A peaceful day after the hideous and frazzling journey through the cracks of thunder, Namjoon was seen relishing the bright sunny day in the artificial garden.

The pastel blue of the sky hugged him with warmth as the rays fell on his clear skin. To epitome his peace, it was such a hush that he could listen to the small waves pushing through at the far stretched sea shore. However impractical it may sound, he could feel a surreal path of its travel to him.

Although, the huge chunk of weight was gone and without a doubt, he was relieved about the aftermath. He didn't feel anything extraordinary as he had anticipated even for a moment. Like fulfilment. Or content.

He was missing his smile.

As he sipped the lazy afternoon coffee, a buzzing ringtone stirred him up to receive it.

*Over the call*

NJ : Yes, Attorney Wang? (-with a tranquil mien-)

AT. WANG : I am so sorry to intrude your space at this hour. How are you doing?

NJ : Oh, please don't mention. I haven't been doing anything productive anyway. What are you calling about though? (-sips his coffee-)

AT. WANG : Well, it's about Seong PD's conviction. Although, they tried to show he is a psychic patient with tons of doctor's prescriptions whatsoever. The court still pronounced him a lifelong imprisonment with medical assistance however.

Lawyer Mun, in his last attempt, tried to present grounds for a lenient sentence. The current verdict was the maximum, the Jury could show mercy upon him.

NJ : Ah, I see.

Even after a confirmation that Kim Seong has been locked forever now, that he finally cut him off his life, Namjoon still felt the same. The emptiness prevailed, regardless.

NJ : Well, if that's fair.

AT. WANG : And about the penalized amount. Feel at ease. I will take care of it with your bank.

NJ : Thank you so much and sorry for the extra trouble, Byeonusa-nim. But, I would really appreciate if that sum is sent to some social work or charity anonymously.

AT. WANG : (-pleased to hear his words-) Sure thing. Your humble request will be taken care of at best.

NJ : (-smiles-) Ye, thank you again. Also, about Ok-Tak. How's his bail appeal advancing?

AT. WANG : Yes, I am on it. The sooner the appeal is granted, the sooner he will be out. And that soon can be today too. I will swing by the station to look at the progress.

NJ : Ah, that's a big relief.

AT. WANG : Also, by tomorrow morning, Seong PD will be shifted to the penitentiary.
Like you asked, if you could meet him once before that, you can do it today. In my opinion though, it would be better if you don't.

NJ : No, I really want to meet him one last time. I would like to ask him a few things personally. How are the meeting times like?

AT. WANG : Well, if you say so. You can drop by at any hour in the evening.

NJ : Will be there.

AT. WANG : Keep in mind, he would always try to provoke you to bring unnecessary chaos. You shouldn't lose your cool in any means.

His eyes stared at the figure standing next to him in that small space of the garden. He found a certain strength in her innocent and unaware stare that she returned.

NJ : (-looking ahead-) Yes, don't worry. I will be fine.

AT. WANG : All right, then. Hope to see you at the center.

With Namjoon's formal approval, Attorney ended the call.

Who better than Seol Ah could notice his missing gleam that was still nowhere to be seen in his face. But she decided to keep her concerns under cover then.

After the call he was once again immersed, enjoying his coffee with his thoughts swirling inside. And Seol Ah, standing beside him by the railing and seeing his indifference, spilled out her curiosity in the next moment.

SEOL AH : Are you heading somewhere?

NJ : (-not looking at her-) Hm. To the detention center, meeting SK before he is locked up in his permanent prison.

SEOL AH : Ah, I see. (-briefly after-) Can I also join your ride?

Namjoon turned his gaze at Seol Ah, waiting for her to reason herself out on the very idea.

SEOL AH : (-hesitant-) It's been quite stuffy lately. I wanted to get some fresh air.

NJ : (-looks ahead-) Okay.

Seol Ah was already at reviewing some more words to persuade him, but he readily agreed— quite to her surprise.

Maybe her honesty gained his consideration, she thought. To her unawareness, he felt that was the least he could do to sooth her pain and help sort her feelings.

.

.

• Seoul Detention Centre •

.

.

SEOL AH : (-outside the center-) Will you be fine?

NJ : (-nods-) Don't worry. I will return soon.

She shook her head in agreement with a small smile, as he turned around to walk into the station.

Kim and Seol Ah quietly watched his direction until they were cut off his view.

SEOL AH : Dae Min-ah. I have a few things to buy.

KIM : Oh, okay. Get in the car, I will take you to the store.

SEOL AH : There's no need for that. I noticed a stationary house down the road. That would do.

KIM : Ah, is it? Alright. Lead the way.

.

.

.

Heading inside, Namjoon's sight was focused to someone very distinct with her outfits and appearance.

NJ : Ha Neul-ah? (-walks towards her-)

HA NEUL : (-noticing him-) Oppa, My Dad~ (-tears forming-) My Dad doesn't want to see me. (-tearing up-)

She bawled her eyes looking down, unable to speak any longer.
Namjoon didn't waste a second and pulled her into a hug to comfort.

He gently embraced her head, giving her a hide to cry her heart out. It must've been hard for her, he thought to himself.

NJ : I am so sorry, Ha Neul-ah.

Although she listened to everything he said in clear words, she didn't make any kind of response as she continued her sobs.

.

.

.

NJ : Why? Like, is everything just because of that one rejection? Fine if it is, you had all tooth with me. Why did you bring the girls into this?

SEONG PD : Didn't I get you better that way? (-smirks-)

NJ : What do you mean? They were only my managers, how would you get me better that way?

SEONG PD : Oh, come on. Good people have this weakness for loved ones. Which, in your case, were these girls. Plural. Past and Present.

For some reason, it stinged him to be tuned with the PD's words. He kept Attorney's warns and contained himself.

NJ : (-forced chuckle-) Funny, 'cause you never got me through them.

SEONG PD : Well, ha ha. And, if I was wrong,  better things are coming. The future might sure get you, kid. My last present to you shall reach you on time, even if I am not the one personally to deliver it to you.

NJ : Good thing, you do believe in a better future. And inspirational to see, you haven't given up yet.

SEONG PD : (-grins amusingly-) If you could win me over. You are going to be just like me in that 'better' future of yours. Men are all the same.

NJ : Men might be. Beasts don't count. And rest assured, I am going to make a serious effort not to match our wavelengths, ever again.

SEONG PD : Oh, you seem confident about that. But, are you certain, you have nothing more to lose?

NJ : Are you assuring yourself by alarming a threat or is it just how you speak normally?

The fire was spilling out in words, very unlike Namjoon. But, he never cared less about his benignity or nature to have that conversation with him then.

He needed it.

SEONG PD : (-laughs-) You had me barred, yet you seem scared of me. Giggles.

NJ : PD-nim, don't delude yourself between scared and careful. Just because you are fearless, not taking heeds of the hungry beast isn't the smartest thing to do.

SEONG PD : (-smile drops to glares-) Are you happy now? Are you contended to see me caged, finally?

Namjoon had no comeback to that. He felt at a loss of words. There was a moment of intense stare between the two, until an officer interrupted.

OFFICER : Your meeting time's over.

Namjoon without any complaints, stirred up to leave when Seong PD made his last comment of the night.

SEONG PD : Think over it, Namjoon. To save you time, you are not. (-grins-) You never wanted this!

An officer inside the cell, forced Kim Seong away from there.

And as Namjoon was being escorted back to the main station, he was occupied pondering over the PD's question.

"Was I really wanting this?" He mumbled to his wrecked soul, covered in shackled wounds and desolated.

If this day was what he truly wanted, why hasn't the soul shown any signs of recovery or improvement? Why was it still in the same damage that it was in before?

However, it didn't reach him back with any answers as he found himself hollow and lost, yet again.

Upon reaching, he was distracted by the faint voice of Ha Neul. She was talking to some guy that appeared like Ok Tak from behind.

With the distance closing in, Namjoon was confirmed about it and the words leaving Ha Neul's mouth were heard.

HA NEUL : Oppa, how could you do that to dad? Did you forget the time, he picked you up from that dumpster you were living in? How could you be so evil and heartless?

By her last words, Ok Tak was reminded of the night where Ha Neul didn't show the slightest of humanity to help the staggered Seol Ah.

OK TAK : Heartless. Me? Ha Neul-ah, you should watch what you say.

HA NEUL : Could you have? No worder, your mom was behind your upbringing. You only know to betray your family.

"His Family?" A reflexive question teased in Namjoon's mind as they conversed further.

OK TAK : Kim Ha Neul! (-calms down-) Call me names, say me words. That isn't going to change Uncle's deeds. If not me, someone had to step up to bring about this day.

HA NEUL : Cut that crap! I don't want to know, what he did. To me, he is the best single father out of all that exists.

Ok Tak held himself not to counter her words anymore. The story of Kim Seong being a single dad was a legend he was first exposed to. Ever since, he was taken in by his grandfather in the same household as Ha Neul and her father.

Her mother cheating on him was the biggest scar Kim Seong has ever received in his entire life. Consequently, he adopted severe sleep disorders since then.
It was bone breakingly hard for him to manage the two sides of life, both emotionally and physically.
His growing entertainment agency was on one hand, and his two year old daughter—who required constant attention and affection to grow healthy on the other.

The grandfather, although having an empire of business, wanted to test his two sons in the field of commerce— before fairly choosing the laudable inheritor of the company. Within a span of three years, they had to build up a business plan completely out of the box, right from scratch.

Thus, the two brothers set off to build their small businesses when mid-way, the younger dropped out and married Ok Tak's mother.  Even without a competitor, young Kim Seong's father wanted him to continue and show his worth in the field.

But amidst the passion of his own blood shed company, he chose to pursue his entertainment agency even after the three year mark had passed. And later, received help from his father's company as well.

Years of dedication and overwork, he was successful to build one of the most famous and wealthy businesses in Korea. Not to mention, a beautifully nurtured and successful daughter.
Found out about her mother, she had shaped a little to the insensitive and harsh personality. But she was a beautiful person raised with care by the males of the house.

Kim Seong, on the other side, when finally reached the peaks of success. When finally, he could breath an hour in rest, felt laying chics was justified on his part for having cheated on.

Taking the path of evil is never justified. And this could never reach the conscience of the emotionally wounded CEO of the skyscraping company.

For a sound conclusion, there always has to be a 'for-against' debate.
Giving hate at receiving so, just piles up the meter until it explodes and much likely destroy one.

Just like the hardwork he invested to building his fame and agency was destroyed, by the hate he had embraced in his heart for his ex-wife.

Could any of it have never happened, if he never opted to sexual assault?
Could it be a different present, if his wife never cheated on him?

Where could this have made a difference?
Who was to blame?

Who was at fault?

—Fate?

The complicated mindset we tend to feed, on numerous exposures to various situations.
It grows with such subtle changes, that one often fails to tell the difference until they look back at themselves from a large time span.

Different situations mend our soul in certain ways. Which, we initially have the strength to make a choice of its direction of growth.
But, we get the realization when it's hardened and often breaks due to the excessive pressure applied. Just like, it is easier to manipulate or influence a child than a teenager. The hormones ‐ the dried out cement‐make them impulsive and break apart from reality more easily.

All, leading to depression with unhealthy anxiety, another common infirmity that has nearly engulfed every other human being in this competitive epoch. Human emotions have been so suppressed under the censorious and prejudiced society until rotten, that all these sentiments make their way out in repulsive reactions ultimately.

They say, the path of righteous is not easy. They don't say it wrong.
Even a simple math addition was not easy initially, but as we grew through the functioning of mathematics, it is now one of the easiest theories gisting the known mathematics of today.

Of course, not all additions are going to be as easy as 1 + 1, it might give one a little headache but one would eventually tackle pass the sum, some day or the other.

Setting free of the suppressed minds and spontaneity shall bring a little more peace, if not to a great extent.

With Ha Neul's raged storm out from the detention center, Ok Tak turned around to go to the Attorney. As he did, he was a little stunned to see Namjoon in the straight vicinity.

Ok Tak was hiding about his family, just so Namjoon wouldn't feel burdened about receiving his help. Turns out, one can never hide the truth for too long.

NJ : Tak-ah, mind explaining a little? Your family?

OK TAK : Ye. You're right. Apparently, Seong Pd-nim is my Uncle. Dad's elder brother.

Namjoon was too perplexed to form out any word or reaction to that unexpected revelation.

NJ : I-I am sorry, I didn't-... I don't know what to say.

He couldn't find better words to fill the silence then. Even though, what Kim Seong did was worthy of taking an offense on, standing against a family member was not the most pleasant task for anyone.

OK TAK : It's okay, Hyung. Our family is a little messed up from the beginning anyway. Don't worry about it. (-smiles-)

But, maybe his smile reduced the weight a little. Seeing him fine, although a show it was, Namjoon wanted to believe it the way he was expected to.

Attorney Wang soon interrupted their talk as he returned with the documents of the bail.

AT. WANG : Ok Tak-ssi, you grandfather is waiting for you in the car outside.

OK TAK : Ah, okay. Thank you so much for everything, Byeonusa-nim.

AT. WANG : Don't mention it. I just did what I am paid for. Here's your file. Live a good life.

Ok Tak gently taking the file, bowed to both Attorney and Namjoon as he took his leave with a formal smile.

AT. WANG : (-turning to Namjoon-) Meeting's over? Anything ugly occurred?

NJ : (-smiles-) No, everything went pretty smooth.

While Namjoon and Attorney carried out a small talk, meantime Ha Neul—who had left the station earlier, located Seol Ah waiting outside.

She advanced to her and projected her flat palm, aiming directly at Seol Ah. However, the latter quick with reflexes, dodged away right on time.
Seol Ah next, out of practice, immediately twisted Ha Neul's hand behind her back, spawning a wince from her.

She let go of her hand with a little push causing Ha Neul to walk a few steps ahead.

The younger, getting her balance back, shot glares at Seol Ah, quickly turning around to face her.

SEOL AH : This is a police station. Look around before you attempt to hit anyone.

Ha Neul's rage had a mixed turn around. From the vex filled eyes, her gaze changed into resentful ones.

HA NEUL : You are an Eonnie, aren't you?

Seol Ah was caught off guard at her respectful address, that she didn't know how to respond for a moment.

SEOL AH : Ha- Ha Neul-ssi.

HA NEUL : You just robbed me off of everything. Before, it was Joon Oppa. Now, my Dad too? (-dry chuckle-) I look really pathetic, don't I eonnie?

SEOL AH : I am sorry, Ha Neul-ssi.

HA NEUL : You should be. I want you to be. I want you to be sorry to me for the rest of your life.

Seol Ah didn't make any comments, for strangely she was feeling apologetic towards her.

Ha Neul could discern Namjoon, leaving the station. And, hating to encounter him at that moment, she called her driver to pull the car over to her spot.

Before Namjoon made it there, Ha Neul roared off with Seol Ah's gaze following their motion.

She kept looking at the exit gate even after the car was no more visible.

Only then, she was interrupted by Namjoon coming from her behind.

NJ : Are you alright?

SEOL AH : (-turns around-) Oh, yeah. I am fine.

NJ : Did she say something to upset you?

Seol Ah relived the moment of Ha Neul's resentful face, before speaking.

SEOL AH :  No, she didn't. She was just saying bye.

It wasn't hard to buy her lie since Namjoon hasn't seen sides of Ha Neul other than the little innocent junior he adored. For the record, the hotel incident was almost completely forgotten by him. It was a busy day, Chae Ri's truths and Seol Ah's con had him so reserved, he hardly even registered Ha Neul's presence in that night.

NJ : But, what's in that bag?

SEOL AH : Ah, this? Just a few things I wanted to buy. And I had Dae Min to be with me. So, no, I was not alone.

NJ : (-awkward-) Oh, okay.

It was amusing to watch her voluntarily answer every possible doubt of his. Well trained, she was.

SEOL AH : Let me call Kim to bring the car here-

NJ : (-cutting her off-) No, let's walk. I have my thoughts to sort too. And walking always works.

SEOL AH : (-nods, zipping her bag-) Okay.

The parking was not a long stroll to have, so they marched slower than an usual walking pace.

There were peak moments of silence.

Namjoon derived to a realization that, after the talk with Kim Seong, he felt significantly lighter.
On a reflective analysis of the day, he found himself mostly keeping quiet. Or having a peculiar irritability whilst the must-do talks with Seol Ah, causing them to come out slightly rude.

He was relieved that atleast he could be nicer from that moment ticking, more like him. Silently, Namjoon hoped she didn't mind his mood from earlier.

He was gripped in a vulnerability, where he would instantly feel guilty towards her even over the most petty matters.

Seol Ah, on the other page, was engrossed concerning over her complex. Bullies choking her sleeps to nightmares was not enough, now topped the haunting night of SK entertainment.

She believed she was going to overcome it one day, yet her heart would yearn for that instant to inch towards her a little faster, a little sooner.

Both, in absolute needs of the words to escape from their marshy thoughts, broke the silence at the same time.

NJ & SEOL AH : (-in sync-) So-

A casual grin plastered over their faces. From the moment being in a verge to drown in the pool of concerns, to laughing it off as if nothing strange has ever happened. They did it their way. Pretend it's all okay, and together it becomes all okay.

Although Namjoon got the boss privilege, he dropped it anyway.

NJ : You go first.

SEOL AH : (-smiles-) Alright. (-after a pause-) How do you feel? About the whole thing?

______

Pt.2 :- 9 p.m KST. ;)

Who missed that?