Yerin's fingers rested against the old seal.
For a moment, she didn't move.
The room was completely silent.
Soo-jin stood across the desk, watching her carefully.
Do-hyun remained beside Yerin, his attention fixed on the envelope.
Yerin slowly opened it.
The paper inside was old and slightly yellowed.
She carefully pulled it out.
At the top was a date.
Twenty years ago.
Her eyes moved down the page.
Three names immediately caught her attention.
Hwang Tae-sung.
Choi Min-seok.
And the name of the mysterious man had been written beneath them.
But unlike the other records they'd discovered, this time the name hadn't been erased.
Yerin stared at it.
"So he really existed."
Soo-jin nodded.
"Yes."
Do-hyun leaned closer.
"What does it say?"
Yerin continued reading.
The document described a meeting between the three men.
They had apparently been working together on a business operation that involved information, security systems, and several private agreements.
But something had gone wrong.
Confidential information had been leaked.
Money had disappeared.
And someone had provided evidence suggesting that the mysterious man had betrayed both Tae-sung and Do-hyun's father.
Yerin's eyes narrowed.
"This doesn't make sense."
"What?"
She pointed at the document.
"There are inconsistencies."
Do-hyun took the page from her.
He read it carefully.
Soo-jin spoke quietly.
"That's what I thought too."
Yerin looked at her.
"You knew?"
"I knew something wasn't right."
She walked toward the window.
"Your father and Mr. Choi trusted that man."
"Then why did they turn against him?"
Soo-jin looked outside.
"Because they were given a reason to."
Silence filled the room.
Do-hyun looked back at the document.
"Who gave them the evidence?"
Soo-jin shook her head.
"That's the part I never found out."
Yerin looked down.
There was another page.
She picked it up.
Her grandmother's name appeared several times.
Her expression changed.
"Grandmother..."
Soo-jin turned around.
"Your grandmother knew something was wrong."
Yerin continued reading.
The document showed that her grandmother had tried to arrange a meeting between the three men.
She had apparently believed they were being manipulated.
But before that meeting could happen, everything fell apart.
The mysterious man disappeared.
The partnership ended.
And the three men went their separate ways.
Yerin's fingers tightened around the paper.
"So Grandmother knew."
"Yes."
"Why didn't she tell me?"
Soo-jin's voice softened.
"Maybe she was trying to protect you."
Yerin didn't answer.
She looked at Do-hyun.
He was staring at the final page.
One section had been completely removed.
"Something's missing."
Soo-jin nodded.
"Yes."
"Who removed it?"
"I don't know."
Do-hyun turned toward her.
"Then this isn't the complete document."
"No."
Soo-jin looked at them.
"It's the only part I was allowed to keep."
Yerin's eyes hardened.
"Allowed?"
Soo-jin remained silent.
"Who told you to keep it?"
"Your father."
Yerin looked down again.
Her father's handwriting was clearly visible at the bottom of the page.
For the first time, the mystery felt real in a completely different way.
Their fathers hadn't simply hidden a story.
They had hidden a piece of history.
And someone had made sure the most important part disappeared.
Do-hyun folded the document carefully.
"We need to find the original."
Soo-jin nodded.
"I think you do."
Yerin looked at her.
"Thank you."
Soo-jin gave her a small smile.
"Be careful, Yerin."
Yerin nodded.
They thanked her again before leaving.
Home
The drive home was quiet.
Yerin looked out the window.
The city passed by in silence.
Do-hyun occasionally glanced at her.
She hadn't said much since leaving Soo-jin's house.
Finally, he asked,
"You're thinking about your grandmother."
Yerin nodded.
"She knew."
"Probably."
"And she tried to stop whatever happened."
"Yes."
Yerin sighed.
"I keep wondering how much she knew."
Do-hyun kept his eyes on the road.
"Maybe we'll find out."
She looked at him.
"You really think we can?"
"We already found more than anyone wanted us to."
Yerin smiled faintly.
"That's true."
After a moment, she rested her hand over her stomach.
Do-hyun noticed.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah."
She smiled.
"I'm just thinking."
"About?"
"Our baby."
His expression softened.
"You're changing the subject."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to spend the entire evening thinking about our families."
Do-hyun nodded.
"Fair."
The rest of the drive passed more peacefully.
When they finally arrived home, Do-hyun's mother was waiting for them.
She immediately looked toward Yerin.
"You're back."
Yerin smiled.
"Yes."
His mother approached her.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine."
She looked at Do-hyun.
"Did you eat?"
"Yes."
His mother nodded.
"Good."
Then she looked at her son.
"Do-hyun."
"Yes?"
"Take Yerin for her ultrasound tomorrow."
Do-hyun immediately nodded.
"Of course."
Yerin smiled.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes," his mother replied. "You both have been busy with everything else. It's time you checked on the baby."
Do-hyun looked at Yerin.
"Okay."
Yerin nodded.
"Okay."
His mother smiled.
"Now go rest."
After dinner, Yerin returned upstairs.
She was sitting on the edge of the bed when Do-hyun entered.
"Get ready."
She looked at him.
"For what?"
He had already taken a set of clothes from the wardrobe.
"These."
He placed them beside her.
Yerin looked at the clothes.
"Where are we going?"
"The hospital."
She looked at him.
"Tonight?"
"Yes."
"Do-hyun, you could have told me."
"I just did."
She laughed.
"You're impossible."
He smiled.
"You have ten minutes."
"Ten?"
"Fifteen."
"That's better."
Yerin stood.
Do-hyun had already chosen comfortable clothes for her.
She looked at him suspiciously.
"You picked these?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because they're comfortable."
She shook her head.
"You've become strange."
"I'll accept that."
He waited while she changed.
When she was ready, he made sure she had everything she needed before they left.
Their private hospital was quiet that evening.
There were no crowds.
No waiting room full of strangers.
Everything had been arranged privately.
A male doctor greeted them and looked through Yerin's file.
"Good evening."
"Good evening," Do-hyun replied.
The doctor smiled.
"Let's take a look at the baby."
Yerin nodded.
She carefully lay down on the examination bed.
Do-hyun immediately moved beside her.
"Slowly."
He helped her settle comfortably before taking her hand.
The doctor began the ultrasound.
Yerin turned her head toward the screen.
Do-hyun did the same.
For a few moments, there was only silence.
Then the image became clearer.
The doctor adjusted the screen.
"There."
Yerin's eyes widened.
Do-hyun stopped breathing for a moment.
A tiny figure moved on the screen.
Their baby.
Nine weeks old.
Moving.
Alive.
Yerin smiled.
A quiet, emotional smile.
Do-hyun looked at her before looking back at the screen.
Their eyes met.
Neither said anything.
They didn't need to.
The doctor smiled.
"Everything looks good."
Yerin exhaled softly.
Do-hyun's grip on her hand tightened slightly.
The doctor continued.
"You should take good care of her."
Do-hyun nodded immediately.
"Of course."
"Make sure she eats properly. Fruits are important."
He nodded again.
"And plenty of water."
"I'll make sure."
The doctor smiled.
"Most importantly, try to avoid unnecessary stress."
Yerin glanced at Do-hyun.
He was listening as though the doctor were giving him the most important instructions of his life.
She smiled.
The examination ended shortly afterward.
Yerin sat up slowly.
Do-hyun helped her down.
The doctor gave them one final smile.
"Take care of each other."
They thanked him and left.
They sat quietly in the car for a few minutes.
Yerin looked at Do-hyun.
"You looked more nervous than me."
"I wasn't nervous."
"You were."
"I was concentrating."
"On what?"
"The baby."
She smiled.
"You kept staring at the screen."
"So did you."
"I was allowed to."
He looked at her.
"So was I."
She laughed softly.
The car moved through the city.
After a while, Do-hyun said,
"No stress."
Yerin groaned.
"Again?"
"I'm serious."
"I know."
"Don't overwork."
"Okay."
"Don't skip meals."
"Okay."
"Drink water."
"I know."
"And—"
"Do-hyun."
He stopped.
She smiled.
"I heard the doctor too."
He nodded.
"Good."
A few minutes later, he suddenly slowed down.
Yerin looked outside.
"Why are you stopping?"
He pulled into a convenience store parking area.
"Wait here."
She frowned.
"Why?"
He was already opening the door.
"I'll be back."
He disappeared inside.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying a bottle of flavored milk and a box of strawberries.
Yerin looked at them.
"What is that?"
"Food."
"I'm not hungry."
"You should eat."
"I'm really not."
He opened the milk.
"Just drink this."
She sighed.
"You're serious."
"Very."
Yerin took the bottle.
She drank a little.
Do-hyun watched.
"More."
She gave him a look.
"You are unbelievably annoying."
"I know."
She drank again.
Then he opened the strawberries.
Yerin stared at him.
"You bought strawberries too?"
"Yes."
"I'm not eating all of those."
"You don't have to."
He picked one up.
"Just a few."
She took it.
Then another.
Eventually, Do-hyun held one toward her.
She stared at him.
"I can eat by myself."
"I know."
"Then why are you doing that?"
"Because I want to."
Yerin sighed before accepting it.
He smiled slightly.
She eventually finished the strawberries.
Only then did he start the car again.
Yerin shook her head.
"You're ridiculous."
"But you finished them."
"Don't remind me."
The drive home was quieter.
Yerin slowly leaned against the seat.
Her eyes became heavy.
Within minutes, she had fallen asleep.
Do-hyun glanced at her.
He lowered the music.
He drove more carefully.
When they arrived home, she was still asleep.
He parked the car and looked at her for a moment.
"Yerin."
No response.
He smiled faintly.
Then he carefully opened her door.
He carried her inside.
She barely stirred.
He took her upstairs and gently placed her on the bed.
He removed her shoes.
Then he carefully took off her jacket.
He pulled the comforter over her.
Yerin turned slightly in her sleep.
Do-hyun watched her for a moment before going to take a shower.
When he returned, he changed and quietly lay down beside her.
He stayed close.
The room was peaceful.
For the first time in days, nothing seemed wrong.
Then his phone rang.
Do-hyun immediately reached for it.
Min-jae.
He frowned.
It was late.
He answered.
"What happened?"
Min-jae was silent for a moment.
"Are you free?"
Do-hyun looked toward Yerin.
"What's wrong?"
"Can I come over?"
"Yes."
About half an hour later, the doorbell rang.
Do-hyun went downstairs.
Min-jae stood outside.
The moment Do-hyun saw his face, he knew something was wrong.
"Come in."
Min-jae entered.
They sat in the living room.
Do-hyun looked at him.
"Tell me."
Min-jae lowered his eyes.
"My sister is sick."
Do-hyun's expression changed.
"What happened?"
"She has cancer."
The room became quiet.
Min-jae swallowed.
"My family needs money for treatment."
Do-hyun immediately said,
"I'll pay for it."
Min-jae looked up.
"No."
"Min-jae."
"I said no."
"I'm not asking."
Min-jae shook his head.
"I appreciate it. I really do."
He took a breath.
"But I don't want to take money from you."
"It's not a favor."
"I know what you're trying to do."
Min-jae looked at him.
"But I need to work."
Do-hyun remained silent.
"I don't need someone to give me money," Min-jae continued. "I need a job."
Do-hyun studied him.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Even if I find something difficult?"
"I'll do it."
Do-hyun nodded.
"Wait here."
He picked up his phone and made a call.
"Hello."
He listened.
"I need a position for someone."
A pause.
"Yes. He's reliable."
Another pause.
"Tomorrow?"
He glanced at Min-jae.
"Eight in the morning?"
He listened.
"Good."
The call ended.
Min-jae looked at him.
"What did you do?"
"You have an interview tomorrow."
Min-jae froze.
"Where?"
"I'll send you the address."
He looked at Do-hyun.
"Eight sharp?"
"Yes."
Min-jae's eyes became wet.
He stood.
"Thank you."
Then he hugged Do-hyun.
Do-hyun smiled and hugged him back.
"It's just an interview."
Min-jae laughed quietly through his emotion.
"For me, it's more than that."
Do-hyun gave his shoulder a small pat.
"Then make it count."
After Min-jae calmed down, they sat back down.
For a while, neither said anything.
Then Min-jae looked around.
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"You're really different now."
Do-hyun raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
"You used to barely talk."
"I still barely talk."
"No."
Min-jae laughed.
Do-hyun shook his head.
"That's what friends are for."
Min-jae smiled.
"You really mean that."
"Of course."
They continued talking about university.
Old professors.
Old classmates.
The ridiculous things they had done as students.
Eventually, Min-jae laughed.
"Do you remember how you used to disappear after class?"
"Yes."
"You were always alone."
"I liked being alone."
"You still do."
Do-hyun smiled.
"Not always."
Min-jae noticed.
"Yerin?"
Do-hyun looked toward the staircase.
"Yes."
Min-jae smiled.
"You've changed because of her."
Do-hyun didn't deny it.
"Maybe."
They continued talking late into the night.
Eventually, Min-jae stood.
"I should go."
Do-hyun nodded.
"Get some sleep."
"I'll be at the interview."
"Eight sharp."
Min-jae smiled.
"Eight sharp."
He left.
Do-hyun closed the door behind him.
Do-hyun returned upstairs.
The bedroom was still quiet.
Yerin hadn't moved.
She was sleeping peacefully beneath the comforter.
He smiled.
He changed and carefully lay down beside her.
He looked at her for a moment.
Then his phone vibrated.
Do-hyun reached for it.
An unknown number.
There was an attachment.
A document.
His expression immediately changed.
He opened it.
The first page loaded.
A photograph appeared.
Do-hyun stared.
It showed three men.
Hwang Tae-sung.
His father.
The mysterious man.
But there was someone else standing behind them.
Someone neither he nor Yerin had seen before.
Do-hyun's eyes narrowed.
Then he noticed the message beneath the photograph.
You found the wrong document.
He sat up slowly.
Another line appeared.
Now find the original.
Do-hyun stared at the screen.
His eyes moved toward Yerin.
She was still asleep.
He looked back at the document.
The mystery they thought they had finally begun to understand...
had just become deeper.
...To Be Continued...