episode_0249

A visit to Konkuk University Shelter was scheduled. Without further delay, the schedule was set for the very next day. It seemed rushed, but there was no benefit in postponing it. The distance wasn’t far. It wasn’t a difficult journey either. The only problem was that it was a bit dangerous. Chief Representative Choi also agreed to the schedule. He was clearly eager to speak with the Konkuk University Shelter’s leadership.

“They said they’d send a helicopter if we set a time. Haha~” Chief Representative Choi, delighted by the sincere invitation, subtly brightened, recalling his active duty days. Though I felt a bit sorry for him, we decided to go on our own.

‘I can’t send my younger siblings off empty-handed.’ I planned to send them off with at least a few household items. If they had just been freeloaders, I would have kicked them out. But Incheol and Sohee-ssi had done more than their share. Even when I wasn’t watching, they put their heart and soul into supporting the family. Both as individuals and as members. I believe there would be a great emptiness if the two of them left. …The time we spent together wasn’t long, but it was enough to grow fond of each other. And I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

“Incheol hyung…” “Dong-woo…” Seeing the two of them, heads bowed, exchanging tearful goodbyes… “Are you two dating?” “Ah, Hyung!” “Hyung-nim!” “Enough. Just pack your bags. What’s all this fuss in the morning?” When I spoke my honest thoughts, the two of them trembled.

“Wow… you’re so dry….” “Hyung-nim is really…” I looked at the two of them glaring at me with sharp eyes and shouted loudly. “Grandma! They say they don’t want meat!” “Who?!” “Gah?! No! We do!” With that single statement, I suppressed the youngest ones’ rebellion and moved diligently. I checked on them periodically, and fortunately, they weren’t shedding tears. It seemed to be thanks to them being told early and having time to prepare mentally. Sohee-ssi was also calmly preoccupied with packing her bags. Everyone stoically accepted the slightly altered daily routine.

Meanwhile, some people became busy. “I want to feed them heartily before they go….” Grandma cautiously suggested to me as soon as she heard the news. “Ah. That’s a good idea.” “…Can I use some meat?” “Of course, Grandma, whatever you’re comfortable with…” “I want to use quite a lot….” “Oh, I’m all for it, no questions asked.” To say more would just hurt my mouth. When I gave her permission, though it wasn’t really needed, with a willing heart…

Flash! Grandma rolled up her sleeves. She selected and sorted the meat, then took out a large quantity, just as she’d said. Seeing that, I felt my eyes open wide. ‘…No way?’ “No way” was right. Grandma began preparing a stew, something she had never done before. She usually prioritized efficiency in using ingredients, but today was an exception. The kitchen instantly transformed into a battlefield. Grandma’s demeanor completely changed as she began cooking.

Grandpa, seeing this, naturally matched Grandma’s pace… ‘Oh…’ It was like watching partners intertwined with long years of experience. Their teamwork was perfect, even without words. My heart pounded as I watched the two of them, boasting such wonderful synergy. Seeing the back of the Grandmaster who dominated the kitchen, a sense of anticipation welled up. I was already under the illusion that I was getting hungry. I felt like I would lose myself if I kept watching, so I left the kitchen.

‘Let’s get moving.’ Immediately, I loaded supplies into the cargo hold with a few others. We prepared mostly items that might be lacking at Konkuk University Shelter. Food and daily necessities, and though not diverse, some clothes and luxury items. In particular, I included some spicy food and alcohol. And we also packed some weapons that Incheol and Sohee-ssi liked. I had originally intended to give them some weapons to take with them…

“Incheol, are you taking that?” “Yes. It’s what I’m most used to.” “……” Seeing him only intending to take the old, worn-out rifle he had brought with him, I made up my mind. If I had been struggling as well, I might have hesitated. The two of them felt sorry about taking what I had painstakingly acquired, but a gift of this much wasn’t wasted. Now, I was in the position of a cool older brother, able to flex for my siblings. So, I packed them various things ‘appropriately’.

My hyung, seeing the cargo piled high in the cargo truck and the Porter, quietly approached. “…Is this perhaps a gift?” “It’s a bit of both. But if you actually see it, it’s not much.” It wouldn’t impact the underground storage, and it wouldn’t even make a dent in my wallet. “Hmm. If you look at it that way, it’s not bad, is it?” “It was Chief Representative Choi’s and Grandpa’s idea. Originally…”

Originally, I had only considered gifts for the two of them and a small token for Sergeant Kang. But after hearing Chief Representative Choi and Grandpa’s opinions, I changed my mind slightly. We were supposed to receive payment, but instead, we were sending a small gift from our side. Their status might be higher, but our substance was superior. 『We’re not in a hurry. Are you?』 It was a kind of display of our composure and capability. My honest thought was whether such a thing was really necessary. However, it was an opinion based on the long experience of elders, so I didn’t ignore it. In relationships, such things tend to accumulate one by one. And they shine at crucial moments! …That was their thinking, and the fact that it sounded quite plausible also played a part.

“Well… if it’s not just a one-time encounter, then these things are indeed necessary.” “Really?” “…Don’t even ask. Whatever you imagine, it’s beyond that.” “Hmm.” “Anyway, if they go with that, they won’t be looked down upon.” If Hyung said so, then… it probably wasn’t a bad thing.

When the loading was almost done, I added modafinil as a finishing touch. It felt like dumping unwanted items, but I figured they’d handle it well. After a short period of labor, we spent our time leisurely. Incheol and Sohee-ssi also seemed to be trying to soothe their hearts by chatting quietly. Chief Representative Choi approached during a lull and shared some brief news.

“They said they would welcome the new family members.” “…That’s a relief.” “Every single person is precious right now. Especially talented individuals. Ah, and also…” Chief Representative Choi recited some news he had forgotten to convey. “Reporter Kim has also decided to go with them.” “…What?” This was quite unexpected.

Although his side injury had improved a lot, he still needed to be careful. He had indeed been cautious in various ways in his daily life. There had been a commotion involving him and me once, but since then, we had gotten along without any problems. More than anything, there was no particular reason for him to go…

“I apologize for not telling you sooner.” The man himself quietly appeared. His face, bearing an awkward smile, didn’t look bad. “I thought about it a lot, but I believe this is the right decision.” “What do you mean?” To my bewildered question, Reporter Kim opened his mouth with a faint smile.

“Seeing Seonghan-ssi and all of you, I thought about it. I need to do what I have to do, what I can do.” “…?” “I want to make sure that the current catastrophe and pain are not forgotten.” From his utterly serious voice, a firm resolve could be felt. Even his eyes held a subtle glow. These were the eyes of a person who had steeled their resolve.

“Even so, all I can do is interview and take pictures.” He humbly downplayed himself, but this was… “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” “Yes.” It was a firm answer, without hesitation. Indeed, he knew better than anyone. He knew that the work Reporter Kim intended to do would be a thorny path. Some might not want to know. Some might not want to dig up memories. Above all, there was a high possibility that he himself would be in danger. Reporter Kim didn’t even hesitate to follow to the front lines. Rather, he was a man who pleaded desperately to be taken along.

“For Seonghan-ssi, to whom I owe my life… ‘thank you’ isn’t enough.” Now, the atmosphere itself had changed. Had he perhaps awakened to his mission as a journalist? Unconsciously, I extended my right hand, and he, with a refreshing smile, grasped it.

“…I never thought I’d be rooting for a reporter in my life.” “Hahahah! Thank you!” “Is there anything you need…?” At my words, Reporter Kim shook his head. “I’ve already received more than enough so far.” “Hmm.” “It’s not much of a reward, but there’s something I’d like to give you.” “?” Reporter Kim handed over a rather thick, large notebook. I took the notebook and opened it, a little surprised.

“This is…” “It’s a photo album I compiled, capturing your moments. Chief Representative Choi lent me the equipment, which made it possible.” They weren’t proper photographs, but rather prints that had been cut and arranged. Inside, each daily moment of the family members living in the shelter was captured. He seemed to have bound them all together to create this. ‘When did he take these?’ Though just printed, the photos themselves were full of life. “I like it. I’ll cherish it.” “I’m glad you’re pleased. My only regret is that there are very few photos of Seonghan-ssi.” “Ah.” “How about taking one now?” “Uh…”

I hesitated, not being comfortable with cameras, but Chief Representative Choi gently urged me. “Seonghan-ssi, please do. It’s a rare opportunity.” “Hmm… Th-then just one.” Reporter Kim held a small camera and immediately took position. “Alright! Seonghan-ssi. Relax. Naturally.” “……” Click! “Oh… it came out quite we—” Thump-thump-thump!

“Me too, me too!” Heize suddenly appeared and rushed forward eagerly. “Hey…” “Cheese~” “Wow~! You two look great. Seonghan-ssi, smile~” “……” Click! That’s enough pi— Thump-thump-thump!

“Me too!” “Oh?!” “Wait…” “Alright, huddle in~” Shia, having thrown off her apron, clung to my left arm. Heize, eyes sparkling, clung to my right arm. A soft, cushiony sensation filled both my arms. Click! Click! Click! “Ah~ This is great! Excellent!”

“Can I join you all?” “Oh, of course!” “……” Starting with Hyuk hyung, who quietly slipped in, everyone rushed over. Grandpa and Grandma also took their places, still wearing their aprons. The three youngest squatted in the front row, ready… “……” “Alright~ Everyone smile~” Click! I had intended to take a solo photo, but it turned into a group photo.

As soon as it was over, everyone dispersed quickly, as if nothing had happened. I stood there blankly, feeling unfamiliar. ‘…I’ve never taken a photo like this before.’ I scratched the back of my head.

“Chief Representative Choi will print the photos for you.” “…Thank you.” Reporter Kim subtly conveyed to me, feeling a bit awkward. “And… it might not be much help, but I gave Chief Representative Choi a summary of what I’ve experienced so far.” “……” “If I obtain any information in the future, I will pass it on to you.” I gave a small request to Reporter Kim, who was making a firm promise. “Please don’t overexert yourself.” “Of course.”

After that, there was no more commotion. Once all the bags were packed, the usual atmosphere returned. People chatted and spent their personal time, and so on. ‘……’ Everyone was calmer than expected. However, Grandma and Grandpa toiled until dinner time. A wonderful aroma began to waft through the air, and everyone barely managed to rein in their overflowing anticipation, but… “It would have been better if I had more time.” Seeing them express regret, saying they made it in a hurry, made me click my tongue in admiration. Nevertheless, perhaps because they truly showcased their skills after a long time, they seemed very happy, and thanks to them, the dinner, which also served as a farewell party, was truly excellent.

“Eat plenty, everyone.” “Wooaaah!” “It’s been so long!” “Oh… my heart is pounding.” Those who saw the food that came out cheered loudly. But two people tilted their heads. “What is this?” “It’s beef bone soup. It’s a soup with rice.” What Grandma had painstakingly prepared was clear beef bone soup. At my explanation, Heize and Lawrence’s eyes widened.

“Bear? Like the animal?” “No, it’s *beef bone soup*!” “Oh, *beef bone soup*. Not ‘bear’?” “Yes. It’s delicious. Try it.” I hadn’t expected them to ask if it was bear meat. Still, at the mention of deliciousness, the two Americans’ eyes sparkled. And no wonder, as its visual appearance alone was full of flavor. The clear and clean broth, hard to believe it was a meat soup. The meat, beautifully and neatly arranged, fully submerged. Thinly sliced green onions adding color and aroma. It was a proper soup with rice, which I hadn’t seen in too long. On top of that, tender-looking boiled meat. The table was completely laden with meat.

As if by unspoken agreement, everyone chose the beef bone soup broth for their first spoonful. Slurp! “Kwooh~!!!” “So refreshing~~!” Reactions very familiar to Koreans burst forth. And the two American women, whom Grandma was carefully observing… “Yummy!!” “Superb!!” “…You’re saying it’s delicious?” “Yeah! It’s amazing!” “It’s delicious.”

Fortunately, it seemed to suit their taste. If they had said it wasn’t delicious, they wouldn’t have been able to stay with me any longer. Confirming their reactions, Grandma also changed to a warm expression and slowly began to eat. Sniffle… “Incheol hyung. Are you crying?” “Ah, no, I’m not! It’s just too delicious! That’s why!” “Euhahahahahah~” At Dong-woo’s sudden question, Incheol was greatly flustered. It seemed like he was overwhelmed with emotion, but it was a good excuse. It might have been because it was the first time he’d eaten it in a long while, but it truly tasted good.

Slurp! ‘…This is it.’ Perhaps it was just my imagination, but it tasted even better than the one in my memory. Because of that, I simply couldn’t stop my spoon. I’d have to find an opportunity later to ask them for sundae gukbap too. I gave a thumbs-up to the two people who hadn’t shied away from the effort.

“Grandpa, Grandma. It’s so delicious.” “Hahaha~ That’s a relief. I was worried since it’s been a long time since I made it.” “There’s plenty left, so eat a lot.” Grandma emphasized that there was ‘ plenty’ left for me. She seemed to be considering my appetite… ‘The beef bone soup is as good as gone.’ I wasn’t one to refuse. A few of us, including myself, loosened our belts. Everyone ate, drank, and ate again with joy.

Heize and Lawrence, even while eating, were captivated by the clear, clean meat broth. “…I want to eat this every day.” “What?” “Why didn’t I know about this? Slurp!” At Heize’s unpretentious reaction, the two Grandmasters were very pleased. The two of them, watching the family members’ reactions with satisfaction… They were truly happy.

Slurp! Despite the boisterous clamor, the spoons didn’t stop. Especially Incheol, Sohee-ssi, and Reporter Kim ate until their stomachs were bursting. As if trying to engrave this taste onto their tongues. More than just the taste, it also seemed to be… As if they were trying to soothe the sadness of the impending farewell. Perhaps that’s why. The rare soup with rice didn’t end with just one bowl. Everyone indulged their appetites until their bellies were round. Thanks to that, we forgot everything and had a wonderful time. Thanks to that, the family members could send off the three departing individuals with smiles.

*Some time later, at Yongma Shelter, today’s group photo, printed on A4 paper, was displayed in a luxurious frame. Everyone in the photo was smiling brightly.