A Present-I

Golden rays of sunlight peeping through the window, tickled Min-ho to get up from bed. With half open eyes, the young man yawningly walked towards the washroom to continue with his morning routine.

Looking around the house, anyone would say that the house was small yet beautiful. There was only one bedroom attached with a kitchen and one washroom with a big porch, more than enough for a single person. However, the thing that can make anyone’s heart flutter was, looking at this small house's garden; beautiful cherry blossoms surround it. With the blowing wind, the cherry blossom sheds its pink leaves over the roof like it’s raining blessings over the small house.

Min-ho got ready and walked towards the gambling house. The owner of the gambling house Kwan adoreed Min-ho as he was of the best use to him. Kwan was a wealthy yet cruel man. He was a renowned personality of the town also known as the notorious loan shark. People in dire need often borrowed money from him but in case of late payment or no payment, he made use of his trump card, Min-ho to release their money. Kwan showered Min-ho with a good amount in return.   

Min-ho approached Kwan if there was any work for him or not. 

“It’s been a month that the poor man hasn't paid a single penny. Make sure to bring back my money when you come back.” Kwan ordered, to which Min-ho simply nodded his head and went to collect the recovery.

The fear of Min-ho’s chloric disposition prevailed in the town folks. People were aware of his unmatchable strength that no one could beat and hence they never dared to mess with him.

Min-ho found his way to that poor man’s house and started calling him. In no time, the man and his family came out only to see Min-ho at their door asking for the recovery. Helplessness poured out of their eyes as they looked at Min-ho. 

“Your time is up; now pay back my master’s money.” Min-ho said in a jittery way.

“I…I want some more time. Please try to understand that my child is going through a severe disease. He needs proper medication and treatment. I’ve already sold my land and now I’m left with nothing. We hardly get anything to eat. Please, I’m only asking for some time.” The poor man begged Min-ho with tears brimming in his eyes. 

But it seemed the word of the man didn’t convince or move Min-ho at all. He stepped forward carrying his lacklustre look and grabbed the collar of the man. 

Before he could do something to the man, he felt something against his feet. He averted his eyes and there appeared a petite figure. It was the sick child praying Min-ho to forgive his father. 

Looking at the poor child Min-ho spared his father. He vaguely said, “I’ll give you two weeks.” and left.

“I never knew he has a heart.” The poor man said and felt a sigh of relief.

Walking like a burdened soul Min-ho was in daze recalling the image of that child begging. Soon the sound of painful screaming chased him from the past and clouded his mind, in no time he felt like he was standing alone in the crowd of people. Those were the memories from which he always tried to run away. 

Somehow, he managed to recollect himself and proceeded straight to his master. 

As expected, Kwan scolded him badly. “Do you know why I liked you the most? Because you are not like others, my boy. You are a cold-hearted man who knows pity and kindness is not the key to survive in this cruel world. Only money and strength is the key to live life like a King. Therefore, never ever show your kindness to anyone otherwise you'll be of no use to me. Now leave.”

Min-ho agreed to his advice and left. Despite his surpassing fighting skills Min-ho is aimless; he never tried to search for a permanent job in the palace where he was best suited. 

He got busy scaling the town’s shops, as a local festival was near, a local festival called the lantern festival was approaching.

He then headed towards the shoe shop, to treat himself to a new pair of shoes when his eyes landed on a lady who was selling persimmon.

Seeing the persimmons, Min-ho's mind drifted to the memories of Si-ri. Of how her eyes flickered when she saw the persimmon, the moment he fetched them for her.

“It seems she really likes persimmons. Should I take these persimmons for Si-ri? Obviously yes, she helped me to win the bet.” Min-ho thought.

Min-ho moved forward and bought a pack of persimmons. Min-ho kept the persimmon in his bag.

He then left the market with his purchases in hand.

“The lantern festival is near.  I should gift her a lantern too,” said Min-ho and left for the forest with his bag dangling on his shoulder.

On the way to the mansion questions swirled around Min-ho’s mind. What if she labelled me as a bad person? No! I don't think I look like a thief. How can anyone misunderstand such a handsome and pious face? Let’s see what happens.”

As he stood in front of the mansion observing it, he chuckled lightly recalling the memory of the first time he was here.

“Finally, I’m at the so-called witch's mansion to see the witch.”  Min-ho laughed and knocked at the door.

After knocking for some time and not getting any response from the other side, Min-ho decided to push the gate and luckily, it opened.

The moment Min-ho entered he sensed something behind him and hastily turned around only to see the sharp iron rod landing on his arm. He looked at Si-ri who was clearly looking sour with him visiting her again. 

“Stop!” Min-ho said in a serious tone to stop Si-ri from beating him.

Both of them froze in their position for a moment looking at each other with mixed feelings.