My Star | Im Changkyun {COMPLETE}

Chapter 30

Returning back to Korea felt like a breath of fresh air. Not that she hadn't enjoyed her time away. There were just certain things she missed like the delicious foods and flavours you just couldn't get anywhere else. Every time she arrived back from touring or a concert, she always felt the same way. The craving for something she could only get back at home. Sooyeon had felt the same way too, leaving the pair to bicker about the topic on their drive.

Landing in Incheon, the girls had been offered to stay the night at Youngji's family home in Incheon as the girls could return back to Seoul the next day and get some home-cooked meals from Youngji's mother to bring back to the dorms. Immediately upon stepping foot into the house, they could see what Subin had meant when she said she felt uncomfortable due to Youngji's military father.

There was nothing bad about him at all, he just had certain habits drilled into him which he enforced on others. Very specific habits. Thankfully, her mother was much more laid back and helped to balance the tension. Since he was strict on bedtimes, Hyebin could not video chat Changkyun as she had wanted to, however, she made sure to message him and wish him good luck on the rest of the tour.

Before they knew it, their holiday had come to an end and now it was back to work. Thanks to Youngji's mother, they had a fully restocked fridge of home-cooked dishes such as japchae, bulgogi, some soups and other various kimchi side dishes. Everyone was very thankful within the group and put some money together to send her parents some health supplements.

Immediately, they were thrown into another comeback, preparing for months. This time it felt much different, almost as if the company actually were caring about the contents and the quality of it all. It seemed like a great album and even though it was another mini-album, they were grateful enough to even make it to their 5th comeback in two years. 

Whether they released a single, a mini or a full album, the happiest part was being able to sing more often compared to how they were thrown into a dozen other activities such as acting, modelling and variety show guesting for their first year. Now it had balanced out and they were able to do a bit of everything.

Through releasing their newest album, they had struggled to get any wins due to the competition being so tough. From popular rookie groups like Everglow to successful sunbaenim's like Red velvet and Seventeen, they all had a comeback at the same time. By sheer luck, the song had actually been quite a hit thanks to some TikTok trend started by an overseas fan so they'd managed to snag at least one win so far.

With September coming to an end and busy schedules, she'd almost forgotten about the fact that Changkyun was returning to Korea after finally finishing up the last leg of the Monsta X tour in Japan. Unexpectedly, he had called her to invite her for a dinner at some fancy restaurant, which she agreed to since she had assumed it was a date, however, she was pleasantly surprised to see her younger brother sitting at the table with Changkyun. He wasn't even supposed to be in Seoul.

"Wh- What are you doing here?" Hyebin stuttered as she furrowed her eyebrows. "Shouldn't you be at home? Chuseok is-"

"I'll only get in the way. Mom and dad let me come to Seoul alone anyway because of Changkyun Hyung." He grinned back, seeming proud of himself.

Her gaze turned to Changkyun for the first time in months. He seemed different. Slimmer. His hair darker. It felt weird seeing him after so long. Oh, how she'd missed him though. If it wasn't for the presence of her brother, she would have hugged him already. Affection was nothing to be embarrassed about but as someone with a sibling, only they could understand this type of thing. Siblings always teased each other. Imagine being lovey-dovey in front of a sibling. She'd never be able to live it down.

"Long time no see," He spoke up, his accent sounding a bit different too, almost foreign even. "What? Don't I get no welcome back hug?"

Reluctantly, she headed over to give him a hug. His tightened embrace had surprised her as she was only going in for a short hug. Already she could imagine her brothers reaction. Well, it was too late now. All she could do was give in. At first Changkyun had felt a bit disappointed at her distanced behaviour and lack of affection. He felt worried that perhaps being apart had led to her losing feelings for him. Fotunately, after a few moments, she began to reciprocate his loving embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.