The grand parlour of the Adam estate was quiet, the silence broken only by the soft clink of notifications coming from William's phone as he sat at the long dining table, dressed in black-and-white joggers and a pair of simple slippers. The maid had already served breakfast, hot rice, kimchi, and beef soup. He took a few spoonfuls, eating slowly, distracted by the phone he was holding.
Footsteps approached, drawing his attention.
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?" he 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." His voice trembled with anger and hurt. His eyes burned, not just with rage, but disappointment. The veins in his neck tightened as he struggled to hold himself together.
Mr. Adam's brows drew together. His expression shifted from confusion to alarm. "Kidnapped? What are you talking about?" he demanded, rising to his feet. His voice shook with sudden concern. "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!" William cut in angrily. "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," he 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 a tense silence. William pushed back his chair, leaving his 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 in the chair, his head bowed in deep contemplation. Guilt crept heavily into his chest. He could have checked on William. He should have.
---
When William arrived at Min-soo's house, the neighborhood was still quiet. He parked his sleek car by the curb and walked up to the front door. He rang the doorbell once and waited. 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, his eyes slightly red, shoulders drooped, with the slippers he was wearing.
"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 with his arms crossed. "I don't like seeing you like this, man. Long faces don't suit you.though you still look good on it, but still, you look cute when you smile."
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 old friend 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 was sleeping with my girlfriend. They both scammed me. Took five thousand yuan from me. I was really mad about the betrayal. I tried to confront them, calmly, you know? But instead of owning up, the jerks 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 continued as he recounted the whole event that happened that night to Min-soo.
"What!" He screamed, "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.
"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 to me coming from you."
"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 got 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.