Secret Love

16| return back!

"I'm heading back tomorrow," Jisung announced to his Australian friend, who had stopped by his temporary residence for a visit. His friend's eyes widened in surprise, "Tomorrow? Already?" he asked, his tone laced with incredulity.

Jisung had initially mentioned that he would be staying in Australia for at least more years, but it seemed that his plans had changed. His friend couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that their time together was being cut short.

Jisung stood up, his movements fluid as he walked over to his friend, who was standing behind him, watching as he packed his luggage. With a gentle smile, Jisung opened his arms and enveloped his friend in a warm hug.

"I'll miss you, Lix," Jisung whispered, his voice filled with affection. His friend hugged him back, a smile spreading across his face. "I'll miss you too, Sungie."

Jisung chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "But don't miss me too much," he teased, his voice light and playful. As they parted ways, Jisung's expression turned serious for a moment.

"Hey, make sure to let Chan Hyung know that I'm leaving, okay? I don't want him to chew me out for taking off without telling him." His friend nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "I'll definitely let him know, Sungie. Don't worry."

The night had flown by in a whirlwind, and before Jisung knew it, the next day had dawned. He found himself standing in the airport, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of travelers rushing to catch their flights. With a long journey ahead of him, Jisung settled into his seat, ready to embark on the arduous flight to Korea.

As the plane soared through the skies, Jisung decided to surrender to his fatigue, letting the hum of the engines lull him into a deep slumber. The previous night had been a restless one, his excitement and nervousness about returning to Korea rendering him sleepless.

But now, as the plane flew steadily on, Jisung's exhaustion finally caught up with him. He slept for hours, lost in a world of dreams, until the pilot's voice came over the intercom, announcing their impending arrival.

Jisung stirred, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up straight. He glanced at his watch, realizing they would be landing in about an hour. With a newfound sense of energy, Jisung gathered his belongings, his luggage in one hand and his phone in the other.

As the plane touched down on Korean soil, Jisung felt a thrill run through his veins. He had finally returned home. With a spring in his step, he made his way through customs and hailed a ride, bound for the familiar streets of his neighborhood.

The driver pulled up in front of Han's residence, and Jisung bid him farewell, thanking him for the ride. As the car drove away, Jisung stood on the sidewalk, his eyes fixed on the house he had grown up in.

With a soft sigh, he whispered, "Home." A warm smile spread across his face as he envisioned the look of surprise on his mother's face. He chuckled to himself, eager to see her reaction.

Jisung's eyes sparkled with mischief as he pushed open the door, careful not to make a sound. He slipped inside, his footsteps silent on the floor. His heart swelled with excitement as he spotted his mother, engrossed in sorting the bookshelves in the living hall.

Suppressing a grin, Jisung crept up behind her, his eyes shining with anticipation. He left his suitcase behind, not wanting to make a sound that might alert his mother to his presence.

With bated breath, Jisung counted down, his voice barely above a whisper. "One, two, three!" And then, in a loud, clear voice, he exclaimed, "Surprise!"

His mother spun around, startled by the sudden outburst. Her eyes widened in shock, and she clutched at her chest, as if her heart had skipped a beat. But as she took in Jisung's beaming face, her expression softened, and she let out a sigh of relief.