The Three baby mining brothers - Chapter 2

The 3 baby tyrants:
Yeoreum’s birthday was probably sometime during the summer. After all, his name meant “summer.” He didn’t know the exact date, only that he had been abandoned in the summer. For that reason, Yeoreum would always get excited throughout the entire season, as though every day of summer was his birthday.

The director always told him to become a person warmer than summer. Whenever he heard those words, he wondered if he could ever become warmer than the heat that dries bl00d and even kills people. Still, he believed that if he tried hard enough, he could accomplish anything in the end.

He didn’t yet know that there are things effort can achieve and others cannot.

The chirping of birds on a clear morning pulled him back into reality after being engulfed by the weight of the past. Slowly, he lifted his heavy eyelids. As Yeoreum tried to sit up, he felt a strange stiffness in his body that quickly dispelled any lingering drowsiness.

“Huh…?”

For a moment, he thought he was paralyzed. But as he rubbed his eyes and tried to focus, he saw where he was lying. It wasn’t the shabby orphanage bed he was used to. Instead, it was a white, luxurious-looking bed.

Thick ropes tied to the bed were wrapped around his ankles.

‘…What is this?’

Trying to determine if what he saw was real, Yeoreum yanked at the ropes around his ankles. The effort only brought a burning pain, as the ropes chafed against his skin. Being tied up, it was no wonder his body wouldn’t move freely.

Propping himself up against the bed, Yeoreum realized he was alone in this large, unfamiliar room.

‘Come to think of it, I was wearing my school uniform before I passed out…’

Now he was dressed in sky-blue pajamas that flowed loosely around him. The fabric was soft—softer than anything he had ever felt before.

He had no idea what was happening. He didn’t know how much time had passed, but as he slowly closed his eyes, his last memories before passing out came rushing back.

The orphanage had been empty. The building was flooded and burning. By now, it had probably collapsed entirely, leaving nothing behind. The frightening men he had met in the director’s office were undoubtedly the ones who brought him here.

He raised a hand to touch his cheek, where the man had struck him. Thick gauze was taped to the spot. He must have been injured when he was hit.

Considering how hard the man had struck him, knocking him unconscious, it was no surprise. It was hard to tell whether the throbbing pain came from his cheek or the fear and emptiness in his heart.

Lying limp on the bed, Yeoreum let his body sink into the mattress. The plush bed swallowed him before springing back. A pleasant, comforting scent wafted from the bedding, making him feel oddly at ease.

‘Have I ever lain on a bed like this before?’

The orphanage linens were regularly washed, but years of wear couldn’t be ignored. He had always been grateful just to have a blanket, never indulging in idle thoughts like this.

Now, with a point of comparison, he couldn’t help but find himself sorting things into what he likes and dislikes. The realization made him chuckle at himself.

Careful not to aggravate his injuries, Yeoreum eased his ankle into a more comfortable position and pulled the blanket up to his chin.

Don’t let your guard down. Don’t let your guard down.

He must have silently repeated the words fifty times before his heavy eyelids began to close. The warm sunlight streaming through the window was enough to lull anyone to sleep.

—

“…Yeoreum.”

The blanket that had been covering him had fallen to the floor. Yeoreum, sprawled out in an X-shape, had been soundly asleep. But a whisper in his ear roused him, and he slowly opened his eyes.

Standing before him was a man. His neat attire and polished glasses made him look every bit the picture of discipline. His hair, slicked back with gel, stayed firmly in place.

“Are you awake? I brought you lunch.”

Without waiting for Yeoreum’s response, the man placed a large tray on his lap.

“Since you missed breakfast while sleeping, I prepared lunch instead.”

Apparently, his answer wasn’t needed. Feeling bewildered and flustered, Yeoreum lacked the strength or will to resist.

His heart pounded in his chest, and his palms and feet grew clammy, perhaps because of the man’s intense gaze. Nervously, Yeoreum gave a small nod to signal his understanding.

Despite his fear, his stomach betrayed him, growling at the sight of the tray on his lap. A bowl of white porridge and various side dishes were neatly arranged on it.

“It’s abalone porridge. Please eat slowly and try to finish it all. It’s an order from Eon-nim.”

The man’s tone was polite, but there was an undercurrent of irritation.

Who was this “Eon-nim”? Yeoreum had no idea, but he was sure it was one of the two men he had seen at the orphanage. Asking the man in front of him would likely yield no answers, so Yeoreum quietly picked up the spoon and began eating.

The man adjusted his glasses and watched Yeoreum take a few bites before turning and heading toward the door.

Yeoreum quickly swallowed the porridge in his mouth and called out in a hurried voice.

“Wait, I have something to ask you…”

The man, who had seemed determined not to look back, turned around before Yeoreum’s sentence was even finished. He adjusted his glasses again, as if it were a habit.

“About this thing around my ankle… Who tied me up like this?”

Yeoreum pushed his leg out from under the blanket, showing the rope around his slender ankle.

“That’s also part of the orders. I can’t do anything about it. Please finish your lunch and leave the tray on the side table when you’re done. Someone will come to collect it.”

With those words, the man gave a slight bow and left the room. It felt as though he was only allowed to say what was necessary.

Yeoreum’s head drooped, his chin resting on his chest. For someone his age, his fear only seemed to grow stronger with time.

“Am I really kidnapped…?”

Muttering to himself bitterly, Yeoreum continued eating the porridge. To his dismay, it was warm and delicious.