Chapter 88
The dim street was lit by the glow of streetlights. Do-Jun and Hyuk-Soo sat next to each other on a bench under one of the streetlights overlooking the Han River and the city’s nightscape.
Hyuk-Soo cracked open a beer can, and with a hiss, foam rose from the top of the can. He took a big gulp and exhaled a long breath.
Watching him, Do-Jun also opened his can and took a large sip. The carbonation tickled his throat in a refreshing way as it flowed down.
“This is where I come whenever my thoughts get too cluttered. Staring blankly at the night view helps me... I don’t know, clear my head? It’s kind of counterintuitive, really,” Hyuk-Soo said in explanation.
Do-Jun didn’t question him and simply stared at the same view. Now that he thought about it, this was the first time Hyuk-Soo had personally invited him out for a drink. He couldn’t refuse it, especially after seeing the complicated expression on his face when he suggested it.
“Your daughter is seventeen, right?” Hyuk-Soo asked him.
Do-Jun nodded.
“I think you are truly amazing, Do-Jun. Raising a kid all by yourself... I can’t even imagine what that’s like. Especially at that age when they’re so... sensitive.”
Raising a child was an unfathomable task for Hyuk-Soo. Starting next week, though, he would have to look after his four-year-old niece who lived next door. Even if it was just part-time babysitting in the evenings, he wondered if he could handle it.
He continued, “I’m a selfish guy... I can barely take care of myself, so I’m worried I’ll mess it up or, worse, end up being a burden. What if I come home after work, too exhausted to care for the kid?”
He let out a bitter laugh and drank his beer.