Jihoon braced himself, unwilling to hear more about the exchange between the guard and the unknown relative. He was certain it was only a matter of time before they came to harass him. But the guard's next words made him exhale, easing his worries–if only a little bit.
"I thought he wasn't good news, so I told him we don't have anyone by that name here," the old man recalled, shaking his head. "But if he really is a relative of yours, you can let him know about the misunderstanding."
"Did he, by any chance… leave his name?" Jihoon asked, the strain in his voice impossible to hide.
"Right… What did he say it was?" The guard tapped his temple, searching his memory before his face cleared. "Ah… it was Mansik."
The moment Jihoon heard the name, his stomach twisted. It was just as he had feared. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, but he forced himself to maintain a calm facade.
"I don't have any relatives by that name."
