Seojin's POV
*Flashback*
"Kwon Seojin, you useless child, get down here now!" A loud voice interrupted me while I was catching up on homework. I really wanted to hide. Uncle Bae was drunk again, which isn't a surprise to me since he was drunk ever since his wife died. His sons tried to tell him to man up and got a slap in the face. I've been living under their roof ever since my parents died. Long Story short, they died in the ocean. And I thought car accidents took lives away. I've lived in Busan practically my whole life and raised Joonhee and Kyungwoo, my brother and sister. They've adjusted to the scent of alcohol, cigarettes, and anything toxic. Their sons by the way, are total jerks. This family has fallen apart without a woman in their home, so I was pushed into doing that job. People would call me the Korean version of Cinderella. Except that I'm related to my uncle and cousins. Oh, and did I mention? I'm practically the oldest of the kids in this house.
I went downstairs prepared for something to happen. He was standing outside the of the house near the new casted fish in the net. I took little steps toward him. "Yes?" He turned around with an irritated look. "Ya, you didn't even bother to carry this to the Kims! You didn't even finish washing the dishes or the laundry! Aish, what am I going to do with you?" I clenched my fists and breathed slowly. I wanted to say something but he would reward me with a black eye. "I'll do it. I'm sorry." I bowed, took the net and carried it to the Kims who happened to be 3 blocks away. "You're cooking dinner as soon as you get home, ara?!" I huffed. Whatever. I wished I was legal but I was stuck as a damned 13 year old. I wanted to drive. I wanted to get a job that paid actual money. I wanted to save that money, take my siblings with me, and get away from this hell.
When I got there, I was greeted by Mrs. Kim. I set down the net and bowed. "Anyong Hasayo, Mrs. Kim. Your fish is here." I tried to say the words with enthusiasm but I didn't have enough energy left. My back hurt so much and I smelled like fish. She smiled and motioned me to come inside.. "Come in, you look like you need a glass of water." I smiled and followed her. I've always liked Mrs. Kim. I've known her since I was little and she always treated me like I was her own child. Her kids grew up to be successful but never bothered to come back to them. I took a seaton the floor. "So, where's Mr. Kim?" She handed me a glass of water and a piece of bread. I gently took it from her and took slow sips and bites. "He took the new batch to the market. Oh, and I have great news!" She took a seat next to me. "What is it?" I asked. She sighed. "We're moving to Seoul in a week. My husband and I have finally raised enough money to get a flight and buy a house there! Isn't that great?" I blinked at her. No, she can't leave. I don't want her to. But she seemed so happy. She stroked my hair. "Are you okay?"
I wanted to say no. I didn't want to lie. I was never okay. "Yes" She took a look of my face and shook her head. "I know you're lying, your eyes say everything." I grinned. "Okay, fine. I'm not okay. I hate being the oldest and having to take care of everything. I hate that my guardian had to become and alcoholic. I hate how my siblings are also being affected. I hate how I always get teased at school for smelling like fish and not having parents. For once, I'd really just want to get away from it all. And I hate how you're going to leave me behind..." A tear ran down my cheek and Mrs. Kim gasped. She immediately hugged me while I continued to cry. I really did miss my mom because she used to comfort me like this. "It's okay, it's okay." She chanted. I hoped so too.
As much as I wanted to stay, I obviously couldn't. I got home around 10 pm. I cooked and Junhyuk spilled miso soup on my head. Great cousin I have there. I brought the leftovers upstairs for my siblings and I to eat. I did the laundry and dishes. I was half asleep doing my algebra homework, so I was positive I would get most of the answers wrong. I showered to wake myself up and because I reeked of fish. Making a life decison in the shower, I thought about something. I wanted to run away from all of this. I wanted to go with Mr. and Mrs. Kim to Seoul. Change my name. Everything will be alright. Same goes for my dongsaengs. I couldn't sleep the rest of the night, tossing and turning and commforting Joonhee from her nightmares. My brain hurt from thinking so much. I went outside to get some fresh air. I brought a flashlight and a knife to see and destroy whoever gets near me. I walked along the ocean side. I kind of got tired from the smell salt water. I kept walking until I stepped on something. Was it glass? I opened my flashlight and dug into the sand. I found a clear glass bottle buried under the sand. There was paper inside it. Interesting. I put it in my pocket and ran back inside the house, quietly passing uncle Bae who was sleeping soundlessly on the couch.
