At school, a classmate whispers to Ha-eun: “I heard Jin-ho’s mom left him because he has anger issues. And Min-seok’s dad is in prison.” Ha-eun freezes. She sees Jin-ho standing by the lockers—he heard everything. His face is stone, but his hands are shaking. He walks past her, bumping her shoulder hard.
She looks toward Jin-ho’s room. The door is slightly open. He’s pretending to sleep, but his ears are red. family by choice episode 2
Jin-ho walks in. No greeting. He opens a cabinet, takes out a cup, pours water, and sits at the table. Ha-eun: “Good morning. Did you sleep well?” Jin-ho: Silence. Ha-eun (quietly, to herself): “Right. Wall.” At school, a classmate whispers to Ha-eun: “I
The next morning. Ha-eun wakes up early to cook again. She opens the front door to throw out trash and finds a small envelope taped to the door. Inside: 50,000 won and a note in messy handwriting. His face is stone, but his hands are shaking
Min-seok stumbles in, hair a mess: “Something smells… edible? Is this heaven?” Ha-eun smiles, serves the rice. Jin-ho takes one bite, stands up, and leaves for school without a word. Min-seok: “Don’t mind him. He’s not rude. He’s just… pre-exploded.”
Ha-eun smiles, tears in her eyes. She writes a note back: “Dinner is at 7. Don’t be late. Family rule #1: No eating alone.” She slides it under his door.