Park Yu-Min looked up at the heavens above, a lost expression forming on his face. “Well... It's as you can see.”

“...What's her condition?”

“It's stage 4 stomach cancer.”

Kang Jin-Ho's expression stiffened instantly. He didn't know much about cancers, but even then, he still knew that the diagnosis of ‘Stage 4' was the same as a death sentence with barely any hope of recovery. He asked in a low voice, “What about surgery?”

“The doctor said that the tumor has spread too much to her peritoneum, making it impossible to operate.”

“Then, what?”

Park Yu-Min didn't say anything else. Kang Jin-Ho also wasn't hoping for an answer, either. He simply had to ask something, as the idea of being unable to do anything didn't sit well with him.

Park Yu-Min shook his head. “...There's nothing we can do.”

Kang Jin-Ho slipped his hand inside his inner pocket. A packet of cigarettes he brought with him just in case entered his palm. He pulled it out and mouthed a cigarette. He lit it up and took a deep puff. “Fuu-woo…”

He told himself he would quit, but events like this continued to prevent him from doing so. After taking another puff, Kang Jin-Ho quietly asked, “Since it's the fourth stage, it means the cancer has advanced a lot, doesn't it?”

Park Yu-Min nodded. “Yeah.”

“There must've been signs, though?”

Park Yu-Min's head faltered, his mouth clamped shut. Kang Jin-Ho could only sigh deeply at this sight. “...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.”

“No, it's fine. It's my fault,...