In a fancy restaurant, a lady and a young man sat together at a table, instructing the waiter concerning what dishes they want to order.
"Yo-han, what's on your mind?" The lady asked after placing an order for the both of them and being excused by the waiter. She noticed that Yo-han had been gloomy and it's not as if he used to be so cheerful but at least he was always happy and emitted some ray of warmth whenever they are together but he seemed to be void of happiness today.
Yo-han forced a smile and replied. "You know me very well. I just have something troubling my mind, I guess it's really distracting me. Let's just enjoy dinner."
"Hmm, is it about the trip to Country J?"
"Hmm " he nodded in reply.
"Whatever it is do you mind to share you burden with me?" Dan-Bi asked and took a sip of the red wine that she had ordered while waiting for his arrival earlier.
He shook his head and replied her. "Dan-Bi, sometimes my burdens might be heavier than what you should lift with me." He said and watched her facial expression turn dark.
"Yo-han, what do you mean by that?, Right from the day I discovered my feelings for you, I have decided to share your burden, big or small with you, no matter the situation. I won't think twice before I snap someone's head for you." She said and gazed at Yo-han intently, giving a hint for him to spill the beans.
"Dan-Bi, Don't get me wrong. I love the fact that you wish to share my burden. But I don't wish for you to see my totally weak and helpless..."
She interrupted him immediately. "Yo-Han, I want to rely on you, seek comfort and put my all in you, but I don't want to be your weakness rather I want to be your strength. That can only be possible if you let me share your burden. Tell me, what is it?" . She replied and the waiter returned with their orders and she immediately dived in.
Yo-Han saw that she would not back down and that she had definitely made up her mind on this issue. Since this matter concerns her and her family, he felt reluctant and it was difficult to let the words slip from his mouth.
"Dan-Bi, I want to see Father. I will take you home today." He said and smiled at her.
She was cutting the steak when she heard the word 'Father' and her hand stopped in mid air. She slowly placed the cutlery down and glanced at him, trying to make out his facial expression but he had his head facing the plate while doing justice to the steak.
"Yo-han did you just say father?" She asked to know if her ears hadn't heard wrong. It's strange that he suddenly said 'father' instead of 'Your father' which she is accustomed to. This totally made her forget about what she was nagging about.
"Father?, what's wrong with that?" He replied and smiled at her and she reciprocated the same.
"It's great that I have found complete forgiveness, I am so glad." She said and continued her meal in a merry mood.
Seeing how delighted she is, a feeling of guilt encompass Yo-han and his conscience constantly overcame every excuse that crept into his mind. The thought that she wasn't truly happy until now made him very guilty. He had brought her sadness when she didn't deserve it.
Before he could tell her what he had in mind, he wanted to know how she will react in an identical scenario, thus he decided to test her. He cleared his throat and said. "Dan-Bi, if I ever hurt you for no particular reason, will you leave me?"
She laughed mildly at him and replied after taking a sip from her wine glass. "It depends on the gravity of your offense." She said as she slowly placed the wine glass on the table. She raised her face to look at Yo-han straight in the eye.
He held her gaze for a short while before he broke the stare due to the budding guilt in his heart. He slowly found his words and asked. "What if I accused you of cheating and then turned a cold shoulder at you. Even though you are guiltless, will you leave me?" He'd hoped to receive a positive reply but her reply scared him a bit. The usual aloof and Yo-han, scared out of his wits by her words. "I would prove you wrong and leave without turning back." She said to him, but that was the least reply he wanted. Of all she could do, leaving him would be an eternal torment. Though he was still feeling guilty, telling her everything would definitely result to something he can't handle.
"Hmmn, eat well." He said and continued his meal.
_
Throughout the drive to the Choi family home, Yo-Han's only thought was how to construct his explanation to Dan-Bi. He didn't owe anyone an explanation except for Dan-bi. She is the only one who knew that he had a grudge against her family therefore he only has to explain to her. The others can live without having an idea. He only needs Dan-bi to say the words. "It's okay, it was just a misunderstanding and I am glad it's over, let's just forget it.". After that, his mind will be at rest.
He stopped the car inside the large compound of the mansion and turned to Dan-Bi who was about to open the door. " Can you wait a bit, I have something to tell you."
"Sure what is it, you finally want to open up? That's great." Dan-Bi replied and sat back in her chair and waited for his explanation.
About half an hour had passed by when Yo-Han concluded his explanations and by that time a fist-sized lump had already formed in his throat. He had explained from Discovering that he is the son of the Kim family to Discovering that he had been mad at the wrong person all along.
"You finally have proof of my fathers innocence?, You searched for proof?" Dan-Bi couldn't believe that he really went to the length of trying to prove her father's innocence. It turned out that he is not as hateful towards her father has she had thought. But, she was not okay with the fact that for the sake of this baseless accusation, they had to miss five years that they could have spent together.
"Actually, Na-Gil proved your father innocent not me. I already gave up on the fact that he could be innocent." Why did Yo-han have to say this?, Dan-Bi's anger riled up immediately.
"Yo-han, it's done between us." She said and angrily swung the door open and marched away from his presence.