Rise of Silent Genius

The days had been long, filled with an aching tension between Wang Soo and Lee. They danced around each other in Lee's parents' house, each too consumed by their thoughts to fully address the growing rift. But tonight was different. Tonight, they both knew it was time to confront what had been left unsaid.

The Quiet Talk

The rain tapped softly against the windows as Wang Soo sat on the edge of the couch in the dimly lit living room. Lee entered silently, holding two mugs of tea. She placed one in front of him and sat down at the far end of the couch. The distance between them felt immense.

"Thank you," Wang Soo said, his voice barely audible.

Lee nodded, taking a sip of her tea. The silence stretched on until she finally broke it.

"We need to talk," she said, her tone firm but not unkind.

Wang Soo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know."

Lee leaned forward, setting her mug on the coffee table. "I've been trying to understand what's going on with you, Soo. But I can't if you keep shutting me out."

Wang Soo's shoulders slumped. "It's not that I want to shut you out. It's just… I don't know how to explain it. Everything feels so heavy, like I'm carrying the weight of the world, and I can't even ask for help because it feels like I'd be dragging you down with me."

"Dragging me down?" Lee repeated, her brow furrowing. "Soo, we're supposed to be a team. I'm not here just for the good times. I'm here because I believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself."

Her words hit Wang Soo like a wave. He looked up, his eyes meeting hers for the first time that night. "I know I've been distant. And I'm sorry, Lee. For everything. For putting you and your family in this position. For being… this."

Lee reached out, placing a hand on his. "You're not a burden, Soo. And you're not alone. But you need to let me in. Tell me what you're feeling, what you're thinking. We can't move forward if you keep holding everything in."

Wang Soo's throat tightened. "I'm scared," he admitted. "I'm scared that I'll fail again. That I'll let you down, or your family, or Celin. Everyone keeps putting their faith in me, but I don't even know if I'm worth it anymore."

Lee's grip on his hand tightened. "You're worth it. And you don't have to prove anything to anyone but yourself. But you do need to believe that you can rise again. And if you stumble, I'll be right here to help you up."

Wang Soo felt tears sting his eyes. For so long, he had been trying to shoulder everything alone, convinced that asking for help was a sign of weakness. But in this moment, with Lee beside him, he realized that strength could also mean leaning on those who cared for him.

"Thank you," he said, his voice cracking. "For believing in me, even when I didn't deserve it."

"You'll always deserve it," Lee replied, her own eyes glistening. "Now let's figure this out together."

The next morning, Wang Soo found himself helping Lee's mother in the bakery. The familiar smell of bread and pastries filled the air, and for the first time in weeks, Wang Soo felt a sense of calm. Lee's father popped in occasionally, offering words of encouragement and lighthearted jokes that never failed to make Wang Soo smile.

As he kneaded dough, Wang Soo's mind wandered to the night before. He thought about Lee's unwavering support, her family's kindness, and even Bruno's comforting presence. They had given him so much, and he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

"You seem lost in thought," Lee's mother said, breaking through his reverie.

Wang Soo smiled sheepishly. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have all of you."

Her expression softened. "We're lucky to have you, Soo. You've brought a lot of light into this family, even if you don't see it right now."

Her words stayed with him throughout the day, fueling a quiet determination to rebuild not just for himself but for everyone who had stood by him.

Later that week, Wang Soo attended a small gathering organized by an old friend. It was supposed to be a casual evening, but as the drinks flowed, so did the conversations. To his surprise, Albeirt was also in attendance.

Wang Soo kept his distance, unsure of how to approach his stepbrother. But as the night went on, Albeirt became increasingly intoxicated, his usual guarded demeanor slipping away.

At one point, Wang Soo overheard Albeirt talking to another guest. "You know what pisses me off about Wang Soo?" he slurred. "He's always had this… this charm, this way of making people believe in him. Even when he doesn't deserve it. Everyone loves him. But what about me? I work hard, I… I play by the rules, and still, he gets all the attention."

Wang Soo's stomach churned as he listened. Albeirt's words were a mix of jealousy and bitterness, revealing a deep-seated resentment that Wang Soo had never fully understood before.

When Albeirt finally noticed Wang Soo standing nearby, his face turned pale. "I didn't mean…" he stammered, suddenly sober.

Wang Soo held up a hand, stopping him. "Don't. I think I've heard enough."

He turned and walked away, his mind racing. Albeirt's confession didn't absolve him of his actions, but it provided a clarity Wang Soo hadn't had before. This wasn't just about business or money. It was personal, rooted in Albeirt's own insecurities. And while it didn't make the betrayal any less painful, it gave Wang Soo a sense of closure he hadn't realized he needed.

When Wang Soo returned home that night, Lee was waiting for him. He told her about the evening, about Albeirt's drunken confession and the complicated mix of emotions it had stirred.

"How do you feel about it?" Lee asked, her voice gentle.

"I don't know," Wang Soo admitted. "Part of me feels angry, but another part feels… sorry for him. He's been carrying his own burdens, and instead of dealing with them, he took them out on me."

Lee nodded thoughtfully. "That's very mature of you, Soo. But don't forget that you're allowed to feel hurt, too. What he did was wrong, no matter the reason."

"I know," Wang Soo said. "But I also know that I can't let his actions define me. I have to focus on what's ahead, on rebuilding my life."

Lee smiled, leaning against him. "And you will. Because you're Wang Soo, and you're stronger than you think."

As they sat together, Wang Soo felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Lee by his side and the support of those who believed in him, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

End of Chapter 10