Chapter 15
One day in August, the sunlight was exceptionally clear.
The Chungju Central Police Academy Main Athletic Field was bustling with people from early in the morning.
It was the day to mark the end of the 34-week training course, its final moment.
2,354 Trainees, dressed in their uniforms, marched down in perfect formation.
It was a drill they had repeated hundreds of times, but today, an extraordinary mix of tension and exhilaration was evident on everyone's faces.
The ceremony proceeded calmly according to protocol.
After the national anthem and pledge, the details of the 34-week training course were read aloud by the calm voice of the emcee.
Soon, the awarding of diplomas began.
As each name was called, the Trainees vigorously ascended the stage.
"Next, the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency will present awards to the outstanding performers. Police Officer (rank) Songtan for the Presidential Award, and the Prime Minister's Award for······."
As each name was called, the respective Trainees rose crisply from their seats.
At the very front stood Songtan.
Dressed in a neatly pressed Police uniform.
The Classmates whispered among themselves as they watched him.
"Look at Han Gitae's face, it's so rotten it's practically festering."
Indeed, Han Gitae couldn't even look at the stage, his shoulders merely trembling.
"It's all his karma, isn't it? Who told him to go around doing nasty things behind people's backs?"
"At first, I really thought well of him. He seemed so amiable."
"It was all a mask. He's typically two-faced, a real bastard."
"Has there ever been a Head Trainee in history who graduated being treated like such a *nobody*? Isn't this practically the first time?"
"And I heard he's being assigned to a super tough Mobile Police Unit... Anyway, it serves him right."
The Trainees, who had been glancing at Han Gitae and whispering, reflexively straightened their backs as the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency's voice rang out.
"Presidential Award. Police Officer (rank) Songtan. You have achieved the most outstanding results in the 310th Class New Police Officer Training Course, and therefore this award is presented to you. Read by President Park Changsu."
Clap, clap, clap!
Thunderous applause erupted.
His Classmates couldn't hide their envy as they watched Songtan receive the Presidential Award.
"Damn, I'm so jealous, seriously..."
"But you have to admit, he deserves it. His practical scores are overwhelming."
"Weren't his other subjects a bit... iffy?"
"Did you forget? What he did when he was out on leave?"
"Ah······."
The Trainee who had been raising objections clamped his mouth shut.
Because he couldn't help but agree.
"Next, the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency's Special Commendation will be awarded."
The emcee's voice once again echoed across the field.
"The commendation being awarded today is a truly exceptional and meaningful honor, decided upon due to the recipient's outstanding contributions, despite being a Police Trainee."
A gentle murmur spread through the field, filled with people.
"Police Officer (rank) Songtan. In the face of a critical situation, you demonstrated quick wit and protected the lives and safety of numerous Citizens. This goes beyond mere courage; it is an example that proves through action what a Police Officer should be. The recipient's actions have instilled deep trust in the public and significantly elevated the honor and standing of the entire Police organization, and for this, this commendation is awarded."
The moment the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency handed over the commendation.
Flash, flash—click-clack!
Along with the sound of camera shutters, applause erupted once more.
Song Bonggu, watching from afar, wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
*My son, you make me so proud.*
How surprised he had been at first.
The Chungju Station Weapon Rampage Incident that had shaken the world.
Upon learning that the Citizen who subdued the perpetrator was his own son.
*At the same time, anger surged within him.*
Because it was a dangerous situation where he could have easily lost his life.
But seeing the child taken hostage and the crying mother, he couldn't help but change his mind.
He, too, was a parent responsible for a child's life, and he couldn't not understand that feeling.
As his anger gradually subsided, a sense of pride filled its place.
He felt like shouting it from the rooftops all day long.
But knowing his son wouldn't want that, he simply kept it suppressed within himself.
Song Bonggu's eyes captured the image of his son saluting crisply.
Soon, his gaze, directed towards the sky, held a longing for someone he could no longer reach.
*Honey, are you watching? Our son has grown up so wonderfully.*
On this day, Song Bonggu realized.
Dreams don't just come true; they can also continue.
***
"Next is a very meaningful segment. At this moment, as you take your first steps as Police Officers serving the nation, we have captured the gratitude for your families, which words alone cannot express, in a video. Let's watch it now."
With the emcee's words, a video began to play on the large screen.
"Huh?"
A bewildered sound escaped Song Bonggu's lips as he inadvertently looked up.
Because his son's face appeared prominently on the screen.
Songtan, neatly dressed in his Police duty uniform, stood on the screen.
His expression was calm, but the tremor in his eyes couldn't be hidden.
"Ahem, Father. It's your son, Tani. I'm here because I wanted to convey the words I usually couldn't say, through this video."
As if awkward in front of the camera, Songtan on screen scratched his head.
"When I was little... when I was immature, there were times I felt ashamed of you, Father. I was more concerned with what my friends thought, and I'd needlessly hang my head, even hide a step behind you. I didn't realize back then how petty that feeling was. It's late, but I want to tell you I'm sorry now."
The tension had vanished, and a smile appeared on Songtan's lips.
"Father always held my hand. On rainy days, worried my shoes would get wet, he'd block the path, unaware his own feet were getting soaked. And fearing his young child might fall, he'd always stand in front of me, unaware his back was bending even more."
Silence fell upon the field, which had been filled with murmurs.
"You thought I wouldn't remember, didn't you? I still remember it as clearly as a photograph. One dawn, I suddenly had a fever, and with no taxis available, you just ran, carrying me on your back. You ran for an hour with your ailing body to reach the hospital, and in the end, you suffered for months with strained knees and back. Foolishly, I thought it was all natural. But now I know. How great that love was."
Song Bonggu, his mouth slightly agape, stared blankly at the screen.
Because he never imagined his son would remember that childhood, when he had barely learned to speak.
"Father always used to tell me, “The strong should look after and respect the weak.” Father. Today, I become a Police Officer. I become someone who protects others. Now, I can proudly say that the reason I could come this far is because you are my father."
Finally, tears welled up in Song Bonggu's eyes.
"Perhaps, Father, you're watching me today from somewhere not easily seen by others. Hmm... if I had to guess... I'd say you might be standing on the mound *Behind the playground*."
Thousands of people simultaneously turned their heads.
Their gaze fell upon a small-framed middle-aged man standing alone on a high mound far away.
A flustered Song Bonggu hastily wiped away his tears.
"Thank you. And I truly respect you. Knowing that you are always behind me, I am not afraid of anything that lies ahead. I love you, Father."
With that, the video ended.
*Loyalty!!!!*
On the stage, Songtan saluted his father with a resounding voice.
It was the most respectful greeting Songtan could offer, dedicated to the one person he respected most.
***
As the graduation ceremony ended, the orderly formations dispersed, and smiles finally spread across the uniforms.
Songtan, too, walked alongside his father, strolling through various parts of the School Grounds.
"This is where I lived, and that building over there is the gymnasium called Chosim Hall."
Song Bonggu nodded, craning his neck like a meerkat, looking around everywhere.
The place where his beloved son had spent several months.
He couldn't help but feel curious.
Songtan, who had been showing him around the facilities, stopped walking.
"Let's take a picture here."
A spot particularly crowded with people.
It was the Main Building Stairs, famous as a photo zone.
"Oh, no way. I'll take it for you, you stand there alone."
Song Bonggu, disgusted, waved his hand.
This was because he had always disliked having his picture taken due to a physical complex.
"No, let's take it together. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."
As his son took his wrist and led him, Song Bonggu stood beside him, pretending to be reluctant.
"Excuse me, could you please take a picture for us?"
At Songtan's request, a middle-aged woman took his phone.
"Oh my, I wondered who it was, and it's the Valedictorian! Hohoho, what a lovely sight, a father and son."
The woman, her eyes crinkling kindly, turned the phone horizontally.
"Alright, let's take it. Father, try to relax a bit."
At her words, Song Bonggu's awkwardly hunched shoulders straightened a little.
"Okay, taking the picture. One, two, three."
The woman smiled and handed back the phone, seemingly pleased with the photo.
"The picture turned out so well."
"Thank you."
"Hoho, you've raised your son so well. If my youngest daughter weren't already married, I'd introduce them right away. What a shame."
At the woman's easygoing charm, the corners of Song Bonggu's mouth twitched up.
Because he was always disarmed by praise for his son.
The two of them strolled through a few more spots as if on a walk, then turned their steps back towards the athletic field.
Having walked longer than usual, Song Bonggu's knees ached, and his steps slowed slightly.
Noticing this, Songtan knelt down.
"Hop on my back."
"What?"
A flustered Song Bonggu waved his hand.
"With everyone watching, no way. It's fine, kid."
"No, really, hop on. When else will you get a piggyback ride from your son?"
Feeling Songtan's resolve not to back down, Song Bonggu shook his head.
*Whose stubbornness did this kid inherit?*
"Who else but you, Father?"
Finally, Song Bonggu carefully entrusted his body to his son's back.
Every small movement was cautious, lest he cause discomfort.
"Oof-cha."
Songtan straightened his back, firmly supporting his father, and confidently moved forward.
A stable posture, without the slightest tremor.
"Am I not heavy?"
"Not at all."
Song Bonggu, on his son's back, gazed intently at his son's back.
"Do you remember? You'd climb onto the dresser by yourself and then always cry your eyes out, saying you were scared?"
"That's why you always carried me on your back, Father."
"Ahem, was that so?"
Song Bonggu, still on his son's back, rubbed his nose.
"Do you remember going to the amusement park with Dad?"
"I remember you getting off the carousel halfway because you felt dizzy."
"Kid, you kept begging to ride, so I rode the carousel ten times that day."
"But you still rode it with me until the end."
"Well... because it was the first time you were smiling like a child."
Song Bonggu looked up at the clear sky and continued.
"When we get home, there'll be a picture from back then. I remember straining on my tiptoes to look taller, and my calves cramping."
Father and son burst into laughter simultaneously.
As if transported back to that time, their eyes filled with longing.
A brief silence fell.
A warm breeze rustled through the leaves.
"Thank you, Tani."
"Me too."
Songtan suddenly felt how truly warm the body heat was from his back.
And so, the two of them slowly walked through the School Grounds, sharing old memories with laughter.
***
A week after the graduation ceremony, Songtan finally received his assignment letter, ordering him to report to his desired first posting.
Annam City, infamous as a 'demon's den' (demon's den) where the most incidents and accidents occur nationwide.
Specifically, to the Macheon Precinct, known to have the highest public safety demand within it.