By Zephyria 
Her attitude shifted instantly. Whether it was a desire to show off that she had a successful son or pure joy that her child’s future was bright, I couldn’t tell, but either way, it worked in my favor.
“Then you must attend. He’s a wonderful person to cherish you so much. The Chief Prosecutor must think very highly of you.”
Hearing the pride and satisfaction in her voice, I spoke with a sigh of relief.
“Yes, Mother. That’s why this week has become difficult. It’s a shame; if you had told me sooner, I would have declined.”
As expected, my mother reacted to the comment I had intentionally added.
“Oh, what are you talking about? Of course you have to go to the party. We can see each other anytime, so don’t worry about that.”
She concluded in an incredibly tender voice.
“I am always proud of you, my son.”
“Thank you, Mother. I love you.”
I recited the cliché words I had been taught, and after hearing the same in return, I hung up. It was only then that a deep, exhausted sigh escaped me.
A sudden wave of fatigue hit me, and I collapsed onto the bed. But this was no time to let my guard down. There was something I had to do immediately. I picked up my phone and pressed a speed-dial number. While rubbing my throbbing brow as the ringing continued, the voice I had been waiting for finally answered.
“Ah, Chief Prosecutor. This is Chrissy Jin.”
“Oh, you. What is it? At this hour.”
My boss, who answered the phone warmly, asked the purpose of my call. It was embarrassing to change my mind in just half a day, but now was not the time to worry about appearances.
“About that party you mentioned—I would like to go.”
“Is that so?”
The boss immediately responded with delight.
“You’ve made the right choice. It’s too good an opportunity to miss, isn’t it? I’m sure you’ll love it once you’re there.”
Fortunately, thanks to my boss’s welcoming reaction, I felt at ease. I replied comfortably.
“Thank you. Where should I go?”
“I’ll send you the address right away. Right, some people are arriving Friday night, and some on Saturday afternoon. Come whenever is convenient for you.”
He then let out a hearty laugh.
“Some people said they’re coming Saturday evening; isn’t that such a waste?”
The Chief Prosecutor added that he planned to go early Saturday morning. After saying “I see,” I brought up the issue that was bothering me.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t have anyone to go with. Would it be alright if I attended alone?”
When going to a party or gathering, bringing a partner is essential. That was one of the reasons I had avoided such events every time. I didn’t want to reveal my own sexual orientation, and for several years now, I had maintained casual encounters just to satisfy my libido without having a lover or a steady partner. As I struggled with this sudden practical problem, the Chief Prosecutor laughed it off as if it were nothing.
“Ah, of course. Don’t worry. There are people who come alone. Well, some find a partner there, so you don’t have to feel too pressured.”
Having said that, the Chief Prosecutor added in a pleased tone.
“Don’t just work all the time. Who knows? You might meet someone who suits you at this gathering.”
“Thank you, I hope so too.”
I skillfully brushed off his comment. Of course, I didn’t mean it at all. The Chief Prosecutor then gave me a tip to bring some extra clothes and a swimsuit just in case, and then hung up.
As the surroundings suddenly became quiet, a sigh escaped me unconsciously. It was a relief that I didn’t have to rush to find a partner, but most people would likely bring someone. However, the embarrassment of being alone was nothing compared to the prospect of meeting that horrific human being. Yes, just think about how I had jumped in front of a truck to avoid that man. Wandering around awkwardly among couples is far better than having a broken leg.
All that remained was to pack my bags and leave the studio. Something similar had happened before. When my mother told me to meet her because she had business nearby, I lied and said I had an appointment and stayed home. To my dismay, my mother showed up at the house with my father, and I was caught immediately. After making a poor excuse that my appointment had been suddenly canceled, I ended up being dragged around for several hours. With that disgusting man.
Because of that, lying and staying home was impossible. My mother might not come, but I couldn’t ignore the possibility of a surprise visit. Moreover, I didn’t know when it might happen. Leaving the house was the best method.
Hiding out at a cafe or anywhere else was not a method that worked for an unlucky person like me. I would surely be discovered by that disgusting human. I had to get away as quickly and as far as possible. So that even if a one-in-a-million coincidence led to an encounter, I could prove that I hadn’t lied.
So that my mother wouldn’t find out I was trying to avoid him.
So that she wouldn’t realize why her adopted son loathed the man she had loved her whole life with such shivering hatred.
As soon as I hung up, I packed my bags simply as the Chief Prosecutor had suggested. After putting extra clothes and shoes in a small bag, I checked and saw that the address had arrived. Checking the navigation, the villa was located in the suburbs, quite far from the city center. After roughly calculating the travel time, I finished my preparations to leave. To avoid any unexpected visits, I left the house before dawn. The sun rose while I was on my way to the destination. Leaving the familiar city and driving down a remote road gave me a sense of liberation in a way. It wasn’t a lie. I was escaping from my terrible past. Suddenly, a short exclamation escaped my lips.
“Thank God. It’s Friday!”
I arrived near the destination quite early in the morning, but I intentionally parked my car some distance away. I intended to wait for the right time. A timing where enough people, including the Chief Prosecutor, had gathered so that my arrival wouldn’t be too conspicuous.
Having started at dawn, I closed my tired eyes for a while, and by the time I woke, it was nearly noon. Only then did I start the car and head toward the villa.
“Jin, welcome!”
As expected, a fair number of people had gathered, but it wasn’t hard to find the Chief Prosecutor. After passing the entrance and walking for a bit while looking around the crowd, I saw a familiar bald head. As I walked toward him, the Chief Prosecutor, who spotted me at the perfect moment, smiled brightly and welcomed me with open arms.
“Hello, Chief Prosecutor. Thank you for inviting me.”
When I greeted him with a smile, he grabbed me in a hug and patted my back.
“No, no. I’m not even the host.”
Standing beside him, who was laughing heartily, was his wife. I politely greeted the woman with a gentle impression who was aging alongside the Chief Prosecutor.