Chapter 93.
“It has been a while since you came home, Shin. What’s going on?”
Shin visited his parents’ home for dinner. He was sitting on the sofa and watching the TV when his sister Minji came home from work and asked him.
“Minji Kim, what’s with your outfit?”
“Hey, I’m your big sister, so show some respect.”
It was one thing to dress casual, but wearing the same-colored hoodie and jogger pants… Shin looked at her in shock and disgust.
“Don’t the people at the hospital say anything to you about your clothes?”
“It’s ok because I wear a gown on top.”
“You do at least wash your clothes, right Sis?”
“Mom! Where are you? Shin is making fun of me!”
His older sister was forever a childish person. Ever since they were kids, Shin always found Minji curious and strange. Minji was an overly affectionate yet disapproving older sister. She claimed that it was her job to criticize her adorable and handsome younger brother.
Their mother came out from the kitchen and smiled at her children.
“What’s going on?”
“Mom, Sis is wearing strange outfits again.”
“Oh, Shin. Comfort is the most important thing when it comes to clothes.”
Shin’s mother was a true free spirit. He believed it was his mother who raised Minji, who used to show unusual social tendencies, into a healthy woman. It fact, it was Minji herself who told Shin this fact. As they grew older, Minji told Shin a lot about herself and her life. Shin was able to do the same, and this helped him greatly when he was going through a tough time after the accident in his teen years. Having a sister he could talk to during his most difficult time was a great blessing. Shin always felt grateful to her.
And lately, he was even more thankful because of her help with Woojin. Shin considered his family his oasis.
Minji poured herself a cup of water and said to her mom nonchalantly, “Mom, Shin got a new roommate.”
“I know. He already told me. He got rid of his apartment too.”
“I’m not completely done with my apartment yet.”
Shin walked into the kitchen and began to help his mother make dinner. Minji also quickly washed her hands to help. When they were little, the four of them used to make meals together. Now that he thought about it, Shin remembered his father being in the kitchen often.
Minji began to wash the cabbage as she said to her mom, “Apparently, he is Shin’s colleague from work. Mom, this guy is really beautiful.”
“Really? Beautiful? He must be quite a person for Minji to give such a compliment.”
Their mom smiled brightly as she placed the bulgogi on a plate. Shin gently hugged his mom from behind and asked cautiously, “Mom, is it ok if I bring him here?”
Both his mom and Minji shrugged and answered, “Of course.”
“Will you cook him something?”
“Of course. Bring him anytime you want.”
Shin bent down and smiled happily. Minji looked up at him curiously and asked, “Why didn’t you bring him today?”
“He already had dinner plans.”
“Oh… so you came here because there was no one to feed you. I see. It makes sense.”
When Shin glared at her jokingly, Minji burst into laughter. When their mother left their side to finish up a dish, Minji stared at Shin. After a short hesitation, he asked, “Why are you staring at me?”
“Because you look so handsome.”
“Stop lying.”
“…”
“Then I will ask you a question first.”
“What is it?”
“Does Woojin seem like he is having a hard time with your sessions?”
“Actually, it seems like he enjoys them.”
When Shin looked at her in confusion, Minji smiled brightly and added, “Seriously. I mean it. And more importantly, I find it fun to talk to Woojin.”
“Really?”
“I know it sounds odd, but he is so adorable.”
“Totally! Like when one of his eyebrows go up when he wants to disagree!”
“Oh, and he purses his lips a little when he agrees with you.”
“Wow! That’s right!”
“Gosh, it’s so obvious that we are related.”
Minji laughed and Shin asked, “Sis…”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think it is good for him to remember the past?”
Shin’s face darkened with worry. His eyebrows were so long that they cast a shadow over his eyes. Minji took a deep breath and patted Shin’s head affectionately.
“The decision is up to him.”
“…”
“He needs to do what he thinks is necessary, and all you have to do is be there for him. Help him through it.”
“I guess.”
Shin looked down at his big sister. She was taller than him for a long time until one day, he had to look down at her. She nagged him more than his own mother, and she could be very emotional, but Shin loved Minji. He knew that one of the reasons why she chose psychology was because of him. Shin knew Minji wanted to help him.
Minji asked, “By the way, Woojin stopped taking those pills, right?”
“Yeah. Even before you warned him, he rarely took it anyway.”
“The other pills were even more dangerous.”
“Oh…”
She was referring to the pills Jihoon Kang used to take. Woojin asked for them from Jihoon and gave them to Minji to find out what they were. It turned out that they were strong narcotics that could cause brain damage.
Minji explained, “Those pills can be very addictive. I heard he used to take it at least twice a week for a long time, which means it is going to take a lot of effort for him to go cold-turkey.”
“… Really?”
“It’s a good thing that Woojin is a cautious person. That must be why he has survived this long without getting hurt.”
“I’m not too sure about that.”
“I know his life wasn’t perfect, but I can tell you that he still has a good heart.”
Minji stood up. After staring at Shin for a long time, she tapped his cheek lightly. It was an old habit from their childhood.
A display of affection.
She smiled gently, and Shin was reminded again how much they resembled each other. She added, “Maybe it’s because he is someone you like.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Are you flattered by my compliment?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Haha. I hope only the best for you and him.”
“Thank you.”
Shin wasn’t sure how much Minji knew and how far she suspected his and Woojin’s relationship, but she was someone he trusted completely. This was why he loved his home. Shin felt so relaxed and happy here.
The warmth… The unconditional love and trust…
Shin wanted to show Woojin these wonderful things, and soon, Shin knew he would.
Shin smiled happily.