84 Unsettled Hearts (1/2)

The next day, a peculiar atmosphere lingered in the house.

”In Guk-oppa?” Yeo Ri entered the kitchen, stumbling upon In Guk's figure. She was about to cook breakfast, but was surprised to see that there was already someone awake before her.

”In Guk-oppa, is that beer? Why are you drinking so early in the morning?” She asked, astonished.

”It's nothing. I just felt like it,” he forced a smile, replying to the younger girl's question.

”How strange,” Yeo Ri muttered, shaking her head. She smiled playfully at In Guk, ”Did you break up with your girlfriend or something?”

”...Something like that.” In Guk smiled ruefully.

”Aw, cheer up, Oppa,” Yeo Ri approached him, patting his arm comfortingly.

”Thanks, Yeo Ri-ah,” In Guk smiled, concealing his pain. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't forget about the things he had heard the day before. It pained him to know that Yeo Ri had been fighting her own battle for so long; enduring silently, unable to cry for help.

”What should I make for breakfast, Oppa? I'll cook anything you want,” she offered with a smile. Perhaps food can heal his broken heart, she thought.

”Mm. Just make whatever you want. I'm fine with whatever you make,” In Guk replied. He was planning to drown himself in liquor and had no appetite, so he didn't request anything.

”If you say so,” Yeo Ri shrugged. Since he said he was fine, she decided to make their usual breakfast.

While she was cooking as In Guk watched her, Heo Woo Seung walked past the kitchen.

In Guk got up, greeting the older man. ”Hello, sir.” He had not realised that Heo Woo Seung was back since he was too caught up with Hyuk's issues.

”In Guk-ah, you're drinking beer so early in the morning?” The older man raised an eyebrow in question.

In Guk hurriedly hid the beer can in his hand behind his back, ”Ah, yes...” he lowered his head with a slight feeling of shame.

Heo Woo Seung's sight drifted to Yeo Ri who was currently cooking. His eyes flashed imperceptibly and he tensed slightly. However, his reaction remained unnoticed by the two younger kids.

Yeo Ri noticed Heo Woo Seung's presence and hurriedly bowed in greeting. ”Good morning, Uncle.”