WHAT A TWIST!

Chapter 131

The principal swept into the hospital room, flanked by two teachers, her warm smile faltering for a moment as she took in Hyun-min's pale complexion. "Hyun-min, how are you faring?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

Hyun-min's response was measured, his voice low and even. "I'm managing," he said, his gaze drifting away from the principal's. The principal's eyes lingered on him for a moment before she nodded understandingly. "I apologize for not visiting sooner. The school's responsibilities have been overwhelming, and I've had to attend to some pressing matters." Hyun-min's nod was almost imperceptible, but the principal seemed to take it as a sign of acknowledgement.

"What about your exams tomorrow?" the principal asked, her brow furrowed with worry. Before Hyun-min could respond, a soft, melodious voice cut through the silence. "You can bring the papers here for him to write" Soo-young said, her tone authoritative.

The principal's head swiveled towards Soo-young, her eyes widening in surprise, she didn't look in that direction to know that there was someone there. "Madam, I didn't realize you were there..." The principal's words trailed off as the first teacher whispered something in her ear, Whatever she said seemed to electrify the principal, her eyes widening in awe as she turned to soo young. "Madam Soo-young!!, I'm such a huge fan!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.

"I'm absolutely obsessed with your fashion designs! They're truly exquisite. I've always wanted to get my hands on your latest collection," the principal gushed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. Soo-young's response was a laconic "Is that so?" her tone detached and uninterested.

As the principal and teachers fawned over Soo-young, Hyun-min's gaze drifted away, his expression unreadable. He seemed completely uninterested in the scene unfolding before him, his presence a mere afterthought in the room. The principal and teachers were too caught up in their admiration of Soo-young to notice, their attention riveted on the fashion icon as they asked her questions and sought her attention.

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Madam Ji-hyeon returned to the hospital room,The principal and teachers were still entranced by Soo-young, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they fawned over the fashion icon. Madam Ji-hyeon's gaze settled on Hyun-min, her expression softening slightly as she approached his bedside. "The clothes are ready," she said, her voice gentle.

Hyun-min's response was immediate, his face twisting in fake discomfort. "I'm experiencing a severe muscle spasm...I'm not sure I can stand," he said.

Madam Ji-hyeon's brow furrowed in confusion "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Hyun-min's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of defiance flashing in their depths. "If you're pretending to be all nice,just because your friend is present, I suggest you drop the act. It's becoming suffocating and doesn't even suit you." he said, his voice low and even. Madam Ji-hyeon's expression paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she processed his words.

"It's essential that you pay your respects to the late Na-yeon," she said, her voice firm. Hyun-min's response was instant. "I'd prefer to attend the funeral on my own, without your accompaniment," he said, his jaw set in determination.

Soo-young, who had been observing the exchange from afar, stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Madam Ji-hyeon. "I don't know who died,but he's expressed his desire to attend the funeral on his own..and doesn't need your company." she interjected, her voice calm. Madam Ji-hyeon's gaze snapped to Soo-young, her expression turning icy. "I suggest you refrain from interfering in matters that don't concern you," she snapped, her voice rising in annoyance.

With a swift motion, Madam Ji-hyeon picked up her bags, her eyes flashing with indignation. "You're on your own, then," she said, her tone biting, before turning on her heel and striding out of the room, leaving Hyun-min and Soo-young in her wake.

The principal cleared her throat, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room. "Erm...if you're unable to make it to school tomorrow, I'll arrange for someone to bring the exam papers to you," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. Hyun-min nodded, his expression still guarded.

The principal smiled, seeming to take his nod as a sign that all was well. "I'll just leave now, then," she said, turning to depart with the teachers. But before she could make her exit, Soo-young spoke up. "Wait!" she said, her voice firm.

The principal paused, turning back to Soo-young with a questioning expression. Soo-young moved to her bag, rummaging through it before producing a card. "This is my complimentary card," she said, handing it to the principal. "In case you need anything."

The principal's eyes widened as she took the card, her face lighting up with gratitude. "I'm honored, ma'am," she said, her voice filled with appreciation. With that, she and the teachers took their leave, leaving Soo-young alone with Hyun-min.

"Do you need anything?" Soo-young asked, turning to Hyun-min with a concerned expression. Hyun-min's response was curt. "I don't," he said, his voice firm.

Soo-young's expression faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly. "Okay, then," she said, her voice soft. "I'll just...be here, I suppose." She trailed off, her eyes fixed on Hyun-min's face, searching for some sign of what he might be thinking.

Soo-young's eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at Hyun-min, her voice cracking with raw emotion. "Forgive me," she whispered, the words trembling on her lips.

Hyun-min's expression remained guarded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched for answers. "What could you possibly need forgiveness for?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism. "We've just met, and you've done nothing to hurt me."

Soo-young's tears cascaded down her cheeks, her body convulsing with anguished sobs. "You don't understand," she choked out, her voice heavy with regret. "I've made grave mistakes...I failed you in ways I can never rectify as a mother."

Hyun-min's eyes widened in stunned confusion, his face incredulous. "What are you insinuating?" he demanded, his voice rising in defensiveness. "You're not my mother. I have a mother, and I won't let anyone else claim that role."

Soo-young's gaze locked onto Hyun-min's, her eyes red-rimmed and pleading. "how does your mother treats you?" she asked, her voice barely audible, laced with a deep sorrow.

Hyun-min's expression turned icy, his jaw clenched in anger. "This is none of your concern," he said curtly, his words biting. "These are family matters, and you're not part of this family."

Soo-young's face crumpled under the weight of Hyun-min's rejection, her body sagging as if she'd been struck. She looked like she yearned to say more, to explain herself, but Hyun-min's words had cut her deep, leaving her wounded and helpless. The silence between them grew oppressive, the air thick with unspoken emotions and unresolved tensions,soo young decided not to give up.

Her body convulsed with anguished sobs. "Forgive me, please...I was trapped, desperate. I did things I regret, but I was blinded by my own needs. I sold you, traded your future for my own selfish desires."

Hyun-min's expression twisted in disgust. "What audacity do you have to stand before me, claiming maternal ties? You're a stranger, a deceitful manipulator."

Soo-young's gaze clung to Hyun-min's, her eyes pleading for understanding. She rummaged through her bag and produced a document, which she handed to Hyun-min. "This DNA test proves our connection."

Hyun-min took the document, his eyes scanning the contents. His face paled, and his eyes widened in shock.

"A fabricated test, no doubt," he sneered. "You're grasping at straws, trying to legitimize your claims."

Soo-young's voice cracked with emotion. "It's true, I swear. The doctors conducted the test yesterday, using your hair. It's proof, Hyun-min."

Hyun-min's face darkened, his voice dripping with venom. "You sold me, bartered my life like a commodity. You're a monster, not a mother."

Soo-young's body shook with sobs. "Forgive me, please...I know I've caused irreparable harm."

Hyun-min's anger erupted, his voice thundering through the room. "Leave now, before I lose my composure entirely. Don't dare claim kinship with me again."

Soo-young's body quivered as she knelt on the floor, her eyes beseeching Hyun-min. "Please, don't send me away," she implored, her voice shattering with desperation.

But Hyun-min's expression remained implacable. "Fine, I'll vacate the room for you," he said, his voice icy and detached.

Soo-young's face twisted in anguish, but she slowly rose to her feet, her movements stiff and mechanical. "Okay, fine," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll leave. I'll go."

With a quiet resolve, she grasped her bag and walked towards the door, her eyes fixed on the floor. As she reached the door, Hyun-min's parting words sliced through the air, "I never want to lay eyes on you again." Soo-young's hand trembled on the doorknob, but she didn't look back. She pushed open the door and stepped out, leaving behind the tension and the pain.