The Pandora Box

Chapter 11

"We will be leaving, Sir," Mingyu said, his voice measured, as if every word was carefully weighed.

"I want my granddaughter again next month, young man," the old man replied curtly, barely glancing up from his desk.

"Yes, Sir."

The old man slid a paper across the table without looking at Mingyu. "Here. Make sure to get Eunseo's medical check-up every six months and update me. Even if that's all you can manage for her."

"Yes, Sir."

A smirk curled at the old man's lips as he finally looked Mingyu in the eye. "Pathetic," he muttered, shaking his head. "I always knew you were weak, but I never thought you'd stoop this low. Do you really think that young lady could ever replace my daughter in Eunseo's life? It's laughable."

Mingyu's jaw clenched, but he stayed silent.

"I still don't understand why Somi left the child to you. You're not capable of being a father. You couldn't even save them both. That guilt was eating you alive, wasn't it? So you resigned as a doctor, ran from your failures. What do you do now? Massage therapy? You think that's enough to support my granddaughter?"

Mingyu exhaled slowly, his voice low but steady. "You forget that I'm still a Kim, Sir."

The old man's smirk deepened. "Ah yes, how could I forget? Your mother always knew how to leech off old money."

"If that's all, Sir," Mingyu said, his tone cold now, "I'll take my leave."

He turned on his heels without waiting for a response, his back rigid as he walked away. The old man watched him go, his eyes narrowing as Mingyu's figure disappeared from the room. They both knew—no matter how civil they remained for Eunseo's sake—this was a wound that wouldn't heal.

Lisa tossed and turned in bed, her mind restless with the day's events. The image of Mingyu's demeanor after leaving the old man's office haunted her. Despite his forced smiles and efforts to engage with Eunseo, there was an unmistakable tension in his eyes that betrayed his inner turmoil. He had been distant and silent during the drive back to the apartment, and Lisa couldn't shake the feeling that she had crossed a line by inquiring about Eunseo's mother.

Frustration gnawed at her as she threw the blanket aside and climbed out of bed. She decided a warm glass of milk might soothe her nerves and perhaps a night breeze would clear her mind. As she prepared her milk in the microwave, the weight of the day settled heavily on her shoulders. With her warm cup in hand, she slipped on her robe and stepped out onto the veranda, only to be hit by the pungent smell of nicotine and alcohol.

Mingyu was there, leaning against the railing of his own veranda. He wore a loose white V-neck shirt and grey sweatpants, the Calvin Klein band of his boxers visible as he ran his hand through his hair, the cigarette perched between his lips. The moonlight and the faint glow of the neighboring lights cast a soft, ethereal glow on his tan skin, accentuating the lines of exhaustion etched across his face.

"Couldn't sleep?" Lisa's voice broke the heavy silence, tentative as she tried to bridge the chasm between them.

Mingyu didn't immediately respond. He took a drag from his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "It was hereditary," he finally said, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to pull at the night air.

"What?" Lisa asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Their sickness. If I lose Eunseo too, there will be no way out of this rock-bottom, Lisa."

Lisa's heart ached at his words, and she felt a pang of helplessness. "I'm sorry... but I don't understand."

Mingyu turned to face her, his eyes dark and shadowed with unspoken pain. "You asked me about Eunseo's mom, right?"

"Yes," Lisa replied softly, her gaze fixed on him.

"She's not here anymore, Lisa." Mingyu's voice trembled slightly, betraying the gravity of his confession. "She died three years ago."

The revelation hit Lisa like a tidal wave, leaving her stunned into silence. She hadn't anticipated such a heavy truth, and it felt like a weight had been dropped on her chest. She wanted to run to Mingyu, to offer comfort, but she found herself rooted to the spot, paralyzed by the depth of his pain.

"Is that why Eunseo's grandpa dislikes you?" Lisa finally managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper. Is that why you gave up your dream? Is that why you looked so traumatized after your talk with him? Is that why you're so cautious with Eunseo, because you're burdened by a sin that's beyond your control?

Her mind was flooded with questions, each one more painful than the last, but she dared not voice them all. Instead, she stood there, her heart aching for him, as a single tear slipped down her cheek. It was a tear of empathy, of shared sorrow, and a testament to the realization of Mingyu's heavy burdens.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice cracking as she whispered her apology. I misread everything.

The revelation had opened a Pandora's box within her. Her curiosity had led her to uncovering a painful truth, and the moment she had peered inside, all the hope she had clung to drained away, leaving her with a profound sense of sadness and helplessness. She felt his remorse and the crushing weight of his past, and she knew there was no easy way to box those emotions back up. The night air felt colder now, and the distance between them seemed both vast and insurmountable.

"Why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong, babo ya." Mingyu chuckled, smoke curling from his lips.

"I'm gonna do a lot more stupidity than that, so don't tease me about this, arasso?!" Amusement flickered in his eyes as Lisa tightened her robe around her shoulders, gripping the railings. Then, impulsively, she swung a leg over the railing, preparing to cross into his veranda. Mingyu's eyes widened, and in an instant, he was at her side, extending his hand to steady her. "Are you crazy?! We're on the third floor!"

"Don't you dare let go of me, Kim Mingyu!" Lisa yelled, suddenly aware of the dizzying drop below her. She hadn't thought it through—just a reckless impulse. But somehow, with Mingyu's help, she managed to bridge the gap and land safely on his veranda.

The moment her feet touched the floor, Mingyu released a frustrated curse under his breath. "You nearly gave me a heart attack! What if you had—"

He didn't finish, because Lisa had already reached for him, her hands cradling the back of his neck as she pulled him into a kiss. His eyes remained open in surprise while hers fluttered shut. When she pulled back, her fingers lingered against his jawline, and her voice softened. "It's too much for you to carry all alone, isn't it? Let me take some of that weight, Gyu. I'm willing to bear half of your heartbreak."

Mingyu's breath hitched at the sincerity in her eyes. He wanted to resist, to protect himself from the vulnerability her words invoked. His heartstrings constrict in pain. He can't. It's what he was avoiding to. Yet as he gazed at her, he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her face, free of makeup, showed the subtle exhaustion of the night—pale lips, faint dark circles beneath her eyes, and those slightly chubby cheeks that somehow remained flawless. Lisa might not be the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but right now, she was all he could see—stunning in her own way, breathtaking even.

Slowly, Mingyu leaned in again, their lips meeting in a gentle, lingering kiss. It was so tender it hurt, the kind of kiss that could make time stop. Lisa's fingers threaded into his hair, tugging gently as she opened her mouth slightly, inviting him deeper. His hands slid in slow circles over her back, slipping beneath her robe.

Lisa gasped when his fingers found her breast, the soft kneading sending a jolt of sensation through her body. The kiss turned from soft and sweet to intense, their tongues entwining, fighting for control. Mingyu's hands untied the belt of her robe, letting it fall from her shoulders. Beneath, she wore a delicate lace nightdress, nearly see-through at the chest. His lips traveled down her neck, leaving a trail of warmth as he reached her collarbone. The bruise from earlier still marred her skin, a reminder of last night.

When his mouth closed over her nipple, Lisa's head fell back, a moan slipping past her lips before she could stop it. Her eyes widened at the unfamiliar sensations flooding her body. She wasn't ready for this. Not yet.

"Gyu, wait—" she gasped, pulling at his hair. "I told you, I don't want to do this when we're not thinking clearly, remember?"

Mingyu growled softly in frustration, biting down lightly before pulling away. His breath came out ragged as he rested his forehead against her shoulder, both of them catching their breath. After a long moment, he spoke, voice low and rough. "Go sleep in Eunseo's room tonight."

A dull ache pounded at the base of his skull, and Mingyu woke to the sensation of his mouth being both dry and sticky. His entire body felt heavy, sluggish, as he shifted in the bed. The taste of stale beer and regret lingered in his throat, and his stomach churned, threatening to revolt at any moment.

He blinked blearily at the ceiling, a frown pulling at his face as flashes of last night flickered in his mind—too many drinks, too many words said that shouldn't have been. His heart sank as anxiety gnawed at his chest. What did I do? He should have stopped. But he didn't. And now, here he was, both body and mind wrecked from the choices he made.

Mingyu forced himself to stand, his head still pounding, but he knew he needed to make breakfast for Eunseo—maybe grab a glass of water, too. However, the moment he opened his bedroom door, he was greeted by a sight he wasn't yet used to. The small kitchen window was open, letting a soft ray of sunlight filter through. Breakfast was already made.

Eunseo was awake, her attention half on the Disney movie playing in the living room. But it wasn't the cartoon characters or even his daughter that caused him to pause—it was her.

Lisa sat across from Eunseo at the dining table, animatedly talking to his child with that bright smile of hers. Their giggles and conversation echoed softly through the room as they ate together. Mingyu blinked, his steps halting as his gaze locked on the brunette.

She had come into his life like the sweetest temptation he'd never asked for. Wrapped in awkwardness and innocence, but with a warmth that felt almost dangerous. The first time he saw her, she'd been a mess—her white blouse crumpled, her black pencil skirt uneven and riding up slightly above her knees, and her dark brown hair in a disheveled bun with strands falling across her face. But despite the chaos of her appearance, she had the brightest smile that reached her eyes.

He could still hear the shriek of joy in her voice, the burst of excitement in Spanish as she'd waved that piece of paper in the air.

"I nailed the internship! Oh my God! I got the highest grade!" she'd shouted, pumping her fist in the air, radiating pure joy.

In that moment, he'd known—he'd known he would get addicted to that smile, and he hated it. The warmth that spread through his chest and stomach was foreign, unsettling, and he despised it. He wasn't worthy of that feeling.

That's why he kept his distance. He had to. Because if he let himself get close, if he reached out and touched her, he'd lose.

"Oh, you're awake." Lisa's voice was gentle, almost too gentle, as she stood up upon seeing him enter. Without hesitation, she moved toward the kitchen, grabbing some plates and preparing him breakfast. The way she moved was so natural now, as if she'd always been a part of this space. She reheated the soup she'd made earlier, her hands deftly searching through the counter where medicines were tucked neatly. A hangover pill appeared beside the plate, along with a glass she'd already prepared.

Mingyu watched her from the corner of his eye, his gaze drifting between the bustling kitchen and the blurry memories of last night. His stomach twisted—not from the hangover but from the growing conflict inside him. He couldn't escape the weight of her presence, the warmth that she brought into his home, and the guilt that followed him like a shadow.

He sat next to Eunseo, who was happily munching on her breakfast. "Papa, look! Wawisa made me a heart-shaped waffle!" Her excitement was contagious, her joy pure and untainted by the complexities swirling around them.

Mingyu forced a smile, brushing a strand of hair from his daughter's face. "Wow, it's pretty, just like my Eunseo." His heart lightened briefly at her giggle, but it sank just as quickly when his thoughts returned to Lisa.

Lisa approached, placing a hot bowl of soup in front of him, the steam rising in soft wisps. "I'm sorry, I don't really know how to make Haejang-guk, but I made Caldo de Puchero. It's not a hangover soup, but it's gentle on the stomach." Her tone was casual, but there was a fragility in her voice, a hidden vulnerability beneath her bright smile. She poured water into his glass, her movements precise, careful.

Before Mingyu could respond, Eunseo piped up again. "Papa, can Mama also come with us to send Eunseo to school today?"

Mingyu stiffened at the word Mama. His eyes darted to Lisa, whose expression faltered just for a moment before she smiled again.

"We can't, Eunseo—" Mingyu began, trying to stay firm, but Lisa's soft voice cut through his words.

"Sure," she said, almost instinctively.

Both adults froze, the tension between them thick in the air. Eunseo's gaze bounced between them, sensing the sudden shift but not understanding it. She preferred Lisa's answer and focused her wide eyes on her.

"Don't you have to go to class too?" Mingyu asked, his voice lower, controlled.

"No, it's fine," Lisa replied, her gaze unwavering as if willing him to let her stay in this small world they'd built together. Funny how he knew too well, it won't last.

Mingyu leaned back in his chair, pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose, the throbbing in his head intensifying. He couldn't do this—not now. Not with all these unspoken emotions threatening to spill over. "Eunseo, can you take your plate with you and watch TV in the living room for a moment? Papa and Lisa need to talk, okay?"

Eunseo pouted, her lips forming a small frown. "But I want Mama to send me to school."

"Let's talk about that later, okay? Do what papa said," Mingyu urged gently.

With a small sigh, Eunseo reluctantly complied, hopping off her chair and taking her plate to the living room, leaving Mingyu and Lisa alone. The weight of unspoken words hung between them like a storm about to break.

Lisa straightened in her seat, her eyes soft but determined. "It's really okay, Gyu. I want to send her off, too."

Mingyu shook his head, the conflict rising within him like a tide he couldn't control. He wanted to let her in, to accept the warmth she brought, but he couldn't ignore the fear gnawing at him. "Lisa, you can't. Your exam is near, and you should focus on that."

"It's only the midterms," she shrugged, her voice laced with stubbornness.

Mingyu sighed, feeling the distance between them growing. "You're not obligated to do everything Eunseo asks, Lisa." The words came out sharper than he intended, but he couldn't pull them back.

Lisa stilled, her expression hardening just slightly as the realization hit her. It tasted bitter, and she swallowed it down with a tight nod. "Right. I'm sorry." Her voice was flat, emotion buried beneath layers of forced politeness.

"That's not what I meant—" Mingyu began, but she cut him off, the hurt already taking root.

"It's okay. I understand." She smiled, but it was a smile without warmth. She stood abruptly, taking her unfinished plate to the sink, her back to him. The air between them was heavy with tension, the fragile connection they'd built now teetering on the edge.

"I should go. I don't want to be late." Her voice wavered slightly, but she kept her back turned, unwilling to let him see the emotions that threatened to spill over.

"Lisa..." Mingyu's voice was soft, but it was too late.

She ignored him, walking straight to the living room where she knelt to bid goodbye to Eunseo. Mingyu could only watch, his chest tight with regret, as the warmth she brought into his life slipped further away.

And once again, he was left wondering if keeping his distance was truly protecting her—or just protecting himself.

Before Lisa could twist the knob of his apartment door, Mingyu sighed, as his next words almost stopped her from her tracks, almost.
"Call me if you need anything."