Chapter 16: Ryu Taesan

I couldn't believe it. I had a step-sister. All this time, I thought I understood my parents, but the truth was far more twisted. They had both betrayed each other, leaving secrets in their wake. And now, here was this kid—my step-sister—who had been chasing after Sera like a shadow. The moment felt surreal, yet too painfully real.

After that terrifying chase, I brought both Sera and Jihyo back to my apartment. Sera's elbow was still bleeding from where the knife had grazed her skin. I grabbed the first aid kit and sat beside her, gently applying antiseptic on the wound. My hands trembled slightly, but I tried to focus on her, feeling the weight of everything we'd just discovered. My gaze shifted to Jihyo, this stranger who was suddenly tied to my life. She was just a child—how could I possibly yell at her, even after what she'd done?

I tried to keep my voice steady, but the anger slipped through as I asked, "Why did you attack her?"

"Me? Attack her? When?" she shot back, her tone almost casual, as if she had known us forever. Her Daegu accent was thick, carrying an air of defiance that caught me off guard.

"Why did you follow her then? Why did you throw the knife?" I pressed, my patience wearing thin.

Jihyo let out a dramatic sigh and rolled her eyes. "Sorry, but you've got it all wrong. If you accused me of being a thief, I might have preferred that. But attacking her? No way. I wasn't following your girlfriend, I was following you. I came here to find you."

"I'm not his girlfriend," Sera interjected, her voice soft but firm, bringing my attention back to her for a moment.

My mind reeled with the realization. I had dreamed about this—about meeting a step-sister. Just days ago, I had seen her in my sleep, shadowing me, and sharing a dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Yeo. Her words echoed the ones I had heard in that dream: I've come to find you.

"So, you're the one who was hanging around my old house before?" I asked, trying to piece everything together.

Jihyo's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "You noticed that? Oh gosh!"

"My friend told me about you. Now tell me, why did you come here?" I demanded, trying to keep my emotions in check.

She straightened up, her expression turning serious. "I'm Ryu Jin's daughter. So, I have the right to be here. I'll tell you everything about myself, but first, answer my question."

I raised an eyebrow, wary but curious. "What is it?"

"Can I call you Oppa since you're my older step-brother?"

I hesitated, taken aback by the request. "Okay."

Her face softened into a small smile. "How old are you anyway?"

"Twenty. You're talking so casually with me when we just met! Slow down."

She shrugged, unbothered. "We're family, Oppa. Oh, and I'm fifteen. Let me give you the short version. Sixteen years ago, Dad went to the Daegu area for a business trip. He met my mom there—she was a teacher. They met at some event, got drunk, and... well, I happened. Dad wanted to keep it a secret since he was a big-shot businessman. He provided us with food, a home, money—anything we needed, but on one condition: we stayed hidden. He even married my mom when she found out she was pregnant. He wasn't a bad dad—at least he didn't abandon us like some men do. But a few days ago, Dad passed away. My mom was devastated. She started drinking more, and one night, she got hit by a car. She died too. So I decided to find you. Now, here I am, with nothing left to lose."

Her words hit me like a storm, each one revealing a life I never knew existed. I let out a heavy sigh, looking at the young girl who shared my father's eyes. I couldn't bring myself to turn her away. "Alright. Take a shower, have dinner, and then we'll talk about where you'll stay."

She frowned, crossing her arms. "What do you mean 'where you'll stay'? Can't I just stay here with you?"

Her gaze was piercing, and those familiar eyes held a plea I couldn't ignore. After a long pause, I sighed again, giving in. "If you want."

Her face lit up, a tiny flicker of hope in her eyes. "Alright, this is my new home then. And you're my brother... and you're my sister-in-law..." she said, glancing at Sera.

Sera quickly corrected her, coming closer and gently patting Jihyo's head. "I'm not his girlfriend, kid. We're just good friends. You can call me Sera Unnie."

I glanced back at Sera, my concern deepening. "Sera, my driver will take you home. Don't go alone. If anything feels off, call me immediately, okay?"

She nodded, but hesitation lingered in her eyes. "But Taesan, what if the person who tried to attack me... was my father?"

My chest tightened at her words. "He's in jail, Sera. I've told you everything."

But before I could reassure her further, my phone rang. It was Kim Jongkook. The moment I answered, his voice came through, tense and urgent. "Sera's father, Yoon Seok... he escaped from the hospital."

"What?" I froze, the room spinning around me.

"He became very ill this morning, so they took him to the hospital, but he managed to slip away a few hours ago."

I hung up, feeling a chill settle in my bones. I turned to Sera, my voice barely a whisper as I said, "You were right. It's your dad."

..

I woke up to a loud noise coming from the living room. My heart raced as I rushed out of bed and hurried to see what was happening. There, I found Jihyo sitting on the floor, completely engrossed in her video game, the sounds blaring. I called her name a couple of times, but she didn't even flinch, too absorbed to notice me. Frustrated, I raised my voice.

"Ryu Jihyo, please turn off the sound!"

She spun around, startled, and quickly bowed, flashing a sheepish smile.

"Sorry, Oppa. It won't happen again. Anyway, good morning!" she chirped, trying to soften my annoyance.

"Morning. But you better watch out next time," I warned, my tone firm but trying not to sound too harsh.

"I will, Oppa," she replied with a playful salute.

I headed back to my room, took a quick shower, and got ready for the day. I decided to whip up a simple breakfast for both of us. As we sat down to eat, Jihyo dug in happily, her eyes lighting up as she took a bite.

"This is so good! Are you a chef or something?" she teased, giving me a cheeky grin.

"No," I replied with a small smile.

"Well, since you're my big brother now, you can treat me like this every day, right? We're both rich, and we share the same bloodline, even if we have different moms. It doesn't bother me. I always wanted a brother. Dad used to show me your pictures, talked about you so much... From then on, I dreamed of meeting you. Now my dream's come true, even though Dad never wanted me to see you."

"Finish up. My manager will take you to the school," I said, steering the conversation back to practical matters.

"School? You want me to enroll in school?"

"Don't you want to?"

She pouted, crossing her arms like a stubborn child. "I hate studying. I'm not a good student like you, so don't get any ideas."

"If I tell you something, just listen to what I say. Don't argue."

She raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh, so now you're really showing your big brother side for the first time, huh? Guess you never had the chance before."

I ignored her comment and motioned for her to eat. "Just finish your food. I have class today, so I'll be back in the evening. Will you be okay here alone until then?"

Jihyo nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I love being alone, so don't worry about me."

"Only for today. Starting tomorrow, you'll attend school. But you need to get admitted today."

"Alright, alright, Oppa," she conceded, waving her hand dismissively before her expression turned more serious. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," I replied, bracing myself.

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "How was Jia unnie? I've always wondered what she was like in real life. I was such a huge fan of hers. It still shocks me when I remember she was my step-sister."

I froze, my chest tightening at the mention of her name. "I wasn't close to her," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

"She was your own sister, Oppa!" Jihyo pressed, her eyes searching mine for answers.

"Yes. She was," I said, my voice cracking with the weight of unspoken memories.

Jihyo's expression softened. "Dad told me that before she... before she ended her life, she called you. But you didn't pick up."

I swallowed hard, the guilt and pain resurfacing. "I... I didn't hear the call, i meant i..i was at outside that time." I managed to say, my voice breaking.

Seeing my struggle, Jihyo got up from her chair and gently placed her hand over mine. "I'm sorry, Oppa. I shouldn't have brought it up. But... please, don't just let this go. Find out why she did it. The way she died, the way Dad died... it's been haunting me. It doesn't feel right."

I looked at her, trying to stay strong, but my heart ached seeing the fear and sadness in her eyes. "You're still a kid, Jihyo. You don't need to worry about these things. Let me handle it. But promise me, you'll keep yourself safe. I'll appoint a manager to stay with you wherever you go."

"Why? What's the need?" she asked, confused.

"I just... I don't want to lose anyone else," I replied, my voice barely a whisper, the fear of loss gripping my heart.

"So, you're thinking of me as your sister. Gosh! I'm relieved then."

"Just eat fast."

Dohyun was sipping tea without talking. That wasn't his personality. But I wanted to give him space since he just lost his father. I was the one who can take blame. Since I was his friend, he lost his father. I promised myself to keep Dohyun and his mother safe from that time. I placed my hand on his shoulder, I never did that before because it was Dohyun's thing. He looked at me as if he was shocked. I said,

"Dohyun, I'm sorry. I'm the one who can blame now."

"Don't talk rubbish." He said without looking at me.

"I'm not talking rubbish. Are you regretting making a friend like me?"

"I never think about it. So don't ever say it."

"Dohyun, because of me…."

"Just stop it. You are not alone. I'm also included with all these mysteries. So let's find out everything together."

"Sure."

"I heard from Sera last night that…."

"I have a step sister?" I cut him off.

"Yes. I'm not upset about it. At least you have a sibling right now. Can I meet her?"

"Sure. Come to my apartment in the evening."

Jihyo was lying on the sofa when I entered the drawing room. The warm sunlight streamed through the windows, softly lighting up her delicate face. The moment she noticed me, she sat up, her eyes lighting up like stars as she said, almost shyly,

"Oppa, I want to go to Jia Unnie's apartment with you. Can I?"

Her voice was a melody, filled with hope and curiosity. I smiled faintly, trying to act nonchalant.

"How do you even know I'm going there?" I asked, my voice holding a playful accusation.

"I heard you talking on the phone with Jongkook nim," she said innocently, her small frame shifting forward.

I sighed, my heart aching as I replied, "You can't go there."

"Why?" she asked, her voice quivering, as though her world might crumble if I said no again.

"I don't want anyone to know about you," I murmured, not meeting her gaze. I couldn't explain it—my need to protect her from the chaos of my world.

Before she could protest further, my phone buzzed. It was Dohyun.

"Open your door," he said simply, his tone steady as always.

Moments later, I opened the door, and there he was. Dohyun walked in, arms full with a steaming hot pot and a bag filled with dishes, no doubt prepared by Mrs. Yeo. As he stepped inside, his eyes fell on Jihyo, who was staring at him unabashedly.

Dohyun grinned slightly, then turned to me. "That's your sister?"

I nodded, already anticipating what was to come.

Jihyo dashed toward Dohyun, bowing slightly but with an unmistakable excitement in her voice. "You must be Dohyun Oppa. You're really handsome!"

I could almost feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Her boldness had always been both amusing and mortifying.

I busied myself with the dishes, placing them on the dining table. But Jihyo wasn't done. Her little eyes sparkled with curiosity and admiration as she continued to chatter with Dohyun, her voice carrying a mischievous lilt.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked, her tone hopeful.

Dohyun, clearly flustered, chuckled awkwardly. "No, no."

"Do you like someone?"

"Ha ha. Never," he said, visibly struggling to keep up with her relentless questions.

Her triumphant grin was adorable. "That's a relief then. Ahh," she sighed dramatically.

I shot her a warning look. "You should study from day one. Just go back to your room," I said firmly, trying to mask my amusement with a stern tone.

"Oppa!" she whined, her pout making her look even younger.

"Just go before I get rough," I said, my voice softening just enough to let her know I wasn't truly angry.

With a defeated sigh, she turned and shuffled to her room, her pout lingering.

After she left, Dohyun shook his head and laughed. "Don't worry about her. She's loud, but she's cute."

I smiled, my heart warming at his words. "She is, isn't she? Anyway, we're heading to Jia Noona's apartment soon."

"Now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, now. We don't have time to waste. Kim Jihoon will be with us."

"What about the twins and the prosecutor?"

"Only Seok Hana, the female twin, will come. Prosecutor Park Jeonghan won't make it today."

Dohyun nodded, his expression serious now. "Alright. When are we leaving?"

"In thirty minutes," I said, the weight of the evening ahead settling over us.