VIRAL LOVE Chapter 25 : PATERNAL “So you want her to move with you to London?” Mo-yeon has never seen her Sunbae this serious. While he had legally adopted her ever since her grandfather died, he has always acted like the fun uncle most of the time instead of an overprotective father. She remembers when she was 5 and how he was the only constant bright light in her lonely life; how he always found time visiting her while bringing gifts, teaching her how to read music notes, telling stories about her own parents whom he was close to. She had asked him then if she could call him “Appa” and he had just smiled. “If I had a kid I would want one exactly like you,” he had ruffled her hair playfully. “But I’m too young to be a father yet. Just called me Sunbae, Mo-yeon Ah. Because I’ll be the senior who teaches you how to be a great musician, arasso?” Her Sunbae has always been playful, but inside she knows he cares a lot about her. That’s why when she was almost sent to the orphanage he had stepped up despite his care-free way and signed the adoption petition. She has never seen her boyfriend this serious either. They are sitting in Sunbae’s living room, preparing to have dinner together with him and Eonnie. “We love each other very much, sir.” Si-jin's voice is steady and determined. Gone is the slightest trace of the nervous young man who always stuttered in front of his girlfriend’s adopted father. “I don’t want to be apart from her, no, I mean I can’t be apart from her. I will take care of her, sir. I would rather die first then hurt her in any way.” Mo-yeon watches her boyfriend with wide eyes. He is staring straight at Sunbae Song, not glancing at her. Sunbae Song stares right back. “Mo-yeon Ah, go help your mother.” Eh? Mother? Does he mean Eonnie? She wants to open to ask for clarification but Sunbae cuts her off. “Go now, please.” She sighs and relents, dropping a good luck kiss on Si-jin’s cheek in the process. Si-jin’s face doesn’t change, still as calm as ever. --- “Tell me one good reason why I should let her go with you.” “We love each other.” “Not good enough.” “I can’t live without her, sir.” “You’ll live just fine I think. She’s not oxygen or water.” He shakes his head. “She’s the one. I-I don’t care for a lot of people in my life, sir. It had always been me, my mom and my sister. Once I love, I won’t let go. Please sir, I know Mo-yeon feels the same. We’ll make it work with my career and hers. We’ll find a way, together.” Sunbae stays silent for a few seconds as Si-jin holds his breath. “Have you ever wondered why I sent you the message?” Si-jin blinks. “The one on the night of the charity event?” He nods. “Have you ever wondered why I let you get close to her?” He actually did. Sunbae Song doesn’t strike him as someone who would just go along with the latest shipping trend or whatever. He cares a lot of Mo-yeon. “I did, sir.” “It’s because I know you, son.” “Excuse me?” “I knew about you years ago, from your mom.’ Si-jin’s eyes widen in shock. “My mom?” “I don’t know if Mo-yeon’s told you about my Grandma.’ He nods. “Mo-yeon loved her very much. She stayed with you and took care of Mo-yeon when she came to live with you guys. They were very close…and Mo-yeon’s heart was heartbroken again when she died,” he starts to understand, “…because of cancer.” Sunbae Song nods. “Your mom died when you were in college, right? Two months after my Grandma died. Same illness. They were treated at the same hospital, and became good friends.” He takes a deep breath as he remembers. “Sometimes when I came over and stayed with Grandma in her ward, I would talk to your mom. She would show pictures of you and your sister, telling me how proud she was because you already managed to get noticed by FC Seoul even when you were still studying.” He l