The soft hum of birdsong drifted through the half-open window as sunlight spilled into the room. Linda blinked awake, stretched lazily on her bed, then got up to begin her morning routine. She brushed her teeth, took a warm shower, and after slipping into her workout clothes, did a few quick stretches in her room.
Soon, she headed to the backyard where she practiced her punches and kicks—her movements sharp and precise, a rhythm she had mastered over time. After her final kick, she exhaled deeply, wiped her brow, and went inside to change into her school clothes.
By the time she returned to the kitchen, fully dressed, the scent of fresh breakfast filled the air. Sophia had already set the table and was dishing out food.
"I told you to always call me when you're making breakfast," Linda said, dropping into a chair.
Sophia giggled. "I just like cooking," she replied with a shrug, tying her apron behind her.
Linda smiled and took a bite of the warm food. "Mmm, this is good. After school today, we're going to that new park, okay? You, me, and baby Jack. It's not far from here."
Sophia nodded cheerfully. "Yay, I'll pack snacks!"
Linda grinned, grabbed her backpack, and zoomed off to school on her bike, the morning wind rushing through her hair.
---
The grand halls of the Adam estate were quiet, the silence broken only by the soft clink of silverware as William sat at the long dining table, dressed in black-and-white joggers and a pair of designer boots. The maid had already served a traditional Korean breakfast—hot rice, kimchi, and beef soup. He took a few spoonfuls, eating slowly, distracted.
Footsteps approached.
Mr. Adam appeared from the kitchen in his robe, holding a mug of steaming coffee. He sipped it slowly as he walked over and took his usual seat across from his son.
"You didn't greet me, Will. Is that how things go now?" Mr. Adam asked, eyeing him over the rim of his cup.
William froze for a moment, his jaw tightening. He tried to hold it in.
"William," his father pressed, "I'm talking to you."
"Can't you just let me have a quiet breakfast?" William snapped.
Mr. Adam lowered his coffee. Shock flickered across his face. "Where did that come from, Will? What was that for?"
"For everything," William burst out, shoving his spoon down. "Yesterday, I almost got killed by kidnappers. I tried reaching you but you snubbed my call. You didn't even call back. You didn't come check on me after I got home."
Mr. Adam's brows drew together. "You should have told me. Will, I promise you, I didn't ignore you on—"
"I shouldn't have to beg for your attention, Dad!. Living life on my own terms doesn't make me a reckless son; it just means I'm trying to break free from the weight of being the heir to the Adams empire. The constant reminder of my responsibilities is suffocating, Dad." William said almost in tears. "You're always lecturing me about responsibility and changing my ways , but where were you when I needed you?"
The room fell into tense silence. William pushed back his chair, leaving his untouched meal behind. Without another word, he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Moments later, the sound of his engine roared through the driveway as he drove off to Min-soo's house.
Mr. Adam slumped speechless on the chair, his head bowed in deep contemplation. He was really feeling guilty. He could have checked on William.
---
When William arrived at Min-soo's house, the neighborhood was still quiet, with early sunlight casting soft shadows over the rooftops. He parked his sleek car by the curb and walked up to the front door. He rang the doorbell once and waited, arms crossed and jaw clenched. A few seconds later, the door creaked open.
Min-soo stood there in an oversized T-shirt and pajama pants, his hair messy and eyes still heavy with sleep. He squinted at the figure standing on his porch and blinked in surprise when he realized who it was.
"Will?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes. He quickly took in the exhausted look on his friend's face—eyes slightly red, shoulders drooped, clothes crumpled like he hadn't rested at all.
"What's going on, man? You look like a hurricane hit you." Without waiting for a reply, he stepped aside. "Come in."
William gave a silent nod and stepped inside. As soon as he entered the cozy living room, he collapsed onto the sofa, leaning back and throwing one arm across his forehead.
Min-soo closed the door behind him and joined him on the couch, concern lining his expression.
"What happened? You look like crap," Min-soo said, softer this time. "Something with your dad again?"
William didn't respond at first. He shook his head slowly. "Don't worry. I don't want to talk about it."
Min-soo sighed, then leaned back, arms crossed. "I don't like seeing you like this, man. Long faces don't suit you. Well, actually, they kind of make you look cuter, but still… not a good look."
Despite himself, William let out a faint smile.
"There it is," Min-soo said with a smirk. "See? Told you. You don't want Veronica to see you like this, do you?"
William chuckled lightly. "You're good at making me smile, I'll give you that."
"That's what friends are for," Min-soo said. "Now, spill. I know something big happened. I can see it all over your face."
William let out a deep breath and sat up straighter. He raked a hand through his hair.
"You remember that guy I told you I met at that bar last month? The one I thought was chill?"
Min-soo nodded. "Yeah, you said he was into crypto or something. Kinda flashy."
"Yeah. Turns out, he scammed me. Took five thousand yuan from me. I wasn't even mad about the money—just… the betrayal. I tried to confront him, calmly, you know? But instead of owning up, the jerk called me a rich, spoiled brat."
Min-soo's brows furrowed. "Seriously?"
"Yeah," William replied. "We ended up fighting. I left the party after that. I was so pissed I didn't even realize someone was tailing me. Then bam—someone hits my car from behind."
Min-soo sat forward, wide-eyed. "Wait, what?"
William nodded. "I got out to check it, but two guys jumped me. They shoved me into my own car and drove me to some abandoned place. Beat me up like hell. They said they'd only release me if someone paid a ransom. My dad, I mean, he ignored me. I guess he was tired of me. "
"Holy—why didn't you call me?" Min-soo asked, shocked.
"I tried, but… I mixed up the digits. I only remembered part of your number." He shrugged helplessly. "I didn't even have my phone at first. I left it at home because it was my party."
"Damn," Min-soo muttered. "So who bailed you?"
William was silent for a moment. Then he said quietly, "Veronica."
Min-soo's jaw dropped. "What?!"
"Yeah. She wired them triple the amount. Told them to let me go unharmed."
"Wow… Guess you've finally found your ride-or-die," Min-soo said, genuinely impressed.
William allowed himself a small smile. "She's something else."
Min-soo gave him a light punch on the arm. "Well, look, whatever choices you make, I'm behind you. Always. I know people think you're reckless or immature, but I know you, Will. You're not heartless. And you're not weak."
William's smile faded a little as he looked at his friend. "Thanks, Min. That… that means more than you know."
"And hey," Min-soo added. "Don't forget, your dad does love you. I mean, maybe he's just old-fashioned and doesn't get your vibe. But still. Parents mess up. Doesn't mean they don't care."
"Maybe," William muttered. "Or maybe he just stopped trying."
"Maybe you stopped giving him a reason to try," Min-soo said gently. "Think about it."
William looked down at his hands, lost in thought. Then, slowly, he stood up.
"I should go see Veronica. Thank her properly."
"Yeah, go," Min-soo said, getting up too. "Tell her thanks from me too—for saving my best friend's butt."
William grinned. "Will do."
They walked out together, and William climbed into his car. He gave Min-soo a short wave and drove off, the engine humming low as he disappeared down the street.
Min-soo stood there for a while, watching the road, then turned back into the house, shaking his head. "Crazy world we live in," he muttered, heading back inside.