Chapter 4

A phone ringtone rings in a dark room, a hand reaches out of the blanket and brings it to their ears.

“Hello?” said a groggy voice

“OPPAAA GOOD MORNING"

“Manchae-ah it’s too early for that” grumbles Jin-woo 

“HMPH well too bad, I’m free today so let’s go have fun!” 

“Mmhmm, where do you want to go?”

“Let’s go to Lotte world! We can have fun and then we can meet Eomma and Appa.” Said Eunchae mumbling the last part quietly and cautiously.

“…… Fine but we’ll take a taxi since my car hasn’t arrived yet... besides I need to meet Appa and Eomma anyway. Are any of the girls joining?”

“Hmm, maybe I could ask Yunjin.” Ponders Eunchae

“Hmm, I’ll be there in 30 mins.” Said Jin-woo

“oki! See you later.”

Putting the phone down, Jin-woo groans as he tries to get up. Scratching his head, he finally gets up and walks out of his room to start his routine. After brushing his teeth and fixing his hair, he walks into the kitchen, opens the fridge, and takes out a carton of milk and orange juice. Grabbing a bowl from the cabinet above, he takes it out along with a box of cereal from the top of the fridge. Putting everything down, he brings out two cups, turns towards the table, and places them on the table, one beside his bowl and one across from him, pouring orange juice into both. He proceeds to pour the cereal into the bowl and add the right amount of milk. After devouring the cereal and drinking the orange juice, he places the bowl and cup in the sink and walks towards the door, leaving his apartment.

The cup of juice still remains…..or is it?

Timeskip

Arriving at a door, he knocks on the door twice and hears

“Coming!!”

Along with that there was a ton of shuffling and running around. Jin-woo could only chuckle before whistling quietly while looking around. A minute passed before the door finally open to Eunchae and Yunjin, both dressed up nicely with their sunglasses on their forehead.

“Hello Oppa/Jin-woo”

“Hello, hmmm Looking good girls. Trying to impress me or something” he said with a smirk

“And what if I am?” replied Yunjin with a wink 

“Are you ready to face the consequences then?” replies Jin-woo stepping forward giving each other a stare and smirk.

“Oppa stop flirting with my members and lets go” Eunchae interrupts by holding onto Jin-woo’s arm and starts dragging him down the hall. Yunjin chuckles before following them out.

Timeskip

Exiting the taxi, they see the large Lotte World sign, with a crowd of people lined up to get into the amusement park. Eunchae couldn’t help but feel excited, jumping up and down. It wasn’t common for them to have days off or to visit amusement parks without many security guards or work obligations. Now, she was thrilled to have fun with her favorite brother without much worry.

After buying the tickets and entering the park, Eunchae drags both of them towards as many rides as possible; the big ones, the slow ones, the carnival games, and the haunted house, which was filled with Yunjin’s screams and Eunchae’s laughter. Despite wearing sunglasses and hats, they were quickly spotted by fans. Most were respectful and kept their distance, but some approached them for pictures, which they happily obliged. Surprisingly, most of the fans requested photos with Jin-woo, majority girls, rather than the guys.

Deciding to take a break from the fun, they stood in line at a fried chicken place. 

“What do you girls want?” asked Jin-woo looking through the menu

“I want Tteokbokki, Yangnyeom chicken and ice cream.” Said Eunchae as she rubs her stomach

“I’ll just get some gimbap, I’ll take some of Eunchae’s Tteokbokki.” Said Yunjin

“Hey, get your own food.” Eunchae complains

“Ya, it’s too much for you. You’ll end up barfing when we go on the rides.” Explains Yunjin

“Noooo, I won’t, I have a black hole of a stomach and besides Oppa’s paying for it. Right?” said Eunchae as she turns toward Jin-woo tagging his arm

“yea yea, get as much as you want but I’ll tell mom.” Said Jin-woo

“Waeeeeee”

Eunchae couldn’t help but whine as their mother was always strict on eating solely healthy food, which was the complete opposite of Eunchae, who eats whatever she wants. Jin-woo and Eunchae were constantly scolded for consuming unhealthy food and snacks, especially given the number of sweets Jin-woo devoured, which eventually led to a ban on junk food in the house. 

However, Jin-woo had a secret stash in his room, which he had created to keep a supply of snacks hidden away. Only he and Eunchae knew where it was and the passcode to access it. Finally able to indulge, they brought their contraband to a nearby table and eagerly started to eat. 

“Jin-woo, what do you plan on doing during your break.” asks Yunjin

“Well, I do plan on hanging with the guys before they leave back to America, but other than that there hasn’t been anything planned.” Said Jin-woo

“Oppa, you should come over more and we will have a big party.” Said Eunchae

“Is partying and food the only thing in your mind Manchae?” asks Jin-woo with a dead palm expression.

“Mhm” answers Eunchae without an ounce of shame.

“You can also join us during practice, I’m sure the girls would love to get to know you better.” Offers Yunjin

“Hmm, sure I don’t see why not. It’ll give me a chance to listen to any embarrassing stories of Manchae.” Said Jin-woo which Yunjin nods happily 

“It’ll give me a chance to know you better too hehe.”

“Yaaa, stop bullying me hmph.” pouts Eunchae

“Don’t worry.” Said Jin-woo, giving her a pat in the head

Ding

Hearing a notification, Jin-woo takes out his phone to it was a message.

Yujin

Hey       

Jin-woo

Yo, whats up

Yujin

I don’t have anything scheduled this weekend so

Jin-woo

Good, I’ll pick u up on Saturday morning. Make sure to pack swimwear 😉 bye bye

Yujin

What!

Wait but where are we going???

Jin-woo

You’ll see

“Who is it?” asks Eunchae trying to peak over his shoulders to see the screen to no avail.

“Nothing, anyways when was the last time you’ve seen Eomma?” asks Jin-woo putting his phone back to his pockets

“Hmm It’s been a few months since we were preparing for a comeback, and they were also busy with work so there wasn’t time.” Replies Eunchae

Leaning back into his chair, “Well, we should bring something for her later. I still haven’t told her I was back yet.” Said Jin-woo

“Why didn’t you?” asks Eunchae

“Well, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give her a headache.” Replies Jin-woo causing them to Giggle

Taking a bite of her Tteokbokki, she looks up at Jin-woo in a curious glance “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?” questions Yunjin

“I haven’t seen her since I left, which was roughly 8 years ago.” answers Jin-woo

“They will be shocked to see you.”

“I guess, but Mom will be a bit pissed too. How about you Yunjin?” asks Jin-woo

“A year roughly, but we facetime as often as we can. I plan on going back soon to visit them and go on a trip with them.” 

“I’m sure you’ll see them soon. I do recommend going to Switzerland, it's very beautiful, especially if you enjoy hiking and nature.” recommends Jin-woo

“I’ll keep that in mind when we discuss destinations.” Says Yunjin 

The three continue talking about their lives and got to know each other more, well mainly Yunjin and Jin-woo as Eunchae stuffs her face with food. After eating they deicides to go to the carnival games, specifically the ring toss as there is a giant plushy that caught Eunchae’s eye. Surprise, surprise both Eunchae and Yunjin kept failing to get the ring onto the bottles. Jin-woo is amused with their reaction as the constant frustration and swear words spewing out of Yunjin and Eunchae. Having enough entertainment, Jin-woo grabs the needed number of rings to win the large plush and throws it towards the bottle. To Eunchae and Yunjin’s eye, without care, but all of them miraculously lands onto the bottles winning the Giant plushy. Everyone couldn’t help but gasp as the employee was frozen solid as he couldn’t believe someone would actually win. Getting the plushy and handing it over to Eunchae which she couldn’t help but giggle loudly holding the plushy that was her height and 2 times as wide. 

After some time and a few more rides and carnival games, they decide to leave, as it’ll take a while to get to their parents’ house and Yunjin has a photoshoot the next day. Exiting the busy amusement park, Jin-woo tells them to wait by the exit as he goes to the washroom really quickly. Waiting by the exit, Yunjin and Eunchae discuss each other’s upcoming schedules, they are both minding their business until a group of people walks towards them. 

A group of 4 young men dressed as wannabe gangsters stops right before them with grins and smirks staring down at them. Noticing the 4, Yunjin and Eunchae couldn’t help but take a step backwards, staring at them feeling that they aren’t the nicest people around. Yunjin being Yunjin pushes Eunchae behind her and puts on a bravado face staring straight at the man in the middle. 

“Can I help you guys?” Asks Yunjin with a stern voice and glare straight at the man entering a staring contest. 

The man in the middle with red highlights finally speaks after a minute of staring “Of course sweetie, maybe you both can give us your numbers.”

“And join us to a club later too.” Another man with perm black hair also continues as he starts walking around the two girls. 

Holding Eunchae tightly closer to her, “Sorry but we are busy and are waiting for someone to leave.” Replies Yunjin keeping an eye on the guy’s walking flanking her.

“Aw that’s too bad, maybe you can ditch them instead. We’ll have a bunch of fun!” Said another man with blonde hair with a stupid grin.

“No thank you, we shall go find our friend now.” says Yunjin with a guarded tone as she grabs Eunchae and turns around and tries to walk away from the group.

Instead, she gets yanked back forcefully which causes the sunglasses off her face onto the ground exposing her identity.

“Oh boy, look who we got here. The Huh Yunjin, Feisty American from Lesserafim. Lucky day for us. Hmmm then this should be Eunchae.” Said the man with red highlights as he starts to reach for Eunchae’s Glasses but was swat away by Yunjin’s hand

“HEY, don’t touch her! Get your hands off me and leave us alone!” screams Yunjin, as Eunchae huddles behind her with her head poking out

“You bitch!” The man pulls his hand back, causing her to fall to the ground.

“Ouch.” Yelped Yunjin as her hands and knees scraped blood dripping down her knees from the ripped skin.

During the commotion, a large crowd starts to form around the 2 groups. Mutters and whispers were going around.

“It's Byunjin’s group causing trouble again.”

“I heard their family has connections to the police and lotte world.”

“Should we help Lesserafim”

“Where are their bodyguards?”

Seeing that they were gaining attention, Byunjin and his friends quickly grabs Yunjin who tried to resist as hard as she could, but it was hard against 4 guys. Seeing her in trouble, Eunchae pushes forward holding the plushy and body slam into Byunjin causing him to stumble a bit letting loose on Yunjin, but it didn’t really help as Eunchae was pushed back down twice as hard by Byunjin dropping the plushy. Eunchae groaned in pain clutching her hand, it was bleeding.

“You little brat, let me teach you a quick lesson.” Snatching the pushy from her arms, Byunjin takes out a knife from his pocket and rips the head off of the plushy and throws it on the ground. The stuffing inside the plushy scatters and blown away from the wind, Eunchae could only grab the head and body of the plushy in her hands, tearing up, it was something that Jin-woo got for her after 8 long years of being apart. Byunjin smirks seeing her tears as he focusses back to Yunjin who was being held by her arms by 2 of his friends. Walking up to Yunjin, he gives Yunjin some cheeks pat, leaning forward. Yunjin could feel his nasty breath against her face.

“Time to go sweetie.” Said Byunjin before walking past them.

“Yo, Can I Come too.”

Turning around they see Jin-woo, standing behind Eunchae who was looking up at him with tears flowing down her face. Jin-woo was looking forward, heading tilted downwards, staring straight at Byunjin and his goons, who were holding Yunjin, his blue eyes can be seen. Although he was smiling, a thick layer of pressure pulsating from Jin-woo, as his blue eyes were radiating power.

Snapping out of the initial shock, Byunjin regains his smirk and speaks.

“Now isn’t this Hong Jin-woo, the brother of Hong Eunchae who shocked the internet. I’m sorry but unfortunate---” speaks Byunjin.

Byunjin was interrupted by a “hard” slap across the face causing him to fly to the right, crashing on the floor. Knocked out.

“Byunjin!” Screams his goons seeing him lay flat on the ground.

“Who would’ve thought I’d meet a red gypsy lesbian here in South Korea, so who’s next? I ain’t got all day.” Said Jin-woo, who was suddenly in front of them as he checks his imaginary watch tapping his shoes.

The goons being the scared pussies they are, let’s go of Yunjin before grabbing Byunjin and dips. Seeing them leave, Jin-woo side glances at the crowd who were all standing there recording, mumbling, or just watching. Annoyed, with an expressionless face he says.

“You guys are all pathetic for watching.”

Walking to Yunjin, He brings her on her feet and pats the dirt off her outfit.

“You, okay?” whispers Jin-woo to which she nods her head. 

“a bit scary but nothing I can’t manage.” Said Yunjin looking at him.

“Why don’t I drop you back at your dorm.” Said Jin-woo.

“Thanks Jin-woo,” said Yunjin, giving him a side hug.

They walk together to Eunchae sitting on the ground staring at the ground, Yunjin picks up the ripped up plushy and any remaining stuffing on the ground whereas Jin-woo picks her up and carries her to a nearby taxi. Getting in, Yunjin buckles Eunchae in the middle silently before sitting beside her while Jin-woo sits down on the other side. Laying her head on his shoulders, rubbing her eyes against his broad shoulders. 

“Thank you oppa.” Said Eunchae quietly

“No problem baby, I’ll get mom to fix the plushy.” Replies Jin-woo to which she nods in sadness keeping her head against his shoulders.

Arriving at the dorm, Yunjin gets out of the taxi and turns around to face Jin-woo.

“If there’s anything you need let me know yea?” said Jin-woo through the window 

“I will, it was still a fun day. Thank you.” 

“No problem, now go get some sleep.”

Yunjin starts walking towards the building and enters through the glass doors. Turning around she waves at Jin-woo who was watching her before closing the window. With the window closed, the taxi drove away, watching the taxi leave. Yunjin can't help but feel her heart pound fiercely against her chest.

Entering the dorm, she was met with silence as the others were fast asleep. Later, Yunjin steps into the shower, trying to shake off the lingering emotions. As the warm water cascades over her, her mind keeps replaying the scene she just witnessed. She reflects on the strange, unsettling feeling that surged through her when she saw Jin-woo confronting Byunjin. The sensation was unfamiliar and disconcerting, leaving her both confused and anxious.

Standing under the showerhead, Yunjin shakes her head and mutters to herself, “What is happening to me? What was that feeling?” The question echoes in her mind as she struggles to understand the intensity of her emotions.

Is it love?….

Back in the car

Watching Yunjin enter the building, Jin-woo turns his attention back into the taxi. He notices Eunchae curling up against him, forehead against his shoulder, hands squeezing tightly to the ripped plushy. Looking down at her, he can see the faint traces of tears flowing down her cheeks dripping onto his sleeves. 

“Ahjussi, (Address) please.”

The taxi starts to move again, Jin-woo wraps his arms around her giving her a kiss on her head. He feels her arms slowly wrap around him, Jin-woo can feel her arm shaking as she holds onto him. Caressing her head, he whispers

“It’s okay Eunchae, It's okay. I’ll fix it when we get to mom and dad’s home. Okay?”

“…okay.”

Jin-woo's gaze drifts over the cityscape, the hum of the busy street below contrasting sharply with the stillness of his thoughts. It hasn’t been long since he arrived back in Korea and so much has happened. It makes him wonder whether staying in Korea was a good idea or not. 

“Sigh, wherever I go trouble follows, she isn’t going to let me live it down. Lets hope its stays at the nuisance level.” 

Pushing those thoughts away, He imagines his mom’s reactions, the mix of emotions they'd likely feel surprise, relief, maybe even a hint of anger. He wonders if she’ll see him as the same person who left, or if they’ll notice the changes that have shaped him during his time away. 

“Hehehe Mom will freak out” Jin-woo laughs inwardly before his tone changes “I wonder if the old man changed.”

The taxi then stops in front of a tall old apartment building, where a senior security guard with a bit of a hunchback picking up some garbage and throwing it in the garbage bins on the side.

“Time to find out.”

Getting out of the taxi the two siblings walk towards the apartment entrance they walk towards the building. 

“Good evening, Grandpa Yu.” They both greet the old security guard that’s been working there since they were children.

“Good evening Eunchae, Omo is that you Jin-woo? My god did you grow up to such a fine man.” Surprise Grandpa Yu as he checks Jin-woo up and down feeling the hard muscles. He couldn’t help but drop a few tears seeing an image of a young Jin-woo beside the present Jin-woo.

“Haha it’s been a while, hasn’t it? How have you been?” asks Jin-woo 

“I’ve been doing well, Dayun has been doing well at school and found new friends. Most importantly Ijin was found alive and was brought back to us in good health. Maybe you could meet with him, although I’m not sure if he’ll remember you two.” Replies Grandpa Yu with a giant smile especially when mentioning the supposedly dead grandson now alive.

“Oh, he’s alive, when I have time, I’ll be sure to visit him and Dayun. Last time I saw her she was 9.” Said Jin-woo in a thinking pose.

“Eunchae are you okay?” worried Grandpa Yu as he notices the dry tear stains on her cheeks.

“Yea, I’m good. I’ll also make sure to visit Dayun during my break.” Answers Eunchae with a soft small smile. 

“Anyways you guys should go in now. It’s getting colder and I’m sure your parents would love to see you again.” Said Grandpa Yu

“We will. You too gramps, you aren’t exactly getting younger.” said Jin-woo as they both enter the building.

The building was on the older side, in the lobby was a security table and a small pathway on the left leading to the mailroom and the stairs. Walking forward, passing the security table, they stop in front of the elevator and press the up button. Hearing a ding, the elevator doors open, and they enter the elevator, pressing the 8th floor. The door closes and the elevator start to move, standing quietly the siblings listen to the old elevator music. 

“Oppa?”

“Mhm?”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Silence returns, in a moment the elevator door opens as they arrive at their floor. Walking out the door, they turn left and proceed down the hallway to the very last door. Unlocking the door Eunchae steps inside, following her in Jin-woo, lets out the breath he didn’t know he was holding in as he takes in the area. In front of him was the dining room and to his left was the living room, where a tv, playing the news, was surrounded by family photos with an empty brown L-shaped couch and coffee table in front of it. 

“It didn’t change a bit.” Thought Jin-woo as he looks around the home

Eunchae proceeds to walk forward making a turn to the right down a hallway.

“Ya Eunchae what’s wrong with you! Why are you pushing me? And why is that plushy ripped in half?” says an unknown yet familiar voice

“Don’t worry about it, just come.”

Arriving at the living room, Jin-woo sees a familiar middle-aged woman with long black hair, who looks like they were in their 30s, wearing an apron holding a plate of sliced oranges being pushed by Eunchae. Looking forward, the woman sees Jin-woo, causing her to drop the plate of sliced oranges.

“Damn the oranges.” Thought Jin-woo 

“Oh, mo oh mo, my baby boy is back!!” said the women before rushing towards him

“It's good to see you again mom.” Said Jin-woo, looking down at his mother, who was inspecting his body. She didn’t look any different from when he left, older but still the caring mother.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were back?? I would’ve made more food, look at you, you look so skinnier. Were they not feeding you correctly? Come on, I just finished making dinner.” Said Mom, dragging Jin-woo with her.

Not being able to do anything, Jin-woo just let her drag him away, Eunchae following them.

“Ya eomma, why aren’t you like this when I come home.” Whined Eunchae

“Shush, I baby you too much already.” Replies, their mom

Sitting at the dining table, Jin-woo can see the large amounts of food that his mom has cooked for them. Fried chicken, Sweat and sour pork and fish, each one of them looked delicious and he couldn't wait to dig in.

“Mom, they look delicious.” Complimented Jin-woo

“Of course it is, I’m your mother after all.” 

“Maybe I should have come to Korea more often” said  Jin woo 

“I’m still upset that you haven’t visited me or at least call me.”

“Sorry mom I’ve been a bit too busy kind of forgot”

“Mom, where is dad by the way.” Asks Eunchae, trying to steal a piece of chicken.

Hearing the mention of his father, Jin-woo 's twitches out of reflex.

“Hm he should be back by now.” Replies Mom

Speaking of the devil, the door opens and in comes a middle-aged man with glasses and comb backed hair in a suit step in the apartment. Seeing the man, Mom walked towards him and took his suitcase.

“I’m home.” Said the man in a monotone voice, taking of his shoes and loosening his tie

“Welcome Home Honey, look who came.” Said Mom with happy voice

“Is it Eunchae? I thought she was busy playing idol.” Said the man,    Eunchae flinches at his comment.

“Nope! Why don’t you take a look.” Said Mom who steps aside allowing the man to look up and forward towards the dining table. Making eye contact with each other, an unspoken tension could be felt in the apartment as Jin-woo and his father stare down at each other. Walking towards the dining table, father sat down at the front of the table, not losing eye contact with Jin-woo.

“Welcome back Jin-woo, it’s been a while.” Said His father

“Hello Father, yes it has.” Replies Jin-woo

Seeing the heavy tension, Eunchae couldn’t help by inwardly sigh as she saw this coming a mile away. Jin-woo and their father never really seen each other eye to eye, Jin-woo’s father was a typical traditional Korean man who is strict and narrow minded or in Jin-woo’s words, a fool that has a 15 feet rod stuck up his ass. He works at a top-notch technology company in Korea and has participated in many classified projects, which lead him to spend more time away at work than at home. Jin-woo always wonders why a happy-go-luckywoman like their mother ended up with someone like him.

“I heard you’ve recently won a big tournament recently.” Said Father, while taking a bite of rice.

“Yes, I did.” replies Jin-woo

“Appa, how did you know oppa won?” Questions Eunchae

“I always make sure I know what my kids are doing, no matter how was wasteful it may be” replies his father

Jin-woo chuckles, gaining a slight nudge by Eunchae

“Jin-woo-ah, how long are you staying?” Asks Mom, hoping that he would stay longer or forever

“Well, I’m planning to stay until December before I return to get ready for the next season though it's really up in the air. ” Replies Jin-woo, while taking a bit of the sweet and sour pork

“That’s good! Do you need a place to stay? If not, tell me where you are going to live so I can bring food. A Mother’s food is always better than takeout.” Said Mom

“I currently live at a friend’s house in Seoul, but they currently are out of the country. I’ll send you the address, I miss eating your food and besides It’s so much work to cook my own food.” Pouts Jin-woo which earned a pinch of his cheeks

“Yumi, stop babying him, he is a grown man. Jin-woo when are you going back to work?” said his father

“I am working.” Replies Jin-woo knowing where this conversation is heading.

“Playing games is not working, you should be working at Starks Industries and spending your time making advancement in modern technology.” replies His Father

“The advancement of technology is doing just fine, without me.” Said Jin-woo while munching down on his food, while occasionally putting some food on Eunchae’s and his mother’s plate

“It would’ve been so much better if you were there! Stop messing around and get serious! Use your gift, your talent, your brilliance of creation! You're destined to bring forth magnificent creations the world has never seen.” exclaims his father

“Oh please, why should I. I make more, much more than I would at a tech company and I’m having the time of my life since there’s no stick up my ass. Unlike you” replies Jin-woo

Slamming his chopsticks, Jin-woo's Father glared at Jin-woo who in return gave a lazy smirk. Feeling the anger in her husband started to skyrocket, Jin-woo’s mother started to rub his back.

“Oh honey, just leave it, he just returned home.” Said Mom as she tries to calm him down

“Mom it’s okay, it’s been a long time coming. I want to hear the bullshit spewing from his mouth.” Said Jin-woo 

“You ungrateful brat! You are wasting your intelligence, you can become the next Tony Stark or Helen Cho, build your own empire, become the president if you wanted but look at you now! You spend your time fooling around playing games all day. God gave you your greatest gift which is your Mind, but you WASTE It.” Screamed his father

Hearing this Eunchae and their mother felt truly uncomfortable, sure there’s been arguments, but never did it get this bad OK maybe once or twice. There would be small banters and remarks but not this. They made eye contact, silently communicating with each other trying to figure out what to do. Right as they were going to intervene again, Jin-woo laughed loudly as he brushes the tears from his eyes.

 “And you think you’ll do better?” replied Jin-woo staring straight at his father void of emotion

“What?” replied his father

“Do you truly think that if you had my mind, my ‘gift’, that you'd do something with it? To contribute to this society? To advance modern technology? Heh, don’t make me laugh, you wouldn’t achieve anything, you’d only make things worse.” Said Jin-woo calmly with a hint of amusement in his eyes

“you brat!” His father stammered

“I know who you are. More than you think and know about yourself.” Said Jin-woo with a nonchalant voice

Aside from the sounds of Jin-woo eating, the dining room was filled with an oppressive silence. No one dared to speak; they just sat there, motionless. Eventually, Jin-woo stsnds up, taking his bowl and utensils with him, breaking the stillness."

“Ahh I’m full, Thank you mom, delicious as always. Ya Eunchae, finish up and go to your room, I’ll fix your stuffy while we do a movie or drama marathon.” Said Jin-woo

Eunchae could only nod her head in response. Seeing that, he leans down and whispers

“I’ll treat you to some ice cream later tonight.”

Jin-woo straightens up and walks towards the kitchen to wash his dishes, not before stopping with his back towards them as he says.

“Even if I were to follow your path and create the most magnificent creation. What makes you think this world deserves it?” ends Jin-woo before he continues to towards Eunchae’s room leaving them in utter silence

“Ya oppa, don’t enter my room without me first.” Eunchae screams, stuffing her face with food before rushing to follow Jin-woo

With Eunchae leaving, Min-so could only look at her husband and softly stroke his back which in response slaps her hand away, letting out a breath of frustration and anger.

Back in Eunchae room

In Eunchae’s room, Jin-woo and Eunchae were on the bed wrapped in blankets staring at the wall in front of them as the popular K-drama ‘Love next door’ was projected onto it from a projector.

“YAA can’t this annoying bastard take a hint already?? Leave Seok-Ryu alone.” Complained Eunchae, wiggling her legs and hand around.

Jin-woo smiles at her reaction, as he also agreed that the ex-fiancé was really getting on his nerve, but it was mainly the mother who pissed him off as she didn’t seem to understand from the earlier episode and continued to use ulterior motive to get Seok-Ryu back with her ex.

“Oh, Eunchae you are as adorable as I remembered.” cooed Jin-woo 

“I’m not adorable, I’m hot.” Said Eunchae while flipping her hair

“Yea yea, come on let’s watch a couple more before you end up falling asleep.” Said Jin-woo

“Ya, I’m not gonna fall asleep.” Retorted Eunchae snugging into the blanket

“Sure sure.”

An episode later, Jin-woo hears soft snoring from his right, looking down he sees Eunchae fast asleep leaning on his shoulder. Seeing her asleep, Jin-woo carefully turns off the tablet and removes the covers to stand up from the bed without waking Eunchae up. Putting the covers back onto Eunchae and giving her a soft pat on her head.

 “Oppa, don’t leave me. I’ll be good, please don’t replace me.” Mumbles the sleeping Eunchae.

Softly stroking her head, He puts the tablet on the desk before opening the door and exiting the hallway. Walking towards the door, Jin-woo puts on his shoe to get ready to leave. As he opens the door, he hears his mother speak

“Jin-woo, you’re leaving?” 

“yea”

“Will you return?” asked his mother in a sad tone

“Probably not… but I’ll send you my address. Just message me if you are going to visit.” Said Jin-woo 

“Ok, take care. I’ll visit you soon.” Smile Min-so

Jin-woo walks back to her mother and gives her a tight hug before walking towards the door.

“I’ll see you next time…. and call me if something happens.” Said Jin-woo as he walks out the door

Min-so stood still looking at the closed door, unconsciously rubbing her stomach before walking away. What she didn’t notice was the black markings seeping through under the door momentarily encasing it with black symbols glowing red before disappearing.