Chapter Text
“Open the goddamn door!"
Bang, bang, bang!
Outside Beomgyu’s door, Sir Miller’s fists were testing the sturdiness of the hinges from how viciously he was banging. Inside the old house, Beomgyu’s heart matched the melody, beating painfully against her chest. She stood with her back to the wall next to the door, her hand raised high with a pan in her hold, waiting to strike if the old man ever managed to break in.
"I know you are inside!" Sir Miller hissed.
“Oh my god, would you quit this already? Your terrible voice is scaring the birds off of the trees.”
An older woman, in her mid-60s with grey hair and wrinkles that showed she graced the world with her smile often, stepped out on the porch of the next house over. The sight of her didn’t bring Sir Miller much happiness.
“I am not moving till I get my money back.”
“The man who owes you hasn’t shown his face around her for a month now. Go look for your money somewhere else.”
Bless you, Mrs Kim. Beomgyu thought, thankful for her sweet neighbor.
"But he left a daughter behind. If he can’t pay me, she should.”
"She should do nothing of sorts! Now leave before I call the guards on you for disrupting our peace.”
“Peace? In the house of a shrew?” Miller snickered.
Beomgyu knew what was coming, the telltale sound of footsteps running and the shrill of Mrs Kim saying, "COME SAY THAT TO MY FACE, YOU USELESS COCKLET! GET BACK HERE."
Beomgyu waited for a bit, settling her breath while listening closely to make sure her lovely neighbor and friend chased that awful man away -although she had no doubt she would-
"Open up, sweetheart. He’s gone."
Beomgyu cracked the door only enough to show half of her face, then she swung it fully open and ran into the arms of Mrs. Kim once she was sure it was only the two of them.
"Oh, you poor soul. I am here, don't worry."
Beomgyu let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, comforted by her presence and protection.
"Thank you for looking out for me, auntie."
"Well, someone had to do it."
Beomgyu’s face scrunched up at the mention of her father. Or rather, the lack thereof.
“Yeah, let’s not talk about my poor excuse of a father right now. I have had enough of his mention this morning.”
“Whatever you want my sweet child. Let’s get you something to eat”
“That’s what I am talking about. Lead the way, auntie.”
Mrs. Kim interlocked her arms with Beomgyu as they entered the old woman’s house. It wasn’t much, considering the area they were located in on the far outskirts of the town, but it never failed to bring Beomgyu comfort.
She sat down on the old wooden table in the kitchen as her neighbor and elder friend fussed around, fixing them both breakfast. Something that Mrs. Kim conveyed was “the highlight of her days”.
After her mother’s passing and the debt Beomgyu and her father fell into from the latter’s grief-induced gambling addiction, Beomgyu was fated for a cruel and lonesome life. She had no friends other than her lovely old neighbor, too busy trying to make ends meet at several underpaying gigs and protecting herself from the barbaric men she had the misfortune of meeting.
It didn’t help much that her poor excuse of a father decided to run away, leaving her behind with his crushing debt and more barbaric men, this time, at her door.
"Don't worry, dear. I am sure that awful Miller will be out of our hair for a while." Mrs Kim said, patting Beomgyu’s hair in comfort as she noticed Beomgyu’s frown and haze.
“a ‘while’ is not ‘forever’ auntie. I need to figure out what to do before my door gives out on me one of those nights.”
Beomgyu said solemnly, leaning into Mrs. Kim’s touch when the latter stroked her cheek lightly.
"Why don't you just come stay here with me, love?"
“I wish auntie. But I doubt moving just a few yards away would keep me safe. It would only let the loan sharks get their hands on our house and even that won't be enough to pay us off”
They both sighed deeply, acknowledging the gravity of this truth. Ever since Beomgyu's father disappeared, Beomgyu had little to no options in life. She only left the house to go to work on the farm, and she always hurried back home every after to avoid the loan sharks.
Mrs Kim would be on watch for the house until she got back. While she was grateful, Beomgyu knew the old woman could only do so much and that it was only a matter of time until their little arrangement failed them both.
But she remained hopeful. She didn't know why but she always chalked it up to Mrs. Kim's constant assurance and comforting presence.
But all that hope was crushed when one day she woke up to a letter slipped under her door. Her father's name was written on the envelope in his own handwriting.
One that left her with even fewer options.
Dear, Beomgyu.
I hope you are doing well and that you are safe. I am sorry for leaving you so suddenly and for everything else. I thought I was protecting you by staying away. Turns out, I left you alone in the center of my troubles. But, I found a way to fix everything and to ensure you have a good future.
After 7 days of this letter’s arrival, you will be married to Sir Miller. He promised to pay off the other sharks, take care of you, and be a devoted husband to you. He is a man of his word and I know that you will find security in his status and wealth.
Hope you can forgive me for not being the father you deserve.
With love
Dad.