Chapter 33: Family Matters
Han Soo-ah didn't wait for an answer and declared her conclusion without listening. Seo Aera, who had been serving customers, was startled, and Seo Juhui, who had just entered the tteokbokki shop, gasped. Father Seo Jaepil turned around with a knife still in his hand. Of course, all the customers in the shop focused their attention on the commotion.
Seo Juhwan was flustered and couldn't say anything, only shaking his head side to side. The atmosphere didn't settle down until his vigorous head shaking made his neck seem like it was about to snap.
A moment later.
"Ow!"
Han Soo-ah, who had been hit with a flick, grabbed her aching head.
"Ouchie... so you didn't get a girlfriend?"
"No, you punk. What girlfriend? I haven't even been discharged from the military yet, so how could I have gotten a girlfriend?"
"Hmm. Then what is it? Why is Big Brother Juhwan enjoying himself so much?"
Han Soo-ah looked at him again as if demanding he speak honestly. Naturally born with gentle eyes, it wasn't scary at all, so Seo Juhwan decided to play along.
"When a soldier goes on vacation, of course he's in a good mood."
"Is that all?"
"What more do you need? Well, it could also be because I've been exercising lately. I've been getting personal training for a week now. Can't you tell my weight has dropped?"
"I mean... sure, you've definitely lost a lot of weight. Honestly, you've gotten a bit more handsome."
"Oh, I got handsome?"
"Just a bit! Even that's just in my eyes!"
"...Okay, fine. Why are you like that? You're hurting my feelings."
"Hehe. I'm telling you in advance so people don't laugh at you thinking you're handsome."
"I'm sooo grateful..."
The two exchanged words in a harmonious manner. Seo Juhui, who had been watching them with a sideways glance, shook her head.
'I can't even watch this, seriously.'
Handsome, my foot. It was just because it was Han Soo-ah that she said such things. Whether he lost weight or gained muscle, to her, Seo Juhwan was simply "our mom's son."
'Though it's true his face has brightened.'
The shadow had lifted from his dark face. Even from the perspective of his younger sister, that alone looked noticeably better.
Then, Seo Juhwan's fork flew over and poked the egg on the plate.
"If you don't eat it, I will?"
The egg that had been saved for last disappeared into her older brother's mouth. Seo Juhui's eyes widened with annoyance as she lifted her fork tightly.
"Hey! Want me to put some shadow back on your face?"
"Eek!"
"Juhui, scary!"
When eating, you can touch the dog, but you can never touch your younger sister.
*
Evening time, the family was gathered together watching TV.
"Speaking of which, son, what are you going to do about university?"
"Huh?"
"You're going to resume, right?"
Hearing those words, Seo Juhwan realized he had been on a leave of absence. Resuming his studies was a problem he had completely forgotten about, so he answered vaguely.
"Um... I was thinking about it."
"Really? Mom would prefer you resumed before it's too late. You're still a first-year student, so wouldn't it be harder if you wait longer?"
"Haha..."
When Seo Juhwan was twenty, he took a leave of absence the moment he enrolled for the reason that he wanted to write. After writing for a year, he enlisted in the military.
'Should I resume my studies?'
His current age was twenty-three. Considering he was a first-year student, resuming even now would be quite late.
'What should I do?'
Actually, if he thought about money, there was no need to go to university. The Bitcoin he had invested in was still rising smoothly.
Yet, a decision to drop out didn't come easily. Why was that?
'Let me go to my room and think about it.'
Seo Juhwan said he would go first and entered his room. Seo Aera was flustered, thinking she had brought up an unnecessary topic unnecessarily. After the door closed, Seo Jaepil, who had been quiet, spoke in a low tone.
"Support him no matter what. Tell him to do what he wants to do."
"...But don't you need to graduate from university to make a living?"
This was a mother's concern for her son. Who could blame her for that? However, Seo Jaepil shook his head firmly.
"Look at how bright Juhwan's face has become."
"It certainly has brightened. I couldn't be more grateful. But suddenly, why are you bringing this up?"
"That soldier is even writing while on vacation. That means he really enjoys writing. People need to live doing what they want."
"My goodness. Really?"
"Yes."
"But honey, you didn't oppose him writing before?"
"That was... because I thought he was running away."
When Seo Juhwan took a leave of absence saying he wanted to write, Seo Jaepil had been furious. He thought his son had locked himself in his room under the guise of novels. Of course, contrary to what he thought, Seo Juhwan had challenged web novel serialization, but on the other hand, it was also true that he had feared forming relationships with others.
However, the current Seo Juhwan was different from before. Seo Jaepil was feeling that fact. He spoke while recalling what had happened two days ago.
"I went into his room the other day to talk a bit, but he was so concentrated on writing that he didn't even notice I came in. It was so sorry to interrupt that I just left."
Seo Jaepil had received a fresh shock from seeing his son that day. Due to experiencing many unfortunate events while growing up, his son had developed a strong tendency to avoid problems. Yet that same son was taking on challenges as if his life depended on it.
The truth was it was because of the Blessing of Focus, but Seo Jaepil, deeply misunderstanding, had made up his mind to give his son unconditional support.
Was she persuaded by her husband's firm words? Soon after, Seo Aera also nodded as if she had no choice.
"I understand. If you're saying it like that, what can I do?"
"Don't worry too much. These days people make a living without going to university. Times have changed from our days. And if it really doesn't work out later, we can always have him take over the tteokbokki shop."
"Hoho. Juhwan should know you think like this too."
"Ahem. Don't say unnecessary things."
Seo Jaepil coughed awkwardly, embarrassed. Seo Juhui, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, spoke up.
"Dad, then do I have to go to university too? I'll run the tteokbokki shop."
At those words, Seo Aera's eyebrows shot up to the sky. Before Seo Jaepil could even say anything, a sharp command fell from her lips.
"You little brat. Don't talk nonsense and get to your room and study!"
"Ugh, Mom, why do you always pick on me only?"
"You can't even boil ramen properly, and you're talking about running a tteokbokki shop?"
"Tch. Mom can't cook either. Dad does the cooking, not Mom, right?"
"What, you little punk? You're not going to that concert you were planning to go to the day after tomorrow. Give back the ticket money!"
"Eek?! What?! That's not fair! Mom's stupid! Dad, help me!"
Seo Jaepil coughed once more and turned his gaze back to the TV. She was his beloved daughter, but his wife was more... no, more lovable because she was scarier.
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