Behind the Wounds and Anger

[Do Hwan’s POV]

Do Hwan had just opened the door to his house when rough hands grabbed his arms forcefully. Before he could comprehend what was happening, his body was dragged inside by men in black suits—his father's trusted subordinates.

"Let go!" He struggled, but it was useless. Their bodies were much bigger and stronger than his. No matter how hard he fought, their grip remained firm, dragging him to a closed room.

Once inside, they threw him to the floor without a hint of mercy. Without a word, they left, leaving Do Hwan alone with the man standing with his back to him, facing the sports equipment cabinet.

Do Hwan knew the man better than anyone.

His father.

The man moved his fingers, touching a row of baseball bats neatly arranged there as if choosing one.

“What did I do wrong this time?” Do Hwan’s voice sounded hoarse. His breath was held back, his body tense at the man’s movements. “I didn’t do anything to tarnish your name out there.”

The man didn’t respond immediately. He only swung one of the bats in the air, testing how comfortable it felt in his grip.

“Never did anything wrong?” his tone was full of sarcasm. “Shall I list them for you?”

Do Hwan swallowed hard, his body stiffening as the man began to approach.

Without warning...

Thud!

The wooden bat struck his knee hard, causing his body to stagger and fall to his knees on the floor. Pain shot through his entire leg, but he bit his lip, holding back a groan.

“The first hit for the first mistake,” the man spoke coldly. “You used 30 million without my permission.”

Do Hwan lifted his head, still gasping for air. “That was from my own account! My allowance that rightfully belongs to me! I don’t need anyone’s permission!”

Thud!

The second blow landed on his back. He winced, his body shaking from the impact.

“The second hit for the second mistake,” the man continued with the same flat tone. “You dared to talk back.”

Do Hwan clenched his fists, enduring the searing pain that burned his bones. He knew arguing was pointless.

Thud!

The bat struck his back in the same spot, harder than before. His breath hitched, his vision momentarily blurred.

“The third hit for the third mistake.” The man stepped closer. “You dared to use the Pouwels Group’s name.”

Do Hwan frowned in confusion. The name Pouwels Group? He tried to recall, and then a memory flashed in his mind.

“You mean… at that clothing store?” he asked weakly.

Instead of answering, the man swung the bat higher before slamming it into Do Hwan’s stomach with full force.

Thud!

Do Hwan coughed hard, fresh blood spilling from his mouth, dripping onto the floor.

“The fourth hit for the fourth mistake,” the man continued expressionlessly. “You dared to offend a very important business partner of the company.”

Do Hwan lifted his face, his vision blurry. “I... don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mumbled weakly. “I would never do something like that. You know I always avoid them.”

But the next blow struck his stomach again, harder than before. He collapsed to the floor, blood spilling from his lips once more.

“The person you offended,” the man’s voice grew sharper, “was someone you prevented from using the VIP room at the hospital.”

Do Hwan fell silent. He remembered that incident clearly. An arrogant rich man trying to take another patient’s room just because he felt more powerful.

He chuckled weakly, despite the pain spreading through his entire body.

“Oh, that?” he mumbled with a faint smile.

The man’s face hardened, displeased with his son’s expression. Without hesitation, he swung the bat again.

“What are you laughing at, huh?!”

Do Hwan coughed, spilling more blood.

“Every patient has the right to use any room as long as they can afford it,” he said in a weak voice.

“Afford it?” The man snorted disdainfully. “The money you used came from me! Is that what you call being able to afford it?”

He swung the bat again. This time repeatedly. Do Hwan’s back took blow after blow, and this time, he couldn’t hold back the scream that escaped his lips.

His body lay sprawled on the floor, his breathing ragged, blood dripping and staining the dark floor.

“You’ve become more insolent and ungrateful,” the man’s voice turned colder. “You’ve forgotten why I let you come back to this house.”

Do Hwan clenched his trembling fingers, anger mingling with despair in his chest. He wanted to fight back. He wanted to scream that he didn’t need to return to this place. That he would rather die than keep living like this.

But he knew...

He had nowhere else to go.

This house… was still here.

---

I walked beside Hana, our steps slow, matching the tangled thoughts in my mind. The sky above was completely dark, with only the streetlights illuminating the narrow sidewalk we passed. The night air started to bite at my skin, but somehow, I felt colder than I should have.

“You didn’t have to come,” I mumbled without looking at her.

Hana scoffed, crossing her arms. “I don’t want to be a fool who knows nothing about my own best friend.”

I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing with her. She was stubborn, just like before. But that’s what scared me. I didn’t want her to know everything, especially about my mom.

We kept walking in silence, just the sound of our footsteps echoing. Yet, my mind kept replaying the events at the hospital earlier. I finally gathered the courage to speak up.

“If you wanted to see my dad, you didn’t have to hide like that,” I said without looking at her.

Hana smiled faintly. “I didn’t know what to do. I’m still mad at you. But also worried.”

“If I hadn’t caught you at the door of Dad’s room, I’d still be haunted by the thought of someone standing behind me at that time.” I glanced at her. “It was pretty creepy.”

Hana looked confused. “What do you mean?”

I took a deep breath. “At the hospital that afternoon, in front of the vending machine... you were standing behind me, right? Don’t pretend anymore. I know it was you.”

A frown formed on Hana’s forehead. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Narin.”

“I saw you in the reflection of the vending machine,” I explained. “You were standing behind me, wearing all black like this.”

Hana quickly shook her head. “I just got to the hospital when it was already dark. And I only found out about it an hour before I was there. So there’s no way I was there in the afternoon.”

My steps came to a sudden halt. I turned to her, staring straight into her eyes, trying to find any hint of a lie. But Hana looked genuinely confused.

“So... it really wasn’t you?” My voice was almost a whisper.

Hana just shrugged. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”

I fell silent, biting my lip. No, I was sure I saw someone there. I couldn’t be mistaken. Black clothes, hands constantly lowering the cap, a black mask covering their face, and a suspicious stance. It wasn’t just my imagination... right?

“You okay?” Hana’s voice broke my thoughts.

I quickly shook my head. “I’m fine. Just forget it. Maybe it was just a hallucination,” I said. I didn’t want to speculate and cause unnecessary worry.

A few minutes later, we finally arrived in front of my house. I stopped at the small, rusty gate, staring at the old house standing before me. The dim light inside was a sign that my mom was home.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that suddenly crept in.

“Why are you just standing there? Aren’t you going in?” Hana nudged my arm.

I looked at her hesitantly. “Just wait here. I’m only going to grab a book. It won’t take long.”

Hana scoffed. “Do I look like someone who likes waiting outside alone?” Without waiting for my answer, she pushed the gate open and walked in first.

I wanted to stop her. I wanted to shout, telling her to just leave. But no words came out. I could only follow her steps with heavy feet.

Before we could reach the door, hurried footsteps echoed from inside. Then the door swung open roughly, revealing the person I wanted to avoid the most at that moment.

Mom.

Her eyes were sharp, her face full of anger, and before I could say anything, her hand struck my face.

SLAP!

The slap was so hard, the sound echoed through the quiet yard. It burned. It hurt. But more than that, something inside me felt shattered.

I remained silent, unmoving.

Hana gasped beside me. “What are you doing?! Why did you hit her?!” she shouted in anger.

Mom didn’t even glance at Hana. Her piercing gaze stayed locked on me. “Where have you been, huh?! I called you so many times! You think I can handle everything on my own?! You’re so ungrateful!”

I rubbed my stinging cheek with trembling hands.

“She just came from the hospital!” Hana defended me, her voice trembling with emotion. “Her dad is sick! Don’t you know—”

“This is none of your business!” Mom cut her off, her eyes glaring at Hana as if she were nothing but a nuisance.

Hana was taken aback. “How can you say it’s none of my business? Narin’s my best friend! And she’s your daughter, isn’t she?!”

Mom scoffed bitterly. “Daughter? Hah! This girl doesn’t know anything. Listen!” She looked at Hana seriously. “If she really thought of me as her mother, she should know her responsibilities!”

I bit my lip, holding back a pain much deeper than the slap.

“I’ll pay it all back later...” My voice was weak, almost inaudible.

Mom scoffed, folding her arms. “When? After I drop dead from exhaustion?”

My heart sank. I wanted to argue, but I knew nothing I said would change anything.

“I don’t need empty promises,” she continued coldly. “If you’re useless here, you might as well leave.”

I clenched my fists, my breathing growing heavy.

Hana, who had been holding back her anger, finally shouted, “You can’t talk to Narin like that! She’s your daughter!”

“And who are you? Trying to tell me what to do?!” Mom glared at Hana before turning back to the door. “If you’re smart, stay out of this.”

Then, without another word, she went inside and slammed the door behind her.

“Ishhh,” Hana growled, taking a step forward as if to kick the door open, but I held her hand.

“Don’t. Just leave it,” I said.

“Narin...” Hana’s voice was soft, full of caution.

I closed my eyes for a moment. “I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean? Why are you apologizing?” Hana asked, confused.

“I’m sorry you had to see this mess.”

“It’s not your fault; it’s that woman’s fault,” she paused, clearing her throat, seeming uneasy about calling my mom like that. “I mean... your mom.”

I stayed silent, forcing a smile to ease her worry.

“Are you okay?” Hana asked gently.

I nodded. “Of course. I’m used to it.”

“What do you mean you’re used to it?” Hearing that only made Hana more worried.

“It’s nothing. I’ll explain everything some other time.”

***