part 28

"I want to go CAMPING!!" 

Ha-yoon's shout reverberated through the grand mansion. 

Her voice was so loud that every corner of the mansion seemed to tremble. 

Although I couldn't hear her grandfather's response, I could guess it was likely a firm refusal. 

Grandfather probably tried to persuade Ha-yoon, listing all the inconveniences of camping: discomfort of the wild, bugs, and the possibility of encountering wild animals.

But Ha-yoon was persistent, undeterred by the practical reasons against camping. 

Finally, after a heated argument with my grandfather, Ha-yoon revealed the real reason behind her.

"Sunmi went camping with her dad!"

Sunmi, her closest friend, had bragged about it in front of Ha-yoon. 

That ignited Ha-yoon's envy. 

It might seem like a silly reason, but even adults sometimes make foolish decisions driven by jealousy.

Usually, her grandfather indulged Ha-yoon's requests.

But this time was an exception. 

His unwavering refusal indicated that the circumstances weren't favorable.

I could imagine why. 

Camping required a thorough preparation—especially with kids. 

We needed a spacious car to carry all the gear.

Being the daughter of a wealthy family, Ha-yoon had camping equipment already.

But who would drive her?

Grandfather was too old to handle driving.

Asking manager Cha to stay overnight would be impolite.

As for her busy father Seung-rok, who traveled the world incessantly, he couldn't be available either.

Moreover, even if someone drove, camping outdoors with a kid and an elder posed risks. 

It was obvious to me.

Despite Ha-yoon's determination, the surrounding conditions made camping impossible for her. 

But she was just an innocent child.

"Still, I want to go!" 

Ha-yoon insisted. 

Perhaps it wasn't about camping itself; she simply wanted to experience what her friend had enjoyed. 

And so, our little drama unfolded within the walls of our grand estate, echoing with Ha-yoon's fervent plea. 

Listening to Ha-yoon's determined voice, I pondered my options. 

I could solve everything. 

I had a driver's license, a car, and I am in good health.. 

Camping wouldn't be too challenging witj me. 

However, Seung-rok's initial warning to me lingered in my mind:

"Will you be there for the child's entire life? If not, don't listen to her too much. The more you do, the harder the separation becomes later."

His words pierced my heart. 

When I objectively assessed my situation, Seung-rok's concerns made sense. 

Currently, I coached Ha-yoon in golf, but it has only been a year. 

Even that was dwindling—two months had already passed.

I could only promise 10 more months.

Ha-yoon might even quit golf midway.

Seung-rok could dismiss me, or other unforeseen variables might arise.

Scandals, military service, or even a bad economy.

Who knows?

I was merely an employee.

As long as I taught Ha-yoon adequately for the money received, my duty was done.

There was no need to go beyond that.

 In that sense, perhaps Seung-rok was right.

I do not need to step up.

But…

Somehow, I couldn't leave it at that. 

Whenever I saw Ha-yoon, memories of my own childhood resurfaced. 

She reminded me of my younger self, coerced into playing golf by my mother. 

Did Ha-yoon truly want to be a golfer? 

Seung-rok claimed she did, but I hesitated to take his words plainly. 

Parents often misinterpret their children's intentions to suit their own desires.

My mother had done the same. 

She insisted I loved golf, fulfilling her dream through me. 

But now, I realized it was all hypocrisy. 

She wanted to be the mother of a world-renowned golfer. 

I'd never aspired to be a golf champion. 

I merely misunderstood her dream as my own.

Was Ha-yoon in a similar situation? 

She sang musical tunes and talked about school plays, but did she genuinely dream of becoming a golfer?

Listening to the clash between Ha-yoon and her grandfather through the window, I reached for the freshly baked baguette on the table. 

I had personally kneaded and baked it in the French style, using a recipe I'd secretly learned during my European tour. 

Even after becoming a professional golfer, I continued to enjoy coffee, baking, and cooking.

However, my mother disapproved of my hobbies. 

She suggested I stick to clubhouse food instead. 

Why not spend that time practicing my golf swing? 

But cooking held a special place in my heart.

During international tournaments, I'd sneak off to local bakeries, learning new techniques whenever I could. 

In Australia, I even picked up coffee-making skills.

Truth be told, after my performance declined to the point of losing my pro license, I blamed myself. 

Was it my laziness that prevented me from succeeding as a golfer? 

Perhaps that's why I hadn't become the daughter my mother envisioned. 

These thoughts tormented me relentlessly—until I started coaching Jisun.

"Hey, Mina, I'm performing next weekend. Come join me!"

As it turned out, Jisun had a hobby too: playing the piano. 

Her jazz piano skills were top-notch, enough to perform at local bars professionally. 

It finally dawned on me that professional golfers needed private lives too. 

My mother's insistence on forsaking everything but golf was merely her way of soothing her own anxiety. 

After all, athletes couldn't train 24/7; scheduled downtime was inevitable.

But hobby-less athlete life is miserable.

Golf was a mental sport, and my inability to manage my own mind became painfully clear. 

And now, I finally realized. 

Seung-rok and my mother were eerily alike. 

Both had placed reckless bets, staking everything and pressuring those around them. 

The difference was clear though.

Seung-rok succeeded, while my mother failed. 

That was the sole distinction between them.

I made up my mind.

I stood up abruptly and headed toward the door.

***

"Can I go camping with Hayeon this weekend?" I

 proposed to Seung-rok over the phone, my voice determined.

Seung-rok remained silent for a moment. 

-… 

Perhaps it was not a good idea. 

After all, I am just a golf coach. 

Going camping alone with a child seemed a bit too forward. 

As Seung-rok hesitated, I added, "I know it might seem excessive. But there's no other way. We can't invite Manager Cha for the weekend. It's risky to let Grandpa drive, and besides, there's no one else who can take the child. So…"

-No. 

Abruptly, Seung-rok interrupted my words. 

"Yes?"

-It's fine for you to go. Can I join?

"What?"

I could not reply.

-Why not? We're siblings; it's okay to go together, isn't it? 

I hadn't expected that answer. "Oh, of course. You are welcome to join. But are you not busy?"

-I have a concert in Singapore on Monday. 

His voice sounded nonchalant, almost dismissive. 

"Well, then your schedule won't allow it. You're still in Australia."

-I can drop by before the concert. If I leave on Friday night and fly out on Saturday morning, it should be enough. 

"Oh that is too much. You need a rest…."

-The child wants to go camping, and a guardian needs to be present with the child in that kind of situation.. That is common sense.

He was right, of course. 

But it wasn't because of that that I felt flustered. 

"However, sharing a tent with you… It's a bit…"

My face flushed unintentionally. Seung-rok's snort came through the phone.

-What's the big deal? We won't even be sharing the same bed. 

"But still…" 

I stumbled. 

Seung-rok continued.

-I'll sleep outside in a sleeping bag. Fine? 

"Well, isn't that a bit…"

-It's summer; it'll be cooler and more comfortable. See you on Friday. Don't schedule any lessons; come to the airport with the child.

With that, Seung-rok abruptly hung up. 

I had achieved my goal. 

Yet I felt defeated.

***

Camping was surprisingly easy. 

Well, to be precise, camping with Seung-rok was easy. 

Once we decided to go camping, Seung-rok moved faster than anyone else. 

He secured a top-tier campsite and even packed the food in advance, neatly arranging it in the cooler box that Manager Cha delivered to me.

When we arrived at the campsite with Seung-rok and Hayeon, everything was already set up. 

The tent stood ready, and all the camping gear awaited us. 

"This isn't camping; it's more like a hotel!" 

I complained.

"Can you pitch a tent with that child?" 

Seung-rok retorted, pointing at Hayeon. 

The little girl, who had almost called him 'Dad' a moment ago, was now happily playing with the campsite's dog.

"Haha! Follow me Cutie!!!"

In truth, I could guess why Seung-rok had reserved this secluded spot. 

Perhaps he wanted to avoid any chance encounters that might reveal his identity. 

By booking the entire place, he ensured that no one else would cross our path.

The rest of the day followed the camping cliche. 

We indulged in a barbecue feast.

Seung-rok expertly grilled pork belly, pork neck, onions, and garlic over the prepared charcoal. 

Hayeon was the most excited, eager to help. 

"Wow! Oppa, let me grill too!" she exclaimed.

Seung-rok shot her down. "No."

Hayeon's forbidden list grew longer: no snacks, no leftover vegetables, not even ramen. 

Seung-rok had his reasons. 

"No, it ruins your taste," he insisted.

"Ugh!" 

Hayeon grumbled but still managed to sneak bites of the grilled meat.

Finally, Seung-rok relented a little, melting marshmallows over the campfire for her—the only indulgence he allowed today.

Watching Hayeon blow on the treat ,my face lit up.

I couldn't help but find her adorable. 

"Delicious, delicious!" she declared.

I mainly took care of the dishes and utensils, tidying up and assisting in various ways. 

Despite feeling exhausted, seeing how much the child enjoyed it gave me renewed energy.

But around 9 p.m., Hayeon, who had been overflowing with energy, suddenly deflated like a balloon. 

She sat in a camping chair, nodding off.

Seung-rok eventually picked her up and carried her to the tent. 

"I'll put the child to sleep and be right back," he said.

"Okay."

As I absentmindedly stared at the charcoal fire, my body stiffened. 

It finally hit me: from now on, it will be just Seung-rok and me.

Alone.

In.

This tent!