Their Noona: EM

Chapter 3

After going to my apartment to drop off my bags, Jihoo and I walked to the bbq restaurant. Sieun, Lily, Mark, Hajoon, Eunwoo, and Minjoo were already waiting for us. I looked around trying to find Hyunbin and saw him on the phone near the smoking area. When I caught his eye, I gave him an enthusiastic wave. I was excited to see my two favorite people. Those being Jihoo and Hyunbin.

"Em-ssi!" Everyone cheered as I sat down. We were having samgyeopsal, or pork belly. I enjoyed being home, but I really missed Korean food while I was there.

"Anyeonghaseyo! (hello)" I said as I spotted three empty stools together. I sat in the middle, knowing Hyunbin and Jihoo wouldn't mind me sitting between them. I get a little anxious with strangers and in crowds, which is why when I fly I have my playlist to keep me calm.

"How was your trip?" Sieun asked as she poured me a small shot of soju. I quickly picked up the glass with two hands. I was the youngest of them all, and funny enough Sieun was the oldest. In Korea, usually the youngest pours the drinks for everyone.

"It was good, I got to see my dad!" I was an only child and my mom passed away when I was very little, so it was always just me and my dad. However, in the last couple of years he got himself a new partner and is living with her and her family. Her family has many kids and grandkids, so my dad is often busy and I go for long periods of time without talking with him.

"Oh, honey, that is great!" I turned to see Jihoo and Hyunbin coming to the table together. I stood up and gave Hyunbin a hug as he kissed my forehead.

"Hello oppa," I murmured as he released me. Hyunbin sat on my left as Jihoo sat on my right. Everyone started conversations with each other as the meat was delivered to the table. We were chatting, eating, and drinking for the next couple of hours as I began to yawn.

"Emmie, I think it is time to get you home," I heard in my right ear. I knew I was drunk and tired and just turned and giggled.

"I'm okay," I said with a little drunk slur.

"Are you sure?" He asked me. Jihoo and Hyunbin take turns drinking when they go out to make sure we all get home and Jihoo was tonight's sober driver.

"Yes oppa, this has been nice. I am having fun and I just live up the street," I said giggling as Minjoo filled up my soju glass again. We had several empty bottles on the floor next to us. Jihoo nodded but reached towards my side. He checked my CGM, since sometimes when we eat it's too loud to hear the beeps. Jihoo nodded his head again and put my CGM back.

I loved Jihoo and Hyunbin like family and we all take care of each other as if we are family. I met them by accident during my second month in Korea. I was at the subway station trying to figure out where I was going and tripped over my own feet and Jihoo caught me. It was like all those k-dramas, except that he is gay and has a partner. When he caught me Hyunbin cooed out loud and gave him a kiss when he released me.

They both had chuckled at my bright red, embarrassed face. And that's how we met. At that moment I found my new family, my Korean family. We have seen each other almost every day for the last five years. We only don't see each other while we are on vacations. But then, we either message or video call each other while we are gone. Jihoo works as an international lawyer and Hyunbin just opened a café and coffee shop, but I have not had the time to go by while they were building. I plan to go soon though.

A few hours later I was falling asleep in my chair when I became aware of being picked up. I looked up and saw that I was being carried by Hyunbin, he was the stronger of the two.

"Oppa?" I ask drunkenly.

"Emmie, we are taking you home." He told me surprisingly soberly. The others at the table were using each other to lean on as they were getting up. As Hyunbin was holding me, Minjoo came over to me slightly stumbling as he did.