Love From Afar ~ Eric Nam

Epilogue

*5 Years Later*
It has been 5 years. It's now the year 2029. Eric turned 40 on his last birthday. I turned 25 on my last birthday. Theo is now 6 years old and our daughter who we named Aurora Minchae Nam, is 5 years old. I have finally acquired Korean citizenship and now a fully fledged citizen of the Republic of Korea. Also known as South Korea. I now hold two citizenships; one for the United States of America and one for the Republic of Korea. Eric is so proud of how far I've been able to go.

Theo is starting to pick up a lot of Korean since he goes to Korean elementary school. Eric and I decided not to send our kids to international school because that's too expensive. We would rather have them go to normal Korean schools. They are different from their classmates since they're 1/4 Filipino, 1/4 German, and half Korean. They've got quite the unique mix, and that makes them different from their classmates who are pure Korean. Having a Korean father and a mixed white-asian mother is surely something that they'll have to get used to. I hope our kids don't get bullied too much. I hope their classmates accept them for who they are, even if they're different from everyone else.

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A few years later and Theo is in high school and Aurora is a year behind him. Aurora is in her last year of middle school while Theo is in his first year of high school. Theo went to Eric and asked,
"Hey, dad is this you?"
"Let me see." Eric said.
"The video is called 에릭남(Eric Nam) - 'Paradise' MV." Theo said.
"Yep, that's me. That's your dad in his youth." Eric said.
"I didn't know you used to be a K-pop idol. Why didn't you tell us?" Theo asked.
"I left my K-pop idol career in my 20's and 30's. Once we had you guys, I decided to retire from the industry. We didn't tell you guys because we wanted you to find out by accident." Eric said.
"That's so cool, dad. I wanna be like you when I get older." Theo said.
"You better start auditioning now then. The sooner you audition, the more likely you'll get into a company. Don't wait like your dad did." Eric said.
"Yeah, if you wait until you're 25 like your dad, you may not debut." I said.
"Where should I audition first?" Theo asked.
"That's up to you, son. There are so many great companies out there. You just need to look. I suggest looking at the bigger companies first, like SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment." Eric said.
"Yeah, some of my favorite groups come from those companies." I said.
"Dad, you were way cooler when you were younger." Theo said.
"Hey! I'm still cool. I've still got the moves." Eric said.
"Please, you're in your 40's, honey. Don't try to dance." I said.
"Okay, fine." Eric sighed, giving up.

So, Theo went out and started auditioning at various bigger companies. The company that gave him a call back was SM Entertainment. They called him back for a 2nd audition. When he passed the 2nd audition, he then came back for a 3rd audition. Then, Theo passed all three auditions and made it in as a trainee. Now, at age 16, Theo is a trainee under SM Entertainment. Something that Eric couldn't accomplish when he auditioned for SM Entertainment all those years ago. We're so excited for where Theo will go. He doesn't know how to dance, but Theo has near identical vocals to Eric. He got those singing genes from Eric. Theo is a talented vocalist, and I know it will enable him to debut soon.

As for Aurora, she doesn't have the same dream as Theo. She discovered old music videos of Eric, but she has no interest in becoming famous. Aurora told me that she wants to become a teacher. I once wanted to be a teacher, but then I soon realized that children are devils and I only love my own children. I told Aurora to shoot for her dream. She can get a job as a teacher when she gets older. I suggested that she take child psychology in college to help her understand how the child's brain works. It will help her prepare for the unpredictability of school children.

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About 2 years later, Theo debuts in the new NCT sub unit called NCT Hollywood. This is the NCT sub unit that only contains foreigners. Theo was born in the United States, but he's also a Korean citizen. That still allowed him to join the new NCT sub unit. In my youth, I loved NCT so much. I think Theo suits NCT so well. His vocals will definitely shine the brightest in ballad songs. I can't wait to hear his vocals on the first album he releases as part of NCT. This group is known for their powerful vocals and hard-hitting raps. Theo's vocals will definitely stand out among the rest of his members.

Later, Aurora went to college majoring in secondary education with a minor in child psychology. She graduated cum laude at Yonsei University. Aurora now teaches English at Seoul National High School. One of the most prestigious high schools in the entire city. She teaches the children of rich and famous people. Among her students are the children of K-pop idols. Idols like; Mingi of ATEEZ, Shindong and Leeteuk of Super Junior, Yugyeom formally of GOT7, Taemin of SHINee, Jeonghan of SEVENTEEN, and Johnny of NCT 127. The children of K-pop idols are just as gorgeous as their parents. During parent-teacher conferences, Aurora is shocked that her students' parents are former idols. Aurora pointed out that her mom, me, used to love these idols when I was younger. Aurora assumes that her students who are children of K-pop idols will also become K-pop idols when they graduate. We'll never know. They may choose a completely different path.

So, this story has come to an end. Theo went on to be a successful K-pop idol in NCT Hollywood. Aurora went on to be an English high school teacher at Seoul National High School. They've both got very different careers, but they're successful in each of their fields. Eric and I are very proud of where they've gone. We can't wait to see where they go next.