The Shadows (Underworld 4) JH

47: Welcome Back

As the door closed behind Jeonghan and Seungcheol, Junhui and Minghao stood frozen in place, their minds struggling to process what had just transpired. The sudden appearance of the Midnight gang leaders, the unexpected apology, and the invitation to return home—all of it left them in a state of disbelief.

Junhui blinked a few times, glancing at Minghao, who looked equally stunned. "Did that really just happen?" Junhui asked, his voice laced with incredulity.

Minghao nodded slowly, still trying to wrap his mind around it. "It did," he replied, a small smile beginning to tug at the corners of his lips. "Seungcheol actually wants us back..."

A moment of silence passed between them as they both realized the weight of what this meant. After all the misunderstandings and the heartbreak, they were finally being welcomed back to the place they once called home. Seungcheol, who had been so resistant, was now ready to accept them—and they both knew that Jeonghan had played a crucial role in making that happen.

Minghao let out a deep breath, the tension that had been gripping his heart slowly easing. He turned to Junhui, his expression softening with a mixture of gratitude and affection. "We should start packing," he suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice. "If we hurry, we can catch a flight back to Korea tonight."

Junhui's smile grew wider as he nodded in agreement. "It feels surreal," he admitted, glancing around the room as if to remind himself that this wasn't a dream. "But I'm glad. I missed everyone... I missed being part of the Midnight gang."

They moved around the room, gathering their belongings with a sense of renewed hope. As they packed, Junhui's thoughts drifted back to the conversation with Jeonghan. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude towards the man who had always been a beacon of support in his life.

Jeonghan, with his sassy remarks and graceful demeanor, had always known how to navigate Seungcheol's stubbornness. And once again, he had managed to break through Seungcheol's defenses, paving the way for this reconciliation.

Junhui paused in the middle of folding a shirt, a soft smile on his lips. "You know," he said, glancing over at Minghao, "we owe Jeonghan a lot. He's probably the reason Seungcheol finally came around."

Minghao looked up from his suitcase, nodding thoughtfully. "He really is something else," he agreed, his eyes reflecting the same admiration that Junhui felt. "We should find a way to thank him properly when we get back."

Junhui chuckled, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. "Oh, I will," he promised. "But for now, let's focus on getting back to Korea. I can't wait to be home again... with you, with the gang... it's where we belong."

As they continued to pack, the reality of their situation began to sink in fully. They were going home. And this time, they were going back together, with the full acceptance and support of the people who mattered most to them.

By the time they finished packing, their initial shock had given way to excitement. With their suitcases in hand, they made their way to the door, ready to start the next chapter of their lives. And as they stepped out into the warm evening air, Junhui couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude—not just for Jeonghan, but for the second chance they had been given.

With Minghao by his side, Junhui knew that they could face anything the future held. And as they headed to the airport, the thought of reuniting with the Midnight gang brought a smile to his face—a smile that only grew wider as he thought of the man who had made it all possible.

"Thank you, Jeonghan," Junhui whispered to himself as they drove towards the airport. "Thank you for bringing us back home."

As the plane touched down in Korea, Junhui and Minghao exchanged a glance, their hands instinctively reaching for each other. The familiar landscape outside the window filled them with a sense of nostalgia and excitement. They were finally back home.

The airport was bustling with activity as they made their way through the terminal, but their eyes were focused on the exit ahead. Waiting just beyond the doors were two familiar figures—Joshua and Seokmin, who were practically bouncing on their feet with anticipation.

The moment Junhui and Minghao stepped through the doors, Joshua and Seokmin's faces lit up with pure joy. Joshua was the first to rush forward, pulling Junhui into a tight embrace. "You're finally back!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion. "We missed you so much!"

Junhui hugged him back just as tightly, the warmth of his friend's embrace making him realize just how much he had missed this place and these people. "I missed you too, Shua hyung," he replied, his voice slightly muffled against Joshua's shoulder.

Seokmin, not one to be left out, quickly joined the group hug, wrapping his arms around both Junhui and Joshua. "Welcome back, Jun hyung!"he said, his grin wide and infectious. "And Minghao, it's so great to finally meet you in person!"

Minghao, who had been standing just a step behind, smiled warmly as Seokmin reached out to shake his hand. The genuine happiness in Seokmin's eyes was contagious, and Minghao felt any lingering nervousness melt away. "It's great to meet you too, Seokmin," he replied, shaking Seokmin's hand before being pulled into the hug by Joshua.

Joshua pulled back just enough to look at Minghao, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement. "We've heard so much about you," he said, his tone teasing but kind. "Jun wouldn't stop talking about you while you two weren't even dating. It's like you were already part of the family."

Minghao blushed slightly, glancing at Junhui, who was trying (and failing) to hide a sheepish grin. "He talks about you guys all the time too," Minghao admitted, his voice soft but sincere. "It feels like I already know you."

Seokmin's grin grew even wider, if that was possible. "Well, now that you're here, you're definitely part of the family," he declared. "We've been waiting for this day for so long!"

Joshua nodded in agreement, his arm still draped around Junhui's shoulders. "And we have so much to catch up on," he added, his eyes flickering between Junhui and Minghao. "But first, let's get you both home. Seungcheol and Jeonghan are dying to see you, and the others are waiting too."

As they headed towards the car, the four of them chatted easily, the conversation flowing naturally as if they had never been apart. Minghao quickly found himself at ease with Joshua and Seokmin, their warm personalities making him feel welcome and included.

Junhui couldn't help but smile as he watched Minghao interact with his friends. This was exactly what he had hoped for—Minghao fitting in seamlessly with the people who meant the most to him.

The drive back to the Midnight mansion was filled with laughter and stories, with Joshua and Seokmin eager to hear about Junhui and Minghao's time in China. They were particularly curious about Minghao's art exhibition, and the pride in Junhui's voice was evident as he recounted how successful it had been.

When they finally arrived at the mansion, the sight of the familiar building brought a rush of emotions to Junhui's heart. It felt like coming home in every sense of the word. And as they stepped out of the car, the front door swung open, revealing Seungcheol and Jeonghan waiting on the steps.

Jeonghan's smile was as radiant as ever, and Seungcheol's expression, while more reserved, held a warmth that hadn't been there before. Junhui exchanged a glance with Minghao, and they both knew—they were truly home.