Return To The Building Owner [EN]: Chapter 604

606

Becoming a Landlord After Regression

One day in December.

It had already been a month since I started the free sharing shop.

Fortunately, the number of places donating items almost daily, like Isei’s bakery, had increased.

And another interesting thing was that people were making side dishes and bringing them in.

The initial purpose of bringing side dishes was for Hyun-sung.

However, as the amount increased, they started sharing the side dishes with the neighbors. Naturally, side dishes also became a part of the donation list.

Whatever the reason, it had become a more popular item than any other for the elderly living alone.

“Boss, didn’t you say today is the day Young-seok’s prosthetic leg arrives?”

Lee Myung-hoon asked Hyun-sung after finishing organizing the items.

“Yeah, that’s right. I was just about to head to the hospital.”

Just then.

Clang!

Lee Soon-cheol, who had gone out for delivery, came in as the shop door opened.

“Boss, I’m back.”

Lee Soon-cheol said, touching his ear with his hand. It probably meant the weather outside was that cold.

Hyun-sung asked immediately.

“Is it very cold?”

“Yes, it’s quite cold today. But I’m satisfied because the people receiving the items like it.”

Lee Soon-cheol’s job from the beginning was this: delivering items.

It was to take the items to the homes of the elderly or people with disabilities who couldn’t come to pick them up themselves.

“Was the place you went to a little while ago Grandma Min-soo’s house?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Do you know how much coal briquette [a type of compressed coal used for heating] is left at that house?”

This was a new task Hyun-sung had recently added. He was supporting the coal briquette sharing event by receiving the list of people in need from the community center. That’s why he asked to check the coal briquette.

“There’s still some left. I think we can check again in about ten days and order coal briquette around that time.”

“Okay, I understand. Then, please make sure to take care of it, even if I forget.”

“Yes, Boss. By the way, didn’t you say you were going to the hospital today?”

“That’s right, I’m about to go now. Then, I’ll go to the hospital, so please take good care of the shop with Myung-hoon.”

Hyun-sung finished speaking and left the free sharing shop, heading to the parking lot.

Soon after.

Having arrived at the hospital, Hyun-sung went straight up to the 7th floor where Yoo Young-seok was hospitalized.

The reason he came to the hospital today was because of the prosthetic leg. He had requested the prosthetic leg a week ago, and today was the day he would try it on for the first time.

“Hyung [an honorific term for older brother or close male friend], you’re here!”

Yoo Young-seok greeted him happily as Hyun-sung opened the hospital room door and entered.

“Where did your parents go?”

“I told them not to come because I can be alone now. I can’t keep relying on my parents’ help forever.”

“Well… that’s true. By the way, when is the prosthetic leg coming?”

“They said they left the office 30 minutes ago, so it’ll probably be here soon.”

As if on cue.

Creak.

A person entered as the hospital room door opened. It was Lee Seung-hyun, the president of the professional company that had been commissioned to make the prosthetic leg.

“Oh? You’re here too, Boss?”

Lee Seung-hyun greeted Hyun-sung first. He greeted him because he had met Hyun-sung when he commissioned the prosthetic leg.

“Hello!”

“You came on time on purpose?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m worried because today is the day my younger brother is trying on the prosthetic leg for the first time. And there’s also the final payment with you.”

The final payment Hyun-sung was talking about was the cost of the prosthetic leg. In Yoo Young-seok’s case, he lost his leg in a traffic accident, so the amount of money coming from the insurance company was limited. Of course, he could make a prosthetic leg with that amount, but the quality of the prosthetic leg would inevitably decrease. So, the method he chose was for Hyun-sung to additionally cover the cost and order the best prosthetic leg.

Today was the day to pay that additional cost, and it was the reason why Hyun-sung came to the hospital on time on purpose.

Lee Seung-hyun, the president of the prosthetic leg company, said to Yoo Young-seok.

“Young-seok, you’re lucky to have such a reliable older brother.”

“No need to say it twice.”

“It’s not just any prosthetic leg; it costs 25 million won [approximately $20,000 USD]. Not just anyone can wear this. It’s ten times the price of a regular prosthetic leg. Of course, it boasts the best quality for that much. Moreover, this prosthetic leg is…”

It was the moment Lee Seung-hyun’s boasting about the prosthetic leg began. The words were long, but the conclusion was one: It was the best among the prosthetic legs on the market.

“Boss, can I try this on?”

Yoo Young-seok asked immediately after Lee Seung-hyun’s explanation ended.

“Yes, of course. But remember just one thing.”

“What is it?”

“No matter how good a prosthetic leg is, it can’t be compared to your own leg. So, you have to keep that in mind when you wear it. I’ve seen people who were very disappointed because they had too high expectations.”

“In the end, it’s not as good as my own leg?”

“Yes, that’s right. So, don’t have too high expectations from the beginning.”

Hyun-sung, who was watching the scene from the side, asked Lee Seung-hyun.

“Is there that much of a difference?”

“No matter how good the function of the prosthetic leg is, it can’t be compared to a person’s leg. But sometimes, I see people who are disappointed because they have too high expectations, so I’m telling you in advance.”

“Ah, I see… Young-seok, you heard that, right? So, be prepared when you wear it.”

“Yes, Hyung.”

Yoo Young-seok answered as if he understood and started putting on the prosthetic leg.

After a while.

“How is it?”

Hyun-sung asked Yoo Young-seok, who had put on the prosthetic leg.

“……”

“Why? Is it strange?”

“……”

Yoo Young-seok didn’t answer. He was asked several times, but his answer was still no comment.

Hyun-sung looked at Lee Seung-hyun. He asked why Yoo Young-seok was doing that. But Lee Seung-hyun couldn’t know Yoo Young-seok’s feelings when Hyun-sung didn’t know.

Yoo Young-seok’s silence continued.

How much time had passed?

Yoo Young-seok raised his head and looked at Hyun-sung. Then Hyun-sung asked immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, Hyung.”

Tears were flowing from Yoo Young-seok’s eyes as he answered.

Hyun-sung was embarrassed.

Of course, it was true that wearing a prosthetic leg for the first time would be unfamiliar. But Hyun-sung thought it wasn’t a situation to shed tears.

But what could he do?

He was the one doing it.

Hyun-sung answered by quietly watching him. Then Yoo Young-seok immediately opened his mouth again.

“It felt real.”

“Real?”

“Yes, until now, I tried not to show it and tried to overcome my disability, but when I actually wore the prosthetic leg, I felt strange. What should I say… I thought I really had to live as a disabled person now. So, I couldn’t help but cry.”

Toc toc [sound of tapping].

Hyun-sung expressed his feelings by lightly tapping his shoulder instead of speaking.

He didn’t say anything at first and suddenly cried, so he didn’t know the reason. But after hearing his words, he could understand why he did that. He thought there was no need for other words in that situation, so he expressed his feelings by patting his shoulder.

Yoo Young-seok’s words continued again.

“Were you surprised?”

“Honestly, a little.”

“I’m sorry. I was just being unnecessarily dramatic.”

“What are you talking about? Actually, I don’t know how admirable you are, Young-seok. I haven’t said it until now, but I’m so grateful that you’ve endured so well.”

That was true.

When he first heard the news that Yoo Young-seok’s one leg had to be amputated, he was very worried.

Perhaps it was natural. He was living well, but he had to lose one leg overnight. Moreover, he was only twenty years old. It wouldn’t have been easy to accept a disability at that age.

“Honestly, it wasn’t easy. But I was able to endure all of this thanks to you, Hyung.”

“What did I do…”

“Don’t say that. If you weren’t behind me, I would never have accepted my disability.”

“Thank you, even if it’s just empty words.”

“It’s definitely not empty words. You know that the first person I looked for after my first surgery was you.”

That was true. Even in a state of unconsciousness, the word ‘Hyung’ came out of Yoo Young-seok’s mouth.

“Okay, I understand. You’re not the type to say empty words to me. By the way, how is it to wear the prosthetic leg?”

“It’s strange.”

“How is it strange?”

“Right now, I don’t know how I can walk with this.”

Then Lee Seung-hyun, the president of the prosthetic leg company, continued.

“It will be difficult at first. But you’ll be able to walk soon if you practice, so don’t worry too much.”

“Will I fall?”

“You’ll have to be prepared for it at first. Of course, this prosthetic leg automatically brakes when you’re about to fall, but you still have to be prepared.”

“Okay, I’m prepared for that much anyway.”

Yoo Young-seok’s expression seemed to harden slightly. It seemed inevitable that he would be nervous since it was his first time.

After a while.

This time, Hyun-sung took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Lee Seung-hyun.

“Here’s the remaining payment. Anyway, thank you for your hard work in making a good prosthetic leg.”

“I tried to pay as much attention as possible, but if there are any problems or inconveniences during use, please contact me at any time. I’ll come right away.”

“Okay, you must be busy, so you can go now.”

“Yes, I understand. I wish you a speedy recovery. Then, I’ll be on my way…”

Lee Seung-hyun finished speaking and left the hospital room.

After a while.

Yoo Young-seok called Hyun-sung seriously.

“Hyung!”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“I’ll definitely pay you back for the prosthetic leg later.”

“What are you talking about? Can’t I even do this much for you?”

“No, but it’s too expensive…”

“Don’t say useless things and just focus on rehabilitating with this. And there’s only one thing I want from you.”

Yoo Young-seok looked at Hyun-sung straight on. He asked what it was.

Hyun-sung’s answer followed immediately.

“It’s to rehabilitate as soon as possible and leave this hospital. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Yes, Hyung. Now that I have a prosthetic leg, I’ll practice walking hard every day.”

“How is it now?”

“Now?”

“Yeah, since we’re going to practice anyway, let’s do it when I’m here.”

Hyun-sung approached Yoo Young-seok as soon as he finished speaking. It meant he should grab him instead of crutches and practice.

Yoo Young-seok, who knew that, said immediately.

“Yes, that’s good. Since I have a prosthetic leg, I’ll try it once.”

“Good, get up.”

Yoo Young-seok got up from his seat and stood up straight. Then Hyun-sung slightly opened his arms. It meant he should grab his arm.

Swoosh.

Yoo Young-seok grabbed Hyun-sung’s arm. Then he smiled at Hyun-sung.

“I’m finally linking arms with you, Hyung?”

“Why, is it strange?”

“No, I’m just too happy. And I’m saying again, thank you so much for being by my side.”

“Again with that sound?”

“No, I really wouldn’t have been able to without you, Hyung…”

Yoo Young-seok stopped talking and looked at Hyun-sung, slightly bowing his head. He conveyed his gratitude in that way.

Smirk.

Hyun-sung smiled slightly as he looked at Yoo Young-seok. Then he said forcefully.

“Okay, then shall we start now?”

“Yes, Hyung.”

Step.

Yoo Young-seok took his first step as if he had made up his mind.

Right then.

“Clap clap clap~~!”

Suddenly, the sound of applause began to be heard from behind. The other people in the hospital room started clapping.

“Young-seok, cheer up.”

“Young-seok, fighting!”

Yoo Young-seok left the hospital room with the support of the people in the hospital room.

“How is it? Is it walkable?”

“There’s no problem because you’re right next to me, Hyung. At this rate, I feel like I can go anywhere.”

“Good, let’s just do ten laps.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Yoo Young-seok put strength into the hand holding Hyun-sung and took a powerful step.

30 minutes later.

“Hyung, this is the last lap.”

“Yeah, you did well. Now, let’s just do one more lap and it’s over. Come on, let’s do our best to the end.”

At that moment.

Thud!

Yoo Young-seok let go of Hyun-sung’s shoulder, which he had been holding until now. Then he immediately continued.

“Hyung, this time I’m going to walk alone.”

“Can you do it?”

“Yes, of course. Instead, please watch me from behind. I think I can do it enough if you just watch me from behind.”

“Okay, I understand. I’ll watch you from behind, so walk alone as if to show off.”

Swoosh.

Hyun-sung took a step back. Then Yoo Young-seok took a deep breath and started taking steps again.

Step!

Hyun-sung shouted at Yoo Young-seok, who was moving forward one step at a time, albeit a little 불안 [uneasily].

“Yes, that’s it! That’s how you move forward bravely! Come on, let’s do a little more!”

Hyun-sung started clapping as he faced Yoo Young-seok, who had moved away at some point.

“Clap clap clap~~!”

That was the moment Yoo Young-seok’s independence began.