When they heard what happened, Kang Eun-Yeong's parents were nearly overcome by dismay and rage; they could barely contain themselves.

Kang Yu-Hwan asked in a voice seething with anger. “Is it true?”

Kang Eun-Yeong was a lot calmer now after reaching home. She lowered her head. “I'm sorry.”

“How can you be so dumb, Eun-Yeong!”

Slap!

Baek Hyeon-Jeong's palm mercilessly slapped her daughter's back.

"Ouch!" Kang Eun-Yeong whimpered from the sharp pain.

Baek Hyeon-Jeong scolded her. "You're not a dummy, so why did you let them treat you that way?!"

“I'm sorry...”

Baek Hyeon-Jeong continued in a shrill voice. "I'm disappointed in you, Eun-Yeong! You should've told us when something like that happened to you! How can we know if you don't tell us?! Who can step up to deal with that nonsense if you don't say anything?!"

“I'm sorry, Mom.”

Baek Hyeon-Jeong's heart ached so much to see her own flesh and blood repeating 'I'm sorry' like this. And the self-blame for not noticing that her child was showing signs of difficulty sooner made her even angrier. "Uh-whew! This is so..."

Kang Yu-Hwan tried to calm his wife down. "That's enough, dear. Eun-Yeong must be equally frustrated, too."

“How can you say that? And aren't you angry, dear?! If she's frustrated, then why didn't she say anything?!”

“I said, that's enough!” Kang Yu-Hwan raised his voice so loud that it prompted Baek Hyeon-Jeong to flinch and stop. He turned to look at his daughter. “It must've been difficult, Eun-Yeong.”

“Dad...”

“Promise us that you'll tell us if something similar happens to you in the future. How can I call myself...