My Nerf Neighbour

🔫24🔫

Jake's POV

While it was winter or rainy season in most countries, Australia was experiencing its Summer of the year.
The warm breeze ruffled my dark brown bangs, my eyes squinting into the horizon ahead.

The sun was setting, and my shadow appeared behind me as the wind intensity increased.

I didn't budge though, just inhaled a breath, letting the moment pass.

Just then, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder, and my head jerked to the side.
My tensed shoulders relaxed when I saw who it was. "Ay, mate. Don't scare me like that!" I complained in English.

Mark, my friend who welcomed me back into Australia-and who was also my grandfather's assistant's son, grinned cheekily back at me.

"I didn't! You got scared by yourself while staring into space like that...what'cha thinking about?" He followed my gaze, squinting into the sunset.

I chuckled. "Nothing."

We headed back, with Mark driving us to my grandfather's place.

Well, more like, mansion.

After Mark parked, we entered in through the big white wooden doors, our heels letting of click-clacking sounds against the polished floor.

Two flights of stairs took up both the left and right of the main room. At the second platform, in the middle, stood a older man, his hair greyish white, and he was leaning against the railing.

When I entered with my friend, he stared down at us for a while, then turned and left to head to his office.

Letting down a slow gulp, Mark nudged me, his eyes ping-ponging from me to where the man stood earlier.
I let out a sigh. "I know, I know..."

Mark shrugged. "Good luck."

He patted my back as we parted ways; me going to my grandfather's office, while he went and disturbed the maids about later's lunch.

With every step, my nerves jumped around in me. My grandfather wasn't scary, but talking to him was like judging a dragon who could burn you down in an instant. Another reason why it's a bit hard to converse with him.

With one last breath, I pushed the doors open and stepped into his office. Covered with white and black tiles, bookshelves leaned against them, surrounding the office. The floor was carpeted, with a coffee table and leathered chairs in the centre. But right at the end, my grandfather's desk stood, his chair swiveling around as I sat in the chair opposite him.

"Hello, grandson," his smooth, low, warming voice entered my ears.

I lifted my head, mumbling a greeting back as I stared into those matching brown eyes. He may look cold from afar, but really, he was a teddy bear on the inside.

Still, his social skills? Not great.

Might need to bring Sunoo here one day.

"So..how has Australia been so far?" He placed his chin on top of his clasped hands, and I nodded my head side to side.

"It's been...great. Business has been blooming, and I'm doing very well, grandfather."

Grandfather Yun nodded slowly. "You don't miss Korea? I heard you have a few friends there..." he matched my gaze, and I took in a sharp breath.