Chapter 42: Chuseok in Korea

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The excitement of landing in Korea was overshadowed by Zuri's anxiety about seeing Suho after their heated argument. She took a deep breath, adjusted the straps of her backpack, and exited the plane. As she made her way through Incheon Airport, she couldn't help but marvel at the bustling activity and the myriad of sights and sounds that greeted her.

Zuri's apprehension grew as she approached the arrivals gate. She spotted Suho's family — Mrs. Kim, with her graceful posture and a warm smile, and Mr. Kim, looking frail but with a twinkle in his eye. Suho stood next to them, looking dashing as ever but with a distant look in his eyes.

"Zuri!" Mrs. Kim exclaimed, rushing forward and enveloping her in a tight hug. Her thick Korean accent making her words sound even more endearing. "It's so good to see you! I hope the flight was okay."

Zuri smiled, grateful for the warm reception. "Thank you, Mrs. Kim. The flight was long, but I'm just happy to be here."

Suho approached hesitantly, his gaze locked onto Zuri's. "Hey," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey," Zuri replied, equally subdued.

The air between them was thick with unsaid words, the remnants of their last argument still fresh

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The air between them was thick with unsaid words, the remnants of their last argument still fresh. Mrs. Kim seemed blissfully unaware of the tension, chattering away about their plans for Chuseok and how she had made all Zuri's favorite dishes.

As they exited the airport, Mrs. Kim linked her arm with Zuri's, guiding her to their car. "I booked a room for you and Suho at our family's ancestral home. I thought it would be nice for you two to have some privacy."

Zuri's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, um, thank you, Mrs. Kim," she stammered, exchanging a quick glance with Suho, who looked equally shocked.

The drive to the Kim family home was filled with casual conversation, with Mrs. Kim enthusiastically sharing details about their Chuseok traditions. Zuri listened attentively, trying to push her anxiety to the back of her mind.

Upon arriving, the grandeur of the Kim family home in Korea took Zuri's breath away. The traditional hanok, with its gracefully curved roofs and wooden beams, stood majestically amidst a serene garden.

Mrs. Kim led Zuri to her room, which, to her surprise, had only one bed. The realization made her heart race, the awkwardness of the situation not lost on her.

"I hope you like the room," Mrs. Kim said with a smile. "I thought it would be romantic for you two."

Zuri managed a weak smile, her mind racing. "It's lovely, Mrs. Kim. Thank you."

After freshening up, and putting on the rose gold Hanbok that Mrs. Kim gave her, Zuri decided to explore the house. She wandered through the elegantly decorated rooms, admiring the blend of traditional and modern elements. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Suho, wondering how they would navigate the trip given their unresolved issues.

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