Annyeongz One-shots

33. Soft Impact ( 2 )

The quiet hum of the city evening did little to distract Yujin as he made his way up the familiar path to his parents’ house. The last few hours of studying and training had left him mentally drained, and he welcomed the thought of being home, even if just for a short while.

When he opened the front door, however, the familiar scent of home—warm soup and faint lavender—hit him differently. Something felt… different.

“Yujin?”

The voice was unmistakable. He froze mid-step, his bag still slung over his shoulder.

“Momo?”

His older sibling, whom he hadn’t seen in four years, was standing in the living room with a suitcase at his feet, smiling like nothing had changed. The sight of Momo, grown taller and sharper-looking, struck Yujin with an odd mixture of shock, joy, and disbelief.

“Momo… you’re… here? I thought you were still studying abroad!” Yujin exclaimed, dropping his bag to the floor.

“I know! Surprise!” Momo said, grinning, and pulled Yujin into a tight, playful hug. “You’ve grown, little brother. Don’t tell me the library still hasn’t killed your posture.”

Yujin squirmed out of the hug, embarrassed, but a small laugh escaped him. “You’re impossible.”

“I prefer the term ‘charming’,” Momo quipped, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Now, sit. Dinner’s almost ready, and your dad’s making that ridiculous stew he thinks is gourmet.”

The dining table was set neatly: steaming bowls of stew, plates of seasoned vegetables, and freshly baked bread. Yujin sank into his seat across from Momo, still feeling slightly overwhelmed. Their parents bustled around, exchanging greetings, while Momo seemed entirely at ease, as if she had been home yesterday rather than years ago.

“So,” Momo began, cutting a piece of bread and gesturing with it like a baton, “how’s my only little brother doing? Studying hard, I hope? And don’t try to hide anything about your taekwondo training—I know you’ve been going at it like a maniac.”

Yujin smirked. “You always find a way to know everything, huh?”

Momo leaned back, folding her arms. “I’m your older sibling. It’s my duty. Don’t forget it.”

He gave a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

“And?” Momo leaned forward, playful glint in his eyes. “Are you still the overachiever everyone’s talking about in the club?”

Yujin shrugged. “I’m managing. Training’s… intense, but I like it.”

“You? Like it?” Momo laughed, shaking his head. “You, who nearly dropped your black belt the other day because you were too focused on… something else?”

Yujin felt heat rise to his cheeks. “That was—”

“—adorable,” Momo interrupted with a grin. “Exactly what I thought. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

The conversation flowed naturally, filled with teasing, laughter, and the comfort of familiarity. For the first time in years, Yujin felt the weight of stress lift a little.

As dinner wound down, Momo pulled out his phone, showing Yujin a photo. “By the way,” he said, sliding the phone across the table, “this is someone I’ve been seeing.”

Yujin leaned in, curious. The photo was of a warm, smiling young woman—friendly eyes, gentle expression. He had no idea who she was, but he nodded politely.

“Her name’s Mina,” Momo continued. “I met her while studying abroad. She’s… amazing, and she’s been helping me survive the chaos over there.”