One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 47

It was already late by the time we wrapped up the day's work on Anna's case. There was still no clear lead on her death, but we had let Troy go home for the night. I was about to head home myself when I remembered-Mari and her parents had just gotten back from Japan. They had been like family to me ever since they took me in after Darting Haven, and I hadn't seen them in a while. I needed to stop by and say hello.

Mari didn't have a chance to say goodbye before they left for their vacation, since they were in such a rush. Her parents, Tita Mandi and Tito Ramon, had been the ones who sent me to school and took care of me after I was rescued. Kahit pa medyo awkward ako noon, I couldn't say no to their kindness. But after I graduated, I insisted on living on my own. Ayoko nang maabala pa sila, sending me to school was already more than enough.

I pulled up in front of their mansion. The place was as grand as I remembered-lush green lawn, big enough to play soccer on, and all sorts of plants that practically screamed luxury. The butler was waiting for me at the entrance. "Good evening, Sir John," he greeted. He still called me sir out of habit from the time I lived here.

I nodded in acknowledgment. "Magandang gabi rin ho. Kumusta kayo?" I asked as I stepped inside.

The moment I walked into the house, I was met with the cheerful voice of Mari. "John!" she squealed, running up to me, almost tripping over herself in her excitement. "Tara! I got pasalubong for everyone!"

"Relax ka lang," I laughed. "Hindi ako aalis agad."

She pouted, but it was clear she was just happy to see me. "Sige na, I'll show you everything later. Mommy and Daddy are waiting for you."

I made my way to the living room, and there they were-Tita Mandi and Tito Ramon, sitting on the couch like they hadn't aged a day. They both stood up the moment they saw me, big smiles on their faces.

"John!" Tita Mandi said warmly, pulling me into a hug. "Anak, it's been too long."

I hugged her back tightly. "I missed you, Tita." Tito Ramon gave me a firm handshake, pulling me in for a hug afterward.

"How's life treating you, hijo?" Tito asked as we all sat down. He looked me over with that fatherly concern he always had.

"It's been okay," I replied. "A bit hectic, especially with work. I just got back from the province recently." I chuckled, shaking my head. "Sobrang iba talaga ang pace roon. Mas relaxed, pero masaya rin naman. Pero nothing beats being back here in Manila. It's good to be home."

Tita Mandi smiled warmly at me. "We're so proud of you, John. You've come such a long way since those days in Darting Haven. Look at you now, a full-fledged officer."

"Salamat po, Tita," I said, feeling a familiar sense of gratitude toward her and Tito Ramon. "Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"Don't mention it," Tito Ramon said, waving his hand dismissively. "We're just glad to see you doing well. You're like family to us, John. You know that."

I nodded, feeling a little emotional. "Oo nga po, I'll always be grateful."

Mari suddenly clapped her hands, trying to shift the mood to something lighter. "Okay, okay, enough with the drama! Time for the pasalubong!" She dashed off to grab a bag filled with all sorts of things from Japan.

"Look at this, John! I got you something I think you'll love," she said, pulling out a sleek watch. "Nung nakita ko 'to, naisip kita agad!"

I couldn't help but smile. "Mari, sobra na 'to! You didn't have to."

"Of course I did!" she said with a grin. "You're family, remember?"

As the night went on, we shared stories about their trip to Japan, Tito Ramon's business ventures, and my work in the province. It was the kind of easy, familiar conversation that reminded me how much I missed being around them.