JI HAE : Wha-

Ji Hae was soon prompted to the realization that she had been ignorant, all the way long.

Mr.KIM : Yes. Her Uncle told me that her memories of Taehyung have erased completely.

Ji Hae could match the pieces now that it all made sense, as to why Jae Ra hadn't shown any signs of familiarity towards Taehyung during the trip.

Mr.KIM : If she has moved forward from her past. There's nothing for you to be guilty anymore. She is almost non-existent to our lives now. And so are we to her's.

Never had she thought, that this mere fact would bring her such relief in the current emotional crisis.

Little did she know, it was a bodily mechanism that breaks us free from an excruciating pain. It finds all unbelievable ways to protect the peace of our mind and attain stability.

Unlike Jae Ra, whose brain has seized those painful memories. Ji Hae's, had only deviated her attention to elsewhere- in a labor to dail down her self blame.

Mr.KIM : Taehyung-ie will also stay away from her. That's how her Uncle has arranged the matters between them in NewYork.

JI HAE : He met her Uncle in NewYork?

Mr.KIM : (-nods-) He was the one to prevent any possibilities of them getting back together. And with this assurance, I am asking you to know that, present matters more. Let's all live in peace and happiness from now on.

Further draping his wrongdoings, Mr.Kim continued his pep talk with his daughter-in-law.

Meanwhile, with the abalone porridge wheeled by a worker, Mrs.Kim was leading the path to Ji Hae's room.
Taehyung patiently watched her movements and waited till she was back to know if everything was alright.

Quite to his unconsciousness, he was rather taking nibbling bites in the wait. Just so he could learn about the matter, before running out of excuses to stay there.

In some time finally, as his mother walked back downstairs with an absent mind. She, took a seat near Taehyung to keep him company. Considering the situation, he attempted to break through the silence.

TH : What's all the ruckus about? (-trying not to sound concerned-) Is she fine?

Mrs.KIM : (-in a tensed tone-) Onh, she seems so. Anyways, what about Jaehyung? Is he awake yet?

TH : No, he was really tired last night. So, I let him sleep through.

Mrs.KIM : (-nods-) Right. Let the child rest. And you. Why don't you rest for a day too?

TH : I had plenty of it last night.

He paused for a moment, thinking how his words contradicted with the truth. The night he spent wetting his pillows, was known to none. Taehyung was hurting from his father's harsh comments on his dead son and all the immorality he and JaeRa had to bear on.

The cursed fate he was stuck with, he wondered his fault to deserve it. No voice of comfort, no sound of solace embraced his crumpled soul in the cold hours of dark. He weeped and weeped quietly under the sheets and none heard his yearns.

TH : (-continues-) Moreover, I have things to catch up on with others. I am the one behind.

Mrs.KIM : (-nods half heartedly-) Eat well.

Taehyung noticed her being lost in her thoughts once again, wearing a bothered expression. However, before he could ask her about it, she spoke up first.

Mrs.KIM : Taehyung-ah.

TH : Yes? (-attentive-)

Mrs.KIM : I don't want to sound nosy so just hear me out first. (-sighs-) See I know you have been having it the hardest to cope with everything. And I am not pushing you too much but..

Taehyung, totally unaware of what was coming next, took a spoonful bite as he waited for her to complete.

Mrs.KIM : ...but you should be a little more concerned about Ji hae now. Alongwith the mother of your son, she is also your wife.

His chews slowly lost the enthusiasm of someone enjoying the food. He quaffed down some water to forcefully gulp the bite in his mouth.

Mrs.KIM : I am not asking you to do everything for her at once. But, atleast try and begin with small things. Jaehyung has started preschool now, you can spare some attention to her as well.

Taehyung quietly listened to her words which were prickling as they were. Ji Hae was innocent and never deserved his cold treatment, in his knowledge too. But then again, it was easier to blame someone else than yourself. And so he was trying to do, with Ji Hae without a help.

TH : (-in a low voice-) I also want to treat her better.

Mrs.KIM : (-holding his hand-) Then what's stopping you?

All the emotions he was bottling inside, wanted to blast out at her soft motherly call. He felt more secure around her. Was more urged, to let his guard down for once and share his deepest feelings with someone he trusted.

TH : ...everytime I look at her... (-sniffles-) I am reminded of the fact that I cheated on Jae Ra even though I was drunk. And I still don't recall any of it. It just infuriates me so much that I end up taking it out on Ji hae-ssi.

Mrs.KIM : But, isn't that unfair to her? She can understand you once, twice, maybe a few more times. But it is not possible to understand everytime. Don't you think?

TH : (-nods and sniffles-) That is the reason, I try to avoid her as much as possible.

He looked up at his mom in his most vulnerable state. Mrs.Kim could easily read her son's gloomy eyes with transparent despair in them.

TH : Eomma, I- (-voice cracks-) -I don't hate her.

Mrs.KIM : (-firms her grip on his hand-) Taehyung-ah, my son. Don't hate yourself too.

Taehyung instantly felt his stuffed sentiments choking up his guts at his mother's words. Her speaking his heart, melted his cold freeze from feeling the persisting ache in his chest- as he wetted his lips, habitually.

Mrs.KIM : Everyone makes a mistake. Not taking responsibility is what makes it worse. And you are doing beyond your strengths to provide for yours. So don't be too hard on yourself. And not your family as well.

Taehyung, looking down, reflected on his shortcomings and quietly sounded an agreement.

Mrs.KIM : Little efforts from you can mean a lot to her. Just promise to your mom that you will try.

He slightly nodded, not wanting to upset or disappoint his mother. The only person, he truly cares aside Jaehyung.

In the next moment, Taehyung's father distracted their attention as he climbed down the stairs.

Mr.KIM : (-in a loud tone-) Take better care of Ji Hae. How do you want me to face her father if he saw her in this state toda-

Taehyung, cutting him off, raised up from the dinning.

TH : I am getting late, mom. Also, I will be staying at the dorms for this week. If Jaehyung hassles you too much, give me a call, I will try to drop by.

Not sparing a single glance to his father, Taehyung simply left the house with his belongings.

Mr.KIM : Did he just ignore my presence here?

Mrs.KIM : Let him breath. You already know how he is when you bring up about Ji hae like that.

As much as Taehyung's mother was right, Mr.Kim sure felt the difference in his son's attitude towards him now. And deciding to give him space and the time to absorb everything, Mr.Kim let it slide as his wife had asked.

Mrs.KIM : You have a meeting in the company today, if you remember. I will check on Ji hae once, while you prepare to leave.

Mr.Kim respectfully obliged with his wife's suggestion as he made his way to their room.

And while he began to suit up for the meeting, Mr.Kim's mind drove back to the time when he deceived Taehyung's mother into the mess.

How precisely he intricated all the threads of lies, fascinated him but more inclined to sarcasm. From faking JaeRa and the newborn's death to making Mrs.Kim play the required roles, even without her knowledge.

The little details to recieve Taehyung's phone call in her stead when they were all in the hospital after the accident. Later, making her leave the same-right after the call-so that the fake death be executed smoothly in her absence. Everything was still translucent in Mr.Kim's memories, given that memory sharpness decline with age.

The big mastershot was to prevent Taehyung's mother from attending the burial rituals. Therefore, she was narrated that JaeRa and the newborn counted their last breaths later the same night. And that, JaeRa's Uncle, losing his conscience after the sudden news, absentmindedly arranged all the services. Thus, he finally ringed Mr.Kim very early in the morning, just before the bury.

The latter, in extreme shock, left the Kim mansion without his wife to attend the ritual. Which, had actually been the airport in reality but a "burial ceremony" known to Taehyung's mother.

In the airport, Mr.Kim saw them off, as Jae Ra was flown away in her unconscious state by her Uncle. With, the special flight arrangements made by the help of Taehyung's father.

While Taehyung and his mother were told two different hours of JaeRa's death, Mr.Kim adulterated the time issued by the hospital. And it never really rose any questions in their simple minds since the date was common to both.

Although, all those scenes were played without a single error or suspicion from anyone. Years of experience with life had been hunching Mr.Kim, of an unexpected and an unanticipated near future. He was well versed with nature's ways. No matter how one tried to cover the truth, that it finds its light to the surface eventually.

The only question floating in the back of his mind was, how near was that near future?

Far away the seas and lands, it had been a couple of days since the Korean trip being announced at the dinner. Jae Ra was skeptical about her Uncle coming on board to the same but trusted SungYeol with the persuasion.

Soon as her and Seo-In's wait outside, met an end, SungYeol came out of his father's room alongwith Mr.Jang. The two curious gazes were fixed around the men for a response.

SEO-IN : Oppa, what happened?

SUNG YEOL : He will say.

JAE RA : Are we shooting a K-drama here? Please anyone, just say it!

Mr.JANG : (-unwillingly-) We are going to Korea.

SEO-IN : Jae Ra too, right?

Mr.Jang seemed defeated as he nodded his head, slightly. Left with no other choice against his very own son's threatening words, he had to comply.

JAE RA : Thank you, Uncle.

He gazed up at her, but instantly stole the glance away as if he was unable to bear looking straight at her eyes. And with the most weak 'goodnight', Mr.Jang retrieved to his room quietly.

Immediately after, Seo In pulled Jae Ra into a hug celebrating the little success.

SEO-IN : We did it! We are going to Korea!

With Seo In deliberately pronouncing the words, Jae Ra couldn't but feel her lips curve into a smile as they parted from the brief embrace.

JAE RA : Ah, but SungYeol-ah. How did you talk him into this? I remember him flipping out when I just mention Korea.

SUNG YEOL : (-being cocky-) Consider yourself lucky, that I am your brother.

JAE RA : (-annoyed-) Stop being conceited!

SUNG YEOL : (-fakes scare-) Honey, does she look like she would kill me if I say something cheeky next?

SEO IN : Umm... I think you would better not do that. (-pats his back-)

SUNG YEOL : Gotcha. (-in all seriousness-) Persuading him.. infact anyone is not a big deal, when you know their weaknesses. And I happen to know one of my dad's.

JAE RA : And what's that?

SungYeol, wanting to escape her question, resorted back to his cheeky self to take the lead again.

SUNG YEOL : Well that's... (-pointing at himself-) ...me. His weakness.

SeoIn snorted a laugh, both at SungYeol's cocksure and Jae Ra's poker faced silence. SungYeol couldn't help his giggle at her face either, but grew conscious to find Jae Ra in search of something.

SUNG YEOL : (-to Seo In-) Do you think, she is looking for something to stab me, right through my throat?

SEO IN : I sure do.

SungYeol finding that moment the perfect time to talk out his worry, held JaeRa's shoulders and straightened her posture.

SUNG YEOL : Calm down, missy. I just wanted to ask, if you will be fine there.

JaeRa stabilized from her annoyance by his rather serious tone. Sung Yeol withdrew his hands after and continued.

SUNG YEOL : I mean, the same house, the same surroundings. It must be tough on your head.

JAE RA : We are not going to stay at Hotels?

SUNG YEOL : Why stay at hotels when you have your home?

JAE RA : Right. I have been worried about that too. It's not like Uncle didn't let me return there for no reason. Dr.Mike told him the complications, which scared Uncle in the first place.

SUNG YEOL : Did you personally hear it yourself from your doctor?

JAE RA : Onh? No, I just heard it from Uncle Jang. And I didn't want to get upset once again so I never spoke about it to the doc.

SUNG YEOL : Jae Ra.

Having no continuation, Jae Ra looked up at SungYeol to show her attention.

SUNG YEOL : To tell you honestly, I have talked to Dr.Mike before even planning all these. Just so I could know, if you will be fine traveling with us.

JAE RA : You did? What did he say?

Through that very call, SungYeol came to know the difference in the doctor's suggestion for her lost memories and his father's version of it.

Although, her doctor alerted the possible complications of severe headaches and immediate medical assistance in the worst scenario. He also stated the greater chance of her memories reviving, if she is around the familiar people and environments that her memories are made up of.
Therefore, with a little extra care and attention, Jae Ra stood a high chance to live her life just like it was before the accident.

SungYeol's father not only exaggerated on her complications being a blunt death, which is the rarest case. But also, never mentioned the possibilites of the potential recovery from her dissociative amnesia. Wherein, the diagnosed brain blocks some of the important information due to a trauma or stress.

SungYeol took a few moments to absorb that and connected it with the recently found intentions of his father. Henceforth, he strategically planned the trip to Korea without giving either of them, any hunch of what he was brewing under his smile.

SUNG YEOL : Well, he had warned me about your conditions that might get triggered once we are there. But, don't worry, since he also assured that you will be fine if it's like for a short while. We are not settling there anyways.

JAE RA : (-a little scared-) Did he mention what exactly might be my reactions? Or how severe those headaches going to be?

SUNG YEOL : About that, I have made an appointment with him to take the details. It'd be better if you can come too. You can ask him anything directly.

JAE RA : Ah, that'll be awesome. 'Guess, I will have to adjust my schedule. Thanks SungYeol-ah. I hate to admit it, but you're the best brother.

SungYeol smiled with a pure heart at her words. He then, finding it hard to contain his hurt from pouring down through his eyes, ruffled JaeRa's frontal hair to cut off his vision of her.

JAE RA : YOU-

Before she completed, SungYeol sped towards his room for his dear life. He shouted a goodnight from the far distance that he covered in those flash seconds.

Jae Ra lightly chuckled, deciding to let him slide this time.

SEO-IN : Your brother is such a kid.

JAE RA : I know, right?

SEO-IN : It's endearing. Makes me love him even more.

JAE RA : (-sighs-) What was I even expecting?

As the days neared, from the appointment with Dr.Mike, Jae Ra was prescribed a higher dose of her medications in case of severity. And advised to take them only if the regular batch doesn't aid the pain.

Soon as the packing began in New York, the guilty ones in Korea started to feel more anxious with each passing day to an unpredictable future.

Ji Hae, busking under the sunlight falling into her balcony, was distracted by a maid- one fine afternoon.

MAID : Ma'am. Sir Taehyung has sent you a bouquet of flowers.

Unlike the expected surprise, Ji Hae was rather least interested to even care look at the flowers. She had been receiving those ever since their marriage.

However, after the one time she found out that, Mr.Kim had been the one sending those flowers under Taehyung's name. She gave up anticipating for them, then on.

What grabbed her attention this time, were actually the maid's words that followed after.

MAID : But these are. . .

________

Did Taehyung really send the flowers this time?

:)