Chapter 277: Day by Day (1)
Men certainly had their oddities. Reflecting on that thought, Kang Chan found himself dumbfounded and profusely shaking his head.
Seok Kang-Ho burst into laughter again with a distinctive 'Pffffft!'
His unique chuckle echoed in the hallway. The agents tried hard to stifle their laughter but eventually gave in and laughed heartily as well.
Madmen! How could they become so close simply by sharing food in a washbasin?[1]
Kang Chan would be discharged tomorrow.
Earlier today, he had reached out to the National Intelligence Service, requesting to strengthen the security of the French Embassy. He also recommended elevating Hwang Ki-Hyun's security detail to VIP status.
Wanting to take care of a certain matter before being discharged, Kang Chan picked up the phone. The call was picked up almost as soon as he pressed the dial button.
[Anne speaking.]
"This is the Deputy Director-General," Kang Chan responded in an uncharacteristically formal manner.
Perhaps because of that, Anne hesitated for a moment before answering.
[Awaiting your orders, Deputy Director-General.]
"Anne, I want you and Louis to work in South Korea. Your mission is to protect and assist Ambassador Lanok. Make arrangements to transfer as soon as possible.”
[Monsieur Kang—Deputy Director-General.]
"If you don't hurry, Anne, I might have to find someone else. I have the authority to do that, don’t I?"
[You certainly do, but is the ambassador aware of this?]
"Anne," Kang Chan called.
[Sir,] Anne responded, trying her best not to lose her formality.
"Do you know what the ambassador means to me?"
[Yes, sir.]
"Then it’s settled. I'd feel more at ease with you and Louis by the ambassador's side. The situation will likely become difficult as we move forward, so hurry over and give us a hand," Kang Chan said.
[Understood, sir.]
"Louis is coming with you, right? If things have soured between you two, should I mark you down as coming alone?"
[We will go together.]
Kang Chan chuckled. Anne surely would have heard it.
“Good to know, Anne. I feel a bit relieved now.”
[Thank you, Deputy Director-General.]
Voices easily conveyed emotions. Kang Chan could tell that Anne had been wanting to return to South Korea. If he was wrong, though.... then there really wasn't much that he could do about it.
Whoosh.
Soon after, Seok Kang-Ho opened the door and entered the room.
"Pfff, what are you doing?" he asked.
"What's so funny?” Kang Chan asked back. “You’ve been out in the hallway all day.”
"The kids are hilarious. The National Intelligence Service apparently has quite the tough training program.”
Seok Kang-Ho sat at the table, pulled out a cigarette, and put it in his mouth. Seeing him smoking made Kang Chan suddenly crave one too. When he walked over, Seok Kang-Ho instinctively pushed a cigarette toward him.
Rustle.
Kang Chan blew out the smoke. "Hoo!"
This time, it was the instant coffee that tempted Kang Chan. Life truly was a series about fulfilling desires. Before he could even say anything, Seok Kang-Ho was already by the water dispenser, the sweet smell of coffee filling the room shortly after. He set down a paper cup in front of Kang Chan.
"Keep a gun and a radio with you at all times. Even after you’ve been discharged.”
"Got it," Seok Kang-Ho responded.
"You may not know about the UIS, but I’m sure you know how they operate. Don't let them catch you off guard.”
After taking a sip, Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head. "Things are about to get real fucking difficult around here, huh?"
"This issue is apparently larger than we thought. If what the ambassador said about the Eurasian Rail and electric energy is true, then we might just be moving toward a world that doesn’t heavily rely on oil.”
"We will still need oil until then, right? Well, if the Arabs stop importing theirs to us, we can always just buy some from Russia, so no worries there.”
Kang Chan stared at Seok Kang-Ho in astonishment. This guy seemed to be evolving day by day. Kang Chan recalled a term for this in Chinese idiom[2], something Kim Mi-Young, who had extensively studied the subject, would likely know more about.
"Anyway, I’m thinking of visiting Jeungpyeong after being discharged tomorrow," Seok Kang-Ho stated.
"Why not just stay here?" Kang Chan asked.
"Visiting it at least once should make me feel more at ease.”
"Do as you please.”
"Those bastards! Have I grown fond of them? It hasn't been that long, but I already miss them," Seok Kang-Ho mumbled.
Kang Chan couldn't help but chuckle. If he had looked after his comrades like this before, he would have had many followers.
***
“Huff, huff!"
Han Jae-Guk gasped for breath, his mind teetering on the edge of sanity. No, that wasn't quite right. To be honest, he was terrified. He kept wondering if Cha Dong-Gyun had actually gone insane.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
He's a madman! How could he pull the trigger toward our alley like that, especially after nearly getting four of us killed?
The aggressor seemed to fly backward and fall to the ground. A barrage of enemy fire followed.
Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!
Four had already been carried away from the battlefield. Seeing blood pooling on the ground from the severe-looking bullet wound on a soldier’s thigh, Han Jae-Guk felt unbearably shocked. Drenched in his subordinate’s blood, his sense of duty, which had surged within him when they shouted their chant, had all but dissolved.
Bang! Bang!
Cha Dong-Gyun suddenly stood up and sent a barrage of bullets their way.
That man is fucking insane! He should be reported to the higher-ups for a mental evaluation or even involuntary discharge!
Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!
As Han Jae-Guk's head crashed against the cement wall of the rooftop, Cha Dong-Gyun quickly changed magazines.
Click! Clack!
Han Jae-Guk lifted his head, catching a glimpse of the deep scars on Cha Dong-Gyun's face and the intense gleam in his eyes. Cha Dong-Gyun simultaneously turned toward him, causing their eyes to meet.
"First Airborne Forces, Han Jae-Guk!" Cha Dong-Gyun called.
"Yes, sir!" Han Jae-Guk responded somewhat bluntly.
Zing! Thud!
Cha Dong-Gyun slightly raised his head, and more parts of the cement wall were open again. Only the soldiers of Jeungpyeong's special forces team had launched an offensive so far. After four of their men had been carried out, the First Airborne, Third Airborne, and 606 members became too terrified to shoot back.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
‘Hey! At least tell me why you fucking called me before trying to gun us down!’ Han Jae-Guk thought.
Zing! Zing! Thud!
It wasn’t just Cha Dong-Gyun. Kwak Cheol-Ho and the men he led on the opposite side were also clearly out of their minds.
"Why did you call me, sir?!"
Han Jae-Guk raised his head and looked at Cha Dong-Gyun. Concealed on the rooftop, they were in a standoff against enemies attempting to take over their building.
"Later!" Cha Dong-Gyun shouted.
Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!
Cha Dong-Gyun lowered his head below the railing. Getting shot in the face with live ammunition would kill anyone.
‘Is he not scared at all?’ Han Jae-Guk wondered.
"If we all die, don’t bother remembering me, but please remember my men!"
What the hell is that madman ranting about? Is he mocking me for acting like a coward?
"Thank you for supporting us, and thank you for watching over us!"
What the heck was he talking about?
"We honed our skills by shooting at each other like madmen! That's how we got to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's strongest teams!"
Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!
Cha Dong-Gyun was looking straight at Han Jae-Guk.
"Learn from this experience! Become a special forces team that surpasses any other in this goddamn world!"
Zing! Thud!
Cement dust flew before his face, but Cha Dong-Gyun didn't even blink.
What's with this desperation? Why the need for such tenacity?
"Lieutenant!" Cha Dong-Gyun called out again as their eyes met.
"Why are you going to such lengths?!" Han Jae-Guk asked.
Cha Dong-Gyun turned his gleaming eyes away. For the first time, Han Jae-Guk saw the ‘determination’ in them.
"We are the last bastion of South Korea. Our homeland has promised to retaliate against any future provocations. Who do you think will carry out that oath? You have to be prepared to lay down your life for our country! As you shouted earlier, if you get to protect our motherland with your blood, you should be happy!"
When Cha Dong-Gyun stopped shooting, the rest of his men held their fire as well.
‘Is this what it means to protect the nation with blood?’ Han Jae-Guk pondered, overwhelmed by Cha Dong-Gyun's determination.
It was as if all his strength had been sapped away. He had never before seen a soldier embody their motto with so much passion and intensity that it could be seen in their gaze.
Could this be South Korea's last line of defense?
Han Jae-Guk had heard rumors that Cha Dong-Gyun served in China, North Korea, France, Afghanistan, and Africa. He thought those who sought out such assignments were merely chasing promotions. He had never met soldiers who carried the weight of their fallen comrades in their hearts, bearing a sense of mission unknown to others.
What have I been doing all this time? How could I be so arrogant that I considered myself the top second lieutenant of South Korea's Airborne Forces?
***
"Remember to visit as soon as anything feels off. For the love of God, please don't overdo it.”
After nagging Kang Chan, Yoo Hun-Woo downed the last of his coffee in one gulp.
Isn’t he the director of this hospital? Shouldn’t he eat with a bit more decorum?
"One more thing, Mr. Kang Chan,” Yoo Hun-Woo said.
"Yes?"
"Let's not be petty, shall we?"
"About what?"
"The sushi. How could you give sushi to all the nurses but leave me out? You know I love sushi too."
That’s what this is about? Dealing with him is like grasping a slippery snake. It’s so fucking tricky.
"I was so busy taking care of the agents outside that it slipped my mind. I'll treat you next time," Kang Chan responded.
"Next time, make sure to come with sushi, not injuries. While I take pride in treating you and Mr. Seok, I'd rather not see any more injuries," Yoo Hun-Woo said.
Does he know?
Feeling Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho’s gazes, Yoo Hun-Woo gestured toward the TV on the wall.
"We also see and hear everything. I was proud and grateful,” the sly doctor said, conveying his sincerity while looking directly at Kang Chan.
"Thanks for paying the hospital bills in cash.”
The sentiment didn't last long.
"I'll be going now," Kang Chan said.
"If anything feels even just a teeny-tiny off—"
"I'll come running. I'm off.”
Kang Chan exited the room, leaving Yoo Hun-Woo laughing. The agents surrounded him and guided him to the parking lot. Climbing into the car waiting for him, the agent in the passenger seat handed him a gun and a radio. It was a sunny winter day.
"Where are you off to now?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.
"Home. You?" Kang Chan inquired.
"I'll head home first, then maybe go to Jeungpyeong tomorrow.”
The hospital wasn't that far from their apartment.
“Keep in touch,” Kang Chan said.
"Take care," Seok Kang-Ho replied.
Kang Chan got out in front of his apartment. Agents in thick jackets were scattered throughout the complex.
How long has it been?
Though not much time had passed, he felt like it had been an eternity since he'd been home. Kang Chan walked into the building and took the elevator to the seventh floor. He then entered their apartment. The curtains hanging on the living room window, the sofa, TV, cabinets, the kitchen... he found everything about it immaculate—a testament to Yoo Hye-Sook's character.
Kang Chan went into his room and changed into more comfortable clothing. He then sat down on the bed. His shoulder injury was now bearable, and the scab on his hand had gotten smaller.
He hadn't called Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook yet, but it wasn’t to surprise them. He simply wasn't sure about their schedule for today. Now that he was home, he picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts to find Kim Mi-Young's number.
The apartment was quiet, and no one would likely barge in. After making sure of that, he pressed the dial button. The call rang about a dozen times before Kim Mi-Young finally answered.
[Hello?]
A light chuckle escaped him. How could she answer the phone with such a clear, unaffected voice? She was certainly untouched by blood, death, or combat.
"Mi-Young."
[Yep! That’s me!]
Kang Chan laughed again only to stop when he heard sniffling through the phone.
"Are you crying?"
[No! I’m not!]
She definitely sounded otherwise, however. Hadn't he told her that he wouldn't be going to Africa?
[Where are you?]
"At home. Just got in. You?"
[I'm at home too.]
Kang Chan missed her.
"Want to meet up for a bit?"
[Sure! Where should we meet?]
Kang Chan paused to think about a location. The place wasn't the issue, though—it was the agents who would inevitably surround them that were the problem.
"Mi-Young, it's a bit tricky for me to go outside right now. How about we meet at my place instead?"
[Your place?]
"Yeah."
[Okay. I’m on my way.]
Kang Chan gave her his apartment number and then hung up. He wondered how much Kim Mi-Young had grown since he last saw her. Shaking off the thought, he immediately called another number.
[Hello? Channy?]
"Yes, Mother. I'm home now."
[You are? You should have told me! Have you had lunch yet? No, wait. I'll come home right now!]
"Sure. Oh, right. Mi-Young is coming over to visit."
[She is?]
Why does she sound so surprised?
[Should I come a bit later then?]
Kang Chan laughed heartily, a deviation from his usual demeanor.
[What’s so funny?]
"Why take your time? I’m hungry. I hurried home looking forward to your cooking."
[Channy! I'll be there soon!]
Kang Chan was still smiling when he ended the call.
Ding-dong!
She’s here already?
He walked out of his room and pushed open the front door only to be stunned as soon as he saw Kim Mi-Young and her long hair, large eyes, and fair skin.
"What is it?" Kim Mi-Young asked.
"Ah, nothing! Come in.”
Although hesitant, Kim Mi-Young entered.
"Have a seat. Want some tea?"
"Yes!"
Kim Mi-Young looked around as she walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. Kang Chan filled the kettle with water and put it on the stove.
"Did you see my letter?" Kim Mi-Young asked.
"Yes," Kang Chan responded.
He didn’t get to read it, but he definitely saw it.
Kim Mi-Young responded with a shy smile. Not long after, the water began to boil.
Sniffle!
"Do you have a cold?" asked Kang Chan.
"Yes! It's been going on for a few days. Do you have tissues?"
"Yeah. They’re over there."
Kang Chan gestured toward the living room with his chin before moving back to the kettle. Seeing Kim Mi-Young made his heart flutter. Something had changed, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Why was he feeling this way?
Steadying his breathing, he prepared both green tea and instant coffee. He then put a cup of green tea in front of Kim Mi-Young.
Seeing Kang Chan’s hand, Kim Mi-Young’s expression darkened. "Why are your hands like that? You must be in so much pain.”
"It’s not a big deal. It's all healed now." Kang Chan sat at the table with his cup of coffee. "What have you been up to lately?"
"I've been studying French. I'm getting really good at it.”
"Vraiment[3]?" Kang Chan asked in French.
"Bien s?r[4]," Kim Mi-Young responded, complete with the beautiful nasal intonation of French.
Laughter broke out between them, causing the awkwardness to fade.
"When did you get back home?" asked Kim Mi-Young.
"Earlier today," Kang Chan replied.
"From Mongolia?"
"Yes."
"You're not going back?"
"It looks like I'll be staying here for a while, but we'll see."
As Kang Chan lifted his cup, Kim Mi-Young picked up hers as well.
"My mom will be home soon. Is it okay if we have lunch together?" Kang Chan asked.
"Wouldn’t she be uncomfortable with that?"
In moments like these, she does sound like a little girl.
1.
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