Chapter 27: Ryu Taesan

Some days had passed, and on the surface, everything seemed a bit more normal. But in reality, nothing was normal.

The weight of knowing that Yoon Seok was still out there, watching, waiting for the perfect chance to kill his own daughter, never left me. Even when I tried to focus on my daily routine, even when I forced myself to smile in front of others, a part of me was always on edge. Sera tried to act strong, but I could see the exhaustion in her eyes, the way she barely slept, the way she forced herself to move forward even when she was falling apart inside.

And then there was my father's case. It was still unsolved, still lingering in the back of my mind like a wound that refused to heal. Jihoon hyung and his team had been working relentlessly, going through every name on the guest list from Shin Jonghyun's daughter's wedding—the night my father was killed. But no matter how many people they investigated, no matter how much effort they put in, there was still no suspect. No suspicious movements. No one who seemed capable of premeditating a murder. But Jihoon hyung wasn't giving up, and neither was I.

My life had become busier than ever, to the point where I barely had time to think. My final exams had started, meaning I had to spend hours buried in textbooks, trying to focus on numbers and theories while my mind was stuck in reality—a reality where a murderer was roaming free and the girl I loved was in danger. On top of that, I had responsibilities with HoloVerse Innovations. There were contracts to sign, meetings to attend, and business partners who needed constant reassurance that everything was stable.

That day, after finishing an exam, Jongkook nim picked me up from university. I was exhausted, my head throbbing from lack of sleep, but I had no time to rest. We had a meeting scheduled with my business partners, and I needed to be there, no matter how drained I felt.

As the car moved through the streets, Jongkook nim, who had been watching me for a while, finally spoke up.

"Are you okay?"

I let out a slow breath, leaning back against the seat. "I'm not."

Jongkook nim nodded, as if he had already expected my answer. "How is Sera?"

I turned my gaze toward the window, watching the city blur past. "She's not okay either."

There was a brief silence before he sighed. "We can arrange for an assistant or a manager for her safety."

I shook my head immediately. "She won't like it."

Jongkook nim frowned slightly, his voice calm but firm. "How is it possible for you to guard her 24 hours a day? You have other responsibilities, Taesan."

I turned to look at him, my hands curling into fists on my lap. "It's my responsibility."

He let out another sigh, rubbing his temple as if he had expected me to say that. "Where is she now?"

I checked my phone briefly before answering. "Zixuan took her to a cooking class."

Jongkook nim hummed in thought before murmuring, "A girl like her doesn't deserve this mess."

His words hit me hard.

He was right. Sera didn't deserve any of this. She didn't deserve to live in fear, constantly looking over her shoulder, never knowing when her father might strike. She didn't deserve to wake up in the middle of the night, her body trembling from nightmares that never seemed to end. She deserved peace. A life where she could do the things she loved—not a life where she had to constantly fight just to exist.

And I… I wasn't doing enough.

I wasn't strong enough to protect her the way she deserved. I was weak. The weakest kind of man—the kind who loved a girl but couldn't give her the security she needed.

The car slowed as we pulled into the HoloVerse Innovations building. The moment I stepped out, every employee and staff member I passed bowed to me, greeting me with the same formal phrase.

"Good morning, sir."

I nodded in acknowledgment, but I wasn't used to it. I didn't feel like 'sir.' I was just a twenty-year-old university freshman, someone who had been forced into this position because of circumstances I never asked for. I wasn't a leader. I wasn't a businessman. I was just trying to hold everything together.

Jongkook nim and I walked toward the meeting room, where the executives were already gathered. As soon as I stepped inside, I could tell something was off.

They were waiting for me.

As I took my seat, Park Hyun Min, one of the senior business partners, immediately spoke up. "You're late, Taesan."

The room fell into silence.

I felt multiple pairs of eyes turn toward us, their expressions carefully neutral. I quickly realized my mistake.

In this room, it didn't matter how well I knew someone. It didn't matter who was older or younger. The meeting was formal, and I was the one who had called for it.

That meant I had to act like the leader they expected me to be.

Before the tension could thicken, Shin Jonghyun cleared his throat, his voice steady. "Mr. Park, I think it's important to remember that this is a formal meeting. Mr. Ryu is the one who invited us here today."

His words were polite, but the message behind them was clear—Park Hyun Min had crossed a line.

I didn't want the meeting to start on an awkward note, so I quickly spoke up.

"I apologize. My final exams are ongoing, and I came here as soon as I finished the test. I'll be careful next time." I sat up straighter, my voice firm. "Let's not waste time. We have important matters to discuss."

The room relaxed slightly, and the meeting officially began.

But even as we discussed company strategies, financial reports, and future investments, my mind was elsewhere.

On my father's case.

On Sera's safety.

On the fact that Yoon Seok was still out there, waiting for the right moment to strike.

And the terrifying truth was—I didn't know if I would be able to stop him in time.

The meeting room was filled with the sound of papers shuffling, pens tapping against notepads, and the occasional sip of coffee.

Today's discussion was critical—an international collaboration project that could push HoloVerse Innovations beyond Korea and into the global market.

Every board member and executive had come prepared. This wasn't just about expanding—it was about choosing the right partners, taking the right risks, and ensuring we weren't overextending ourselves.

Shin Jonghyun, the most experienced in international business dealings, leaned forward, adjusting his glasses.

"We should prioritize expansion in tech-driven markets—Singapore, Japan, and Germany have strong innovation ecosystems. If we secure collaborations with well-established firms there, we can create a stable foundation before moving into riskier regions."

Several members nodded in agreement.

Jang Soojin, our legal advisor, followed. "I agree with Mr. Shin, but we need to focus on contractual protections. International deals come with legal complexities—different regulatory environments, tax structures, and compliance requirements. Rushing into too many markets at once could leave us vulnerable."

More discussions followed. Each person at the table presented their thoughts—some prioritizing speed, others cautioning about risks.

I listened carefully, absorbing their perspectives.

Then, finally, all eyes turned to me.

I cleared my throat, setting my pen down.

"I believe we should take a structured, phased approach. Instead of immediately expanding to multiple regions, we should begin with one key partnership—one that aligns with our technological vision. If we establish ourselves as a dominant player in that collaboration, others will naturally follow. It reduces risk while maintaining our competitive edge."

The room fell silent for a second.

Then—one by one, the executives began nodding.

"That's a smart approach," Jang Soojin said, smiling. "Less exposure to risk, while still positioning ourselves for growth."

"I like it," Shin Jonghyun added. "It shows patience and strategy. If we execute it well, we won't just expand—we'll build a reputation globally."

The other board members voiced their agreement. It was rare to have a proposal receive such immediate approval.

I exhaled slightly, relieved.

But then—

One voice didn't join in.

Park Hyun Min.

He sat back in his chair, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"I disagree."

The room fell silent again.

I turned to him, keeping my face neutral. "May I ask why, Mr. Park?"

He sighed, setting down his pen. "Your plan is cautious. Too cautious." His gaze met mine, firm. "International expansion requires bold moves. Playing it safe will only let others surpass us."

His tone wasn't outright dismissive, but there was something in his voice that didn't sit right with me.

Everyone had agreed with me. Everyone saw the logic.

Why didn't he?

I studied him carefully.

Something about his reaction felt… personal.

Park Hyun Min wasn't just another business partner.

He was one of our biggest investors. More importantly—he was my father's childhood friend.

I had barely known him before stepping into this world. I had never met him until a few days ago, simply because I had never cared about the company before.

But when I did meet him, he had been supportive.

He had told me stories about my father, guided me through meetings, even reassured me when I doubted myself.

So why—why was he suddenly opposing me now?

I forced my voice to remain calm. "I understand your concern, Mr. Park. However, ensuring stability before aggressive expansion is the best course for long-term success."

He held my gaze for a moment, then sighed.

"Let's see how it plays out," he said simply.

The meeting continued, but my mind stayed stuck on Park Hyun Min.

Something told me…

This wasn't just about business.

The meeting ended, and I let out a slow breath, leaning back in my chair as the other executives gathered their documents and began leaving the room.

The discussion had gone well overall—everyone had agreed with my proposal. Everyone… except Park Hyun Min.

I wasn't sure why his disapproval was bothering me so much. Maybe because he had always been supportive until now. Maybe because I respected him as one of my father's closest friends.

Or maybe because something about his reaction didn't feel right.

I stayed seated as the room emptied, lost in my thoughts, until Jongkook nim walked over and placed a firm hand on my shoulder.

He sighed. "Are you upset about Mr. Park?"

I glanced up at him but didn't immediately answer.

Jongkook nim didn't wait for my response. He pulled out the chair next to me and sat down, crossing his arms. "He's always like that. He doesn't value others' opinions. Personally, I never liked him."

I frowned slightly. "But he's my father's friend."

Jongkook nim let out a dry chuckle. "That's exactly why I show him some respect. But don't mistake that for admiration. I only tolerate him because of your father."

I was silent for a moment, absorbing his words.

Jongkook nim continued, his voice quieter now. "Your father was a big fan of Mr. Park. He listened to whatever he said."

I turned to him fully this time, brows furrowing. "My father… listened to him?"

Jongkook nim nodded. "More than you know." He exhaled deeply, glancing toward the door as if making sure no one else was listening. "Your father was a smart man, Taesan. But if there was one flaw he had—it was how much he trusted Park Hyun Min."

His words sent an uneasy feeling through my chest.

I had never known this.

My father had always been a strong, independent man in my eyes. But to hear that he followed someone else's guidance so closely…?

I looked down, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. Was Park Hyun Min's influence over my father really that strong?

And if so…

How much of my father's decisions were actually his own?

It was already past 8 PM by the time I finally left the office. The long hours of meetings and discussions had drained me, and all I wanted was to go home, have a quiet meal, and clear my head. The weight of everything—**my father's case, Sera's safety, Park Hyun Min's unexpected attitude—**pressed heavily on my chest.

But as soon as I stepped into my apartment, I smelled something familiar.

The scent of home-cooked food lingered in the air, something warm, something comforting.

And then I saw him.

Dohyun was in my kitchen.

I stopped in my tracks, blinking at the sight of him casually standing there, as if this were his home, not mine.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief.

Dohyun barely glanced at me as he stirred something on the stove. "Mom prepared some dishes for you and Jihyo. So I came with these."

I frowned slightly, glancing toward the hallway. "Where is Jihyo?"

Dohyun hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah… Jihyo is taking a shower."

I narrowed my eyes. "Shower? She doesn't take showers at night… that's weird."

Dohyun let out an awkward laugh, looking anywhere but at me. "Ahhh… actually, I came here around 7 PM. As soon as I arrived, your sister needed my help. She was a little shy about it…"

It took me only a second to understand.

I let out a small sigh before muttering, "She got her period. Her sanitary pad ran out. And you bought some for her instantly. Right?"

Dohyun's lips curled into a sheepish smile. "Yes. You got it."

I exhaled, shaking my head slightly. "I've been living with you since I was a kid. I can tell exactly what you're thinking and what you're about to say before you even say it."

Dohyun grinned, his expression softening as he turned back to the stove. "She usually feels pain on her first day, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah. How is she?"

Dohyun glanced toward the hallway, his voice quieter now. "She's in pain. So I prepared a hot bag for her."

I stayed silent for a moment, watching him carefully.

He was always like this—kind, dependable, thoughtful.

Not just for me, but for Jihyo too.

And that was exactly what made me nervous.

"Dohyun." My voice was low but firm. "You can take care of her. She's my sister, after all. But I hope you won't make her fall for you seriously."

His hands stilled for a brief second before he turned to look at me, confused. "Why would you say that?"

I exhaled deeply, leaning against the counter. "You already know she kinda likes you. But she's just fifteen. A kid."

Dohyun didn't answer right away. He simply stared at me, as if measuring his next words carefully.

Then, slowly, he said, "Are you scared?"

His question caught me off guard.

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around the edge of the counter. "I am."

I was scared.

Scared that Jihyo would get attached. Scared that she would fall too deeply. Scared that one day, she would get hurt.

Dohyun let out a slow breath, his gaze never leaving mine. "Then don't be."

I frowned. "What?"

His lips curled into a small, almost sad smile. "I can wait."

Something inside me twisted.

His voice wasn't playful. It wasn't teasing. It was serious.

I forced out a short laugh, shaking my head. "Don't joke about this, Dohyun."

His eyes remained steady. "I'm not joking."

My breath hitched slightly.

I knew him.

I knew when he was just messing around and when he was telling the truth.

And right now—he wasn't joking.

He was looking me straight in the eye, his expression unwavering.

And for the first time, I realized—this wasn't just some silly crush to him either.

I straightened, my voice sharper. "Don't say things like that."

Dohyun studied me for a long moment before his smile returned, but it was softer this time. "I won't push anything, Taesan. But feelings… they don't disappear just because you tell them to."

I clenched my jaw. "She's just a kid."

His smile faded.

And then, quietly, he said, "Not forever."

A heavy silence stretched between us.

I wanted to argue. Wanted to tell him to forget it. Wanted to protect Jihyo from anything that could hurt her.

But the way he looked at me, the quiet certainty in his voice—

I knew.

I wasn't the only one trying to protect her.

The weight of Dohyun's words lingered in the air long after he spoke them.

"Not forever."

I hated how easily he said it. How confident he sounded. As if this was inevitable. As if one day, I would have no choice but to accept it.

I didn't respond. I didn't know how to.

The thought of **Jihyo growing up, of her no longer being the little sister I needed to protect, of her looking at Dohyun the way she looked at me when she was scared—**it unsettled me in a way I couldn't explain.

Dohyun must have sensed it because he didn't push further. Instead, he turned back to the stove, stirring whatever he had been cooking.

I let out a slow breath and ran a hand through my hair. "Forget it. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

He chuckled softly. "You brought it up."

I shot him a glare. "And now I'm ending it."

He only smirked in response, clearly amused by my discomfort.

Before I could say anything else, Jihyo's voice echoed from the hallway.

"Oppa?"

I turned just in time to see her peek into the kitchen, her damp hair falling over her shoulders, her oversized pajama shirt hanging loosely off her frame.

She looked pale. Exhausted. The usual energy in her eyes was gone, replaced by the sluggish movements of someone in pain.

She hugged a warm pillow to her stomach, walking toward us slowly. "I thought I heard voices."

Dohyun immediately grabbed the steaming bowl from the counter and walked over to her. "I made soup. Come sit."

Jihyo's eyes brightened slightly, and she nodded, allowing him to guide her to the dining table.

I watched as he placed the bowl in front of her, his movements gentle, careful.

He always knew exactly what to do.

I sat across from Jihyo, leaning on the table, my brows furrowing slightly. "Are you feeling better?"

She nodded, taking a slow sip of the soup. "Mhm. The hot pack helped a lot."

Dohyun smirked. "Told you it would."

Jihyo smiled softly, but then she looked between us, her gaze sharp despite how tired she was.

"Why do you two look so serious?"

Dohyun let out a small laugh. "Your brother was scolding me, as usual."

I shot him a look. "I wasn't scolding you. I was warning you."

Jihyo blinked in confusion. "About what?"

Dohyun smiled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Nothing you need to worry about, kid."

Jihyo huffed, swatting his hand away. "I'm not a kid."

Dohyun's smirk deepened. "See? Even she says so."

I rolled my eyes, but Jihyo only pouted before turning to me. "Oppa, don't fight with Dohyun Oppa. He's been taking care of me all evening."

I sighed. Of course, she was defending him.

Dohyun gave me a smug look before turning back to Jihyo. "Eat up. You need to rest."

She nodded, continuing to sip the soup, her expression visibly relaxing as the warmth settled in her stomach.

For a brief moment, everything felt… normal.

No threats. No danger. No weight of the past pressing down on me.

Just my best friend, my little sister, and a quiet evening at home.

I wished it could stay like this forever.

After making sure Jihyo was settled, I stepped out onto the balcony, letting the night air cool my mind. The city lights stretched far beyond my view, but my thoughts weren't on them.

They were on Sera.

Without thinking twice, I pulled out my phone and called her.

She picked up after a few rings, her voice soft. "Taesan?"

I exhaled, feeling a bit of the tension leave my body just from hearing her voice. "Hey. You're still awake?"

There was a small rustling sound, like she was shifting in bed. "I couldn't sleep."

"Me neither."

A brief pause. Then, she asked, "Did something happen?"

I leaned against the railing, staring out at nothing in particular. "No. Just wanted to check on you."

There was a small silence before she spoke again, her voice quieter. "I'm fine."

I let out a slow breath. "You always say that."

She didn't respond right away, and for a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then, I said, "I know things aren't easy right now. But you're not dealing with this alone, Sera."

She sighed lightly. "I know."

"Good." I glanced at the time. "Try to get some rest."

"You too."

Another pause, neither of us hanging up. Then finally, she murmured, "Good night, Taesan."

I didn't say it back right away.

Instead, I just listened for a few more seconds before replying.

"Good night, Sera."