SPACE 5. Hospital Incident

Um..um..

A middle aged mans leg shook and trembled.He pinched his collar, twisted his plastic cup, pinched his collar, stood up while grabbing his hair, sigh and sat back down, bit his lips, twisted his plastic cup..

Father, please!

Ah? Uh? Me? Why? What?

The middle age main raised his head like a surprised chicken and restlessly looked around

Please sit down politely. Why are you so anxious?Please take a deep breath and calm down. Does Father also need to be examined? Calm your spirit.

What are you saying?

The middle aged man snapped angrily.He snorted and hit his thick chest with his fist.

Dont you know me? I am Gwon Hwa-rang who was called invincible in the Gangnam area. My mind, body and indomitable spirit makes me healthier than anyone else.

The Gangnam area? Doesnt that mean youre not invincible in other areas? And if you lose your healthy body then youll be a corpse.

Why is my child questioning me so closely? The main point is that Im healthy.

You look excessively healthy.

Hyun-woo laughed and muttered.Anyone who say the man would think he wasnt excessively healthy.His arms, chest and leg muscles were bulging through his jacket and jeans. His darkly tanned exposed skin really seemed like iron.With the exception of his face, it was hard to imagine looking at his body that he was 50 years old.The middle aged man was Gwon Hwa-rang.

This was a brief biography of Gwon Hwa-rang..he graduated from the police academy with honours and became a greatly admired hot blooded detective until he retired due to a gun accident. Many years were spent in a gloomy mood until he married Hyun-woos mother!Now he was Hyun-woos stepfather.After spending so long in the hospital, Hyun-woos mother and Gwon Hwa-rang became interested in social movements and spend half a year helping in places like South AfricaThats why Gwon Hwa-rangs skin was darkened.

The reason Gwon Hwa-rang was acting so strange was due to Hyun-woos mother.Hyun-woo had actually opposed his mothers overseas relief efforts.He like helping people in difficult situations. Hyun-woo also experienced difficulties times so he made donations when he could.But the problem was his mothers help.His mother had spent several years living in hospital so he was still worried about her health. However, his mother was very stubborn and he was forced to give in with some conditions.She had to come back at least 2 times a year to receive a comprehensive examination.That was the reason Gwon Hwa-rang and his mother returned home after 5 months. Then

Will it be okay? Huh? Hyun-woo, its not a big deal right?

Indeed.

I mean..if something was wrong with Park So-mi..really..?

Its going to be fine. Mother isnt as weak as Father thinks. She had such a big accident where even the doctors gave up but his efforts helped her recover.

Yes, thats right. She is strong. Park So-mi is strong. Yes, really.

Gwon Hwa-rang nodded at his words.His mother had been burning up when Hyun-woo met them at Incheon Airport. And she had collapsed at the airport.This was the reason for Gwon Hwa-rangs crazy actions. In fact, this was the good part.Hyun-woo had fallen into a state of panic when rushing to the hospital in the emergency vehicle.Then Hyun-woo realized something again.

Now Im not the only one worrying about my mother

He felt like it was truly fortunate but he also somehow felt lonely.She was his mother but Hyun-woo felt like a father sending off his daughter.

But this isnt what Im talking about.

Hyun-woo soothed Gwon Hwa-rang who had started crying.

Its a fact that he is my father but this is the first time I truly felt it!

Thats why he was able to appear calm. Hyun-woos thoughts were then interrupted.

The family of patient Park So-mi, please come in.

Yes! Were here!

Hyun-woo and Gwon Hwa-rang jumped up.They felt anxious as the doctor kept on looking at a chart on the computer.After a moment the doctor smiled and began to talk.

You dont need to be worried.

S-she is okay? Are there any big problems?

Yes, the check-up revealed that there wasnt any special problem.

Then why all of a sudden .

The cause is due to fatigue. Her fatigue has accumulated. And she seems to have received a lot of stress recently. Her built up stress and fatigue made her temporarily collapse but she should feel better after some rest.

Stress

A sigh naturally emerged from Hyun-woos mouth.He could guess why his mother was so stressed. In all likelihood, it was 100% due to the real estate slump of the Taek Mountains property.Hyun-woo had received a shock when he heard that the price had fallen to 1/10th of the original.It was natural since his money was invested in that land.But he was more worried about his mothers health.The person who bought the real estate through Yoo An-gook was his mother.His mother was thinking that she wasted the money her son had earned and the mistake had been eating at her. His mother would naturally feel a sense of responsibility so he was worried it would harm her health.The money was fine.Hyun-woo had gone through some ups and downs and now he was living well.However, he wouldnt be able to bear it if his mother was back in the hospital. It wasnt surprising that he was anxious after her collapse.

Fortunately there isnt any big problem but

Once again anger welled up at Koreas politicians.He hadnt told Yoo An-gook, the rehabilitation hyung-nims, Gwon Hwa-rang or his mother but Hyun-woo already guessed the culprit of the real estate slump.It was probably Lucifer. It was highly possible that Lucifer was controlling the nuclear power plant near the Taek Mountains.He felt angry but he couldnt blame the people selling the real estate.It was directed at the politicians who knew the information in advance. The politicians were the ones talking about being devoted to the common people while making their lives harder.But now wasnt the time to think about that.

What should we do now?

Stability is important for the moment. There are still a few tests left so she should stay in the hospital for a few days. And she needs some nutrients. Her age doesnt mean shell have trouble in the early stages of pregnancy but it is better to be careful.

Ah, yes

Gwon Hwa-rang sighed with relief and nodded.And he blinked a few times before stuttering.

Early stages of pregnancy..what did you say?

Didnt you know?

No, that..pregnant.I mean..a baby is going to be born?

You should know what the word pregnancy means.

The doctor said with a smile.

Congratulations.

H-Hyun-woo!

Gwon Hwa-rang turned around and stared at Hyun-woo.But Hyun-woos spirit had already flown away to Andromeda.

Mother is pregnant? Pregnant?Then Ill have a younger sibling? Sibling? Sibling? Sibling! Ohhh! A boy! No, a girl! Eh, I dont know! Anyway, a young sibling! A younger sibling!

Hyun-woo who had fallen into a state of panic shouted back at Gwon Hwa-rang.

Father, Im going to be an older brother!

Yes, Hyun-woo! Im going to be a father!

Damn, Im also your son!

What are you saying?Dont worry! Ill raise you both with no discrimination!

What? Of course you have to discriminate! This is my younger sibling!

Ohhh! Life is good! Hyun-woo!

Father!

Hyun-woo and Gwon Hwa-rang yelled and embraced each other.The doctor and nurses stared as Hyun-woo and a 180 cm tall Gwon Hwa-rang embraced while crying.

I understand your feelings but please calm down. If you do this here then it can cause problems.

B-but..

How could they calm down when they suddenly heard such news?

The two mens excitement didnt subside so the doctor scratched his head and continued talking.

Park So-mi has been moved to the hospital room. If her husband and son dont know then it is likely that Park So-mi is also unaware of her pregnancy. She already has experience giving birth but Ill have a nurse instruct her about what to do during early pregnancy. Ill also prescribe some nutrient supplements that will be helpful in early pregnancy.

Hyun-woo grabbed the doctors hand and said.

Will it be a younger brother or a younger sister?

No, the pregnancy is still too early to tell

I dont care if it is a boy or girl but please make sure my younger sibling is born healthy. My mother too! Mother has to be healthy as well! Yes, please give her the best nutrients! It doesnt matter how much it costs!

No, expensive nutrients arent necessarily better

Hey, you fool!

Gwon Hwa-rang hit the back of Hyun-woos head and shouted.He pushed Hyun-woo away and grabbed the doctors hand.Is it one shot? Please give her shots with the best stuff!

No, that is..

The doctor muttered with an awkward expression.Then the nurse next to them burst out laughing and said.

They are happy. Park So-mi ssi will be glad. The two men can barely stand it.

It is like that..

The two men were shocked by the pregnancy news and were excited for a while.But they made ignorant noises about giving the most expensive supplements or shots.Meanwhile So-mi just stroked her stomach and smiled when she heard the news. Her calm attitude had a sedative effect on the two men.It was quite fortunate from the hospitals viewpoint.

My body felt different these days but I never thought I would be pregnant.

You mean, this body

Gwon Hwa-rang tried to say something but closed his mouth. He grasped Mothers hand and cried out.

Thank you.

Youre worried about being a burden for no reason.

W-what nonsense are you saying? A burden? I have to say, I..so far Ive been living alone. During the days I was fighting against criminals, there were times I thought I wouldnt come back alive. I had no family. This might sound weird but I made a son. I was already full of happiness from that. Now that happiness has increased.I..I really am happy

Tears started to flow down Gwon Hwa-rangs face. Then he buried his face in the bed and started crying.

Now now, I understand. I dont want to hear a sound like that so calm down.

His mother laughed softly and stroked Gwon Hwa-rangs back. She looked up at Hyun-woo and asked.

Are you okay?

She was asking if he wanted to be an older brother.It was an absurd question. Wasnt it impossible for him to not like it? It was an amazing situation.

Do you want me to cry too?

Please dont. Having two grown men cry like babies will be embarrassing.

Am I embarrassing?

Gwon Hwa-rang pouted with face soaked with tears.

By the way, why are you acting like a kid? Soon youre going to be the dad of two people.

Yes yes. Now Im the dad of two people. Hyun-woo. You may call my Father as well.

Gwon Hwa-rang wiped away his tears and laughed.Hyun-woo was really worried about leaving his mother and younger sibling to this person. When thinking of the future, he had help raise them. Just as Hyun-woo was thinking this.His mother sighed with a depressed expression.

By the way Im really sorry.

Mother!

Hyun-woo interrupted his mothers words.

Dont talk like that. This isnt something for Mother to be concerned about. Ive been talking on the phone with An-gook hyung and he says the drop is temporary. So you dont have to worry and just continue recovering.

Really?

Would I lie to Mother?

I remember so many instances that I cant count.

T-that..this time I really am telling the truth. Do you want to call An-gook hyung and ask him?

I believe that your words are true.

It is true so dont look at me like that. So Mother doesnt need to worry anymore. Mother is pregnant now. The doctor said you have to be careful during the early stages of pregnancy so please relax. That will help me and Father.

I cant do that.

Huh?

In fact, I actually returned this time because of you.

Me? Why?

Arent you getting older now? I told you many times but a man needs a home to become a dignified adult.

Im only 26.

Age is not important. If you have the ability to be responsible for a home then youre of marriageable age. Arent you the director of a large enterprise? It is ridiculous for someone like you to be alone. Father and I will often be abroad in the future so the fact that youre alone is weighing on my mind. However I came into contact with an old friend not long ago who told me about a good girl.

Are you really trying to find someone for me to marry?

Whats wrong with that? A lot of people do blind dates these days.

Still..

Mothers only request is that you meet a good person. If you meet a good person then I can concentrate on giving birth.

Hah!

Gwon Hwa-rang suddenly raised his head.He grabbed Hyun-woos shoulder and shouted.

Dont be a troublemaker and get married like Mother said! Otherwise Mother cant confidently give birth to her child! So get married! Go meet the woman Mother is introducing you to and get married!

You, why are you joking about marriage?

..Do I sound like Im joking?

Gwon Hwa-rang stared at him with roaring eyes.

If something happens to my child because of this then I will burn out your eyeballs!

Hyun-woo had nothing to say after seeing that.

I understand. Ill think about it seriously.

Good. If he marries the woman you introduce him to then you can concentrate on managing your health.

What marriage? I said I would think about meeting her!

Hyun-woo shouted at Gwon Hwa-rang.His mother laughed and nodded.

Yes honey. Now Im relieved.

His mother and Gwon Hwa-rang seemed intent on pushing him. Anyway, his mother was fatigued and soon fell asleep.Hyun-woo and Gwon Hwa-rang exited after confirming that Mother was deeply asleep. Hyun-woo and Gwon Hwa-rang sat down in front of a coffee vending machine.

Are you going back to South Africa?

Well I should go. There is still a lot of work left to do.

Gwon Hwa-rang nodded and replied.

But Park So-mi is pregnant so we should stay here for a bit. Fortunately we dont have to return for a couple of months.

Honestly Im slightly worried. Based on the news, the situation there doesnt seem good these days..of course I dont object to the idea of you helping refugees. But even if youre doing something good, its still dangerous. I see on the news that some kids are even carrying guns around..it didnt matter before but now Mother is pregnant

Its not like that.

Gwon Hwa-rang stared bitterly at a coffee cup.

In fact, Im not the one who wanted to go in the first place. I just followed Park So-mi. But now it is different. My outlook on life has changed.In that place there are people who cant even buy a cup of coffee. Someone has to help them. Your mother is helping people like that. Im proud that someone like that is my wife.

Hyun-woo also felt proud as well.However, his pride was separate from his worry about his mother. Hyun-woo made a sombre expression and Gwon Hwa-rang knocked him on the shoulder before smiling.

Dont worry. I told you, the place where Park So-mi is helping isnt as dangerous as you think. Actually, I was visiting a refugee camp last time and I met an officer of the government. I was invited by the FBI to become a martial arts teacher. There are several conveniences and no danger.

Gwon Hwa-rang casually talked about something that would appear in a movie.Gwon Hwa-rang was a special human.There was no criminal gangs who didnt know Gwon Hwa-rangs name.His power was the reason the rehabilitation members submitted to Gwon Hwa-rang. But Gwon Hwa-rang had no interest in his fame.When Gwon Hwa-rang moved in with his mother.Hyun-woo helped move his luggage and found a thick pile of paper in a corner. Various certificates of appreciation and commendations for catching criminals were piled up like a thick encyclopaedia.Gwon Hwa-rang casually replied after Hyun-woo asked him about it.

Ah, just put it with the recyclable waste.

All the awards that wouldve normally be hanging up ended up in the trash.But Gwon Hwa-rang treasured the letters of thanks sent by people he helped. This was a person who couldnt even put on his socks correctly.He was such a man.He was an honourable existence to Hyun-woo and his mother.Thus he had been able to let his mother go in peace to South Africa.

But what happens if she gives birth to the child? You cant bring up a newborn baby in a place like that.

Well. Anyway, the doctor said that stability is important right now so we dont need to worry about that for a while. I will discuss the matter with Mother. You just worry about Mothers wish for you to get married.

Is Father really acting like this? You expect me to get married alone? There needs to be a partner.

Then go on the blind date. If you go on the blind date then wont Mother stop complaining for a bit?Anyway, have you decided yet?

Gwon Hwa-rang said before standing up from his seat.

I have to go back to the airport. Park So-mi collapsed so our luggage is still at the airport. Ill move the luggage to the house and come back in the evening. Will you be in the hospital until then?

I should be.

Okay then Ill see you soon, son.

Gwon Hwa-rang laughed before leaving the hospital.He stayed at the hospital but his mother was asleep so there wasnt a lot of things left to do.

Should I start my hacking practice?

Hyun-woo sat down in front of the hospital room and took out his phone.Hyun-woos hacking skill was very important in Galaxian. The way to use this skill was to clear mini games. Fortunately he had been familiar with the games so it hadnt been difficult so far but that would change in the future.So Hyun-woo sometimes used his phone to train his hacking skill.

Pico pico! Byong byong! Ddiridiri! Byong byong!

Hyun-woo was immersed in his games.

Nurse, nurse, please come here!

A desperate voice was heard near him.The nurses and doctor ran towards the room of the person making a fuss. Hyun-woo wondered what was going on but he wasnt going to join the crowd swarming the hospital room.When his mother was in the ICU, Hyun-woo had also called for the nurses in desperate voices a few times. And each time people flocked to the hospital room.

Some were curious while others were worried. But Hyun-woo just felt like they wanted to watch other peoples misfortunes.No patient or family would welcome the attention.Hyun-woo recalled that memory.

Like I said before, even if the patient is unconscious their reflexes means their fingers or toes sometimes move. I checked and it seems to be the case this time. But dont be too disappointed. The results have improved since the previous check-ups.If you spot a change then call a nurse.

The unconscious patient is just like my mother.

Hyun-woo sighed and turned away.At that moment, Hyun-woo felt his heart drop.

Yes, thank you.

A young woman appeared at the hospital room door and bowed.Surprisingly she was someone Hyun-woo knew.She was dressed in baggy clothes unlike the last time but he could recognize her face immediately.

..Irina?

Irina who he saw at the charity party! In the game she was the officer in charge of the prisoners supplies on Beltana.

What? Irina also know someone in this hospital? This is

The last time Hyun-woo saw Irina was shortly after his return to Nephalim.At that time, Hyun-woo heard that Irina had helped him while he was imprisoned and jumped to the conclusion that she had a crush. But they had no time to talk and he forgot about her.He never thought he would see her again in a place like this.Hyun-woo couldnt concentrate on the game anymore.He got up and stealthily sneaked behind the people around the room. He looked through the crack in the door and saw a room full of medical equipment.She was sitting down in the same place Hyun-woo always sat. She also had the same expression as she held the patients hand..

Mom.

A bitter voice was heard through the door.A drop of water fell down her chin as the woman lowered her head.Long forgotten feelings surged through Hyun-woo as he saw the tear.He forgot the pain and desperation.

A dark room was filled with cigarette smoke.10 people were sitting around with heavy looks.One of them was the owner of the building. Several members were frowning and the room had a heavy atmosphere. The 10 men gathered in the room while smoking.Suddenly a guy jumped up.He broke the serious atmosphere as he bowed and shouted.

Hyung-nim, I committed a sin! Please kill me!

Shut up!

The middle age man frowned and declared sharply.

What is this about killing? Are we gangsters? Im 50 and enjoying my honeymoon yet you want me to kill you? And what is with this atmosphere? Has a raccoon been caught? Why are you smoking in such excessive amounts? Are you trying to commit suicide? Get it together. Youre going to live a long time. Because soon Ill be a baby daddy!

Huh? A-A baby daddy?

Heok! T-then Hyung-nim..

Yes thats right. This hyung-nim is going to be a dad.

Sister-in-law is pregnant?

Then? Do I look like Im pregnant?

The man rolled his eyes as he replied.Then the crowd cheered with joy and started making noises.

Wow! Hyung-nim, you succeeded!

I never wouldve expected it from someone who a bachelor just recently!

A man is still a man.It is wonderful!

You really are having a child.no, thats it. Anyway, we have to live a long time! Turn on the lights. Well now live slightly brighter.Huh? Brighter.

Someone else quickly turned on the lights and opened the window. The middle aged mans face was revealed as Gwon Hwa-rang. The remaining people were the rehabilitation members.Hae Gyeol-sa was the one who turned on the lights and Ma Chorung said after studying Gwon Hwa-rangs face.

Hyung-nim, did you come find us to inform us about sister-in-law being pregnant?

No thats not it. Havent you heard? A pregnant woman shouldnt worry. Dont you know what shell be like is you shoulder the responsibility?

That would be a problem.

You understand me.

Gwon Hwa-rangs expression tightened.

That is the reason but

Gwon Hwa-rang stared at Yoo An-gook and said.

Park So-mi is worried about the Taek Mountains real estate issue. The accumulated stress caused her to collapse at the airport. Thats why I decided to visit you. I dont feel good not seeing you guys before departing but it also reminded me of the real estate problem.

I know.

The rehabilitation members scowled at Yoo An-gook.Yoo An-gooks image had changed because of this problem.But Gwon Hwa-rang shook his head and said.

Thats it. This isnt An-gooks fault. You dont have to act like he committed a sin. But didnt you call Hyun-woo and say that the real estate problem was solved?

No. I never..

I can guess. That brat, he wants to take care of everything.

Gwon Hwa-rang grunted with a faint smile on his face.But he soon scratched his head with an irritated expression and said.

Anyway, that means there is still no way to fix this. Is that right?

Yes, so far..

So? Do you know the reason behind the real estates price plunge? Why did people who bought the land at an expensive price rush to sell it so suddenly?

I dont know. The value of the land originally rose because the government announced they were building a major building there. I assumed the value dropped because the people heard that plan was cancelled. But my sources told me the government hasnt made any decision yet.

So you still havent figured out the case?

Thats right.

Yoo An-gook hung his head and replied.Then Gwon Hwa-rang spoke in an unconcerned voice.

Is that why youre all gathered here looking so worried? The solution to the problem is simple. If youre not sure why then ask.

Huh? W-who do I ask?

Didnt you get the names of the owners when trading with them? Then look for the original owners.

B-but Hyung-nim.

Many of the real estate transactions involve politicians.

What about it? Are you joking?

No, thats not it..

Do I look like Im laughing now?

Gwon Hwa-rang interrupted the rehabilitation members words.And he muttered in a low voice.

Just ask them why they sold the land. If they dont answer then something is suspicious.In other words..my Park So-mi wouldve received stress because of something they did. My woman! My wife who is having a child! Now, Ill ask again.Do I look like Im laughing?

Ah, no.

I told you many times.

Gwon Hwa-rang spoke with eyes gleaming like a wild beast.

Justice will always win.Ive proved that to be true. This is for my child.

He was filled with a wild, vibrant streak.