Chapter 22: The Old Seojun(2)

As Kyle prepared to kick Seojun again, a voice from behind him stopped him in his tracks. It was Kyle's butler, whispering urgently, "Sir, look around. People are watching."

Kyle glanced around and saw a crowd of onlookers, their faces filled with curiosity and shock. Realizing he was drawing too much attention, Kyle's expression shifted from cruel glee to a calculated smirk.

He sat down next to Seojun, who was still on the ground, his long hair and bangs splayed messily over his face. Seojun's clothes were tattered, and his thin frame was barely visible beneath them.

Kyle grabbed Seojun's hair, pulling his head back so that Seojun had no choice but to look up at him. Leaning close, Kyle whispered harshly, "Next time we meet, get chubby so I can enjoy it a little more. You understand that, you piece of shit?"

Seojun nodded weakly, his face flushed with embarrassment and pain. The humiliation was almost too much to bear.

Kyle released Seojun's hair and stood up, giving him one last disdainful look. "You're pathetic," he spat before walking back to his car. With a final sneer, Kyle climbed into the vehicle, which sped away, leaving Seojun on the ground.

As the car disappeared, the crowd around Seojun started to murmur, their whispers blending into a buzz of speculation and concern. Seojun remained on the ground, his nose bleeding and his body trembling from the ordeal. His long hair fell across his face, partially concealing the tears that he fought to hold back.

As Seojun lay on the ground, trying to regain his composure, he noticed someone approaching to help. Panic surged through him, and he scrambled to his feet, running away before the person could reach him. He darted down a dark alley, the shadows swallowing him as he sought refuge.

In the alley, Seojun leaned against the cool, rough wall, taking a moment to clean his face. He wiped away the blood and food with his sleeve, the harsh reality of the situation weighing heavily on him. The thought of getting lunch for his mother and making sure she had what she needed filled his mind.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the money he had—his wages from his job." It wasn't much, but it was all he had. As he leaned against the wall, he reflected on how this amount was not enough. He needed to buy medicine for his mother, who had been struggling with her health.

Taking a deep breath, Seojun steadied himself. He knew he had to be strong for his mother. "This is okay," he whispered to himself. "I'll just need to work tonight to make up for it."

With renewed determination, Seojun stood up and headed back to buy food for his mother. He made his way to the small shop where his mother worked—a modest, family-run grocery store nestled on a quiet street. The shop was filled with the comforting scents of fresh produce and baked goods, but today, the atmosphere felt heavy.

As Seojun approached, he saw his mother behind the counter. She was hunched over, coughing weakly. Her face looked pale and tired, and the sight of her struggling made Seojun's heart ache.

He walked inside, trying to mask his own pain with a brave smile. "Mom, I've got lunch for you," he said, placing the food on the counter. His mother looked up, her eyes softening with a mix of relief and worry.

"Thank you, Seojun," her voice hoarse. "You shouldn't have had to deal with that..."

Seojun shook his head. "It's okay, Mom. I'll take care of everything. Just focus on getting better."

Seojun stood behind the counter, watching his mother as she continued to work despite her evident fatigue. The grocery store's quiet hum seemed to underscore the heaviness in the air. He knew he had to address the situation directly, for her sake.

"Mom," Seojun said gently, trying to keep his voice steady, "we need to talk."

His mother looked up from the register, her tired eyes meeting his. She saw the determination in his gaze and knew this wasn't a simple conversation. "What's wrong, Seojun?"

"I've been thinking," Seojun began, "you shouldn't be working here anymore. You're not well, and I can handle everything. I'm working full-time now, and I'll make sure we have enough."

His mother hesitated, her hand trembling slightly as she wiped down the counter. "But Seojun, we need the money. If I stop working—"

Seojun cut her off gently, but firmly. "Mom, please. You're sick, and it's not fair for you to push yourself like this. I've got a job, and I'm making enough to cover our expenses. You need to focus on getting better. I'll handle the rest."

Her eyes filled with tears, a mix of relief and worry. "But I don't want to be a burden to you."

"You're not a burden," Seojun said, his voice firm and reassuring. "You've done so much for me. It's my turn to take care of you now. Just let me do this. We'll manage, I promise."

His mother looked at him and nodded slowly. "Alright, Seojun. If you're sure you can handle it, I'll stop working. But please, take care of yourself too."

Seojun smiled, reaching across the counter to take her hand. "I will, Mom. I promise."

They shared a moment of quiet understanding, the weight of their mutual concerns lifting slightly. Seojun knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but having his mother's support and knowing he could provide for her gave him the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead

Seojun gently told his mother, "I'll wait for you outside, Mom. Talk to your manager and take care of things here."

He stepped outside the grocery store and heard murmurs from the nearby coworkers who had gathered by the entrance. Their voices carried over the street.

"Is that Seoyang's son?" one worker whispered, glancing at Seojun.

"He looks so thin. Does he even eat?" another added, casting a critical eye at his worn clothes.

"Yeah, and those clothes are barely holding together," someone else chimed in.

Seojun tried to ignore the comments,He hoped his mother's conversation with her manager would be quick and smooth. He leaned against the wall, waiting, until his mother finally emerged from the store with a relieved smile.

As they walked together, Seojun noticed how the stress had aged her. Despite her relatively young appearance, deep wrinkles and dark eye bags marred her once smooth face. Her body seemed thinner, worn from the burden she had carried for so long.

As they walked, his mother started to cough uncontrollably. Seojun's concern grew, and he quickly guided her to a nearby bench.

"Wait here, Mom. I'll get some water for you," he said, trying to keep his voice calm and reassuring.

His mother nodded, struggling to catch her breath. "Be careful, Seojun."

Seojun ran to the nearest convenience store, hoping to find water quickly. As he emerged with a bottle in hand, a black van screeched to a halt beside him. Before he could react, a rough hand covered his mouth, and he was pulled into the van.

Inside the vehicle, he struggled, but the attackers were too strong. The van sped away, leaving his mother behind, who had stood up in panic.

"Seojun! No! My son!" she cried, reaching out with a desperate scream. "Help! Anybody Help us!...Seojun!"

But it was too late. The van was already speeding away, and despite her frantic efforts, there was nothing she could do. Seojun's mother stood there, helpless and terrified, her cries echoing down the street as the van disappeared from sight.