Over The Seas [Kim Sunwoo The Boyz]

Chapter Fourty-Nine

A year ago today, I traveled alone to South Korea from the United States to live with my biological family. To celebrate, my family wanted to throw a party at the house and invited friends and family.
I woke up early to help my mom prepare the house. Areum and Sewoon said they wanted to help so I waited for them to arrive.

"You're house is so cool. How come you don't invite me over more often?" Areum remarks as I lead her and Sewoon inside.
"'Cause she knows you'll get to distracted." Sewoon answers for me.
Knowing he's right, she changes the subject. "So what do you need us to do?"
They followed me to the backyard and I explained the plans to them. Areum was in charge of setting up the tables and chairs, Sewoon was in charge of the balloons and streamers, and I was in charge of cleaning the house.
Sewoon offered me to help him with the balloons since it's not "normal" to like to clean, and while I do, I wanted to clean because I needed to think.

I didn't want to stress too much about Sunwoo. I already invited him and he said he'd make it, and I trust him. My mind is more focused on the advice my mother gave me yesterday. I don't want to make a decision without talking to him about it first, but I don't think there's a way to find a different solution.

It's about an hour later and Jihoon had arrived. It hasn't been too long since I last saw him so we casually greeted each other. I told him what we were all working on and he decided to help our mom in the kitchen prepping the food for the guests. I really had the urge to talk to him about the problems I'm facing at the moment but I don't want to ruin anyone's mood. Besides, it's a party.

A little later as we all finished up our tasks, more people start to arrive. Sewoon's dad and younger brother, Jonghoon are the first to arrive. I greet them at the door with my best smile.
"Happy birthday, Riyae!" Mr. Han yelled out while reaching for a hug. He stopped mid-way when Jonghoon said, "It's not her birthday, Dad. I told you this on the way here."
"My mistake! Happy one year anniversary living in the wonderful country of Korea!" Mr. Han exclaimed with laughter. He always brightens the mood everywhere he goes.
"Here." Jonghoon hands me a gift bag.
"A gift? You didn't have to, you know."
"It's from my dad, I just put it in the bag." He mumbled shyly.
"Well, thanks!" I received the bag and put it on a nearby table.

A few family members that I had met before during our Christmas visit arrived shortly after. A few work friends of my parents stopped by to say hello and give gifts. I had invited the guys in case they were free and they were the next to arrive. K, Chansuk, and Danny arrived together with bright faces.
"Wow, it's been so long since I last saw you!" Danny said with a wide smile.
"We saw her a few weeks ago at Jihoon's debut party." Danny's brother, Chansuk corrected.
"Yeah but it was only a few minutes so it doesn't count."
Before Chansuk could retaliate, K spoke. "How've you been? School going well?"
"I've been well. School's stressful as always but it's slowly getting a bit better." I reply without much thought to how I'm actually feeling.
"That's great! And where's Sunwoo? I haven't seen him since we got here?" K observed. I hesitated but then gave a simple answer. "He's not here yet."
They all nodded showing they understood.
I tell them the party is outside and I lead them there and try to avoid further questions about Sunwoo.

My mom and Jihoom had served the food. People were already moving on the their third plate as I look at the clock. I see that it's been well over three hours since the party had started and Sunwoo still isn't here. I looked at my messages and also saw that he hasn't seen my most recent text I sent yesterday.
Just ignore it for now. I'm sure he'll come at some point.
As I was about to put my phone away, I feel it vibrate in my hand. I check to see what notification I got, hoping it's a text from Sunwoo.
Oh my gosh.

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