Chapter 5

Maybe it was the alcohol, but Dad's eyes were red, and he kept repeating "Good" several times.

He stood up and clapped Julian on the shoulder.

"Good kid, your uncle didn't misjudge you."

Dad's voice was thick with emotion.

Realizing his lapse, he stood up and haphazardly wiped his face.

"I'll go make you some longevity noodles."

I felt a little tipsy too.

Leaning against Mom, I started counting on my fingers.

"This is our... seventh birthday together..."

Time really flies.

The shy, vulnerable boy he once was had grown into such a tall, handsome young man.

That year, he lost both his parents overnight.

Leaving Julian all alone.

To raise him, buy him a house and car, get him married, and have children—just the thought of these enormous expenses made relatives steer clear of Julian.

Afraid of getting entangled.

Only my parents, seeing how pitiful he was, took on the responsibility.

To spare him any feelings of inferiority, our whole family poured our efforts into every aspect of his life, from food and clothing to housing and daily care.

Luckily, everything seemed to be turning out for the best.

"Julian's had too much to drink, why don't you walk him home?" Mom nudged my elbow, whispering softly.

"Go on now~"

I gasped.

And just as I looked up, my eyes met Julian's dark, profound gaze.

He smiled faintly, his voice husky.

Like a mesmerizing siren:

"Ashley."

"Then, thank you for your trouble."