AMOUR

Chapter Eighteen

Hana arrived at the farmhouse, Remi trotting dutifully by her side. The weight of the evening's events pressed heavily on her, making each step feel like a monumental effort. As she approached the front door, she reached for her keys, only to realize with a sinking feeling that she had left her bag and belongings back at Jin's house.

She sighed, knocking on the door. A moment later, she heard the familiar shuffle of footsteps from inside.

"Who is it?" Mrs. Wang's cautious voice called from behind the door.

Hana replied softly, "It's me, Mrs. Wang."

The door creaked open, revealing Mrs Wang's concerned face. Her eyes softened when she saw Hana, though a hint of worry lingered in her expression. "Hana, where have you been? I was worried sick," Mrs Wang said, her voice a mix of relief and concern.

Hana's eyes were downcast, avoiding Mrs. Wang's gaze. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Wang. I was... at Jin's house." She tried to muster a reassuring smile but failed.

Mrs Wang's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Hana's face. "Are you okay, dear?" she asked softly, noticing the turmoil in Hana's eyes.

Hana nodded quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I'm fine."

Mrs. Wang didn't ask any more questions. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Hana, pulling her into a comforting hug. Hana sank into the embrace, grateful for the warmth and solace it provided.

While hugging Hana, Mrs Wang's eyes caught sight of Remi standing behind her. A full-size wolf was standing on her porch, his presence imposing and protective. Mrs Wang's eyes widened in shock.

"Hana, what in the world?" she exclaimed, stepping back abruptly.

Hana turned to see Remi, watching them with calm, intelligent eyes. She quickly realized the cause of Mrs. Wang's alarm. "It's okay, Mrs. Wang," she said, trying to reassure her. "This is Remi. He's... well, he's special."

Mrs. Wang blinked, still trying to process the sight of the massive wolf in her kitchen. "Special indeed," she muttered, her heart still racing. "Are you sure he's safe?"

Hana nodded, placing a hand on Remi's head. "Yes, he is. He's here to protect me."

"To protect you?" Mrs. Wang asked with alert and concern. "Protect you from what?"

Hana looked at Mrs Wang and saw her alarmed state. She quickly realized that Mrs. Wang wasn't familiar with the situation at all. "Well, it's a long story," Hana said, trying to ease the tension.

Mrs Wang's eyes and demeanour softened. Noticing that Hana was finding

it hard to explain, she said, "You can tell me when you're comfortable. But first, come inside."

Hana walked towards the door, and Remi followed her. Mrs. Wang asked, "Is it safe to let him in?"

Hana replied with a small smile, "Ah yes, he's very polite."

Mrs. Wang hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping aside to let them in. As they entered the warm, familiar kitchen, Mrs. Wang closed the door behind them. "You look like you could use some tea," she said, her voice kind but firm.

Hana nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She sat at the kitchen table, her mind racing with the last night's events. Remi settled at her feet, his presence comforting yet a reminder of the turmoil she had left behind.

Mrs Wang bustled around the kitchen, preparing tea with practised ease. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" she asked gently as she set a steaming cup in front of Hana.

Hana wrapped her hands around the cup, grateful for its warmth. "It's complicated, Mrs. Wang. There's so much going on, and I'm not even sure where to start."

Mrs Wang asked, "You mentioned Jin's house. Who's Jin?"

Hana looked at Mrs Wang and contemplated whether to tell her or keep her in the dark. Maybe it was best if Mrs. Wang didn't know. If Hana was in potential danger, and judging from the situation back at the house, there was very obviously something serious going on. Hana did not want Mrs. Wang to be involved.

Now, Hana was thinking of how to get out of the conversation. "Well, he is..." Hana started, glancing at Mrs. Wang, who was listening carefully. Hana tapped her feet, anxious energy building inside her. "He is a friend," she started again. "I was—"

Hana was interrupted by a voice from the doorway. "Is that Hana?" Taehyung asked as he peeked into the kitchen with curiosity.

Hana turned toward the door, relief washing over her at the distraction. "Taehyung! Yes, it's me."

Taehyung's face lit up with a smile and relief. "You're back! We were worried. Are you okay?"

Taehyung walked over to them and petted Remi on his head. "Hey, bud."

Remi's tail wagged in response, clearly happy in Taehyung's presence. It seemed Remi was used to Taehyung, as he appeared so relaxed and joyful around him. Taehyung, in turn, didn't seem at all alarmed by the presence of a full-grown wolf in their kitchen, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Where were you last night?" he asked as he sat down, his voice still groggy from sleep.

Hana was shocked at the casual exchange between him and Remi. "What the hell was that?" she asked, pointing between them.

Mrs Wang looked like she might faint, her eyes wide with bewilderment at the bizarre scene unfolding before her.

"What?" Taehyung asked, genuinely confused and still half-asleep. He stretched and yawned, oblivious to the shock and tension in the room.

Hana blinked, trying to wrap her mind around the situation. "How are you so calm with a giant wolf in the kitchen?" she asked, her voice a mix of incredulity and frustration. "And why does Remi act like you two are best friends?"

Taehyung rubbed his eyes and looked at Remi, then back at Hana. "Oh, Remi? He's been around for a while now. He's just part of the family, I guess."

Mrs Wang finally found her voice, though it was shaky. "Part of the family? Taehyung, we have a wolf in our kitchen!"

Taehyung looked between Hana, Mrs Wang, and Remi, his eyes widening in surprise and concern. "What is he doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Hana hesitated, unsure how to explain. "He followed me," she began, but then paused, looking at Taehyung with a mix of confusion and concern. "But how are you so calm about it?"

Taehyung didn't immediately reply. He studied Remi with a furrowed brow, his worry palpable. After a moment, he turned to Hana, his expression serious. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his concern evident in his voice.

Hana was taken aback by Taehyung's sudden change in demeanour. She nodded slowly, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions and events. "Yes, I am," she managed to reply, but before she could say more, Taehyung stood abruptly, his movements quick and purposeful.

Without another word, Taehyung bolted out of the kitchen door, Remi following closely behind. Mrs. Wang watched them go, her earlier shock now replaced with concern for both Hana and Taehyung.

As the kitchen fell quiet once more, Hana took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She appreciated Mrs. Wang's attempt to normalize the situation earlier, but now she was left with even more questions than before. What had Taehyung seen or sensed that had made him react like that? And where had he rushed off to in such a hurry?