BACKSTAGE | NCT Mark Lee

2 - Anticipations and Absences

April 2022
Seoul, South Korea

Looking at the caller ID, I recognized Matthew's number and answered the phone.

"Hey, Lex, just wondering ..." Matthew's voice came through with concern. "You arrived already?"

"Yeah, just landed," I replied, scanning the immigration hall filled with bustling travelers. "Actually, I'm at immigration right now."

"Alright, I'll be outside waiting," Matthew assured me, his voice carrying a hint of relief.

I sighed, mentally preparing for the bureaucratic hurdles ahead. Being the adopted child of a Filipino-Korean couple with Canadian citizenship meant navigating through the intricate web of immigration protocols: interviews, document checks—birth certificates, adoption papers, passports, marriage certificates—all a necessary part of my international travels.

After what felt like an eternity of checks and interviews, I finally passed through. Stepping out into the arrivals hall, I spotted Matthew waving eagerly from across the bustling terminal. A smile spread across my face as I hurried towards him, grateful for his familiar presence amid the chaos.

"Hey, how was the flight?" Matthew asked as he greeted me with a hug, his concern melting into warmth.

"It was okay, long but okay," I replied, letting him take my luggage and lead the way to his car parked nearby. We loaded my bags into the trunk, exchanging small talk about the journey and catching up on recent events.

As we drove towards the Lee's temporary house, despite having a place of my own in Gangnam, Matthew explained that Mrs. Lee had insisted I stay with them for the first night. It was a customary gesture of hospitality, and I agreed without hesitation, eager to reconnect with the family and settle into my new surroundings.

"You know Mom's all giddy and excited to see you," Matthew laughed. "Like dude, she's going all out—decorating the guest room just for you. And there was one time she jokingly said that the time had come for her to steal you from Nancy-imo."

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me at the thought of Mrs. Lee's enthusiasm. "Oh, I can already imagine her fussing over every little detail. She's always treated me like her own daughter."

Matthew nodded, a fond smile on his face. "Yeah, she really has. You know how much you mean to her. And to all of us, really."

His words touched me deeply, and I felt a lump form in my throat. "You guys mean a lot to me too. I missed all of you so much."

As we continued driving, the conversation flowed easily, filled with shared memories and laughter. The familiarity of it all made the long journey worth it, and I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't realized I missed so much.

When we finally arrived at the Lee's temporary house, Matthew parked the car and helped me with my luggage. The front door swung open even before we reached it, and Mrs. Lee stood there, beaming with joy.

"Lexie, my dear!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop me in a warm hug. "Welcome home!"

"It's so good to see you, eommoni," I said, returning her embrace with equal warmth.

"Come in, come in!" she urged, leading me inside. "I've got your room all set up. I hope you'll be comfortable."

I giggled. "Matthew just told me po on our way here, eommoni."

Mrs. Lee laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "That boy can't keep a secret, can he?"

As we stepped into the house, I noticed the cozy and welcoming atmosphere.