Once Upon A Spring

CHAPTER 13

*Chang Hyun's POV*

When I saw this man, I knew he was familiar. He’s been following Hyeon Sil since before.

I don't believe that people just want to do wrong. Behind all the people's actions, there is always a reason.

''What's making you angry now?'' I asked him seriously.

"I know you've been here listening while talking to that Yoo Jeong?" He said with a smile.

Yoo Jeong averted her eyes.

''Why are you doing this? Except you're obsessed with my girlfriend? What else do you want? If you have a problem, PLEASE TELL US! NOT THROUGH LIKE THIS!'' I asked loudly.

I don't want to hurt people now, even if they do too much. I want to hear their side. What is there? What is the reason behind this?

I saw the shock in his eyes because of the shout that was heard throughout the warehouse and maybe because of the struggle of my fist.

''ME? DO YOU EXPECT THAT I HAVE A PROBLEM? How are you sure?'' He still insisted.

My foot slipped into our arms and between us. I immediately kicked him in the nose.

He falls, and I see his nose bleeding.

''If you have frustrations, give them to me! Punch me anywhere! Hurt me! If only that could alleviate your problem, do it! I will not allow you again to lay a finger on my friends and Hyeon Sil!''

''Attack me if you want!'' I emphasized.

The kidnapper was still on his knees while wiping The blood from his nose. He was obviously trembling with pain.

''I'm Seong Woon. Son of two children with brain cancer and epilepsy,'' he said as he lowered his head to the floor.

"Actually, I just do this to feed and treat my children," he explained as I saw pity and hope at the same time in his eyes.

''The question is… Were you relieved when you did this? Will you be relieved if what you feed and treat to your children is from your evil doings?'' I asked him in a loud voice. ''You are crazy.''

Because of my annoyance, I lifted him and punched him again, ''Is that what a real parent should do? Why do you have to get to this point?''

Many seconds have passed when...

''I'm a single father. My wife died from the Mokpo Airplane crash, and I was just left with my two children. I'm also not qualified to work because I dropped out of high school. I do a part-time job, but it's not enough to treat them,'' he explained, and he was obviously holding back his tears.

What is this? Does that mean he is just working for someone else? He is not just a stalker. Is there someone behind?

''Don't you know that being a good parent doesn't depend on it?'' I replied to him.

''What will your children say to you when they ask, Daddy, where did the money you spent on us come from? Where did the money you are buying from us come from? You are worse than animals if you lie to them,'' I scolded him.

''I don't want your child to grow up and live from the mischief you are committing. Before doing this, I hope that you think first. That's why we have time so that you can distinguish between right and wrong decisions,'' I explained to him. ''But what did you do? Will you hurt other people? Will you disturb other people? Will you scare people in exchange for money? How can you call yourself a human?''

I took off his collar again. I approached him first, ''This is your chance. You will give us Hyeon Sil. We will provide the needs and protection of your children! Just on one condition!''

''Is that true?'' He forced himself to kneel. ''What condition is that?''

"Surrender to the police," I replied.

He was just stunned while kneeling. Jong Hyun has already started removing Hyeon Sil from b*****e.

While Yoo Jeong is staring with her wet eyes.

''Yoo Jeong, there is a police headquarters nearby,'' I reminded her.

''O... Okay. I... I will call them!'' she stuttered.

When I found out that Hyeon Sil was safe in Jong Hyun's hands, I immediately turned to Seong Woon.

I also knelt in front of him.

''You did your part. Remember, anyone can have a child and call themselves parents. A real parent is someone who puts that child above their own selfish needs and wants, but this is not the right thing to do,'' I told him.

I saw him put his fist on his foot and sit down on his knees. I can see his tears dropping out of his eyes.

I tapped him on the shoulder with both hands, ''When your sentence is over, I will make sure your children return healthy. Take responsibility for what you did. It would be best if you obeyed the law. I want them to grow up being proud of you. You still have time.''

*Yoo Jeong's POV*

What will your children say to you when they ask, Daddy, where did the money you spent on us come from? Where did the money you are buying from us come from? You are worse than animals if you lie to them.

I don't want your child to grow up and live from the mischief you are committing. Before doing this, I hope that you think first. That's why we have time so that you can distinguish between the right and the wrong decision.

I just leaned against the wall. I just sighed.

I will never forget the scenario earlier. They are the same as Dad's experience of losing their wives.

But his children are sick. I'm normal.

He is ruining other people’s lives to get money for his children’s medicine while Dad works part-time until dawn to support my studies.

From what Dad said earlier, I was even more hurt. What he said was so profound.

It is still not happening to him yet, but it seems parenting is meaningful to him.

His principles have not changed even decades later.

I just kept running to get to the police station immediately. For sure, they are already waiting there.

When I went to the station, I immediately reported the crime in Gangseo District. They also confirmed at the Daegu-based station that Hyeon Sil had been missing for two days and immediately went to the crime scene. I just went with them in a police car.

When the car stopped, I saw them from the window. Hyeon Sil regained consciousness and hugged Chang Hyun, and Jong Hyun was holding the criminal.

After the release, they immediately handcuffed the criminal and decided to take Hyeon Sil to the hospital for a check-up.

We went to the hospital, and Hyeon Sil was immediately checked up and treated in an emergency room because of her injuries.

She rested for a few hours, and psychiatrists interviewed Hyeon Sil about what happened. The police were also there for their investigation.

Hyeon Sil was first rested in a private room, and we talked to the hospital and the police not to make public what happened to her.

Chang Hyun also tried to call his relatives via telephone to ask for immediate control of the media, police, and the hospital to avoid the issue because Hyeon Sil might feel even more stressed when this incident was publicized.

Fortunately, his uncle and aunt, who are doctors and lawyers, have a connection to them. He also said he called his uncle, a prominent politician, to control the media.

Throughout his story, I noticed that he did not even talk to his father.

Jong Hyun also bought us dinner, and a few minutes later, we immediately stood up to talk to the psychiatrist.

''According to our analysis, she had acute trauma. The cause was probably the single dangerous event that happened to her. Based on her story, the man also molested her severely. She also did not drink and was hungry for many days. If it becomes complicated, it can be post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder can happen to a person after experiencing a traumatic event that has caused them to feel fearful, shocked, or helpless. It can have long-term effects, including flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. She really needs to rest and undergo confinement for a week to monitor the taking of the medicine. You can take her home, and a relative can monitor her. Don't give her a problem either,'' the doctor instructed.

''This is also the medicine we can prescribe. She needs to take it 2x per day, each tablet,'' the doctor added.

We immediately went and thanked the doctor.

"The important thing is that we already controlled the situation. We'll only visit her when it's free time so that she won't be alone here. Her parents will come here with clothes and supplies for her stay in the hospital,'' I said.

''You and Jong Hyun must go home. It is already too late and dark,'' Chang Hyun worried.

''Thank you for your help. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be able to do it alone,'' he added.

''What are you talking about? That's what friends are for? Through thick and thin, we are with you. Fist bump?'' Jong Hyun said while forming his fist.

Chang Hyun did a fist bump with him.

And it looks like he also invites me to have a fist bump. I just had a fist bump.

Chang Hyun also raised his fist at me, looking like he wanted a fist bump with me. I smiled at him first and did a fist bump.

''If not because of you, all of these would not work, and probably Hyeon Sil is still in the hands of that perverted guy,'' I said.

He just nodded and smiled as well.

When we got out of the hospital, we immediately found a taxi, and because of the distance from our house, there was no choice but charge a very high price for the fare to motivate the driver to drive.

When the car started, Chang Hyun waved at us with a smile.

I never thought I would meet the parents of Hyeon Sil and this kind of people at this time.

I rarely see people like them in my time. If only I could turn back time and give birth to myself at this time. If only I could possess Seong's body forever.

I feel that the day will also come when we will separate. I will not waste This time on my selfish acts. I want to be with them more, and I want to know them more.

If only this time would change my perspective on my dreams and my life.

If only this time would also make me happy.

I want to stay here longer.

After a few hours of driving, Jong Hyun and I returned home. He took me home so he would know where I lived. My mom is also very worried because I came home too late and she has been waiting for me for hours...

This is how maybe angry mothers do. She strikes me with her fan on the arm. I just explained that we are working on an important school project, so she won't have to worry more.

IN what happened today, it is too hard to remember it again, but because of them and my realizations…

I learned something.

*Chang Hyun's POV*

I came home late to our house with the car I used earlier. It is almost 1 AM already. I know Mom is worried about me, but I'm not sure about Dad.

When I entered the house...

''Son, what is it? Where have you been? Don't you know that your Daddy and I are worried about you?'' Mom said sincerely.

Is Dad really worried?

''I'm okay, Mom. I'm going to the bedroom. I'm tired. I went to my friend for our project,'' I said and kissed Mom on the cheek.

I went up the stairs but couldn't see Dad here. I tried to peek into his room to find out what he was doing, and he immediately opened it.

''Son, I'm worried about you,'' he said sincerely as he hugged me.

He seems to be getting better.

''Where have you been? Why did you take so long to come home?'' He asked thoughtfully.

''Sorry, Dad. I just did a project with my friend. Because it must be done by pair,'' I lied.

''All right, I know you're so tired. Take a rest. Good night,'' as he tapped my shoulder and returned to the room.

Throughout my teen and young adult life, I have once again experienced treatment like this from my Dad.

I was just holding back my tears. Hopefully, everything will change and have a new beginning, especially for my family.

8:47 AM

That's the time when I woke up. I have no choice but to be absent and just ask for a medical certificate from my uncle.

I was just surprised when I received a telephone call. When I called again, I answered it.

He called me with sudden shocking news.

"Chang Hyun, you have a scandal with Yoo Jeong."