Alone

오

Jackson sat in the taxi as it sped towards Incheon International Airport, the predawn sky gradually lightening. He had made a decision, and there was no turning back now. The taxi driver acknowledged his destination and merged into the early morning traffic.

As he settled into the backseat, Jackson couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The events of the past few hours had left him drained and conflicted. He glanced at his phone, which was buzzing with calls and messages from the other members. He ignored them all, his determination firm.

The airport terminal came into view, and the taxi pulled up to the curb. Jackson paid the fare and stepped out, his luggage in tow. It was a surreal feeling, knowing that he was about to embark on a journey that would take him away from the life he had known for so long.

Inside the bustling airport, Jackson checked in for his flight. He moved through security with a sense of purpose, not looking back. The plane was waiting at the gate, ready to take him to a place where he could find solace and clarity.

As the plane taxied down the runway and lifted off into the sky, Jackson watched the city of Seoul shrink below him. The clouds appeared, casting a veil over the ground below. It was a fitting metaphor for the haze of confusion and turmoil that had surrounded him.

He closed his eyes, allowing the hum of the airplane's engines to lull him into a sense of calm. Sleep claimed him slowly, and for a while, he was free from the weight of his decisions and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

When he awoke, the airplane was descending, and he saw the familiar landscape below. The sight of his hometown brought a smile to his face. He was finally returning to a place where he felt a sense of belonging.

The plane touched down, and Jackson walked out, the airport bustling with activity. He felt a sense of relief wash over him as he retrieved his luggage from the conveyor belt. It was a small victory, a sign that he was moving forward.

He walked out of the airport, the warm embrace of his hometown welcoming him back. He hailed a taxi, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. He paid the taxi driver and thanked him before unlocking the front door of his family home.

As he stepped inside, the familiar scent of home-cooked food wafted through the air. His mother was in the kitchen, busy preparing a meal. Before he had left, he had called to let her know that he would be returning home.

"Mom, I'm home," he called out, a smile tugging at his lips as he received a warm response from his mother. She instructed him to take a shower and promised that dinner would be ready soon.

Jackson followed her instructions, feeling a sense of normalcy returning. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the residue of his turbulent journey. He couldn't help but reflect on the events that had led him here.

After his shower, he walked down to the dining room, where his father had also just arrived home. The table was set, and his mother served them the meal she had prepared. His father's curiosity and a touch of worry were evident in his gaze.

"Son, why are you back?" his father inquired, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Jackson leaned back in his chair, sighing softly before he began to explain.

"A few problems with Mark, perhaps with the whole group," he started, his father nodding in understanding while his mother seemed disappointed and somewhat angry.

"What did Mark do?" Jackson's mother asked, her gaze fixed on her son, wanting a clearer explanation to grasp the situation better. Jackson proceeded to recount the entire story while they ate, trying to remain calm and composed.

"Mark said that it's your fault for hoping they'd ask you," Jackson concluded, nodding as his mother asked for clarification. His father, deep in thought, listened attentively.

"Well, perhaps I do understand what Mark means, but you're right in your own way," his father finally stated, while his mother nodded, her anger softening as she cleaned up the remnants of the meal.

The conversation was a mix of understanding and complex emotions, but Jackson felt a sense of relief that his parents were willing to listen and support him. He knew that he had a long road ahead, one filled with challenges and uncertainties, but he was grateful to have his family by his side as he navigated the uncharted territory of his future.