My Personal Stand-in (TaeKook)
1
Kim Taehyung tried to open his eyes, but they were dry, and the light was so blindingly bright that he could only squint.
Coming into his sight was pure whiteness—so white that there wasn't even the slightest feel of human warmth.
All the senses in his body gradually returned. He could smell the familiar disinfectant.
He knew that he was in the hospital and was very shocked.
Kim Taehyung
💭I’m actually still alive? Falling from such a high cliff, I am actually still alive?
It must be that his moral character was too good, so good that God was unwilling to accept him, leaving him to continue living.
Anyway, it was a good thing that he got his life back.
But he didn’t know whether he had any broken arms or legs.
He couldn’t feel them... his hands, his legs—he couldn’t feel them at all.
He was so frightened that he sweated profusely. Perhaps, it was a good thing that he was alive.
But if he was disabled, wasn’t death better than living?
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Tae...? Taehyung? You awake? 😢😢
A middle-aged woman’s voice rang in his ears. The voice sounded solemn, tinged with a deep sobbing tone.
Kim Taehyung
*tried to turn his neck toward the voice*
Saw a woman in her fifties, looking very frail and very kind. Even though she called his name, Kim Taehyung didn’t know her.
Kim Taehyung
💭Who is this?
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Tae 😢😢
That woman wanted to cry but was trying very hard to suppress herself. Stumbling to the door, she grabbed a nurse and shouted excitedly.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
My son is awake!
My son is awake!
Quickly call the doctor.😟
Kim Taehyung
💭 Son? Who is your son?
Kim Taehyung opened his mouth to try and talk, but his throat was as coarse as fire. He tried for the longest time but still couldn't make a sound.
Gradually, he began to feel his limbs. He moved his toes and could feel them. His hands and feet—he could also feel them!
Soon after, a group of doctors and nurses rushed in and busily surrounded him
Nurse
He really woke up.
He had been in a coma for two years; he actually really woke up.
This is such a miracle.
Auntie, congratulations! 😊
kim so yeon cried and laughed simultaneously, so excited that she couldn’t even speak clearly.
Nurse
*poured Kim Taehyung a glass of water and used a spoon to feed him a sip*
Nurse
Don’t worry; right now you need to get used to it first😊
Kim Taehyung
I... how am I?
*asked hoarsely*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Tae 😭😭
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Mom knew that you’d definitely wake up.
You finally woke up.
Mom wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer😢🥹🥹
Kim Taehyung
😧
💭Does this woman really think that I’m her son?
He recalled his memories, and they seemed fine.
All his 33 years of experiences were still so vivid in his mind.
Even though the days before his death passed by in agony, he wished he could completely forget everything connected to that person.
But he was sure that he didn’t forget, and this woman definitely didn’t exist in his memories.
Even though... even though her sobbing made him feel distressed, her tears were so heartfelt—these were tears from a mother.
Kim Taehyung
You... you are... Auntie, I don’t know you 😕
*spoke this complete sentence with much difficulty*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
😧😟*stunned*
Doctor
Ms. Kim, Kim Taehyung's brain has sustained serious impact.
Anything is possible after he wakes up. If it’s just memory loss, he is considered to be very lucky.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
🙂*brushed away her tears and touched Kim Taehyung's face with her trembling hand*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Tae, son, you really don’t remember me?
I’m your mother 😢
His name was really Kim Taehyung, but his mother died when he was eight years old. In his dreams, he still wished he had a mother, but...
Doctor
Ms. Kim, please restrain yourself from your emotions.
Don’t put too much pressure on the patient. How about this... go out and get some rest first?
We’re going to give him a more thorough check-up, okay?😊
Doctor
*The doctor winked at the nurse*
Nurse
Auntie, let’s go out first. Calm down.
*said softly, and took her out without hesitation*
Kim Taehyung was pushed out of the ward for x-rays and other exams. His mind was drowsy. He wanted to go back to sleep again.
As he unconsciously turned his head, he saw his face reflected on the doctor’s computer monitor.
When he saw his face clearly, he was utterly shocked. Reflected on the dark computer monitor was a face that was not very clear, but enough to distinguish the facial features.
Kim Taehyung
💭Who is this person? This is not my face... who is this person?
Doctor
*The doctor waved his hand in front of him*
What’s wrong?🤨
Kim Taehyung
Give me a mirror!
*shouted loudly*
Doctor
*thought for a moment and then handed him a mirror*
Your face is all fine. Relax, don’t get so emotional 😊
Kim Taehyung
*snatched the mirror to take a look at himself*
It clearly reflected a young, attractive man’s face.
This young man appeared to be twenty-five to twenty-six years old.
His eyes weren’t big but were very vibrant. Although this face was pale, after looking closely, he still looked very manly
Kim Taehyung
💭But this is not me, Kim Taehyung!
No wonder that auntie called him her son.
She was not mistaken; she just didn’t know that there was a different soul in her son’s body.
So, he still died—at least his body. Falling from such a high cliff, how could it not have been smashed to bits?
But his soul was reborn into another person’s body. This young man was also named Kim Taehyung.
Doctor
What's the matter? Feel any discomfort?🤨
Kim Taehyung
*threw the mirror to the side and weakly lowered himself back on the bed, covering his eyes with his hands*
Kim Taehyung
I’m fine
*murmuring*
Kim Taehyung is still in shock. How could he accept everything that was in front of him?
Maybe it was because they had the same name, so God took the wrong soul?
In any case, this was all too bizarre. He had always been an atheist.
He never believed in ghosts and spirits and was never afraid of them. But what happened now in front of him had shaken him to his core.
For a moment, he really didn’t know how to react aside from being in shock.
Doctor
Just close your eyes and rest.
You slept for two years and just woke up.
Your psychological burden is too heavy.
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Sleep😊😊
The doctor’s low and deep voice was like a hypnosis needle. Kim Taehyung closed his eyes as he felt a wave of fatigue rising in his heart. Gradually, sleep consumed him.
Kim Taehyung
💭This is also not bad. I survived, but with a completely new identity. This is an opportunity that God has given me so I can start all over again. I can cast aside my past and live well.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Come, drink this chicken soup.
Drink some soup before eating to nourish your body 😊
Kim so yeon looked at Kim Taehyung worriedly, the kindness in her eyes made Kim Taehyung feel grieved.
He could not tell a mother who had tirelessly raised her son that another soul was living in his body.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Drink it. Why are you in a daze? Even if you don’t remember me, you definitely would remember the taste of this soup. You loved to drink my stew soup since you were young. Drink it😊
Kim Taehyung
*took the soup bowl and scooped a spoonful of the flavorful chicken soup*🍲
Kim Taehyung
*took a sip*😳
Tasted delicious that he couldn’t help but drink a few more mouthfuls.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Slow down; don’t burn yourself 😊
After Kim Taehyung finished the bowl of soup, he looked at kim so yeon
Kim Taehyung
Mmm.....
Mom, you don’t have to bring me food every day. The hospital also has food
It's been three days since he woke up, and it had rained for two days. Every time Kim So Yeon comes, he sees that her pants are all wet.
This short and thin woman took a half-hour bus ride and walked for more than ten minutes just to bring her son a hot meal.
He felt sad and touched. This is the feeling of having a mother. He thought he would never experience this in this lifetime.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
What's the big deal with bringing you meals? Before when I brought it, you couldn't even eat it.😔
*said with sorrow*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
*Thinking of all the hardships in the past two years her eyes were a little red, but she immediately laughed*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Don't say these things. You waking up is great. Mom is not going to ask for anything else and won't force you to do anything you don't want to. I only want you to live well😄
Kim Taehyung faintly thought that there was more than just the obvious meaning in Kim So Yeon's words.
But he didn't ask for fear that it would provoke her sadness again. Hearing from her and the doctor's mouths, he was able to decipher that some heavy objects had fallen on this body two years ago.
Everyone had thought that he would be in a vegetative state the rest of his life. Unexpectedly, he woke up.
Kim Taehyung also knew that it had been two years since he accidentally fell off the cliff during the storm.
He also looked at the elderly man in the bed next to him.
This double ward had only the two of them. The old man had been lying there for more than half a year from a stroke.
It is said that he is still conscious but is similar to that of a dead person. The old man didn't have a wife, just a son.
His son is busy with work so he could only come once or twice a week.
Kim So Yeon sometimes helped the nursing staff take care of the elderly man.
As Kim Taehyung watched Kim So Yeon exhaustively help the caregiver wipe down the elderly man's body while sweating profusely in the process, he can imagine how Kim So Yeon took care of him in the past two years.
How much did this woman suffer for her son? But when he woke up, she didn't mention anything.
When Kim Taehyung looked at her, he couldn't help but imagine if his mother was still alive today, would she worry about him like this?
In his heart, he gradually accepted the fact that Kim So Yeon was his mother. He even felt a little glad.
Even in his dreams, he wanted a mother. Now having woken up, he actually has one. God really treated him well.
Not only giving him a second life but also giving him a mother.
Kim Taehyung finished his meal under Kim So Yeon's watchful eyes.
Kim So Yeon fanned him with a fan and looked at him with a smile.
Her eyes were full of warm kindness.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
😊 Son, do you want to watch TV for a bit?
Kim So Yeon turned on the TV but the two did not concentrate on whatever was showing on the TV.
Kim Taehyung
👉👈
Mmmm....
Mom, when can I be discharged from the hospital?
He could tell that Kim So Yeon is not rich. He feels that he is fine, so it's not necessary to continue staying in the hospital.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
There's no hurry. Most of the money had already been used up these couple of years, so what is the difference of staying a few more days? Mom wants you to leave the hospital in good health. Let's listen to the doctors' advice. The few doctors that treated you are very good. When they say you can be discharged, then that's the time that you will be discharged.
Kim Taehyung
*Nodded*
Mom, can you tell me about our family? The doctor also said that if you tell me more stuff, maybe I will remember things
Each time he says the word "Mom," Kim Taehyung felt his heart beating faster. He doesn't know whether it is because he feels thankful or because of his guilty conscience.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
😊 This, we also don't need to rush. Once you leave the hospital, I'll show you pictures of you when you were young. We'll look and talk. The doctor said that your mind can't get too exhausted. You just need to rest. Don't think too much
Kim Taehyung also didn't force the matter. He inadvertently glanced at the TV screen. The TV is broadcasting a movie's news conference. The camera moved and a very familiar figure appeared on the screen.
Kim Taehyung
😧*eyes opened wide*
The director gave the male movie star a close-up. This man is undoubtedly very attractive, graceful, and cool. His tailored well-fitted suit accentuated his slender and tall body, the corners of his mouth slightly raised into a smile like that of the glorious warm spring breeze.
It's no wonder that many women's hearts were mesmerized by him.
Kim Taehyung is more than familiar with this extremely popular movie star.
He was this man's martial arts stuntman for many of his previous movies due to their exceptionally similar figure and back silhouette.
If it weren't for this reason, Joen Jungkook really wouldn't have glanced at him. Unfortunately, he didn't know this initially.
If he had known, he would've calmly been at ease in just being friends with benefits with Joen Jungkook. Then he wouldn't have fallen into such a wretched state.
Waves of painful sorrow struck him in his heart. This heart that is not exactly considered to be his heart but it still hurts because of these depressing matters. It's really unbearable.
Kim Taehyung
*Laughed at himself* 🙂
Mom, let's change the channel.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Okay
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
*Turned to look*
Isn't this Lee Soo-hyun?
Kim Taehyung
You know him?
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Hey, your mother is not so old that I don't even watch TV, right? 😄
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Who doesn't know Lee Soo-hyun? He's a very famous big star. When he got married earlier in the year, our neighbor, Auntie Zhang's daughter, cried and whined as if there was no tomorrow. I really don't know what these children are thinking these days.😮💨
Kim Taehyung
He 😧......he got married?
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Son, you remember him? 🤔
Kim Taehyung
No, I don't remember 😅
Just that...don't male stars usually get married late? I think he's in his 20s, no more than 30.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Yeah, the newspaper said he and his wife had been together for several years. They also mentioned that the woman’s background is mysterious. Anyway, she’s likely the daughter of a powerful family. The reporters couldn’t dig up too much information. I just remember that his wife’s surname is particularly nice. It’s Joen.
Whatever Kim So Yeon said afterward, Kim Taehyung didn't hear any of it. What kept repeating in his mind is that Lee Soo-hyun and Joen Ji-won are married.
Kim Taehyung
💭If they got married then how would Joen Jungkook be? Wailed and sobbed pathetically? Wanting to die? Joen Jungkook was so infatuated with Lee Soo-hyun, seeing Lee Soo-hyun change from being his sister's boyfriend to his brother-in-law, he will go crazy, right?
Ha, it’s ridiculous. When it comes to this, although Kim Taehyung and Joen Jungkook were different, they had both made the same mistake. They coveted something that didn’t belong to them.
2
Kim Taehyung stayed at the hospital for another two days. His body felt excellent and he really didn’t want to stay in the hospital any longer, so he told Kim So Yeon again that he wanted to be discharged.
Kim Taehyung
Mom, I really want to be discharged from the hospital.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Are you sure, Tae? you’ve been in a coma for two years. We need to make sure everything’s okay before you leave.
Kim Taehyung
I feel excellent! I can’t stand this place anymore.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Alright, I’ll ask the doctor.
Kim Taehyung waited in his hospital room. That elderly man sleeping on the bed next to him would probably never wake up again. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, Kim Taehyung would think about how it was utterly silent next to him, even though there was a person lying there. It was actually quite horrifying.
That was when the hospital room door opened. He thought Kim So Yeon had come back, but to his surprise, a forty-year-old man walked in. Kim Taehyung froze with shock the moment he saw the man's face.
Kim Taehyung
😶
💭Jung Hoseok?
When Jung Hoseok saw him, he also froze for a moment
Jung Hoseok
You...You-you-you-you’re awake? 🫢
Kim Taehyung
*blinking eyes*👀
Kim Taehyung blinked, even more shocked than Jung Hoseok. He never thought that he would encounter one of his past friends just a few days after waking up.
Jung Hoseok strode over to him. This gruff man was so worked up that his entire face turned blazing red. He grabbed Kim Taehyung’s shoulder with one hand, hurting him slightly with the sheer force of his grip.
Jung Hoseok
Buddy, you won’t know me, but I know you 😄
*said excitedly*
Jung Hoseok
*pointed at the adjacent bed with his other hand, which was carrying a bag of food*
Jung Hoseok
That person is my dad. My dad has been lying there for over half a year. I saw you every time I came to visit.
Ah, there’s not much we can say since my dad is already at this age, but you’re still so young. If you really did stay in a coma for the rest of your life, your mum would be devastated. I never thought that you’d actually wake up.
Way to go, kid!😃
He gave Kim Taehyung a heavy pat on the shoulder, a sincere smile on his face.
Kim Taehyung
*His heart trembled, hands shaking slightly*
💭 Hoseok-hyung... 😢
*He wanted to say the words, but they stuck in his throat*
In Jung Hoseok’s eyes right now, he was only a stranger who also happened to be called Kim Taehyung.
Jung Hoseok
Buddy, what’s wrong? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Should I call a doctor?😟
Kim Taehyung
No, no need
You... don’t give up, maybe your dad will wake up one day too.🙂
Jung Hoseok
*placed his things on his father’s side, sat on a chair*
Jung Hoseok
😞 It’s hopeless. It was an old-age stroke... Now he’s just dangling here, half dead, half alive. It’s painful for the entire family, but we can’t just sit by and watch him die.
Jung Hoseok
No matter what, we can still say he’s alive right now 😔
His voice was bleak and weary, making Kim Taehyung feel especially sad.
Jung Hoseok was getting by pretty well in the entertainment circle. He did varied work, from planning to management, and had connections everywhere.
A lot of new kids who started their careers in the industry needed to watch their step around him. Jung Hoseok had a good salary, but daily hospital charges, providing for his family, and caring for his elderly father was a heavy burden.
Only two years had passed, but Kim Taehyung felt that Jung Hoseok had aged a lot.
Kim Taehyung wanted to say some comforting words but was afraid of exposing something if he said too much. It would probably be impossible for a normal person to believe that a different soul was living in this body.
Kim Taehyung
💭 I want to comfort him... but how can I explain what’s really going on?
Kim Taehyung
💭 If I say too much, I might expose myself… and he’ll think I’m crazy.
Jung Hoseok silently glanced at him a few more times. He then sighed heavily and wiped his face, his expression pained
Kim Taehyung
What's wrong?
Jung Hoseok
Taehyung, did you know? I used to have a brother whose name was also Kim Taehyung. If he were still alive, he would be thirty-five this year... He was extremely young, extremely loyal, and an wonderful brother
Jung Hoseok
I heard from your mother that you got into an accident two years ago? That brother of mine also had an accident two years ago, but you woke up, while we can’t even find his corpse.
And that job.......was one that I introduced to him too..😢😢
Jung Hoseok
*Sniffed*
If I hadn’t...😢
He couldn’t finish the rest of the sentence, but his self-blame and sadness seemed to fill the air, making the atmosphere feel indescribably heavy
Kim Taehyung wanted to give Jung Hoseok a good punch and tell him off for talking nonsense
Kim Taehyung
💭 What has my death got to do with you?
Kim Taehyung
💭 I had offended Lee Soo-hyun, making it impossible to stay in the entertainment circle.
Only Hoseok hyung had looked out for me, wearing himself out to help me land a job on a production team.
With that production team, I had entered the Shiwan Mountain range to film a documentary. It was my own bad luck that led me into that storm.
If I truly were dead, I wouldn’t know anything, but being alive and knowing that Hoseok hyung had been blaming himself for my death made me feel even worse.
Jung Hoseok wasn’t the sort of person who would normally talk this much in front of a stranger, but at this moment, he had somewhat lost control over his emotions.
This young man stirred up deep feelings and made him recall too many painful memories. He quickly cleared his throat, embarrassed.
Jung Hoseok
Don’t mind what I just said, I was just thinking about the past.
By the way, my name’s Jung Hoseok. If you don’t mind, you can call me Hoseok-hyung.
We have a strong fateful connection. Let’s take care of each other from now on.
Kim Taehyung
Hoseok-hyung 🥺
In a slightly shaky voice, Kim Taehyung called out “Hoseok-hyung” once.
He really wanted to drag Jung Hoseok out to the canteen near the hospital, order a few dishes and two liters of white wine, and drink like they used to.
Jung Hoseok had always looked after him, even during their days at Sports College. After graduation, when he couldn’t find a good job, Jung Hoseok helped him get miscellaneous work on production sets.
It was only later that he started doing martial arts stunt work and earning a better salary. In Kim Taehyung’s heart, Jung Hoseok was like a real brother.
Jung Hoseok
I’m speaking from the heart, don’t overthink it. You just feel unusually close and familiar to me. Maybe it’s because your name is also Kim Taehyung; you two are a bit similar🙂
Kim Taehyung
💭 How could he know that I and that Kim Taehyung were the same person?
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Hoseok 😃, you’re here to visit your dad
Just as Hoseok was about to speak, Kim So Yeon returned
Jung Hoseok
Oh, Aunty Kim, 😃how come you didn’t tell me that Kim Taehyung woke up? This deserves a big celebration. Ah, when can he be discharged? I’ll take you guys out to eat.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
My, you’re so busy with work, how can we bother you like this? 😅
Jung Hoseok
How is it a bother? You’re always helping the carer look after my dad, even if I spend the rest of my life, I still won’t be able to repay you for all you’ve done 😊
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
What are you saying? I’m unoccupied and doing nothing anyway. You still have to earn money to feed your family; you can’t compare yourself to an idle person like me. Don’t stand on ceremony. When you have time, visit your father more often. Perhaps your father can wake up one day too. 😊
Jung Hoseok
Yeah, and maybe we can even rub off some of your guys’ joyous air 😄
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Hoseok, come and eat some fruit 😃
The three sat and chatted for a while. Jung Hoseok stayed for over an hour. He helped his dad change clothes, trim his hair, and then left.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
I didn’t say it in front of him because I didn’t want to bother him, but the doctor said that you can be discharged tomorrow
Kim Taehyung
That’s great 😃
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
I’ll pack up our stuff. You have a good rest; we’ll be going back home tomorrow.
Kim Taehyung
Mum, thank you for all your hard work 😊
*said softly*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
*laughed as she smoothed down his slightly long hair*☺️
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
You’re awake now. All the hard work was worth it. 😊
They woke up early the next morning and were about to go and complete the hospital release forms, but to their surprise, Jung Hoseok arrived.
Jung Hoseok
😄 Aunty Kim, you’re not being a good friend. He’s discharging from the hospital today, but you didn’t even let me know. I had to ask a doctor to find out.
Don’t say anything, and no need to be courteous with me. Today I’m going to help you guys run errands and take you two out for a celebration dinner.
Kim So Yeon felt extremely apologetic for inconveniencing him. She tried to decline quite a few times, but was no match for Jung Hoseok’s enthusiasm and ended up accepting.
Despite Kim So Yeon’s repeated attempts to decline, Jung Hoseok’s enthusiasm won out.
He helped them with the discharge forms, ensuring everything went smoothly.
Kim Taehyung, meanwhile, loaded their belongings into Hoseok’s car, which was no small task. After living in the hospital for two years, it felt like they were moving house rather than just checking out of a medical facility.
Kim Taehyung
💭 We would’ve been in real trouble without Hoseok-hyung. How did we accumulate so much stuff?
The morning was a whirlwind of paperwork, packing, and carrying, and by the time it was all over, everyone was exhausted. Kim So Yeon glanced at her son, concern evident in her eyes.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Are you feeling okay, Taehyung? Don’t push yourself too hard 😟
Kim Taehyung
I’m fine, Mom ☺️
In truth, Kim Taehyung’s body felt like it was brimming with energy. After two years of lying in a hospital bed, what he needed most now wasn’t rest—it was movement, action, and exercise. His muscles craved the strain of physical activity.
Kim Taehyung
💭 I’ve spent enough time resting. Now it’s time to really live again.
As they settled into Hoseok’s car, Kim Taehyung stared out the window, watching the hospital disappear in the rearview mirror. A new chapter of his life was beginning, and though he didn’t know what lay ahead, for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to face it
Jung Hoseok led them into a high-class Cantonese restaurant, insisting they enjoy a proper meal. As they stepped out of his sleek new car, Kim Taehyung couldn’t help but notice the luxury surrounding them.
Kim Taehyung
💭 Hoseok-hyung must’ve been doing really well these past two years.
Kim Taehyung
😊 💭I’m happy for him.
Once inside, Jung Hoseok spared no expense, ordering an array of dishes that filled the table with vibrant colors and mouth-watering aromas. Kim Taehyung didn’t hesitate, digging in with enthusiasm and making himself right at home
Kim Taehyung
You’ve really outdone yourself, hyung! This food is amazing 😄
Jung Hoseok
I’m glad you’re enjoying it 😊
Meanwhile, Kim So Yeon sat quietly, occasionally picking at her food but saying little. Her mind seemed elsewhere, perhaps still processing everything that had happened since Kim Taehyung’s sudden recovery. After a while, she fell into silence, letting the two men continue their conversation.
As Kim Taehyung shared stories and joked around, he noticed that Jung Hoseok’s expression gradually shifted. At first, it was subtle—a slight furrow in his brow, a lingering gaze. But soon, the look in Hoseok’s eyes grew more peculiar, as if he were searching for something in Kim Taehyung’s face.
Kim Taehyung
💭 why is he looking at me like that?
Kim Taehyung
What’s wrong? 😕
Jung Hoseok
You truly feel like... a close acquaintance to me. How can that be?
Kim Taehyung's mind raced as he quickly analyzed his previous words, searching for any misstep. He couldn’t afford to slip up now. With a lighthearted laugh, he tried to dismiss Hoseok's suspicions.
Kim Taehyung
😃 Didn't you say it before, Hoseok-hyung? We have a fateful connection.
Jung Hoseok shook his head, smiling despite himself
Jung Hoseok
Right… I must be overthinking. It’s just… you share the same name as my brother. That’s all.🙂
He sighed again, and Kim Taehyung could feel the weight of old memories in that breath. Afraid Hoseok would drift into the past once more, Taehyung quickly poured him a glass of wine.
Kim Taehyung
Here, Hyung, have some wine 😄
The two drank round after round, their faces growing flushed with the warmth of alcohol. As the tension eased, Hoseok’s curiosity returned.
Jung Hoseok
So, Kim Taehyung, what do you plan to do from now on?
Kim Taehyung
I need to find a job
Jung Hoseok
What kind of work did you do before? 😕
Kim Taehyung paused, genuinely at a loss. He turned to his mother, hoping for help
Kim Taehyung
Mum, what did I do before? 🤔
Jung Hoseok
*slapped his forehead, realizing his mistake*
Jung Hoseok
Ah, I forgot you can’t remember anything. So that means all the skills you had before are… gone?
At this, Kim So Yeon’s expression shifted. She seemed hesitant, as if remembering something she didn’t particularly want to share. Her voice softened, and there was a hint of regret in her tone.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
In the past, you posed for magazine photos and worked at motor shows as a model… You even said you wanted to be a celebrity, so you joined some kind of training program. I tried to urge you to be more realistic, but you wouldn’t listen…
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
*sighed deeply, then lowered her head, realizing she may have said too much*
Kim Taehyung was taken aback by this revelation. He hadn’t expected that the previous owner of this body had ambitions to enter the entertainment world. His body was certainly good-looking, but Seoul was overflowing with handsome young men.
He knew better than anyone how brutal the industry could be. Without something special to stand out, the dream of becoming famous was a fleeting illusion. He had seen too many young men with exceptional looks and talent who eventually faded into obscurity.
Kim Taehyung
💭 It’s not just about talent or looks... without luck, it’s all pointless.
Jung Hoseok
You wanted to be a celebrity? Well, you’re in luck—this is my trade. If you really want to, this big brother can help you 😃
Before Kim Taehyung could respond, Kim So Yeon raised her head, her voice filled with concern.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
No, so many people want to become celebrities, but only a few succeed. It would be better for him to find a stable, secure job.
Kim Taehyung nodded in agreement, understanding his mother’s worries.
Kim Taehyung
Hoseok-hyung, I don’t want to become a celebrity. I know I don’t have what it takes. But if you could introduce me to some work at your company—maybe as an assistant or a crew member on a production team—I’d be grateful. I can do any kind of work
Jung Hoseok
That’s no problem. My boss just bought a model agency and set up a film studio near Sixth Ring Road. There are plenty of jobs available. As long as you’re not afraid of hard work, you’ll be able to earn enough to support you and your mom.
Kim Taehyung
Thank you, Hoseok-hyung. I really appreciate it 😊
He knew he couldn’t afford to be picky. At this point, any job would be a lifeline, and if Hoseok was offering him a way in, he had no reason to refuse. Life had to move forward, and the past—no matter how painful—would have to be left behind.
Kim So Yeon opened her mouth, but upon seeing that Kim Taehyung’s mind was set, she didn’t say anything else. However, her eyes were filled with anxiety
3
As they stepped out of the restaurant, the blazing sun beat down on Kim Taehyung's head, making him squint against the bright light.
He looked up, instinctively shielding his eyes with his hand, and spotted a gigantic LED advertisement screen in the bustling commercial square ahead.
For a moment, the screen displayed a generic business commercial, but then a dark cloud drifted overhead, blocking the sun.
The advertisement switched to a luxury watch brand, and a striking image emerged—a man stepping out from a pure black background.
Kim Taehyung
*Heart sank* 😰
The man on the screen was in his early twenties, tall and slender, clad in a dazzling white suit that sharply contrasted with the darkness behind him.
As he lifted his head slightly, Kim Taehyung's breath hitched. The face was needlessly handsome, but what struck Taehyung most was the coldness in his eyes, the way his lips were tightly pressed into a thin line, giving off an air of detachment.
With a fluid motion, the man buckled a diamond watch around his wrist, a simple action that transformed into something extraordinary in his hands. The grace and nobility he exuded were breathtaking, compelling passersby to halt and admire him.
But for Kim Taehyung, that beauty felt like a blade piercing his heart. His complexion paled, and he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
Kim Taehyung
💭 Jeon Jungkook? Why was he... Why would he go and shoot a commercial? With his family background, why would he need to go on screen to sell smiles?
Behind him, Jung Hoseok snorted coldly, his tone permeated with hatred
Kim Taehyung shook off the memories, adjusting his expression as they walked, hoping Jung Hoseok wouldn’t see through him. He could feel the tension in the air between them.
Jung Hoseok was well aware of the complicated history between Kim Taehyung and Joen Jungkook. As a result, Jung Hoseok was full of loathing toward Joen Jungkook, and that hadn’t changed in these two years.
From the looks of it, the influence a person has on another is not something that can easily fade.
To Jung Hoseok, two years had already passed. However, to Kim Taehyung, everything that happened between him and Joen Jungkook was just something that occurred a week ago.
He could even still vividly remember the last phone call he had with Joen Jungkook.
He could still clearly remember Joen Jungkook’s scent, his overbearing, willful nature, his personality which persisted on doing things his own way, not caring in the least when he hurt others, and even his smile, his rage, and his unquestionable love for Lee Soo-hyun were all still crystal clear in Kim Taehyung’s mind.
Everything that he wanted to forget as quickly as possible was something that only happened a few days ago. They say that time is the best medicine; for him, the time passed was still too short.
He originally thought that he would start afresh, without having to see him, without thinking about him, and one day he would be able to wipe that failed relationship completely from his mind.
He never expected that he would be forced to see Joen Jungkook again on the very day that he left the hospital, and that in the foreseeable future, he would continue to see him.
Seeing that Kim Taehyung and Jung Hoseok were both staring at the commercial in front, Kim So Yeon looked as well and then gasped in admiration
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
How can a boy look so nice-looking? He’s too good-looking.🤩
Jung Hoseok
What’s the use of being good-looking when you’re a bastard?
*said in disdain*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Hoseok, you know him?
Jung Hoseok
Mhm, I know him
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
What’s wrong with him? He’s not a good person? 😕
Jung Hoseok
Aunty Kim, the entertainment world is a very messy place; there aren’t many good people there 🙂
Kim Taehyung suppressed the urge to ask Jung Hoseok about Joen Jungkook. The less he knew, the better it was for him. It was best if he could let Joen Jungkook completely disappear from his life.
After the watch commercial disappeared, Kim Taehyung secretly let out a breath of relief. However, the trembling in his heart didn’t disappear. It was all truly beyond his control.
He offended Lee Soo-hyun, fell out with Joen Jungkook, took the wrong step and fell down a cliff; all these kept him wide awake at night. To him, these were all things that happened a short while ago. He needed time. What he needed now was time.
After Jung Hoseok sent them back home, Kim So Yeon minced her words for quite a while before she said sheepishly
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Hoseok normally, Aunty Kim should really invite you in to sit, but this place is a rental, it’s too simple and crude. I’ll also feel guilty making you come in. Thank you for today. 😔
Jung Hoseok knitted his brows and looked at their old housing district. The location was remote, the surrounding environment was poor; it was indeed not a good place. He inwardly sighed. In order to treat Kim Taehyung, Kim So Yeon exhausted all of her savings and also borrowed a large sum of money. Kim Taehyung was awake now, but their hard life was only just beginning.
After Jung Hoseok left, Kim So Yeon took Kim Taehyung upstairs. This seven-story building had at least twenty years of history. The corridors were dusky, the staircase was narrow, and the walls were so filthy it was impossible to make out their original color.
Kim So Yeon was renting a small forty-square-meter apartment with only one bedroom. She had cleaned up the place as much as she could, but still couldn’t hide the fact that the dweller of this apartment was in dire financial straits
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
😅 I’ve tidied up the bedroom and also bought a new bed. I’ll sleep in the living room from now on
Kim Taehyung
Mum, I’ll sleep in the living room.
*said hastily*
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
How can I let you do that? You’ve just come out of the hospital and still need to recuperate your health. I’m already used to sleeping on the hospital’s plank beds; sleeping in the living room is nothing
Kim Taehyung
Mum, that’s nonsense! I can’t let you sleep in the living room while I sleep in the bedroom
The two wrangled for a brief while. Kim So Yeon couldn’t make him change his mind and was forced to agree.
Kim So Yeon made a pot of tea and also brought out a big bundle of photo albums. Sitting on the living room sofa, Kim So Yeon slowly told him about Kim Taehyung’s past.
Kim Taehyung was a normal kid who grew up in the capital.
His dad was a civil servant, and his mum was an accountant.
Originally their lifestyle was pretty good, but his father passed away when he was going to university, and he got into an accident at twenty-four.
One could well imagine how much pain and misery had engulfed Kim So Yeon’s life
He didn’t have much interest in Kim Taehyung’s past. However, the more he found out, the more he sympathized with this woman.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
I don’t have a good life; I almost couldn’t hold on any longer. Son, thank goodness you woke up, or else Mum truly wouldn’t have been able to hold on any longer. 😭😭😭
A period of two years, without knowing when a miracle would occur, she held on continuously for two years. This thin, weak, and small woman was countless times stronger than how she looked.
Kim Taehyung
😢 *wrapped his arms around her shoulders, letting her cry to her heart’s content in the arms of her most beloved son*
After Kim So Yeon finished venting, she felt very embarrassed. Seeing Kim Taehyung sitting in front of her healthy and sound, she couldn’t help but break out into a smile.
Kim Taehyung
Mum, while I was hospitalized, you borrowed a lot of money, right? Take the account book out, and we’ll compare
As soon as he brought that up, Kim So Yeon’s face dimmed again. After a moment of hesitation, she stood up and took out an account book from the TV cabinet.
All of the loan slips were carefully and neatly sandwiched inside the account book using paper clips. Proving herself as a former accountant, everything was clear and orderly.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
*Sigh*😞
In the beginning, we still had some savings, but your hospital expenses were too high. I sold our two apartments. At that time, the property market wasn’t good. If I had sold them during these past two years, I would have been able to get almost one million, but I urgently needed the money back then...
She felt miserable thinking about it, but in the end, she was still forced to borrow loans. She was so worn out she could hardly lift her hand
Kim Taehyung
*Flipped through the thick pile of IOUs,asked in a heavy voice*
Mum, how much do we owe altogether?
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
The retirement money I receive is only a little over two thousand a month. Afterwards, I went around everywhere to borrow money—relatives, friends, colleagues. I borrowed from everyone. When they see my number now, they don’t even pick up anymore...
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
Right now, we still owe three hundred and seventy thousand won altogether
*said hoarsely*😔
Three hundred and seventy thousand...
Kim Taehyung calculated his own savings from before.
Kim Taehyung
💭 I’ve saved up around two hundred thousand, but that’s without counting the apartment and the car.
Kim Taehyung
💭 My apartment... it’s old, but it’s in such a good location. Two years ago, it was valued at one million and three hundred thousand won.
Kim Taehyung
💭 The car is second-hand. If I sold it, I might get twenty to thirty thousand.
Kim Taehyung
*Shaking his head*
💭 But selling the house? No way. Mum and I still need a place to live.
Kim Taehyung
💭 I can figure this out. I just need to gather the rest. Repaying that three hundred and seventy thousand won won’t be hard if I plan it right
Just as Kim Taehyung was calculating in his head, his eyes unconsciously landed on a photo in one of the albums. He was abruptly brought back to reality.
Kim Taehyung
💭 😰No... I’m not that Kim Taehyung anymore. That Kim Taehyung is already “dead”!
Kim Taehyung
💭 What happened to those savings in the bank? Who’s been taking care of my property?
Kim Taehyung
💭 How can I possibly use a stranger’s identity to reclaim my assets?
Kim Taehyung was bathed in cold sweat from head to toe. That would mean not only had he become a pauper, but he was also a pauper with a debt of three hundred and seventy thousand won
Kim So Yeon saw his pallid complexion; her own face also wore a very worried look. Her son had woken up, but their difficult life was far from over.
Kim Taehyung looked at her. Although this woman was not his mother, he felt that it was his duty to look after her for the rest of her life.
Because he had taken possession of her son’s body, she had actually lost her son forever, while he had obtained a precious, completely new life.
He couldn’t only pick up the good things; he should also shoulder the responsibilities he needed to bear in this life and the duties he ought to fulfill.
Kim Taehyung sorted out his frame of mind and closed the account book
Kim Taehyung
Mum, don’t worry too much. Both of us are healthy and alive; money can be earned. We will pay off the entire debt one day.
kim so yeon (Taehyung Mother)
🙂 You’re right. We must be positive and optimistic. You woke up; Mum can now see hope. Go to work with Jung Hoseok tomorrow; I’ll go and find a job too
Kim Taehyung didn’t sleep well the entire night. He tossed and turned, trying to think of a way to get money.
In the end, he decided that he would find out how his assets had been taken care of as soon as possible and then work out what to do next. He drifted to sleep in the early hours of the morning.
After he got up from his short sleep, he realized that he hadn’t thought about Joen Jungkook at all last night. This was a really promising development.
Kim Taehyung
*washed his face, changed his clothes, and went to report at Jung Hoseok’s company*
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