Min-Jun
Only Ava could like Eastern philosophy.
Like her uncle.
If she weren't so different physically, I'd say she really would be his daughter.
I remember the way he looked at her, so proud, so proud that this strong and talented girl bore his last name.
Roori has always been more fragile, shy, introverted. But she was sweetness personified. As she still is, only what she experienced has marked her.
She lived in the shadow of her mother's and sister's pain, she was marked by this family's hatred and didn't have the time to express it.
But now I'm here, even if it's in a stupid and perverse game like this one her grandfather invented.
The sound of footsteps behind me distracts me.
It's Susy.
She stares at us from afar with a thoughtful expression, then stops and watches us without saying anything.
Roori stiffens beside me.
I feel her hand reaching for me, seeking comfort.
And so the little viper hurt her too.
I squeeze her fingers gently, to convey my closeness.
"You here too, cousin?"
I give her a wry smile and notice that her face has gone pale.
She tugs at a long strand of chocolate-brown hair and purses her lips.
She nods slowly and finally takes a step toward us.
"Can I stay with you, Min-Jun?"
The request catches me off guard, and I narrow my eyes.
Why did she come?
To spy on us?
To hurt Roori?
She seems to understand my thoughts and shakes her head.
"Without that bitch Ava, I have no reason to be hostile towards Roori."
She takes a step forward and stops.
Roori studies her, squinting, but her lips are trembling.
"Do you want me to send her away?" I ask her in a low voice.
I see uncertainty cross her face, but she doesn't respond.
"Susy, why should you stay with us? You have to follow the path your email says," I remind her.
She nods slowly.
"Yes, but my email is empty."
This comment surprises me, but she comes closer and hands me her phone.
'You'll finally have to make a decision and figure out where you stand, Kim Susy. The life of ease and carefree living is over. Either you grow up, or you're out of this family.'
I read the message twice and frown.
Why was her grandfather so cruel to her?
And why, only now?
He let her do whatever she wanted: private schools, where she bullied other girls into doing her homework, while she went shopping or lounged on the couches of trendy homes. Not to mention the meanness and bullying she perpetrated against her poor classmates.
She spent a fortune on fashion, travel, and jewelry, just to show it off on social media and try to become an influencer. But despite the pomp, she never succeeded.
Too weak of character, too stupid to do anything.
And now, once again, she wants to exploit someone else.
I look at her sternly.
"Nothing to be done, little cousin. The message tells you to 'grow up,' not to rely on what you think is stronger, to get out of this situation. Get your little brain moving and start working."
I turn my back on her, take the book from Roori, and we leave the room.
I feel her hateful gaze on my skin, but I don't care.
I hear Roori's sigh of relief as we leave the room.
This time, I'm here, and I won't let my relatives distract me.
A dull thud and a barrage of curses come to me from the garden.
I hug Roori protectively and try to understand what's happening.
Hurried footsteps and people shouting orders overlap the noise, and I notice three men in black running toward the outer part of the garden.
"Stay here and don't move!" I order the girl, pushing her into a room. 'Lock the door and don't open it until I get back!'
'But, Min...'
'Now!'
I push her gently, but I close the door firmly.
What's going on again?
I open the door to the garden and my blood runs cold.
Ava is lying on the ground, her legs and arms sprawled, surrounded by three men holding tasers.
Could it be...?
No!
The mere thought makes my blood run cold as I shake myself and run toward her.