have become my father’s beloved son.