Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 118

The Advance Guard

​[Author's Note: For this chapter, Yoongi primarily speaks English when addressing Carly and Aen's family to ensure everyone feels included and welcomed, switching to Korean only for private asides with Aen.]

​Incheon International Airport was familiar territory for the family by now, but the excitement of their second visit—and Carly’s third—wasn't dampened by the long flight.

​Yoongi stood near the edge of the arrival barrier, his black cap pulled low and his mask firmly in place.

He was leaning against a pillar, looking like any other traveler, until the sliding doors hissed open and a familiar, small whirlwind of energy burst through.

​"Dadhie!"

​Carly didn't wait for the adults.

The moment she spotted the specific way he stood—or perhaps just sensed him through the disguise—she bolted.

She ignored the heavy backpack thumping against her spine and sprinted across the polished floor.

​Yoongi didn't have time to worry about his "stealth" mode.

He dropped his guard instantly, stepping forward and bracing himself just as Carly collided with his legs.

He scooped her up in one smooth motion, a genuine, muffled laugh escaping his mask as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

​"Hey, princess," he murmured in English, his voice thick with affection.

"You got taller again. Are you trying to outgrow me?"

​"I missed you!" Carly exclaimed, pulling back just enough to beam at him.

"Where’s Mommy? Is she still at the office?"

​"She is. She’s working hard so she can take the rest of the week off for you," Yoongi explained, setting her down but keeping a protective hand on her shoulder as the rest of the group caught up.

​Aen’s parents and sister with her boyfriend arrived next, followed closely by Lana.

Lana, who had spent the last school break as Carly’s guardian in Seoul, gave Yoongi a knowing, exhausted smile.

​"We’re back, Kuya," Lana said, adjusting her carry-on.

"And she didn't stop talking about seeing you the entire flight, again."

​"Welcome back, everyone," Yoongi said, shaking Aen’s father’s hand and giving the ladies a respectful nod.

"Lana, good to see you again. Thanks for getting them through the flight in one piece."

***

​Yoongi led them toward the loading zone where the black Hyundai Grandeur was parked, a sleek black support van idling right behind it.

​"Lana, please take the others and the heavy boxes in the van," Yoongi directed, handing the driver a quick nod of acknowledgment.

"We’ll put the essential bags in my trunk and meet you at the gates."

​As the luggage was split between the two vehicles, Yoongi opened the rear door of the Grandeur.

Resting in the middle of the plush leather seat was the same booster seat he’d made sure was installed the night before.

​Carly scrambled inside, her excitement bubbling over as she started to recount her flight.

Yoongi didn't just close the door; he leaned into the cabin, his large frame blocking the view of any curious onlookers.