First meeting

Min-Jun simply sighed.

He ultimately decided to remain silent. Despite being four years younger than his sister, he was definitely the mature one out of the two.

Being left without parents at a young age, the two siblings had to rely on each other. While Su-Jin began working part-time jobs right out of high school, Min-Jun took upon himself the role of a family's pillar. Waking up early, preparing meals, taking care of the chores around the house, those were all Min-Jun's responsibilities.

As if being a high-school senior wasn't enough stress for him, he also had to take care of his sister. Sure, his sister helped sometimes, but when it came to cooking, it was either he did it, or they all starved to death.

Nevertheless, he never once complained. He was happy to have Su-Jin by his side, and grateful that he wasn't alone in the world.

Last time Min-Jun had seen his father, he was told to take care of the house. It was a heavy burden to place on the shoulders of a six-year-old, but then again, their parents never had expected they would never come back from that business dinner.

Now, fourteen years later, Min-Jun had never once forgotten the promise he had made to his parents. Ever since that devastating day, he had become the man of the house.

Mrs. Choi was their mother's best friend. She had kindly taken them in, offering the two orphans a home. She was divorced, and ran an international dancing school. Most of the shows were abroad, and so she had to leave the country often.

Mrs. Choi also had a daughter, the same age as Su-Jin. The two girls had been friends since primary school, and even went to the same high school and college.

Thus, the three youngsters grew up together as a family, sharing good and bad. It wasn't the perfect family, but it was the only one Su-Jin and Min-Jun had. Despite everything, the two were both thankful for what they had.

The two siblings ate in silence for a few moments, then Su-Jin realized something. Someone was missing from their morning assembly.

Choi Mi-Suk, Mrs. Choi's daughter was usually an early bird. She liked to eat a healthy breakfast, so she could start the day energetically. Therefore, it was strange not to see her at the table, stuffing her face with rolled eggs, soup and rice.

"What about Mi-Suk? How come she isn't down for breakfast at this hour?" Su-Jin inquired while looking around.

"She had to leave early. She said something about a commission, and that she will come back late tonight. But she is bringing chicken and beer to celebrate your first day of work." Min-Jun stopped, and added in an undertone "That is if you really end up going to work and don't get fired on your first day."

"Hey, I heard that." Su-Jin scowled, throwing a piece of bread at her brother.

After finishing breakfast, both brother and sister left the house together. Min-Jun's high school was pretty close, only ten minutes by foot. Therefore, he always walked to school. On the other hand, Su-Jin's new work place, being more than half an hour away from the house, required public transportation.

That day the weather was perfect for a walk. The sun in June was shining, sending rays filled with warmth towards the earth. The white cotton candy clouds glided gracefully across the bright blue sky.

When she finally reached the bus station, Su-Jin flopped onto the bench and yawned. She was both tired and irritated. Despite feeling happy and grateful about the job, she could not help but curse the nerves that had kept her awake all night. All that tossing and turning took away her precious sleep. As a consequence, she was left only with dark circles around her eyes and a yawn bigger than a tiger's.

Just when she thought nothing could happen to add to her troubles, a sound caught her attention. It resembled the cry of a small animal.

Su-Jin turned around, searching for the source. When she finally found it, a loud gasp escaped her lips. Her mind snapped awake instantly, and she clasped both her hands over her mouth.

On the road, right where the bus was supposed to stop, stood a kitten. The poor little one was scared senseless, and was meowing after its mother.

Su-Jin stared at the tiny creature for a few seconds. Then, realizing a car was headed straight at it, she sprang up from the bench. She luckily managed to reach the kitten just in time. After plucking it from the ground, Su-Jin turned to face the car.

The driver must have noticed the movement at the last minute, because the car eventually stopped with a loud screech.

Su-Jin took a deep breath, and checked the animal to see if it was alright. Apart from a scratch on its left front paw the kitten was safe and sound. Its lungs were definitely healthy, if the defending meows it let out were any indication.

"Thank heavens!" Su-Jin murmured to herself, feeling relieved to see the small creature unharmed.

"What the hell are you doing?! Are you crazy?" yelled an angry voice.

Su-Jin flinched. Her face was a mask of both surprise and indignation. As she slowly lifted her head to glare at that person, she froze.

Her eyes watched as out of the car exited a man. He was not older than twenty-six, dark-haired and very well dressed. He wore a light-gray suit, a color that Su-Jin remarked dazedly matched that of his car.

This person was tall, his body looking rather fit. The way he moved, and the rhythm of his paces, reminded Su-Jin of a panther's slow, deliberate strides.

In spite of herself, Su-Jin was openly staring at the man. In an instant, she decided that she quite liked his appearance.

That was,\ only until she noticed his black pupils burning with anger. His pale face looked livid, and he was breathing slightly erratically. For a second, she could almost perceive steam coming out of his nostrils.