[A few days later]

I didn’t know what I was doing anymore. My legs were aching, my feet raw and blistered from walking barefoot on the freezing pavement. 

Each step felt like punishment, like the earth itself was rejecting me for daring to think I could survive out here.

Eunha’s tiny hand was tucked in mine, her other hand clutching her oversized shoe to keep it from falling off her foot. 

My shoe. 

My only pair. 

I’d shoved them onto her little feet to keep her warm, but it meant nothing when she was still shivering. She was so fragile, her cheeks flushed from the cold, her breaths uneven.

“Unnie, I’m tired,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

I squeezed her hand tighter, forcing back the tears that were threatening to spill. “I know, baby,” I said, my voice cracking. “We’ll rest soon. Just a little longer, okay?”

She nodded weakly, trusting me, even when I didn’t trust myself. I had nothing left to give. No plan, no direction, no hope.

What could a 13-year-old do? I didn’t know how to live in this world. All I knew was survival, but survival was slipping through my fingers. 

The thought of going back to my parents filled me with dread. I could already feel the sting of my father’s belt, the humiliation of my mother’s sneers. 

And Eunha… they’d punish her too.

I glanced down at her, her frail body weighed down by the cold and hunger. I had promised to protect her, but I was failing.

I was always failing.

We found ourselves near the Han River, the water stretching endlessly under the dark sky. The air was biting, the kind of cold that seeped into your bones and refused to leave. I stopped walking, staring at the black water, and for a moment, I felt like it was calling to me.

I let out a shaky breath, my vision blurring with tears. “I can’t do this,” I muttered to myself.

Dead. I felt dead inside.

Eunha tugged on my hand, her big eyes looking up at me. “Unnie?” she asked, her voice soft and scared.

Before I could answer, a piercing scream cut through the silence.

I snapped my head toward the sound, my heart lurching. Near the edge of the river, a boy was flailing in the icy water, his cries for help echoing in the empty night. 

He was drowning, his head bobbing under the surface as he struggled to stay afloat.

There was no one else around.

For a moment, I froze, the world narrowing to the boy’s desperate screams. He couldn’t have been older than ten.

His small hands clawed at the water, his voice hoarse as he begged for someone—anyone—to save him.

I glanced at Eunha, her eyes wide with shock. My chest tightened as panic surged through me. The boy was alone, unguarded. No one was coming for him.

And neither was I.

Eunha’s tiny voice broke through my swirling thoughts. “Unnie, the boy is crying. Help him.”

Her little hands clutched my arm as if her touch alone could will me to act.

“I can’t leave you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

“But Unnie,” she said softly, her words almost inaudible against the boy’s fading cries, “you’re my angel. You saved me from alla. Who will save him if not you?”

Her words hit me like a tidal wave. 

Angel. 

Was that what I was to her? 

She thought I could save people, but I could barely save myself. My eyes burned as I looked back at the boy, his small arms flailing helplessly.

The icy night seemed to mock my hesitation. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to move past the fear clawing at my throat. I crouched down, holding Eunha’s face in my hands. 

“Listen to me, Eunha. Stay right here. Don’t move. Do you understand?”

She nodded solemnly, her little lips quivering.

“I mean it. You stay here. Don’t even take a step away from this spot,” I repeated, my voice firmer.

Her small hand reached up to pat my cheek. “You’re his angel too, Unnie.”

For now. She was his angel.

But his life didn't know the curse Minji came with — pain and abuse. 

The cold hit me like a slap as I waded into the water, my bare feet sinking into the freezing mud. My muscles screamed in protest as the icy current swirled around me, but I kept going. I couldn’t stop now.

The boy’s cries had turned into weak splashes, his strength clearly fading. “Hold on!” I yelled, my voice raw against the chill.

The river felt endless, every step a battle as I pushed against the current. My fingers numbed, my body trembling uncontrollably, but I refused to give in. When I was close enough, I saw his small, pale face, his eyes wide with terror.

“Take this!” I shouted, grabbing a stick floating nearby. I shoved it toward him with all the strength I had left.

His tiny hands latched onto it, desperate and shaking. “Hold tight!” I barked, my teeth chattering from the cold.

I pulled with everything I had, the weight of the water and the boy threatening to drag me under.

The freezing water barely registered against my skin as my eyes locked onto the scene unfolding on the shore. 

Three men dressed in sharp black suits stood around Eunha. 

Their presence was suffocating, their shadows swallowing her tiny form. My heart jumped to my throat.

Eunha clutched her oversized shoe in her little hands, her bottom lip trembling, her wide eyes darting between the towering men. I didn’t even think—I moved.

“Get the hell away from her!” I screamed, my voice tearing through the cold night as I swam furiously to the shore.

The boy I had just dragged out of the river was no longer my concern. I threw him onto the sand with no care, his face immediately sinking into the grainy surface. A muffled cough escaped him, but I didn’t stop to check. My sister came first.

My bare feet hit the shore with a slap, and I didn’t hesitate to grab the nearest rock from the ground. The adrenaline pumping through me drowned out the ache in my frozen limbs.

“Stay back!” I yelled, hurling the rock at the man closest to Eunha. It hit him square in the chest, and he stumbled back, cursing loudly.

The second man turned, his sharp gaze slicing through me like a knife. “What the—”

Before he could finish, I threw another rock, this time hitting his shoulder. He cursed too, louder and angrier, clutching the spot as he glared at me.

“You think you can just stand there and scare her?” I yelled, my voice cracking with rage. “You touch her, and I’ll make you regret it!”

Eunha whimpered, her tiny hands clutching her shoe tighter. “Unnie…” she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

“Don’t cry, Eunha! I’m coming!” I roared, grabbing another rock.

The third man, taller and broader than the others, stormed toward me. His boots crunched against the sand as he closed the distance in a few long strides.

“Stop!” he barked, his voice cold and commanding. He reached for my arm, and I swung my foot at his leg in retaliation.

“Get off me, you bastard!” I spat, kicking and writhing as his grip tightened around my arm.

“Enough!” the second man snarled, grabbing my other arm. Together, they restrained me, pulling me back as I thrashed wildly.

“What the hell were you doing with the young master in the river?” one of them barked, his face inches from mine. “Were you trying to hurt him? Were you trying to bully him? If you think you can bully him just because anyone told you to do so, you'll regret I swear.”

“What?!” I screamed, my voice hoarse with frustration. “I saved his ungrateful ass! He was drowning, you idiots!”

“Lies!” the first man snapped, his grip on my arm bruising. “Who are you to young master? Speak!”

“I’m no one, you moron! Let me go!” I yelled, kicking at his shin.

The sound of polished shoes crunching against the sand stopped us all. A man in a pristine white suit approached, his presence exuding authority. His dark eyes scanned the scene, landing briefly on me before moving to the boy lying face-first in the sand.

“Enough,” the man in white said, his tone calm but firm. “Release her.”

“But, sir—”

“I said, release her,” he repeated, his voice leaving no room for argument.

The men let go of my arms, and I stumbled back, glaring daggers at them as I rubbed the red marks their hands had left.

The man in white gestured toward the boy on the ground. “Call the medics. Now.”

The men scrambled to obey, leaving me and Eunha alone with him. My chest heaved with anger, but I stepped back toward Eunha, pulling her into my arms.

“If you touch her, I’ll kill you,” I growled, my voice low and menacing.

The man’s gaze softened as he looked at Eunha’s tear-streaked face. “No one is touching her, dear. Calm down.”

The man in white stood tall, his eyes calm yet probing as they bore into me. He was nothing like the brutes who had grabbed me earlier, but that didn’t mean I trusted him. His pristine suit and gentle demeanor didn’t fool me. I clutched Eunha tighter, her tiny hand gripping mine with trembling fingers.

“What’s your name?” he asked softly, his voice a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.

I narrowed my eyes, my stance defensive. “Why do you care? Just leave us alone.”

His lips twitched into the faintest smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Because I need to understand what happened here. The boy you saved is my son.”

The weight of his words hit me, but I didn’t flinch. “So? I didn’t ask for your thanks. We don’t need anything from you.”

“I’m not here to harm you or your sister,” he said, his voice steady, but I wasn’t convinced.

Eunha clung to my side, her oversized shoe dragging in the sand as she shuffled closer. I felt her trembling and my resolve hardened.

“You expect me to believe that?” I shot back, my tone laced with venom. “Your men grabbed me like I was some criminal!”

“They acted out of concern for my son. You see, my son there is slightly weaker compared to other children of his age. It's easy to bully him or to cause trouble. He's recently fallen prey to bullying and so, those 3 men were there, appointed by me to ensure that my boy doesn't get bullied. They just wanted to protect him. Just like you want to protect your little sister,” he explained patiently, stepping closer. 

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. His gaze didn’t waver, and for a moment, I felt the sharp edge of my anger dulling.

“Look,” he continued, his voice soothing, “no one is going to hurt you. But I need you to tell me what happened. The truth. That’s all I ask.”

Eunha tugged on my shirt, her tiny voice whispering, “Unnie, he’s nice...”

I exhaled sharply, my eyes darting between the man and my sister. Slowly, I nodded, my grip on Eunha loosening just a little.

“That boy... your son,” I began, my voice steady despite the storm inside me, “he was drowning. I heard him screaming, and there was no one else around. So I jumped in.”

The man’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—respect, maybe?

“That was brave of you,” he said, his voice warm. “Not everyone would have done the same.”

I shrugged, my guard still up. “I didn’t do it for thanks. I just... I couldn’t watch him die.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “And yet, you saved him. That says a lot about you.”

He gestured toward a sleek black car parked nearby. “Come. I’ll drop you and your sister home.”

I stiffened immediately, pulling Eunha closer. “No.”

The man raised an eyebrow, his head tilting slightly. “Why not?”

My mind raced. I couldn’t let him take us back to that house.

“Our parents are dead,” I blurted out, the lie leaving the sweetest taste in my mouth.

I wish this comes true.

The man’s face softened, his gaze falling on Eunha, who was now peeking up at him with her big, curious eyes. “I see...” he murmured.

He knelt down slightly, his movements slow and deliberate, and patted my head gently. The touch was foreign, almost alien, but it wasn’t harsh or cruel. It was... kind.

“You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?” he said softly, his voice carrying a weight that made my chest tighten.

I didn’t respond, biting the inside of my cheek to stop the lump in my throat from growing.

“I admire your strength,” he continued, standing up again. “But you shouldn’t have to bear this alone. Let me help you.”

Eunha tugged at my hand again, her small voice breaking the tension. “Unnie... he’s nice…”

I glanced at her, my heart breaking at her innocence, and then back at him. His eyes were filled with something I hadn’t seen in years—genuine care.

But still, I hesitated.

“Please,” he said, his voice almost pleading now. “You can trust me.”

And for the first time in a long while, I wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, he was right.

—-

[The man (Mr. Jeon’s) perspective]

The car rolled into the private driveway of my estate, its towering gates swinging open like the welcoming arms of safety. From the corner of my eye, I noticed the two girls in the backseat—silent but wide-eyed, taking in the grandeur of a place they clearly weren’t accustomed to. The older one, Minji, sat stiffly, her arms wrapped protectively around her younger sister. Her guarded demeanor didn’t falter, even as Eunha, the little one, stared in wonder at the sprawling garden visible through the car’s tinted windows.

I sighed inwardly, glancing at Jungkook, my son, who sat quietly, fiddling with his hands. The boy had always been a mix of shyness and mischief, and it was evident from the glint in his eyes that he was plotting something even now.

The moment we entered the house, the girls hesitated at the doorway, their shoes tattered and their expressions wary. “It’s okay,” I assured them gently. “You’re safe here.”

Eunha clutched Minji’s oversized coat and whispered something, her voice too soft for me to catch. Minji nodded, then stepped forward cautiously, her head held high despite the clear uncertainty in her eyes.

Once inside, the staff brought them warm towels and a spread of food that could have fed a small army. I watched as the two girls sat down hesitantly, their hunger overtaking their hesitation. 

Minji’s movements were sharp and instinctive, as though she expected someone to snatch the food away at any moment. 

Eunha followed her lead, eating with small, deliberate bites, her oversized shoes dangling off the chair.

Across the table, Jungkook sat with a bowl of rice and soup, his usual sparkle returning as he observed the newcomers. His big doe eyes darted between bites, and I could see the beginnings of his mischief brewing.

“They’re watching Doraemon,” I heard him mutter under his breath, annoyed that neither girl paid him any attention. I smirked, recognizing the familiar pout that always surfaced when Jungkook felt ignored.

“Introduce yourself,” I encouraged gently, leaning back in my chair.

He cleared his throat dramatically, puffing out his small chest. “I’m Jeon Jungkook!” he announced, his voice louder than necessary.

The girls didn’t even glance at him. Minji was too busy shoveling rice into her mouth, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, while Eunha giggled softly at something on the television.

Jungkook’s pout deepened. He wasn’t used to being ignored. I watched, amused, as he crossed his arms and leaned forward on the table, scheming. His eyes darted to the steaming hotpot in the center of the table, then to the stack of tissues by his side.

Just then, I got a call from my secretary, causing me to leave the table for a few minutes.

—-

[Minji's POV]

The warm food felt foreign in my mouth, almost unreal. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten anything this fresh. Eunha was busy slurping her soup, her tiny hands gripping the spoon like it might disappear. For a moment, I let myself breathe, chewing slowly and watching the television play its cheerful tunes.

Nobody saw how Jungkook was already dipping a tissue into the soup, his grin sly and triumphant.

Jungkook then rolled the soggy tissue into a piece of bibimbap and held it up with his chopsticks, his voice sing-song as he called out, “Ahhh!”

Me, oblivious, turned my head at the sound. I opened my mouth without hesitation, still chewing on my last bite.

Then, out of nowhere, my nose scrunched up involuntarily. Something was wrong—terribly wrong. The flavor shifted, and before I could stop myself, I spit the half-chewed bite onto my plate.

Across the table, a stifled giggle caught my attention. I turned sharply to see the boy, Jungkook, his big doe eyes sparkling with amusement, a hand over his mouth as if trying to hide his laughter.

“You little brat!” I hissed, glaring at him. “What did you do?”

His lips pressed together, fighting a grin. He shook his head, trying to look innocent, but the twinkle in his eyes gave him away.

“You think this is funny?” I snapped, pushing my plate aside. “Do you know how hard it is to eat properly when you’re starving?”

Jungkook shrank back slightly, his smile faltering, but he still didn’t say much. Just a small, shy shrug.

That irked me more. “Say something! Don’t just sit there like a mute!”

His face turned red, and he looked down at his bowl, playing with his chopsticks nervously. My anger faltered for a second, replaced by confusion. 

He wasn’t fighting back.

So, indeed he was shy and gullible. 

Makes sense why he's an easy target for the bullies.

Back home, fights were loud, explosive, and filled with screaming matches that ended in blows. But this boy? He just sat there, quiet, almost embarrassed, like he didn’t know how to handle conflict.

I froze, unsure of how to react. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” I asked, softer this time.

Jungkook looked up briefly, his eyes round and unsure. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he muttered, barely audible.

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I wasn’t used to this. In my world, people didn’t back down; they fought tooth and nail, no matter how small the argument. But here he was, shy and... kind?

For the first time, I noticed how soft his features were—his chubby cheeks, his messy hair, and those big eyes that seemed almost too pure for this world. A strange warmth flickered in my chest, something I didn’t recognize.

Before I could say anything, the man in the white coat returned to the room, his voice breaking the strange moment between us.

“Minji, my dear.”, he called me and my eyes wandered to his smiling face.

“I won't lie to you and say I'm doing any form of charity, but the way you've courageously saved my son today has made me indebted forever to you.”, he smiled, patting my hair.

“I know you two girls are orphans and don't have any place to go. And it's not really in my heart to leave you out on the streets. Considering you're young and so is your sister, both of you need proper nutrition and education.”

“I’ve made arrangements,” he announced, his tone firm but kind. “You and your sister will be enrolled in a boarding school. Your basic education, living expenses, everything will be taken care of. That is, if you let me do this to repay your kidness.”

I stiffened, my fork clattering onto the table. Boarding school? What did that even mean? Was it a punishment? A trap?

Eunha looked up from her soup, her tiny lips parting in surprise. “Boarding school?” she repeated, her baby voice filled with curiosity.

“Yes,” the man confirmed, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “It’s a place where you’ll be safe, where you’ll study and live with other children your age.”

Before I could protest, Jungkook piped up, his face scrunched in frustration. “I want to go too!”

The man raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “You? Didn’t you say just a week ago that you’d never leave home because you’d miss your games and your dog?”

Jungkook’s ears turned pink, and he sank into his chair, grumbling under his breath. “I changed my mind.”

“Well, it’s decided,” the man said, brushing off Jungkook’s complaints. He turned back to me, his expression soft but resolute. “This is what’s best for you and your sister. You’ll have a fresh start.”

I wanted to argue, to tell him that no place could ever be safe, but the way he patted my head—gentle, reassuring—stopped me. 

His touch was foreign, not rough or harsh like I was used to. It made my chest ache in a way I couldn’t explain.

As the reality of his words sank in, I glanced at Eunha. Her wide eyes sparkled with hope, a small smile tugging at her lips. 

She deserved this, didn’t she? 

A chance to grow up somewhere better than the hell we came from.

Still, the idea of leaving everything behind—of trusting this man I barely knew—felt like jumping off a cliff. But for Eunha, I’d do it. I’d do anything.

I swallowed hard, pulling her close to me as I nodded. “Okay,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “We’ll go.”

Jungkook, still sulking, shot me a glare as if I’d betrayed him somehow. But I ignored him, focusing on the weight of Eunha’s small hand in mine.

For the first time in years, I allowed myself to hope.

—--

[A few years later]

I had been determined, more than anything, to make a life for Eunha and me—a life that didn’t resemble the dirt and pain we left behind. Every time I stood at the edge of something new, I told myself: this is it. 

This is where it changes. 

And each time, it did. But I didn’t forget how it all started. I couldn’t. Mr. Jeon... he was the reason we were alive, the reason we were even standing on solid ground. 

Every day I reminded myself to live up to that. To be someone worthy of his kindness.

But I never wanted to burden him. I never called him. I felt like I owed him more than what I could ever give back. The least I could do was stay out of his way, be strong, and never let him see how scared I still was. 

I still couldn’t forget those dark years. Those years when survival meant hiding, when every noise in the house felt like a countdown to disaster.

But then, it was graduation day.

I couldn’t believe it. I actually made it. The gown felt too big on me—too much like a dream I never thought would be real. I had spent years fighting, striving for this moment, all while holding my breath. This wasn’t just my achievement—it was for Eunha. It was for everything we went through.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I needed him to know. I needed Mr. Jeon to see this. He had made this possible, even if he didn’t always see the ways he had. 

And so, I called him.

The phone rang in my ear, the dial tone echoing in the silence of my room. I wasn’t sure why I felt nervous; I had never been nervous around him before. But now, I was. He answered on the third ring, his voice warm and familiar.

“Minji,” Mr. Jeon greeted, his voice always like a breath of fresh air, so steady.

“Mr. Jeon,” I began, swallowing the lump in my throat. “It’s… it’s my graduation. I wanted to invite you. You’ve been like family to me, and it wouldn’t feel right without you there.”

There was a long pause. I could almost hear the smile in his voice when he spoke next. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You’ve made me proud, Minji. You’ve made us all proud.”

The pride in his voice made me tear up. I quickly wiped my eyes before he could hear.

“You’ve always been an achiever,” he continued, his voice low and filled with approval. “You’ve earned it, Minji. I’m glad to see you standing where you are today. And, as for your future…”

 He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I’ve been thinking. We’d like to offer you a position at my company. You’re more than qualified as I see from your academic performance. I'd love for you to join right after your graduation.”

I was stunned, so much so that I forgot to respond for a moment. 

Me? 

At his company?

“That’s… that’s incredible,” I whispered, the words tumbling out like a dream. “But I… I’ve been planning something. For a while now.”

“What’s that?” he asked, curiosity piquing in his voice.

“I’d like to stay in Busan for a while. Eunha’s still finishing her semester. After she graduates from this class, I’ll come back to Seoul. Then I'd love to join.”

There was a pause on the line, and I could almost feel the weight of Mr. Jeon’s thoughtfulness on the other side. “Of course, Minji. You take all the time you need. You’ve always been selfless. I respect that.”

“I’ll be in Seoul soon,” I added, my voice firmer now. “I just want to make sure Eunha’s set first. I can’t leave her behind.”

“That’s perfectly fine,” he agreed, his tone warm. “But please, make sure you come visit. Jungkook’s been asking about you. I think it would do him good to see you again. He’s been holed up in his room, as usual. It’d be good for him to get out.”

Jungkook. 

The name sent a flicker of something strange through me. It had been so long since I thought about him. 

Funny how memories of him were still tied up in that silly tissue paper incident. A mischievous boy who had somehow become someone I thought of fondly. But, I had no time to think about him. My mind was too consumed with everything that was happening with Eunha.

“He asks about me?” I said softly. “I… I’m sorry, I’ve been so busy. I’ve just been focused on making sure Eunha’s okay. I didn’t mean to ignore him.”

Mr. Jeon laughed, the sound rich with affection. “He’s not a child anymore, Minji. He understands. But you should visit. Or maybe I should ask him to visit you? Yeah, that'd be better. He'll meet Eunha too that way. I’ll send him to you in Busan. I think it would be good for him, too. A change of pace.”

I felt a slight weight in my chest at the thought of seeing him again. Jungkook. It felt so far away, but at the same time, it felt like it could happen at any moment. He wasn’t a child anymore? No. He hadn’t been a child for a long time. Neither of us were.

I nodded before I realized it. “Okay. That’ll be good. I’ll be waiting.”

“Good,” Mr. Jeon said, his voice softening again. “Take care of yourself, Minji. You’ve come so far. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, my heart full.

And as the call ended, I sat there in silence for a moment, allowing everything to sink in. There was so much I hadn’t expected, so much I hadn’t thought about. The future felt uncertain, but also brighter than it had ever been.

looked out the window, the world bustling below. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to imagine a future—not just for me, but for the boy who had once had mentioned eating that tissue paper with a mischievous grin.

Maybe I had a future after all.

—