Part 1

All human have pain that no one can heal , even if a hundred years have passed . They can't forget it, but will soon someone come into their lives and alleviate that pain even a little bit ? Or will their presence will just make it worse ?

Again this boy with his head filled with sorrow entered his room , You can clearly see all of the sadness of the world in his eyes, with an innocent look he cried again painfully looking at the picture in his room

"You ruined me Felix, I was wishing I could see you one last time" Hyunjin sobbed, holding the photo frame containing the one last memory of his dear friend, Felix

Hyunjin and Felix knew each other 8 years ago , but their friendship broke Now , Hyunjin was living in America , a student of high school , in the last year, All this time he wasn't able to hear from Felix even once

In Korea

"What is this ? I will probably die solving this " Yeji whined, earning a disgusted face from her friend, Leeknow

"What happened ?"

"I'm talking about school! I'm really exhausted of studying! This Korean education system is rigged!" She yaps like a little child

"What are you tired of? School's fun ! " Leeknow complained

"Ah I'm sorry Mr. Lee Minho! I forgot you are the smart kid "

"I know all your words , now let's go to class !" He chuckled

"I know all your wo-" she immediately stopped when she earned a known glare from Leeknow

"Bye, bye " he sounded disgusted

"Hey, hey ! I am coming I am coming !" She chuckled and followed behind Leeknow who was already on his way to the class

The two have been together for 3 years, Now, they know each other very well , and always love to tease each other

"Mister Hwang , please come and eat, you're going to be late for school " the Servant knocked on the door of Hyunjin's room

Although his eyes were red from crying, and his face looked pale, he somehow prepared himself to go downstairs

All these 8 years he had been bored of his family, he disliked them very much . But still managed to say "hello" and "good morning" to them when he saw them, he almost hated them, as they were very cold towards him , so it kinda justifies a lonely child hating his own family

He ate his breakfast and then went to school

In Hyunjin's school

"Hello! Korea's cold boy !" Tommy, made an attempt to tease him with his group of friends, just to get by their victim as Hyunjin just looked away not saying anything

" I am talking to you ?" Tommy gritted his teeth in anger

" I have nothing to do with a person like you "

"Oh , I kinda see you're using your tongue much more than a healthy amount front of me " Tommy said, trying to console the humiliation Hyunjin's reply caused him

"Leave me alone morron! I'm already bored of you "

"Now , I'm going to show you, who it is you're bored of ! You immoral boy "

Tommy growled leaning closer to Hyunjin and pushing him to the ground by his head, making him fall

"Oh I'm sorry " Tommy said sarcastically

"Stop it guys! Tommy! Why did you hit him like that ? " Emma , appeared from behind of Tommy

"Just go away! " Tommy turned to face Emma , "it's none of your business "

"Stop for god's sake! " she fought back

"Okay, okay, I will go now, but see you again Korea's cold boy " he left with his hands up signaling he lost this time, but chuckled knowing that he will win the next time

"Ar-are you okay Sam?" Emma said helping him up

"How many time I have to tell you my name is Hyunjin and not Sam ? Anyways thanks for asking, I am okay " he stepped back, dusting off his clothes

"O-Ok , I am so- " before she could finish her words, Hyunjin walked away from the scene, he was mad at his father, as his father changed his name from Hyunjin to Sam in the in the identity for reason

Part 2

The afternoon sun streamed through the classroom windows as two figures huddled over a math textbook.

"What's your problem with math again?" then Leeknow asked, tapping his pencil against the troublesome equation.

"When I went home yesterday, I started analyzing some questions but couldn't solve these from yesterday's lesson," Yeji admitted, pushing the notebook toward him.

"Of course I'll help," then Leeknow immediately offered, already scribbling notes in the margins.

"Thank you for always helping me these three years. I'm so lucky to have a friend like you, Minho," Yeji said softly, playing with her pencil case.

"Hey, hey, none of that. We're friends, right? Friends don't need thank-yous," Leeknow protested, ears turning slightly pink.

A warm silence fell between them before they parted ways with casual goodbyes.

The mansion's front door slammed shut as a figure stumbled inside.

"Stop, Sam!" the enraged father bellowed from the grand staircase.

"Hyunjin," the bloodied boy corrected coldly, wiping his split lip.

"You fought again! You're doing this to spite me!" the father accused, descending the stairs with thunderous steps.

The boy only responded with icy silence, his bruised face a mask of defiance.

"Sam, I'm talking to you!" the man roared, veins bulging at his temples.

"I haven't fought anyone," Hyunjin finally muttered, turning away.

"Then explain your face!" the father demanded, grabbing his arm.

"Is it that important to you?" Hyunjin spat before wrenching free and storming upstairs.

Halfway up, cruel laughter rang out.

"Oh! This disgusting face again. Ew, I was scared!" Yuna sneered from the landing.

The boy didn't flinch, long accustomed to his siblings' taunts.

"Stupidddd!!!" the girl shrieked after him as he disappeared into his room.

Ni-Ki and Yuna are not supportive of Hyunjin-they might even make his suffering worse.

Korean Memories

It sounds like Hyunjin is under a lot of pressure from his father, who expects him to grow up quickly and meet high expectations. At just 10 years old, dealing with such demands—especially from a powerful and wealthy father—can be incredibly stressful and unfair. 

The flashback shimmered like heat haze over Seoul's skyline...

"Mom! Look at my grades!" ten-year-old Hyunjin cheered, waving his perfect test scores.

"Wow! Congratulations, my son! Such high marks!"

Mrs. Hwang beamed, kissing his forehead.

"Thank you, Mother," the boy grinned, basking in rare praise.

"Let's show your father," the mother suggested, leading him to the grand study.

"My love," Mrs. Hwang announced, placing a hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Hmm?" Mr. Hwang grunted without looking up from his newspaper.

"Dad...I succeeded in school! Look!" then young Hyunjin offered his grades with hands.

"Hmm. Congratulations," the father dismissed, immediately returning to his reading.

The boy's smile shattered like dropped porcelain.

"Well, my son, go upstairs now. Later we'll do whatever you want," the mother quickly intervened.

As the heartbroken child retreated, he caught their heated whispers:

"What is this behavior?" Mrs. Hwang hissed.

"What are you talking about?" Mr. Hwang deflected.

"He's your son! Stop ignoring him!" the mother's voice broke.

"I did nothing wrong!" the father countered.

"Aren't you happy for him?" the mother pressed.

"He hasn't done anything worth celebrating!" the father snapped. "I need a son who can support this family, not waste time on school games!"

The eavesdropping boy fled to his room, hot tears streaking his cheeks.

End flashback

The phone's glow illuminated Leeknow's tired but smiling face as he lounged on his small bed.

"Hello best mother in the world," the affectionate voice greeted, his smile audible.

"How are you, my son?" the warm maternal voice responded, filled with quiet concern.

"I'm fine, don't worry. How's father? Where is he now?" the dutiful son inquired, absently straightening his study notes.

"He's good - went to check on that irrigation problem at the farming camp. Are you eating well?" the motherly voice pressed, the familiar worry creeping in.

"Yeah, I'm eating properly, please don't worry," the reassuring voice answered, though his eyes glanced guiltily at the instant ramen cup on his desk.

"I miss you so much. When will you be back?" the suddenly vulnerable voice asked, tinged with longing.

"I miss you too! If we get any vacation time, I'll come straight away," the earnest promise came, his fingers tightening around the phone.

"What are you doing now?" the curious voice inquired, the question laced with motherly intuition.

"I'm getting ready to go help Yeji with her math," the slightly bashful admission escaped, his free hand rubbing his neck.

"Well, I understand. Give Yeji our love - tell her we miss her too," the knowing voice replied, amusement coloring her tone.

"Love you so much, Mom. Goodbye," the tender farewell came before the call ended.

The small apartment felt quieter as he pocketed his phone, grabbed his math notes, and headed out into the Seoul evening to meet Yeji.

Part 3

palace loomed a monstrous silhouette of black marble and gilded spikes, its shadow swallowing Leeknow whole as his fingers grazed the bell

"You're welcome, Mr. Lee Minho" The servant bowed deeply, his crisp uniform rustling as he held the door open.

"Only Leeknow please, without 'Mr'." The young man adjusted his jacket collar, his voice firm but polite.

"Where have you been so far?" Yeji's voice floated down from the grand staircase as she descended, her dress swishing with each step.

"I was at home."He kept his eyes lowered

"Okay, okay, let's go upstairs."She reached the bottom step and gestured impatiently toward the upper floors.

"Welcome my son, I'm so glad." Yeji's mother rose from her chair, her arms open in warm greeting.

"We are so happy welcome."Her father remained seated but nodded with genuine pleasure.

"Thank you very much." Leeknow bowed slightly to both parents.

"Sorry for that Yeji will always be a burden to you because of math" The mother chuckled while giving her daughter an affectionate look.

"No, no this is not true. I am so glad I can help her." His smile widened as he glanced at Yeji.

"Okay my son, we won't take your time anymore. You can go and study it." Yeji's father waved them off with a knowing grin.

"Hmm, let's go Leeknow." She grabbed his sleeve and pulled him toward the stairs, his math book tucked under his other arm.

Hyunjin focuses intently in class, working hard to fulfill the childhood promise he made with Felix to achieve their dream together. 

Hyunjin sits focused, taking notes carefully. A pebble hits his arm - thrown by Tommy from across the classroom. Hyunjin doesn't react, keeping still. Tommy smirks, waiting for him to get angry. But Hyunjin just continues writing, ignoring the sting.The teacher doesn't notice anything. Hyunjin's pencil moves steadily across the page, his face calm.

"Sorry, teacher, but—" Emma's voice cut through the classroom.

All eyes turned to her, then at Tommy's smug face by the window. Her mouth opened again, but the words stuck in her throat.

They sat in the gilded study, afternoon light filtering through silk curtains. Leeknow pointed at the notebook between them, his voice patient. "Do you understand now? Only these questions combine with the previous topics."

Yeji's eyes lit up as the concepts clicked. "Wow! You're awesome, Leeknow!" She groaned playfully, smacking her own forehead. "It was so easy but my brain—I don't have a brain, I know, I know—Ughhh!"

Leeknow smirked. "So now you admit you don't have a brain?" His laughter echoed off the marble walls.

"Yah!" Yeji swatted at his arm, cheeks pink. "I'll kill you if you laugh at me!"

"Okay, okay..." Leeknow softened, glancing at the opulent decor that always made his shoulders tense. "My mother mentioned you should visit us soon."

Yeji's irritation melted instantly. "Oh, I miss her so much!" She threw her hands up. "Damn this school for keeping me busy!"

Leeknow raised an eyebrow. "Now it's the school's fault you haven't visited?"

"Shut up!" Yeji hopped up, tugging his sleeve. "Let's go eat something—"

"No need." Leeknow stood abruptly, the plush carpet muffling his movement. "I'm going home."

Yeji's hand froze mid-air. "But you didn't even—"

"Thanks. I'm not hungry." He offered a tight smile, already moving toward the door.

Silence trailed them down the grand staircase. Yeji followed until the palace gates

---

"Sorry teacher, but I saw Tommy throw a rock at Sam!" Emma's voice shakes as she stands abruptly, her chair scraping back.

"What? A rock?" The teacher adjusts her glasses, frown deepening.

"I mean, Tommy wanted to hurt Sam with the rock." Emma's fingers dig into her notebook.

"What are you saying? You stupid girl!" Tommy kicks his desk back as he stands, face flushing crimson.

"Speak nicely, Tommy. Is that right, Sam?" The teacher turns to the slender boy gripping his pencil.

"Ye...yes!"  Hyunjin's voice comes out strained. He glares at his desk, wishing Emma had stayed silent.

"Tommy, go wait outside." The teacher points to the door.

Tommy storms out, shooting Emma a look that could melt steel.

---

After class, Emma approaches Hyunjin's desk as he shoves books into his bag.

"Sa...Hyunjin?" Her voice wavers.

"Yes." He doesn't look up.

"Why don't you ever say anything about Tommy?" She twists the strap of her bookbag.

"It doesn't matter." His tone turns arctic.

"But—" A tear slips down her cheek.

"Did I ask you to tell?" Hyunjin finally looks up, eyes blazing.

"He wanted to hurt you! I just wanted to help!" Emma swipes at her face angrily.

"And I don't need it. Stop."He slings his bag over his shoulder.

Hyunjin leaves Emma standing alone, her choked sob swallowed by the slamming door.

"Okay doctor, thank you so much."He sighed deeply, the weight of medical bills and tuition pressing down on him.

Leeknow walked slowly toward the restaurant, shoulders heavy with worry. The doctor's words still echoed in his mind.

Pushing through the restaurant door, he forced his usual smile. 

"Hello Uncle Suho."

"Hello my son! Go work now - many customers today!" Suho shouted over the noisy kitchen. 

"Of course."

"Hurry up!"

Leeknow changed into his work uniform and began another long shift, the sounds of clattering dishes drowning out his thoughts.