Chapter 6: Revelations and Bonds

Rusa touches her chest and says, "My heart is hurting along with my pride."

Kim is shocked and listens intently.

She continues, "I am truly hurt. Much more than I can bear. My pride cannot endure it."

Kim doesn't know what to say now. He silently pats her back.

Controlling herself, she asks, "Kim, tell me honestly, am I really so ugly?"

Kim answers honestly as always, "Who says you are ugly? They must be blind. I don't think people need cosmetics and accessories to look beautiful. You're beautiful on your own. Moreover, you are naturally beautiful."

"No, you are simply lying to make me calm. But I realize myself that I'm old-fashioned and ugly," Rusa says as she wipes her tears with tissues and takes a deep breath.

"I don't know what others think beauty is. But in my eyes, you're truly very beautiful. Believe me, I never lie," Kim assures her.

Rusa feels her cheeks getting warm. Actually, she's blushing. Somehow Kim's words make her feel calm. But nevertheless, she cannot forget about Joe's hurtful words.

Again she recalls Joe announcing that she's ugly and he doesn't want to marry this type of old-fashioned girl. Her mood turns gloomy.

She takes out her mobile from the drawer, dials the numbers, and calls. "Dad, I will go out today. Don't wait for me." As always, her dad freely agrees, and she hangs up the call.

"Kim, I want to try something. Will you assist me?" Rusa asks Kim as she gets up and takes out her handbag from her cabinet.

Kim can't deny. Also, he is additionally sad about Sarae and wants something interesting to prevent himself from thinking about her at any cost. So he says, "Okay, I'm with you."

"Do you know how to drive a car?" She asks.

"I learned only the basics three years ago from my dad. Soon after that, my parents got into an accident. I never got the chance since then," Kim answers honestly. It was the saddest moment of his life. Still, he remembers everything.

Rusa does not say anything and walks out, gesturing for him to come.

Rusa stops beside Kim's scooter. Kim, who's walking beside her, asks, "Do you want to ride it?"

"Why? Can't I?"

"Of course, you can, but will you be comfortable?"

"Don't worry about me. Let's go."

Kim turns his scooter, and Rusa rides at its back. Kim drives out of the RaynerSoe company's gate and asks, "Where do you want to go?"

"Just keep driving along the road," Rusa commands.

Kim drives alongside the street. He wants to laugh because Rusa, who is usually so bold, is holding his shoulders tightly with her fingers. He thinks, 'She must be afraid as she's not used to riding it.'

"Turn left," Rusa shouts. Kim does as she says.

"Stop at that bar," she points at the small door in the alley with the board claiming Old Bar. Kim stops and asks, "What do you want to do in this bar?"

"This isn't that sort of bar you're thinking of. Look at that board, Old Bar. Just like its name, it's pretty old," Rusa answers as she tries to smile. Kim knows that she wants to recover from her sadness. He quietly follows her.

Though the exterior of the bar appeared empty, devoid of a parking area, the moment Rusa and Kim step inside, they are greeted by a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The spacious corridor is adorned with colorful lights, creating a festive ambiance. Unlike other bars, the counter here is remarkably large, with rows of chairs for patrons to sit. A team of twelve or thirteen busy waiters efficiently serve an array of wines, beers, and other alcoholic beverages to the customers. The corridor is bustling with more than thirty people, engaged in conversations and laughter. On the back wall, a 32-inch television hangs, broadcasting a live soccer match, attracting a group of enthusiastic individuals who gather around it, placing bets on their favored teams. It is undeniably a lively place, brimming with energy and excitement.

Rusa confidently strides towards the counter and takes a seat on one of the chairs. The moment the girl behind the counter notices her, she hastily makes her way to a side door. Kim settles down next to Rusa, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings, taking in the entirety of the bustling environment. After a brief moment, the girl from the counter returns, accompanied by a middle-aged lady. As her eyes fall upon Rusa, the lady's face lights up with a smile. However, Rusa's expression remains cold, devoid of any reciprocal warmth.

Standing before Rusa, the lady begins to say, "You finally remember you have a—" but Rusa cuts her off, her lack of interest evident in her voice, "Serve me with the best drink you have."

The lady's smile persists despite the cool reception. She places a large bottle of wine on the table and remarks, "Don't want to talk with me, huh!"

Kim, who is still trying to make sense of the situation, interjects hastily, "Rusa, do you drink wine?"

Rusa turns to Kim, her gaze fixed on him. "No, I don't," she replies, her tone reflecting her confusion. Kim ponders, 'Rusa seems familiar with this place, but she doesn't strike me as the type to visit a bar, especially one focused on alcohol.'

Curiosity getting the better of her, the lady inquires, "What caused my girl to end up here?"

Rusa responds without hesitation, pouring more wine into her glass as she speaks, "This is all because of you." By now, she has already consumed half a bottle of wine, and the effects are starting to show.

The lady remains silent, her eyes brimming with tears as she listens to Rusa's words. She finally musters the strength to speak, her voice filled with remorse, "I know I should have stayed by your side. However, at that time, all I saw was freedom. I'm truly sorry, deeply sorry. I failed to be a good mother and wife."

Kim, shocked by the revelation, exclaims, "What! Mother?" He turns to look at Rusa, but her drunken state prevents her from responding.

With teary eyes, the lady confirms, "Yes, I am her awful mom, always selfish." Her gaze then shifts to Kim, seeking understanding.

Determined to comprehend the situation, Kim asserts, "No individual is inherently bad. It's the circumstances, time, and place that shape us." He tries to grasp the complexity of the moment, empathizing with both Rusa and her mother.

The lady's smile returns, and she implores Kim, "My daughter never drinks alcohol. Right now, she is truly in pain. I don't know what happened, and I don't have the right to ask. But I trust you. Will you help her overcome this sadness?"

Caught off guard, Kim struggles to find the

right words to respond. The weight of the situation hangs heavy on his shoulders. After a moment of contemplation, he gathers himself and says, "I may not have the power to heal her invisible wounds, but I will do my best to help her."

The lady's smile widens, and she exclaims, "Who says you are in no position? Rusa holds a special place in her heart for you. I understand her very well. Until now, she has never mentioned me to her friends, let alone bring someone here. You're the first person she has brought to this place, and you're also the first to know that I'm her mother. So, you can calculate for yourself just how much she trusts you."

Kim places a comforting hand on Rusa's back as he acknowledges the weight of that trust. "She's too intoxicated to make it home on her own," he says, addressing Rusa's mother.

"Take her to your house tonight. Mr. Soe will be furious if he sees her like this. You would also end up on his bad side. I can't take her in due to the promises I've made," Rusa's mother suggests.

Understanding the need to provide Rusa with a comfortable and safe environment, Kim nods in agreement. He then asks, "Do you have a rope or something? I need to secure her to me; otherwise, she might fall off the scooter."

Rusa's mother retrieves a scarf, which proves to be long enough for their purpose. Kim gently lifts Rusa onto his back, and her mother securely binds them together. With Rusa clinging to him, Kim steers his scooter towards his home.

The late hour and darkness shroud the building's first floor in stillness. Only the security guards remain, familiar with Kim's presence. They readily allow him to pass, taking note of the inebriated girl on his back and understanding that Kim is offering her assistance.

Upon reaching his home, Kim opens the door to find Cristina, his sister, waiting on the couch with a mix of anger and concern etched on her face. Cristina's eyes widen in surprise as she spots the girl on Kim's back. She immediately directs her frustration towards Kim, exclaiming, "Who are you carrying? What happened to her? Are you turning into a reckless person or something?"

Gently placing Rusa down, Kim quickly unties the scarf and explains, "She's drunk. She's the daughter of my company's chairman. If I were to send her home in this state, it would cause a lot of trouble for both her and me. So, I brought her here."

Understanding her brother's compassionate nature, Cristina's expression softens. She decides not to burden him with questions and complaints. Instead, she reassures him, "Well, at least you're doing the right thing by bringing her here. Let me take care of her."

Kim gratefully nods, a sense of relief washing over him. He offers Cristina a thankful smile and says, "Thank you, Cristi. I owe you one."

Cristina chuckles and responds, "Oh, you owe me more than just one favor, but let's start with you helping me choose two dresses tomorrow. Deal?"

Kim laughs wholeheartedly, appreciating his sister's understanding. "Deal," he agrees. With that settled, he heads towards his room to take a quick bath, grateful for his sister's support during this unexpected turn of events.