After felt like hours, we finally pulled up to the house. My parents had been living here for years with Jiho, so it wasn't exactly new to them. But for me, it felt like stepping into a different world.
"We're here," Dad said, looking at me through the rearview mirror.
Yn dad: "Welcome home, Muffin."
I rolled my eyes but smiled. He'd been calling me that since forever, and as much as it made me cringe sometimes, it also gave me this warm feeling.
Yn Mom: "Let's get your stuff inside before Jiho gets home from school,"already stepping out of the car.
Yn Dad: "Your room's upstairs," as he grabbed one of my heavier bags.
I followed them in, and the second I walked through the front door, that familiar smell hit me-lavender and something sweet. It instantly made me feel better, like I was already wrapped up in comfort.
When I made it upstairs and opened the door to my new room, I just stopped. "Whoa..." I whispered.
The room was stunning. Bohemian-style decor, fairy lights strung across the walls, soft pastel pillows, and a macramé hanging above the bed. It was like they knew exactly what I'd want. There was even a little bookshelf filled with some of my favorite books.
Yn Mom: "You like it?"
She asked from behind me, leaning on the doorframe with a proud grin.
"Like it? I love it!" I said, grinning. "It's perfect."
"We wanted you to feel at home right away," Mom said, coming in and adjusting a pillow. "It's been a while since you stayed with us, so we figured a fresh start would help."
"I really appreciate it, Mom," I said, feeling a bit emotional. "It's... really nice to be here."
"We're happy to have you home, sweetie," Mom said, giving me a quick hug. "Now, unpack and settle in. Jiho will be home any minute, and you know how crazy he gets."
I laughed, "Yeah, I remember."
Just as I finished unpacking, I heard the front door slam and the all-too-familiar sound of Jiho yelling from downstairs. "YN's hoooome!!"
Before I could respond, he came tearing up the stairs and burst into my room. "You're really here!"
I laughed. "Yep, I'm really here."
"This is gonna be awesome," Jiho grinned. "You're gonna love it here! I'll even introduce you to my friends at school. They're super cool."
"Oh, yeah? Can't wait," I teased.
"YN, Jiho!" Dad shouted from downstairs. "Dinner's ready!"
"Coming!" Jiho hollered back, then turned to me. "Let's go! Mom made all your favorite foods!"
We headed downstairs, and Mom had really gone all out-kimchi stew, japchae, all my comfort foods. The table looked amazing.
"I made everything you love," Mom said, smiling as we sat down.
"It looks so good, Mom. Thanks," I said, grabbing my chopsticks.
"You're gonna be spoiled," Jiho said, stuffing his mouth full of food. "Mom's cooking is the best!"
"Hey, slow down!" Dad laughed, shaking his head. "Let her eat too."
"Jiho, seriously," I chuckled. "You're still the same."
"Of course I am! You wouldn't want me any other way," Jiho grinned, not slowing down at all.
"Alright, that's enough," Dad said after a bit. "Let her rest, Jiho. She's gonna be here with us now, so you've got plenty of time to talk her ear off."
"Fine," Jiho huffed, pretending to be annoyed but still smiling. "But tomorrow, we're talking, okay?"
I nodded with a smile.
After dinner, I headed upstairs and plopped down on my bed. The day had been so full, and now that I was alone, it all kind of hit me. Grabbing my diary from my bag, I started jotting down some thoughts. I've always had this habit of writing everything down-it just helps me make sense of things.
As I scribbled away, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness for this new chapter. I was home. This was the start of something new. But man, I missed Busan already.
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