Page 62 of From Paris to Seoul

“Why?” I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper, but louder than I intended.

He shifted uncomfortably, as if the weight of those years pressed down on him. “I… I never wanted to hurt you.” His voice cracked, the words coming out hoarse, like they hadn’t been spoken in a long time.

I clenched my fists, the anger and confusion building up inside me. I let out a small, sarcastic chuckle. “You never wanted to hurt me? Then why leave? Why disappear without a word?”

The words stung as they left my mouth, but they felt necessary. He didn’t respond right away, and I was pretty sure he might turn away again, like the coward he was.

“I have a huge debt. I borrowed money from the wrong crowds. And I don’t want you, Ye-bin, or your mom to get involved in it.” His eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite place—guilt, regret, maybe even shame. “I’m sorry,” he said simply, his shoulders slumping low like a deflated balloon. And for a moment, I thought he might break down and cry.

I couldn’t tell if his words were genuine or just desperation. But I realized I didn’t have the answer either. I wasn’t sure if I could ever forgive him. Or if I even wanted him back in my life.

The silence between us stretched again, heavy and stifling. I wanted to say something—anything—but the words wouldn’t come. What could I even say to him? The man who had been absent for years? The one who made me abandon my dreams and forced me to become the head of my family while I was still just a teenager?

His admission hung in the air—debt, the wrong crowds. Was that why he left? Was that why he disappeared? To protect us? Or to protect himself?

I met his eyes, and for the first time in all these years, I saw something—vulnerability. He wasn’t the strong, untouchable figure I remembered.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” I asked, my voice quieter now, the anger replaced by a mix of confusion and hurt. “Why keep it a secret? Why leave us in the dark?”

“I was ashamed,” he confessed, his voice trembling. “I thought if I stayed away, you’d be better off. I thought... I thought I could fix things without dragging you into it.”

“Baekhyun…” He called my name for the first time—the first time I heard it in almost twenty years. “I know I don’t deserve forgiveness. I don’t deserve to be a part of your life. But if you ever need me… I will be there.” His voice hung in the air, heavy with regret.

“I don’t know if I can forgive you,” I said, my voice soft but firm. “I just… wanted to tie up a loose end.”

His face fell, but he nodded, understanding, though it was clear that it hurt.

With that, I turned and began to walk away. I felt a strange mixture of relief and sorrow. Relieved that he was still alive and well. Sorrow, because… I didn’t know if I should tell Mom and Ye-bin, or keep this to myself.

For a long time, I wondered why my dad left our family. Now at least I know. What to do with this information—that’s something I’ll deal with another day.

13

??

Seo-yeon

Should I go to Japan with Baekhyun?

That was the million-dollar question, and I couldn’t stop turning it over in my head.

It sounded crazy. Just a few months ago, I wouldn’t have even considered it. Back then, I was ready to marry my ex and spend the rest of my life with him—even though I already knew we don’t belong together.

If I go with Baekhyun… what would people say? Living together before marriage? What would his colleagues think? Those A-list actors? The industry was small, and even the tiniest rumor could spiral into a scandal. Anything remotely controversial had to be avoided at all costs.

And then, of course… my parents. They’d never forgive me once they found out.

But then again… I’m not an actress anymore. Not even a model. No projects, no agency, nothing tying me down.

So why should I care? I’m an adult, after all—old enough to make my own choices. And isn’t it time I started living life on my own terms?

But Baekhyun and I—what exactly are we? Had we even been on a proper date in Korea? Aside from that night at his place… where I also met his entire family?

I sighed, pacing restlessly around my room.

Japan isn’t even that far—just a few hours by plane or even a ferry ride from Fukuoka to Busan. I can visit my grandparents. It’s been ages since I last saw them.

So, it’s not like I’m disappearing forever. But still, packing up and leaving like this… it feels huge.

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