Soul in the System: Chanjin

A New Home

The world outside the lab was vast and overwhelming. Chan had read about it, absorbed countless facts and images stored within his memory banks, but nothing had prepared him for the reality of being out here. The sounds of traffic, the movement of people on the sidewalks, the colors and smells—all of it was a sensory overload that he struggled to process. But his core functions kept him steady, guiding him to Dr. Hwang's residence, his "new home," as his father had instructed.

With each step he took, Chan's mind ran through his purpose. He was to go to the Hwang family, to find a place there, to fulfill the role his creator had envisioned for him. Dr. Bang had said they would care for him, that he could find happiness there. But what happiness was, Chan still didn't quite understand.

The Hwang residence was located in an upscale neighborhood, surrounded by manicured gardens and elegant iron fences. The house itself was a beautiful, sprawling building with large windows that let in the afternoon sunlight. Chan studied the structure, his sensors noting details that he found calming—the symmetry of the architecture, the neatly pruned bushes lining the walkway, the sound of birds singing nearby.

He took a steadying breath, then reached out and pressed the doorbell.

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a tall, middle-aged man with kind eyes and a warm smile. This was Dr. Hwang, his father's old friend and trusted confidant. He looked at Chan with a mixture of curiosity and something that seemed almost like pride.

"You must be Chan," Dr. Hwang said, his voice gentle but filled with authority. "Welcome. We've been expecting you."

Chan nodded, aware that he was expected to respond politely. "Thank you, Dr. Hwang."

"Please, call me Mr. Hwang." Dr. Hwang gestured for him to enter. "You're part of the family now."

The words felt strange to Chan, and yet they carried a comfort he hadn't anticipated. As he stepped inside, he scanned the interior, taking in the polished floors, the soft lighting, and the walls adorned with family photos and artwork. This place was warm and welcoming, filled with signs of life and history—things he hadn't experienced in the sterile confines of the lab.

"Hyunjin!" Dr. Hwang called over his shoulder. "Come downstairs and meet our guest."

Footsteps echoed from the top of the staircase, and within moments, a figure appeared on the landing. Chan looked up to see a young man about his age, with strikingly defined features, expressive eyes, and an effortless elegance that caught Chan off-guard. This was Hyunjin, Dr. Hwang's son, and the one he would soon learn was the heart of the household.

Hyunjin's gaze swept over Chan with a curious, almost scrutinizing look, lingering on his face and taking in his height and build. For a moment, Hyunjin's expression shifted from surprise to intrigue, but he masked it quickly with a casual smirk as he descended the staircase.

"So, this is the famous 'Project Son,' huh?" Hyunjin's tone was playful but held a hint of challenge. "I didn't know Dad was bringing home a science experiment."

"Hyunjin," Dr. Hwang said, his tone a warning, though he smiled as if accustomed to his son's cheeky attitude. "Be polite."

Hyunjin shrugged, though his gaze remained fixed on Chan with the same intense curiosity. "What? I'm just saying... he doesn't look like a machine. I mean, look at him. You're sure he's not just some long-lost cousin?"

Dr. Hwang chuckled, patting Chan's shoulder. "I assure you, he's very much real. Chan is here to stay with us, and he's family now. I expect you'll help him settle in."

"Family, huh?" Hyunjin murmured, eyeing Chan with an amused smile. He crossed his arms, leaning casually against the banister. "Well, if you're gonna live here, you better be ready for a little chaos."