The door of the master bedroom didnt open for a while.

The people who were anxiously waiting outside, wondering about the conversation taking place inside, left the living room one by one.

The mother went to the kitchen saying she needed a glass of water to calm down, and Yoo Seonhwa walked up the stairs saying she would go talk to Seol Jinhee. Yoo Seunghae also followed her sister upstairs.

Left alone, Seol Wooseok nervously stared at the bedroom door.

No news was sometimes good news, but it was too quiet.

He was expecting things to get quite rowdy inside and was prepared to run inside to stop his father, so he couldnt help but wonder what was going on.

Looking outside, he noticed that the sky had turned dark. The streetlamps were illuminating the dark roads.

It was currently 9:47 p.m.

Dinner ended around 7:30, and Seol Jihu entered the bedroom around 8, so almost two hours had passed since then.

Should I go smoke?

Seol Wooseok, who got tired of waiting, opened the veranda door. It was then.

Click.

The sound he had been waiting for was finally heard.

Seol Wooseok turned around like a bolt of lightning.

Seol Jihu was walking out of the master bedroom, slowly closing the door behind him.

His eyes were blank like he was lost in a daydream.

Seol Wooseok asked right away.

So?

Seol Jihu shook his head.

What happened?

When Seol Wooseok asked a second time, Seol Jihu shook his head again. Rather than saying it didnt work out, he seemed to mean he didnt know.

He didnt say anything.

Did you give him an explanation?

I was going to but I thought I should apologize first.

Right. Thats good.

I think I was kneeling for an hour or two then he said he got it and told me to leave, so

Seol Jihu scratched his head.

Hmm. Seol Wooseok crossed his arms.

After glancing at the bedroom door

Well, come on.

He gestured to the veranda and shook the pack of cigarettes in his hand.

Seol Jihu didnt refuse.

Shortly afterward, the two brothers stood side by side and smoked cigarettes.

Dont be so down.

Seol Wooseok spoke.

You know Fathers fiery personality, right?

Of course.

The fact that he hasnt said anything for two hours probably means he has a lot on his mind. This isnt something that can be resolved right away anyway.

Seol Jihu nodded without replying.

You have to mend the relationship one step at a time. Last time he told you to take the money and screw off. This time he just told you to leave, right?

Seol Jihu smiled bitterly.

He would have to wait to see whether Seol Wooseok was right or whether his father decided to erase him from his life.

That said, he was fine with either result.

No, it wasnt that he was fine, but that he had already steeled his mind.

Even if Im never forgiven

Seol Jihu murmured quietly.

Im going to continue begging for forgiveness for the rest of my life.

Seol Wooseok glanced at Seol Jihu with widened eyes.

Then, he grinned.

Im proud of you but doing it for the rest of your life is too much.

.

No matter what you did in the past, youre still Fathers son. I doubt hed treat you like a criminal forever when youre sincerely apologizing and begging for forgiveness.

Seol Jihu didnt say anything.

It would be great if it was like his older brother said, but he didnt want to forget the vow he made today.

Thanks. For believing in me.

Still, Seol Jihu didnt forget to thank him.

It was all thanks to you, Hyung, that I was able to come this far.

Dont mention it.

Seol Wooseok replied nonchalantly, then asked in a casual way.

You remember what I said at the cafe last time, right? That if you betray us again everyone in the family wont be able to handle it again.

Yeah, I remember it.

Okay, its fine as long as you remember it.

Seol Wooseok rubbed the cigarette on the ashtray and then patted Seol Jihus shoulder.

Well if youre that grateful, make me some ramen.

Ramen?

Seol Jihu turned to the side, taken aback by Seol Wooseoks sudden request.

Seol Wooseok licked his lips and rubbed his stomach.

Im feeling a bit stuffy because I was nervous when I was eating before I think Ill feel better if I eat your ramen.

Sure thats pretty easy.

Yeah? Then make me two.

Seol Wooseok said in delight.

It was then.

Bzzz! Seol Jihus pocket vibrated.

He took out his phone in a hurry and saw Kim Hannahs name on the screen.

Let me take care of this first.

Seol Jihu picked up the phone.

Seol Wooseok left, saying he would take out the ramen packs.

Hello?

Mm, Employee Seol Jihu. Are you doing well?

A familiar voice rang out through the phone.

Seol Jihu grinned.

Yes. How about you, Manager Kim?

Im doing fine too.

Im glad to hear that but whats up? For you to be calling at this hour

Oh? Youve gotten bold, huh. Is it because you moved to a different team?

Eii, dont be so uptight.

How can I not? Jinah is dying to see her daddy.

Seol Jihu blinked.

It would be lovely to go on a family trip, but Jinahs Dad wont even come back home. Hes too busy, working.

Ah, yeah

Seol Jihu was taken aback. He didnt expect to eat a counter.

Are you home?

Yes.

You met your parents?

Yes, I did.

Theres no hesitation in your voice. Well done. Working is important, but you shouldnt forget to spend some time with your family. Do you have any idea how worried our executive advisor was for you?

Yes, yes.

Alright, Ill see you soon.

Tk. The call hung up.

Seol Jihu stared at his phone indifferently before turning around.

He saw a random ear.

Seol Wooseok, who he thought had left, was peeking his ear out on the veranda.

Hyung?

The ear went back inside.

What are you doing?

Eavesdropping.

Eavesdropping?

Im a curious guy. Anyway, this Jinahs Dad isnt such a good father, huh. He doesnt seem to be thinking about his wife and kid

Seol Wooseok walked off while murmuring.

Seol Jihu stood dazedly before plopping down on a chair in the veranda.

He thought Kim Hannah was just joking with him, but it turned out she was being considerate of where he was.

That was close

All Earthlings had a duty to create and maintain a safe environment for entering Paradise.

Seol Jihu only now learned that this wasnt as easy as it sounded.

Jeez.

Seol Jihu smiled blandly before placing his phone down on the table near him and finishing his cigarette.

A cool breeze blew past him.

It wasnt bad.

Enjoying the cool night wind on Earth, at home, wasnt bad at all.

*

Though it was late, Seol Jihu decided to go back to his apartment room.

His mother tried to make him stay the night, but he didnt feel like it was appropriate yet.

After consoling his crying mother, saying he would contact her more often, he kowtowed once and then left the house. Yoo Seonhwa said she would see him off and left with him.

Of course, he didnt forget to make ramen for his older brother before he left.

The master bedroom TV, which was playing a movie for several hours, was turned off.

The father was no longer lying on the bed.

He was standing at the window, looking down at the front yard through a small gap between the curtains.

His eyes were fixed on Seol Jihus back as he opened the door and left with Yoo Seonhwa.

His gaze lasted all the way until he disappeared past the alleyway illuminated by streetlamps.

He let loose a deep sigh and turned back.

He gazed at the spot where Seol Jihu was kowtowing.

[To tell you the truth, I got scolded. I even got beat up.]

[He said I shouldnt be making the decision so shamelessly when I almost ruined other peoples lives]

[Strangely enough, he said the same thing you did. That I shouldnt think this matter is done and over with just because I returned the money I owed.]

[That I should put myself in your shoes]

A bland chuckle escaped his mouth.

An old grandpa at his workplace, was it? He sure seemed to know some things, perhaps due to his age.

However, what lingered on the fathers mind the most was something else.

[So Im finally ready.]

[In front of my family Im ready to live as a criminal for the rest of my life.]

The way Seol Jihu begged for forgiveness usually followed a set pattern.

He would say that it was for real this time, that he should trust him just one more time.

He was always full of excuses.

But he wasnt like that this time.

He didnt demand his forgiveness.

[Im sorry.]

His sincerity could be felt from just those two words.

More so than any other time.

Live as a criminal for the rest of his life

The father helplessly gazed at the spot where his second son had knelt before finally opening the bedroom door.

When he went to the kitchen, he saw his older son savoring every bite of ramen.

Youre finally out?

Seol Wooseok pretended to notice him.

You must be hungry. I wonder if theres any food left at all Mother packed everything for Jihu.

Really.

Do you want some ramen?

His father heaved a cough and sat down.

Seol Wooseok pushed his bowl toward him.

Here. Ill go rummage through the fridge. If theres nothing, Ill bring a new bowl and a pair of chopsticks.

He got up as if he was being extremely generous.

However, this was a critical mistake.

When he came back with a few packed leftovers, a new bowl, and a pair of chopsticks, he froze stiff.

It hadnt even been a few minutes since he left, but the noodles had disappeared completely.

Its like they say, hunger is the best sauce. It was good.

The father put down the chopsticks in satisfaction.

He then saw Seol Wooseok dazedly staring at him and furrowed his brows.

Whats wrong?

How can you eat it all?

Its just a bowl of ramen You already had dinner, didnt you? Why, you want me to make you another one?

That Jihu made it for me.

Seol Wooseok muttered like his world had come crumbling down.

His father flinched.

I thought you made it.

Its been years since Ive had it

I was wondering why it was so good.

I even coaxed him into making two portions I was eating sparingly too

I left the soup behind.

So you at least have some conscience left in you.

Seol Wooseok said in a rare, critical tone.

Its gonna be a hit if he ever opens a ramen shop.

His father said with a dry cough and then got up.

Oh yeah.

He stopped before opening the bedroom door.

You said you have them?

Have what?

His bank statements and salary breakdown.

Seol Wooseok, who was putting rice into the ramen bowl with a glum expression, turned his head.

Father?

Bring them to me. Or you can just leave them on the table tomorrow morning.

Tang. The door shut close.

Seol Wooseok stared at the bedroom door for a long time.

He then stared at the ramen bowl and fell into thought.

Perhaps he was reading too much into it, but he wasnt sure whether his fathers change in attitude was due to Seol Jihus sincerity or this absurdly delicious ramen.

*

Same time.

Kim Hannah was holding onto her phone.

It looks like he really went. Its easy to tell when hes lying. His voice was good.

I was worried, so Im glad to hear that.

An aged voice flowed out from the other side of the phone.

Perfect. Lets not delay any longer and proceed right away.

Uh will it be okay?

Probably not.

Jang Maldong said clearly once Kim Hannah showed hesitation.

Jihu has replaced his gambling addiction with that place. The pleasure that comes from gambling is similar to that of drugs. The fact that he quit without any withdrawal symptoms means Jihu is feeling more pleasure from that side. Theres no way it will be okay.

Then well need to be fully prepared.

The saving grace is that Jihu took the right first step. But theres still a long way to go. Even quitting smoking is notoriously difficult. Escaping the pleasure of gambling is going to be even harder.

Jihu did have a severe case of addiction

Kim Hannah sighed.

I understand. Then I will see you at the airport.

Dont forget. Jihu is only now at the starting line. This is where it all begins.

Yes, I will keep that in mind.

And dont forget what I told you back then.

Of course not.

Great. Ill see you at the airport.

The call ended.

*

Seol Jihu walked for a long time after parting with Yoo Seonhwa.

For some reason, he felt relieved of all his worries.

His feet grew hot after walking for dozens of minutes, so he immediately grabbed a taxi.

Thank you.

After getting off and entering his apartment room, Seol Jihu collapsed on his bed.

In the past, he would come back home with a sour face every time he went to see his family. But now, he was free and unencumbered as he stared up at the ceiling.

However, he scowled in the next moment as he put his hand into his pocket.

Ah, shit.

He couldnt grab his phone.

He didnt leave it in the taxi.

Thinking about it carefully, he seemed to have left it on the veranda table.

What a clutz!

He ridiculed himself and rolled around in the bed.

His eyes twinkled as a small piece of paper slipped out.

Though he didnt mean to, he didnt have any way of contacting people at the moment.

There was a chance that someone from Area 1 was there.

Since he went to see his family, wouldnt it be okay if he went back real quick?

Or maybe I should wait until tomorrow

Seol Jihu smacked his lips as he suddenly thought about his mother.

It was already deep into the night.

Wouldnt the right thing be to wait until tomorrow and give his mother a call before going back?

Ding-dong!

The bell suddenly rang while Seol Jihu was deeply hesitating.

But who could it be this late at night?

Who is it?

Its me.

Whos me?

500 won if youre curious.

What crazy person is this?

Seol Jihu took out a 500 won coin and opened the door with a confused face.

Who

He was stopped short as a group pushed their way in as soon as he opened the door.

Wow, its clean.

Hnng, its simpler than I thought.

Eun Yuri and Oh Rahee commented as they looked around his apartment room.

They werent the only ones.

Yi Seol-Ah and Yi Sungjin came as well, and Jinahs Mom, who seemed to be the ringleader of the group, was here as well.

Stop blocking the way and step aside. Why are you living in such a tiny place anyway? Arent you loaded?

Even Phi Sora walked in with two luggage bags.

For a moment, Seol Jihu didnt recognize them because they were either wearing or dragging a luggage bag and wearing their casual clothes.

W-What are you guys doing here?

Seol Jihu snapped out of his daze and asked.

What are we doing here?

Kim Hannah said with a relaxed face.

This.

Chak, chak. She suddenly clapped twice.

The five remaining intruders all turned toward her and gave each other odd looks.

Just as Seol Jihu felt that something was off

Get him! Find it quickly!

Waaaaah!

Leave me out of this. I dont want him to get all pissy at me

Ah, hey! At least hold onto him!

Four people including Phi Sora rushed at him.

Yap! Eun Yuri hugged Seol Jihu from the back, and Phi Sora grabbed his arms.

Seol Jihu stood in a daze before feeling a hand reach into his pockets and realizing what they were trying to do.

Ah, fuck!

He tried to squirm out, but Yi Seol-Ahs hand had already pulled the small piece of paper out of his pocket.

Found it!

She shouted with a beaming smile.

Good job. Now bring it here.

Kim Hannah put out her hand and spoke.

Seol Jihus eyes widened rapidly.

Without that piece of paper, he couldnt go to Paradise.

Realizing that it had been stolen, a fire lit up inside him.

The hell was that for!?

A roar burst out and resounded in the small apartment room. It was so loud that Yi Seol-Ah, who was about to hand over the paper to Kim Hannah, shrunk back.

It wasnt just her that was surprised. Everyone else was too.

Seol Jihus eyes were flashing blue with fury. He didnt look like he was kidding around this time.

Ah.

Oh my.

Seol Jihu threw Eun Yuri and Phi Sora off and stomped toward Yi Seol-Ah.

Hand it over.

Wait. Theres something I need to say to you.

I dont care. Hand it over while Im still being nice.

Listen Aaaah!

Kim Hannah quickly stepped in and put out her arm, but she furrowed her brows in the next moment.

Seol Jihu had grabbed her arm hard.

As she fell to her knees moaning, Seol Jihu turned his gaze like a demon.

Scared out of her wits, tears welled up in Yi Seol-Ahs eyes.

So sorry

Ah, whyd you shout!? You scared her!

Sensing that the atmosphere was turning sour, Phi Sora shouted back and cut in between them.

Look, you made her cry! Was that something to get so angry about?

U-Unni, its my fault. Im sorry, Im sorry

Once Phi Sora raised her voice, Yi Seol-Ah started sobbing.

Seol Jihu furrowed his brows.

He was feeling good after coming home, but it was all ruined, thanks to a certain someone.

Seol Jihu glared at Kim Hannah, who was biting down on her lower lip.

Whatever, Im outta here.

Kwang!

The door slammed shut.

An untimely silence filled the apartment room that Seol Jihu left.

I knew this would happen.

Oh Rahee shook her head.

I mean, I get why hes angry, but how can he do that to us!? Hes pulled pranks on us a countless number of times!

Phi Sora shouted in a sullen voice.

What should I do? Ive never seen Oppa so angry.

Eun Yuri asked, smacking her lips.

Huu.

Kim Hannah smiled bitterly.

Why is this so hard

She grumbled with her hands on her waist.

She recalled Seol Jihu and smacked her lips.

Jinahs Dad, my ass. Youre the actual Jinah, you son of a bitch.

*

Seol Jihu didnt go far.

He took a seat by a table at a nearby convenience store and smoked one cigarette after the other.

The Kim Hannah, Oh Rahee, and Eun Yuri trio were peeking their heads out from the corner of the alleyway staring at him.

Thirty minutes had already gone by.

I didnt think hed be this mad

Eun Yuri tilted her head, not knowing the full background story.

Kim Hannah clicked her tongue.

Jang Maldongs prediction was spot-on.

The reaction Seol Jihu showed just now was most likely the same as when someone prevented him from going to the casino.

That was why he lashed out.

In any case, just watching him like this wouldnt net any gains.

Kim Hannah eventually called him. She figured it was better than talking to him face to face.

Hello?

Kim Hannahs eyes widened.

Seol Jihu didnt pick up.

Moreover, the person who picked up the phone was a woman.

Excuse me, isnt this Jihus phone?

Yes, it is. He left it home. The caller ID says Manager Kim Hannah. Are you perhaps his senior from work?

This bastard. Kim Hannah shut her eyes, but quickly spoke.

Ah, yes! It is. And you must be

Im his childhood friend. You called him quite late. Did something happen?

No, no. I already met with Jihu.

At this hour?

Theres an overseas workshop, so we have to get a plane ticket, but Jihu says he doesnt have his passport.

Ah, its not that he doesnt have it. He just doesnt know where it is. You should be able to find it in the second compartment of his drawer.

This childhood friend of Seol Jihu seemed to know him better than Seol Jihu himself.

Kim Hannah furrowed her brows before recalling Seol Jihus family background and understanding.

Childhood friend. It must be his ex-girlfriend.

Once her thoughts reached this point, she asked just in case.

Thank you. Ill let him know right away.

No problem. He might be lacking in some areas, but please take care of my Jihu.

Of course. Ah, by the way

?

There is something Id like to ask if thats okay with you. There was a bit of a problem, you see

Kim Hannah took Seol Jihus position and face into account and appropriately devised a story.

Once the explanation ended, a flustered voice rang out.

J-Jihu is sulking?

Y-Yes.

Hes a little childish, but he doesnt get sulky that often Is he sulking a lot?

He stormed out. Ah, dont misunderstand though. It was clearly our fault.

H-He stormed out? Without saying anything?

Why is she surprised? Kim Hannah gave the phone an odd look.

He really didnt say anything? What was his expression like? Was it cold?

Im not sure, but he wasnt completely silent. He shouted a bit and looked very clearly angry. Anyone would have been able to tell with just one glance.

Ah thats not too bad then.

A sigh of relief came out, though Kim Hannah was still confused.

Its a medium-sulk.

Medium-sulk?

Kim Hannah furrowed her brows. Then, she showed a dumbfounded expression at the following explanation.

Seol Jihu apparently had five stages of sulking: tiny-sulk, little-sulk, medium-sulk, big-sulk, and super-sulk.

Im glad. I thought he erupted with big-sulk for the first time in fourteen years The last one took a year and two months to solve

Kim Hannah wanted to ask if she had to separate Seol Jihus level of sulkiness into stages but held it in.

Anyway, Im glad. Medium-sulk happens once every year or two, but its easy to solve with a special cheat key.

Cheat key?

Yes. Is there anyone nearby that Jihu trusts?

Kim Hannahs eyes fell on Oh Rahee and Eun Yuri.

No.

I guess theres no choice. Let me talk to him.

Are you sure?

Ill be fine. Dont say anything and just put him on the phone.

Kim Hannah did as she said.

After borrowing Eun Yuris phone, she carefully walked up to Seol Jihu and put her own phone against his ear.

What do you

Seol Jihu, who was about to lash out again, jumped in a startle.

Seon, Seonhwa? W-Why are you

Seol Jihu glared at Kim Hannah sharply as Kim Hannah pressed buttons on Eun Yuris phone.

Okay, okay, I was a bit too harsh. I promise. No, really.

Did you just yell at me?

No, I didnt yell. O-Okay, I wont yell.

Seol Jihu finished the call just barely and then turned his head.

Argh Hey, Kim Hannah.

Before he could say anything, Kim Hannah pushed another phone against his ear.

Is this you, Jihu?

Jang Maldongs voice flowed out.

Seol Jihu gritted his teeth.

Yes, master.

This is the first time were talking on Earth, isnt it?

Its the same as in Paradise.

I heard you went to visit your parents.

Yes, I came back not too long ago.

And your parents?

Ive met with them both.

Good job. Really, good job.

Seol Jihus bad mood subsided a bit with Jang Maldongs compliment.

Now youre thinking you shouldve gone earlier, arent you?

Yeah, haha

Anyway, I heard there was a problem?

No, these guys just

Dont be too harsh on them. I told them to do it.

You did?

With your personality, I figured youd enter Paradise right away. But now that I think about it, it was a bit harsh. Im sorry.

No, you dont need to apologize I know youre thinking of my best interest.

Jang Maldong let out a faint chuckle.

Anyway, you should go with us. It will be a good chance to get some rest. Besides, do you really think Im going just to have fun?

Pardon?

Youll know once you get there. Theres something I want to show you and someone I want to introduce to you too.

Seol Jihu couldnt refuse with Jang Maldong putting it this way. Wasnt he the one who advised him to visit his family too?

Got it. Im sorry for causing trouble.

You punk, you changed in such a short period of time?

Jang Maldong chuckled.

After promising to meet at the airport, Seol Jihu let loose a deep sigh while holding the phone in his hand.

Kim Hannah was simply whistling as she stared at the far distance.

Once Seol Jihu stared at her fixedly, she stopped whistling and quietly spoke.

Sorry.

Sorry about what?

Sorry. I apologize.

You dont even know why Im angry, do you?

Seol Jihu snapped at her.

I understand your intent, but if you were that worried, you could have just asked for it. Why would you try to steal it?

Okay, Im sorry. I wont do it again.

As Kim Hannah apologized again and again, Seol Jihu stopped quibbling and held out his hand.

Kim Hannah obediently took out a piece of paper from her handbag and then handed it over.

Ill give this back but can I ask something?

What?

Seol Jihu retorted curtly as he put the piece of paper back into his pocket.

If I had explained the situation and asked you for it, would you have given it to me?

Isnt that obvious?

Can you swear on it?

.

Seol Jihu didnt reply.

Lets hurry up and go back. I have to apologize to the other guys too.

Kim Hannah gave a sidelong glance as she watched Seol Jihu walk off.

At the same time, a doubt surfaced in her mind. She expected him to cause a ruckus like a bucking bull. However, he was reined in rather easily.

Childhood friend Yoo Seonhwa, was it?

This childhood friend seemed to know a lot about Seol Jihu. In great detail, no less.

Perhaps it wasnt that Seol Jihu couldnt be reined in, but that he was already reined in perfectly by someone else.

Kim Hannah couldnt help but think, perhaps that was why she couldnt control him.

*

Seol Jihu opened his apartment door with a cough.

There were three people sitting inside.

Yi Seol-Ah was sitting on the floor, sobbing, and Yi Sungjin was consoling his crying sister.

As for Phi Sora

Tak! Tak!

She was on her knees, neatly folding Seol Jihus clothes.

Speaking of which, his closet and drawers were all open.

Even the emergency medicines, toothbrush, and toothpaste were stuffed into Ziploc bags and put into a luggage bag.

She seemed to be packing his bag for him.

Phi Sora glanced toward the front door as she packed Seol Jihus underwear in the luggage.

Youre back?

She seemed a bit meek.

Are you less angry now?

.

Sorry for going through your room without permission, but were short on time, so I figured Id pack beforehand.

I should have done it

I was actually pretty surprised. You have almost every basic living necessity. Everything other than your clothes was neatly packed too. You didnt do this, right?

When Phi Sora spoke as if nothing happened, Seol Jihu felt even more apologetic.

Sorry.

He scratched his head.

Phi Sora humphed.

Well Im sorry too. I didnt think youd react so strongly.

.

Still, how can you yell at these kids so suddenly? As the organizations representative, no less. Youre like the father of the group too. Since youre usually not like that, you frightened her even more. Just look at her.

Phi Sora nagged on and on.

O-Orabeowi

Yi Seol-Ah called out to Seol Jihu while sobbing.

Im sowwy.

Seol Jihu immediately lowered his head.

Im really sorry. I kind of snapped in the heat of the moment.

Daddy says hes sorry. You should stop crying too.

Yi Seol-Ah nodded her head and wiped her eyes.

Once Seol Jihu consoled her, her complexion brightened a bit.

Hah.

A scoff rang out.

Kim Hannah was leaning against the front door with her arms crossed.

When did you make another family?

What the heck does that mean?

You called me Jinahs Mom, but whats this? You already had two other kids?

Phi Soras head turned at Kim Hannahs words.

Jinahs Dad, make it clear if you dont want a divorce paper delivered to your doorstep. Is it me or that bitch?

Hak!

In the end, Phi Sora burst into laughter.

Jinahs Dad, she says! What a name! Kakaka!

Seol Jihu smiled bitterly as he saw Phi Sora laugh hysterically.

Early that morning, a van carrying Seol Jihu arrived at Incheon International Airport.

The group consisting of Seol Jihu and six others got on the plane ride to Hawaii.

After about an eight and a half hour flight, the plane arrived at their destination.