Chapter 4: Father
Chapter Theme: Father - BTOB

Han Seungwoo

"Appa!" A sweet little voice welcomed me as I entered the apartment I rented for almost 10 years.

Dongpyo, with his short legs accompanied by his wide smile, ran to me. I kneeled and opened my arms to give him an embrace. He snaked his precious arms into my neck and clung like a little monkey. I squished his whole body by hugging him. This agi is adorable.

"How was your day Dongpyo?" I scooped him then I stood up.

I nuzzled my nose to his face. "Aigoo ~ neomu kwiyeowo!" I exclaimed and showered him with kisses. Dongpyo giggled and he kissed my cheeks.

Using his hands, he stretched my lips to form a smile. "Appa, you should always smile like this because you have a beautiful smile!"

It was a forced smile at first because Dongpyo stretched it but later on, it became a genuine smile after I heard him say those words.

"Ani," I shook my head. "Dongpyo has the best smile in the world." I pinched his cheeks and he pouted.

"Apayo~" He said cutely and touched his cheeks.

When I put him down he ran towards the dining table where my appa is waiting for us.

"Abbeoji," he nodded at my greeting. "I'm gonna change first before eating."

As I changed my clothes, the incident earlier crossed my mind. Unknowingly, I smiled and bit my lower lip. "Don't be swayed Seungwoo. It was just a pure accident and curiosity." I shook off the thought that has been playing on my mind. It should not be entertained anyway.

It was almost 9:30 pm but they waited for me. "Sorry I got home late," I apologized directly to my father because Dongpyo was busy eating his dish.

"It's unusual that you got home late. Every time you arrived, you look so weary but tonight you look so bright."

I didn't know I look different tonight than my usual nights. I made a mental note that I should be aware of my actions and emotions if it's unusual or not for them not to suspect me. "I ate two cups of ramen earlier so I'm not that hungry."

My father gave me a suspicious look that made me uneasy. I tried to act straight. We ate our dinner silently and I took care of Dongpyo by brushing his teeth. This is my routine every night.

"Appa.. please don't be late again tomorrow." Even Dongpyo noticed it.

I put him on the bed first before I lay down beside him. Dongpyo likes to be patted on his head before going to sleep so I always pat his head.

After a little while, he yawned and drifted to sleep. I tried to close my eyes but instead of seeing nothing, I remembered her face. She has something that made me have an interest in her.

I took a glance at Dongpyo who was sleeping peacefully and I felt so guilty. I should be focusing on taking care of my son and his future. I need to work hard so I can send him to university in the future.

A woman should not cross my mind now because I don't know what will be the consequences later on. I'm avoiding women ever since I had Dongpyo because I'm scared of what will be their reaction. Will she be able to accept that I have a son? What could be her say about me?

Ugh, why I am even thinking about these things?

I turned to Dongpyo's side and hugged him as I prepared myself to sleep.

***

Morning came and I prepared breakfast for the three of us. I made three sunny side-ups, fried three hotdogs, and kimchi.

My father and I have been living here for 10 years. When Dongpyo came into our lives, we became two and a half men inside this house.

"Harabeoji, we'll get going. Annyeong!" We waved our hands to my father and bid our goodbyes. I opened the door next to the driver's seat for Dongpyo.

I started the engine and we're on our way to Dongpyo's school. When I drop him off, I will be starting my daily work.

I'm using my taxi so this is called a silver taxi. The time is mine and I have less to worry about. This was my father's taxi before. I forced him to stop driving since he's aging and I need to work for Dongpyo. The idea of living under the same roof with my father even though I have a son is not okay for me. I need to work for us to live no matter how tiring the work can be. I will not falter.

My cellphone beeped and I got a notification stating that I received the money in my account. I checked how much money has been transferred and I was right, it was her. So she saw the post-it note and the receipt. A small smile crept on my lips .

I revved the taxi signaling that I'm ready for this day.

"Where are you headed to?" A female student hailed my taxi.

"Yeoreum High," she responded and I typed it in the google map so it will be easy for me.

It was a 30-minute drive. Students don't usually hail a taxi because they prefer to ride their bicycles or take a bus for a ride.

After I dropped her off, an old woman hailed my taxi saying that she was going to an insurance company. I drove for about an hour.

"Mr. Driver, can you please wait for me?"

Every time they asked me like this I usually say no. "Arasseo. But I'm sorry to tell you that I'll not be turning the meter off. Don't worry you will get a discount later on."

"I'll be off then," the old lady said.

Two hours passed but the old lady did not come out yet.

"Yeobeoseyo?" I answered my phone. It was Dongpyo's homeroom teacher and this is my first time getting a call from her.

"Is this Dongpyo's appa?"

"Ne.. majayo. What happened to my son?" I asked worriedly. Dongpyo was energetic earlier and he's been taking his vitamins every day.

"Seonsaengnim?" I asked again to the teacher. She's making me worry more!

The teacher sighed. "Dongpyo's crying so badly, sir. The other pupils teased him that he doesn't have a mother. I tried to console him but it didn't work. He's been calling you and wanted to go home."

My body froze as a reaction to what I heard. I knew that this would happen anytime soon. Right now I'm nervous and frightened. How will I answer my son's question?

I got off the taxi to look for the old lady. I entered the insurance company and my eyes directly roamed the surroundings hoping that I can spot her right away.

"Have you seen an old lady here?" I asked one of the employees who was walking by.

She was stunned for a little bit. "A-are you talking to me?" She asked while pointing herself like it was unexpected. I nodded.

"Heol! Jeongmalro?" She blinked numerously and her mouth was in an o-shape.

Her actions made me uncomfortable. The way she acted was so weird. Is it bad to ask her? Or anyone from this company?

"Have you seen an old lady here?" I repeated my question with the same tone earlier.

"Huh!" She spat as I offended her.
Her eyes glared at me and she scanned my whole body. She met my gaze and arched her brow.

"Tsk.. you're unbelievable!" She flipped her hair and turned her back. Honestly, she's creepy.

"Was he looking for his sugar mommy? He's handsome but his taste is so bad!!" She murmured but I can't understand it.

When I set my eyes in a different direction, I saw the old lady talking to an employee.

"Halmeonim jeogiyo.." I tried to call her attention. "Halmeonim," I tried again. I was two meters apart so moved nearer.

"Jeogiyo.." she was busy talking to the employee and I moved a little bit closer now. "Jeogiyo.." she was still talking.

"Ma'am someone is looking for you." A woman's voice went through my ears. It was a bit familiar and I blinked when I saw her. I removed my gaze from her right away. Am I scared that she might recognize me? I didn't do anything wrong to her but why am I so scared?

"Oh, it's you... what's the problem?"

"It's an emergency ma'am. I can't wait for you. I'm sorry," I said apologetically. She was a bit worried at first but she permitted me to go after she paid me.

There's a force making me glance at the woman. She was unaware that I know her. Well, I don't know her personally. But we had an.. interaction. How could she possibly act like I'm not familiar with her when we...

I was almost lost in reverie when her eyes met mine.

"Uh.. do you need something else?"

I didn't answer her and walked away.

Dongpyo-ya.. gidaryeo...