Chapter 1 - Episode 1 (1/2)

Episode 1

“Your father thought you’d never wake up. My sister told me to never give up hope though…”

“…”

Se-young’s eyes gazed up at the white ceiling with the empty look of someone who had lost their soul.

“They both said that they could never forgive those bastards. They swore to get a just punishment, no matter what…”

Although they promised vengeance for their son, the word “justice” slowly became meaningless. Tears leaked out of Seyoung’s dry eyes, silently escaping down the side of his face.

“They put all their effort into filing a lawsuit. When the detective and prosecutor asked them to settle, your father refused vehemently. He didn’t want the money, but the punishment.”

The aunt’s voice began to tremble as if it were drowning in emotions. She was the aunt who got married when Se-young was in second or third grade and went to study in the United States. There were no clear memories of her from his childhood, and later on, they only briefly communicated through the phone.

“They couldn’t accept the result. I would have been angry too. Eight people attacked and hospitalized you, but all they offered was ten thousand in compensation money. To add insult to injury, the school refused to act beyond suspensions. The students, your homeroom teacher, and the school principal were only suspended. The superintendent got off with a cautionary warning.”

“…”

“It was completely unfair. My brother-in-law and sister are usually quiet people, but they started to change after the incident. They printed fliers, made online ads, wrote articles, and attempted to rally a group of your acquaintances.”

Seyoung knew better than anyone else how difficult it would have been for his father and mother.

Those kids. I know what their parents are like.

“Your father ignored his company work entirely. My sister came to see you whenever she had time, and she didn’t even think about going home. All I could do was stay by your side when I was in the country.”

“…”

“Despite their efforts. People didn’t notice. Even if they posted on the web, it would get taken down in the blink of an eye. All the requests for investigation made by acquaintances were useless. Two reporters who reported on your attack said they were fired or transferred to the provinces. Your father discovered how unbelievably powerful their parents were. The police, prosecutors, and  reporters were all dancing in the palm of their hands.”

Se-young’s aunt retold the past with as much detail as possible, saying that it was his duty to know the truth of what happened.

“You were still stuck in a coma, and those bastards went back to school after their suspension as if nothing had happened. How did you think your parents felt?”

The aunt’s thin, trembling voice intensified.

“That’s why… I think… your father… in front of the Gwanhwamun gate… poured gasoline over his body… and”

It’s like a dream.

It must be a dream.