Chapter 18
“Hey, what’s with that face? I’ll have you know, I’m a successful lawyer.”
“Oh, really?”
Daeho let out a small laugh.
Seeing that, Irene’s face brightened into a cheerful smile.
The mood lightened instantly.
With a bright tone, Irene continued,
“So, how’s life in Korea?”
“It’s fine.”
“The culture must be really different though.”
At her cautious expression, Daeho rubbed his ear and replied casually,
“I’ve heard so much about it from everyone that it’s practically engraved in my ears. I’m used to Korean culture—it’s just that I haven’t experienced it firsthand yet.”
“Think you can manage?”
“To some extent.”
“That’s a relief.”
Irene’s expression softened. The last bit of concern on her face disappeared.
The Next Day — Day Off.
It was Daeho’s first day off since arriving in Korea.
A bright smile spread across his face.
“So… what should I do for fun today?”
His mind was full of exciting possibilities — how best to enjoy this precious day of rest.
“You’ve worked hard, now go play.”
That was Daeho’s philosophy.
After battling illness and exhaustion at the hospital, this was his chance to release all that stress.
“Why earn money if not to spend it on days like this?”
Daeho was determined to make the most of it.
Then suddenly, a spark lit in his eyes.
Ping!
“Of course! If I’m gonna play, it has to be there!”
Late Night.
Daeho, dressed casually, walked through the bustling streets of Seoul.
As expected, Seoul truly came alive at night.
What he missed the most while in Washington was this — the sleepless lights of the city.
“The dazzling lights make the world shine.”
The more he looked around, the more amazed he felt.
Glamorous young men and women, all dressed to impress.
Sports cars cruising by, flashing wealth and status.
Even with all that glamour, there was a comforting sense of safety here.
In Washington, walking alone at this hour would’ve been unthinkable — practically a dream.
“When night falls there? Pickpockets, fights, robberies, even gunshots.”
It was a world filled with danger.
So he felt thankful for this peaceful night as he admired Seoul’s skyline.
After walking aimlessly for a while, Daeho stopped in front of a building.
It was glowing with neon lights, bass music shaking the air.
A club.
“Nice! Clubs are the best!”
Even from outside, the pounding EDM could be felt deep in his chest.
Boom boom boom!
His heartbeat started syncing with the rhythm. It was impossible not to feel energized.
A grin spread across his face.
“Music — the only drug approved by the government.”
Doom-chit, doom-chit.
He started moving to the beat and walked toward the entrance.
A long line of young people waited to get in — clearly a hot place.
Having enjoyed clubs back in the States, Daeho stepped into line without hesitation.
He could feel people glancing at him.
‘Who’s that guy? He looks good.’
‘Oh, that one’s handsome.’
He heard quiet whispers, but he ignored them and just waited for his turn.
When it came close, he noticed a massive bouncer standing at the door — tall, broad, and intimidating.
The group ahead of him stepped forward.
The bouncer moved for the first time and blocked their path.
“Sorry, gentlemen. You don’t meet our dress code tonight.”
“What? What’s wrong with what we’re wearing?”
The men protested immediately.
But the guard’s polite face quickly hardened.
“Don’t make a scene. Just go while I’m asking nicely.”
“Uh… l-let’s go somewhere else.”
The men hurried away, faces pale.
Then it was Daeho’s turn.
He looked down at his clothes.
“There’s a dress code?”
He checked himself — his outfit wasn’t much different from the guys who just got turned away.
‘Guess I’m not getting in either…’
But the bouncer stared at him for a moment… then suddenly smiled and stepped aside.
“You may enter.”
“I can go in?”
“Of course, sir. Thank you for visiting H2O again. Enjoy your night.”
The guard’s tone was bright and respectful — a total contrast.
It felt strange, even discriminatory.
‘What’s different about me?’
Even when he checked his reflection in the mirror near the door, he couldn’t tell.
But curiosity wasn’t enough to stop him.
He shrugged and went inside.
A loud thud! — a stamp on his arm.
The club’s interior was dazzling, almost like another world.
Swish—shing! Boom-boom!
