Relentless Hero 1

The soft rustling of footsteps and the smell of bacon pulled Jiwon slowly out of her sleep. The warm comfort of her bed made it hard to open her eyes, and for a few more seconds, she tried to cling to her dreams. But the unmistakable sound of her brother's voice cut through the sleepy haze.

"Jiwon-ah, wake up."

His voice was always so steady—calm, even when he was clearly in a rush. She could hear it, the subtle tension in the way he moved around the small apartment, always juggling too much at once. A familiar guilt tugged at her heart. She knew how hard he worked for her—for them—how he sacrificed his own future just to make sure she had one. And that's why she couldn't stay in bed, no matter how much her body begged for a few more minutes of rest.

A warm hand gently shook her shoulder. "C'mon, you'll be late for school. Breakfast is ready, and I've ironed your uniform."

That did it. Jiwon groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. She knew Jinwoo meant well—he always did—but why did mornings have to be so hard? Still, there was no escaping the day ahead. Not with all the work waiting for her at medical school. Her mind flashed to the stack of textbooks on her desk, reminders of everything she had to learn, everything she needed to do. For herself. For him.

Jinwoo's voice turned playful. "Hey, did you drool in your sleep again?"

Her eyes shot open in alarm. "I didn't!" she mumbled defensively, her face heating up as she batted his hand away. How could he say that? "Oppa, you're so annoying."

But even as she complained, she felt a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Jinwoo's teasing, though embarrassing, was something that never failed to make her feel at ease. It reminded her that, despite everything, some things hadn't changed. He was still her older brother, always looking out for her, always taking care of her.

"Alright, alright," he said, raising his hands as if surrendering. "I've got your uniform ready, and your breakfast's on the table."

She nodded sleepily, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Thanks, oppa. I'll be quick," she said, though she knew she'd drag her feet a little longer than she should. She was always so tired these days—studying late into the night, trying to keep up with the demanding pace of medical school. But that was her choice. If Jinwoo could work himself to the bone for her, the least she could do was make sure his efforts weren't wasted.

Jinwoo patted her head, his hand warm and gentle this time. "No rush. Just don't be late, okay?" He paused by the door, glancing back at her with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I can't walk you to school today. I've got an early shift at the factory, but I'll make up for it. I'm saving up for that laptop you need, remember?"

Jiwon's chest tightened at his words. She didn't need a laptop that badly, not if it meant Jinwoo working even more. She'd said as much before, but he never listened. He was always like that—working himself to the bone for her, making promises he didn't need to keep.

She slid off the bed and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. He felt solid, steady—just like he always had. "It's fine, oppa. Don't worry about it." Her voice came out quieter than she intended, thick with emotion. "You're doing enough for me already."

Jinwoo hugged her back, his arms warm and secure around her, and for a moment, everything felt okay. But as he pulled away, she couldn't help but feel a lingering weight in her chest. She wished she could do something—anything—to make things easier for him. And she knew exactly how: by working hard, by making sure his sacrifices meant something. She was determined to become the doctor he always encouraged her to be, no matter how difficult the road was.

"I'll study harder today," she thought to herself as she watched him leave. "I'll get through school and repay him for everything. Every late-night shift, every sacrifice."

When the door closed, Jiwon stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space he'd left behind. The apartment felt smaller, quieter without him. She knew Jinwoo was doing everything he could to take care of her, to protect her from the harsh realities of their lives. But sometimes, it felt like too much. She could see it in the way his shoulders drooped when he thought she wasn't looking, or how his laughter didn't come as easily as it used to.

He never let her see him break, though. Not once.

But she knew. She always knew.

And she wasn't going to let his hard work go to waste. No matter how exhausting medical school became, no matter how many sleepless nights she had to endure, she was going to make it. For him. Because her success would be their success. A way to repay everything Jinwoo had done to keep their little world together.

Lee Jiwon sat attentively in her medical school lecture, the soft scratch of pens on paper and the quiet hum of the air conditioning filling the room. She focused intently on the professor's words, scribbling detailed notes in her pristine notebook. Her long black hair, tied in a neat ponytail, cascaded over her shoulder, and her eyes, sharp and determined, darted between the whiteboard and her notes. She wasn't the most brilliant student, but her diligence had gotten her here—into one of the country's most prestigious medical schools—at the young age of 17.

Though her age set her apart, what truly caught people's attention was her calm, natural beauty. Jiwon wasn't the kind of girl who wore makeup or styled her hair in fancy ways; her charm lay in her simplicity. Her soft, porcelain skin, delicate features, and the quiet confidence she carried made her a figure that many admired. Today, as always, she felt the stares from some of her male classmates, but she ignored them. She was used to it by now—the occasional flirty comments, the glances that lingered too long—but none of that mattered. What mattered was her education. What mattered was her brother, Jinwoo, and how she needed to make all of his sacrifices worthwhile.

As the professor pointed out different parts of the human anatomy on the diagram, Jiwon raised her hand. "The brachial artery originates from the axillary artery, right?" she asked, her voice steady and clear.

"Correct, Jiwon. Good observation," the professor nodded approvingly.

She smiled briefly before returning to her notes. That small moment of praise filled her with a sense of accomplishment. It wasn't genius that got her here—it was the countless hours of late-night study, fueled by determination to make her brother's hard work pay off. He had given up so much for her, and she owed him her very best effort.

When the class ended, Jiwon packed up her books, her mind already shifting to her next task: more studying. However, her plan was interrupted when a group of male students approached her.

"Hey, Jiwon, you free later? Maybe we could grab a coffee or dinner together," one of them said, flashing a grin.

Jiwon sighed inwardly but kept her polite smile. "Sorry, I'm busy. I have a lot of studying to do."

"Come on, you always say that," another chimed in. "You've gotta take a break sometime!"

She shook her head firmly, her voice soft but unwavering. "Not today. I really don't have the time."

With that, she walked away, not bothering to look back at their disappointed faces. She wasn't here for dates or casual flings—her brother's unyielding work ethic had been ingrained in her as well. She knew she couldn't afford distractions, not with everything riding on her education. As she headed to the library, the weight of responsibility pressed down on her.

In the quiet library, Jiwon immersed herself in a pile of textbooks, the neatly organized anatomy diagrams blurring together as she diligently memorized every detail. Hours passed unnoticed, until the quiet murmur of voices drew her attention. A few female classmates had gathered around her table, their friendly smiles brightening the somber atmosphere of the library.

"Jiwon! You're always studying," one of them teased lightly. "Why don't you come with us tonight? We're going to karaoke. You could use a break."

Jiwon hesitated. She hadn't had much time for friends since starting medical school. It wasn't that she didn't want to enjoy herself—deep down, she craved a sense of normalcy, the freedom that others seemed to enjoy so effortlessly. But each time she thought about taking a break, Jinwoo's face flashed in her mind. He had given up so much for her, working himself to exhaustion so she could follow her dreams. Could she really allow herself a moment of fun?

"Come on, just for a little while. You deserve it," another girl chimed in, her voice coaxing. "It'll be fun. You can't study all the time!"

Jiwon looked down at her books, her hands gripping the pages tightly. A part of her wanted to say no, to refuse like she always did. But the temptation was stronger today. She was exhausted—physically, mentally—and the idea of enjoying a night out with friends was too enticing to ignore.

"Okay," she said, almost surprising herself. "But just for a little while."

Her friends cheered, pulling her up from her chair as they headed out together. The night felt surreal to Jiwon—laughter, music, and the joy of being surrounded by people her age. At the karaoke place, she found herself smiling and laughing along with them, the stress of school and her responsibilities fading into the background. She even sang a song, timidly at first, but the cheers from her friends boosted her confidence.

For a moment, she allowed herself to enjoy it. To feel like a normal 17-year-old girl, carefree and light. And so, after the night of karaoke, when the invitation to go shopping came up again, Jiwon didn't resist.

After their karaoke session, the group strolled through the bustling streets, chatting about school, boys, and plans for the weekend. Jiwon walked alongside them, feeling an odd mix of excitement and guilt. She usually never spent money on herself—every penny was precious, reserved for tuition or saving for books. But here she was, headed to a cosmetics store, about to indulge in a luxury she rarely even thought about.

The store was bright and colorful, lined with shelves of makeup in every shade imaginable. Jiwon hesitated as her friends darted toward the lipsticks and foundations, her fingers trailing over the sleek packaging. She'd never really worn makeup before—she didn't need to, her natural beauty often drawing compliments from classmates. Still, there was something thrilling about the idea of enhancing her looks, just a little.

One of her friends, a bubbly girl with dyed pink hair, waved a lipstick in front of her face. "Jiwon, you have to try this one. It's the perfect color for you!"

Jiwon smiled shyly, holding up her hands in protest. "I don't know... I usually don't wear makeup."

Her friend laughed. "That's exactly why you should try it! You're already so pretty without it, but this will just make you shine. Come on, treat yourself for once!"

The words lingered in Jiwon's mind. Treat yourself. When was the last time she'd allowed herself even a small luxury? The thought of spending money, money her brother worked so hard for, made her stomach knot, but something inside her longed to feel like a normal girl for once. She watched as her friend applied the lipstick on her hand to show its soft, rosy color.

With a deep breath, Jiwon decided to give in, allowing herself this one indulgence. She picked up a tube of lipstick, the faintest shade of pink, and turned it over in her hands. It felt foreign, almost forbidden, but there was a small thrill in holding something just for herself. She slowly applied a bit to her lips, the cool, creamy texture strange but pleasant.

Her friends gathered around her, eyes wide with approval. "See? It looks amazing on you! You should wear this every day."

Jiwon smiled at her reflection, her lips now tinted with a soft pink glow. It was subtle, but it made a difference—a small enhancement that made her feel different, more confident somehow. For a moment, she let herself enjoy it, the idea that she could be like the other girls, just for today. But as they laughed and showed her more products, the guilt crept back in. I'm spending money I shouldn't be. Jinwoo would never splurge on something like this.

Still, when she made the small purchase and left the store with a shopping bag in hand, she couldn't help but feel a little lighter. For a brief moment, she had done something for herself. But as they made their way back toward campus, the weight of reality settled over her again. Jinwoo's face flashed in her mind—his tired eyes, the way he came home late each night, still smiling, asking her how her day had been. He would never spend money like this. He's given up so much, and here I am buying lipstick.

The joy from the night began to fade, replaced by a gnawing guilt as she returned home. By the time she walked through the door of their small apartment, the excitement of her new purchase had disappeared entirely. She slipped into her room quickly, hoping to avoid seeing Jinwoo. She couldn't face him, not like this.

As she sat at her desk, her textbooks open in front of her, she caught a glimpse of herself in the small mirror. The lipstick still glistened on her lips, a faint reminder of the luxury she had allowed herself. How could I let myself enjoy that when Jinwoo's working so hard? she thought, wiping it off with the back of her hand. Her heart ached with the weight of her selfishness.

Moments later, she heard the familiar sound of Jinwoo's footsteps approaching in the hallway. Her breath hitched as she tried to bury her guilt in her studies. The door creaked open, and she felt her brother's presence behind her.

"Goodnight, Jiwon," he whispered softly, his voice as gentle as ever.

Tears welled up in her eyes again, but she kept them hidden, staring at her books. She didn't dare turn around. His kindness only made her feel worse. Jinwoo, always thinking of her, always sacrificing. And here she was, wasting his hard-earned money on something so frivolous.

After the door clicked shut, Jiwon let her tears fall silently. She promised herself that from now on, she would work harder, be better. She wouldn't let herself get swept away by moments of indulgence again. But the small tube of lipstick, now tucked away in her drawer, remained a silent reminder of the part of her that still longed to live a little, even if it meant betraying the responsibility she felt so deeply.

I can't let Jinwoo down. Not after everything he's done for me.

The next morning, Jiwon was jolted awake by the sound of violent banging on the front door. It echoed through their small apartment, loud and relentless, shaking her to her core. Her heart pounded as she sat up, her hands trembling. She glanced at the window, noticing the sky had just begun to brighten with the early morning sun. The shouts outside were sharp, angry voices demanding entrance.

Panic set in immediately, and she rushed to her brother's room. Jinwoo was still fast asleep, unaware of the chaos. "Oppa, wake up!" she whispered, her voice trembling as she shook his shoulder. "Oppa, please, something's wrong!"

Jinwoo stirred, blinking groggily as the noise finally registered. His eyes widened in alarm. "Oppa, what's happening?" she whispered, her wide eyes reflecting her fear. The sounds outside were angry and impatient—voices demanding they open the door.

"I don't know, but stay behind me," Jinwoo replied, his voice calm despite the racing thoughts in his head. Jiwon's hands clutching her brother's arm. Fear gripped her chest tightly, and she couldn't stop shaking. "What do we do?"

Jinwoo stood up quickly, his expression hardening as he tried to calm her. "Stay behind me, okay?" he said firmly, though his own heart raced with uncertainty. He grabbed a shirt and slipped it on hurriedly, then made his way toward the door, Jiwon following closely, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt like a lifeline. She was so scared she could hardly breathe.

As Jinwoo opened the door, a group of men pushed their way inside before he could even react. The leader of the group, a towering man with a nasty scar slashing across his face, looked Jinwoo over with a sneer. "Lee Jinwoo, right?" he asked, though it was clear he already knew the answer. He stepped closer, his presence suffocating in the small space. "We're here about your parents. They've racked up a lot of debt, and now it's time to pay."

Jinwoo frowned, his protective instincts kicking in immediately. He stepped slightly in front of Jiwon, shielding her from the men's view. "I don't know what you're talking about. My parents—"

"Don't play dumb with us!" another thug snapped, stepping forward with a piece of crumpled paper in his hand. "This is a legal document. Your parents borrowed a large sum, and now, with the interest, it's more than double. They didn't pay up, so guess what? It's on you now."

Jinwoo took the paper, his hand shaking slightly as he read the figures. His mind went blank for a moment. His parents had borrowed money? How could this have happened without them knowing? He clenched his jaw, trying to remain calm.

Jiwon stood frozen behind her brother, her heart pounding in her ears. She clung to Jinwoo's shirt, her knuckles white, as the men stormed through their apartment like it was theirs. She couldn't move, couldn't think, only watch in horror as they began grabbing their few possessions. The air in the room felt thick and suffocating, her legs trembling so badly she thought she might collapse.

"We don't have that kind of money," he said. "There must be some mistake. Please, we'll figure something out, but—"

"No mistakes, kid," the leader barked. "And if you can't pay, we take what's owed."

Before Jinwoo could protest further, the men barged into their small apartment, brushing past him with brute force. Jiwon let out a small gasp, her body stiffening with fear as they started rifling through their belongings. She could do nothing but watch as the thugs moved through their home like they owned the place.

"Stop! Please!" Jinwoo's voice cracked as he tried to reason with them, desperation creeping in. He moved toward one of the men who had just pulled out a well wraped box from a drawer. Jinwoo's eyes widened in horror. "No, not that!" he yelled, rushing forward to stop the man.

It was the laptop Jinwoo had saved up for months to buy—his gift for her, something she needed for her studies. Her heart sank as she watched Jinwoo try to wrestle it out of the man's hands.

"Oppa, no!" she cried, stepping forward and grabbing his arm. "Please, don't! They'll hurt you!" Her voice was shaky, the fear in her eyes evident. She couldn't bear to see him get hurt for her sake.

But Jinwoo wasn't backing down. "It's for my sister!" he shouted, his voice raw with emotion. "I worked hard for that! Take anything else, just leave that!"

The thug smirked, shoving Jinwoo away like he was nothing. "Tough luck, kid," he sneered, holding onto the box firmly.

Before Jinwoo could react, another man stepped forward and punched him hard in the gut. Jinwoo crumpled to the floor, gasping for breath, his body folding in on itself from the impact.

"Oppa!" Jiwon screamed, dropping to her knees beside him, her hands trembling as she tried to help him sit up. Tears blurred her vision, but all she could focus on was the way her brother's body shook with pain.

The men didn't stop. They continued ransacking the apartment, taking whatever little they had. Jiwon watched helplessly, her body shaking with fear and anger, feeling utterly powerless. They took their clothes, electronics, even the small stash of cash Jinwoo had hidden away for emergencies. When they finally left, the leader threw a dark smirk over his shoulder.

As they finally left, the leader shot them one last menacing look. "You've got one week to come up with the money," he warned, smirking cruelly. "Or we'll be back."

The door slammed shut, and in the deafening silence that followed, Jiwon couldn't hold back the sobs anymore. She collapsed beside Jinwoo, clutching his hand, her heart heavy with guilt and fear.

That night, the apartment felt emptier than ever. Jiwon sat by her brother's side, the room heavy with the weight of their loss. Jinwoo was leaning against the wall, his face bruised, his breathing shallow. She hated seeing him like this—hurt, defeated, and hopeless. Her brother, who had always been strong for her, now seemed so small.

Jiwon tried to comfort him. Her eyes were still red from crying, but she managed a small smile for him. "Oppa, it's okay," she said softly, placing her hand on his bruised cheek. "I don't need the laptop. I can manage with my phone."

But Jinwoo couldn't accept that. "No, Jiwon," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "You deserve better. I promised I'd get you that laptop, and I will. I'm not giving up."

The next day after those men barged into their home, Jiwon couldn't shake the image of her brother—his face twisted in pain and helplessness as their belongings were stripped away. It replayed over and over in her mind. The weight of their situation pressed on her chest, leaving her restless through the night. She lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling like a storm she couldn't control.

She glanced at the dimly lit clock on her bedside table. 6:30 AM. Jinwoo had already left for work, again without saying goodbye. The only trace of him was the neatly arranged breakfast on the kitchen table, the same as always. The sight of the small plate of rice and side dishes made her throat tighten. A note was placed carefully beside the meal, written in his usual neat handwriting:

"Eat your breakfast, Jiwon. Don't skip your meals."

A sigh escaped her lips. He's still taking care of me, even when he has nothing left for himself. Her chest tightened with guilt. Jinwoo had already sacrificed so much for her—he had dropped out of school to work and keep her in medical school, and now, even after losing almost everything, he was still putting her first.

It's not fair. Jiwon pressed the note to her chest, feeling the weight of it, not just the paper but the burden it represented. I can't let him carry this alone. Her thoughts raced as she made a decision. She would help. She had to. She couldn't just sit by and let Jinwoo work himself to death while she studied. She'd take on part-time work, but she couldn't let him know. He'd refuse, say it wasn't her responsibility, but she couldn't just be a burden anymore.

"I can't let this go on," Jiwon whispered to herself, the resolve hardening in her chest. I've relied on him for too long. It's time I did something.

That afternoon, after her classes, Jiwon began her search for part-time work. Her determination outweighed her exhaustion. She walked down the busy streets, passing café after café, glancing inside each one. Her reflection in the shop windows reminded her how different she was from most of the girls her age—she spent her days buried in textbooks, disconnected from the life outside. She missed out on carefree outings, on laughter, on youth. But there's no time for that anymore, she thought bitterly. Not when Jinwoo is sacrificing everything for me.

Jiwon finally stepped into a small, cozy coffee shop tucked into the corner of a quiet street. The atmosphere was warm, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. As soon as she entered, the manager, a middle-aged woman with soft eyes and a warm smile, noticed her.

"Are you looking for something, dear?" the woman asked kindly, her voice gentle but curious.

Jiwon hesitated, feeling a slight flush of embarrassment. "Yes… I'm looking for a part-time job. I… I'm a medical student, but I need something to help with expenses."

The woman's eyes softened, and she gave Jiwon a once-over, clearly impressed by her appearance and the polite way she carried herself. "You're quite the beauty," she said with a knowing smile, "You'll do well here. People love a pretty face with their coffee."

Jiwon felt a tinge of discomfort at the comment, but she smiled politely. It was the truth—her appearance had always drawn attention, but it wasn't something she had ever relied on. Still, if it helped her get the job, she wasn't going to argue.

"You'll start tomorrow," the manager said after a brief exchange. "It'll be busy, but you can study during the slower hours if you'd like."

Relief washed over Jiwon as she nodded, her heart feeling a bit lighter. This is it. I can help. I'll be able to contribute.

---

The days that followed blurred into a routine. In the mornings, she attended her classes at the medical school, pushing herself to focus despite the growing exhaustion that weighed on her. In the afternoons, she worked at the coffee shop, taking orders, ringing up customers, and serving drinks with a polite smile. The shop quickly became popular, not just for its coffee, but because people were drawn to Jiwon's quiet beauty. She didn't like the attention, but she understood why it happened. Men lingered at the counter longer than necessary, offering compliments she brushed off with practiced politeness.

During the quiet hours, when the café was empty, Jiwon would sit in the back with her textbooks spread out in front of her. She would flip through her notes, trying to focus on her studies, but her mind would often wander. What time did Jinwoo leave this morning? she would wonder. Did he eat before he left? But every time she thought about him, she pushed the worry aside, reminding herself that this was how she could help—by working and not adding to his stress.

---

Weeks passed, and Jiwon barely saw her brother anymore. He would leave early, before she woke up, and return long after she had gone to bed. The only trace of him in the house was the breakfast he left out for her each morning, the same simple meals and the same notes telling her to take care of herself.

But it wasn't enough.

Jiwon sat at the kitchen table one evening, staring at the plate of food Jinwoo had left for her that morning. She had barely touched it. The emptiness of the apartment felt suffocating, the silence pressing in on her. Where is he? She glanced at the clock on the wall. Midnight. Her stomach churned with anxiety. Is he working late again? Or is something else going on?

She rested her head in her hands, her fingers digging into her scalp. The distance between them was growing, and it terrified her. They hadn't spoken properly in weeks. He was always gone, always working, and she was too tired from her own job and studies to wait up for him.

Her phone buzzed on the table, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a text from her brother.

"Working late again. Don't wait up."

Jiwon clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she stared at the screen. Her vision blurred with unshed tears, and her heart ached with the overwhelming sense of helplessness that had been building inside her. She wanted to scream, to demand that he talk to her, tell her what was going on. But she couldn't. Instead, she typed a simple response:

"Okay. Be safe."

She hit send and dropped her phone back onto the table, the weight of the conversation—or lack thereof—crushing her. This isn't how things are supposed to be, she thought. We used to be close. What happened to us?

As the days passed, Jiwon's worry for her brother grew, but so did her own sense of isolation. She was working hard—studying, earning money, doing everything she could to help—but it didn't feel like enough. The gap between her and Jinwoo seemed to widen with every passing day, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to bridge it.

Maybe it's time we talk.