Chapter 3
==================================================
Yewon’s eyes parted lazily under Doha’s tender call.
He gathered her limp form close and moved off steadily.
Secure in his hold, she peered about curiously.
Gleaming high-end vehicles packed the subterranean lot.
She pieced it together—this was Uncle Doha’s building.
He navigated confidently to the lift.
It ascended without pause, arriving at the summit penthouse amid a bright unlock chime as panels slid wide.
Boldly she crossed the threshold, itching to see his domain.
Fine touches everywhere, no doubt.
Reality shattered those hopes.
An immense lounge sprawled ahead, playground-sized, with Seoul’s evening glow shimmering through vast panes walling one flank.
Drab tones ruled; stark setups aligned flawlessly.
Like skating over endless frost, absent any life’s spark.
Straight out of a display suite.
Far too hollow for GLEET’s elite frontman.
Echoing his soul’s chill exactly.
“Step right in. Bare bones here.”
Awkwardly tousling his nape, Doha illuminated the space.
Harsh glow amplified the void.
Center table bore just a fresh vitamin vial beside a forsaken half-full drink.
Wide-eyed in mock awe—like any kid beholding majesty—she gaped.
“Uncle, what a wonder! Bigger than any play yard!”
Doha’s rigid mask eased a touch.
He eased her onto cushions, drifting kitchenward.
“Drink first? Checking stock…”
Fridge swung open; a beat, then slam.
Bottles of spirits, plain water, sodas only—zero for a child.
Such a barren routine.
Dodging Fake Uncle proved smart, though this lair menaced too.
“Water, Uncle? Pretty please?”
Blunt need won out; she chirped it.
He spun, rattled.
“Uh—sure thing.”
Glass snatched, purifier filled, offered with flaming ears.
“Forgive me. No little visitors mean no treats stocked.”
Demure on the seat, she gripped it daintily.
Stilted quiet pooled fresh.
Pure torment, her mind raced.
Sweat prickled as eyes skittered away.
Conversation? Blank slate.
Kinship with GLEET’s Lee Doha? Mind-bending.
Digestion stretched ahead.
Entry chime heralded aid.
That prior handler!
Joy sparked her cheeks—threesome trumped pair.
Doha vented relief in nod and hello.
Heaving, damp-browed Yeongoh tumbled through.
“Whew—lost the scenting pack. PR squad spun it trivial; posts killed.”
“Expected duty—no apologies.”
Halting, he clocked her prim perch and sip.
“Sweetie, that scare hit hard? Steady now?”
Radiant grin, head bowed neat.
Fearless grace thawed his gaze tenderly.
“Remarkable grit, our girl. Shaken deep… same for you, chief?”
Weary palm scrubbed Doha’s brow.
Yeongoh tutted fridge-ward.
“Aquatic sole offering? Snacks absent?”
“Your icebox barren—as ever, skipping solids.”
Jacket flung over seatback in gusty exhale.
Blanket hush returned. Eyes roving, she drank the hush.
Eerie calm for the realm’s idol overlord.
Group pads buzzed with mates or drop-ins; here, ghosts only.
GLEET’s fresh wound gnawed her recall.
Fellows drifted? Bonds iced?
Nationwide whisper: screens ablaze, barbs incoming nonstop.
Probe time loomed—comrades’ trail.
One probe imperative.
Fists balled tight with dread, she summoned him.
Talk paused; twin stares fixed.
“Uncle… truly ours, for certain?”
Doha’s visage shadowed, query half-braced.
Still, words snagged hard.
“Mom kin too… blood ties?”
No retreat—she craved his voice’s truth.
Cotton Ball’s loop held no deceit, yet news raw.
Mom’s lips sealed on him; uncle ghosted sadly once.
Echo: “Spot uncle someday? Mommy regrets deep.”
Tied to burdens swallowed amid Fake Uncle’s yarn.
Falsity cracked that now.
Fresh lens: bond proof, silence’s root.
His claim jolted inward.
“You mother’s brother—yes, blood.”
Hesitant append:
“Years sundered. Why… in time.”
Veiled suffice; his torment skin-deep felt.
“Your being? News post her ascent skyward.”
Lips clamped shut.
Panel bloomed timely.
[Contractor Identity Confirmed: Lee Yewon (14 years old, child actor)]
[A guide will be provided tailored to the contractor’s profession and age!]
Currently in tutorial mode. Will be revealed after tutorial completion!]
Vision swam in its glow.
“Yewon, though—pardon, but Uncle wonders.”
His own thorn surfaced.
“How’d you uncover the family link?”
