One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 53

In the parking lot, a sleek black luxury car waited for us. The valet handed me the keys, bowing slightly before walking away. John's eyes widened as he took in the car. "Wow, so you really are doing well here, huh?" he remarked, clearly impressed.

I chuckled, unlocking the car. "Wala namang masyadong ganap dito," I said modestly, but I could see the awe in John's eyes as he settled into the passenger seat. Daniel slid into the back without a word, enjoying the quiet comfort.

As I started driving, John finally spoke, his voice softer now, like he was starting to make sense of things. "You know, ang ganda pala ng Seoul. I never had the chance to visit with Katarina and Mari five years ago... masyado akong busy sa work."

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Baka kung sumama ka, wala kaming chance ni Katarina magkita," I teased lightly.

He laughed, though a little sheepishly. "Ay, oo nga. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't come after all." Despite the teasing, I was relieved to hear him laughing again. It felt like he was finally pulling himself together, accepting everything. Daniel, too, smiled from the back seat, clearly glad to see John talking again.

When we finally arrived at my house, we pulled up the long driveway, the engine softly purring before I turned it off. John stepped out first, his eyes growing wider as he took in the sight of the place. "Tangina... this place is huge compared to your house in the Philippines. This is... extravagant."

Before I could reply, a loud voice cut through the air. "누구야?! (nuguya/ Who is that?!" A man came running toward us, holding a rifle and shouting in Korean. John froze in place, his face draining of color.

"아들?! (Adeul/ Son)" The man stopped abruptly as recognition crossed his face. It was my father. He immediately dropped the rifle, but John was too stunned to move.

I stepped forward, laughing, "John, it's okay. He's my dad." Daniel burst into laughter at John's reaction while I walked over to hug my father.

"왜 전화도 안 하고 그냥 왔어? (wae jeonhwado an hago geunyang wass-eo/Why did you just come without calling?" my father asked, his arms wrapping around me tightly.

Before I could answer, my mother, Mrs. Lim, came rushing out of the house, her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. "My son!" she exclaimed, enveloping me in a tight hug. "I can't believe you're here!"

After a quick but emotional reunion, I turned to introduce John. "Mom, Dad, this is John, the one I've been telling you about."

My father's brow raised in suspicion. "이 사람이 그 경찰이야? (i salam-i geu gyeongchal-iya/is this the police officer?" he asked in Korean.

I nodded. My mother, now leading us into the house, smiled warmly. "Come, let's get inside. You must be tired."

We followed her into the living room. The house felt even more grand inside, with tall ceilings and elegant furniture. A maid appeared almost instantly, offering drinks as we settled down.

For the first time since we arrived, everyone spoke in English. My mom couldn't seem to let go of my hands, squeezing them gently as if to make sure I was really there. "I can't believe you're finally home, my son," she said, her eyes bright with tears.

My father, more composed, asked, "What brought you back so suddenly? And why isn't Nathan with you?"

I sighed heavily, leaning back into the chair. "It's a long story, Dad. We found out that Nathan... and John, they're brothers. And Nathan's in serious danger right now. That's why we're here- to help."

Daniel, who had been silent, suddenly looked shocked. "Wait, what? Brothers?"

I explained everything- how we had discovered the truth about John and Nathan being siblings, and how Nathan's involved in something dangerous that could get him killed. My mother gasped softly, still holding my hands. "Oh my goodness," she whispered, her eyes flicking toward John.