OMS 86
by Cherry[You contacted me separately? I suppose this isn’t something your secretary should hear?]
Maybe it was his detective instincts, but he had good intuition. Park Dong-sik frowned deeply while staring at his file. While he could accept the other facts as known information, the phrase ‘Mother unconfirmed. Suspected omega’ made him deeply uncomfortable. Omega, male or female? He had never properly heard anything about his mother from his father. When drunk, his father would sometimes curse, calling him a “damn bastard” or “wretched man,” but Park Dong-sik had covered his ears, not wanting to hear even that.
“About Park Dong-sik’s mother. Is this everything?”
[Park Chun-bae’s whereabouts were unclear around that time. After asking around, I found an elderly couple who lived next door back then, but one had passed away and the other has dementia, their mind comes and goes. Among their ramblings came this story: A pretty man lived next door, and one day his belly was swollen. Then they heard a baby crying. After that, they never saw the man’s face again.]
“What about his appearance?”
[They say it was too long ago to remember. Do you need this information? If you give me time, I can dig deeper.]
Park Dong-sik pondered what to do next. This was about his birth mother whom he’d forgotten all this time. He felt conflicting desires, part of him thought he didn’t want to know what he was doing, where he lived, whether he was dead or alive, while another part wanted to see his face at least once before dying.
“Would that be possible?”
[Since Park Chun-bae is still alive, if we pursue that angle, something might turn up.]
While talking, he heard movement from the living room. Park Dong-sik quickly hung up, hid the documents, and hurried outside. He had hoped it might be Kim Jun-han or Kim Tae-han, but it proved to be none other than Madam Song. Her secretary was setting something down by the table, it appeared to be herbal medicine.
“What brings you here at this hour?”
“I had medicine made for your father-in-law, so I had some made for you too.”
Such devotion to Chairman Kim. Making health tonics for someone who deserved to be poisoned. It was no wonder the old man had so much energy to flirt with his daughter-in-law.
“Why that expression? Worried I might have put something strange in the medicine?”
Actually, he had wondered if she might have tampered with the medicine before. That was why he’d thrown away the first batch of herbal medicine he received without drinking it. When he didn’t readily answer, Madam Song laughed in disbelief.
“I would never harm my grandchildren.”
But now he felt he could believe her sincerity.
“I’m sure you wouldn’t. You have such strong attachments with blood relations.”
“Most people do. What wouldn’t you do to protect your own child?”
Park Dong-sik felt complicated emotions overcome him at that point. Then why did my mother abandon me? Though thinking of Park Chun-bae, he could understand. What hope would there be after carrying the child of human trash? Even after giving birth, life couldn’t have been lovely.
“Anyway, make sure you take it properly. It’s made with precious ingredients.”
“Since you’re here, why don’t you stay for tea?”
“Save your insincere offers. I’m leaving.”
She really knows how to read people’s minds. Then Madam Song noticed the flowers in the vase and smiled slightly. She seemed pleased to see the flowers she had sent being put to good use.
“Your skills have improved quite a bit.”
“I’m good at learning anything.”
“True. When you’re pregnant, you should only look at pretty things. See good people, eat good things. That’s the best prenatal care.”
Park Dong-sik’s lips twitched. Then could you keep your husband out of my sight? He came by today, stared at me with his nasty eyes, and even threatened me. He wanted to say this out loud but unlike before, he didn’t want to hurt Madam Song.
Even negative bonds were still bonds, had he grown attached to this woman already?
“Haha, I should see your face often then, Mother. Since you said to look at pretty things.”
At his glib response, Madam Song gave him a good-natured side-eye before leaving with her secretary, telling him not to come out as it was dangerous at night. Perhaps because of the baby, her attitude had softened considerably compared to before. Left alone, Park Dong-sik felt thirsty and went to get juice from the refrigerator. Just then, a message arrived.
[I have an appointment. I’ll be late, so go to bed first.]
Park Dong-sik pouted. The message was so typical of Kim Jun-han.
Then a message came from Kim Tae-han as well.
[Baby, I can’t come today. Bear with missing me.]
Complete with hearts and cute emoticons. How could brothers be so different?
He sat on the sofa drinking juice and turned on a comedy channel for distraction, but couldn’t focus. His head was filled with questions, festering in his mind, about why Lee Hee-soo had been looking for Park Chun-bae.
***
Stepping out of the elevator, Kim Jun-han walked down the hallway. When he rang the bell at room 1105, Kim Tae-han appeared wearing only a towel. He seemed to have just showered, with water still clinging to his body and his hair dripping wet.
“You came?”
Following Kim Tae-han’s bright smile inside, Kim Jun-han saw alcohol and snacks already set up on the table.
“Wait, I’ll change clothes and come back.”
Kim Jun-han looked around the hotel room, hung up his jacket, and sat in a chair. Soon after, Kim Tae-han returned in comfortable clothes and took the seat opposite him.
“Why did you call me all the way here?”
“Why? I wanted to have a drink and chat with my brother.”
“If you’re planning to bring up useless talk, don’t bother.”
Kim Tae-han made a hurt expression.
“Don’t be like that. Do you know how upset I’ve been about our relationship getting worse lately?”
“When was it ever good?”
Kim Tae-han protested in disbelief.
“What do you mean? When we were young, you took good care of me. You helped me study and protected me when Father was angry. Don’t you remember? When I got hurt falling from a tree while volunteering at the orphanage, you carried me on your back. I never said it before, but I felt really secure that day.”
“I don’t remember carrying you, but I do remember you causing an uproar saying you were going to marry some boy you brought home.”
Kim Tae-han furrowed his brow.
“Me?”
“Yes. Mother’s face turned as pale as a sheet of paper.”
“Haha, he must have been really pretty.”
The old story created a relatively pleasant atmosphere. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-han naturally opened the bottle, used tongs to put ice in the glasses, and poured drinks for the two of them.
“Did you know Father went to see Hee-soo today?”
Kim Jun-han remained as impassive as ever.
“Yes.”
Kim Tae-han gritted his teeth tightly.
“The old man must be going senile. How could he do that to his daughter-in-law…no, he’s not even that anymore. Since you guys are divorced.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Are you going to leave Father like this?”
Kim Jun-han looked up at Kim Tae-han. His eyes carried a warning: Don’t do anything foolish.
“You pretend to care so much about Hee-soo, but you’ll leave Father alone?”
“Should I push him down the stairs like you did?”
“Do you have proof I pushed anyone?”
“Plenty. It wasn’t that you were meticulous—I just pretended not to know.”
“How impressive. Then why don’t you do it this time, Brother? Without leaving a trace.”
When Kim Jun-han remained silent, Kim Tae-han offered him a glass.
“Have a drink.”
When there was no response, he clinked their glasses and gulped his down. Kim Jun-han opened a bottle of mineral water instead of alcohol, took two sips, grabbed his jacket, and got up from his seat. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-han filled his second glass.
“Actually, I asked to meet because I have a favor.”
Kim Jun-han stopped and turned around. Kim Tae-han put down his glass and bit his bottom lip hard before speaking.
“You know I set Hee-soo up with that affair partner, right?”
“So?”
“Don’t tell him.”
“Why?”
Kim Tae-han’s Adam’s apple bobbed heavily.
“If Hee-soo finds out, he’ll hate me…”
“If you didn’t want to be hated, you shouldn’t have done it in the first place.”
“If you tell, I won’t stay quiet either.”
“Is that a threat?”
“If you listen to me, it’s a request. If not, then yes, it’s a threat.”
“Do as you please. Your threat won’t work on me.”
Kim Jun-han turned toward the exit. But suddenly his vision blurred and his body swayed. He leaned against the doorframe, bending over. He shook his head trying to clear it and catch his breath, but his consciousness was fading. Someone came to support him, it turned out to be Kim Tae-han.
“You…!”
In a short time, Kim Jun-han became unable to even control his body. Kim Tae-han moved him to the bedroom, laid him down on the bed, and smiled bitterly.
“You should have listened when I asked nicely. Why do you try to be the only good person to Hee-soo?”
Just then, the entrance door opened and footsteps were heard. When Kim Tae-han went out, Lee Seon-jae was smiling, waving a key card. Noticing his flushed cheeks, Kim Tae-han frowned deeply.
“Have you been drinking?”
“I couldn’t stand the boredom while waiting. It was just one drink.”
“One drink? Your face is bright red.”
Lee Seon-jae went to the bedroom, checked on Kim Jun-han spread out on the bed, and turned to look at Kim Tae-han in disbelief.
“Is that really Kim Jun-han?”
“Did you think he’s a fake?”
“A corpse-like man isn’t my type.”
“You might change your mind when you strip him. By the way, my brother has a huge dick. You might reach heaven.”
Lee Seon-jae giggled and came over to adjust Kim Tae-han’s shirt collar.
“How about the three of us? I can handle two just fine.”
“Is that a family trait?”
“Huh?”
Kim Tae-han roughly pushed away Lee Seon-jae’s hand and warned him with his eyes.
“Forget about it. Just do your job. If you don’t want to die.”
Lee Seon-jae’s mouth twitched before he stormed off to the bedroom in a huff. Watching him undress one piece at a time, Kim Tae-han headed to the exit with a hardened expression.
“Don’t blame me.”
Lee Hee-soo should have stayed forever out of your concern. This is all your fault, Brother.
Just as he gripped the doorknob, grinding his molars, there was a beep and the lock moved first. Huh? There shouldn’t be anyone coming. The door burst open, and a startled Kim Tae-han stumbled backward. Secretary Choi and several burly men pushed their way in without hesitation. The men rushed toward the bedroom, followed by Lee Seon-jae’s screams.
Kim Tae-han glared at Secretary Choi who blocked his path.
“What is this?!”
Secretary Choi answered professionally.
“CEO Kim Jun-han instructed us to come up if there was no contact after 30 minutes. He said if the CEO’s condition wasn’t good when we arrived, we could shoot Kim Tae-han on the spot.”
Kim Tae-han grimaced and shouted.
“What nonsense!”
Before he finished speaking, Secretary Choi pulled out a gun.
“I’m merely following orders. I’m sorry.”
Simultaneously, there was a hiss as gas sprayed directly into his face. Coughing, Kim Tae-han covered his mouth and collapsed on the marble floor. His vision spun and his mind grew fuzzy. As he struggled to get up, a dark figure walked steadily toward him. The man who approached grabbed his chin roughly and brought his face close, his black eyes glinting strangely.
“I told you. It wasn’t that you were meticulous, I just pretended not to know.”
At the chilling voice, his vision went black and his ears grew muffled. Ah, am I going to die like this? Even at that moment, Kim Tae-han mustered his last bit of consciousness to curse at the man.
“Kim Jun-han…you fucking bastard…”