The Muse

The entire bar was filled with the sound of applause. Sihoo caught sight of several people’s astonished expressions. Their profiles radiated the impression of being utterly overwhelmed by the performance.His dark pupils shifted toward the man who had created all this. Standing by the piano and bowing, it was Yejun.He bent forward and straightened again, his face flushed with excitement. His eyes looked languid, likely from being so engrossed in his performance.Yejun turned his head and exchanged glances with Sihoo. A smile began to spread across his lips before he quickly approached the spot where Sihoo was seated. Bending forward to meet his gaze, his expression was radiant.“How was it?”The anticipation in his question revealed his desire for praise. Sihoo let out a small scoff at the sight of Yejun openly displaying his feelings. Instead of answering with words, he reached out and patted his head.Startled by the unexpected touch, Yejun’s eyes widened. But soon, he murmured, “Thank goodness,” pulling up the corners of his lips. A dimple appeared in his charming smile. Sihoo, withdrawing his hand, spoke in his usual calm and measured tone.“How’s your body?”“My body?”“Yes.”A fleeting glimmer of amusement crossed Sihoo’s eyes.“You were whining about having a fever. How are you now?”“…That was ages ago.”The embarrassment was evident in the downward slant of Yejun’s eyes. Last week, Yejun had suddenly come down with a high fever and a cold. It was none other than Sihoo who had nursed him back to health.Recalling the time he had fed him porridge spoonful by spoonful, Sihoo shook his head. He had never gone out of his way to take care of someone simply because they were ill. In any other case, he might’ve just handed them money and told them to go to the hospital. This was the first time he’d ever personally tended to someone.“I got better the next day. I told you, I just needed some sleep.”“Do you think sleep did the trick? Who made sure you ate, took your meds, and got to bed, huh?”“Yes, yes, it was all thanks to you, Hyung. I’ll devote myself to serving you as my savior for life.”“Judging by how you’re bantering, you’re completely fine now.”As they chatted, Sihoo suddenly felt as if he’d grown closer to Yejun. The younger man seemed more playful than before, and Sihoo himself found his tone lighter than usual.A subtle joy crept up his arms and tickled his ears. Sihoo furrowed his brow slightly. He hadn’t expected to find such trivial things this amusing.In the meantime, Yejun naturally took the seat across from Sihoo. Nearby patrons stole glances at Yejun’s face. Their gazes carried an air of fondness for the lively pianist who had just performed. Letting go of the odd feelings tingling near his ears, Sihoo spoke up.“Let me get you a proper tailcoat.”“A tailcoat?”“Yeah. Figured you’d be on a big stage soon. For the great pianist Yoo Yejun.”Speaking plainly, Sihoo finished the rest of his wine. As he set the glass down, the curve of his lips gleamed pleasantly.“Need to dress you up and brag about how I found you first.”“…I didn’t know you were the type to enjoy boasting, Hyung.”“Guess you didn’t know me well. I love showing off—it’s a hobby of mine.”“Is that so? Then I’ll succeed as quickly as I can, so you’ll have plenty to brag about.”The affectionate undertone in Yejun’s murmured response was unmistakable. Sihoo almost added, “Just don’t act like my lover,” but he held back. This wasn’t the first time Yejun had spoken like this, and Sihoo wasn’t eager to ruin the mood again by drawing boundaries.Instead of rebuking him, Sihoo speared a piece of meat and arugula with his fork.“Want some?”As soon as he finished speaking, Yejun opened his mouth. His reddish lips and the faint glimpse of his tongue drew Sihoo’s gaze. Feeling a sudden surge of desire, he placed the food into Yejun’s mouth.Yejun slightly pursed his lips, biting the fork’s edge. When Sihoo shot him a look as if to ask what he was doing, Yejun’s eyes curved like crescent moons. The playful, fox-like smile carried an unfamiliar sensuality.A faint crease formed between Sihoo’s eyebrows. He pressed the fork’s sharp edge against Yejun’s lower lip. Its plump texture reminded him of a peeled tangerine segment.“Where’d you learn to smile like that?”The upward curve of Yejun’s eyes and the tear mole nearby held Sihoo’s gaze for longer than he intended. If they weren’t in public, he might’ve kissed that face right then and there.“How did I laugh?”“I don’t want to explain.”Despite the flat tone, Yejun wasn’t fazed. Instead, he stuck out his tongue as if to show off and licked the tip of the fork. Then, pulling his face back first, he responded softly.“I’d like to hear your explanation, though.”Quite cheeky. It seemed that the previous incident had forged a deep sense of familiarity. Sihoo, now exasperated, furrowed his brow and stared at him intently. To an outsider, his grim expression might look like he was angry.But Yejun didn’t shrink back. Instead, he silently laughed. His face lit up with a bright smile, as if genuinely delighted. It was a reaction that combined affection, familiarity, and gratitude toward Sihoo.Watching him smile so broadly and joyfully somehow drained all of Sihoo’s energy. He sighed and gestured toward the wine bottle with his eyes.“Want to drink this too?”Yejun’s dimples deepened.“Sure.”At that moment, the phone in Sihoo’s pants pocket began to vibrate. Judging by the multiple vibrations, it wasn’t a message but a call from someone.“…Hold on.”He briefly excused himself and took out the phone, hoping it wasn’t anyone important. He wanted to savor this languid moment, as though soaking in warm bathwater.But Sihoo’s hopes were soon dashed. The veins on the back of the hand holding the phone bulged faintly. The corners of his lips, which had been slightly upturned, gradually lowered, and he immediately stood up.A pair of eyes followed his movement. Sitting across from him, Yejun had a curious look on his face, as if silently asking what was wrong.The inquiring gaze was too much to explain, given the gravity of the caller. Sihoo, prioritizing answering the call, turned and walked outside. Though he felt a prickling sensation on the back of his head as if being watched, he quietly ignored it.“Yes, I’m answering.”As soon as he stepped outside, he brought the phone to his ear. Speaking in a polite and calm tone, he was met with a response.“Oh, yeah.”— Sihoo, where are you now?The deep voice belonged to his father. At the unexpected call, Sihoo’s long eyelashes fluttered slightly. Instead of answering right away, he stared at the phone in his hand. The screen unmistakably displayed “Father.”“I’m outside.”— Ah, I see. Are you doing well?They weren’t close enough to exchange casual calls late at night. Of course, his father wasn’t the stereotypical authoritarian and abusive figure often depicted in movies or dramas. He had never laid a hand on his children or used abusive language toward them.But that didn’t mean he was affectionate, either. At least not with the second son, Sihoo. Clearing his throat, Sihoo composed himself to stave off the awkwardness.“Yes, I’m doing well. How about you?”— Oh, you know, same as always.“…Is there something you need me to do? Or something you’d like to discuss?”— You think I’d call you at this hour to ask for something?“…”The question of why he was calling then lingered on the tip of his tongue. As Sihoo debated whether to voice it, his father spoke first.— Let’s have dinner tomorrow evening. You, Sihyun, and me—just the three of us.The three of us? Surprised by the suggestion, Sihoo tilted his head slightly. Perhaps sensing his son’s confusion, his father clicked his tongue.— Tsk, tsk. Why aren’t you saying anything? What, afraid I’ll put you to work? That’s not why I’m calling, so come without worrying.“…”— Sihoo?Listening in silence, Sihoo scratched his neck with the hand not holding the phone. Not calling to assign work? Then what, just a cozy dinner for three?Though the situation felt awkward, it didn’t seem entirely unpleasant. Upon reflection, he realized it had been quite a while since the family had a private dinner together. When he finally spoke again, Sihoo’s voice was noticeably softer than before.“What about Mother or Doyoung?”— Your mom said she’s going to some gathering. As for Doyoung…tsk, let’s leave him out of this.Why would he leave out the youngest, whom he adored so much? The question still lingered, but instead of continuing to ask, Sihoo simply nodded. He had a feeling that all these questions would be answered once he attended the meeting tomorrow.⟡ ݁₊ .[If you’re sick, go to the hospital.]Yoo Yejun [Hyung]Yoo Yejun [I’m really fine, seriously.]The immediate response carried an obvious tone of awkwardness. Sihoo smiled, his eyes naturally curving. His relaxed smile matched his neat attire: a white dress shirt paired with a gold-edged tie, a black vest that hugged his waist tightly, and tailored suit pants that stretched over his long legs.A staff member handed him his coat and politely bowed, gesturing to lead the way. Sihoo followed effortlessly, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet hallway.The staff stopped at a sliding door, knocked lightly, and was about to speak when the door opened from the inside. The person within greeted Sihoo with a wave—it was his older brother, Baek Sihyun.“Come in. Must’ve been cold getting here.”Moments later, the door closed, and the two brothers sat facing each other on silk cushions. Sihoo, silent until the staff had left, finally spoke up.“You’re early.”As he spoke, his eyes casually assessed his brother’s outfit. Sihyun was also in a suit, his brown tie and vest adding a polished touch to his look. The garnet and gold tie pin especially stood out, perfectly complementing the ensemble.Fixating on the tie pin glittering under the light, Sihoo let out a low “hmm.” His lingering gaze suggested it might be time to buy a new tie pin for himself. While mentally considering designs, his brother nodded and replied.“Yeah, I ended up getting here early. Oh, Father said he’ll be here soon—he just called.”“…”“But Sihoo, you know why Father called us, right?”Shifting his attention from the tie pin, Sihoo locked eyes with his brother. His questioning gaze asked what he meant. Sihyun, looking slightly surprised, met his eyes and then smiled.“So you didn’t know. No wonder you’re so calm.”The gentle tone grated on his nerves slightly. Feeling irritated, Sihoo furrowed his brows.“What about you, Hyung? Do you know why he called us?”“Of course.”“…You do?”“Yeah, seems like he told me alone so I could pass it on to you.”Sihyun added an apology for not telling him earlier, as if it were an oversight. Sihoo lifted the corner of his mouth in a faint, indifferent smirk. It wasn’t shocking or particularly irritating. Their father, always preoccupied with business, often relayed information only through Sihyun.“Well, the reason he called is…”At that moment, a knock resounded through the room. Both brothers turned their heads simultaneously and stood as the door opened. The person who entered was none other than their father.Unlike his sons, who were dressed formally in suits, their father wore a gray hiking jacket. Broad-shouldered and stocky, he exuded a commanding presence. Letting out a low chuckle, he asked,“Why are you two so dressed up?”He then gestured at his secretary and bodyguards behind him with just a glance. Without a word, they quickly left the room. Closing the door himself, Chairman Baek sat down next to Sihyun.“Next time, dress casually. Tsk, tsk, you stiff ones. If it were Doyoung, he’d show up in just a padded jacket.”Unfazed, Sihoo responded dryly.“Doyoung takes it to the extreme.”“That’s true. That kid is completely his own person. But still, that’s part of his charm, isn’t it?”“…”“Not all three of my sons need to be model students. Having a carefree youngest makes life more enjoyable, don’t you think?”Not finding the sentiment particularly relatable, Sihoo simply lowered his gaze. His amiable brother chimed in with a “He is pretty charming,” helping lighten the mood. In the now slightly brighter atmosphere, Chairman Baek took off his hiking jacket.“That Ki Chairman claims to love hiking, but it’s all lies. He could barely make it halfway up the trail before he was about to collapse. Tsk, tsk, how can the chairman of a corporation have such little stamina?”“Did you go hiking with Chairman Ki?”Chairman Baek nodded at his eldest son’s question. Then, downing a cup of tea in one go, he turned his sharp gaze to Sihoo. Beneath thick brows, his eyes gleamed like finely honed blades.The gaze that scrutinized his son’s face seemed intent on finding something. Sihoo met his father’s stare calmly, showing no reaction. When he maintained a composed silence, his father offered a quiet smile—a smile that revealed no emotion.“Hmm.”“……”“Our Sihoo has quite the good looks, doesn’t he?”With those ambiguous words, his father nodded. As his gaze moved from Sihoo’s cheek to his jawline and shoulder, Sihoo picked up the porcelain teapot. Tea poured in a gentle arc into the empty cup below.“You’re managing well on your own, aren’t you?”The softened tone brushed past Sihoo’s ears. It was the kind of tender question one might ask a university student who had just started living alone.‘…Suddenly.’He hadn’t only just moved out. Nor was it as though years had passed since he last saw his father. It had been over six years since he started living alone, and just three days ago, they had met for work.Even when they spoke in the chairman’s office, nothing had felt particularly significant. Yet now, his father was behaving oddly. Remembering the observant gaze from earlier, Sihoo tilted his head slightly.When he made it clear through his expression that he didn’t understand, his father’s smile deepened. Far from being displeased, his face betrayed a strange sense of pride. The growing suspicion only added to Sihoo’s frustration.“You look worn out.”“……”“Living alone is tough, isn’t it?”Was he suggesting Sihoo return to the family home? Sihoo’s eyes narrowed. Their gazes clashed in midair with a sharp intensity.The two, strikingly similar in appearance, also shared personalities that mirrored each other. Even as they exchanged questioning glances, neither was quick to reveal their thoughts.“I hope the food comes out soon. You must be hungry after coming back from the mountains.”Once again, it was the older brother who eased the tension. His cheerful tone drew their father’s attention away from his intense gaze.“You two should each take one later.”“One of what?”“Fermented tea. It’s pine needle tea made by the head monk himself. It’s excellent for your health. Even when you’re young, you should take care of yourself, or you’ll regret it when you’re older.”Chairman Baek then fell silent, as if in thought. Despite his age, his still-handsome face carried a subtle expression of contemplation.“…She’s the same age as Sihyun, isn’t she? Yoo’s secretary, I mean.”If he meant Yoo’s secretary, it was undoubtedly referring to Doyoung’s older girlfriend. Sihoo noted that there was no negativity in his father’s tone. This brought to mind Doyoung’s triumphant smile during the New Year’s holiday.“She lives alone, too, doesn’t she? I should send her something nice. Hmm, I’m not sure what would be good. What do people your age like to receive…”At that, Sihyun and Sihoo exchanged glances. Sihoo could tell that his older brother was genuinely surprised. It was evident Sihyun hadn’t expected their father to be this accepting.“Oh-ho, hahaha!”Sihyun let out an awkward laugh, raising his voice an octave.“You’re thinking of giving her a gift? I didn’t know our father held Yeonwoo in such high regard, haha.”Chairman Baek raised one corner of his mouth in an amused smirk.“What? Did you think I’d disapprove?”“Can I be honest?”“Go ahead.”“I thought you’d fire Yoo Yeonwoo on the spot. Or maybe show up at her place with a stack of cash, saying, ‘Break up with my son.’”“I don’t know where my eldest gets such an overactive imagination.”With that, Chairman Baek shifted his gaze back to Sihoo.“Don’t you think so, Sihoo? Your brother comes up with some amusing ideas, doesn’t he, haha.”“……”Instead of responding, Sihoo simply lowered his eyes. As he remained silent, dishes began to be placed on the table one by one. Staff dressed in traditional Korean attire carried in plates of food, and Chairman Baek surveyed his sons once more. His gaze still seemed to be searching for something.“Well.”It was only after the staff had left that Chairman Baek spoke again.“It’s not like I was fond of her from the start. I did think her family background was too ordinary. I even considered opposing them.”His face remained calm as he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of food.“Well, anyway… after talking with your mother, I started thinking. Do all three of my sons need to get involved with people from chaebol families? Hmm, it’s exhausting. Absolutely exhausting. The reporters would go on about how chaebol families only associate with each other. And that’s not all—you’d constantly have to watch the other family’s reactions.”Sihoo and Hyung didn’t lift their chopsticks. Despite their father’s instruction to eat, the two sons remained still. Chairman Baek chewed slowly, swallowed, and then spoke again.“Rather than some arrogant person from a chaebol family, I thought it might be fine to meet someone like Yoo Yeonwoo. A smart person raised in an ordinary family. Someone capable who can support Doyoung well.”In the still silence, he added one final remark, drawn out and deliberate.“One is fine.”Sihoo suppressed a bitter laugh at that single comment. “One is fine.” In the end, this was a privilege reserved only for Baek Doyoung. The cherished youngest son who grew up freely. No doubt, the thought of tying down that youngest son to another chaebol family wasn’t appealing.‘If it were me or Hyung, would he have approved? Would he have acknowledged it?’Another voice within Sihoo spoke in a sarcastic tone. He had no intention of airing such questions aloud and spoiling the atmosphere.So, Sihoo simply nodded quietly and took a sip of tea. The aftertaste lingering in his mouth was bitter.⟡ ݁₊ .“Sihoo.”As the gathering ended and Sihoo headed back to his car, a voice called out behind him. Before he knew it, his father was approaching with a smile. Standing close enough for their elbows to touch, the two men, so strikingly alike, gazed at each other.“Yes, what is it?”Responding in a dry tone, Sihoo felt his father place a hand on his shoulder. The hand, adorned with a long-worn wedding ring, had a firm and solid grip.“About Chairman Ki, whom I met today. He seemed to think very highly of you.”“…I appreciate the sentiment.”“Yes, it’s something to be grateful for. That man has a good eye, no doubt about it. He’s accomplished plenty thanks to his sharp judgment.”Sihoo neither responded smoothly like his older brother nor stirred trouble with a playful “What exactly does he like about me?” like Doyoung might have done. Instead, he stood calmly, lips sealed. Observing his composed second son, Chairman Baek lowered his voice an octave.“Sihoo, don’t you think it’s time for you to start meeting potential matches?”Ah, so this was it. He recalled the gaze that had seemed to pierce through him earlier. That observant look had been subtly imbued with pride. Chairman Ki’s interest in his second son had evidently pleased him.Laughter threatened to bubble up within him. Of course. “One is fine” for dating a non-chaebol, but not the other two. Sihoo glanced at his father, who seemed to be asking for his opinion, and finally opened his mouth.“Hyung, Father.”“Hmm? Sihyun, you mean?”“Yes, Sihyun Hyung. He’s been saying he wants to date. He’s expressed a strong desire to have a partner, just like Doyoung. He’s even hinted quite a bit at wanting to marry.”Naturally, his brother had never said such things. Yet, without a shred of hesitation, Sihoo continued in a composed tone.“It seems only right to prioritize the person most eager for it.”Chairman Baek widened his eyes and let out a surprised “Oh-ho.”“Really? Sihyun hasn’t said a word.”“He must’ve been too shy to bring it up himself.”Straightening his posture, Sihoo slid his hands into his coat pockets. His fingers brushed against the cigarette pack inside his black coat.“What about Chairman Ki’s second daughter? She’s about the same age, and her capabilities in leading the company are exceptional.”“Hmm, Sihyun…”“Give it some thought. Well then, I’ll be on my way.”Casually throwing his older brother under the bus, Sihoo turned on his heel. As he walked away, his father’s question struck his ears.“What about you, Sihoo?”“…”“Don’t you have any thoughts about dating?”“…”“Or is there someone you’re seeing already?”At those words, Yoo Yejun came to mind unconsciously. A boy who, at some point, had learned to smile slyly like a fox. Yejun, with his monolid, elegant eyes that curved attractively, and his charming tear mole and dimples. Sihoo frowned slightly while keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead.“No, there isn’t anyone.”After giving such a curt and unpleasant response, Sihoo opened the car’s back door himself. The waiting driver, startled, glanced at him nervously. Before getting into the car, Sihoo gestured to him with his eyes, signaling him to get on with his duties without hesitation.Chairman Baek watched his son enter the car and let out a hearty laugh. His expression seemed more amused than irritated by Sihoo’s insolent demeanor.Indeed, instead of frowning or barking orders for him to get out, he waved his right hand dismissively, signaling him to leave.The car wheels moved smoothly, crossing the parking lot. Sihoo’s gaze lingered on the car window for a long time.Meanwhile, his father had already clasped his hands behind his back and was giving instructions to the chief secretary. The secretary bowed slightly before picking up his phone. It was only natural for Sihoo to suspect he was contacting Hyung or Sihyun.“…Proposing an arranged meeting?”Sihoo’s murmured voice carried a hint of amusement. Tilting his head slightly toward the window, he muttered to himself.“You don’t know your son’s a scoundrel. If you did, you couldn’t be so confident.”What would Chairman Ki think if he knew Baek Sihoo, from the prestigious Sangwon family, had been with countless men and women? He’d probably be livid, unwilling to let a philanderer pursue his precious child. All while conveniently forgetting that he himself had arranged the meeting.The thought alone was headache-inducing, so Sihoo decided to stop imagining it. He exhaled silently and leaned back against the seat. Even though everything was over, the unpleasant feeling lingered.“Don’t you have any thoughts about dating?”His father’s subtle voice kept irritating him. A man dreaming of political marriages for his sons—did he really have the right to ask such a question? Fixing his gaze ahead, Sihoo smirked faintly with one corner of his mouth.Maybe I should’ve lied. Claimed I was dating someone young. Asked for the same freedom Doyoung got, shamelessly pretending to seek permission.But then Sihoo shook his head.“Yeah, like that’d go over well.”He’d never properly rebelled in his life. Deep down, there had always been a desire to present himself as an excellent and outstanding son.Even now, past the age of thirty, that desire lingered. He wasn’t ready to challenge his father yet. Furrowing his brows, Sihoo rubbed his forehead hard with his right hand.“…Damn it.”The quiet curse caught the driver’s attention, and he glanced at the rearview mirror. Meeting the driver’s startled gaze, Sihoo shot him an annoyed look. The sharp glare in those dark eyes made the driver quickly avert his gaze in embarrassment. Instead of feeling better, watching the driver’s flustered reaction only deepened his negative emotions.He wanted to do something—anything—to shake off this unpleasant state. Remembering the cigarette pack that had poked his hand earlier, Sihoo reached into his pocket. However, what his fingers grasped wasn’t a cigarette but something hard and metallic.When he pulled it out, his expression shifted oddly. In his hand was a phone. Staring at the black screen, one person came to mind instantly. At the same time, an overwhelming impulse to meet that person surged within him.The one who’d disrupted his monotonous, stifling days. The one who inexplicably made him feel a pleasant tickle… a warm person.That thought drove Sihoo to call him immediately. Raising the phone to his ear, his side profile was etched with fatigue. With the hand not holding the phone, he tapped his knee, muttering lowly.“What a pathetic display.”At that moment, a boisterous noise filled his ear. His lips, which had been about to form words, froze. A mix of laughter from several people created a chaotic soundscape. As his temples throbbed and his brows knitted, the voice he’d been hoping for finally came through.― Sihoo Hyung?“…Sounds like you’re with friends.”― Oh, can you hear me? Hold on a second!Yejun’s voice came through as he told someone, “You all go on ahead.” His friends, presumably, burst into more laughter. Even without anything particularly funny happening, their voices were high-pitched and brimming with excitement.Hearing that laughter, Sihoo regretted reaching out. Leaning his forehead against the window, he muttered as if spitting the words out. Crazy.― Hello?Yejun’s voice still carried that familiar warmth. It was the voice he’d wanted to hear, yet instead of feeling reassured, he felt an awkward embarrassment rising. Pressing his forehead against the cold window, Sihoo slowly spoke.“Never mind. I’ll call you later.”― Your voice lacks energy. Did something happen?Was it so obvious that it could be noticed right away? His neck and ears grew hot. Sihoo pursed his lips with a frown.“Nothing like that. Just…”What excuse should he give? While he pondered for a moment, the scenery outside the window caught his eye. Snow was falling between the brightly lit buildings.“…Because it’s snowing.”The words he uttered absentmindedly sounded strange even to his ears. Sihoo swallowed a sigh and spoke more clearly.“Hang up.”― Hyung, wait…The one who ended the call first was Sihoo. After tossing the phone to the side, he crossed his legs. Staring out the car window, he could feel the vein below his ear pulsing.He knew this embarrassment was not new. After all, what was the reason for meeting Yejun? Stress relief, nothing more and nothing less. Yet, why was he now blushing like this?Sihoo wrapped his hands around his knees. The warmth of his hands quickly melted the chill from his knees.His gaze shifted from the window to the phone lying next to him. The dark phone screen indicated no incoming messages from Yejun.Only then did his rationality return, and the feeling of shame faded. He ignored the presence of the college student likely mingling with friends by now and spoke up.“Change directions.”“…Where should I take you?”The driver’s voice cracked slightly, probably startled by the sudden request.“Not sure. Anywhere but home should do.”Tap, tap.The fingers that had been gripping his knees straightened. As he flicked at his clothes with short nails, Sihoo’s expression turned stoic. With a shadow of blue-gray under his eyes, he added one more comment.“Just take another route for now.”⟡ ݁₊ .And so, the car without a destination wandered down multiple roads. Even when familiar hotels or once-frequented bars came into view, Sihoo didn’t glance their way. He merely kept silent, his long, dark lashes lowered.He couldn’t pinpoint the name of his emotion. Was he angry? If so, his heart felt as calm as a lake. His father’s suggestion hadn’t been so shocking as to provoke an emotional upheaval. All he wanted was for his son to meet the daughter of someone he admired.If anything, Sihoo was confident he would have acted the same if he were in his father’s position. Marriage is an excellent way to tightly bind two families together. By establishing legal ties and gaining social advantages, Sihoo would willingly use his child if it came to that.