Ren Su Hyeok is a character from Anglerfish, a manhwa by Evy. Close to Eun Haechan during his teenage years, the events of an accident where another student passed away and with Haechon disappearing would significantly affect his life. Hyeok's general reflectively poignant demeanor was susceptible to these impacts and would be exacerbated for the worse so by the time he was an adult Hyeok attended therapy sessions with Yoo Heeju. While he had positive support around him such as from Park Saemi, Noah, and an elderly lady he called granny, in addition to friendly people around him at work where he helped with deliveries, Hyeok's mind consistently was brought to Haechan's whereabouts. Finding him again the past events they both witnessed as well as Haechan's disappearance to begin with would continue to fill him with unease.
Background[]
Believing in Haechan because he is different
At an early age Hyeok did not defend himself from bullies. With him found beaten up, where Haechan offered help Hyeok clearly thought that time that he was an angel. Regarding his scar Hyeok answered Haechan that it is not the first time and he is used to it now. Hyeok does not resist since he does not want to be fooled into playing their game until he is fighting to survive. Things got easier after he gave up and it is not like they would stop because he put up a struggle.
Compared to other students who were noisy Hyeok was reading by himself and regarded as indifferent, also someone who seemed to already be burned out. Knowing that Haechan was staring at him during class Hyeok told him if it was because he pitied him it would be better if he stopped.
Being expressive in his thinking is something Hyeok has done since early on. Figurative he considers opposites of a scenario existing together. It is like he is deep in an ocean of warmth and silence where he thinks outside of it that it a bit strange. Asked by Haechan what he looks like in his ocean, with the glow bug in his hand and the night sky above Hyeok answers Haechan is like an anglerfish.
In the Summer of Haechan's 16th year, during his last middle school retreat, a student died. This formed a flashbulb memory where Haechan remembers everything about the child's face. The guilt Hyeok felt surrounding this event would stay with him.
After the second year that Haechan disappeared Hyeok's mailbox was filled with letters from unknown sources every year when his birthday is approaching. Having collected these images Hyeok believed on some level that they were from Haechan. He currently lives by himself and works in deliveries.
Characteristics[]
Trying to live life normally with troubling past undercurrents
After a student passed away Hyeok remained composed yet outwardly startled given the circumstances, but inwardly he was impacted strongly than what was evident. At the time Hyeok considered how the raindrops struck at his body without rest and he nearly collapsed as he legs lost all strength. Horrified, afraid and panicking Hyeok described feeling lost as if a chaotic line had been scratched into his head.
Registering the details of how a trauma is being set in, Hyeok would remain melancholic towards many areas. Envisioning a scene of an expansive ocean he considers how through the glass wall beyond his reach lies a distant and persistent memory. There is a faint light that speaks to him incessantly, cold yet warm, loud yet serene. Being able to pinpoint a specific feeling, or way of articulating an emotion overlaps with having good instincts. When Hyeok feels a gaze he turns his attention to its direction. While Hyeok considers he may have been overly sensitive recently, unknown to him, there were people in a vehicle observing him.
He speaks his mind depending on the people around and the situation. Often remaining silent when others are talking amongst one another Hyeok provides his own thoughts to himself. Observing Park and Noah he considers how a married couple's bickering is like cutting water with a knife. He thinks further how they fight like that but always end up all over each other after. Receiving food from granny and commended for growing up to be so diligent and kind despite his parents passing Hyeok says he is always grateful for her and will eat well as she asked. However concerning Heeju although he has his number and can call him, even if it is not for therapy Hyeok feels he would not be taking counselling fees and would just be being a burden every time. Acquiring the documents from a client Hyeok is efficient in getting what he came there for but inwardly finds it very uncomfortable when the man raises grievances. Apologizing for the inconvenience Hyeok puts it down to their negligence and assures the client it will never happen in the future. Observing the injury on the man's wrist Hyeok comments on it and his health out of concern. With that not well received Hyeok is mentally resigning and is tired before he even goes to work. Hyeok considers how people being scolded and cursed at are really punching bags but out of practicality resolves that he has to endure.
While he is so happy to have found Haechan there are deeply troubling nightmares experienced where he is weighed by a very real sense of guilt that he is filthy and nothing will change just because he wants it to. For all his longing to see Haechan and having never moved on from him he was uncertain of what to say. While Haechan laughs about it Hyeok feels a little embarrassed at being taller than him.
Aspirations[]
Thoughts concerning Haechan and photos related to Paris
At a traumatic scene Hyeok tried to see Haechan's face at the time and wondered about what kind of expression he was wearing. Hyeok finds it strange that he can still see every detail of the deceased child's face but the face he truly wants to remember is the one he cannot recall which is painful for him. Assuring Saemi that his going to therapy again is nothing to worry about, Hyeok says he will get better soon. Not reciprocating Heeju's affections Hyeok only replies that he is sleeping well and adds that thanks to him he is a lot better.
Hyeok considers his goal as he views a magazine featuring Paris on the front cover. Bearing in mind Haechan is mixed race, his father is French and his mother is Korean, after listening to him Hyeok made up his mind to go there and have a look. Regarding the photographs he receives in the mail and wondering where the next place is, Hyeok sees it is an airport. Hanging the photos up Hyeok has collected ten photos in total. Sure that Haechan is alive Hyeok sees the photos as him saying do not forget him. Thinking he caught a glimpse of him Hyeok's heart pounds and he believed he would find Haechan in the crowd someday and when that day comes he will tell him for sure that he remembers him. Feeling that Haechan is incompatible with the quiet and lonely scenario, like thousands of bubbles floating underwater, Hyeok adds that they are dazzling, diverse and gorgeous and firmly believes Haechan will come back here again.
Dedicated to his work, even though he is off duty today Hyeok told the supervisor that he would come into work today. He was trusted to pick up some payment documents on the way. With Haechan returning, Hyeok asked for time off work and while he did not provide the reason but thought how he is meeting his long-lost first love, however in person Hyeok blushes and cannot face Haechan. Startled with uncertainty at what to talk about Hyeok thinks why he is so nervous and that he has to calm down.
At a coffee store Hyeok would like an Ameri before the Americano order is finished by Haechan. Having not come to their favorite place in his absence Hyeok says he missed Haechan and wrote a letter for him that has just been sitting on his desk. Covering Haechan's mouth, Hyeok asks why he is suddenly talking about when they first kissed. Despite that Hyeok is resolute that he still likes him but then feels shameful that he blurted it out. Very real to him dreams ask whether he wants Haechan and Hyeok interacts with them by answering of course he wants him. With Haechan needing to move out of a motel and asking if he could live near him Hyeok replies if it is fine with him then does he want them to live together.
Images[]
