D.I.O

Chapter 117

While speaking aloud, Miran, a middle-aged woman, came out from the kitchen. She stiffened up at the sight of Yongno standing at the front door. Her eyes were filled with bewilderment, astonishment, and a little bit of fright. Definitely not a look that one would think a mother would give to her son.

Hello, mother. Its been a while.

Boram chimed in. Hey, really? Mother? Anyway, mom, are you sick? All the color has drained from your face

Miran snapped out of it. Hmm? Ah, its nothing. Hahaha. Son, its been a while. Youve grown so much. Wait a moment, Im preparing some food why dont you go and greet your father.

After saying this, Miran rushed back into the kitchen. It was clear that Miran was rushing to get away from something.

Hmm the situation is worse than I thought. Boram murmured with a slightly frustrated look as she observed her retreating mother.

Of course, Boram spoke in a nearly inaudible voice and quickly fixed her frustrated expression, but with his heightened senses, Yongno was able to catch these details.

Is she trying to reconcile differences and make peace within the family? Bring me back into the fold?

Of course, the term reconcile wasnt entirely correct. Its not like he had fought with his family or had a big conflict. However, his family had always seemed to fear him since a long time ago, and for whatever reason, whenever Yongno saw his family members acting in such a way, he felt overwhelmed with strange feelings.

Why do I feel this way?

Yongno didnt have an answer.

Humans naturally felt afraid when meeting others who are different from themselves. Yongnos parents and older brother, Taewoong had watched Yongno clearly spiral into the depths of despair, unlike Boram. Boram, who was only three years older than Yongno, had studied abroad for most of her life, limiting the amount of time she spent with him. If his family still felt uncomfortable around him, Yongno couldnt help it. Yet, it nagged him still.

Why why

Hmm.

Yongno

Hello, father. Taewoong, how are you? Its been a while.

Yongno wondered why he felt such overwhelming anger and hatred when seeing his other family members. Seeing her father, Seokwoo, and Taewoongs hardening expressions, Boram tried to lighten up the mood.

Wow! Its been so long since our whole family has gathered together, no? We dont really have any occasion to meet up these days, so this occasion is a real treat!

Boram had figured that the atmosphere would just be a little awkward at most; she was taken aback by how frigid the atmosphere had become.

Wow! Its been so long since our whole family has gathered together, no? We dont really have any occasion to meet up these days, so this is a real treat!

Food is ready! Miran called out from the kitchen. Since the time was a bit past two in the afternoon, this meal was most likely lunch.

Lets eat first. You havent had lunch yet, right?

Father.

Taewoong looked at his father with a slightly surprised expression, but Seokwoo just nodded seriously and headed to the kitchen. The kitchen space overlapped with the living room, but since the size of the house was large, the size it covered was considerable. There were two tables, large enough to fit ten people if they squished together.

Wow! This is quite the spread mom! Ooh, look at that short rib.

Still trying to clear the heavy atmosphere, Boram spoke brightly and made a motion as if she was taking in the smell of the food. Seeing this, Yongno quietly commented,

Sis, its like youre shooting for a commercial.

Huh, really? Do I look like an actress?

Boram smiled as if to thank Yongno for his passing remark, but the truth was that Borams appearance was more beautiful than that of a decent actress. She was taller than the average Korean man, and her figure was perfectly proportioned, so her height didnt look too awkward. If she decided to quit her studies, or even while pursuing her studies, she could easily become a popular celebrity.

Taewoong spoke up. Come to think of it, since youre done with the entrance exam, Eunhye must also be done, right? Is she doing well?

Huh? How do you know about Eunhye, Taewoong?

Yongno answered his brothers question with another question. Feeling that Taewoong had some sort of underlying intention with his question, Yongno was about to press further. However, Seokwoo soon spoke up.

Taewoong. Stop speaking about that.

Oh yes, father.

Seokwoo was a serious, authoritative head-of-the-household figure. His charisma and personality was well suited for an army commander. Even the charismatic and talented Taewoong and Boram listened to their father without question.

Clank. Clank.

A heavy silence ensued. Mirans food skills were quite excellent, so all the dishes she prepared were delicious, but under the weight of their silence, no one could really taste and appreciate the food. However, Yongno, the only one who was not affected by the heavy atmosphere, calmly spoke up.

Now that I think of it, I havent called any of you in a while. Ive decided not to attend university. I crashed and burned on the university entrance exam anyway.

Yongno spoke confidently, which didnt quite mesh with his words. Even though his words were not as extreme as something like suicide, most students who didnt do well on the entrance exam would feel some level of shame. But Yongno didnt. Although he didnt enter and attend high school with the objective of doing well on his entrance exam, his position as a general humanities student meant that he didnt develop any particular skill in school, so his attitude was abnormal. However, Miran and Seokwoos acceptance of Yongnos decision was also abnormal.

Is that right.

Well, if thats what youve decided, then I guess it cant be helped.

His parents seemed to readily accept it. Seeing this, Boram couldnt help but speak out.

Wait, what? Mom, do you really mean that?

D-dad?

Boram badgered her parents, but both Miran and Seokwoo didnt offer a response. It seemed that they wanted to end the conversation here, but Boram wasnt having any of it. She couldnt wrap her mind around why her parents and brother werent chastising Yongno and asking him to reconsider.

Ah..!

Her anger was boiling over. She wasnt angry about her brothers decision not to enter a university or his lack of a plan for the future. Her mother, who was always so benevolent and versatile. Her father, who had lived a solemn but reasonable and respectful life, and her brother, who was on the path to becoming an elite member of society with consistent sincerity and honesty. This family unit, which Boram considered a model nuclear family, was allowing their youngest to go down a treacherous path. Boram couldnt tolerate it.

From the start, I couldnt understand why we were all meeting without even calling Yongno. When he was in high school, I could somewhat understand he needed to study. But right now, hes finished with his entrance exams and has free time, so why didnt anyone invite him? Also, without even asking for a reason, youre all accepting his decision to not attend a university! What the hell is!

Boram.

Miran grabbed ahold of her daughters hand. It was a gesture telling her to stop, but Boram didnt heed the message. It was the first time in her life that she was going against her parents wishes.

Why? Why are you all just accepting of this situation? Did you all do something terrible to

At that moment, Boram saw her mother and fathers eyes shaking, and Taewoongs lips twisting into an ugly expression. His face seemed to signify defeat, cynicism, and remorse all at once.

Boram, please stop. Please Seokwoo pleaded.

But dad really

Im sorry.

Boram was overwhelmed with shock. She had never heard her dad apologize, nor did she ever think he ever would.

Sis, just stop.

Yongno, who had been eating quietly, spoke up while gently putting his spoon down. He remained unaffected by the commotion going on around him, so he had been quietly emptying his plate.

Thank you for the meal. Eating food at home is truly the best. If I stay here any longer, itll just cause everything to become more awkward, right?

Having said this, Yongno got up from his seat. Boram tried to grab on to her younger brothers shoulder, but Yongno slipped past her reach with natural grace and ease.

Yongno.

Its fine, sis. Dont overdo it. Itll be more comfortable for everyone if we keep living the way were living now. Theres no reason to make things harder.

While saying this, Yongno put on his shoes. Since he hadnt brought anything with him, there was nothing holding Yongno back.

Its a little late, but happy new year.

Bam!

Yongno walked through the front door and closed it behind him. As luck would have it, the elevator was currently on the eighth floor. He probably wouldnt have to wait long for the elevator to come.

Should I have not come?

Yongno muttered to himself as he pressed the elevator button, but he soon shrugged it off. He didnt really care about seeing his other family members, but he was glad he got to see his sister. She was one of the few who actually cared about him.

Ding!

The elevator doors opened, and Yongno stepped inside. Inside the elevator was a girl in her late teens and a man in his mid to late forties. Since the elevator had been on the eighth floor, Yongno assumed that one or both passengers must have boarded from the eighth floor.

Hmm? The seventh floor is Mr. Seokwoos residence, but I dont think Ive ever met you. Are you Borams boyfriend? She must have a lot of suitors that come her way. I congratulate you.

Why is that always the first thing that pops into everyones mind? Anyway, Im Seokwoos son. The youngest.

Yongno gently thumped his head against the elevator wall while wondering what outlandish lifestyle Boram had been living to garner the same response from everyone. After hearing Yongnos words, the young girl in the elevator made a surprised expression and spoke up.

Eh? The youngest? Aren't there only two siblings, Taewoong and Boram?

Its three siblings. Its just that Ive been cast aside anyway, why are you speaking to me informally?

Because were about the same age. How old are you?

Im twenty this year.

Then were the same age. Nice to meet you. My name is Leaf.

Looking at her more closely, Yongno saw a beautiful girl, 165 centimeters tall with a slim figure. A leaf-shaped brooch was pinned to her golden hair. She wore a white tank top with a yellow stripe across it. The slightly exposed design of her tank top revealed her narrow waist.

Why is your name like that?

Its a nickname, of course. Dont you know me?

Who are you?

Yongno asked because he truly didnt know who she was, but for the girl, his words caused her bright smile to slightly fade.

Ha. Hahaha. Dont kid around. Im Leaf. You know, the Leaf.

What do you mean I know? Are you popular?

Am I p-popular? Youre asking me if Im p-popular?

Leaf began to visibly tremble. However, she soon regained her composure and spoke up.

Dont you know [Wont Stop!]? Its been playing on all five of the major music stations

Oh, so youre a singer?

For a moment, Leaf felt as if something had been disconnected in her head. She wouldnt have minded much if Yongno was an older person or a foreigner, but how could someone the same age not know of her?