Better Together (Taegguk) 13

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Mr. and Mrs. Jeon, along with their eldest son, Jeon Mingyu, his wife Taeyeon, and their two daughters, Mina and Minseo, lived under one roof.

The household was a picture of family harmony, with Mrs. Jeon often doting on her grandchildren and Taeyeon taking on the role of the perfect daughter-in-law.

Mingyu, a successful office worker, was the pride of his father, Mr. Jeon, who valued stability and traditional career paths.

But Jeon Jeongguk, the youngest son, was a different story.

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At 19, Jeongguk had left the Jeon family home, cutting ties after a bitter argument with his father.

The memory of that day still stung for the family, especially Mrs. Jeon, who tried her best to maintain a connection with her youngest son, even after he walked out of their lives.

It all started when Jeongguk announced that he wanted to pursue boxing professionally.

At the time, he had already begun fighting in underground matches, not just for passion but for money.

The Jeons were not a wealthy family, more lower-middle-class, and Jeongguk knew his family couldn't offer him the opportunities that others might have.

But Mr. Jeon, a man of strict principles, was against the idea of his son pursuing such a dangerous and uncertain path.

He wanted Jeongguk to follow in Mingyu's footsteps, to get an office job and secure a stable future.

Mr Jeon

(angry)Boxing? You're throwing your life away for some reckless dream!

Mr Jeon

Look at your brother—he has a good, stable job. That’s what you should be aiming for.

young Jeongguk

I'm not Mingyu! I don’t want to sit in an office all day! Boxing is what I love, and I’m good at it. Why can’t you see that?

The argument had escalated quickly. Mr. Jeon’s voice rose with frustration, while Jeongguk’s stubbornness only fueled the fire.

Their relationship had always been tense. Jeongguk, with his rebellious streak and hot-headed nature, clashed with his father’s more conservative outlook.

Mr Jeon

You're not thinking straight! How can you make a living out of fighting underground? It’s not a real career!

young Jeongguk

(gritting his teeth)Maybe it’s not real to you, but it's real to me! I’ll make it on my own, and I don’t need your approval!

With that, Jeongguk had stormed out of the house, leaving his father behind in stunned silence.

Determined to prove himself, to show his father that he could make a name for himself without anyone’s help.

And so, at 19, Jeongguk had cut ties with his family, vowing never to return.

Mrs. Jeon, heartbroken but supportive, kept in touch with her youngest son, understanding that Jeongguk needed to follow his own future.

His brother, Mingyu, though the more obedient and traditional of the two, quietly supported Jeongguk’s career choice, even if he didn’t fully understand it.

Mrs Jeon

(on the phone with Jeongguk, after he left)I know your father is stubborn, Jeongguk, but he just wants what’s best for you.

Mrs Jeon

I’ll always support you, no matter what. Just promise me you’ll stay safe.

young Jeongguk

(softly) I will, Mom. Thanks for understanding.

Mingyu, though caught between his father and brother, often checked in with Jeongguk, offering quiet encouragement.

Unlike their father, Mingyu respected Jeongguk’s passion, even if it was unconventional.

Jeon Mingyu

(in one of their rare calls)You’ve always been stubborn, but that’s what makes you strong.

Jeon Mingyu

Just keep your head on straight and don’t lose sight of why you’re doing this.

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Now, years later, Jeongguk had made a name for himself as a two-time IBA champion and a three-time BAK titleholder.

He lived on his own, in an apartment far from the Jeon family home. Though he had achieved success in the world of boxing, the rift with his father remained.

He hadn’t spoken to Mr. Jeon in years, but his mother and brother had always been a part of his life, quietly rooting for him from the sidelines.

As much as Jeongguk tried to convince himself that he didn’t care about his father’s approval.

Small part of him still longed for it.

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