A Present to Celebrate Their Uncertain Freedom

Meanwhile, Hyuk was sitting with an impatient look on his face inside a realtor's office.

"Look, Student, I really can't go any lower than this." The realtor sighed.

Hyuk wanted to rent a place that was cheap, clean, and safe. Most of all, it had to be ready for moving in immediately. Out of all the real estate that was under him, very few matched his preference. Looking over the quoted budget of the student, there was very little he could offer.

Most of the ready-to-move-in apartments had a higher deposit fee compared to what Hyuk wrote down, so he was troubled.

"Student, with that amount of cash, the most you could get is a basement room," he says, "if you want something that fits all of your criteria, you have to be willing to splurge a little bit more."

Hyuk's jaw locked. After mulling on it for a few minutes, he finally muttered, "fine." It looks like he had to get another job soon. His wallet and savings account were drying so fast. He worked for years for that money, but before he knew it, they were gone. 'F*ck capitalism,' he hatefully thought.

Seing Hyuk's new budget, he smiled. He felt slightly bad for the young man. He knew that at that age, money was tight. He had experienced the same thing when he was at that age as well, so he couldn't help but sympathise.

Hyuk spent two hours with the realtor.

Several of the units up for rent were close to the office, so they went to check them out.

Unfortunately, none of them were good enough to satisfy Hyuk. It would be easier if he was alone, but he had to take into account Yeo Ri's safety and comfort while considering a new place to live. In the end, he ended the meeting after scheduling for another visit on another day. There was still a few places left for him to survey, but it was getting late.

Hyuk made a stop before returning to the motel.

It was a gadget store.

He wanted to get Yeo Ri a phone so that they can communicate more easily. It made him uneasy thinking about how Yeo Ri had not been able to call for help previously because she lacked this commodity.

"Welcome," a store clerk greeted politely.

Hyuk looked around the store, eyeing the displayed products.

"What are you looking for, customer?" A salesperson noticed his action and immediately came forward to offer assistance.

Hyuk was not particularly interested about gadgets, so he appreciated the help.

"I'm looking for a phone," he replied.

"Right this way, sir!" The salesperson flashed a business smile. He led Hyuk towards the smartphone section, explaining the details and functions of their latest models.

Hyuk didn't have the patience to look thoroughly or listen to the salesperson's spiel, so he simply took out his phone, saying that he wanted the same one.

Examining Hyuk's phone, the salesperson smiled, recognising its brand and model. "Yes, right away, sir." He moved to bring out a new package, configuring it for his customer. After setting up the phone and activating the mobile plan, the salesperson bagged his purchase.

"Will that be all, sir?"

"Yes."

"Will you make a single payment or in instalments?"

"Six months instalments," Hyuk gave his card for the salesperson to swipe. His heart bled at the amount of money he had spent, but he clenched his teeth. It was necessary spending.

"Thank you for your purchase. Please come again, dear customer," the salesperson smiled, happy that he received another sale.

Hyuk did not tarry any longer and returned to the motel.

He headed towards their room, knocking on the door. He had given Yeo Ri the key, expecting that she would be there to open the door for him.

Within seconds, the door opened.

"Welcome back, Oppa," Yeo Ri greeted Hyuk with a small smile.

"Mm. I'm back." Hyuk returned her smile. He felt warm at her gesture. She was always the first person to welcome him home. It was thanks to her that he was able to know the warmth and comfort of having someone waiting for him at home. It was his sole motivation for returning to that damnable house and bearing with that man's abuse.

"Hyung, just where did you go?" Gun raised his head from his phone. He frowned in irritation. How could the man just leave their baby sister all alone in a sketchy place?

"None of your f*ckin' business," Hyuk scowled.

"It's my f*cking business!" Gun sneered. "Yeo Ri was waiting outside. She could've gotten sick again. Or worse, she could have gotten kidnapped!"

"What?" Hyuk whipped his head towards Yeo Ri with a frustrated gaze. "Didn't I specifically tell you to stay inside the room? Why did you go out?!"

"S-sorry..." Seeing Hyuk's angry look, Yeo Ri shrunk. Again, she forgot to follow their instructions due to her stubbornness. It was a habit that was hard to curb.

Defeatedly, he stored away his anger. Hyuk took a deep breath, calming himself down. This wasn't the time to be arguing.

"Forget it," he finally said after a short period of silence. He handed Yeo Ri the paper bag that he was holding. "Here, take this."

Yeo Ri accepted the package gingerly. "What's this?"

"A present," Hyuk coughed, a faint blush on his face. Luckily, it was barely noticeable thanks to his slightly tanned skin.

Yeo Ri couldn't contain her excitement at the mention of 'present'. She quickly took out the box from inside the bag and opened it.

Seeing its contents, her eyes widened. She gaped in surprise, "a phone?!" A large, happy smile bloomed on her face, causing her eyes to curve into crescents, "Oppa, thank you!"

Her excitement was contagious. After seeing her reaction, Hyuk could not help but share her happiness. It was a good idea to have bought it, he thought. At least he was able to see her smile. He easily forgot his initial anger.

Gun casted a strange look at his brother. He didn't know whether he should be happy or stay angry at Hyuk. It was a complicated feeling. In the end, he dropped the matter.

"Good for you, Yeo Ri-ah," Gun says.

"Mm!" Yeo Ri fiddled with the phone for a long time, exploring all of its functions. It was her first ever phone that was privately hers, so she intended to savour its every nooks and crannies.

"That's enough, Yeo Ri-ah. Let's go to sleep, okay?" Yeo Ri was so hung up on her new friend that Gun and Hyuk had to force her to go to sleep.

"Okay..." Yeo Ri finally put down her phone with a pout.