inseparable︱𝐉𝐉𝐊

𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝,
𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝

꧁‿︵‿︵♥‿︵‿︵꧂

ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛ

JJ - 20 

I tossed my duffel bag into the backseat and slammed the car door shut. College had been a whirlwind of freedom, crazy parties, new experiences, and infinite study sessions.

But nothing compared to the thought of coming back home. A year away had made me appreciate the little things: Mom's cooking, Dad's corny jokes, and the comfort of my own bed.

Driving through the familiar streets, I felt the nostalgia. Everything looked the same yet somehow different and as I pulled into the driveway, I saw Mom waving enthusiastically from the front porch. I grinned, stepping out of the car and heading towards her.

"Honey!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. "Welcome home!

"Hey, Mom. Missed you," I mumbled into her shoulder.

Dad joined us shortly, giving me a firm pat on the back. His smile was more reserved for me. "How was the drive, son?"

"Long... but okay," I replied, my gaze drifting around the yard. I wanted to know where she was but tried to suppress the urgency, at least in front of them. "Just happy to be back."

As we walked inside, the familiar scent of home—cooking and lavender—knocked me over. It was comforting, though it made the pain in my chest more pronounced.

"So, how's college?" Mom asked. "Are they preparing you for med school?"

"Yeah, I'm managing," I said. "Lot to memorize, but it's interesting."

Dad finally gave his real smile this time. "We're really proud of you."

They led me to the living room, and Mom sat beside me. I sighed, trying to keep the conversation going without letting my real question slip out. "Nothing really changed... How's everything around here?"

"Busy as usual," she said and laughed a little. "Your father's been working on the garden, and I've been volunteering more."

"That's great," I said, glancing around again, the need to see her growing unbearable. I cleared my throat. "And... Jieun?"

The entire room grew quieter, and a heavy feeling settled in. I noticed the all too real discomfort in their expressions and it made me want to look away almost immediately, but I didn't. I needed to know something.

"She's, um... in her room," Mom said finally.

"Yes, she's been busy with school," Dad added quickly. "You know... It's her last year in High School. You should probably wait until dinner to see her."

My eyes narrowed to the floor. "Ah... Well, I'll go put my stuff in my room then."

They nodded, and I could see the relief in their eyes. "Take your time, honey," Mom said. "We'll be here when you're ready. I bet you're missing some homemade meals."

"I sure am," I chuckled, giving her a kiss on the forehead before grabbing my bag and heading upstairs, my heart pounding louder with each step I took.

The walls of the house, lined with family photos, felt like silent witnesses to the urge inside me. Each picture seemed to whisper of what they knew, of what they had seen in these halls, of times when things were just better.