RETELLING THE EPISODE
It’s the early morning, and the shopkeeper is tossing and turning in bed. He couldn’t get much of a restful sleep, thanks to that outsider calling him a jerk. He rolls himself out of bed and gets dressed. Seems he has something in mind that he wants to do.
Back at Sungho’s place, the baby has finally settled down after being fussy all night. Just as Sungho is getting ready to make breakfast, someone starts banging on his front gate. He runs to the entrance to find the store owner from yesterday at his front door. He’s not there empty-handed either. Over his shoulder, he’s carrying a bicycle.
The shopkeeper let’s himself into Sungho’s property and drops the bike in the middle of the yard. He starts loudly explaining the updates he made to the bike. Panicked, Sungho runs to him and clasps his hands over the guy’s mouth, but it’s too late. From inside the house, the baby starts wailing.
Sungho goes to get the baby, and when he returns, he asks what the shopkeeper what he’s doing there. The shopkeeper continues talking about the bike, telling Sungho that it’s up to him whether he uses it. If he does, it’ll make traveling to his store much easier.
Realizing the store owner was extending a proverbial olive branch, Sungho apologizes for their interaction yesterday. He thanks the shopkeeper for the bicycle, and the two introduce themselves to each other. The shopkeeper’s name is Kwon Haebom. As Haebom is getting ready to leave, he realizes he forgot to ask about the baby. He turns around and asks Sungho for the baby’s name, and Sungho flinches at the question.
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
Finally! Sungho and Haebom have introduced themselves to each other and now I can use his name. Since the reader didn’t know his name until now, I didn’t feel it right to refer to him by his name during their interactions with each other. I have to admit I was getting mighty tired referring to Haebom as “store owner” and “shopkeeper.”
Anyway, it’s pretty clear what kind of personality Haebom has. He’s a little rough around the edges but has the best intentions. His initial interaction with Sungho at the store is a perfect example of that. Behind that large, intimidating frame is a person with a big heart. I don’t think anyone who is really heartless would fix up a spare bike and give it to a complete stranger. Although I’m sure he’s the last person to think or at least admit that he’s a kind-hearted person.
It’s interesting that Sungho hasn’t named his baby yet. I wonder if the baby’s mother gave her a name, and Sungho is choosing not to use it or did she not name the baby either? I’m thinking the latter is a more likely scenario. If I had to guess, she was planning to give up the baby as soon as she gave birth, so in her mind, she probably didn’t think it worth the trouble to think of a name.
SERIES DETAILS
Original Title: 해 뜨는 집
Author/Artist: Jeong Seok-Chan
English Publisher: Lezhin US
Audience: NSFW
