A year before he died, Hyojeong’s father-in-law quietly transferred ownership of a profitable commercial building—worth roughly $8,000 a month in rent—to his grandson, Hyunpil.He also wired about $80,000 to his daughter-in-law’s account without ever mentioning it.
He already knew his time was running out.And afraid his reckless son might one day tear the family apart, he made these final decisions in silence.
A year later, just as he expected, he passed away.
And that was when everything went wrong.
Tak Junho, the husband, discovered that one of the properties—the best one—wasn’t under his name at all, but under his son’s.He couldn’t stand it.He had inherited everything else, yet this one prime asset belonged to the boy.
Greed took over.
He began threatening Hyojeong, demanding she hand over the building registered under Hyunpil’s name.
He hadn’t always been like this.But years of nightlife, gambling, and reckless spending had stripped him of everything his father left him.Now the only thing he had left was a building he didn’t even own.
The monthly rent went straight into his account, but even that wasn’t enough.He became obsessed with taking the property entirely for himself—his “last chance” at rebuilding his life.
And from that point on, he turned into something close to a monster.Insults. Violence.Every day became hell for Hyojeong.
There were days she wished she could simply disappear.
But now—the monster was gone.
“Mom… don’t cry. I’m okay.”
Her son still couldn’t look anyone in the eye.Words came slowly to him, each sentence taking time to build.Inside, his thoughts were clear;getting them out was like lifting a heavy weight.
But Hyojeong understood him better than anyone.Whenever he opened a book, he slipped into a world of his own—a place where he smiled, soft and pure.
She wiped her tears and managed a small smile.“I’m not crying, sweetheart. As long as I have you, I’m fine.”
Her late husband’s jealousy had kept her trapped inside their home.The only time she was allowed out was for their son’s therapy.
Those brief hours were her only link to the outside world.While her son was in his session,she’d sneak into a small classroom next door and take barista classes.For the first time in years, she felt like she could breathe.
And now,she could finally brew coffee the way she loved.
She sold the old apartment and moved to Mapo.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
On the third floor of a quiet building just off the streets of Hongdae,she started a new dream:a small, warm café she built with her own hands.
The sign outside read simply:
“Contrabass.”
Inside, a soft carpet muted every step.Shelves of old LP records lined the wall like a tiny museum, each cover holding its own slice of time.Classical music drifted through the room, slow and warm, as if time itself eased up inside this space.
A plush sofa and a dark wooden tea table rested beneath soft lighting.The whole café felt like a quiet embrace.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.Hyojeong lifted her cup and took a slow sip.
Warmth spread through her chest.A gentle bitterness slid down her throat.
She lowered her head and let out a trembling breath.
And then, quietly, she fell into the one thought she never dared to voice:
If something happens to me… what will happen to him?
The truth pressed down on her:just the two of them, alone in the world.No family to lean on,no friends to confide in—just a quiet weight settling on her shoulders every day.
Yet her son, right in front of her,sat peacefully, completely absorbed in his book.His fingers twitched as he turned the pages.His brow tightened in concentration.The faintest smile tugged at his lips.
That tiny smile softened something inside her.
Before she noticed, her own lips curved into a small, warm grin—brief, but real.
She set her cup on the side table.It made a soft, clear sound.
As if grounding herself, she picked up the book he’d been reading.The faint smell of ink,the worn texture beneath her fingertips—
And she wished, quietly:
Let the world be a little less cold for him.
“Hyunpil,” she said gently,“There’s someone I want you to meet. Is that okay?”
With no one else to rely on,he looked up at her with nervous eyesand nodded.
Baek Kyung-soo wasn’t sure he deserved the request she brought him.His life had always been simple—work, books, quiet thoughts.Becoming someone’s guardian wasn’t something he could accept lightly.
Then a small voice rose beside him.
“Sir… can I look at your books?”
It was the first time Hyunpil had asked for something so directly.
Baek smiled.“Of course. Take any book you like.”
Hyunpil stood and slowly scanned the shelves.His fingers paused on a single spine.
A beginner’s guide to K-Bazi.
Baek watched him, then asked carefully,“He really loves reading, doesn’t he? That book might be a bit tough.”
A gentle smile warmed Hyojeong’s face—a look she gave only when speaking of her son.
“He’s loved books since he was little.Science, history, space, physics—he reads everything. Anything.”
She watched him nod as he turned the next page,pursing his lips when something caught his attention.Each tiny movement felt like a miracle.
“I think seeing your book made him curious.”
Baek thought for a long moment.Then, with a steady exhale, he said,
“All right. I’ll do it.I’ll be his guardian.But I can’t accept the money.Not when I’ve done nothing to earn it.”
She shook her head.
“That money isn’t payment.It’s a request—for you to teach him how to see the world…the way you do.”
Only then did he understand.She already knew the kind of person he wasand exactly how to persuade him.
Either way, he was cornered—refuse, and he’d picture the widow crying;accept, and he could already hear his wife scolding him.
“…Fine. We’ll do it your way.Will he be coming by tomorrow?”
After a brief farewell,Hyojeong and her son stepped outside.
The moment the door closed,Baek grabbed his head with both hands.
“God… my head…”
