A child who looks like me

Jeong-o, Ji-heon, and Ye-na went to the district office together at noon to complete the registration process. Since the two had already registered their marriage, they were able to change Ye-na’s surname and family name without any difficulties.

Holding the family relationship certificate with her name on it, Ye-na looked dazed. Although it must feel strange, like clothes that don’t quite fit her body yet, the kids will soon get used to it.

Changing the child’s name, informing the daycare and the academy about the change, reapplying for the child’s go tournament registration, and the busy days passed. Before they knew it, Thursday morning had arrived.

While Ji-heon was getting ready for work, Jeong-o declared, “I’m taking a day off tomorrow.”

“Why?” Ji-heon asked.

“We have to go with Ye-na to the go tournament.”

Tomorrow was the day Ye-na would participate in the go tournament. Although the academy’s director would escort the kids, Ye-na was still quite young and needed a guardian.

Ji-heon responded to Jeong-o’s announcement, “Then let’s go together.”

“You should go to work. We don’t work at different companies. If both of us take a day off, people will think it’s strange.”

“We’re going to reveal everything soon anyway.”

“If we reveal that we registered our marriage, it might lead to even more gossip. It’s not like the kid is sick, and we’re taking a day off because she’s in a go tournament.”

Ji-heon sulked at Jeong-o’s refusal.

I want to go, too! I want to follow Ye-na to the go tournament!

However, Jeong-o ignored Ji-heon’s displeased expression.

“Besides, you have an important role at work. You need to work hard. You can’t slack off.”

“I think you’re the one with a more important role.”

“Of course, I’m more capable, but I can’t surpass you in position. You’re going to work.”

Jeong-o systematically outlined the reasons why she had to go with Ye-na. Ji-heon crossed his arms and glared at Jeong-o.

“Can you take our daughter to the women’s restroom, like I can? Of course, I have to take her. Daughters need their moms.”

“What are you talking about? Daughters need their dads.”

The voices of the two rose in volume. Hearing them argue, Ye-na approached the room and peeked in.

“Stop insisting. As a department head, don’t be irresponsible and try to slack off at work. Don’t use our daughter as an excuse—just go to work.”

“Then let our daughter choose. Mom or Dad?”

Ji-heon ultimately left the decision up to Ye-na. Bringing Ye-na into the room, he gently swept her hair aside and faced Jeong-o.

“Who would you choose, your mom who doesn’t even know the first thing about go, or your dad who will always be your go buddy?”

“I know the word ‘go’!” Jeong-o shot back, flaring up.

“Right. The only thing you know is the two characters for ‘go’, while Dad can play a match with Ye-na anytime!”

“Princess Ye-na, let’s go with Mom. All the other kids will be going with their moms, so it would be a bit weird for you to go with Dad.”

Jeong-o also tried to persuade Ye-na. The little girl’s big eyes darted back and forth between her mom and dad. After a moment of contemplation, she sought Jeong-o’s permission.

“Mom, I’ll go with Dad tomorrow.”

Yes! Ji-heon clenched his fist and shook it triumphantly, while Jeong-o stood there in shock with her mouth agape.

My daughter is abandoning me.

“…Why?”

“Because it’s a go tournament. If it were an art contest, I would go with Mom, but this is a go tournament.”

“Ha. An art contest? Are you even thinking about entering one?”

As Jeong-o questioned Ye-na, Ji-heon lifted Ye-na high into the air and hid her behind his back.

“Ah-ha! Whether it’s an art contest or a go tournament, if our Ye-na is participating, we’re going! Right, Princess Ye-na?”

“Yeah!”

With Dad supporting her, Ye-na smiled happily, making it impossible for Jeong-o to resent her, though her lips did stick out in a pout.

.*. *. *. *. *. *.

Another day passed, and the morning of the go tournament arrived.

Ji-heon, Jeong-o, and Ye-na drove together. Ji-heon first dropped Jeong-o off in front of her company.

“Ye-na, have a great time at the tournament!”

“Okay!”

“Don’t feel too pressured; it’s fine if you lose. Just have fun like you usually do. Got it?”

“Okay!”

“Make sure to keep your phone around your neck. If anything happens, you must tell Dad. Understood?”

The disappointment of a mother who couldn’t follow her daughter was evident in her voice. Jeong-o, reluctant to leave the car, tightly gripped the door handle and urged Ji-heon as well.

“Don’t lose track of Ye-na; you must keep your eyes on her at all times.”

“Don’t worry.”

“Ah. I’m so frustrated. I should be the one going.”

“I know, it’s a pity we can’t go together. Just relax.”

Hmph. Jeong-o snorted at Ji-heon’s tone, which felt teasing and not sincere.

“Bye, Mom!”

Unaware of her mother’s feelings, the child cheerfully waved goodbye.

Ji-heon and Ye-na arrived at the venue early. The national children’s go tournament, held at the Olympic Handball Stadium, had hundreds of kids gathered.

Although Ji-heon had learned go since he was young, it was his first time at a tournament. He held Ye-na’s hand tightly, feeling more nervous than she was, which made him chuckle at himself.

Eventually, they met with the academy director at the designated spot. Ye-na recognized the director first and greeted her.

“Hello, teacher!”

“Hello, Ye-na! Your father is here!”

“Teacher, my dad is really good at go.”

“Ah, so he’s a skilled player!”

“I only know how to play a little,” Ji-heon replied modestly.

The tournament was divided into lower and upper grade divisions and was conducted in a tournament style. Seven-year-old Ye-na was registered in the lower grade division. Since there weren’t many children her age, she was likely to face older competitors.

The director handed out name tags to the children. Ye-na received a name tag that read “Jeong Ye-na.” Ji-heon helped her put it around her neck.

“Well, the organizers have made the pairings so that you will meet players of the same age in the first round.”

“It seems that way.”

“Anyway, if you keep winning in the matches, you might even face nine- or ten-year-olds, but Ye-na is so good. I’m sure you’ll do great. It will be a good experience for you.”

The director praised Ye-na while explaining the tournament to Ji-heon.

Time passed, and an announcement came over the speakers.

“We will now begin the tournament. Guardians, please wait in the spectator area, and participating children should enter the tournament room and line up by group.”

It was time to part ways with Ye-na.

“Ye-na, have fun competing like you do at home with Dad. I’ll be watching from the seat I was sitting in earlier.”

“Okay! I’ll win!”

Ye-na replied energetically, waving her hand confidently.

Now, Ye-na was on her own. Following her teacher’s guidance, she stood in front of the D-group sign before entering the tournament room. On the tables lined up, there were go boards and stones. Looking around, she noticed that the other kids were of similar height.

Ye-na thought they must be friends her age. She felt excited and glad to meet other kids her age who enjoyed go.

“Children with mobile phones, please turn them off and submit them. You can take your phones back when you leave the tournament.”

Another announcement came. Ye-na submitted her phone to the supervisor, who wrote her name on it and put it in an envelope.

Now, the tournament was about to begin.

“We will greet each other and determine the order of play.”

The boy sitting across from Ye-na was wearing round glasses. He greeted her first.

“Hi, I’m Kang Sae-byul.”

“I’m… Jeong Ye-na.”

“How old are you?”

“I’m seven.”

“Wow. Really? I’m also seven.”

Ye-na wasn’t very skilled at returning the boy’s greeting. During the process of determining the order of play, Ye-na ended up starting with black stones, giving up six and a half points. She felt nervous right from the start. However, being nervous didn’t make her lose focus.

In fact, it allowed her to immerse herself even more in the match. Ye-na easily won against her first opponent.

“Wow! You’re really good. You’re going to be first!”