CHAPTER 7: Fool

The sun on the eastern horizon has begun to rise, people have started to move from the bed. And in a short time, Seoul has shown its passion. The roar of the vehicle and the clatter of pedestrians become the backsound that started this morning.

Seongwoo also took part of the morning bustle. He walked among the other people who are also about to make a living, hoping that today is better than yesterday.

"Good morning everyone!" Greeted Seongwoo excitedly as he entered the office.

"Morning, Sean!" Minki replied to his greeting with enthusiasm. Yesterday they had agreed to stop calling Seongwoo with Mr. Ong. Seongwoo also let his colleagues to talk informally to him. Western style, Seongwoo called.

But his other partner didn’t immediately reply to Seongwoo's greeting and instead stared at him for a quite long time. "Your eyes are swollen. Were you unable to sleep last night?" Minhyun asked in worry.

"Aah .." Seongwoo was somewhat surprised because this one coworker was keen enough to read something implicit behind the mask of his cheerful face. "Yeah, still having a jetlag, hard to sleep."

"Drink warm milk after you take a shower, then pre-occupy yourself by reading a book. You'll fall asleep by itself." Minhyun's suggestion was directly debated by Minki.

"Not everyone likes to read a book like you, Manager Hwang." That pretty man indeed had the guts to always argue his boss.

Seeing Minhyun wanting to launch his counter argument, Seongwoo broke the mood with a laugh. "Okay, I'll follow your advice, Manager Hwang! But buy me milk, please~" He said it with acting spoiled.

Hearing Seongwoo's response, Minhyun laughed before then smiling with satisfaction. Seongwoo is smart enough to read people’s character, he knows the handsome man in front of him always likes to be a smart person who can be relied upon. So a small appreciation like agreeing on his advice can make him happy and Seongwoo is happy to do that.

Ong Seongwoo is someone who always wants to make other people happy. It can be even said that being a friend of Seongwoo won’t get you old. That's because he doesn’t stop making other people laugh with his friendly and pleasant manner. Although there is also his attitude that makes upset, but it is also upset by still laughing. Aaron must have really understood the meaning of the last sentence.

But behind his smile or his funny character, he is actually hiding his hurt. What happened the night before still made him shock. How could his waiting for fourteen years, his effort to cross half the world, thousands of miles away from New York seemed hopeless when he had to swallow the bitter truth. He's like going back to zero. To the point where he can only imagine how his father and brother now.

Last night he repeatedly called himself a fool.

You fool, Seongwoo!

You naively assume nothing will change after 14 years?

You yourself even change.

Why be surprised when appa and Euigeon don’t live there anymore?

Why do you have to be like crazy just because what happened was not what you expected.

You're not God, Seongwoo ya.

You cannot make everything work on your way.

You should have understood that.

Thinking that way, Seongwoo was actually trying to strengthen himself. He felt regret, the shock made him unable to think clearly.

Where is Seongwoo who’s getting the laude from NYU? He should be able to use his brain to go looking for information to some of his neighbors. But who showed last night was a fragile Seongwoo, who was too melancholy to respond to the anxiety and sadness that surrounded him.

Learning from that, Seongwoo, who came to the office this morning is Seongwoo who overwhelmed with optimism. That no matter what will happen, he will still be able to find his father and brother.

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"Are we going to karaoke tonight?" Chief Kim asked at lunch break.

"Yes!" Minki answered ahead of Seongwoo.

Minhyun ignored Minki and ensured the answers of the person who should have answered Chief Kim's question. "Can you join us, Sean?"

"Mmm, I'm afraid I can't." Seongwoo replied slightly uncomfortable.

"Oh, why? You've got another appointment?" Kim Chief asked curiously.

"Well, yes, Chief .." Seongwoo replied as he scratched the back of his neck.

Seeing that, Minki immediately reacted. "Oooh, it's only been two days you came here but you've got your act done. Which woman is going to have a date with you? Is she the front receptionist?"

Seongwoo chuckled. "No, she's not my type."

"Why, isn’t she quite pretty?" Minki asked curiously.

"You're prettier." Seongwoo replied briefly.

"!" Minki would have thrown his punch to Seongwoo if Minhyun hadn’t stopped him by deliberately clearing .

"The first yellow card for Choi Minki." Blustered Minhyun.

"Aah, sometimes I think you're fiercer than Chief Kim, Man Hwang!" Minki protested, making everyone laugh.

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